Joe Mauer made his Major League debut at first base tonight for the Twins. He actually played really well, making some pretty solid stops, going 3 for 5 and driving in two runs. I think it is exactly what Minnesota signed up for when they agreed to an eight year $184 million dollar deal with big Joe. I mean what team wouldn't want to get on average eight bombs, and 59 rbi's out of their first bagger. Look, I like Mauer, he's athletic (he was national football/baseball player of the year his senior year of high school), and he swings a good bat so he should continue to hit for average. However, his value has to go down almost ten fold, right? Catching in the Majors is such a weak position that getting anyone that could hit and give you anywhere near the production the likes of Mauer or Buster Posey from the Giants can is rare. Lately, Joey here has had a string of knee injuries; he's never played more than 146 games in a season,the move from behind the plate to first was inevitable, so I don't disagree with it. But you could get Adam Lacroche or Lyle Overbay to give you those numbers at only a fraction of the cost to man first. Defensively he should be fine though, he's athletic, has soft hands, and moves well around the bag. The days of getting the gold glove every year are most likely over with Adrain Gonzalez, Mark Texeria, even Eric Hosmer from the Royals patrolling the position but all in all he will be fine. Offensively he doesn't rank up. Miguel Cabrera and Gonzalez can hit for average like Mauer and put him to shame when it comes to power and driving in run's, Texeria, although clearly a dick and someone who can't hit for average like Mauer, also out ranks him in both power and driving in runs. All three also get on base just as well. Mauer just went from being the best in the league at his position to maybe one day being the fourth. Hell, who knows if he will be able to past Hosmer. The Twinkies just got themselves a 23 million dollar first basemen who hits as many homers per year as Daric Barton, not ganna be pumped about that. All is not lost though, Mauer is still going to hit for average and get on base - he just has less value to his team and is there for a let down to everyone. But in all seriousness if the move to first is a permenant one, which it should be if he hopes to extend his career, he probably has some Paul Molitor in him. Not all bad.
Also one last thing,did anyone think to talk to Justin Morneau about this move? He can't be pleased about this one.
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