American League Awards

Most Valuable Player - Justin Verlander (24 - 5, 2.40 ERA, 250 K's, Detroit Tigers)


Cy Young - Justin Verlander (24 - 5, 2.40 ERA, Detroit Tigers)

Verlander was simply amazing this year on the mound. Some people debated that a pitcher can't win the MVP award because they pitch only every fifth day, instead of playing every single day. I didn't believe that for a minute because when he pitched, he controlled an entire game. He took the mound, and you could pretty much guarantee a victory for the team. An MVP should a player who can take over an entire game and affect the outcome just because of his performance. That is exactly what Justin Verlander did this past season.

Batting Champion - Miguel Cabrera (.344 AVG., 30 HR, 105 RBI, Detroit Tigers)

Cabrera has been playing at such a high level for such a long time now. It seems like forever ago since he won his World Series ring when with the Florida (Now Miami) Marlins. The guy is only 28 years old and has everything you would like to have in a first basemen.


Rookie of the Year - Jeremy Hellickson (13 - 10, 2.95 ERA, 117 K's, Tampa Bay Rays)

Hellickson had the highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among any 2011 rookie this year. Hellickson will only continue to improve throughout his career and is projected by many to give the Rays yet another ace on their already good pitching staff.