Sept. 1
I loved talking about Alex Rodriguez on ESPN's Mike and Mike radio show on Monday morning.

Young people should follow the example set by A-Rod and other athletes like him: Tim Duncan, Derek Jeter, and Peyton Manning, to name a few. These guys all understand the importance of good character. They know where they came from, and remember to say thank you and appreciate the little, but important things.

In addition to his super hitting, A-Rod is a brilliant fielder.

These guys are class acts. They are winners in the biggest game of all -- the game of life.

Golic, Greeny and I discussed the possibility of A-Rod winning the AL MVP. He is currently enjoying his sixth-straight season of at least 40 home runs and 100 RBI ... that is awesome, baby, with a capital A!

Remember, baseball is not like basketball where one person can control the situation and dominate. So, in baseball we question: Should the MVP award go to the player who has the best performance during the course of the year? Or, should it go to the most valuable member of a division winner?

To me, there is no set rule on what the MVP should be. But we'll have to leave that up to the voters. And right now, it's pretty wide open in the AL this season.

I know A-Rod personally and I know what he is about. He is very charitable and caring. Talking about him is refreshing, because these days, you hear a lot of negative comments about superstar athletes. But A-Rod is a special person.

On the field, his performance speaks for itself. In addition to his super hitting, he is a brilliant fielder. People don't talk enough about that aspect of his game.

A-Rod never folds up even though his team is losing. He goes out and gives his all, every game. It's worth repeating what I told Mike and Mike: Alex Rodriguez is a winner, plain and simple.