Article: Pros and Cons: Picking the Twins Clubhouse Leader

[Cody Christie]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=2316-Pros-and-Cons-Picking-the-Twins-Clubhouse-Leader

[70charger]

I think Mauer is the clear choice here, despite his quieter style. I wonder if you expanded it to include some of the up and comers who would emerge? It seems like Miguel Sano wouldn't be shy about speaking his mind, for example.

[twinsnorth49]

Funny, this topic crossed my mind watching the game last night. I believe Mauer's absence represents a great opportunity for Dozier to develop a leadership role with the team and I get a sense he's doing that. His play in the field and at the plate has been very good and he appears very disciplined and focused the last couple of months.

 

I think that's a great indication that he knows what is required to succeed and is willing to put in the work on a consistent basis, particularly at a time it must be very difficult to stay motivated. I think those things are strong signs of emerging leadership.

[Badsmerf]

I thought Cuddy was the clubhouse guy? He's my vote.

[Winston Smith]

I don't think this is something you can pick. I think it happens over time that a player or two will become leaders.

[IdahoPilgrim]

My comment on Mauer is that leading by example and by on-field performance, while being a necessary component, is not what ultimately makes a good clubhouse leader (or a good leader in any organization that relies on overall team performance).

 

It has to involve picking guys up who are down, challenging guys who are getting out of line, setting an even keel and atmosphere whatever may be happening, and a bunch of other stuff that actually takes interaction with other players. That's something that just comes more naturally to some players rather than others - it's a personality thing and not just a game ability thing.

 

Mauer may indeed be able to do that, and may indeed step up to fill that role with Morneau's absence. But it will take more than just playing well on the field.

[DaveW]

Joe Mauer was one the best QBs coming out of high school and had a "lifetime" scholarship offer from bobby Bowden, I have a feeling he is just fine as a "leader". That fact that you don't hear about a lot of clubhouse discontent etc shows the twins don't have an issue

[Thrylos]

Leaders don't get picked or selected or elected. They emerge themselves....

We shall see who will emerge.

[Twins Fan From Afar]

Leaders don't get picked or selected or elected. They emerge themselves....

We shall see who will emerge.

 

I disagree, Thry. I think it should start off with a middle school-esque "Do you like me? Check YES or NO" folded piece of paper that is circulated from, say, Mauer, to a few select players to determine interest.

 

Obviously it will culminate with white smoke coming from Target Field -- be careful not to confuse it with smoke coming from the adjacent Hennepin County Recovery Center as they burn trash.

 

[jm3319]

Leaders don't get picked or selected or elected. They emerge themselves....

We shall see who will emerge.

 

Agreed, unless the Twins actually choose a "Captain." In that case they are elected, but usually they are the guys that just emerge by themselves anyway.

[notoriousgod71]

There are no leaders on this team. That's one of the reasons this team is so miserable. It's pretty difficult to be a great leader when you're a bad baseball player on a bad team.