Joe Mauer to become first baseman in 2014

Add the Twins to the growing list of teams in need of a catcher this offseason. They announced that their former catcher, Joe Mauer, will become the team's primary first baseman in 2014. Mauer, having battled concussion issues since 2011, has only received a full catcher workload (120-130 games) once since; Mauer played in 147 games in 2012. 

The movement of Mauer makes sense, but comes at a little bit of a surprise, as no indications pointed toward Joe Mauer moving to first base. He played in 113 games in 2013. It makes sense though, because the Twins need Mauer's bat in their lineup, as their offense has not been great in the past few years. In 2013, the Twins OPS was a low .692, ranking twelfth in the American League. 

Joe Mauer has played in 56 career games at first base, posting a .993 fielding percentage in his time there. Obviously catcher is a priority defensive position for Mauer, but he is not a bad first baseman. He has had experience there, and could definitely last a full season there. His catching days, however, are seemingly over, as this seems to be a long-term move for Mauer, so that the Twins can get the best of him. 

The Twins will be looking for catchers on the free agent market this offseason. Joe Mauer is now a first baseman. 


Thanks to www.cbssports.com for the photo

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