MVP Candidates Robinson Cano and Josh Hamilton Square Off In ALCS

It’s down to two team for the title of American League Champion. It appears it’s down to two players for the title of American League MVP. The two players will square off throughout the next week as the New York Yankees battle the Texas Rangers for the right to play in the World Series.

This series could go a long way in determining which player wins the MVP award, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano or Rangers centerfielder Josh Hamilton.

Cano has been a force with the bat as well as the glove this season for the Yankees. The second baseman has developed his game so much that people are starting to talk about him as the future face of the franchise.

The 27 year old second baseman batted .319 during the regular season, belting 29 home runs and driving in 109 runs. The home runs and RBI’s were career highs for Cano.

Back in spring training, manager Joe Girardi announced that Cano would hit fifth in the star studded Yankees lineup. While being a free swinger, many were unsure how Cano would handle the very important lineup spot behind Alex Rodriguez.

Cano stepped up to the challenge, providing excellent support behind Rodriguez. Opposing pitchers were unable to pitch around Rodriguez, knowing Cano was waiting on deck. The young star delivered in just about every situation that came about. When Rodriguez went down with injuries, Cano stepped right into the cleanup spot and produced.

Not only was Cano a force at the plate, he excelled with the glove. If Cano does not win the MVP award, he likely will still be honored with a Gold Glove. That award would be well deserved.

In 776 chances, Cano made just three errors this season. His .996 fielding percentage is a career high. To say Cano had a career year in 2010 would be an understatement.

Cano is not a lock for the MVP award. His main competition for the award is Rangers centerfielder Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton had a monster year at the plate, batting .359 with 32 home runs and 100 RBI’s in the regular season. He led the American League in batting average as well as slugging percentage and OPS.

The centerfielder has struggled to regain his form since returning from a rib injury that kept him out of games late in the season.

So far in this years playoffs, Hamilton is just 2-for-18 with one RBI. Cano is 4-for-12 with one RBI and three runs scored.

Which player will step up in the ALCS and help his team make the World Series? The answer could also become your American League MVP.

Looking back at the regular season, an argument could be made for either player to win the award.