Mauer Will Bounce Back in 2012

Expect Joe Mauer to return to his MVP form in 2012. For the first time in years Mauer is entering Spring Training healthy. The Twins have become accustomed to taking it easy with Mauer. That is no longer the case in 2012. With the losses of Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel in the Twins lineup, Mauer will need to produce big numbers. He is very capable as he has won 3 batting titles and the 2009 American League MVP. The key for Mauer is health, as long as his bat is in the lineup, it doesn't matter where he plays. History repeats itself and so Mauer is very capable to put up big numbers. If he can play in roughly 145 games I would expect him to finish in the top 3 in the MVP voting. Mauer is going to be relied on this year and needs to establish himself as a leader on the team. He was blamed by the entire state for the Twins poor 2011 season. He has a lot to prove in 2012 in order to justify his 8 year - 184 million dollar contract.