MVP Candidates

American League

Alex Rodriguez - The best player in baseball, at 25, looking to lead his team to a division title and then sign the biggest contract in baseball history.

Carlos Delgado - The most productive hitter in baseball this season; he leads the majors in both on-base percentage and slugging average.

Pedro Martinez - The best pitcher in baseball should have won the MVP last year - and has been even more dominant this season.

Nomar Garciaparra - Flirting with a .400 average, Garciaparra has done for the Red Sox almost as much as Rodriguez has for the Mariners.

Edgar Martinez - Is finally getting some of the acclaim he has always deserved this season. If he can keep this pace up for a few more years, he may have a chance at election to the Hall of Fame.

Frank Thomas - After two off years, his bat has revived and has helped keep the White Sox in first place all season.

Jason Giambi - Has become such a powerful offensive player that the Athletics may not be able to afford him much longer - his contract expires after 2001.

National League

Gary Sheffield - Finally staying healthy and living up to his offensive potential, Sheffield is second in the league in on-base percentage and third in the league in slugging percentage.

Barry Bonds - Ho hum! Just another MVP quality season, for the 11th year in a row.

Jeff Kent - Is having a career season, with his on-base percentage and slugging percentage both at levels 50 points higher than his previous career highs. He and Bonds are the best 3-4 lineup combination in the game, and the prime reason the Giants are still in the hunt.

Jim Edmonds - Has excelled both offensively and defensively for the Cardinals this year. Clearly was the most valuable offseason acquisition by any team. With McGwire disabled, Edmonds will have to provide the pop necessary to keep the Cardinals in first.

Mike Piazza - The greatest offensive catcher in history is up there as always, once again proving the wisdom of the Mets' investment in him.

Randy Johnson - Can't talk about value with out talking about the Big Unit, who appears to be on track for yet another Cy Young Award

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