The most exciting race in baseball

Every morning, baseball fans check the latest standings to see who gained or lost a game in the race for a division title or wild-card berth. What's the magic number down to now? Do the teams tied right now play each other anymore this season?

Of course the pennant race is exciting. Remember the last day of the 2011 regular season, when Tampa Bay won and Boston lost within minutes of each other to give the Rays a playoff berth?

Pennant races happen every year. That's nice, but put the standings down and look elsewhere for a moment.

The most exciting race in baseball right now does not involve games won or lost. It involves hitting, homers and RBIs as Detroit's Miguel Cabrera makes a run at something no American Leaguer has done in 45 years -- win the Triple Crown.

If you think horse racing's Triple Crown is more elusive, you would be incorrect. Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1978. Boston's Carl Yastrzemski won the American League's Triple Crown in 1967. And he's one of just 14 people to ever win a Triple Crown, regardless of league, since 1878, compared with 11 horses since 1919.

Cabrera has competition in home runs and RBIs from Texas' Josh Hamilton, while Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Los Angeles' Mike Trout chase him for the batting title.

A look at the American League leaders in the three categories heading into Wednesday's game:

PLAYER	TEAM	AVERAGE	GAMES LEFT
Miguel Cabrera	Tigers	.329	8
Joe Mauer	Twins	.326	7
Mike Trout	Angels	.324	8
Derek Jeter	Yankees	.321	8

 

PLAYER	TEAM	HOME RUNS	GAMES LEFT
Josh Hamilton	Rangers	43	8
Miguel Cabrera	Tigers	42	8
Adam Dunn	White Sox	41	8
Edwin Encarnacion	Blue Jays	41	8

 

PLAYER	TEAM	RBI	GAMES LEFT
Miguel Cabrera	Tigers	133	8
Josh Hamilton	Rangers	124	7
Josh Willingham	Twins	110	8
Edwin Encarnacion	Blue Jays	106	8

 

Is there any question as to who the American League MVP should be this season? If you say yes, there is, then go vote here. Of course, if you agree, then go vote here anyway.