MLB: 5 Things to Watch for in the Second Half of the Season

Miguel Cabrera is a possibility for MVP and Triple Crown winner

July 21, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers third basemen Miguel Cabrera (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Last year Miguel Cabrera made history by becoming the first player to win Major League Baseball’s Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski won it playing for the Boston Red Sox in 1967. For those who don’t know, a player becomes the Triple Crown Winner when they lead both the American and National Leagues in batting average, RBIs, and home runs

Cabrera had a batting average of .330, hit 44 home runs, and 139 RBIs last year to have the best stats in each category. So far, this year, he has a .358 batting average, has hit in 96 RBIs, and has hit 31 home runs.

With these stats, it’s projected he will hit in 159 RBIs as well as 51 home runs, better stats than last season. He currently has the most RBIs and the highest batting average; however, he does not have the most home runs. Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles has more with 37. The race is close, so watch to see if Cabrera takes the lead in home runs as the season continues.

There is historical significance here too. Not only would this make Cabrera the first person to win the Triple Crown in 45 years (from when he won in 2012), but he would be only one of three people to win twice.

The other two were Rogers Hornsby who played for Sain Louis (in 1922 and 1925) and Ted Williams who played for Boston (1942 and 1947). And, to top it off, Cabrera would become the first player in Major League Baseball’s history to win back to back Triple Crowns.

If Cabrera wins the Triple Crown again this year, I don’t see how he won’t win the MVP title as well.