AL MVP

Dustin Pedroia was named the 2008 American League Most Valuable Player. Pedroia joins Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard to be the only ones who won Rookie of the Year and MVP in back to back years.

The Red Sox's second baseman, Pedroia, totaled 317 points, 16 first place votes, to take home honors and beat out Justin Morneau of the Twins who received 257 total votes, 7 first place votes. Pedroia's teammate, Keven Youkilis, finished third.

Pedroia finished the 2008 season with a .326 AVG. He had a .376 OBP, .493 SLG and .869 OPS. .He hit 17 homeruns and 83 RBI. He also stole 20 bases.

In my opinion, I would have given the award to Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees. A-Rod finished the year with a .965 OPS. He batted .302 with 35 HRs, 103 RBI, and 18 SB. Several other players, including Mauer and Morneau should have finished ahead of Pedroia.

However, Pedroia adds an MVP Award to his throphy case.