The goal of every player, every year, is to win the World Series (at least, it should be). In order to win the Series, you must first make the playoffs. The Tigers have done so this year, and the Angels haven’t. By that measure, the Tigers have had a more ‘successful’ season. They still have a chance to achieve the ultimate goal, and the Angel’s don’t.
Now, whether or not the MVP voting should be influenced by the team’s success is another argument, but if you think that it should (and I do), then Cabrera should get the nod, because his team is still in the race. Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.
This from a Giants fan who still has a bitter taste in his mouth from 1993.