Taking a look at some selected players at reader requests.

I have received a few requests from readers on certain players, so I will be addressing them over the next couple of weeks. I wanted to start with is Joe Mauer.

The first issue is the injury picture. Aside from his strained quad he also apparently has a hernia condition. Some quick research showed that he had a hernia condition in the minors and it may have popped up again. He was scheduled to have surgery, and injury expert Will Carroll says he will be ready for spring training.

So let’s start with the assumption that he will be ready for spring training and will be healthy. Mauer was clearly beset and affected by his injuries this year, posting a disappointing (for him) season, in fantasy categories, but his overall skills are still excellent, with one caveat:

7 HR 60 RBI .293/.380/.426 12%BB rate, 87% contact 32% hit rate.

In the past his hit rates have varied from 31% to 2006’s 37%. His skills have remained fairly constant; his BB rate has been 11%-13% and contact rates have ranged from 87%-90%. So his hit rate has been essentially a result of fluctuation. Or at least that is what it appears at first glance.

But, let’s take a look at his ground ball, fly ball and line drive rates:

His line drive rate is at its lowest and his fly ball rate is very close to its lowest, and hit more ground balls this year per plate appearance than ever. This shows that he is not driving the ball well, and certainly not up to his ability.

To me, I have to think that this is a result of injury. Last year Mauer’s excellent performance was no fluke and fully justified; he has the skills to be a .320 hitter. He is only 24, has a great batting eye and tremendous skills. I am willing to chalk up this year to injury. But if his failure to drive the ball this year is something that continues, he will disappoint. I would still be buying though.

As an aside, I read an amusing blurb about those who wear Joe Mauer jerseys, from the Twinkie Town blog:

Joe Mauer: You are the type of person who screams in a high voice every time Joey McSideburns comes to the plate. This is true whether you are male or female. If it’s not true, then you’re the type of person who has a favorite player in every sport, and it’s always the team’s biggest star…You admire Derek Jeter, whether in secret or not.

I hope this doesn’t describe too many readers. Change it to Jose Reyes though and it could be Matt….

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