Article: We Are All Witnesses, Right?

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins have played 126 games of their 162-game schedule for 2018. Sitting in a position where the season goals have been significantly altered, dreams of October baseball have long since come and gone. As prospects continue to filter into Target Field over the next month, the lineups Paul Molitor draws up will have a different feel. No matter what takes place though, we could very well be witnessing the end of an era.Joe Mauer, 35 years-old and expecting another addition to his family, could be on a collision course to his eventual retirement following the final pitch of the year. As of August 23, the pride of St. Paul, MN has 17 more scheduled home games in front of him. In the final year of the mega-contract that he so deservedly signed, we are only guaranteed the schedule as it currently reads.

 

 

Today, Twins PR director tweeted out some factoids relating to Mauer and his place in Twins history. Against the Oakland Athletics (either this evening or over the weekend), Joe will both tie and surpass Rodney Cline Carew on the All-Time Minnesota hit list. After leaping beyond the 2,085 hits necessary for that honor, he’ll be staring up at only Kirby Puckett. Having scored at least 60 runs in every season dating back to 2011, it’s a good bet that Mauer reaches that plateau this season as well. Although that number won’t vault him over the competition, it would position him to top the list should he come back in 2019.

 

That’s where my wheels really started to begin turning. We are all witnesses to this greatness, aren’t we? Joe Mauer will go down as arguably the greatest player to ever wear a Twins uniform not-named Harmon Killebrew. He’s been a figurehead of this team and organization since his debut in 2004, and really since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2001 Major League Baseball draft. This is a player that graces a franchise only once in a generation, and the lasting impact is felt forever.

 

As someone who’s been a significant advocate of Mauer being superimposed over Puckett, I can cede where that may be up for debate. To the detractors pointing out a contract that was paid to a catcher in the same vein as Bench, and one that had yet to experience career altering brain injuries, I can only wish you peace. Not only are you wrong on his warranted and applied value to the organization, you’ve also debated a meaningless topic to the point of missing out on someone you’ll likely never again see replicated.

 

 

It’s more than fair to note that Joe has never been flashy and suggesting him as a poster boy for “Minnesota Nice” should never draw ire. Those factors should not deter those within Twins Territory from appreciating his ability either. Major League Baseball has long done a poor job of marketing even their brightest stars, and the more private professionals don’t help to fuel that fire either. Being who he is has never stopped Mauer’s production, and it’s worked well for guys like Mike Trout and Jim Thome as well.

 

When the dust settles here, no matter where you stand on his statistical or analytical merits, the last the standing will be the tough reality that it’s finished. My hope is that Joe decides he’s got another year or two in him. The Gold Glove caliber defense at first base has significant value, and his profile still fits perfectly well in the leadoff spot of a Twins lineup that should rebound nicely next season. My fear however and given some of the hints you may have picked up on as well, is that this is truly it. We are nearing the point that it’s over.

 

Should we cross the finish line on September 30th and leave the gates at Target Field with that being the last time, none of the accolades will matter in that moment. It will be a time of thanks, remembrance, and reflection of what just took place over those 15 great years. As with all things in life, we don’t know what time is left, and if we truly are all witnesses, embarking upon the final month could be upon us.

 

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[Hosken Bombo Disco]

what are the hints you are hearing?

[MN_ExPat]

Joe embodies the game, the spirit, the joy that is the greatest game on earth.   For his entire career with the Twins, he has made every season, every game, every play that he has been a part of worthwhile to watch.   He hasn't been the sole reason I love the game, but he is a part of it.   I in turn, am passing on that passion for the game to my son (who is turning into a hell of a pitcher btw ).  

 

No matter what Joe decides to do this season, come back/retire, it makes no difference to me.   I am grateful that I have had the privilege to enjoy his time in the league.   If he hangs up his cleats to spend much deserved time with his family, then he has earned all our thanks for an amazing career.   If he decides he wants to continue his quest, then I for one will welcome him back with open arms and shout a might 'Huzzah, Huzzah… for Joe has returned!'   

 

Joe is... baseball.

