AL MVP Race.....Photo Finish? Not Really

Here's my picks for American League Most Valuable Player. As always, this is what my hypothetical ballot would look like.

American League Most Valuable Player

Missing the Cut:

Francisco Rodriguez RHP Angels
Just the high number of saves isn't enough to get him on the ballot, as it shows more that the Angels won a lot of close games than it does that he was deserving of MVP.

Carlos Quentin OF White Sox, Ian Kinsler 2B Rangers, Milton Bradley DH Rangers
All three put up great numbers when they were in there, but didn't get to the plate enough this season to crack my MVP ballot. Although if it was a 13-man ballot, these three might be 11, 12, and 13 respectively.

Any member of the Rays, White Sox, or Angels
Like I wrote in my NL MVP ballot, it was an odd year in that most of the playoff teams didn't have a standout player. Carlos Pena or Evan Longoria of the Rays may have cracked my ballot had they played more, but injuries (and time in the minors in Longoria's case) prevented that from happening. As I already explained, Quentin of the White Sox would have cracked my ballot, and probably been at least in the top 5, if he hadn't gotten hurt. The Angels' best player this year was still probably Vladimir Guerrero, but he had the worst year he's had in years and was not deserving of an MVP vote in my eyes.

10. Roy Halladay RHP Blue Jays
While injuries and ineffectiveness took out the rest of Toronto's rotation, Halladay was consistently an innings eater. Perhaps the most underrated pitcher in the league.

9. Justin Morneau 1B Twins
Some people say he should win the award, but he wasn't even the best player on his team. Still, a good player who had a good year.

8. Aubrey Huff DH Orioles
Quietly had an excellent year, finishing 4th in the league in VORP. Loses a few points due to lack of defense.

7. Cliff Lee LHP Indians
The best pitcher in the AL this year, 24 of the Indians 81 wins came in his starts.

6. Alex Rodriguez 3B Yankees
Still among the best players in the league, despite the boos from Yankees fans.

5. Kevin Youkilis 1B Red Sox
Hit well consistently throughout the whole year while playing great defense. Would probably be ranked higher had he not missed a few weeks due to injury.

4. Josh Hamilton OF Rangers
Great story about a guy who turned his life, and his baseball career, around. Numbers dropped off in the second half of the season, but still a legitimate MVP choice.

3. Grady Sizemore OF Indians
Great all-around player, is there anything he doesn't do well?

2. Joe Mauer C Twins
Good defensive catcher who this year became the first AL catcher to win two batting titles. He's also the only one to win even one.

1. Dustin Pedroia 2B Red Sox
Following a very good rookie year, I expected his numbers to dip a bit this year. Boy was I wrong. Led AL in hits, runs, and doubles while becoming my pick for 2008 AL MVP.