Article: The Case For Joe Mauer's Contract

[shimrod]

"knowing the effort that Mauer puts into his craft on a daily basis,"
 

And how do we know this?

 

There's a mention earlier in the thread that Mauer was never suspected of using PEDs... No kidding, I don't even think he lifts. The move to first should have included a move to the weight room. It's a different role and requires different preparation.

 

[LeatherAntenna]

You mean like a basic 101 upper cut swing? I mean he is batting third and all.

[tobi0040]

 

The fact remains that the money is spent and at this point the contract is not the issue. It wont hinder the team from making moves. The problem is the black hole he has become at 1B and 3rd in the lineup. He is blocking Sano or Plouffe from moving to first. He is also occupying a very important spot in the lineup. And hes not dangerous enough to want to play at DH much. Moving him from 3rd in the lineup will be a very tough pill to swallow for him, and management. It will remind everyone that the 8 year, 23 million per was maybe a bit overzealous. I just see the team being more competitive with Joe not at first everyday and batting 6 or 7

 

Agreed that he can't hit 3rd anymore.  He is a classic lead off hitter, or #2 hitter in my eyes.  Looking at the rest of the team, he will end up top 3 in OBP and lowest 3 in slugging.  The only guys ahead of him in OBP last year were Sano and Dozier, who should be 2 and 3 in the order.

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Wait, in one thread we read that the Twins won't go over 120 million, and in this thread we read that his contract isn't holding them back from signing "anyone they want'. Which is it, do we suppose?

[LeatherAntenna]

Agreed that he can't hit 3rd anymore.  He is a classic lead off hitter, or #2 hitter in my eyes.  Looking at the rest of the team, he will end up top 3 in OBP and lowest 3 in slugging.  The only guys ahead of him in OBP last year were Sano and Dozier, who should be 2 and 3 in the order.

. I agree for the most part he is a classic lead off hitter until he has to run. Why would you want someone as slow as him leading off?

[Mike Sixel]

. I agree for the most part he is a classic lead off hitter until he has to run. Why would you want someone as slow as him leading off?

The number 1 goal for a leadoff hitter is to get on base. Speed is over rated relative to that. Imo.

[ashbury]

The number 1 goal for a leadoff hitter is to get on base. Speed is over rated relative to that. Imo.

Agreed on the #1 goal, and since the word "classic" is vague at best, it's not worth getting too worked up over - but for me a classic leadoff hitter does include speed, because you can aim for more than just one goal in a player for that slot.

[tobi0040]

 

Agreed on the #1 goal, and since the word "classic" is vague at best, it's not worth getting too worked up over - but for me a classic leadoff hitter does include speed, because you can aim for more than just one goal in a player for that slot.

 

I think you both make good points.  Ideally, you aim for both.  Denard Span was a guy that would get on base 35% of the time.  No real power. And he was fast.  That combination does not exist on this roster so it becomes a process of elimination.

 

Sano and Dozier are the only guys that are going to hit 65 or more 2B, 3B, and HR a year.  Those guys are hitting 2 and 3 for me.  The fact that Dozier is a better runner than Mauer does not offset all the solo HR's he will get leading off and hitting after 8-9, IMO.  When I look at what is left, I just don't see a better high OBP low slugging guy that is fast.   Plouffe does not get on base.  Escobar was at a .309 OBP last year.  Suzuki, nope.  Hicks maybe some day, .323 OBP last year.  Rosario, .289 OBP last year. and so forth.

 

Seems like most agree though, Mauer at #3 is indefensible.  Hope the Twins agree.  I would rather have him at 6 or 7 than 3.  #1 is ideal for me unless we add someone.