Ask Joe Mauer if he can repeat as American League batting champion and he responds with a humble expression and laugh. “If that means we can get back to the playoffs, I hope I do,” he said yesterday.
Mauer, who could become the first hitter since Boston’s Nomar Garciaparra to repeat as American League batting champion, hit .347 last season in a story book season for him and Justin Morneau, league MVP, and Cy Young winner Johan Santana. The Twins, with hearty performances from many players, pulled off a national headline making season, coming from 10.5 games behind Detroit in August to win the Central Division championship.
An opening playoff loss to Oakland left Mauer feeling frustrated. “It was just fun to see many people have great years and that definitely contributed to the team’s success,” he said. “Obviously last year you probably couldn’t have had a better regular season but the early exit from the playoffs kind of left a sour taste in a lot of guys mouths. We want to get back there and improve on that (the playoffs). So that’s kind of what’s driven us during this off-season to get ready for the 07 season.”
Mauer, 23, only hit .220 in spring training but said there’s no concern about the average and that he used the time in Florida to prepare for the season. He hit a career high 13 home runs last season. Does he see himself becoming more of a home run hitter?
“I am not a big numbers guy,” he said. “If I hit home runs that help our team win that’s good but I am going to keep doing things that help us win.”