Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was named the American League MVP Tuesday, receiving 22 first-place votes.
He beat out Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista for the award.
Hamilton, 29, batted .359/.411/.633 in 571 plate appearances in 2010, belting 32 home runs along the way. His 1.044 OPS led the American League.
Because Hamilton missed substantial time during the final weeks of the season, many had thought Cabrera would have the inside track on the award. While he was on the field, however, Hamilton was clearly the best player in baseball in 2010.
Here are five reasons Hamilton deserved to win this award, starting with the simplest one, already mentioned.