Evan Longoria vs. Miguel Cabrera: The Battle For AL MVP?

With one week of the MLB season in the books, it's already time to start making observations. Are the Yankees finished? Is Cliff Lee ever going to bounce back?

Besides the hot starts of the Marlins, Padres, Blue Jays, and Orioles, I am already making a prediction for the AL MVP. Crazy huh?

My prediction: Evan Longoria or Miguel Cabrera will win AL MVP

What a bold statement I have just made. Is it a coincidence that I picked the two players that have had the hot starts? I think not.

Both of these fine young stars will achieve new heights this year. But who will it be?

I must say, they sure do have a lot in common and must achieve the same goals if they want the honor at the end of the season.

I am not going to talk about what required stats they will need; but they are sure going to have to be consistent throughout the entire season.

Cabrera finished strong, but when the Tigers had their losing ways early on, it led to a still productive year, but one that could have been better.

Longoria was hot when he got called up, and led the Rays to the playoffs. Yet, he will have to not strikeout as much if he wants to compete.

Do either one of these guys have to make the playoffs to earn the award?

Not necessarily, even though it would sure help.

We saw a few years ago where Albert Pujols won the MVP, while the St. Louis Cardinals finished fourth place in their own division!

It is a tossup in this category. The Tigers are in a division that everyone is going to be in it, while the Rays will be in the Big Three on top of the AL East.

Finally, it is down to the prediction of the stats. Of course in the end it shall play a big factor in the decision; who will rise to the top?

Predicted Stats for Miguel Cabrera:

308 avg 46 HR 146 RBI

Predicted stats for Evan Longoria:

312 avg 42 HR 138 RBI

In the end, Miguel Cabrera just comes on top and wins the award. Overall the stats are better. I do not see a playoff appearance for the Tigers this year; but for the Rays? It can sure happen.

Another playoff appearance for Tampa in a tougher AL East this year can sway many of the voters, and us baseball fans around the country.

It should be one race for this years AL MVP, with some sure sleeper players getting into the mix.

Matt Miselis is a writer for Bleacherreport.com