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.

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