Winning my third Most Valuable Player award today is something that holds special significance to me. There are so many gifted players in this game, and I don't for a moment take this achievement for granted. I shouldn't need to remind anyone of the MVP-caliber seasons that Magglio Ordonez, Vladimir Guerrero, Jorge Posada, David Ortiz and several other AL players put together. My sincere thanks to the Baseball Writers Association of America for this great honor.

I want thank my teammates for putting me in the position to succeed as much as they did this season. It's fun to analyze and dissect individual statistics, but baseball is a team game. I'm proud of the season I had, but sharing it with teammates who care about each other, and who work towards a common goal makes it that much more special.

I also want to thank the fans of New York. It's no coincidence that we played at such a high level at Yankee Stadium, and a big part of that success is undoubtedly tied to the excitement that they bring to each game. Hearing 55,000 Yankees fans chanting "MVP" is such a special feeling, and it will be a lasting memory that I will always carry with me. It's no secret I fed off their energy, and I feel like I did my best to bring that same type of enthusiasm and excitement to them.

I grew as a person, and grew into my surroundings in 2007. There is no way for me to quantify how much those things played a part in the season I had, but they certainly did. Enjoying and loving what you do is the key to any type of success in life, and I am thankful I was able to find that in 2007.

Before I close, I'd like to thank the countless numbers of you who have taken the time to send e-mails with your questions, opinions and support. I also would like to wish you and your families a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Check back soon,