So many here defend him and on the basis of being a pure hitter, I agree there is nobody that hits a prettier single up the middle then Joe Mauer. But for 23 million, 130 singles and 4 HRs? That price paid is hurting the Twins, they could use that money for other players, the stat line reinforces the argument to trade him even if you have to pay some of the salary to the acquiring team. Some day 23 million routinely gets paid for a Mauer to hit 130 singles and 4 HRs, or for Carew or Gywnn to do it but not today, and not for some years.