Close But No Cigar

Justin Morneau edged Derek Jeter to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award. The vote was quite close - 320 to 306.

Morneau received 15 first-place votes, eight seconds, three thirds and two fourths for 320 points in voting by a panel of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Jeter got 12 firsts, 14 seconds, one fourth and one sixth for 306 points.

Boston's David Ortiz was third with 193 points, followed by Oakland's Frank Thomas (174), Chicago's Jermaine Dye (156), Minnesota's Joe Mauer (116) and Twins pitcher Johan Santana (114), who received the other first-place vote.

Morneau hit .321 with 34 homers and 130 RBIs, helping the Twins win the AL Central for the fourth time in five years. Jeter batted .344 with 14 homers and 97 RBIs, finishing three points behind Mauer, who became the first catcher to win an AL batting title.

Yesterday, Ryan Howard won the NL MVP award.

I can't say I'm surprised by the results. On to the Hot Stove!