There have been three different “official” most valuable player awards in Major League Baseball since 1911; the Chalmer’s Award (1911-1914), the League Award (1922-1929), and this is the third, and currently awarded, version simply referred to as the Most Valuable Player Award.

This one was first awarded in 1931 and its full title is the Baseball Writers Most Valuable Player Award, or the M.V.P. by the rest of us, and it is presented annually by the Baseball Writers Association of America. It is considered by Major League Baseball as the only “official” most valuable player award and symbolizes the pinnacle of a player’s personal achievement during any single season of play.

Last year, Albert Pujols (my predicted winner) and Joe Mauer won this award in their respective leagues. Let’s take a look at some of the candidates this year and who I believe will win the award this year.

National League

Candidates: Troy Tulowitzki, Albert Pujols, Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Justin Upton

Ramirez will take home the NL MVP in 2010

Winner: Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins

There is going to be a year where Ramirez puts it all together–the home runs, the average, the stolen bases, the everything. I think this is the year that Ramirez puts it all together.

With the Marlins bringing back their core offensive players this year, Ramirez will have the protection in the lineup that he needs to compete with the likes of Pujols. That, coupled with the Marlins fielding a competitive team this year, Ramirez will win his first MVP award in 2010.

American League

Candidates: Alex Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria, BJ Upton, Kevin Youkilis

Winner: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Last year Longoria hit .281 with 33 home runs and drove in 113 runs. That’s with a June and July where he hit .211 and having a lineup surrounding him that didn’t have some of their best players (Pat Burrell and BJ Upton, specifically) produce.

I am going to bank on Longoria not having those down months and the lineup around him betting better, which means more runs and RBI opportunities.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghosofmlg

By The Baseball Index