[jtkoupal]

The decision ultimately is Joe's, and family should trump baseball. However, he and the Twins have everything to gain by him returning for at least one more season.

 

*There are no clear-cut processors that cold jump in and take over first base in 2019. *The Twins will have another chance to go after the Indians in the AL Central (the Wild Card won't be any easier next year.)

*Defense is great and is a good leadoff hitter

 

Up to Joe, but if you can get him at a realistic cost, keep him.

[SF Twins Fan]

I hope Joe comes back for one more season. The Twins could definitely use him as a platoon 1B / bench bat. It would be nice to see him have one more chance to make it to the post season next year.

[Otto von Ballpark]

He’s been a figurehead of this team and organization since his debut in 2044, and really since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.

And his time travel skills are incredible!

[Otto von Ballpark]

I think you would need to show some context to give this illustration meaning. Seeing it for a single player isn't surprising -- virtually all players are underpaid in their early years; those few whose careers survive long enough probably get overpaid later in their careers. I have no idea how Mauer's value/salary ranks among his peers. I suspect it's not that bad, even post-30, but I can't tell just from Mauer's numbers alone.

[mrmpls]

JUST HOPE IF HE DOES RETIRE, it would be nice to see it on the field instead of deciding after the season , He does deserve a nice send-off at target field last game this year

[Otto von Ballpark]

JUST HOPE IF HE DOES RETIRE, it would be nice to see it on the field instead of deciding after the season , He does deserve a nice send-off at target field last game this year

Meh, the fans are aware of such things. They can give him some extra applause just in case. I think Hunter didn't officially retire before the end of 2015 either. I could imagine it might be a bit of a distraction for him -- and maybe he doesn't want to make up his mind until October.

[Old Twins Cap]

There is at least one "big" candidate to play 1B next year.

 

La Bocaton.

[DocBauer]

As a fan of Mauer...and the only player Jersey I've ever owned, (a special gift), I'd be very happy to see him retire and take his place in Twins history and enjoy his family and life. He'd go out healthy and still on top.

 

Selfishly, as a Twins fan, I'd really like to see him come back again to keep playing that outstanding defense and providing a good hit, high OB option at the top of the order.

 

If he does decide it's time to hang it up, I do hope he decides early, if not before the end of the season, so the Twins can go forward with plans to fill his spot. Who hits leadoff? Polanco?

[ChrisKnutson]

As a fan of Mauer...and the only player Jersey I've ever owned, (a special gift), I'd be very happy to see him retire and take his place in Twins history and enjoy his family and life. He'd go out healthy and still on top.

Selfishly, as a Twins fan, I'd really like to see him come back again to keep playing that outstanding defense and providing a good hit, high OB option at the top of the order.

If he does decide it's time to hang it up, I do hope he decides early, if not before the end of the season, so the Twins can go forward with plans to fill his spot. Who hits leadoff? Polanco?

 

Wouldn’t hurt to see Buxton leading off, although he’s probably better off batting 9th.

 

How bout Lewis???

 

 

[MikeW]

I have 3 boys who will be broken-hearted when Joe does decide to hang up his cleats. They know it’s inevitable but they grew up watching and mimicking No. 7

[Brandon]

If he can hit around a .750-780 OPS, with solid defense, as long as the concussions arent a problem he should suit up at least another year or two. Outside of moving Sano to first we wont have a great candidate till Rooker is deemed ready mid next season. I would like to see Joe add to his career totals.

[Krusington]

I don't care what the numbers say about him having a "down year", he's still able to bat .270+ and work the count full as much as anyone in the game. He's the best two strike hitter I've personally ever witnessed and his RISP speaks for itself. Not to mention, how is it even possible to spank the ball to the opposite field as often as he does? I know we're heading in a different direction with younger players and would like to see Austin or Rooker stick at first but I don't think either of them will provide as much production as Mauer. He's as solid on defense as they come and I still wholeheartedly believe he was robbed of a gold glove last year. Dudes still an animal on the diamond. Maybe, since he's been paid handsomely already by the Twins, he will come back for a year or two on a dirt cheap contract and provide us with some flexibility. Would love to see him back and that's coming from a big Tyler Austin/Brent Rooker guy. Go Joe.

