Chicago Cubs: Cubbies Crib staff casts their end-of-year award votes

Chicago Cubs: CC staff can’t help but get behind Jose Altuve

For some, there is a debate as to who should take home the American League MVP. That debate hardly exists here at Cubbies Crib. Jose Altuve ran away with the honors, earning 11 of 13 votes on the staff – with his Houston Astros just four wins from its first World Series title.

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The Houston second baseman won his second-straight batting title with a .346 average. That pairs nicely with a fourth-straight 200-plus hit campaign in which he posted a career-best .957 OPS. Two of his teammates, George Springer and Carlos Correa, may have challenged Altuve for the honors had injury not interfered.

"“They’re so talented,” veteran outfielder Josh Reddick said. “And so young. You forget how young all three of those guys are when you watch them. They are already such elite ballplayers and have a lot of years left. It’s going to be crazy watching what they are able to accomplish.”"

Altuve is one of those guys who genuinely loves the game and plays all-out every single pitch of every single game. And, to fans in a city still recovering from a hurricane, he’s a beacon of hope.

Personally, he got my vote for his all-around game. Judge had his ups-and-downs in his historic rookie campaign. But, from the word ‘go,’ Altuve was firing on all cylinders. It’s hard to not vote for him when you take that into account.