New York fans in 2005 were furious that their team lost to the Angels in the AL postseason playoffs. They naturally directed all of their anger at ARod, or the face of the team.
Nevertheless, ARod was selected as the AL MVP.
ARod was the right choice. It was his second MVP in 3 years. His main opposition came from David Ortiz, the Bosox's DH.
In my book, an everyday player is a bigger MVP than a DH. I feel the same way about giving the MVP to a pitcher. The Cy Young is for pitchers. The MVP is for position player.
P.S. I should add that my opinion of ARod changed when he was involved in drug controversies. We did not know that in 2005.