The Rangers' Josh Hamilton was elected AL MVP

The Rangers' Josh Hamilton was elected AL MVP.

I think Hamilton pretty much had it won when Morneau went down for the season. If you compare those two guys on the basis of production per plate appearance, they were nearly identical, but Morneau's injury left Hamilton essentially competing against Cabrera head-to-head. While Cabrera was just as strong offensively, he has little defensive value and the Tigers' mediocrity left the spotlight on Hamilton, who also plays a solid outfield.

This quote says it all: "Hamilton won the batting title with a .359 average and also finished first in the league in slugging percentage (.633), on-base percentage plus slugging (1.044) and batting with runners in scoring position (.369)."

Second place went to Cabrera, who will win one soon, unless he is slowed down by some fluke. He's only 27 years old and already has seven consecutive seasons of 100 or more RBI. He can get even better if he works hard and stays in shape.

There should be some great competition for AL MVPs in the next five years because the league's five main contenders are all in their early prime. Robby Cano is 28, Hamilton and Morneau are 29, and Joe Mauer is 27 (exactly one day younger than Cabrera).