AL MVP Candidates

[Gil Dobie]

Being from NY, and the team with the best record, is Teixeira a done deal for MVP?

Joe Mauer AVG: .371, HR 28, RBI 89, OBP .442, SLG .606
Derek Jeter AVG: .329, HR 17, RBI 64, OBP .399, SLG .460
Miguel Cabrera AVG: .329, HR 31, RBI 96, OBP 398, SLG .551
Mark Teixeira AVG: .292, HR 37, RBI 118, OBP: .383, SLG: .587

Mauer can become the 4th player since 1961 to lead the league in AVG, OBP and SLG.

Others: Frank Robinson 1966 MVP, Carl Yastrzemski 1967 MVP, George Brett 1980 MVP and Fred Lynn 1979.

Pioneer Press (http://www.twincities.com/ci_13414853?source=most_viewed&nclick_check=1)

[gmoney55]

I'd be shocked if Mauer doesn't win this....he is now helping a so-so team stay in contention without a former MVP (granted Cuddyer has been amazing lately), and like you said is putting up historic numbers and playing great defense at probably the most important position on the diamond.

I don't think being from NY makes a difference, Morneau did beat out Jeter in a close race a few years back.

[NHwildEcat]

I would have to go with Mauer...too good of an all around hitter and player to not get it. Another way to look at it is he probably does more with less then those also mentioned on this list.

[UMass922]

Mauer--end of discussion. With all due respect to the other players mentioned, all of whom have had fine seasons, Mauer is having a historically great season for a player at his position. He is probably going to win the BA/OBP/SLG triple crown--as a catcher. If that's not "most valuable," I don't know what is.

I'd put Jeter second, Cabrera third, and Teixeira fourth.

[GannonFan]

Mauer is an absolute, stone cold, mortal lock.

[Gil Dobie]

A lot of talk in Minnesota is that Mauer should win, but there is that NY media that sometimes sways the vote. A couple weeks ago there was a big push for Jeter on ESPN.

[GannonFan]

A lot of talk in Minnesota is that Mauer should win, but there is that NY media that sometimes sways the vote. A couple weeks ago there was a big push for Jeter on ESPN.

Nah, if anything, the NY factor will sway everyone away from the Yankee guys. Plus, there are two Yankees in the mix, and I don't think Jeter is even the MVP on his own team, let alone the league.

[gmoney55]

A lot of talk in Minnesota is that Mauer should win, but there is that NY media that sometimes sways the vote. A couple weeks ago there was a big push for Jeter on ESPN.

That's just talk and worry then....Morneau beat out Jeter two years ago, no Met has ever won the award, etc...there is no NYC bias on this one.

[Thunderstruck84]

Having Morneau tail off and get hurt was bad for the Twins but great for Mauer's MVP chances. There will be no split votes among Twins followers and he's showing he can be a presence without hitting in front on Morneau.

The Twins have an underrated lineup though, Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, and Denard Span are all having career years. Their pitching has been terrible so their hitting has been the only thing keeping the in contention in the, albeit very weak, AL Central.

[BisonBacker]

I don't see how it couldn't be Mauer.

[CollegeSportsInfo]

Mauer is the man. He'll get virtually all the 1st place votes.

An argument could be made for a Jeter/Teixeira co-MVP (vote the vote split would never happen since Mauer is so far in front)...but come on, the Yankees are as balanced a team as I've ever seen. The Yankee lineup, spots 2-8, all have 20+ homeruns, similar averages and production. Oddly, Jeter is one of the only players without 20 homeruns.

[seantaylor]

Mauer. Best hitter in baseball.

[grizfan88]

If Joe Mauer doesn't win the MVP unanimously, each and every voter who doesn't vote for him should be shot by a firing squad.

[Hoyadestroya85]

If Joe Mauer doesn't win, Coastal Bias officially exists.