Mauer may be the Cover Boy, but Morneau's the MVP
Posted at 10:20 AM on August 2, 2006
by David Zingler
(2 Comments)
The new issue of Sports Illustrated hits the newsstands today with Minnesota’s own Joe Mauer on the cover. It’s been a storybook year for the St. Paul native, from his All Star appearance last month to his major league leading batting average. The press can’t get enough of our Joey Mauer.
There’s no denying that Mauer’s been great, but he’s not even the most potent offensive player on his team. That title belongs to Justin Morneau, who should warrant MVP consideration if the Twins reach the postseason. Morneau’s offensive awakening was the driving force behind the Twins dramatic turnaround in June and he is on track, as Dick Bremer often points out, to have one of the greatest offensive seasons in the club’s history.
Currently, the Canadian possesses a batting line of .321/.366/.599 with 28 HRs and 88 RBI. Meanwhile, he’s scored 62 runs and hit 20 doubles. When you stack that against Mauer’s line of .367/.439/.521, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 55 runs and 24 doubles, you are left wondering why the “other M” isn’t getting more attention from the press. Basically all Mauer’s done this year (loyal reader Ryan will love this) is get eight more base hits than Morneau (128 to 120).
Looks like SI missed out on the real story here; either that or they couldn’t fit the 6-4, 223 pound Morneau on the cover next to the 6-4, 220 pound Mauer.
Comments (2)
Let's hope the SI cover curse doesn't bite him (please dear God, I may shoot myself if he blows out his knee again).
Bremer made a reference to it on one of the Texas broadcasts.
In addition to the +8 basehits, count 61 points of on-base pct. Mauer also has the advantage being one of the best defensive players in the league at a premium defensive position, and providing top production at a position where offensive assets are less plentiful.
By VORP: Mauer, 47.9; Morneau, 40.8
By Win Shares: Mauer, 20; Morneau, 14.
Morneau is having a great season, but Mauer still gets my vote for MVP at this point.
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