A-Rod Wins Third AL MVP

Despite being a serial under-performer in the playoffs, Alex Rodriguez comfortably captured his third AL MVP award by capturing 26 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Detroit's Magglio Ordonez finished a distant second-place behind with two first-place votes and 258 points overall.

While over the season, A-Rod dominated the headlines with a major league leading 54 homers, 156 RBIs and 143 runs, it highlighted his post-season failings even more. The player himself is aware of his less-than-appealing record and hopes to improve it eventually, no less with the New York Yankees, with whom he played cat-and-mouse in post-season negotiations.

There is no doubt over his abilities, but it remains to be seen if A-Rod can fulfill his promise as a player and win a World Series ring.