2012 AL MVP Odds and Predictions: Top 5 AL MVP Candidates: The 2012 MLB season has officially passed its quarter-point, and with the division races taking shape, it’s time to revisit the potential American League MVP candidates. Injuries and other factors have eliminated several preseason favorites for the award, leaving some familiar faces and surprise newcomers to vie for the honor. See how the current frontrunners stack up in the latest installment of Power Rankings.
2012 AL MVP Odds and Predictions: Top 5 AL MVP Candidates
1. Josh Hamilton, Outfielder, Texas Rangers
The Rangers are leading the AL West, and Hamilton is leading the majors in just about every offensive category. He has crushed an MLB-leading 21 home runs, and his 57 RBIs are 11 more than the next closest player. Hamilton also leads the majors with a 1.154 OPS, and his .358 batting average and 40 runs scored are second best in the AL. He already has one MVP under his belt, and if he continues to make a push for the Triple Crown and Texas wins its division, he will likely become a two-time winner of the award. Hamilton is simply on another level offensively right now.
2. Adam Jones, Outfielder, Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore has been the surprise of the 2012 season, and a big reason why the Orioles are co-leaders of the AL East has been the play of Jones. He has been a consistent bat in the middle of the Baltimore lineup, hammering 16 homers and driving in 38 runs. Throw in a .316 batting average and nine stolen bases, and a 30-30 season is within reach. Ironically, Baltimore’s recent run of futility should actually help his chances. If the Orioles do end up making the playoffs after having such low expectations to start the year, MVP voters will certainly look to an all-around offensive contributor like Jones as the reason why.
3. Paul Konerko, First Baseman, Chicago White Sox
After a slow start, the White Sox have climbed to the top of the AL Central, and the steady play of Konerko has helped the surge. He leads the American league with a .366 batting average and a .445 on-base percentage and ranks second with a 1.062 OPS. Konerko has belted 11 homers and has 33 RBIs as the centerpiece of an offense that ranks fifth in the majors in both home runs and runs scored. Konerko has been flying under the radar for years, but with his batting average and on-base percentage reaching new heights, he is forcing his way into the MVP conversation.
4. David Ortiz, Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox
Being a DH definitely hurts his chances, but as the Red Sox have battled through a lot adversity early in the season, Ortiz has kept Boston within two games of the top spot in the AL East. He is sixth in the AL with a .322 batting average and fifth in RBIs with 37. Ortiz also ranks third in the American League with a 1.006 OPS and fifth in runs scored with 37. With Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis all missing time with injuries, Oritz’ value to the Red Sox can’t be overstated. DH or not, he deserves MVP consideration.
5. Miguel Cabrera, Third Baseman, Detroit Tigers
The Tigers aren’t living up to expectations in 2012, but Cabrera hasn’t been the issue. He is second in the AL with 44 RBIs, and his .323 batting average is typical for one the steadiest sluggers in the game. Since becoming a full-time player, Cabrera’s average season has included 33 homers and 115 RBIs, and there is little doubt that his offensive numbers are going to be impressive. The question is whether or not he can have those timely hits in key spots that help the Tigers make the playoffs and grab the attention of MVP voters.
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