Archive for the ‘Joe Mauer’ Category

Fogging the Measure: Joe Mauer and the Helton Plan

Posted by Matt Klaassen under Fogging The Measure, Joe Mauer on Aug 30, 2012

So, yeah, Joe “Hometown Discount” Mauer did not get claimed off of the waiver wire. Shocker. Mauer is having a nice season after a miserable 2011. A .312/.405/.431 (134 wRC+) line is excellent for a catcher. It is very good for a player at any position. Unfortunately, Mauer is only about a half-time catcher these days, splitting time at first base and designated hitter. Combined with the money left on his contract (after this season, $138 million through 2018), he simply does not offer attractive value.

The Twins are awful this year, and as they rebuild, one of the many obstacles they face is the Mauer contract. It is a problem, but is in insurmountable? Not necessarily. The path of Todd Helton and the Colorado Rockies offers a (somewhat) reassuring reminder that these things can be worked around.

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Joe Mauer Is Owed More Than The Average Annual Income Of 3,226 Residents Of Minnesota

Posted by Dustin Parkes under General, Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins on Aug 29, 2012

The Minnesota Twins have unsurprisingly placed catcher and hair product pusher Joe Mauer on trade waivers to see if some team, any team, perhaps one on the West Coast that’s recently amassed an assortment of unwanted contracts or one on the East Coast that’s recently rid itself of said unwanted contracts, might make a claim for him. Unfortunately for the Twins, such a scenario playing out seems unlikely.

That’s because almost two years into an eight year contract, Mr. Mauer has provided approximately half of the value for which he’s been paid, and as a player who’s not only about to turn 30-years-old, but has also seen his talent diminished to a degree by injuries, that’s a cause for concern.

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Swinging at the First Pitch: Always a Good Idea

Posted by Drew Fairservice under Analysis, General, Joe Mauer, Joey Votto on Jun 22, 2012

For some reason, swinging at the first pitch is something of a divisive act. Like just about everything, it is a largely a product of results. Player swings at first pitch and makes out? Bad idea. Player swings at first pitch and reaches? Aggression is good!

The numbers suggest that swinging at the first pitch is often good for business, even if our mind tricks us into thinking otherwise.

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