Who should be the 2009 AL MVP

Joe Mauer's sweet swing has put him atop the American League MVP race.
For this year's American League MVP awar, there are several players to consider:

Joe Mauer leads the American League in on-base percentage, slugging and batting average. He's a good defensive catcher and he should finish the season with 30 home runs, 90 runs batted in and 90 runs scored.

Mark Teixeira's defense has been an anchor for the New York Yankees infield. Just look at the drops in errors for the pinstriped infielders. Plus, the switch hitter leads the league with 118 runs batted in, has bashed 37 homers and has a .292 batting average.

Speaking of improved Yankee defense, even we here at the southpaw have to admit Derek Jeter wasn't a defensive liability for the first time in years. Jeter doesn't lead the league in any categories, but he does have 100 runs scored, 200 hits and 26 stolen bases.

Bobby Abreu was picked off the free agent scrap heap seemingly minutes before the season started. For $5 mil, he's been the biggest bargain in baseball. He should finish the season with 30 stolen bases, a .290 average and 100 runs batted in. He's completely solidified the Angels' offense.

Miguel Cabrera lead the American League in home runs and total bases in 2008. But he seemed to be in a slump all season. This season has seen his OPS climb 70 points, he's scored more runs and he's paced the Tigers to a division title one year after a fifth-place finish.

Early in the season it looked like Jason Bay was Boston's MVP, however Kevin Youkilis has been the Red Sox most consistent player. He's proven that last season wasn't a fluke and he's picked up the slack from the slumping David Ortiz.

Now, for the MVP candidate people still don't know about: Kendry Morales. Sure, he's got a fun name, but he's much more than that. He's the reason the Angels let Teixeira go. He's fourth in slugging, has 30 home runs, is closing in on 100 runs driven in and has a good shot to finish the season with a .300 average and a .900 OPS.

We'll close out with the closer: Mariano Rivera. Yeah, having three Yankees on this list and no Rangers is sad. But the Yankees have had starting and relief pitching troubles. However, Big Mo has been his normal filthy self. Check that. He's been better. His innings continue to drop, but he's getting into more games and he has a 1.97 ERA.

Now is your chance to tell the Southpaw who deserves the award. All you have to do is click on the jump and vote.