Joe Mauer announces retirement: HOF? Make Your Case:

[packs]

I'd rather have Jorge Posada on my team than Joe Mauer and Posada fell off the ballot after 1 vote. Joe isn't a HOFer in my opinion.

[KCRfan1]

Originally Posted by packs

I'd rather have Jorge Posada on my team than Joe Mauer and Posada fell off the ballot after 1 vote. Joe isn't a HOFer in my opinion.

I agree. Do you believe too much value is put into WAR and JAWS and the basic stats and eye test are discounted?

[nolemmings]

Then you need to have your eyes tested. Three batting titles--are those stats basic enough for you? How many catchers in MLB history have won ANY batting titles? I believe the answer is 4. How many AL catchers did so who are not named Mauer? Zero.

[nolemmings]

A couple of my favorite Mauer highlights, and then one for fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfeJMiuKbf4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBO2sQnIs9A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb_Z2kKYy3Y

[SetBuilder]

Originally Posted by KCRfan1

60% of Mauer's games were in the role of catcher, as were his games played.

I'm not going to compare Mauer to Pudge, as it's an unfair comparison. That's like comparing Jim Rice to Ted Williams or any other great of the game at the same position.

In terms of COMPS, Mauer has a strong case for consideration to the HALL.

To poke the bear a bit, Molina has a HORRIBLE JAWS comp to other catchers all-time. He ranks like 25th or so, and not even close in that category. Basic numbers he stacks up, but the components of the JAWS ranks him very low.

Where are you getting 60%?

Mauer appeared in 1,858 games.

In 921 of those games, he played catcher (921/1858 = 49.5%).

In 885 of those games, he started the game at catcher (885/1858 = 47.6%).

[packs]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Then you need to have your eyes tested. Three batting titles--are those stats basic enough for you? How many catchers in MLB history have won ANY batting titles? I believe the answer is 4. How many AL catchers did so who are not named Mauer? Zero.

Three batting titles are basic stats. Posada caught almost twice as many games and was an offensive machine for almost a decade. I don't think either are HOFers but I'd rather have Posada.

[KCRfan1]

Originally Posted by SetBuilder

Where are you getting 60%?

Mauer appeared in 1,858 games.

In 921 of those games, he played catcher (921/1858 = 49.5%).

In 885 of those games, he started the game at catcher (885/1858 = 47.6%).

I didn't account for games as a DH. You are spot on. I have been a total cluster F*** on this thread.

[nolemmings]

Deleted.

[sycks22]

Being a diehard Twins fan I can see it both ways. His first 7 years, first ballot HOFer, his last 9 were average at best. His averages for the last 9 years were .290 avg, 8 hr and 56 for 162 games and he was a first baseman, brutal stats. It's tough to make the playoffs when your 1st baseman has 7-10 hrs with 55 rbi and Verlander said it best "When Joe's up the worst thing that will happen to you is a single to left". I'm leaning towards a veterans committee induction.

[glynparson]

If you flip his career he probably gets in as it is it will be borderline in my opinion. Id vote for him but i am easy.