Josh Hamilton was named American League MVP Tuesday, after placing first on 22 of 28 ballots. Miguel Cabrera received five first place votes, and Jose Bautista received one. Robinson Cano finished ahead of Bautista in overall voting, thanks to more total votes. Hamilton hit .359/.411/.633 for the season with 32 home runs. His candidacy was put in jeopardy by a rib injury that cost him much of September and lowered his overall games played total to 133. But his .384 line with improved plate discipline in the second half carried the day.
Hamilton is the fifth Texas Ranger to win the award, following Jeff Burroughs, Juan Gonzalez, Pudge Rodriguez and Alex Rodriguez. Alex Rodriguez last won the award for the Rangers in 2003. Gonzalez is the only multiple winner in franchise history.
Hamilton will have a new hitting instructor in 2011, after Clint Hurdle was hired manage the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hurdle received a good deal of credit for Hamilton's turnaround from 2009, as his suggested adjustment seemed to trigger Hamilton's resurgence.