That's also why most will consider Mauer a power hitter. He's near the top in slugging.

Point taken, but 31 Hr's in 1986 equates to about 40-45 in 2009 standards.

And no, I didn't do the math, that's just a guess....so all the haters can suck it.

The leaders in '86 were about the same as they were in '09(excluding Pujols). So, yeah, you didn't do any math.

Using your Mattingly example, I just looked up Tony Gwynn. No frickin' way anyone on this site thinks Gwynn was a power hitter right? Well in 1994 (I know, I know.... strike shortened season) had a .568 slugging% with only 12 HR's.

Quote: Originally posted by MikeT23 on 3/22/2010The leaders in '86 were about the same as they were in '09(excluding Pujols).  So, yeah, you didn't do any math.

I wouldn't go that far. In 2009 there were 30 guys who hit 30 or more and 5 with 40 or more. 1986 there were 13 with 30 or more and only 1 with 40 (Jesse Barfield!!!)

Quote: Originally Posted By skonley on 3/22/2010Point taken, but 31 Hr's in 1986 equates to about 40-45 in 2009 standards.

And no, I didn't do the math, that's just a guess....so all the haters can suck it

40 HRs would have been tied for 6th in all of MLB last year, the top numbers have come down to earth more in the last several years.

Mauer missed an entire month last year, otherwise he very likely clears 30 HRs and 100 RBI and winds up in the top 10 in the AL in both categories. Obviously there's reason to doubt whether he can repeat those numbers, but last year, I think it's very fair to say he was a power hitter.

LOL....and Wade Boggs was a power hitter in 1987

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Quote: Originally posted by MikeT23 on 3/22/2010Mauer is getting paid to be the face of the franchise.   Possibly to go down in the Minnesota history books as the greatest Twin ever.   The dollars that can be attached to that can't be counted.   Also, if I'm not mistaken, 35 is a death-year for catchers.  It's when their production falls off the table.

Cut Mike some slack, he's ****** Mauer won't be a Yankee until he's over 35...LOL!

Another highlight of this thread was when someone suggested that Piazza wasn't one of the best catchers of all-time. Maybe he wasn't defensively, but his offense WAY more than made up for it...

16 of Mauer's 28 hr's last year were to the opposite field. He's got pop in that bat.

Quote: Originally posted by rsp777 on 3/22/2010Another highlight of this thread was when someone suggested that Piazza wasn't one of the best catchers of all-time. Maybe he wasn't defensively, but his offense WAY more than made up for it...

Not exactly how that went down. I said THE best catcher ever, based on his 1997 season. I was really trying to prove a point that Piazza was actually better than Mauer, but cracked the top 10 in salary only 1 time.

You're using one season to prove whatever "point" you're trying to make. Mattingly was 4 seasons and then started developing back pain.

Ahh...finally! I've been waiting for this one. Every single argument in Mauer's favor is based on 1 damn year. You know, the year that he threw out only 26% of would-be base stealers and still won a Gold Glove.

Don't let my point get in the way of your other arguments. Mauer led the league in SLG% last season. It's not insane to believe a 6'5", 230 lb 26 y/o developed his power stroke and it now considered a power hitter.

Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. Right now, I think most will believe he is.