Did the local media cost Joe Mauer a chance at winning the AL MVP? When brought up, it does make sense that the Twin Cities media seems to hold Justin Morneau in a higher regard than Joe Mauer.
It's natural, though. The Twins aren't a power-hitting type of ballclub. Does Justin Morneau and his homerun ability fool the media, as well as the rest of us? Does he represent some sort of nostalgia for older fans, reminiscant of Harmon Killebrew?
Could it be that modesty hurts Mauer? Do midwestern sports-writers not want to seem like braggarts for hyping the hometown boy?
It's obvious that Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer are the team's most valuable players, albeit not necessarily in that order. Fact of the matter is that Joe Mauer has two batting titles and a gold glove now.
In my eyes, Mauer is much more valuable to the team than Morneau is. That's not to downplay Morneau's value to the team. Hear my arguments.
Mauer excels in offensive production while behind the plate. Premium numbers are put up at a premium position. It doesn't leave off there, though. Mauer has the defense to compliment the offensive ability. 2008 Gold Glove winner. Morneau's defensive skills aren't terrible, but they won't be winning him a Gold Glove like Doug Mientkiewicz did in 2001.
Intangibles? Mauer showed up in September, when the Twins were making a playoff run. Can we still travel back in time to find Morneau's bat? He obviously forgot to bring it with him past the 2nd week in September.
Additionally, how about Mauer's ability to handle 5 pitchers under the age of 26, only being 25 himself?
Morneau seems sexy because of the longball, but contact hitting is what's most valuable to me if you're showing up for the WHOLE season.
Bill Smith, sign me some damn free agents!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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