2005 AL MVP - Who should it be and why?

[GonzoStyle]

No because the argument by me is that both ortiz and arods offensive numbers and in my view value to their teams are comparable with ortiz having a slight edge, BUT that a rod playing the field and by doing so has saved games with his glove as well then that puts him over the top. Both players are not the single force that drove the team, there are many factors, sure the race was close but you can argue if boston had a better bullpen they'd have run away with the decision, if schilling had been heatlhy, etc. Don't forget that Manny is right begind ortiz with his numbers, he also hit the 140 rbi and 40 home run plateau.

On the other hand you have clear cut MVP winners because they are the one force that drives the team like for example Barry Bonds, this year proved that beyond a doubt. In a horrible division where all you had to do was play .500 ball to make the playoffs, the giants failed. Even when Bonds came back in the last couple weeks they all of a sudden had some hope and were within 2 games, maybe if he came back a week earlier it woulda been different. Bonds might as well be a DH cause his glove is almost worthless.

Guerrero even this year when he was out with an injury it looked like there was little chance the angels make it and Vlad comes back and goes on a tear hitting homers, driving in runs and batting in the high 300s to carry that team and as quick as that they were a sinch to make the playoffs. I am in no way saying that being a DH disqualifies you from the MVP, I am saying you have to be far and away better though because you play half an inning every inning. Guerrero was a clear cut choice for that MVP.