Dan O'Dowd of mlb.com is predicting that Joe will win the title:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/116215020/odowd-predicting-2015s-top-performers-in-each-league

How much laughing happened when he said it?  I greatly admire Joe's ability and I expect healthy regression this year, but I doubt he wins the batting title this year.

 

Thanks for the link.  Good to see some predicting a good season for him.

Edited April 5, 201511 yr by jimmer

Dan O'Dowd of mlb.com is predicting that Joe will win the title:

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/116215020/odowd-predicting-2015s-top-performers-in-each-league

Glad to have back in that conversation!

If Mauer was a good range centerfielder that could rack up 30 stolen bases as a leadoff hitter, he may be worth 3/4 of his paycheck with a batting title. Otherwise, ... no.

 

Mauer is paid to bat cleanup, and he only did that well enough to earn the big bucks in his contract year. I say it now, as I said it then, the Twins were fools to offer that contract at that time.

 

As it is, Joe is a number two or three hitter in the lineup. If it wasn't for his contract and his position, that would not be bad. The problem is that his contract is ginormous, and his position is often reserved for a power hitting RBI bat.

The contract is not going to change. He's not a CF or a C anymore. He's a soon to be 32 year old 1B. If he "regresses" to .319/.401/.459 he will be worth his contract.

 

And there's this, even in his worst seasons Mauer's OPS+ has been above league average.

 

Quit the hatin'!

 

If Mauer was a good range centerfielder that could rack up 30 stolen bases as a leadoff hitter, he may be worth 3/4 of his paycheck with a batting title. Otherwise, ... no.

 

Mauer is paid to bat cleanup, and he only did that well enough to earn the big bucks in his contract year. I say it now, as I said it then, the Twins were fools to offer that contract at that time.

 

As it is, Joe is a number two or three hitter in the lineup. If it wasn't for his contract and his position, that would not be bad. The problem is that his contract is ginormous, and his position is often reserved for a power hitting RBI bat.

This thread is about batting title.  No need to toss that stuff in here. 

Won't hit .300 again this year. 

 

I am willing to double down on that too

Won't hit .300 again this year. 

 

 

Again?? I'd be happy with just once this year.

 

This thread is about batting title.  No need to toss that stuff in here. 

 

It was germane to the topic.

 

Batting title, great! 

 

Still worth it, no.

 

One sure thing he will lead the league in:    (4-3)

Edited April 8, 201511 yr by clank2000

I absolutely think Joe can win another batting title.  Let's not forget:  last year he had a bad left leg.  I've read a report that he has had problems with his left leg over the past 2 years.  The leg is healthy and he can now push of it again.  I'm expecting .310+ BA.

 

On the Mauer contract:  Remember, the Twins gave him the contract when he was a .300 hitting, Gold Glove catcher.  That's what got him the contract. 

I think he's about 5% likely to win the title.......which is actually pretty good odds. But, I don't see it happening. I'm guessing he hits around .305.