Joe Mauer ranked No. 9 and Justin Morneau No. 40 in the Sporting News Magazine’s list of baseball’s top 50 players. They were the only Twins included on the list as voted by 21 major league executives, according to the publication’s June 6 issue.
In the article former teammate Orlando Cabrera praised Mauer for the “calm” he brings to the Twins as a catcher, calling pitches and throwing out base runners. Talking about everything Mauer does, including his hitting, Cabrera said: “I look at Joe as a force. …”
The magazine didn’t report the survey date but it’s obviously based on past performances of players and not the 2011 season. Mauer hasn’t played for the Twins since April 12, appearing in just nine games because of injuries. Morneau is hitting .229 with four home runs and 20 RBI.
Both Mauer and Morneau have experienced various physical problems since last year. When next year’s voting comes around, Mauer could certainly slide out of the top 10 and Morneau might exit from the top 50 if the two don’t stage big summer rallies.
Twelve major league teams had more players on the list than the Twins, led by the New York Yankees and Boston with five each. Former Twins center fielder Torii Hunter, No. 31 last year in the ranking of baseball’s best, didn’t make the top 50.
For the third consecutive year St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols was voted No. 1. Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki No. 2 and Seattle pitcher Felix Hernandez No. 3.