Why A-Rod is the MVP of the MLB

FROM THE NY TIMES, TORONTO, Sept. 17 - The ball skipped to Alex Rodriguez's backhand on one hop. In that instant, Rodriguez, the Yankees' third baseman, processed critical bits of information.

It was the bottom of the ninth inning at the Rogers Center, and the Yankees led the Toronto Blue Jays by a run with one out and runners on first and second. Rodriguez's internal clock told him that if he fielded the ball and threw as hard as he could to second base, the Yankees would have time for a game-ending double play. The hitter, Shea Hillenbrand, was slow and easy to double up.

But Rodriguez also knew the risk. The runner on second, Alex Rios, had a good lead and would keep on running if Rodriguez went for two. By passing on the sure out at third, Rodriguez knew the score would be tied if the Yankees did not turn two.

As soon as Rodriguez let the ball go, all he could do was hope. He crouched over with his hands on his knees, watching intently as Robinson Cano caught the ball at second, pivoted and bounced a throw to first.

It was a tricky hop, and the umpire hesitated for a moment. But Tino Martinez held on and Rodriguez exulted, bouncing away from third with his arms raised. It was Yankees 1, Blue Jays 0, disaster averted, winning streak at six. It was pennant race baseball at its best, a fitting ending to a day full of defensive gems.

"To me, it's like hitting a walk-off grand slam," Rodriguez said. "I love it. Guys get on me because I get too excited. I'm like a 5-year-old kid out there having too much fun. But that was fun."

And he puts up incredible offensive numbers. Definitely this year's MVP! Anyone care to disagree?