I know how we can improve the defense. Let Mauer Catch again!

[ryankimm]

There has been a ton of talk about the defense being horrible this year and the stats are there to prove it.  We are all disappointed.  There has also been a lot of talk and suggestions on how to fix the defense.  Now I know the organization will never do this but let Mauer catch.  Why not??  Mauer is a gold glove catcher.  Who touches the ball almost every pitch besides the pitcher?  The catcher.  The move to first hasn't improved his batting or power at the least.  Why not let him catch and drastically improve the defense.  Let Kenny Vargas play first, he'll be fine.  This opens up a DH spot as well.  Some of you may think he won't last and will get injured more.  I'm willing to take the risk and let him catch 100 games if he's going to win a gold glove and still get on base like he does.     

 

Lastly, I think it would be very wise to just let Escobar play SS.  I really like Santana and I'm willing to let him play there and understand it's a long term investment but Escobar is more reliable.  Then of course let Santana play CF.  All of these changes would radically change the defense and we wouldn't loose any bats and perhaps gain another big bat in the lineup and save runs.   Again, I know they'll never let him catch but remember, they removed a gold glover from the position.  I think that wasn't a very smart idea and we're paying for it.  I would love to tell Molitor this.  

 

Ryan

[Craig Arko]

There has been a ton of talk about the defense being horrible this year and the stats are there to prove it.  We are all disappointed.  There has also been a lot of talk and suggestions on how to fix the defense.  Now I know the organization will never do this but let Mauer catch.  Why not??  Mauer is a gold glove catcher.  Who touches the ball almost every pitch besides the pitcher?  The catcher.  The move to first hasn't improved his batting or power at the least.  Why not let him catch and drastically improve the defense.  Let Kenny Vargas play first, he'll be fine.  This opens up a DH spot as well.  Some of you may think he won't last and will get injured more.  I'm willing to take the risk and let him catch 100 games if he's going to win a gold glove and still get on base like he does.     

 

Lastly, I think it would be very wise to just let Escobar play SS.  I really like Santana and I'm willing to let him play there and understand it's a long term investment but Escobar is more reliable.  Then of course let Santana play CF.  All of these changes would radically change the defense and we wouldn't loose any bats and perhaps gain another big bat in the lineup and save runs.   Again, I know they'll never let him catch but remember, they removed a gold glover from the position.  I think that wasn't a very smart idea and we're paying for it.  I would love to tell Molitor this.  

 

Ryan

Don't forget to tell Joe's wife and kids, too.

[ryankimm]

Having twins is no easy matter!

[nicksaviking]

Joe's defense at catcher was really declining prior to his move to 1B. Teams were running at will and he couldn't throw anyone out anymore.

[jimbo92107]

Joe Mauer is done catching. He's six foot five, over 230 pounds, and over 30. He's got a history of knee troubles, back trouble, and now concussion trouble. With all that, he's still a great athlete and may get back to being a great hitter, so the least-bad fit for him today is at first base.

 

Even if he were willing to return to catching, he's well past his gold glove days as a catcher. Suzuki is now better, and the backups are fine behind the plate. Remember also that Mauer's ailments from catching were seriously affecting his hitting. If there's a reason the Twins defense doesn't look that great these days, look at the pitching mound. Right now the Twins starters are Hughes, Milone, and Gibson, with May a solid #4. The fifth starter is whoever hasn't wrecked his arm lately, at the moment Pelfrey.

 

Except for Milone, these guys have been struggling. The order was supposed to be Hughes, Santana, Nolasco, Milone, and Gibson at five. That might have been a pretty good staff, if not for the fact that the Twins have had below average luck with free agents lately.

 

Assuming that Ricky Nolasco won't be any good when he returns, the Twins should call up Meyer, and let the 25-year old phenom cut his teeth against the world's best hitters. They should also send down Schaefer and Robinson, bringing up Aaron Hicks and AB Walker. Platoon Walker with Arcia in LF, let Hicks start every day in center. That improves your offense, defense and pitching.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Joe Mauer's brain is more important than winning baseball games.

 

That is all that needs to be said in this conversation.

[USAFChief]

The mistake in moving Mauer out from behind the plate was they waited half a decade too long to do it.

[huhguy]

Joe has had multiple concussions and his doctors have told him not to catch

[Boom Boom]

You could move Mauer to a corner OF spot and accomplish the same thing- Vargas to 1B and either Arcia or Hunter to DH.

[Tibs]

Maybe I'm thinking of someone else, but I didn't think Kennys Vargas ever got glowing reports on his fielding ability at 1B. I don't see how putting him at 1B does anything to improve the defense if that's true.

[jimmer]

 

Joe's defense at catcher was really declining prior to his move to 1B. Teams were running at will and he couldn't throw anyone out anymore.

