As to the Mauer discussion. Who is the greatest hitter in Twins history? If you think it's Harmon, then you're going to find Joe's game a bit underwhelming due to the homer thing. If you think hitting is about getting on base, it's Rod Carew. Both of these guys are fine choices. If we compare the slash lines of all three players through their Age 29 season we find this.

Harmon: .263/.373/.546 147 OPS+ (leaves out his 1st 5 years which were not representative)

Carew: .328/.383/.430 130 OPS+

Mauer: .323/.405/.468 135 OPS+

 

So depending on how you value hitting, Mauer is either the best or second best hitter in Twins history through the age 29 season. Kirby should get a mention (.323./.357/.469 123 OPS+), but he'd only played 5 years by age 29.

ETA: If you're an OPS+ supporter you might also think Tony O rates ahead of Mauer for the age 29 thing.

Edited February 8, 201313 yr by LoganJones

As to the Mauer discussion. Who is the greatest hitter in Twins history? If you think it's Harmon, then you're going to find Joe's game a bit underwhelming due to the homer thing. If you think hitting is about getting on base, it's Rod Carew. Both of these guys are fine choices. If we compare the slash lines of all three players through their Age 29 season we find this.

Harmon: .263/.373/.546 147 OPS+ (leaves out his 1st 5 years which were not representative)

Carew: .328/.383/.430 130 OPS+

Mauer: .323/.405/.468 135 OPS+

 

So depending on how you value hitting, Mauer is either the best or second best hitter in Twins history through the age 29 season. Kirby should get a mention (.323./.357/.469 123 OPS+), but he'd only played 5 years by age 29.

ETA: If you're an OPS+ supporter you might also think Tony O rates ahead of Mauer for the age 29 thing.

 

And then consider Mauer has done it while being primarily a catcher.