The Baseball Writers Association of America named Alex Rodriguez the American League MVP on Monday. While Rodriguez deserved to win in both 2001 and 2002, this year is the first time he's won the award. The 6'3", 210 lb. shortstop of the Texas Rangers hit .298 with a .396 OBP and .600 SLG on 181 H, 30 2B, 6 3B, and 47 HR with an 87:126 BB:K and 17/20 SB% in 607 AB this season. His 47 HR led the AL and tied Jim Thome for the major league lead in 2003.

My joy over Rodriguez finally receiving the recognition he's deserved for the last three years is tempered by the narrow margin of the win and the poor sportsmanship of those whose preferred candidates did not win. I'd hoped that when ARod finally won those who had withheld their support due to the weak record of his club would graciously admit that his performance certainly deserved the award. Unfortunately, Rodriguez's narrow victory has further provoked those unable to separate individual value from team success.

Below is a table comparing those finishing in the top 10 of the BBWAA's voting to Rotohelp's theoretical ballot.

BBWAA				Rotohelp
1.  Alex Rodriguez, SS-R	1.  Alex Rodriguez, SS-R
2.  Carlos Delgado, 1B-L	2.  Bret Boone, 2B-R
3.  Jorge Posada, C-S		3.  Carlos Delgado, 1B-L
4.  Shannon Stewart, OF-R	4.  Esteban Loaiza, RHP
5.  David Ortiz	, 1B-L		5.  Manny Ramirez, OF-R
6.  Manny Ramirez, OF-R		6.  Jorge Posada, C-S
7.  Nomar Garciaparra, SS-R	7.  Carlos Beltran, OF-S
8.  Vernon Wells, OF-R		8.  Tim Hudson, RHP
9.  Carlos Beltran, OF-S	9.  Alfonso Soriano, 2B-R
10. Bret Boone, 2B-R		10. Jason Giambi, 1B-L