The last year Joe caught he led the league in CS% with 43%.  He had only one season where he was below average in CS%.  And that's impressive considering how poorly our pitchers hold runners.

[D. Hocking]

 

The last year Joe caught he led the league in CS% with 43%.  He had only one season where he was below average in CS%.  And that's impressive considering how poorly our pitchers hold runners.

 

 

 

Yes - I was just going to say that he as having a bit of a defensive rebound prior to the concussion.  Too bad he did not win that last golden glove.  I believe he was the runner up (or in the top three).

 

That said the concussion happened.  Even after the concussion, Joe was reluctant to give up catching.  He was shown a bunch of medical evidence from different sources, why he should not return to catching.  I think once he made the decision, it was (rightfully)  final and irrevocable in his mind.  

[REPETE]

with all the fielding woes of this team, I don't recall catcher being the spot everyone's looking at.  Unless Joe was able to run from behind the plate to the outfield on long fly balls, this isn't going to help.  

As for Santana, yes, we could put Escobar there and improve immediately, but we need to find out if we have our SS of the future.  Escobar may give us 3 more wins on the year (generously!), but ultimately, nobody will really care if we lose 93 or 90.  Santana should've played SS all of last season, but the manager at the time was trying to save his job, not build for the future.  

[D. Hocking]

 

Unless Joe was able to run from behind the plate to the outfield on long fly balls, this isn't going to help.  

 

 I have seen evidence (not here) of people on the internet who think he should be able to do this because of the contract.

[Dropkick Nick]

Whether or not he goes back to catching, he is not a first baseman. The Twins need to put him anywhere but first base. first base should always be reserved for someone who hits with power. At the very least, put him in the outfield. Maybe if he were to wear one of those full helmet masks like many catchers today do, he would be fine catching. He is just so much more valuable as a catcher than he is at any other position, especially first base.

[h2oface]

 

Don't forget to tell Joe's wife and kids, too.

 

Most people that get paid 23 million a year and still aren't the boss, usually have to do what they are asked. If asked, and he doesn't want to, he can always retire or forfeit his contract - and I am sure the Twins could come up with another 1st baseman and/or catcher. Or perhaps he could renegotiate his contract to have a clause that he won't catch again and be more fair in relation to his performance. Fat chance of that, eh? I am sure if it was all about Joe's wife and kids and health, he wouldn't even play baseball at all anymore, as the chance to get hit in the head from a pitch is still looming, as well as all the other ways and possibilities he is exposing himself to, albeit not as much as being behind the plate. I am not advocating for someone (Mauer) to risk their life or brain by typing this perspective. Catching is something I don't think he should do anymore. It is not my concern, really, or decision of course. I had really expected and believed that Mauer would prove all the pundits, apologists, and supporters wrong, and transform himself into a power hitting 1st baseman that also hit for high average. I really did. And I thought it would happen starting last year. I thought the move from behind the plate to first would transform him into a hitter with numbers like 2009 for several years running. All that is needed is just 10-15 feet more power. He is/was just so big and a such a great athlete. Certainly a man touted with a perfect swing can adjust and do it fast and still be the best at his new position, right? Mauer certainly can't need anymore money to make his life and family more 1% and entitled, now. Maybe he still does transform. I am no longer one that believes it will happen though, and he is proving to be quite average at his position and the remaining years of his contract an albatross like so many other long term contracts. If a nasty businessman/owner wanted to call his bluff and risk the ire of its fanbase, he could ask Mauer to catch, and if he wouldn't......  well, he could quit. Take that job and shove it, and forfeit the rest of his contract and money.

 

I root for Mauer bigtime. I hope he does himself proud, and becomes a great first baseman that is a first ballot inductee into the HOF, because he needs to be great the rest of his years for that to happen. Time will tell if he can. I will not be betting on ever seeing him behind the plate catching again, that is for sure.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Having twins is no easy matter!

having brain injuries isn't either

[spinowner]

All I have to say is give it up. Mauer would catch only if both catchers and Escobar were injured during the course of a game, and only for that game until we get a replacement from AAA. As for moving him to LF and installing Vargas as the regular 1B, I have no doubt that Molitor and his coaching staff are intelligent enough to have thought of that. I'm sure that would have been done if it were the best thing to do.

