Twins Moving Mauer to First Base Permanently

[MeteorsSox4367]

According to ESPN.com, Minnesota has announced today that Joe Mauer will play first base permanently beginning next season.

Can he still visit the mound three or four times an inning? Maybe now the Sox-Twins games will be quicker.

[mzh]

The Twins are now paying $23 Million a year for a slightly better Mark Grace. I know they HAD to keep him at all costs, but yeesh.

Wilson Ramos for Matt Capps is looking worse and worse.

[DumpJerry]

Originally Posted by MeteorsSox4367

Can he still visit the mound three or four times an inning?

There is nothing in the rules to prevent his from joining in on the Mound visits.

I'm waiting for the first time the Pitcher starts his delivery while Mauer is strolling towards the Mound.....

[Foulke You]

Originally Posted by mzh

The Twins are now paying $23 Million a year for a slightly better Mark Grace. I know they HAD to keep him at all costs, but yeesh.

$23 million per year tied up in a small market/light spending team's payroll too. Mauer got paid based on his ability to produce at a high level at a premium position. The fact that he was a hometown guy and a fan favorite was just gravy. At 1B, he doesn't have nearly enough power to justify that high cost. He will also be tying up 1B on the Twins for many years which will preclude them from adding a power bat at that position.

[amsteel]

Now he's an overpaid 1B instead of an overpaid C.

[Irishsox1]

They should have done this 4 years ago, but it's the Twins so I hope it blows up on them.

[BleacherBandit]

why do you need to announce this in November? Now they can go ahead and consolidate the rest of their roster by announcing that someone like Drew Butera will be the starting catcher.

[SBSoxFan]

Originally Posted by BleacherBandit

why do you need to announce this in November? Now they can go ahead and consolidate the rest of their roster by announcing that someone like Drew Butera will be the starting catcher.

So they can make room for A. J.

[tstrike2000]

He better continue to hit .320 with a .400 OBP since he hits for next to no power.

[chicagowhitesox1]

Well there goes his top ten catcher of alltime argument.

[SephClone89]

Originally Posted by amsteel

Now he's an overpaid 1B instead of an overpaid C.

Now he's incredibly overpaid instead of just overpaid.