Slugger Alex Rodriguez won the American League Most Valuable Player award for the third time in five years in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America on Monday.

Rodriguez, who also claimed MVP honors in 2003 and 2005, led the major leagues with 54 homers and 156 runs batted in for the New York Yankees last season. He also batted .314 and stole 24 bases in a brilliant all-around season.

The free-agent third baseman, who said he is close to completing a deal to remain with the Yankees, was named first on 26 of the 28 ballots.

"This one is a lot more satisfying," Rodriguez told a conference call when asked to compare his MVP awards, the last two coming since he came to New York in a trade with Texas.

"It was such a tough year to get into the playoffs," the 32-year-old said about the Yankees' struggle to overcome early-season injuries that ravaged the pitching staff.

"For me it has been a magical season, with my teammates and the fans - certainly a season I'll never forget."

Detroit Tigers right-fielder Magglio Ordonez, the American League batting champion with a .363 average, received the other two first-place votes and was runner-up.

Rodriguez joins former Yankees Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle as three-time winners of the American League MVP award along with Jimmie Foxx, who won MVP honors in the 1930s with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox.

Barry Bonds has been National League MVP a record seven times.

Rodriguez said his great season was built on hard work following a disappointing first-round playoff ouster in 2006 and a decision to be himself.

"From the downs of '06 to the ups of '07 is all part of the process," he said, referring to the booing he heard in 2006 and his struggles at the plate in the postseason against Detroit when he was dropped to eighth in the lineup.

Along with hitting homers at a red-hot pace, Rodriguez began enjoying himself more around his teammates.

"My relationship with my teammates has been the biggest improvement," said Rodriguez. "That's what I'm most proud of, being one of the guys."

Rodriguez did not want to discuss his talks with the Yankees, who have reportedly offered a 10-year deal worth around $275 million that would keep him as baseball's highest-paid player.

"There is a finish line in sight," he said. "I ask for a little patience."

Rodriguez said his burning goal remained a World Series title.

"There's definitely a huge hole in the resume. I would trade all three MVPs for one world championship. I have unfinished business in New York."

(China Daily via Agencies November 21, 2007)