It's been quite a season in the American League, and fans around the league agreed, as they set several records in terms of MLB tickets purchased. They got to see several unbelievable performances, and things are going to get quite interesting in the postseason, even though several spots have yet to be determined. We'd like to get a jump on the media and voters and make our predictions for the AL award winners for 2006.

MVP: Derek Jeter

This is a tough call, as there are players, such as David Ortiz, who had better statistical seasons than Jeter, but there are a few reasons why Jeter will win. He was the glue on a team that not only won the AL East, but also a team that went through a very volatile season. Jeter remains the quiet leader and the guy who brings a calming influence and a confidence to the Yankees. Not to mention, Jeter will probably finish high on many ballots regardless of whether he's voted first, which will most likely give him the points necessary to win the award. The bottom line is he deserves it.

Cy Young: Johan Santana

This choice is a bit easier. Santana fulfills all the typical requirements for a Cy Young winner. He plays on a winning team and he leads the AL in the following categories: wins, ERA, IP, SO, BAA, WHIP and winning percentage. That's a dominant line, and Santana held it together for the Twins' surge towards the postseason when promising staff mate Francisco Liriano went down with injury. Santana will be a proud addition to the list of Cy Young winners.

Comeback Player of the Year: Frank Thomas

This one is a no-brainer, as Thomas had all but disappeared from the sport in recent years. In his prime, the "Big Hurt" could move MLB tickets all by himself, but injuries, age and dwindling production appeared to get the best of him. He was basically an afterthought when he moved to Oakland, but he has provided the power in the A's lineup that they seemed to lack for years. All Thomas has done this year is rank in the top 10 in the AL in every offensive category.

Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland

Leyland's work with the Tigers has been nothing short of amazing. He took a team that no one was talking about in the spring and led them to a start that's basically providing the cushion that should allow them to hang on to their postseason spot. The Tigers are a young team that needed to learn how to win, and Leyland is instilling that winning mentality. That's no small task for a team and organization that has been mired in losing for several years.

Caveat - If the Tigers somehow fail to qualify for the postseason, Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire could wind up with this award.

Rookie of the Year: Justin Verlander

Verlander came to the Tigers and basically stepped in as the number one starter immediately. That's a lot to accomplish for a rookie on a team that's been leading the division for most of the season, and Verlander's stats speak for themselves. He ranks in the top 10 in the AL in wins and ERA, and assuming the Tigers get to the postseason, he's going to be vital to the Tigers' chances.

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with these predictions, we all have to agree that it's been a great year for MLB tickets, as every one of these awards has several deserving candidates.