2011 MVP Predictions

First Baseman Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals has to be considered the favourite to take the National League MVP this season. He is a perennial candidate for MVP each season and deservedly so. The numbers speak for themselves. Pujols is the only player in Major League history to hit over .300 with 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, 99 runs scored, and 30 doubles each of his first ten seasons. The three time MVP and nine time All Star is the most consistent player in the game today. If you look in a dictionary under consistency a picture of Pujols swinging a bat is sure to be on the same page. His track record is impeccable and I see no reason that 2011 in terms of production will be any different, besides he is still only 31 years old and does not appearing to be slowing down anytime soon.

With all the speculation and off field circus that will follow Pujols regarding his new contract and potential free agency next offseason, one has to think that might be a distraction. I don’t believe that to be the case because Pujols is a consummate professional who will let his bat do the talking for him. He is clearly motivated to show that he is the top player in the game today and wants to be paid like it, although it is unlikely he will say that publicly.       

 Outfield Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is the reigning American League MVP and he has to be the favourite to take home the award once again in 2011. The 29 year old missed 29 games last season due to injury yet still hit .359 with 32 home runs and 100 RBIs. I expect him to build on those numbers and return to his 2008 form when he drove in 130 RBIs. What makes Hamilton special is his ability to hit for a high average without sacrificing power. This is a rarity in the game today. He plays his home games in a ball park that has historically been a hitter’s paradise. Hamilton will have protection in the Texas line-up with Nelson Cruz and newly acquired Adrian Beltre batting around him. Defensively Hamilton has a rocket arm and the ability to play all three outfield spots. The biggest question about Hamilton is not what he can do when on the field but if he can stay healthy for the entire season as he has missed parts of four seasons due to injury. He is a three time All Star who is in the prime years of his career. The 2011 campaign will be his fifth in the Majors yet he is determined to help push the Rangers over the top this with hopes of winning it all this time around.