FanHome - View Single Post

Minnesotakid · November 25th, 2006, 10:02 PM

Morneau as MVP is a surprise only because he comes from small market Minnesota. Yankee fans understandably think their guy Jeter got robbed. He indeed had a great year. I love the way that guy plays - he's Hall of Fame stuff! But, once again, the semantics of the term "most valuable" are in question. Is it individual stats? Or value to one's team?

Consider this:
The Yankees, sans Derek Jeter, could have won the pennant. A decent shortstop with an average bat could have been sandwiched into their current "murderers row." The Twins don't come close to a wild card, much less a division championship, without Justin Morneau and his innumerable big hits.

The fact he didn't hit 47 - 50 homers like Ortiz or Howard makes him an underwhelming choice to today's fans, who are used to other "numbers" players from recent times who have compiled huge numbers under shady circumstances (i.e., using "vitamin supplements").

What is not understood nationally about Morneau is that he is an excellent hitter who has become more selective at the plate, taking the ball the other way for doubles and singles to drive in baserunners instead of pulling for the homerun every time up. Also, he didn't have the most dangerous RBI man of the past 25 years (Manny) hitting next to him in the lineup. Therefore, fewer hittable pitches for him. As good as Joe Mauer is, he cannot be labeled a great run producer, at least at this point in his career.

As it is, the Twins have a great nucleus in their batting order for years to come.

November 25th, 2006, 10:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Minnesotakid New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Prague, Minnesota Posts: 2	Suprised the voters got MVP right! Morneau as MVP is a surprise only because he comes from small market Minnesota. Yankee fans understandably think their guy Jeter got robbed. He indeed had a great year. I love the way that guy plays - he's Hall of Fame stuff! But, once again, the semantics of the term "most valuable" are in question. Is it individual stats? Or value to one's team? Consider this: The Yankees, sans Derek Jeter, could have won the pennant. A decent shortstop with an average bat could have been sandwiched into their current "murderers row." The Twins don't come close to a wild card, much less a division championship, without Justin Morneau and his innumerable big hits. The fact he didn't hit 47 - 50 homers like Ortiz or Howard makes him an underwhelming choice to today's fans, who are used to other "numbers" players from recent times who have compiled huge numbers under shady circumstances (i.e., using "vitamin supplements"). What is not understood nationally about Morneau is that he is an excellent hitter who has become more selective at the plate, taking the ball the other way for doubles and singles to drive in baserunners instead of pulling for the homerun every time up. Also, he didn't have the most dangerous RBI man of the past 25 years (Manny) hitting next to him in the lineup. Therefore, fewer hittable pitches for him. As good as Joe Mauer is, he cannot be labeled a great run producer, at least at this point in his career. As it is, the Twins have a great nucleus in their batting order for years to come.