Joe Mauer added another major trophy to his post-season collection today, and this was the big one — the American League Most Valuable Player Award, announced moments ago by the Baseball Writers Association of America.
Mauer earned 27 of the 28 first-place votes and 387 points to beat out Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter of the Yankees. Mauer is the fifth Twin to win the MVP, joining Zoilo Versailles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977) and teammate Justin Morneau (2006).
Is anyone surprised? After missing spring training and the first month of the season with back problems, Mauer rejoined the Twins on May 1 and homered on his first swing. He went on to win his third batting title in four years, with the highest average in major-league history by a catcher (.365). He also became the first player since George Brett in 1980, and the 12th ever, to lead the A.L. in batting average, slugging and on-base percentage in the same season.
Since the Yankees ended the Twins’ season with a three-game sweep in the Division Series, Mauer has won his second Gold Glove, plus his third Silver Slugger Award as the best offensive catcher in the A.L. And now this. Pretty good haul for the kid from St. Paul.
The Twins scheduled a press conference with Mauer at the Metrodome, so look for an update later this afternoon.
A delightful recognition of Joe Mauer’s contributions and value to the Minnesota Twins. He surely earned the award. Good for him!