The Definition of Value

Funny thing about this year's American League "MVP": when I (along with every Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and other baseball fan) look back on Alex Rodriguez's 2005, here's what I recall: Rodriguez struck out swinging; Rodriguez hit by pitch; Rodriguez struck out swinging; Rodriguez grounded into double play third to second to first, Jeter out at second; Rodriguez grounded out to third; Rodriguez walked; Rodriguez walked; Rodriguez walked; Rodriguez grounded out to third; Rodriguez doubled to deep right; Rodriguez struck out looking; Rodriguez walked; , Rodriguez singled to shallow left center; Rodriguez grounded out to shortstop; Rodriguez flied out to left; Rodriguez struck out looking; Rodriguez walked; Rodriguez walked; Rodriguez popped out to second; Rodriguez struck out swinging; Rodriguez hit by pitch; Rodriguez grounded out to shortstop; and of course, Rodriguez grounded into double play third to second to first, Jeter out at second. Totals: 2-15, 0 RBI

And just for good measure: Cabrera safe at first on 3rd baseman Rodriguez's fielding error; and of course, Rodriguez caught stealing, catcher to shortstop.

But it's not like all this happened during an important 5-game stretch or anything.