Justin Morneau wonders where the hysterics are now
Posted on November 18th, 2008 – 3:44 PMBy Michael Rand
OK, he doesn’t really. But we wonder on his behalf. How could he edge out precious Kevin Youkilis for second place in the AL MVP balloting. And really, how could he finish ahead of Derek Jeter again? When will the East Coast media monopoly have its full due. Dustin Pedroia is but one small step.
Just for fun, let’s have a look back at the outrage of 2006 when Morneau (a former hockey player from flyover country) beat out Jeter (a subpar defensive player who delivers babies in the back seats of taxicabs with nothing but his calm eyes and a shovel).
This is from the New York Post’s George King:
Derek Jeter hasn’t had to swallow much garbage in his career. But finishing second in the AL MVP race to Justin Morneau likely required an ocean of flavored water to get it down the Yankee captain’s throat.
Much is made of Jeter’s desire to win the World Series but he competes in everything, and the MVP, the only award missing from his Hall of Fame resume, would have been welcomed.
However, Jeter has long understood the BBWAA voters being seduced by power numbers and that’s not Jeter’s game. It shouldn’t take away from what he does but it’s a factor. So, too, is an anti-New York/Yankees attitude. Combined they were too much for Jeter to overcome.
Yesterday’s reaction that Morneau, who hit .321 with 34 homers and 130 RBIs, eked by Jeter correctly brought shock from every corner of the baseball galaxy.
Even the winner was surprised.
“I didn’t expect to get it,” said Morneau, who garnered 15 first-place votes and 320 points to Jeter’s 12 first-place votes and 306 points. “I was giving myself a 50-50 chance. He is a shortstop, I am a first baseman and he is the captain of that team.”
As usual, Jeter took the news in stride.
“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,” Jeter said. “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. Winning the World Series for the 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.”
Let’s all be thankful that Dustin Pedroia didn’t have to swallow that same garbage, even if Youkilis did.
14 Responses to "Justin Morneau wonders where the hysterics are now"
Derek Jeter hasn’t had to swallow much garbage in his career. But finishing second in the AL MVP race to Justin Morneau likely required an ocean of flavored water to get it down the Yankee captain’s throat.
What do editors at the New York Post do, exactly? Jeebus Xmas.
poor Jeter, at least he has his gold gloves to sleep at night.
What are you talking about, Stu? That there’s gold!
This is the first time anyone has ever claimed Jeter doesn’t swallow.
/low hanging fruit
What are you talking about, Stu? That there’s gold!
Tone Loc hasn’t had a lot of stomach problems in his career. But losing the 1990 Best New Artist Grammy to Milli Vanilli likely required a bathtub full of Pepto-Bismol to get it down the “Wild Thing” rapper’s throat.
Germany hasn’t had to shoot much heroin into its eyeball in its career. But finishing second in two World Wars likely required a syringe full of Mr. Brownstone to get the Fatherland to nod off.
Clarence, latte, stu
When refering to Jeter and swallowing, I don’t think it’s gold “gloves” they’re talking about.
Robert Conrad hasn’t had swallow much pride in his career. But finishing second to Charlene Tilton in the Battle of the Network Stars obstacle course likely required a gallon jug of Jameson to get it down the Baa Baa Black Sheep star’s throat.
Stu, I could read your re-written George King ledes all day.
Sword swallowers haven’t had to swallow much garbage in their careers. The exception is when the swords are made of garbage, in which case they do have to swallow the garbageswords, as that is their profession.
Tommy Lee hasn’t really had a problem getting women (or hepatitis), but it couldn’t have taken less than 4 visits to Nikki Sixx’s place to get over going to jail, Joining Methods of Mayhem, and seeing your old lady (formerly the hottest woman on the planet) getting plugged by the likes of Kid Rock (in that order).
Tony Micelli hasn’t had to swallow a lot of likely stories in his career. So, when Samantha tells him that she’s going to be studying at a friend’s house when he just knows that she’s really going out on a date with that college boy who she’s much too young to be with, he doesn’t believe her, which leads to a misunderstanding with Angela, some wisecracks from Mona and a heartwarming resolution.
The sword swallower one got me. Good work. I think that’s the straw that broke the COW’s back.
I heard that Jeter only uses the Gold Gloves for cleanup.
