2010 MVPs AL Edition: Ranking the Most Valuable Player in Each Division

As the playoffs slowly approach, baseball fans continue to wonder who the AL MVP will be. Will it be a member of a first place, playoff team? Will it be a member of a lower-placed team?

I've decided to make an MVP of each AL division just to breakdown the many candidates for the cherished award.

Please enjoy the article and thank you for reading.

NOTE: All statistics are as of September 1, 2010.

AL East: Robinson Cano

Andrew Burton/Getty Images

NEW YORK - AUGUST 22: Robinson Cano #24 of the New York Yankees watches his grand slam home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning on August 22, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Gett

Stats:

Batting Average .321

Home runs: 23

RBIs: 90

Slugging Percentage: .554

Robinson Cano has been absolutely on fire in the AL East. Since the beginning of this season, Cano has posted huge numbers.

He is expected to reach 200 hits for the second straight season and is likely to add another Silver Slugger.

In addition to outstanding batting statistics, Robinson Cano has been excellent at second base. In 2010, Cano only has three errors and a fielding percentage of .995. 

With the current absence of Alex Rodriguez and the slow start from Mark Teixeira, Cano stepped up and became the heart of the New York Yankees. He has helped them win important games and attain first place in the AL East.

At only age 27, Cano has proven himself to be one of the best second baseman in all of baseball.

Honorable Mention AL East: Adrian Beltre

Adrian Beltre hits an amazing homerun from one knee.

Stats:

Batting Average: .321 

Home runs: 24

RBIs: 91

Slugging Percentage: .552

Adrian Beltre has been the saving grace in the Boston Red Sox lineup. 

His performance has been overlooked in 2010 due to all the injuries the Red Sox have taken. His statistics are almost identical to Robinson Cano's.

However, Robinson Cano is a much better fielder and in my opinion, is an all-around better player.

Clearly, Adrian Beltre has been the best offensive player in the Red Sox lineup.

Since the Red Sox have a slim chance of making the playoffs, Adrian Beltre's MVP value only diminishes.

AL West: Josh Hamilton

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 07: Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Stats:

Batting Average: .361

Home runs: 31

RBIs: 97

Slugging Percentage: .637

Josh Hamilton in clearly the favorite to win the MVP this year.

Hamilton seems to have found his swing ever since the 2008 Home Run Derby. He has been the best player on the first place Texas Rangers.

I bet the Cincinnati Reds seriously regret trading away one of the best outfielders in baseball.

The future of Josh Hamilton looks bright while the Texas Rangers enter the playoffs. No one in the AL West even comes close to matching Josh Hamilton's success.

If the Rangers could pull off a World Series win, Josh Hamilton is a definite lock for the AL MVP.

AL Central: Miguel Cabrera

Leon Halip/Getty Images

DETROIT - JULY 25: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 25, 2010 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. The Blue Jays defeated the Tigers 5-3. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Stats:

Batting Average: .338

Home runs: 33

RBIs: 107

Slugging Percentage: .638

Miguel Cabrera continues to push the limit in the AL Central.

His numbers get bigger and bigger every year, and yet the Tigers continue to lose. Cabrera is next in line for the MVP after Hamilton.

He'll definitely get the Silver Slugger at first base. Cabrera has been great at first base and one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball. 

However since the Tiger have no chance of making the playoffs, chances of a MVP award for Cabrera diminish. 

AL Central Honorable Mention: Paul Konerko

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - AUGUST 29: Paul Konerko #14 of the Chicago White Sox hits the ball against the New York Yankees at U.S. Cellular Field on August 29, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Yankees defeated the White Sox 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Stats:

Batting Average: .319

Home runs: 33

RBIs: 98

Slugging Percentage: .587

Paul Konerko is having one of the best years of his career. 

He has been the best player on the White Sox and is a major reason why they're a winning team. Konerko is projected to hit 41 home runs and well above 100 RBIs.

In addition to all-star batting statistics, Konerko has a very good fielding percentage and has very little errors. 

Expect Mr. Konerko to be a key factor in the White Sox playoff run.

Thanks for reading and look forward to the NL edition soon!!