AL MVP in Review

The Baseball Writers announced their choice for the American League MVP today: Joe Mauer

The writers really nailed this one down, as Mauer went completely nuts this season. Despite missing nearly a month, he still lead the AL in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. He set career highs in homeruns (28), rbis (96), hits (191), batting average (.365), OBP (.444), slugging % (.587), OPS (1.031). And all of this in addition to helping to guide the young Twins pitching staff, and leading the Twins to a division title.

The voting:

Mauer - 387 (27 first place)
Mark Teixeira - 225
Derek Jeter - 193
Miguel Cabrera - 171 (1)
Kendry Morales - 170
Kevin Youkilis - 150
Jason Bay - 78
Ben Zobrist - 34
Ichiro - 33
Chone Figgins - 31

I'm really happy with this result. Teixeira, Jeter, Cabrera, and Morales all had really great years, but in my opinion there is simply no way that the Twins have a .500 record, let along win their division without Mauer. I am really looking forward to hearing what he gets for his next contract, which could conceivably be in the $200 million range, and what he will do next season in a full season.