New York Yankees: Is CC Sabathia the American League MVP?

New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia enters Saturday's start against the Boston Red Sox with a 16-5 record and 2.55 ERA. He leads the majors in wins and has allowed just seven earned runs over his last eight starts.

It's not even an argument that the 31-year-old is the Most Valuable Player on his own team, as the club has won 18 of his 24 starts. 

Some will simply argue that it helps to have the league's second-best offense to supply ample run support. He's certainly receive plenty this year, as New York has outscored opponents by a 145-74 margin in his outings.

From a betting perspective, Sabathia (+899) is No. 8 on the list of most profitable pitchers in 2011, a category that is led by Philadelphia Phillies ace Roy Halladay (+1288). 

One of his greatest attributes in pinstripes has been generating wins away from Yankee Stadium, as the Bronx Bombers have posted a 36-16 mark in his last 52 road starts. That includes a 29-9 record when favored.

If New York happens to win the American League East division over the high-powered Boston Red Sox, voters can only really look in one direction, naming No. 52 as the AL's Most Valuable Player.

The starting rotation is a major question mark heading into a potential playoff run and there's no question who serves as the certifiable ace. His value will never be more evident come October.