Almost There

There are only 2 more awards to be handed out by MLB this year. The 2005 AL MVP will be announced today. Here is a quick look at the candidates.

2005 AL MVP Candidates:

5) Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – Hit .317 with 32HR, 108RBI, 95R, 13SB and .959OPS in 520 At-Bats, 141 Games.

4) Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers – Hit .301 with 43HR, 144RBI, 112R, and .954OPS in 644 At-Bats, 162 Games.

3) Manny Ramirez, OF, Boston Red Sox – Hit .292 with 45HR, 144RBI, 112R and .982OPS in 554 At-Bats, 152 Games.

2) David Ortiz, DH, Boston Red Sox – Hit .300 with 47HR, 148RBI, 119R and 1.001OPS in 601 At-Bats, 159 Games.

The Winner:

1) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, New York Yankees – Hit .321 with 48HR, 130RBI, 124R, 21SB and 1.031OPS in 605 At-Bats, 162 Games.

Except for RBI, Rodriguez had better numbers across the board than Ortiz. Ortiz would deserve more consideration if this were a best hitter award. A-Rod gets the nod because he also plays superb defense at a demanding position while Ortiz does not play defense at all.