stringer bell
06-30-2012, 10:54 PM
The Twins deserve only one representative to the All-Star game. They are in last place in the weakest division in the AL and have been there basically since the beginning of the season. There has been conversation about who the Twins rep should be in the All-Star game.
The consensus for the past couple of weeks is that Josh Willingham deserves the honor. He has driven in the most runs, he has been close to the team lead in HRs and has had several big hits late in games. Mauer hasn't caught much (34 starts) and hit only his fourth homer today. However, Joe is a three-time batting champ who plays a premium position. Mauer's hitting numbers have slowly moved north to where he now has the top OPS among players considered catchers in the American League. Willingham is fifth in OPS among outfielders but isn't among the leaders in the traditional stats of BA and HRs.
I have thought for awhile that there should be no contest that Willingham should be the Twins representative. However, Mauer's line, his position and his standing with the voters may give him the edge. I won't be disappointed if Mauer is selected, but Willingham is also a valid choice. That is probably two more than existed last year.
The consensus for the past couple of weeks is that Josh Willingham deserves the honor. He has driven in the most runs, he has been close to the team lead in HRs and has had several big hits late in games. Mauer hasn't caught much (34 starts) and hit only his fourth homer today. However, Joe is a three-time batting champ who plays a premium position. Mauer's hitting numbers have slowly moved north to where he now has the top OPS among players considered catchers in the American League. Willingham is fifth in OPS among outfielders but isn't among the leaders in the traditional stats of BA and HRs.
I have thought for awhile that there should be no contest that Willingham should be the Twins representative. However, Mauer's line, his position and his standing with the voters may give him the edge. I won't be disappointed if Mauer is selected, but Willingham is also a valid choice. That is probably two more than existed last year.