[timmgirvan]

Originally Posted by pmayjr

Timm,
You probably won't take me seriously, because I'm from MN. But I seriously disagree with literally everything you say. If you can get over the fact I'm from MN to view the valid points I'm about to raise- please read on, if not... I undertsand if you think I have a built in Bias.

In terms of intangables- like leadership ability, defense and straight up hard-nose'd play. Jeter kills Morneau. He really does. But! With all of that other talent that the Yankees have around him up and down that batting order, I still think the Yankees win the AL East without him.

For Morneau- He's a true Twins slugger that the Twins haven't had in literally 15 years. That's the last time the Twins had a 30 HR hitter. And in clutch situations, at least after early June, Morneau was $$$$$$. Morneau after June 1 was irreplacable in the Twins lineup. For his power hitting ability, his ability to come up with huge hits when the Twins needed them most, and that when he got hot in early June... hmm... kinda coincided with that massive run the Twins had, you gotta give it to him. Remember- On June 1st, the Twins were 10 games under .500. This run started with a big part having to do with Morneau's bat waking up.

Now as far as the voting process- Nobody was more shocked that Morneau won the award than Twins fans. Everyone here thought Morneau deserved it, but that there's this east coast bias that exists with these kind of awards. We thought Morneau deserved to win it, BUT WE THOUGHT HE HAD NO CHANCE BECAUSE OF AN EAST COAST BIAS that seems to take place with these things. I thought Jeter was a lock to win it, so I was pleasantly surprised when Morneau won.

So in conclusion- I don't take anything away from Jeter. He had a good year, and he represents everything that is good about baseball (except that he plays for the Yanks). He is the only Yankee I like and cheer for. But seriously- THE TWINS DO NOT WIN THE AL CENTRAL (and probably don't make the playoffs) WITHOUT THE EMERGENCE OF MORNEAU. With all of the other great players the Yanks have, they still probably win the AL East without Jeter. And that is the definition of MVP. As a complete player, no doubt Jeter is better. BUT WHO IS MORE VALUABLE TO THEIR TEAM?- Morneau without question. I'm happy Morneau won, not just as a Twins fan, but also because he deserved it.

Brian: Morneau had an incredible year,but if the Tigers played .500 ball for the monthe of Sept. then the Twins wouldn't have the title. And please remember that the yanks had a list of injuries that had makeshift lineup til middle of Sept. But it's all good. Enjoy the holiday,bub!