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Grady Sizemore won't be in the top five in the American League MVP balloting, maybe not even the top 10. The Indians really never were in the AL Central race, and Sizemore remained out of the hype circle most of the year.

Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Albert Pujols, Ryan Howard, Jermaine Dye, Frank Thomas, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau all had MVP contending seasons in the contexts of pennant races. But if Alex Rodriguez could win the MVP in Texas and others like Andre Dawson and Ernie Banks did not suffer for their teams' weaknesses, then why can't Sizemore at least come into the award discussions?

He is a prime defender at a middle-of-the-field position. He plays as hard -- if not harder -- than any player in either league. He leads the American League in doubles, extra-base hits and runs, is second to Ortiz in total bases and Carl Crawford in triples, he's hit 28 homers out of the leadoff spot, his VORP (value over replacement player) is fourth in the AL and his OPS (on-base plus slugging) is in the top 15.

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