Morneau: MVP
A year ago, Justin Morneau was wrapping up a disappointing season that began with a lot of promise and hype. This year the Twins first baseman is being mentioned as a top contender for AL MVP. Although the elite East Coast media will likely ensure the award goes to Derek Jeter or David Ortiz, Morneau is the most deserving of the honor.

The Twins were floundering below .500 in early June when the 25-year-old slugger got hot and carried his team to the postseason. Despite winning three straight division titles earlier in the decade, the Twins lacked a middle-of-the-order power presence needed to be taken as serious World Series contenders. Morneau has filled that void. With 34 homers and 129 RBI, Morneau is more than a power hitter. The big Canadian's batting average has steadily hovered in the .325 range.

Besides, the Yankees make the playoffs every year and would have done so even if Jeter hit .270. With an obscenely star-studded lineup, he's hardly asked to carry his team. Ortiz meanwhile, is a DH and his 50-plus home runs weren't enough to get Boston back to the playoffs. The choice is clear, but will the voters look long enough to see it?

Spin City
In a spin technique that would make even the most jaded politician proud, the Red Sox are attempting to write off their disappointing season as a "rebuilding year." Please. Boston's $120 million payroll ranks second in the big leagues, they made a blockbuster trade to acquire Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, they kept 39-year-old Curt Schilling around and gave a huge contract to 34-year-old catcher Jason Varitek. These are not things "rebuilding" teams do. Ask fans in Kansas City, Pittsburgh or Milwaukee. They know all about "rebuilding." Those franchises rebuild annually and they don't do it with high priced veterans and finish with more than 85 wins.

Last Look At A Legend?
According to reports, Washington manager Frank Robinson will be let go following the season. It could be the last stop in a legendary career for the 71-year-old. During his playing days, Robinson won an MVP in both leagues, a Triple Crown, a World Series MVP and nearly joined Hank Aaron and Willie Mays in the 600 home run/3,000 hit club (586/2,943). It 1975, he became the first black manager in history, taking over the helm of the Indians. In 1989, he was named the AL Manager of the Year with Baltimore. In 2002, he became the Montreal Expos final skipper and made the team unlikely contenders. Few men have accomplished more in the game than Frank Robinson.