[ewen21]

Here is my thing.....

 

In the last I don't know how many years of watching Mauer I have never thought that I am watching "greatness"

 

He's been a pretty boring, ordinary player for quite some time.  THe best thing he does is walk a lot. Apart from that, what does he do?  HIs ISO numbers have been among the worst in baseball for years and he hasn't been a catcher for six seasons.  Where is the value?

 

If he were to sign for anything more than 1 year 5 million we overpaid.  Sorry for not feeling sentimental about Mauer.  I just want the Twins back on course

 

 

[AlwaysinModeration]

Thanks for this article, Ted. I’ve enjoyed rooting for Joe his entire career. I’ll enjoy watching him in the playoffs next year. I am still predicting that he is playing the long-game, saving up a first-pitch swing for a key spot in the World Series.

[HrbekRules]

1 MVP, 6 Time All-Star, 3 Batting titles, 3 Gold Gloves, from a catcher! All this prior to signing his big contract. He deserved that contract. If it weren’t for the concussions, we would most likely be discussing Mauer with the greatest catchers to have ever played! It will be the end of an era once he decides to hang up his cleats.

[Blackjack]

 

Here is my thing.....

 

In the last I don't know how many years of watching Mauer I have never thought that I am watching "greatness"

 

He's been a pretty boring, ordinary player for quite some time.  THe best thing he does is walk a lot. Apart from that, what does he do?  HIs ISO numbers have been among the worst in baseball for years and he hasn't been a catcher for six seasons.  Where is the value?

 

If he were to sign for anything more than 1 year 5 million we overpaid.  Sorry for not feeling sentimental about Mauer.  I just want the Twins back on course

Yeah its raining here too on the parade outside my window.

[ScooterDance]

My biggest frustration with Mauer was he never adjusted. He was so oppo-heavy that teams shifted him aggressively before it was as big of a thing. A lot of sluggers will say they don’t adjust to the shift because they’re trying to hit XBH as it’s a lot easier to score runs / drive in runs with XBH than stringing there singles together.

 

For Mauer, hitting into the shift means he’s not trying to hit XBH - since early in his career so many of those doubles were down the LF line. So his not adjusting argument falls flat to me.

 

There was a great article recently on Lindor and Ramirez. They rank in like the 80s or something for exit velocity and hard hit rate. They just elevate the ball and are ridiculously pull happy. That’s the modern MLB. Joe is the opposite of that.

[bunt_vs_the_shift]

 

My biggest frustration with Mauer was he never adjusted. He was so oppo-heavy that teams shifted him aggressively before it was as big of a thing. A lot of sluggers will say they don’t adjust to the shift because they’re trying to hit XBH as it’s a lot easier to score runs / drive in runs with XBH than stringing there singles together.

For Mauer, hitting into the shift means he’s not trying to hit XBH - since early in his career so many of those doubles were down the LF line. So his not adjusting argument falls flat to me.

There was a great article recently on Lindor and Ramirez. They rank in like the 80s or something for exit velocity and hard hit rate. They just elevate the ball and are ridiculously pull happy. That’s the modern MLB. Joe is the opposite of that.

I absolutely agree with the adjustment statement. It's probably one of the biggest factors in watching Joe's "frustrating greatness" if you want to call it that. He's never adjusted to the adjustment. Watching him hit line drives is a thing of beauty. Watching him hit line drives down the line for outs to the left fielder is a thing of frustration. All that said, he is who he is as a player. It seems like he has the skill set to hit over .300 in his sleep, even at an old age... And yet, he doesn't. But I will still go down a Mauer supporter. Guys run hot and cold, but over time he has been consistent. In my 30+ years of watching Twins baseball, I can't think of anyone not named Puckett who I'd rather have up there in a clutch spot.

[ashbury]

Wouldn’t hurt to see Buxton leading off, although he’s probably better off batting 9th. How bout Lewis???

Lewis? He was drafted in '17. Yesterday's news. I want Larnach.

