Justin Verlander Named American League MVP

Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers has been named the 2011 American League Most Valuable Player, as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America. 

Verlander becomes the first pitcher to win the MVP award since Dennis Eckersley in 1992, and the first starting pitcher to receive the honor since Roger Clemens won it 1986. The Tigers' starting pitcher made 34 appearances this season and is credited with 24 wins with career best 2.40 ERA.

Verlander had been previously named the 2011 American League Cy Young.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury finished second in the voting, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista finished third, and New York Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson finished fourth.

In 2011 Ellsbury hit .321 with 32 home runs and 105 RBIs. The Red Sox Gold Glove award winner also boasted a career best slugging percentage of .552, and stole 39 bases.