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Mr. Mauer is a joy to watch every game. That swing, Oh my...

I understand with the price tag of 23 million expectations get raised but I feel Twins fans aren't appreciating what a great hitter Mauer is. Home runs are sexy but honestly having a consistent OBP of around 400 is crazy valuable. Every time he hits a grounder to second I hear jeers at target field. Hopefully we can change this negative perception and get people cheering for Mauer the way that his elite play dictates we should.

He has also thrown out 6 runners to this point of the year. Compared to a paltry 9 total runners last year this seems to suggest that he figured out whatever was ailing him behind the plate last year.

Mauer is thriving in his proper spot in the batting order and the team is better for it. Beyond that he has been much better at throwing out runners. Worth 23 million? Not quite, but definitely fun to watch for the first time in 3 years.

I am fairly sure that Mauer's increase in throwing runners out has to do with the health of his legs. Last year he just couldn't get up quick enough so he rushed a lot of throws, ie throwing before he had his base under him.

 

As far as his hitting, the last time there was that good of a swing George Brett was still playing, say all you want about Tony Gwynn or anyone else since, George Brett and Joe Mauer have the 2 best swings I have ever seen.(not old enough for Ted Williams) I think Mauer at first base regular in Fenway would produce the next .400 hitter and I think he would do it more than once.

I am fairly sure that Mauer's increase in throwing runners out has to do with the health of his legs. Last year he just couldn't get up quick enough so he rushed a lot of throws, ie throwing before he had his base under him.

 

As far as his hitting, the last time there was that good of a swing George Brett was still playing, say all you want about Tony Gwynn or anyone else since, George Brett and Joe Mauer have the 2 best swings I have ever seen.(not old enough for Ted Williams) I think Mauer at first base regular in Fenway would produce the next .400 hitter and I think he would do it more than once.

 

That and they've been preaching a better delivery to home plate with runners on.

Mauer is thriving in his proper spot in the batting order and the team is better for it. Beyond that he has been much better at throwing out runners. Worth 23 million? Not quite, but definitely fun to watch for the first time in 3 years.

 

There has only been one season where Joe Mauer wasn't fun to watch.

 

And even then he wasn't awful, just "above average".