Leading the League

by Jesse on May 21, 2008 9:15 AM EDT in By the Numbers

Sure, it's "convenient" that I picked today to point this out. Fortunately, that doesn't make what you're about to see any less real.

American Leauge Leaders, Batting Average

Name	Avg	Obp	Slg
Joe Mauer	.331	.404	.414
Kevin Youkilis	.328	.394	.598
Josh Hamilton	.321	.370	.599
Milton Bradley	.319	.428	.569
Mark Grudzielanek	.316	.376	.390
Casey Kotchman	.316	.368	.494

Sure, I'm making myself "one of those guys" by celebrating batting average a little bit here. Today: don't care. Joe Mauer is leading the American League.

I love saying that.

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Comments

No apologies are needed.

Look at his OBP. .404

Sure, he isn’t driving the ball in the gaps or down the lines, and certainly not out of the park, but if he’s leading the league in hitting and top ten in OBP, that’s a day’s work…

for a number 2 hitter!

BTW, total bases: Gomez second and Young right there as well. We forget, how old is Mauer? Is he 25 yet?

Gomez, Young, Mauer and Morneau. That’s a young core that’s going to get better.

by Old Twins Cap on May 21, 2008 9:37 AM EDT reply actions

How could you!?

Must be drinking the Kool Aid instead of tea today.

Just channeling neide there. (shiver)

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on May 21, 2008 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, seriously. Mauer is one of the worst #3 hitters in the league.

by nathaneide on May 23, 2008 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd just like to thank Victor Martinez....

..for hitting .212 in May (after hitting .366 in March/April). Joe couldn’t have done it without you.

Also – geez, how about Milton Bradley? .997 OPS?

by Jon Marthaler on May 21, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

I know, right...

Three things on this list that make me raise an eyebrow. In order…

1. Grudzielanek? Really?
2. Mauer’s still only slugging just over .400…not worrisome, just a lower than I’d expect.
3. Bradley’s outstanding start. Seriously, incredible.

by Jesse on May 21, 2008 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions

before

before this Rangers series, I didnt think Milton Bradley was still in the league

by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on May 21, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Nothing

Nothing wrong with a great BA and OBP. Especially from your catcher…

"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
~ Earl Weaver
"In God we trust. All others must provide evidence."
~ Billy Beane

by AdamOnFirst on May 21, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

by Neil on May 21, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

oh

oh right. I did read that! hahaa

by DedicatedFollowerOfFashion on May 21, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I hate when people knock Mauer for not hitting homeruns or always getting singles. The dude gets on base a lot and gives the team chances to score runs.

"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."

by Twins Territory on May 21, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply actions