At age 23, his 3rd year in the MLB, one thing is clear about Joe Mauer - he has become the best all-around catcher in the MLB.The proof is in the pudding. With a batting average of .384, he leads the MLB. After Friday's game, he has a .984 OPS, which is almost .100 points better than any other catcher in the MLB. That number is also #8 in AL.
His homerun power is not great at this point - he has 5 HR this year and is on pace for 14, but he has hit 117 doubles, which puts him at 7th in the AL, and on pace to hit 49 for the year. Showing his athleticism, he's even gotten 6 SB this year. He's got a great eye at the plate, with 24 BB against 21 K, which has his OBP sitting at .440, #3 in the American League behind Jason Giambi and Travis Hafner.
Defensively, he's thrown out 11 of 27 base stealers for a 40.7% clip, which is 5th in the MLB. He's got a RF of 8.02 (2nd in the MLB, which gives a little taste for how mobile he is behind the plate.
Put it all together, and at age 23, Joe Mauer is the best catcher in the MLB.
6 comments:
I agree - Mauer's been really impressive. I was surprised to see he's leading the majors in hitting, though I shouldn't have been because his average has been high all year.
The point about his power (or lack thereof) is interesting, though. Because he looks like a power hitter: tall, powerful, etc. Maybe he'll grow into that, and I'm sure the Twins would like to see more thunder from him - especially when guys like Morneau haven't developed into home run threats.
But he's about as complete a player as you'll see at catcher right now.
I figured a Joe Mauer suckoff fest would be coming from you. For real though, he's fantastic.
I actually really Mauer, if for no other reason than that he turned down a football scholarship from the devils themselves, Florida State.
Get used to a lot of praise for Joe Mauer here. That guy's pretty much my idol. :D
Joe Mauer is my idol and he will never be forgotten.I hope everything goes okay with him and his girlfrind.
Russell Martin is the best all around catcher. Going into his fourth year he already has a silver slugger and a gold glove
So, I do not really imagine this is likely to have success.
Post a Comment