Joe Mauer - MVP

Yesterday, as expected, Joe Mauer won the American League MVP award, in addition to the batting championship, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. The decision was nearly unanimous, with one bonehead voting for Miguel Cabrera.

Keizo Konishi of Kyodo News gave Cabrera the only other first place vote. Really Keizo? Miguel Cabrera? Not a bad player. But remember how he went out drinking with members of the White Sox, got drunk, got in a fight with his wife, had to be picked up at the police station, and went, I think, 0-11 when his team needed him the most? Most Valuable Player? Really?


The criteria for MVP voting are listed here and include:

"General character, disposition, loyalty and effort."

Cabrera hardly displayed any positive traits during his team's run for the playoffs. Who is Keizo Konishi anyway? Maybe that's why he (?) voted for Cabrera. Now we've heard his name, whereas before, he was unknown. Well Keizo, now you've got your 15 minutes of fame. Too bad people, if they remember you, will remember you for voting for a player that would rather get drunk and get in fights than help his team win the division. Not that he had to vote for Mauer. Why not Teixeira or Jeter? At least those would be realistic votes.

The "Sports Data" section of the Kyodo News is focused primarily on Sumo wrestling, golf and soccer. Maybe next year we should limit the voting to voters who know something about baseball.

Anyway. Way to go Joe! Let's hope the Twins can sign him to a long, long contract this winter.