AL MVP

[Dice]

Who's yours so far.

Here are some of the contenders in no particular order:

Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
For years the Twins never had that guy in the lineup that you knew was a top-notch slugger. They had David Ortiz but this was before he developed into 'Big Papi'. Morneau already has 110 RBI's and on pace for more. The last time a Twins hitter had 110+ RBI's? 1997. Paul Molitor(113) and Marty Cordova(111).

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
With the recent events of his irregular heart beat Ortiz can quickly fall out of the race if he misses significant time. BUT right now his numbers warrant him as the favorite for this award. I have a small hatred for 'Red Sox Nation' BUT I hope Ortiz is fine.

Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels
Having a normal Vlad season with a .326 average, 27 homers and 104 RBI's. And an un-noticable 19 steals this year. Even though this is a typical year for Vlad he's carrying this offense considering the Angels are ranked in the bottom half offensively in the American League. Without this guy they'd be dead last in the majors.

Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox
This was the guy who teed off on Johnathan Papelbon and Joe Nathan. Game tying homers on both these guys to mark them with blown saves. Something neither of these guys have many of. Outside of the horrendus pitching, key hits have been lacking from the White Sox. Dye has been the only hitter on this team that's had his share of dramatic hits this season. It really shouldn't be that much of a surprise since he did get the basehit to win the World Series and earn World Series MVP.

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Just to let you know I'm not a big Jeter fan. BUT I'm not the one who would say he's overrated. He is overhyped. YES, he's one of the best shortstops BUT no he's not thee best. However, this year I might have to take off the 'overhyped' lable and give him the 'Best Short Stop in the game' trophy. With a .337 average, and 81 RBI's from the 2-hole it's been an outstanding season from the Yankee. OH, and don't forget about the 26 steals which ranks him 6th in the American League.

Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians
Hafner is a longshot. Considering he's a full time DH and he's playing for a team that's not in contention. BUT stack his numbers up to some of the leagues best hitters and he's right there with them.

I'm going with the homer pick and go with Jermaine Dye. What you guys think?

[GBrushTWood]

Re: AL MVP

Those not on the east coast will complain about a bias against their players. Red Sox and Yankee fans will gather all the statistics they can to discredit Jeter or Ortiz, respectively.

Sportswriters will mail in columns with the same hackneyed cliches as they do every year about these utterly pointless awards. TV pundits will scream at their counterparts head while having their empty debates.

Jeter will win the award. I don't know whether he should or not, but he will, because he is having a very good season. The Yankees will win the AL East, and he is probably their most valuable player. End of the discussion as far as I can see it. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Jermaine Dye though, who is absolutely carrying my fantasy team with his spectacular 2006 numbers. Not bad for a 19th round draft pick. He won't win MVP because the White Sox might not even make the playoffs.

The same cycle will repeat itself next year with the same arguments made once again. Yay.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: AL MVP

It should be Ortiz, may be Jeter. I'll go with Morneau if the Twins continue to climb and eventually take over the Central.

[dalnet22]

Re: AL MVP

It's definitely Jeter.

[MagicBucsWsoxFan]

Re: AL MVP

Im pulling for Dye because I watch him every night, but I dont really know who deserves it the most.

[Brandon13]

Re: AL MVP

I would add Joe Mauer to the list of candidates.

As far as who should win it, I'll have to wait until the playoff teams are set in stone. If I were to vote right now I'd probably go with Morneau.

[bergie56]

Re: AL MVP

I would say that it will finish:
Jeter
Ortiz
Dye
Morneau

I couldn't argue a whole lot about that finish but IMO it should be between Morneau and Dye. I think those two have meant more to the success of their respective teams than anyone else. Morneau has something like 40% of his RBI's with two outs and has had quite a few clutch/game winning hits for the Twins. It seems, as Dice said, that Dye comes up for them whenever they need a huge hit. He also has very similar numbers to Morneau as well. IMO it should go to the players whose team makes the playoffs.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: AL MVP

Not that he has any shot, but I would put Sizemore up there before Hafner. Sizemore leads the league in extra base hits and runs scored. He has 2 more extra base hits than Ortiz.

[ehh]

Re: AL MVP

I honestly have no idea. I see Jeter play every single day and he makes alot of great plays and is the leader of the team, but I don't think he's the Most Valuable Player in the AL.

[SPTO]

Re: AL MVP

Jeter or Morneau

[Chip Douglass]

Re: AL MVP

David Ortiz.

[Misfit]

Re: AL MVP

I think it may come down to who gets into the playoffs between the White Sox and Twins. Dye or Morneau.

And for what it's worth, I'd pick Giambi for MVP before I'd pick Jeter.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: AL MVP

I honestly have no idea. I see Jeter play every single day and he makes alot of great plays and is the leader of the team, but I don't think he's the Most Valuable Player in the AL.

I give it to Jeter for one reason, without Jeter, the Yankees go no where. One of the most amazing players in baseball period.

[ehh]

Re: AL MVP

I give it to Jeter for one reason, without Jeter, the Yankees go no where. One of the most amazing players in baseball period.

Alot of peope actually argue the opposite, that he's replaceable.

I'm not a huge stickler for statistics, but in the last month or so during a game on YES they showed the records of the Yanks w. Jeter and w.o out (when he missed games due to injury) and they actually have a better record w.o him.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: AL MVP

It all depends on who makes the playoffs. Right now, it's not looking good for the Red Sox, so the "common sense favorite" in Ortiz shouldn't end up getting it if they indeed miss the playoffs.

That said, if the Twins make the playoffs, gotta give it to Morneau.