I was ready to publish a story on the MVP chase yesterday, but technical issues stopped production.

It's a good thing too. I was prepared to give the award to Minnesota's Justin Morneau, especially after reading Wednesday's Star Tribune article. I have given him props before.

I also made a case for his teammate Joe Mauer, who doesn't have near the stats but has maintained a solid approach to the season, leads the league in average and has called some pretty good games to get his team near the top of its division and the wild card race.

Mauer numbers aren't as good as the leadership he brings to that surging baseball organization. He has little power and has scored as many runs as he's knocked in (79).

But the 23-year-old catcher has been a catalyst most of the year. Toying with a .400 average for a large amount of the season and still leads the league in that category (.343)

He is also one of the reasons Johann Santana and Francisco Liriano have had such successful years.

He reminds me of a young Jason Varitek. He won't even get a vote but I assure you that the Twins players think very highly of him.

But that was all before I witnessed David Ortiz smacking his 50th home run, tying the Red Sox organizational record held by Jimmie Foxx.

It's hard to believe that 68 years have gone by since anyone on the Red Sox has hit 50. It couldn't have happened to a better player.

Ortiz leads the American League in that category as well as RBIs and is third in OPS.
He continues to make his case, but without a playoff appearance, it will be a tough case to prove.

On the 12th, the Boston Globe wrote Ortiz prowess stirs memories of Foxx.

In 1938 despite his team ending the season second to the New York Yankees, Jimmie Foxx won his third MVP Award. Along with those 50 home runs, he batted .349 and knocked in an astounding 175 runners.

Old "Double X" was indeed one of the best players of all time. Similar to Ortiz, he was known for his positive attitude, generosity and of course his power. No one hit it harder than "The Beast." Not even Big Papi.

And though I truly believe that an MVP should be on a playoff roster, precedent has been set. Perhaps Ortiz does have enough on his resume to be this year's MVP.

Speaking of successful years, Johann Santana is well on his way to another Cy Young. In fact, you could easily give it to him today. He leads the A.L. in strikeouts, wins, WHIP, batting average against, ERA and innings pitched. We'll all get a good look at the lefty tonight when he faces Boston.

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