We don't need the baseball writers to tell us who the MVP is. Derek Jeter is the MVP.

Jeter is the definition of Most Valuable Player. He showed up everyday (154 games played), led on the field as the Captain, and was the glue that held the team together when many other players went down. Sheffield and Matsui were out for most of the year; Cano missed six weeks; Giambi played in September (but the month was a wash for him due to a wrist injury); and ARod had an inconsistent year (to put it nicely). These players are All-Stars, and Jeter was the rock when they were gone.

There was nothing Jeter didn't do. He won his third straight gold glove at shortstop, hit .343, had 214 hits, 118 runs, 39 doubles, 14 HRs, 97 RBI, 34 stolen bases, hit .381 with RISP (to Morneau's .323), made the All-Star team, won the A.L. Hank Aaron Award, and dated Jessica Biel (pictured below). What else was there to do? Pitch?


This is not a knock on Justin Morneau, who had an excellent season. But, come on. Watching Jeter play every game is a pleasure; he's a manager's dream. Fundamental, clutch, a leader, always busting his butt down the line. A team player. The definition of MVP.

Jeter had 12 first place votes, 14 second, 1 fourth, and one clown (Joe Cowley* of the Chicago Sun-Times. What games was he watching?) had him sixth. Justin Morneau had 15 firsts, 8 seconds, 3 thirds, and 2 fourths. Final tally: Justin Morneau 320, Derek Jeter 306.

Classy as always, Jeter released a statement:
"While I know that voting for these awards is primarily based on differing opinions and statistical debates, it's also part of what makes baseball such a great sport.

Having said that, I'm flattered and honored to have been considered for the American League Most Valuable Player Award. I want to congratulate Justin Morneau on this well-deserved honor. He is a special player, and I suspect this won't be the last time you will hear his name mentioned when awards are being passed out.

"You've heard me say it a thousand times, but winning the World Series for the New York Yankees continues to be my main focus. There is no individual award that can compare with a championship trophy, and I look forward to working towards that challenge again in 2007."

It's funny that he even needed to release this statement. What does that tell you? That he was expected to be the MVP.

*Cowley has no clue. He had the responsibility of an MVP vote, and didn't even know what Jeter did in the big 5 game sweep over the Red Sox? Holy cow. Listen to the whole interview here, if you can stomach it.