Comments on: Revisionist history: Joe Mauer’s home run power

By: Toonces51

Toonces51 — Thu, 01 May 2008 20:35:56 +0000

He should be. He should also be starting at the off guard position for the Wolves, waiting in the wings to take over for Tarvaris Jackson this fall, and probably playing goalie and center for the Wild. Just ask Dick Bremer.

By: jama

jama — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:18:38 +0000

Mauer’s pitching now?!?

By: Jon

Jon — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:07:33 +0000

Dave +1.

I’m in the “let’s just appreciate Mauer for what he is” camp. He’s been a major story for so long here in Minnesota that if he won the Triple Crown, people would say, “Yeah, but how many saves did he have?”

By: jama

jama — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:58:35 +0000

I am with Dave, if Mauer weren’t hitting 3rd people wouldn’t expect as many HR’s. But at the same time, if Mauer wasn’t so darn adorable, my lady friend wouldn’t fantasize about him when she’s with me.

By: jama

jama — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:42:19 +0000

Isn’t Mauer already trying to be Jeter with the Ladies?

By: s1rweeze

s1rweeze — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:41:36 +0000

I also wonder how much of the whole “the Twins way of playing” myth (?) plays into this. (See also: David Ortiz) Mauer sure doesn’t ever seem to look to blast one out of the park, making his own priority to just get on base and let Morneau and Cuddyer hit the home runs. I’m thinking maybe somebody should eventually tell him, “Hey Joe, we have 14 home runs as a team a month into the season, could you maybe look to hit a few pls k thx bai.”

By: Michael Rand

Michael Rand — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:35:19 +0000

The Jeter comparables are fair and on pace, though Grace seems to be a more natural comparison. Fan sentiment towards Jeter aside, I think Twins backers would be very satisfied with a Jeter-like career at the plate. But that would have to include a couple of years over 20 home runs and an expectation of the mid-to-high teens every year. True, Jeter only hit 10 apiece in his first couple of full seasons. So there is room to grow.

By: Dave MN

Dave MN — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:28:56 +0000

It can’t be “Jeter-like” unless Mauer becomes the worst defensive starting catcher in the league, while the best defensive starting catcher in the league is playing right field on his team…

By: s1rweeze

s1rweeze — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:26:48 +0000

Is it too far fetched to believe he’ll have a Jeter-like career, in terms of comparable stats?

By: Dave MN

Dave MN — Thu, 01 May 2008 18:22:51 +0000

Is this “future power” ever going to arrive, or is Mauer forever going to be an 8-12 home run guy — a catching version of Mark Grace — better suited to bat first or second instead of third in the order? And should people just learn to live with that and appreciate Mauer for what he is: an outstanding defensive catcher who will hit .300 and get on base?

Probably not, yes, and yes.

I think he should bat second, or maybe even leadoff. Delmon’s going to be our #3 eventually. Right now I think Kubel’s more suited for the #3 spot in the order. I think Gomez needs to be closer to the bottom of the order until he gets on base more regularly.