Saturday, May 22, 2010

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Toronto Blue Jays May 18
Part 8 of 10

No. 3 Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins


The Minnesota Twins weathered the storm pretty well when Joe Mauer's bruised heel landed him on the bench for eight days. The team currently sits atop the AL Central with a 21-11 record.


Appearances can be deceiving. Any sustained loss of the Twins' 184 million dollar man would be devastating to the team.


Like Hanley Ramirez, Mauer plays a premium position where team's value defense over offense. To the Twins great pleasure and advantage, Mauer is the total package.


Last year's AL MVP led the league in hitting with a .365 average— as a catcher. And, it was his third batting title in his first five full seasons. Are you kidding me?


Mauer rounded out his game in 2009 by amping up his power totals, finishing the year with 28 HR's and 96 RBI's in just 523 AB's. His .444 OBP, .587 SLG, and 1.031 OPS also topped the junior circuit.


Throw in back-to-back Gold Gloves and you have a truly indispensable player. At 27 years of age and locked up through 2018, the Twins organization believes Mauer will keep them in the hunt for many years to come.


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