[Craig Arko]

Most people that get paid 23 million a year and still aren't the boss, usually have to do what they are asked. If asked, and he doesn't want to, he can always retire or forfeit his contract - and I am sure the Twins could come up with another 1st baseman and/or catcher. Or perhaps he could renegotiate his contract to have a clause that he won't catch again and be more fair in relation to his performance. Fat chance of that, eh? I am sure if it was all about Joe's wife and kids and health, he wouldn't even play baseball at all anymore, as the chance to get hit in the head from a pitch is still looming, as well as all the other ways and possibilities he is exposing himself to, albeit not as much as being behind the plate. I am not advocating for someone (Mauer) to risk their life or brain by typing this perspective. Catching is something I don't think he should do anymore. It is not my concern, really, or decision of course. I had really expected and believed that Mauer would prove all the pundits, apologists, and supporters wrong, and transform himself into a power hitting 1st baseman that also hit for high average. I really did. And I thought it would happen starting last year. I thought the move from behind the plate to first would transform him into a hitter with numbers like 2009 for several years running. All that is needed is just 10-15 feet more power. He is/was just so big and a such a great athlete. Certainly a man touted with a perfect swing can adjust and do it fast and still be the best at his new position, right? Mauer certainly can't need anymore money to make his life and family more 1% and entitled, now. Maybe he still does transform. I am no longer one that believes it will happen though, and he is proving to be quite average at his position and the remaining years of his contract an albatross like so many other long term contracts. If a nasty businessman/owner wanted to call his bluff and risk the ire of its fanbase, he could ask Mauer to catch, and if he wouldn't......  well, he could quit. Take that job and shove it, and forfeit the rest of his contract and money.

 

I root for Mauer bigtime. I hope he does himself proud, and becomes a great first baseman that is a first ballot inductee into the HOF, because he needs to be great the rest of his years for that to happen. Time will tell if he can. I will not be betting on ever seeing him behind the plate catching again, that is for sure.

Don't forget to tell that to the legal team of the MLBPA.

[h2oface]

 

Don't forget to tell that to the legal team of the MLBPA.

Sorry. I am not in, or part of, the "don't forget to tell" club. 

Personally, like you it seems, I'm not "willing to take the risk and let him catch 100 games if he's going to win a gold glove and still get on base like he does." It is not my risk to take, only Joe Mauer's. I find it quite cavalier and distasteful to suggest someone else risk brain injuries for the success of my favorite baseball team. He is under contract, though. And I am not a lawyer, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. He will be at first, I suspect, as long as he is healthy and isn't traded (and accepts the trade). It might not end up being what is best for the Twins as a team, but that could still change. Hope for the best.

[Hrbowski]

 

Sorry. I am not in or part of the "don't forget to tell" club. 

Personally, I'm not "willing to take the risk and let him catch 100 games if he's going to win a gold glove and still get on base like he does." It is not my risk to take, only Joe Mauer's. I find it quite cavalier to suggest someone else risk brain injuries for the success of my favorite baseball team. He is under contract, though. And I am not a lawyer, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

It is quite obvious you are not a lawyer, so I don't think you needed to say that.

[Minniman]

I find it quite cavalier to suggest someone else risk brain injuries for the success of my favorite baseball team.

 

 

Football players risk it on almost every play for a lot less money. If Mauer doesn't catch, he should renegotiate his contract.

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Football players risk it on almost every play for a lot less money. If Mauer doesn't catch, he should renegotiate his contract.

why? Why do football players put themselves at so much risk? Why should Mauer renegotiate a contract? Last I saw contracts are signed by at least two parties, and Terry Ryan knew the risk, same as Mauer did. It's all by choice.

[JB_Iowa]

why? Why do football players put themselves at so much risk? Why should Mauer renegotiate a contract? Last I saw contracts are signed by at least two parties, and Terry Ryan knew the risk, same as Mauer did. It's all by choice.

Wasn't the extension when Ryan was retired from the GM position?

 

It doesn't matter, the Twins knew the risks (including Jim Pohlad, I'm sure. But I've seen the comment about Mauer's contract and Ryan several times and I was thinking it was on Bill Smith's watch. Anybody know for sure?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Wasn't the extension when Ryan was retired from the GM position?

It doesn't matter, the Twins knew the risks (including Jim Pohlad, I'm sure. But I've seen the comment about Mauer's contract and Ryan several times and I was thinking it was on Bill Smith's watch. Anybody know for sure?

you are right, Smith was GM from 2007 to 11, Mauer was extended 2010. My mistake. You are also correct, who the GM was doesn't matter

[terencemann]

Mauer's knees might be cooked, too. It might not just be about head injuries. You really don't want to end up with a $20MM player who is just faking it out there.

[Nolasco5and4]

 

You really don't want to end up with a $20MM player who is just faking it out there.

 

True. The conundrum is also having a player getting penciled in at 1B (forget about the contract) who has clubbed 4 home runs in his last 600 at bats. If this was 1912, you could live with it, but a .367 slugging percentage cannot work at that position, unless he was on base half the time. Maybe the wear and tear on his lower body has robbed him of the ability to consistently drive the ball, but the move to first base has not had any positive impact on his offensive production, even controlling for age.

 

Realistically, he has to be the first baseman, because of the salary and the notion of him returning to his old position is a pipe dream.

[nokomismod]

2016 Outfield of Mauer, Buxton, and Rosario please.