by Tim Anderson

Created on: September 16, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Top 5 AL MVP Candidates

5) Carlos Quentin - Chicago White Sox's Outfielder

I know, many of you are wondering the same thing. "Why is he down so low?" Well, it simple, his stats don't compare up to the other players. Yes, he started out as a top 2 player in the AL, but he got hurt. Also, he would probably be top 3 in this blog if he would have stayed healthy. His 36 homeruns and 100 RBIs are nice, but his .288 batting average is horrendous. The other four players above him in this blog bat for both the power and the average. He has the lowest batting average out of these 5 as well as tied for the lowest RBI total. All in all, if Quentin stays healthy for the entire '08 campaign he is easily a top 3 MVP choice. However, now he is at the bottom of the food chain.

Quentin's 2008 Stats
Hits- 138
HRs- 36
RBIs- 100
Average- .288
Doubles- 26
Total Bases- 274

4) Alex Rodriguez - New York Yankees Third Baseman

The defending MVP could be called a dark horse in this year's race with his team currently in 4th place with the only thing in between them and the basement is the Baltimore Orioles. His team can be slatted as a disappointment. However, A-Rod has put up numbers worthy of MVP consideration. Alex Rodriguez could very well be a top 2 candidate if he would have been healthy in the first half of the season. In 101 less at bats, he already has 3 more homeruns than the quick starting Josh Hamilton. Unlike the other candidates, A-Rod has affectively combined his speed and his power. Alex is the only top 5 MVP candidate that is having a season with 30 or more homeruns (34) and 15 or more stolen bases (17). However, what kills the defending MVP in this year's race is his outrageous strike out total. A-Rod has struck out 109 times in only 479 at bats on the season. Also, his team's overall disappointment in the 2008 season also brings his stock down.

Alex Rodriguez's 2008 Stats
Hits- 146
HRs- 34
RBIs- 100
Average- .302
Doubles- 33
Total Bases- 281
*Note- only 479 at bats

3) Aubrey Huff - Baltimore Orioles Designated Hitter

I know, I know... why Aubrey Huff? Yes, he is a designated hitter. Yes, he does play on the team in the cellar of the AL East. However, his team's woes can not be placed on him. The Orioles offense is one of the best in all of the MLB. The team's horrendous record can be directly place upon the shoulders of their pitching. When your current ace is Daniel Cabrera, you know your team has problems. You cannot blame Aubrey Huff for his team not pitching. The argument that he doesn't

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