Hah, someone else who questions Mauer's baseball IQ. Yesterday, Mauer, who has not been hitting, with runners on 1st and 2nd, swings into a DP rather than trying to bunt for a hit. Longoria was playing deep enough that Mauer probably had a decent chance of a bunt hit. I'm also with you when it comes to Mauer at 1st. I don't think Vargas would be a defensive downgrade. And Vargas at least has the ability to go deep.* *possibly, Mauer's problems are due to the recurrence of concussion symptoms. If so, then Mauer may need to take some time on the DL and possibly consider retirement. Not just because he's not good right now, which, as a fan, I admit to bias, but, also because he has a beautiful young family that he needs to worry about.