Justin Morneau Prefers Anonymity

In 2006 Twins first baseman Justin Morneau won the American League MVP award, hitting .321 with 34 homers and 131 runs driven in for the division winning Minnesota Twins. At the time there was plenty of uproar coming from the east coast where a lot of Yankees fans thought that Derek Jeter deserved the award.

Personally, if I'd have had a vote that year (I didn't, though that didn't stop me from calling Bud Selig non-stop to share my opinion) I would have voted for Morneau as well. He's a terrific player, but generally toils in obscurity thanks to the fact he plays for the small market Twins, and I thought he deserved to be noticed. Though Justin would prefer nobody knew who he was.

"I like it here. I like it the way it is," Morneau said. "I like being able to go to the plaza in Kansas City and walk around and nobody knows who I am. On our off day (last week in Kansas City), Joe (Mauer) and I went to see a movie, and we went out for dinner, and nobody saw us.

"[The Yankees] can't do that.

"I like being the underdog, too. Nobody really ever expects us to win. That makes it more gratifying when you do win."

Considering that Justin grew up in Canada, it's really no surprise that he would also enjoy Minnesota. I mean the place is basically Canada anyway, minus the universal health care and Loonies. Of course, I'm pretty sure the $80 million the Twins will be paying Justin over the next six seasons goes a long way towards his enjoyment of the place as well.