The AL MVP winner was not much of a surprise; Joe Mauer had a terrific season, and he deserves this award.

He hit against lefties and he hit against righties while playing arguably the most demanding position on the field and winning a Gold Glove.

He had a dynamic year.

The Twins were a team decimated by injuries, and Joe was no exception, missing all of April with an injured back.  He came back with a bang, blasting a home run in his first at bat, and he carried the Twins from that point on.  The Twins pulled off something special in the AL Central, and Mauer was a key component in that charge to the playoffs. 

Greg, Al, Mitch and I will be talking to Joe at 6pm ET, on Hot Stove. 

The runners up had terrific years, but Mauer Power was just too much. 

Derek Jeter silenced his critics this season, proving he his can still play the shortstop position at a high level for a World Championship team.  He also hit the ball pretty well too.

Mark Teixeira was everything the Yankees hoped he would be when the opened the bank for him.  He performed under the pressure of New York, had a great year at the plate and is also the best defensive first baseman out there right now.

Speaking of first baseman, there is no doubt that Albert Pujols is going to win the NL MVP tomorrow.  As long as he’s breathing, in uniform, and at the ballpark, he’s the best player in the NL. No question he is the total package.  

Tony La Russa called him the best player he’s ever managed  He’s managed a cluster of great players, including Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire, and Jose Canseco, but Albert is a once in a lifetime kind of player. 

And just in case you’re wondering, Pujols is 0-1 against my change-up. Got him to pop up.  – Dan Plesac

Click here to watch the interview with Joe Mauer from Monday night.