Neither Boston nor New York had much postseason luck. But each team had a candidate in the running for American League MVP.
Today the Baseball Writers Association of America announced that Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez won the award in a close vote, beating Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz by 5 first place votes and 24 overall points.
Out of a total 28 votes, Ortiz racked up the most second most first-place votes (11) to A-Rod's 16. Los Angeles Angels' rightfielder Vladmir Guerrero tallied the final first place vote.
The debate between A-Rod and "Big Papi" Ortiz was like comparing apples and oranges, because Ortiz was a DH and played all of 10 games in the field. Rodriguez, on the other hand, had worse offensive numbers but was a more complete player, the voters agreed.
But they were both superior players. So it was more like comparing apples and apple-flavored oranges.
The generously compensated Rodriguez hit a AL-second-best .321 and an AL-best 48 home runs. He ws also led his league in runs scored (124), slugging percentage (.610), OPS (1.031) and was one of six ALers to play in all 162 games.
But was Ortiz sleighted — nay, discriminated — because of his position? Designated hitters have to do what they do best — hit, hit hard and hit often — to have any chance at taking home the award. His .300 average doesn't do his league-high 148 RBI or second-best 47 HR justice. He is known in Boston for delivering late-inning hits.
This is Rodriguez's second MVP trophy, the first coming in 2003 during his last season with the Texas Rangers.
He's paid the most, and according to the AL voters, he's worth every dollar; 26 million this year, to be exact.
Final voting:1. 3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees (16 first place votes) - 331 pts
2. DH David Ortiz, Red Sox (11) - 304 pts
3. RF Vladmir Guerrero, Angels (1) - 196 points
4. LF Manny Ramirez, Red Sox - 156 points
5. DH Travis Hafner, Indians - 151 pointsContinued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2
Article comments
1 - Ken Edwards
"Designated" with second place. You are so funny Matt.
2 - Tan The Man
With all of the pressure for NY to make it to the playoffs, I'd say Alex was needed more to the Yankees. Although I'd be happy if Ortiz won too, him and his clutchness...
3 - Victor Lana
I am so sick of these Yankees. I live in New York, and let me tell you that while Rodriguez had the numbers, he was no Mister Clutch. I kept calling him K-Rod (because, in the the tight spot, he didn't come through).
Rodriguez is also a poor sport. When things don't go his (or the Yankees way), K-Rod likes to pout and throw helmets and try to barrel over first basemen.
Besides an ass-kicking, Rodriguez doesn't deserve a thing (especially that pay check, Mr. Steingrubber).
4 - ClubhouseCancer
Easy choice. ARod's numbers, as you list them, are much better than Ortiz (not worse, as you strangely suggest).Higher on-base, higher slugging, more home runs, higher BA. All the important independent stats go to ARod, and he played Gold-glove level D at an important defensive position.
He wasn't too valuable in the playoffs, alas, but he's still the finest player in the game. And if the Yankees had played him at short and switched the clearly inferior Jeter to thrid, they would've won the division based on the much-imporved defense.
5 - britney
Alex Is To Sexy Now Get Off His Damn Clk