So, when do pitchers and catchers report for spring training? It's hard to believe that a whole baseball season has come and nearly gone already. What began with such hope and promise in the spring eventually turned to vague dissatisfaction by midsummer and finally, after the non-waiver trade deadline, to widespread ennui. So now we can turn our full attention to shanked placekicks and human resources debacles and other forms of sporting entertainment and dismay. Gibson on the mound for the Twins today, the A's feature Trevor Cahill. Smoke 'em while you got 'em, gents - this pack is almost gone. Play ball!
The Cave-Man hits a two-run homer!!!!!
These guys are all factually wrong, mind you.
But it is true that they will say it.
I've heard that on AstroTurf before they had the fake grass type turf put in the dome. My guess is while it did slow it down some, it was a lot less than when bounced on grass or dirt.
I wonder who gets that sweet, sweet hot dog money from Sheboygan next season.
That was, like, the most Gibson at bat ever.
Hey, a three-run inning and a 5-1 lead. Things are looking up.
JMIVGATB
It will be a god damn crime if he isn't elected to the hall.
Yep.
JAWS has him 7th all time among catchers.
It might be homerism, but if he doesn't get concussed I think we're talking best ever.
Homerism, but he'd certainly have been in the discussion.
I think the discussion turns a lot on what you consider the relevant elements.
And whether you're a homer or not...
Possibly, depending on how he aged. His Peak 7 years is 5th best among catchers, only behind Carter, Bench, Piazza and Rodriguez. Through his first 10 full seasons, Bench had a 131 OPS+. In his 10 seasons catching, Mauer had a 135. But Bench has 10 GGs and 10 AS appearances with Mauer at 3 and 6. Rodriguez was only at 111 OPS+ through 10 seasons, but he had 6 straight seasons where he won GG & Silver Slugger, so there was no question for six seasons he was his league's best catcher. This of course was before Mauer was around.
Rodriguez may have had some help.
I'm saving my first Cooperstown visit for that day. WGOM gathering
You might stop by Ommegang whilst there. NBBW: Hop House. Me: Father Hennepin.
Me: Three Philosophers. But their whole lineup is really, really, really good.
Three Philosophers
Yup.
Indeed, that will be the perfect WGOM Caucus. Mauer in the HOF and elitist beer? That checks almost all the boxes.
The only box that misses is "cheaptoy can afford to be there."
Start saving, cheaps. You've got at least five years, unless he dies tragically.
I might if I was a beer drinker.
We had Good Kyle Gibson today. Hope the bullpen can save it for him.
Trevor May's first save? I'm a bit surprised.