Peers vote Cards' Pujols MLB's player of the year

NEW YORK -- Cardinals outfielder Albert Pujols, who last season led the major leagues in hitting and finished among the leaders in most offensive categories, was voted player of the year by his peers in balloting conducted by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Pujols, 23, also won NL outstanding player in the Players Choice Awards, which were announced Wednesday. Texas shortstop Alex Rodriguez was voted AL outstanding player for the third straight season.

Atlanta closer John Smoltz was voted the Marvin Miller man of the year award, given for on-field performance and community service.

Toronto's Roy Halladay was voted the AL's outstanding pitcher, and Los Angeles reliever Eric Gagne was selected the NL's outstanding pitcher.

Kansas City's Angel Berroa and Milwaukee's Scott Podsednik were voted the outstanding rookies of their leagues.

Pujols hit .359 with 43 home runs and 124 RBIs.

NL Gold Glove winners

Third baseman Scott Rolen, shorstop Edgar Renteria, outielder Jim Edmonds and catcher Mike Matheny of the Cardinals were among those honored with NL Gold Gloves.

Rolen won his fifth Gold Glove, while Edmonds collected his seventh. Matheny and Renteria won for the second time.

-- From wire reports