Mark Teixeira Topic Page
Can Joe Mauer win the HR Derby?
With more notorious home run hitters like Justin Morneau, Mark Teixeira and Josh Hamilton declining their invitations to participate in this year's home run derby, the door has opened for Joe Mauer to participate in his first derby.
Mauer has certainly shown an increase in power, already amassing a career-high 15 home runs on the season, but throughout his 5+ year career he's been more of a single & double hitter. A common thought has always been that Mauer could hit more home runs if he chose to sacrifice some average and on-base percentage. He'll now get a chance to prove that.
A couple more gold gloves this year?
Doug Mientkiewicz is the last Twin not named Torii Hunter to win a gold glove. That came in 2001. Hunter has taken home 6 straight gold gloves running form 2001 to last season and may very well win the prize again in 2007, if for no other reason than reputation.