Mr. Mauer should not even be considered to make HOF unless he can lead his team to one or more World Series appearances or wins. He has had his best opportunities for that already and he shriveled like a raisin - so he may be out of luck. All (or vast majority) of the HOF catchers were leaders of men, and of their teams, and were instrumental in helping their respective organizations obtain the only objective of the game - to win World Series titles (or at a minimum - get to the pinnacle of the game). Joe Mauer has not, nor will he, lead your favorite team the World Series. Now, Joe Mauer is surely a fine contact hitter. However, putting a boy, who often prefers drawing a walk with men on base, over smashing the damned ball through the gap,.....into the HOF next to Men including the likes of Campanella, Berra, Bench, Dickey, Fisk would be a travesty in my opinion. These fellas got it done for their clubs and helped lead them to the promised-land. Joe Mauer often seems content to not lead, to not get fired up when the team needs it, to not perform in a clutch manner during his playoff opportunities, and to not play what one would consider full seasons. If the HOF selection criteria were these below - he would be a shoe in: -playing an average of 127 games a season -hitting 9 singles during his playoff at bats - of his 10 hits -driving in one run during his 9 playoff games (9 games in three playoff series of course means three sweeps) -smiling, looking quite content, flaunting a milk moustache, and seeking to be walked as his team loses 90+ games -collect and pad over-analyzed stats in meaningless games that help the team to nowhere but into oblivion -accepting $23 Million annually to provide the above type of leadership performance -and, potentially becoming a first baseman (eeew!) with the above qualities Not a native of this state and not a fan of the Twins so I can observe him without homer-driven emotion. I made a simple $100 bet with a friend (desperate Twins Homer)many years ago that the Twins will not win, nor visit, the World Series as long as this milk-drinking boy-catcher is on the Twins. Easy money..... These are just my opinions, and Go Cards ! PS - This a good forum and over the past few years it has been fun to monitor it as the Twins suffer from self inflicted stupidity - thank you. I use your suffering as a bit of revenge for 1987, which cannot be forgiven. At least we lost to a team that year with some balls....unlike the Twins of the last 20 years. Have a great day j