This week’s Fan Friday comes from South Dakota. Chris Mangan is the Sports Editor for the Collegian, the school paper of South Dakota State University in Brookings. Follow Chris on Twitter @mango4.
It’s the beginning of July, not even to the half way point of the season, and already a mystical number is being brought up in relation to the Twins, specifically Joe Mauer–.400.
No one has hit over .400 since 1941 when Ted Williams hit .406, it’s just too hard of an accomplishment. It seems like every year someone gets off to a red hot start and that number gets thrown around, only to see the player fade during the dog days of August.
It’s going to be a challenge for Mauer, who is hitting .392 following a 3-for-3 day against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, to hit .400. He plays one of the most demanding positions in baseball and his body takes a beating every game from foul tips and crouching.
Mauer doesn’t seem to be prone to long term slumps but he has a tendency to fade in the second half of the season. In 2006-2008, Mauer has hit just .310 after the All-Star break, including hitting .311 in the second half of 2006, when he won his first batting title.
Two people that are going to play a vital role in Mauer’s quest for .400 are Justin Morneau and Ron Gardenhire. If Morneau is able to keep up the pace he is on, pitchers are going to have to pick their poison. The extra protection from Morneau will let Mauer see a lot more pitches but it also means Mauer doesn’t have to press and try to carry the team himself.
Gardenhire might be the most important part besides Mauer though. Gardy has to be careful and not overuse Mauer so he doesn’t wear down in the second half of the season. Gardy has used Mauer has a DH several times this year, which gives Mauer’s body a chance to rest but it also lets him stay in a rhythm at the plate.
Mauer may continue to hit around .400 all season or he might fade in the second half, either way I am going to enjoy the ride.
Sorry it took so long, but the wait is over. The MVB’s official Movie Bracket has arrived, and the madness has officially begun. Look for upcoming podcasts as the MVB and I attempt to unravel this impressive list.
Print your bracket and make your predictions!
Dont forget that we need your help in picking the winner. Feel free to send your first round picks to the mailbag, or any suggestions you may have as we pick apart the first round!
On Monday the Chicago White Sox offered shortstop Orlando Cabrera arbitration which means any team would have to give up their first round draft pick to sign the free agent. What does all this mean for the Minnesota Twins?
If the Twins want a new shortstop to take the field in 2009, they should trade for one! I suggest this guy, read below >
The free agent is narrowing at shortstop and personally, I couldn’t be happier. The Twins had initial whispers about Cabrera and I could have seen them also considering a Renteria, but thankfully we won’t be see either of those guys in a Twins uniform. Now the Twins can focus on the position that is in my opinion the #1 offseason priority.
Maybe next week the Twins will sign Casey Blake and if so, I think that’s ok. If not, I am fine with a platoon of Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris. Also, they should be able to affordably add another arm in the bullpen, but at shortstop they will need to give up value to get something in return. Here’s where things start to get interesting…
Of all the random places for manager Ron Gardenhire to open his big mouth, he decided to “announce” his starting outfield at a farmers trade show in Fargo, North Dakota. First of all, why are you announcing your 2009 outfield in December. Make these guys earn their spot in spring training and give them something to work hard for. Secondly, why at a farmers trade show???
If you weren’t already convinced from the rumors, this confirms that Delmon Young is in the outs at least with the manager and possibly the Twins front office. I am ok with a Young trade if it brings good value at an important position like shortstop, but I just don’t want GM Bill Smith to get anxious and feel like he needs to make a premature move after the Garza-Young deal looked like a failure in 2008.
It is far too early to make a judgement on Delmon. The kid is 23 and still has loads of potential. That being said, if a package of Young and minor leagues pitchers can bring in a kid like Yunel Escobar from Atlanta I think Smith should jump at it.
I’m predicting we’ll hear many Young rumors next week at the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, but to prepare for that over the weekend check out MLB.com’s run down of the Twins needs and trading chips. Have a good weekend Twins fans and remember to keep submitting your podcast name ideas to WIN FREE TWINS TICKETS!
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