JuMo for MVP.

Justin Morneau should be the American League MVP this year. You think I'm just being a homer, but the guy is clutch.

Last night against Oakland is a perfect example. With runners on second and third, down one run, in the bottom of the eigth, Morneau comes to the plate. Do you think there was any chance he wouldn't get those two guys in? Shyeah right, about as much chance as Bonds being clean. Double off the wall in left center, two RBI. Steals home for an insurance run. This guy is definitely in the top of the AL MVP race.

Consider these numbers: Last night JuMo hit his 18th game-winning RBI of the season, tied with Alex "Get Me Chuck Knoblauch's Number" Rodriguez for the AL lead. He has a .962 OPS. I'm still new to that stat, so I can't tell you if that's good or not, but you can't argue with .324 AVG, 33 HR, 120 RBI. He's the first Twin to hit 30 HR since 1987, for crying out loud.

Who's his competition? David Ortiz? Not unless the Red Sox somehow make a unprecedented charge into the playoffs. Jermaine Dye? Again, no playoffs, no pick. Derek Jeter? I'd say he's the main competition. Oh, and let's throw Johan Santana into the mix. The sad part is that the baseball media won't notice Morneau, and they'll hand off the MVP to Jeter by default. It's a shame, but that's how it works. Small market teams get the shaft every time. I'll just have to take solace in a Twins victory over the Yankees in the ALCS.

Added note: I'm declaring the remainder of September "Wear Your Favorite Twins Facial Hair Half-Month". I'll be sporting the Joe Nathan Soul Patch.