4 for 5, 3B, run, 5 rbis
In our Illowa APBA League rookie draft this March, Joe Mauer was the number three pick (Howard and Kazmir were #1 and #2). The manager who picked him was well covered at catcher. After the draft was over, I remember him telling me, “I didn’t care, I just picked the best player available.”
That kind of talk is usually reserved for late rounds when all the primo picks are gone and you’re deciding between someone who might help you a little this year or someone who has the potential to develop for future years.
But in this case, even with 2005 rookies like King Felix, Cano, Francouer etc available, I know now exactly what he was talking about.
But I think Big Joe Mauer, now hitting .377, has exceeded even his expections in this half season.
“Joe Mauer is the best player I have seen in person.”
— John Rip.