[ashbury]

If he can hit around a .750-780 OPS, with solid defense, as long as the concussions arent a problem he should suit up at least another year or two.

Someone with that kind of profile at a corner position can carve out a few extra years if he's willing to move around the league a bit, particuarly to teams in a down cycle. Someone who wants to play for just one team is at the mercy of where that team happens to be in their own cycle. I just don't see the fit anymore, personally. We need high production along with that defense.

[rv78]

Was a big fan of Mauer early in his career. Since then I've come to realyze he's just a really good player, not great. I know he was a catcher and the toll on the body is tremendous but if you look at the numbers outside of his BA and OBP he's never had 200 hits or more in a season. Never had 100 RBI's or more, never scored 100 runs or more. Never carried his team to a Championship. All things Puckett did more than once. I cringe when people consider Joe better than Kirby. Will he make the Twins HOF? I'm sure.... Is he deserved of Cooperstown? No!

[rdehring]

With the year he is having, I have to believe he will come back on a one year contract.  See how things go next year, then decide again next November.  Although I don't know how many, expect he needs more hits to be considered for the Hall.

[USAFChief]

 

Someone with that kind of profile at a corner position can carve out a few extra years if he's willing to move around the league a bit, particuarly to teams in a down cycle. Someone who wants to play for just one team is at the mercy of where that team happens to be in their own cycle. I just don't see the fit anymore, personally. We need high production along with that defense.

Not to mention, he's not all that likely to have a .750-.780 OPS (he's not there currently) and "that defense" comes with the caveat it's at first base, and it's part time. Mauer started his 64th game at first base last night (game 127 for the Twins).

 

IMO he obviously belongs in the Twins HOF, and in MLB's "Hall of Very Good." He had a very good first half of his career, but he's no longer a very good player.

 

I think it's time for the Twins to move on. Personally, I don't watch sport for sentimentality. I want to watch the Twins win 100 games, and win a World Series.

 

 

[mikelink45]

I am indifferent to whether he comes back or not.  The counting numbers will grow because in is number 8 in games played for the team or number 3 if the Senators are removed.  That said, comparing him with Rod Carew's stats mean nothing since Rod posted almost 1000 more hits after leaving.  Comparing him to Puckett leaves out the dimensions that mean the most - leading the team to the promised land.  Comparing him with Killebrew only counts if you use RBI and HR stats since that is what defined Harmon.

As a catcher he was absolutely HOF, but because of injury he became an OK player, not a great player.  JAWS has him below HOF although had he remained at catcher of few more years he would be in - https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mauerjo01.shtml. 

 

Currently Joe ranks 16 out of 25 1B in WAR, that is not enough to say that he holds great value to the team for the future.  Whether he stays or goes does not matter to me unless he holds up the promotion of someone who could do better.  In the AL the Twins rank 10th in first base rankings according to Baseball Reference - https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/team_compare.cgi?request=1&year=2018&lg=AL 

 

 

[Han Joelo]

Setting aside debates about whether he's good enough to help the team next year (I think he is) it would seem to be Joe's style to slide off into the sunset without fanfare.  A one year contract while ceding playing time would make it obvious he was finished, and the stories and accolades would start following him.  Not sure he'd want that.

[Number3]

Joe Mauer was, and I guess still is, an amazing overall athlete with great God given talent. He either struck out only once or maybe never in his entire high school career. Anyone with that kind of talent is going to pile up high ranking team stats if he stays on that team for his entire career.

Twins record in the Mauer era 1080 wins, 1155 losses. Since the big contract 647 wins, 776 losses.

Mauer never made an effort in off season to maintain his early success and figured he could just show up and play and do ok. Winning was obviously never a priority with Joe and being a team leader obviously was not. At a size for a football tight end he is content to flare balls to left to keep the average and obp up and maybe run into one every now and then.

Talent - A

Effort and determination to be great and and actually improve in his prime years -  F

 

Joe was/is and underachiever who could have been great but settled for good.

 

[Craig Arko]

Health permitting, I most certainly look forward to seeing Joe playing for the Twins in 2019.