American League MVP Predictions (4/21)

1. Mike Trout
 

Trout put up such an amazing rookie season, that he had people in the sports world clamoring for him to win the MVP award as a rookie. The most incredible part of his six first place votes, was that the guy who won MVP and got the other 22 first place votes had just won the first Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. That speaks volumes to the type of season Trout put up. In my opinion, it was the greatest rookie season in history. From his hitting statistics to his fielding ability (robbing HRs like it's no big deal), he is the complete package. His speed/power


      2013 Projections:   .315 average, 30 HR, 105 RBI, 115 Runs, 40 SB


2. Jacoby Ellsbury

Ellsbury is in a contract year, and he has John Farrell as his manager. Those two things equal a potentially HUGE season for Ellsbury in 2013. Farrell stole 254 bases between 2011 & 2012 while with the Blue Jays, which was good for 4th best in the A.L. With Farrell in town, Ellsbury could steal close to the 70 bases he did back in 2009 (assuming he stays healthy). Don't forget that Ellsbury has had an MVP caliber season already in his career in 2011 when he finished second to Justin Verlander. I'm expecting a line similar his 2011 stats, except with less power output and more stolen bases to make up for it.


      2013 Projections:   .320 average, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 125 Runs, 65 SB


3. Miguel Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera has been tearing up the league with ease ever since his arrival. In fact, there has been no more consistent force in the league since 2004. The guy is a virtual lock for a .310 average, 30+ HR, 110+ RBI, and 100+ runs scored every season. Throw in his Triple Crown and MVP award from last season, and you may have the most feared hitter in the game today. His start to 2013 has been right on track with his production over the last 9 seasons, and I'd expect nothing else. The only thing holding Cabrera back in my mind from winning back-to-back MVP awards, is that he raised the bar so high last season, that nothing can match up to it. Add in the fact that the Tigers have the A.L. MVP from the past two seasons, and I don't see them taking it for a third straight year.


      2013 Projections:   .335 average, 34 HR, 125 RBI, 110 Runs, 3 SB


Dark Horse Pick: Ian Kinsler

This pick for me is mainly due to my belief for the continued success of the Rangers, despite the loss of Josh Hamilton . Kinsler has been a good, and at times great player. His issue throughout his career separating him from being a truly great player has always been his inconsistency. The Rangers loss of Hamilton will hurt, but I see it as a positive for Kinsler, who I believe will take on more of a leader role as a result. I'm predicting Kinsler to have his best season as a pro, and to lead the Rangers to the playoffs with a Wildcard berth.


      2013 Projections:   .290 average, 30 HR, 85 RBI, 110 Runs, 30 SB