“I don’t have any doubt in my mind he’s going to come back and have a good year,” Killebrew said.

Morneau became the second Canadian-born player to win an MVP following Colorado’s Larry Walker in 1997. He is the third Canadian-born athlete to win an MVP in a major pro league this year, following Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton.

Walker phoned Morneau as the first baseman was arriving at the Metrodome.

“He just wanted to call and say, ‘Congrats,”’ Morneau said. “He said he thought he was more excited than I was. He said, ‘Just wait, it’s going to be crazy.”’

Walker, a coach for Canada at the World Baseball Classic, autographed a bat for Morneau in March.

MLB AWARDS AL, NL Rookies of Year: Ramirez, Verlander NL Cy Young: Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks AL, NL Managers of Year: Leyland, Girardi AL Cy Young: Johan Santana, Twins NL MVP: Ryan Howard, Phillies AL MVP: Justin Morneau, Twins

“To Justin, make Canada proud,” Walker wrote.

“I thought that was pretty cool,” Morneau said.

Earning just $385,000 in his third season as a regular, Morneau proved a bargain. Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard, voted NL MVP on Monday, made $355,000.

Morneau is eligible for salary arbitration this winter. Howard is not.

“He’s going to be rewarded. There’s no doubt,” said Twins general manager Terry Ryan, who sat next to Morneau at the news conference.

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Ortiz earned a $100,000 bonus for finishing third. Thomas, who left the Athletics last week to sign with Toronto, received a $100,000 bonus for placing fourth. Dye got $60,000 for fifth.

Morneau is from New Westminster, British Columbia, population 54,656, according to a 2001 census. He’s heading back there for another honor.

“Parade marshal in the Santa Claus parade,” he said.

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