Morneau named Twins MVP

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: October 24, 2008 - 10:53 PM

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First baseman Justin Morneau was named the Twins' most valuable player on Friday, in an annual vote conducted by the Twin Cities chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Outfielder Denard Span was named the team's rookie of the year, Joe Nathan pitcher of the year and infielder Alexi Casilla most improved.

The writers also voted catcher Joe Mauer the Upper Midwest player of the year.

Morneau won the Bob Allison Award, given to the player who exemplifies a competitive spirit both on and off the field, and Nathan was named media good guy.

The presentations will be made at the fourth annual Diamond Awards dinner Jan. 22 at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.

That night, the Twins also will honor Mauer with the Carl Pohlad Community Service Award, along with Kent Hrbek (Kirby Puckett Award), Ben Revere (minor league player of the year), Anthony Slama (minor league pitcher of the year).

For Diamond Awards ticket information, call 612-338-9467. All proceeds benefit University of Minnesota research focused on ataxia, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and ALS.

• The Sporting News named Mauer and Morneau to its American League All-Star team. A panel of 41 general managers and assistant general managers from both leagues chose the teams.

Roster moves

The Twins outrighted pitchers Julio DePaula and Oswaldo Sosa, catcher Ryan Jorgensen, and infielder Sergio Santos from their 40-man roster, assigning them to Class AAA Rochester. Reliever Pat Neshek was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. The Twins have 34 players on their 40-man roster.

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