Pioneer Press: Morneau long shot for MVP

Another Morneau MVP?  Why, why…even Killebrew is rolling his muscular eyes.

Two seasons ago, Morneau and New York’s Derek Jeter were in a close race for the award. And today? Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia is the likeliest winner, but Morneau, Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis, Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton, Chicago outfielder Carlos Quentin and Twins catcher Joe Mauer all have varying degrees of support.

Pretty exciting, isn’t it? Well, it’s not like last time.

“It doesn’t feel like 2006 because we didn’t make the playoffs,” Morneau said. “There is a bit of a feeling of suspense, but not like (then), because I’m not anticipating that I will win.”

...“You can make a strong argument for Joe. Our team would not have gotten to the point we were without him,” Morneau wrote. “It would be great to see a teammate and personal friend of mine win MVP.”

“I think I may have been a better player this year in terms of leadership and my role on this team. I was probably more consistent this year than in 2006,” he said. “If I win, it would be something very special and amazing to me. But at the same time, my one goal is to win a World Series and celebrate that with the people of Minnesota.”