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Lyle Overbay, seen being congratulated after hitting a home run in Friday's win over Kansas City, is the American League player of the week.FRED THORNHILL

Toronto first baseman Lyle Overbay was named American League player of the week Monday, becoming the second Blue Jay to win the award in a four-week span.

Overbay batted a major-league-best .533 for the week (8-for-15) with two homers, eight RBI and a 1.200 slugging percentage. He took a 13-game hitting streak into Toronto's series opener Monday night against the Texas Rangers.

Overbay's honour comes on the heels of ace pitcher Roy Halladay winning the award in May. Halladay was a nominee for last week's award after going 2-0 with two complete games and 20 strikeouts in two outings.

Other American League nominees include Jays teammate Adam Lind, who led the American League in hits and doubles last week; Oakland outfielder Matt Holliday, who scored seven runs and drove in nine; and Athletics pitcher Vin Mazzaro, who threw 13 2/3 scoreless innings to begin his major-league career.

Colorado Rockies utilityman Ian Stewart took home National League honours after batting .480 (12-for-25) with four homers and 12 RBI. Other nominees include Cincinnati's Laynce Nix (.321, 3 HR, 8 RBI) and San Francisco's Randy Johnson, who became the 24th pitcher to reach the 300-win plateau.



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