Case for AL MVP

      This race might be the tightest race in recent memory. Two guys stand out above most others. Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have separated themselves from the rest of the American League and the chase for Most Valuable Player is a two-horse race. It comes down to a 21-year-old phenom, and a player chasing the Triple Crown. Other players like Josh Hamilton, Derek Jeter, and Robinson Cano deserve recognition but not one of those players compare to the seasons of Trout and Cabrera. Here is the case for Cabrera and Trout winning the American League MVP:

Miguel Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera blasts his second home run of the night against the Athletics

He has officially jumped Mike Trout for the MVP award. This guy does everything and everything exceptionally well. Yes the Tigers are not winning the division but Miguel Cabrera is doing everything in his power to get his team past the White Sox. He is putting up numbers people have not seen in a long time. He may very well become the first Triple Crown winner since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. Cabrera is not only heating up, he is heating up at the perfect time as his team is making a push for the playoffs. Cabrera owns a 6.5 wins above replacement (WAR) which ranks fourth in the AL. Cabrera’s numbers are ridiculous this season leading the American League in batting average (.333), runs batted in (130), slugging percentage (.613), and on-base percentage (1.011). He is also only one home run away from Josh Hamilton’s league leading 42. If he surpasses Hamilton and wins the Triple Crown, leading the league in home runs, runs batted in, and average, he will be the clear-cut winner for Most Valuable Player. If he doe not win the Triple Crown, Cabrera still has the numbers and should still be crowned MVP.

Mike Trout

Mike Trout makes one of the greatest catches ever just showing how great of a fielder he is

Just having his name in the discussion for MVP at the young age of 21 years old is an accomplishment. Winning it would put Mike Trout in elite company. This kid is putting up numbers like he has been in the league for ten years; however, he did not even get called up until April 28. Instantly, Trout made the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim a better team and that showed in their record. The Angels, like the Tigers, are battling for a playoff spot and at this point the Angels are in a tough position but that is not because of Trout. Trout has been constantly putting up huge numbers this season. Trout is second in the American league in batting average (.327), trailing only Cabrera. He has also hit 27 home runs to go along with 77 runs batted in. Though those do not seem like MVP caliber stats, Trout is more than just a power hitter. He also has eight triples and 46 stolen bases, the most in the AL. With the 46 stolen bases, Mike has only been thrown out four times. His defense however is what separates him from Cabrera and every other player in the MVP race. He has made spectacular play after spectacular play. Trout also leads the American League with a 10.52 WAR, and a 7.8 offensive WAR. This kid means more to his team then Miguel Cabrera and when you factor in everything else, Mike Trout might very well be your 2012 American League Most Valuable Player.

Tyler Fiedler