Phil Pepe's Last Article.

ARod took on Jeter and lost.

Big Papi took on Jeter and lost.

Two rules in New York City: (1) Don't take visitors to the Statue of Liberty and (2) Don't take on Derek Jeter:

"I believe fervently in the literal definition of the term 'Most Valuable.' The award was designed to go not to the year's outstanding player, but rather to the one most instrumental in the success of his team ..."

Which is why this article is about Joe Mauer?

Which is why not a single everyday player on the 95-win Tigers received a single MVP vote?

Which is why Ryan Howard won the NL MVP and his team didn't even make the playoffs?


"On June 7, the Twins were 25-33, 11 ½ games behind the Tigers in the AL Central and Morneau was batting .236 with 11 home runs and 38 runs batted in."

Is it really necessary to point out that baseball games count in April, May, and June?

Is it really necessary to point out that Pepe is trying to support Morneau's MVP case while pointing out that Morneau was hitting .236 on June 7?

Is it really necessary to write six consecutive sentences that are rhetorical questions?


"From June 8 to the end of the season, Morneau batted .362 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs, and the Twins went 71-33, passed the Tigers and won the division championship. That, to me, is the definition of a Most Valuable Player. How much clearer can it be?"

With no basis for comparison, it's very unclear.

Maybe the Twins passed the Tigers because the Twins had a pitcher who lost zero games at home the entire season.


"To say that Jeter deserves extra consideration as MVP because he plays a critical position on defense is a valid point. Jeter not only is the Yankees' shortstop, but an exceptional one, the winner of a Gold Glove this year."

Ha ha ha.

Phew.

Pepe gets to keep his job after all.