Joe Mauer batting cleanup?

[Parker Hageman]

According to MLB.com's twitter feed, the Team USA lineup in their pre-WBC exhibition match against the White Sox are going a little unconventional: Joe Mauer is batting cleanup.

 

While that may not be noteworthy had Mauer been playing for Team Italy, however, America's team has such notable sluggers as the Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton (.553 career slugging%), Yankees' first baseman Mark Teixeira (.527) and Mets' third baseman David Wright (.503) hitting behind Mauer (.468).

 

The Twins catcher has batted fourth just seven times in his career according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger and Aaron Gleeman adds that it has been since '06 when Mauer batted there last.

 

But it's a practice of a practice game so who really cares, right?

[luke829]

Homeruns are over-rated; singles are where it's at these days.

[Steve Lein]

I wonder if they are constructing their lineup, with all the talent they have, to in effect go 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3. So in this scenario, Mauer is a leadoff guy?!