Joe Mauer’s Successors in Minnesota Are Trying to Catch Up
A major factor in Hall of Famer Joe Mauer’s frequent undervaluation during his career was the general lack of appreciation for the importance of a catcher with three sports skills—hitting, fielding, and durability. But the ten years that have passed since Mauer abandoned the position have demonstrated just how difficult it is to locate good two-way catchers.
Picture courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Twins Vincent Carchietta, Steven Bisig, and Jesse Johnson. Watch Video
I apologize; the video player could not load.(Failed Code: 101102)
Veteran Joe Mauer was getting ready to report for spring training around this time ten years ago, but this time he was a first baseman instead of a catcher. Prior to having to switch positions in 2013 due to a fatal concussion, Mauer had started nine Opening Day games as Minnesota’s catcher.
A major factor in Hall of Famer Joe Mauer’s frequent undervaluation during his career was the general lack of appreciation for the importance of a catcher with three sports skills—hitting, fielding, and durability. But the ten years that have passed since Mauer abandoned the position have demonstrated just how difficult it is to locate good two-way catchers.
Picture courtesy of USA TODAY Sports Twins Vincent Carchietta, Steven Bisig, and Jesse Johnson. Watch Video
I apologize; the video player could not load.(Failed Code: 101102)
Veteran Joe Mauer was getting ready to report for spring training around this time ten years ago, but this time he was a first baseman instead of a catcher. Prior to having to switch positions in 2013 due to a fatal concussion, Mauer had started nine Opening Day games as Minnesota’s catcher.
