UP: Joe Mauer
Any mention of this week for the Twins would go for not if it didn’t include a mention of Mauer. The Twins catcher became the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired in a Saturday night ceremony joining Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Tom Kelly, Kent Hrbek, Bert Blyleven, Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett.
Mauer’s career is somewhat of an enigma for Twins fans due to a feeling he didn’t live up to his massive contract and the Twins saw limited playoff success despite winning four division titles during his 15-year career. However, Mauer also saw individual success during his time with the Twins winning three American League batting titles, three Gold Gloves, five Silver Slugger awards and making six All-Star appearances.
On top of that, he was a genuinely liked guy who seemed to do good things off the field and kept his nose out of trouble. While some of his recent numbers may have been put out of context with what a first baseman should deliver, Mauer’s overall resume is something that should have him on the doorstep of Cooperstown.