As expected, Mauer wins MVP

Congratulations go out to Joe Mauer who won the American League MVP award with 27 of the 28 first place votes.

The one surprise of the voting was that Miguel Cabrera – who finished fourth overall – received the other first place vote.  I’d love to see that writer try to defend that vote.

On the Yankees’ front, Mark Teixeira finished second and Derek Jeter rounded out the top three.  Alex Rodriguez came in 10th.

Girardi has no issues with Cabrera

Joe Girardi would not be opposed to a trade involving Miguel Cabrera.

From Peter Abraham:

As manager of the Marlins in 2006, Girardi can provide a better report on Cabrera than any scout on Brian Cashman's staff. And Girardi believes Cabrera would be a perfect fit for the Yankees.

"He's a great player and he's a smart player, too. He really understands the game of baseball," Girardi said. "I loved having him.

"I'm very interested in him because he's such a great young player. But obviously everything has to come at the right price. I'm sure there will be a lot of discussion. But at times you wonder how much he is out there (in the trade market)." (The Journal News)

The price that Girardi is referring to with almost certainly involve some of the Yankees' young talent. Brian Cashman said that he is looking to build around the young arms, specifically Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes.

I do not want to part with either of them. In fact, I'd be willing to trade Melky Cabrera and Chien-Ming Wang before I trade Chamberlain and Hughes.

However, the Yankees do need a third baseman, so I wouldn't be shocked if the Yankees do indeed end up with Cabrera. Hopefully the trade does not involve the top prospects, because as good as Cabrera is, the young arms are more important.