Vote: choose your American League first-half MVP

The All-Star break initiated baseball’s unofficial midway point. With that portion of the season now in the rear view mirror, let’s look back at some players that could possibly fit the bill as the American League’s first-half Most Valuable Player.

A lot of sites run posts declaring their own mid-season awards, explaining why this guy is their choice for a particular award, but I wanted to put a different spin on this. Why? We see a lot of those posts. What I did was nothing new or revolutionary. I want our readers to decide the winners.

I came across my list of nominees based on some of the numbers. I did not take into consideration if a player’s team was in contention for a playoff spot. I know there are those that believe that should be part of the criteria, but I personally don’t hold that to be completely true.

Here’s the five at which I finally came to grips with listing here. It wasn’t easy getting this list down to five.

And don’t forget to cast your vote located on this post’s final slide!

(Nominees are listed in alphabetical order)

Jul 9, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Michael Brantley (23) singles in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians
2014 stats: .322/.382/.519, 15 HR, 63 RBI, 154 OPS+, 154 wRC+, .394 wOBA

Might surprise some that I have Brantley included within these five. I honestly don’t think it should be, and Indians fans will tell you of the dynamic breakout season Brantley has produced thus far.

Here’s some proof…

Brantley is currently ranked in the top ten in batting average (6th), OBP (9th), SLG (9th), OPS+ (6th), wRC+ (6th), and wOBA (8th). He’s also 4th in runs scored (63) and 10th in RBI. Pretty strong numbers there. Numbers I feel that are strong enough to have Brantley among these five players.

Brantley is making good on the Tribe’s offseason decision to extend him a four-year, $25M contract. And at $1.5M for this season, he’s been an exceptional bargain.

Jun 27, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) hits a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Rays 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY

3. Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles
2014 stats: .287/.353/.570, 28 HR, 74 RBI, 153 OPS+, 150 wRC+, .393 wOBA

One of the more remarkable, fascinating, and interesting stories/players for this 2014 season.

Last season, Cruz served a 50-game suspension for his ties to Biogenesis. Fast forward to last night as Cruz earned the fan’s vote as the starting DH for the American League in the All-Star Game. Those that have been hard on the PED guys seemingly quickly dispensed of that “hatred” when it comes to Cruz. That or this means of voting for the All-Star Game is a bit of a sham.

Consider his production along with the struggles of Chris Davis, the addition of Cruz to the Orioles roster (and batting order) should now be seen as a major coup for the O’s. And he came on the cheap. Extremely cheap. According to Fangraphs, Cruz has already produced a value of $13.4M.

He’s earned his paycheck this season ($8M)…and then a bit more.

Jul 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays Edwin Encarnacion at bat against the Milwaukee Brewers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

4. Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays
2014 stats: .277/.368/.591, 26 HR, 70 RBI, 159 OPS+, 161 wRC+, .411 wOBA

I think we see the value of Encarnacion even though he’s currently on the disabled list. Look at how Toronto has fared since he’s been missing from their lineup (granted, only been a little over a week). I know the Blue Jays have a couple of other injuries they are currently dealing with, but not having Encarnacion available has created the bigger void for manager John Gibbons.

In his last game (July 5th), Encarnacion had only one AB before leaving the game with a strained left quad. The Jays lost that game (5-1 to Oakland) and have dropped five of their seven games since.

Even in missing those games, Encarnacion is still in the AL top ten in home runs (3rd), RBI (5th), runs scored (57, 9th), SLG (4th), and OPS (4th).

Oh, his numbers have said more than enough about his 2014 season. Once he returns, let’s hope Encarnacion can pick up where he left off…unless you’re a fan of another AL East team.

Jul 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) singles during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

5. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
2014 stats: .310/.400/.606, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 182 OPS+, 181 wRC+, .428 wOBA

If not for the fact that the Angels haven’t made the postseason for the past two years, we could easily be talking about a possible three-peat for Trout as the AL MVP. And we can rehash all that jazz, and nothing would change.

So let’s look at this season. When the staff named him as our choice as a starter for the ASG, Trout was the only AL player to be named on all ballots.

His numbers speak for themselves. He doesn’t lead a lot over single categories, but consider this. Trout is the only AL player with a OPS over 1.000 (1.005). No player is within 15 in either OPS+ or wRC+. 15! And this guy is still just scratching the surface!

And is it me or does it seem like a torch was passed last night. You know, Jeter to Trout? No question this guy should be the actual face of baseball.

So, there you have my five nominees.

Are others worthy of a mention? Sure, and if so, you can cast your vote for “other” in the poll below.

If you feel another player is more worthy of these five, please mention that player’s name within the comments section below. Also add a note or two as to why you feel he should be among these five. And if you wish, tell which of the five I have listed should be removed. That can always make for some great conversation.