Thread: Article: CAMPAIGN: Elect Joe Mauer for #2 Hitter

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=...ber-two-hitter

I agree with you. Mauer should be the number two hitter or the leadoff hitter, but you brought up one of the biggest problems in all of Twindom... Gardenhire is the manager.

The old adage is that the best hitter on your team should hit third. I would be very interested in data to support or argue this point.
Regardless of what the age old wisdom is, we have no one on our team with a high enough OBP to keep Mauer batting third. I vote Mauer for number two hitter.

Originally Posted by Oldgoat_MN

The old adage is that the best hitter on your team should hit third. I would be very interested in data to support or argue this point.
Regardless of what the age old wisdom is, we have no one on our team with a high enough OBP to keep Mauer batting third. I vote Mauer for number two hitter.

yeah, old adage also doesn't account for a manager that insists on following the play second bat second philosophy. Especially when we can't find a second baseman that can OBP over.. what...275?

Obviously a hell yes from me.

The old adage is wrong. The best OBP and overall hitters should be batting 1,2, and 4, with a speedier type batting first and a power guy 4th. The guy batting 3rd should be a slugger because he often comes up with no one on base and two out in the first inning (Willingham). Batting fifth should be another slugger, but one who shouldn't live and die with it and simply be a HR or K guy.

Disclaimer: lineup construction is somewhat overrated and does really only take shape in the first inning (though it can still be the case in 1-4 innings in tight games).

That said:

X
Mauer
Willingham
Morneau (here's to hoping that he returns to form in 2013.
Doumit
Plouffe
Parmelee
X
X

would seem to make the most sense.

Hells yeah.

For me, Mauer hits too well with RISP to be batting 2nd.

Originally Posted by Shane Wahl

Obviously a hell yes from me..

But that would mean moving him to second base or short stop, no? Isn't it illegal to not have a middle infielder in the second spot?

Originally Posted by ThePuck

For me, Mauer hits too well with RISP to be batting 2nd.

Here's the problem I have with this, he's going to be hitting behind the same couple of guys regardless of if he hits 2nd, or 3rd.

You can either move him, along with the rest of the good hitters up in the order, giving them all additional plate appearances, or you can leave him where he is and have two weak players at the top of the lineup instead of just one.

This is exactly why we need Hicks here at the beginning of the season. We don't have an effective leadoff hitter. *There's news the Twins are seeking Scott Podsednik . He would be a good addition to the team, but the question is where? As the CF? As a fourth or fifth outfielder? If the Twins got him, and kept all of their present players, he could be an effective #2 hitter. But I don't think he's an effective defensive CF; he would be a 4th or 5th outfielder.

Originally Posted by thrylos98

But that would mean moving him to second base or short stop, no? Isn't it illegal to not have a middle infielder in the second spot?

Great question, and I believe the answer is yes.

I like Mauer at 2, Eric and I discussed just this idea a couple episodes ago on Talk To Contact, Mauer looks good at 2, especially with the big bats behind him to bring him around the bases.

I would vote for this as well. More ABs for Mauer would be a good thing, unless Mauer starts showing more power.

Originally Posted by glunn

I would vote for this as well. More ABs for Mauer would be a good thing, unless Mauer starts showing more power.

So if Mauer starts showing more power you want to give him fewer plate appearances?

Originally Posted by lee_the_twins_fan

This is exactly why we need Hicks here at the beginning of the season. We don't have an effective leadoff hitter. *There's news the Twins are seeking Scott Podsednik . He would be a good addition to the team, but the question is where? As the CF? As a fourth or fifth outfielder? If the Twins got him, and kept all of their present players, he could be an effective #2 hitter. But I don't think he's an effective defensive CF; he would be a 4th or 5th outfielder.

I would not count on Hicks to be an effective leadoff hitter this year nor would I would put him there.

If Podsednik is brought in then the Twins are clearly planning on keeping Hicks in AAA. Podsednik fits as a platoon partner with Mastro. His defense in CF will be another reason that our pitchers are crying though. And there isn't any room for 5 OF'ers on the team with 12 pitchers, 3 catchers (1 at DH) and a mess in the IF. The team needs 2 backup IF's although I wish one of them was a better hitting 3Bman.

As for Mauer? He gets my vote as a #2 hitter. The team has 4-5 power hitters to put behind him (Morneau, Willy, Doumit, Plouffe and Parmelee) and a few wimpy contact hitters in front of him. The OBP's of these hitters aren't awful but I prefer not to give them extra AB's.

I don't like it. Mauer is a double play machine if the leadoff hitter happens to get on base. We need a guy who can lay down a bunt, hit the opposite way, etc to give Mauer a guy standing on 2nd base when he comes to the plate.

i think my head exploded reading the last post.

Mauer should bat leadoff. Just think of how many double plays he wouldn't be able to hit into. Plus a 400+on base percentage would be a great way to start off the game. Podsedinek would be a CF/4th OF placeholder till Hicks comes up and to provide competetiton to make sure Hicks is ready. He would be a solid 1 or 2 hitter. Carroll would work as a 2 hitter as well just not as top choice.

Originally Posted by kab21

i think my head exploded reading the last post.

I'm not sure there's a more worthless stat to judge a batter by than GDP.

You've got my vote. I like:
1. Mastro
2. Mauer
3. Morneau
4. Willingham
5. Parmelee
6. Doumit
7. Plouffe
8. Carroll
9. Dozier

I think Morneau will be the best overall hitter on the team next year, and I don't think you hurt yourself by having 2 lefties in a row. When healthy, both Mauer and Morneau have had great splits. I expect Morneau is returning to that type of production. If he doesn't, batting order is moot as the offense won't be effective.