From MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan:Josh Hamilton became the fifth Rangers player to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award on Tuesday, outpolling Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.Even though he did miss most of September, he still had a monster year and deserved the award.
Hamilton is the first Rangers player to win the award since Alex Rodriguez in 2003. Outfielder Jeff Burroughs was the first Texas player to take the honor in 1974. Outfielder Juan Gonzalez won in 1996 and '98, and catcher Ivan Rodriguez won in 1999.
Hamilton led the AL in batting with a .359 batting average while finishing with 95 runs scored, 40 doubles, three triples, 32 home runs and 100 RBIs. He also led the league with a .633 slugging percentage and was second with a .411 on-base percentage.
As for Cano, 3rd is probably right where he belonged in this voting. Still, that's nothing to be ashamed about for Robbie, who will have many more opportunities to take home an MVP.
