[Minnesota Twins News]

Forget Big Papi, Frank Thomas and everyone else - should Johan Santana be the AL MVP?

The Seattle Times: Mariners: Game of the Day | Twins' Santana for MVP?
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Johan Santana already has one AL Cy Young Award and appears to be closing in on another.

After his latest dazzling effort brought the Minnesota Twins within striking distance of Detroit in the AL Central, teammate Nick Punto thinks Santana deserves consideration for another honor — MVP.

The left-hander struck out 11 and allowed just two hits in Minnesota's 12-1 victory over the Tigers on Sunday, pitching into the seventh inning and pulling the Twins two games back of first-place Detroit.

"Santana just dominates," said Punto, who had four hits and three runs batted in. "There's a psychological thing going on, too, with teams who come in here against him."

According to this story, Santana leads the major leagues in wins, ERA and strikeouts. He hasn't lost a start since the All-Star break, and thanks largely to his contributions, the Twins should make the playoffs in 2006. Only four pitchers have ever won a league MVP award - will Johan Santana be the fifth? Should he be?

[Lefty Noob]

Santana finished the season with the best ERA in baseball [2.77], more strikeouts than any other pitcher in either league [245], and tied with Wang of the Yankees for the Major League lead in wins [19]. He's a major reason why the Twins were able to win the AL Central this season. So I'll ask again - anyone here think he should win the AL MVP award?

[EmpireWF]

I don't. He had a great year but not the caliber of a pitcher who deserves to take the MVP too. I'd expect some downright gaudy numbers like 20+ Wins, a sub 2.45 ERA. I wonder how many games Santana has a decision in in the second half, btw.

Also, there are too many good hitting candidates to take the award. It's not like there isn't a worthy offensive player.