Mauer Named Twins MVP, Perkins Pitcher Of Year

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Joe Mauer has been named most valuable player of the Minnesota Twins for the third time in five years.

The Calvin Griffith Award was announced Thursday, along with winners of the other annual honors voted on by the Twin Cities chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Glen Perkins was picked as pitcher of the year, Caleb Thielbar was named outstanding rookie, Brian Dozier got the most improved player and media good guy awards, Pedro Florimon was voted best defensive player, and Justin Morneau got the Bob Allison Award for leadership despite being traded in August.

Byron Buxton and Andrew Albers are the minor league player and pitcher of the year.

Winners will be honored Jan. 23 at the Diamond Awards banquet at Target Field.

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