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St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was named as one of five finalists for the National League Most Valuable Player award by the Baseball Writers Association of America on Wednesday.
Molina joins Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley on the final ballot. The winner of the award will be announced next week.
Molina had a career year at the plate, hitting .315/.373/.501 with 22 home runs and 28 doubles for the Cardinals in 2012, while also providing his typical brand of superb defense behind it. He was selected to the NL All-Star team for the fourth-straight season, and last week, was named the league's Gold Glove winner at catcher for the fifth consecutive year.
Molina is the only member of the Cardinals to be named as a finalist for a major award this season. The BBWAA also announced the finalists for the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards for both leagues on Wednesday.