Joe Mauer was an absolute freak in 2009. He posted a 7.9 WAR figure, the 7th best season for a catcher since 1970 and behind some guy named Johnny Bench three times. He was (and still is) a former number one overall pick and playing for an American League team figured to stay in the lineup as he aged because of the DH. Mauer is due $23 Million in each of the next 7 seasons and is looking to fix some problems that have plagued him the past few seasons. He was limited to just 82 games last year and in 2010, the slugging catcher was plagued by hip, shoulder, heel, and back troubles. I’m of the opinion that 2012 will be a big year for Mr. Mauer and the Minnesota Twins.
Mauer spoke with reporters a few days ago in what has to be the most boring interview of all time. However, the Minnesota native mentioned that he had done some catching and shouldn’t be held back in spring training. I don’t expect the guy to catch 120 games this season, especially when considering that Trevor Plouffe (and his .226 career average) is currently penciled in at the DH spot. Letting Mauer hit in the DH spot will keep him healthier for the long haul this year.
I’m not sure the Twins have what it takes to win the AL Central this year with the losses of Michael Cuddyer, Joe Nathan, and Jason Kubel. The Tigers are the favorite, but don’t be surprised if the Royals, Indians or Twins wind up winning the division. “We’re used to winning around here, and last season happened,” Mauer said. “You can’t ignore it or make excuses (about) what happened. I think it’s probably good for everybody to check themselves in the mirror and make sure something like that doesn’t happen again.” We picked the Twins to win the AL Central last year and they wound up losing 99 games. I’m certainly not going to pick them to lose 99 games again nor am I suspecting Mauer will play in only 99 games. I mean come on: it’s 2012, there’s no way he gets pneumonia again.
While we’re talking about the Twins and their injuries, Justin Morneau has to be mentioned. Concussion symptoms are the common denominator going back to July of 2010, but add in four surgeries (neck, wrist, foot, knee) and some lingering numbness in his left index finger and it’s tough to be completely optimistic about Morneau’s chances to return to MVP form. He’s due to get back on the field when position players report next week.
I’m not nearly as optomistic about Morneau as I am about Mauer. Mauer’s ready to hit .320 and again reclaim his spot as the game’s best offensive “catcher.”
-Sean Morash
