Why I Voted Morneau for AL MVP

I voted for Justin Morneau for American League Most Valuable Player. But I'm glad Dustin Pedroia won.   Frankly, I would have been glad if Joe Mauer or Kevin Youkilis had won, too. The race this season was that close, and I won't lie—I was never comfortable with my vote. Pedroia, the Red Sox's second baseman, is a personal favorite, a fierce competitor who was criticized more heavily by rival scouts as a minor leaguer than any player I recall. He has developed into a wondrous all-around talent, winning a Gold Glove last season, stealing 20 bases in 21 attempts, hitting for power. The Red Sox even used him briefly in the cleanup spot, and he went a ridiculous 12-for-18. Why then, did I pick Morneau, the Twins' first baseman? As I wrote in late September, Morneau is the Twins' rock, to an even greater extent than the incomparable Mauer. I'm not sure any other player means more to his team. Usually, I lean toward middle-of-the-diamond performers in MVP discussions. Morneau, ... (link)