MLB Player Profile: Joe Mauer
Minnesota Twins’ catcher, Joe Mauer displayed a brilliant performance in preceding games as he hit number of RBIs and homers during second half of regular season. He also positioned himself as one of the top catchers throughout his MLB career. Born on April
19, 1983, Mauer is acting as a catcher in the Twins’ roster and stands 6ft 5in with a weight of 235 lbs.
The 28-year-old Mauer has seven years of experience in his professional career. He was a natural athlete and had great skills in baseball. Due to his amazing efforts in college baseball, he was geared up to make his place in the first round of MLB Draft
in 2001.
Mauer’s baseball coach, Jim O’Neill said, “And they're both able to wait on the ball so long because they don't have the big swing. Like anything, you keep simple and keep it small or short, there's not a lot of holes in it and not a lot of room for errors.”
Mauer did not notice any agreement after the MLB draft and become a free agent until the next two years. Later on, he took charge to play 2003 All-Star Futures Game. After playing his debut game in the first round, Mauer earned much fame due to his outstanding
performance in Minor Leagues and was also named in the off-season roster.
Twins’ officials kept an eye on Mauer’s performance and added him in their 40-man Minor League’s roster during 2004. He was substituted by A.J. Pierzynski, who went to the San Francisco Giants. Mauer made his debut on the same day and performed extremely
well throughout the season. Then, he proved his spot by going 2-for-3 with the bat against the Cleveland Indians.
Mauer performed extremely well in different Leagues and became one of the most eminent players in Minor League. He played seven years of his career with the Twins. Mauer confirmed his position for Twins roster by batting with promising average and gave them
some incredible victories. In 2006, he was the first catcher in the American League, who won the batting title by maintaining his average to .347.
He was little bit shaky with the bat at the end of 2006 as he suffered some minor injuries and illnesses. After rehabilitating from surgical treatments, Mauer retained his form and was able to get the Silver Slugger award.
During 2008, the weather of injuries happened with a continuous interval for Mauer as he experienced surgery for kidney impediment. He played a vital role in his return game and smashed back-to-back home-runs to give the Twins a convincing win. Mauer was
sloppy at the start of 2008 but then he recovered his form by joining bull-pen sessions and ended 2008 season with promising batting average including the Gold Glove award.
During 2009, Mauer batted with a full confidence and hit decisive RBIs with high grand slams. That season was most productive for him and the Twins. He had managed to mount his slugging and on base percentage. Mauer showed his classy act in his fielding
as well. He gave the Twins some unbelievable victories also by making stunning catches.
Mauer began his 2010 season with an eight-year agreement worth $184-million. He also saved some crucial runs for his team and played regularly with the Twins as their veteran players suffered some injuries at that time.
August 18, 2011 was a memorable day in his professional career as Mauer played his first game as a right-fielder but unfortunately the Twins lost the game 8-4 against the New York Yankees.
Mauer’s career has been firm. However, he has demonstrated himself to be a tough player with a strong renaissance in this season to help the Twins to the post-season. It will be a great challenge for Mauer to maintain his batting average.
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