Cruz named finalist for Hank Aaron Award

The word on the street is that Major League Baseball won't announce the starting times for the American League Division Series until Tuesday.

I don't know what time they're going to announce it. I don't even now what time it is as I'm typing this entry.

I do know that MAVTV, a channel I've never heard of until today, is currently showing "Brian's Song."

I will not cry. I will not cry. I will ...

Nelson Cruz has been named as one of 30 finalists for the 2014 Hank Aaron Award. Each club is represented.

Fans and a special panel of Hall of Fame players, including former Oriole Eddie Murray, may vote exclusively online at MLB.com and the 30 team sites.

The award has recognized the most outstanding offensive performer in each league since its inception in 1999.

Cruz batted .271/.333/.525 with 32 doubles, a major league-leading 40 home runs and 108 RBIs in 159 games. He recently was named Most Valuable Oriole.

The American League finalists for the 2014 Hank Aaron Award are:

Baltimore Orioles: Nelson Cruz
Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz
Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu
Cleveland Indians: Michael Brantley
Detroit Tigers: Victor Martinez
Houston Astros: Jose Altuve
Kansas City Royals: Alex Gordon
LA Angels of Anaheim: Mike Trout
Minnesota Twins: Trevor Plouffe
New York Yankees: Brett Gardner
Oakland Athletics: Josh Donaldson
Seattle Mariners: Robinson Cano
Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria
Texas Rangers: Adrian Beltre
Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista

The Hall of Fame panel also includes Aaron, Roberto Alomar, Johnny Bench, Paul Molitor, Frank Thomas and Robin Yount.

Fans may vote through Oct. 5. The winners in each league will be announced during the World Series.