As we expected -- at least earlier Wednesday-- Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera landed the coveted Triple Crown, the first player to do so in the 21st Century.
Over the years, Cabrera struggled with alcohol and his weight; he fought to find an established position in the field; and he was traded, at age 24, from the Marlins to the Detroit Tigers, writes John Eligon of the New York Times.
But Cabrera never lost what everyone agreed he possessed like few others: a discriminating eye at the plate and a sweet, timely and fluidly powerful swing.
Now, what about the MVP? Some thinks it's a no brainer: Cabrera should get it. But others feel the better choice is rookie center fielder Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.
New York Daily News sportswriter Bill Madden says it's “mind-boggling” that Cabrera wouldn't get it.
In any event, the Tigers have bigger worries.
The team faces the Oakland A's this Saturday.
By the way, on the last night of the season, the Tigers beat the Royals Wednesday night 1-0.
The Detroit News reported that the last two men to win the crown, Frank Robinson (1966) and Carl Yastrzemski ('67), issued statements congratulating Cabrera.
"Miguel Cabrera has been outstanding all year long by coming to play every day, showing his discipline at the plate and making the most of his great talent," said Robinson. "For me, earning the batting title over Tony Oliva, who we played against in the last series of the year, was the hardest part, and for Miguel, I am sure it was even more challenging, given all the specialized relievers in the game today. … This is an incredible accomplishment for a gifted young man, and Miguel should be proud."
Yastrzemski stated: "I am glad that he accomplished this while leading his team to the American League Central title. I was fortunate enough to win this award in 1967 as part of the Red Sox 'Impossible Dream' Team."
