Mauer is our new first baseman

[Jester1534]

Can't say I'm not shocked though this move was coming last year, but I'm guessing Pinto becomes the starting catcher.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/9960329/minnesota-twins-moving-joe-mauer-first-base

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

That's big news, jester...thanks for posting. I actually am a little surprised that the Twins made this statement so early and in such a definitive way. We know it wasn't what Joe wanted, but I think it's best for the team. I agree that this signals comfort with Pinto taking over as starting catcher. He's got a great bat and I hope he is at least adequate defensively. I think it also signals that we will not be making a play for Morneau, and I think that's good too.

Nice article in the StarTribune today about Byron Buxton. He didn't hit well in the Arizona fall league, bur every time I read something about him, I like him even more. Really has his head screwed on right, and has an enormous amount of humility for a guy that people are praising so much.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Heard we've mad calls about catchers on the market. Jared Salty being one name that was brought up. Wouldn't say the job is Pinto's just yet. Probably make him earn it in competition with FA catcher, while I still see Doumit being used sporadically.

Mauer moving to 1B is a move we all knew would happen eventually, and one that I hate to see come for two main reasons. 1) Mauer's as good of a defensive catcher as there is in baseball (controlling both the pitching game AND baserunners) Moving him to 1B brings his defensive impact down significantly. 2) Mauer's value just went down. $23M for a 1B that won't ever come close to hitting 20 HRs or 100 RBIs. At least when he was playing catcher, his bat was still considered way above average even without the power numbers. It sucks, but he's our hometown guy so... Not much we can do about it. Be happy with the .330/.400 stats he annually brings.

Heard we have interest in Bronson Arroyo, Phil Hughes and Jason Vargas. Would love to have Hughes. Arroyo? Why? 36-year old pitcher who is one the decline. Love that he's an inning eater (200 IP last nine years) with a decent ERA in each of those last nine years other than 2011, but I don't know how much the guy has left in the tank. Also, how much money would he command? Likely too much for my liking. Vargas? Stop it. Don't waste the money. On a positive note, I think Pelfrey's finally gone! :D

I think we'll see our Twins snag two SPs, a catcher and an outfield bat before this offseason is done with. Hopefully it's enough to go along with the improvement from Hicks, Arcia, Gibson and Pinto to be a contender in the Central.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Heard we've mad calls about catchers on the market. Jared Salty being one name that was brought up. Wouldn't say the job is Pinto's just yet. Probably make him earn it in competition with FA catcher, while I still see Doumit being used sporadically.

Mauer moving to 1B is a move we all knew would happen eventually, and one that I hate to see come for two main reasons. 1) Mauer's as good of a defensive catcher as there is in baseball (controlling both the pitching game AND baserunners) Moving him to 1B brings his defensive impact down significantly. 2) Mauer's value just went down. $23M for a 1B that won't ever come close to hitting 20 HRs or 100 RBIs. At least when he was playing catcher, his bat was still considered way above average even without the power numbers. It sucks, but he's our hometown guy so... Not much we can do about it. Be happy with the .330/.400 stats he annually brings.

Heard we have interest in Bronson Arroyo, Phil Hughes and Jason Vargas. Would love to have Hughes. Arroyo? Why? 36-year old pitcher who is one the decline. Love that he's an inning eater (200 IP last nine years) with a decent ERA in each of those last nine years other than 2011, but I don't know how much the guy has left in the tank. Also, how much money would he command? Likely too much for my liking. Vargas? Stop it. Don't waste the money. On a positive note, I think Pelfrey's finally gone! :D

I think we'll see our Twins snag two SPs, a catcher and an outfield bat before this offseason is done with. Hopefully it's enough to go along with the improvement from Hicks, Arcia, Gibson and Pinto to be a contender in the Central.

Thanks for the info, cam. And you make some excellent points about Mauer. I guess I wasn't tuned into how well he threw out runners in 2013 after his horrid record in 2012, but he had a really good comeback year last year. And combined with only 3 passed balls, it had to be one of his best defensive seasons ever. I've changed my mind and agree it's a shame that he can't catch a few more years. And you're right, it's tough to justify the $23 million for a first baseman without elite power. I guess it's good that the Twins are being cautious with him though. We need the steadiness of his bat in the lineup as our big prospects arrive, and as a first baseman, Joe still has a lot of years left in him. I think Buxton, Sano et al will learn a lot from him...almost like having a second hitting coach.

[Jester1534]

You know this could be early sign that the Twins might think Sano will stick at 3rd base. Cam the only guy on that list that does anything me is Hughes, because of his such high fly ball rate he's perfect for Target field.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

A couple columns in the StarTribune today made me feel much better about the Mauer news. Cam and jester, I don't know if you guys are familiar with the Strib's sports writers, but check out Jim Souhan's and Pat Reusse's articles online. Both very positive.

Souhan is a cynical columnist who seldom has anything good to say about the locals, but he is very optimistic about Mauer moving to 1B. He expects Mauer's average and power to both improve, and also to be in the lineup much more. That has to have a positive impact on the Twins' offense.

Reusse is also often cynical, but Tom Kelly once told me he considered him the most knowledgeable baseball sports writer in the country. Reusse compares Mauer's games played to Fielder's, and theorizes that Mauer's behavior has created a culture where it is acceptable to miss games. He expects Mauer to play almost every day now that he will no longer catching, and hopes that that will set a better example.

I'm feeling good about this move, especially if Pinto proves to be adequate defensively.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Twins and A. J. Pierzynski discussing possible reunion. I'm all for that.