It is super popular to rip Mauer and his contract, more specifically his "output/dollar spent ratio"but let's be honest - it is 100% not his fault the Twins are so bad this season. Yes, even when you factor in how his $23m/yr ties up so much payroll. My argument:

1) Mauer is the best offensive catcher in the AL. He is also paid the most.

2) Everyone wants to make the argument that he ties up $23m/year for his "pedestrian production". The guy is leading MLB in OBP. He is 4th in AL BA - he has an OPS of .865 and an OPS+ of 140.

3) This:

.326/.416/.449

.304./357/.500

.251/.346/.485

.293./356/.460

.276/.363/.416

.262/.328/.418

Here are the slash lines of the "All Star" catchers. The one nearest Joe is Yadier Molina who should be projected with a grain of salt because he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a two year spike in OPS after SEVEN seasons of combined below .700 OPS.

At least Joe provides production at the top of his position by one metric for that $23m/per.

Here is another way the Twins are spending $24.25m/yr.

7W 14L 6.45ERA 152IP 194H 79K 109ER 66BB 1.71WHIP 4.67K/9

This ghastly pitching line is the combined totals for Pavano, Blackburn, Baker and Capps for 2012. At a combined cost of $24.25m in 2012.

It is really hard to complain about Mauer's output/dollar spent ratio when you view this output/dollar spent crap sandwich.

Be careful. Articles defending Joe Mauer may get you blackballed around here...

"Crap Sandwich" ...well played sir!

Exactly. Mauer might end up providing more than $23 million in value this year. And the disastrous use of current spending on those pitchers is the true problem, the true bind, the true whatever on the Twins' payroll. Souhan be damned.

All good points. I think we need to hold Joe Mauer to his "standards" not to his contract. If he can eclipse 10HRs with a .330 BA, I'll be more than content.