The American League MVP award was announced late yesterday. And while Boston’s Dustin Pedroia took home the title, it’s worth mentioning that two members of the Cleveland Indians received some consideration among the top 15.
With 42 points, Grady Sizemore slotted in at number 10. Ahead of him were Pedroia, Justin Morneau, Kevin Youkilis, Joe Mauer, Carlos Quentin, Francisco Rodriguez, Josh Hamilton, Alex Rodriguez, and Carlos Peña. All of these players outside of Hamilton and Alex Rodriguez were on playoff teams, which tends to receive a few more votes than those that do not.
This explanation can also show why Francisco Rodriguez finished six spots above Cliff Lee, who came in 12th overall with 24 points. Though Lee took home the Cy Young for being the better pitcher, the value of a guy who racked up the number of saves can arguably justify the votes that he received for the MVP award. Surprisingly, K-Rod actually received a first place vote, as well as two second place votes – likely coming from someone on the west coast.
Sizemore finished the season 5th in stolen bases, 6th in home runs, 6th in total bases, 10th in total runs scored, 12th in OPS and wasn’t too bad in the field. We have discussed Lee’s numbers ad nauseum and there is no doubting the fact that if the Indians would have managed to find some post-season life that either of these two guys could not have lofted themselves into the top five.
This is in no way to discount the season had by any of the men ahead of Sizemore and Lee. Here’s to another season of productive numbers, with hopefully a better end result when it comes to the final record. Great season, boys.
