OPINION

By Ryan Fagan

updated 7:37 p.m. ET Sept. 16, 2008

Dustin Pedroia, one of the shortest players in recent Boston memory, is trying to become the first Red Sox player to win the MVP since Mo Vaughn, one of the largest players in recent Boston memory, won the award in 1995. On the mound, Cliff Lee is on track to become the second consecutive Cleveland lefty to win the Cy Young award. Let's break down those races, along with the top contenders for the league's top rookie.

MVP
The contenders
Justin Morneau, Twins
Why: His situation is the opposite of Pedroia's. He's the only thumper in the Twins' lineup, and if he's not in Minnesota, the Twins aren't even sniffing the playoffs.

Why not: He doesn't have the home run totals some expect from a "power-hitting first baseman," but that's just being picky.

Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Why: Forget that he's 5-9 and a second baseman. He's the toughest out in the Red Sox lineup, and he could lead the A.L. in batting average and runs, along with reaching 20 homers and 90 RBIs.

Why not: Take Pedroia out of Boston and, honestly, the Red Sox likely are in exactly the same situation — near the top of the A.L. East. Plus, it's easier to pile up numbers in a deep lineup.

Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Why: For the first half of the season, Hamilton was the best hitter in the majors, and he could finish with 140 RBIs.

Why not: The Rangers aren't even close to playoff contention, and Hamilton hasn't kept up his pace in the second half of this season.

The also-rans
Carlos Quentin, White Sox: You can't miss September and win the MVP, regardless how good you were before the injury.

Joe Mauer, Twins: Points for being a catcher, but Morneau is the dangerous bat in this lineup.

Cy Young
The contenders
Cliff Lee, Indians
Why: He has clearly been the best lefthanded pitcher in baseball this year. He's efficient, he's aggressive, and he has pitched with tons of confidence all year for a mediocre team.

Why not: Can't think of a single reason.

Roy Halladay, Blue Jays
Why: He's having one of his best seasons, ranking in the top three in the A.L. in wins, strikeouts, ERA, starts, WHIP and complete games. Why not: Wrong year to be anything less than historical.

Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
Why: He's blowing past the saves record like Mark McGwire blew past the home run record. He's turning in one of the best free-agent-to-be seasons of all time. Why not: Relievers only win if their ERAs are miniscule or the starting pitchers that year are so-so.

The also-rans
Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox: Good ERA and W/L record, but he plays with fire with all the runners he allows on base.

Mike Mussina, Yankees: Fantastic comeback season for the 39-year-old righthander.

Jon Lester, Red Sox: This is the year Lester stepped up and became much more than just an inspiring comeback story.

Rookie of the year
The contenders
Evan Longoria, Rays
Why: The Rays' rotation is the reason they have stayed in first place so long this year, but Longoria has been the most consistent bat in the lineup this summer. He earned rave reviews for his maturity and approach from his first week in the majors.

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Why not: There are no reasons why not -- he's going to win.

Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
Why: Ramirez showed tremendous poise, power and speed for a rookie, and he made a position of weakness a position of strength for the White Sox.

Why not: Because Longoria's a rookie, too.

The also-rans
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: Lots of stolen bases and a fair amount of runs, but he hasn't been nearly as consistent as Sox fans would have liked.

Armando Galarraga, Tigers: Who would have ever thought he'd be the best starter for the Tigers this year?

David Murphy, Rangers: Came over from the Red Sox in the Eric Gagne trade, which looks better for the Rangers all the time

Mike Aviles, Royals: Little shortstop with a big bat.

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