How can anyone hate Mauer? I hate the Twins, but Mauer is a talented and beautiful man.
Because his contract pays him market value and he doesn't hit enough DINGERS or RIBEYES basically. Mauer doesn't hit a lot of home runs, but he hits a ton of doubles. They say he needs to "swing the bat more" when in late game situations (career .992 OPS with RISP & 2 outs, career .871 OPS in BR's "late & close" category) instead of "just trying to get on base." They say "sure he has a .408 career OBP but he needs to produce!" The lineup construction in front of Mauer has been terrible, which means there's rarely people for him to drive in on base. But he's constantly on base allowing Willingham or Cuddyer or Morneau to drive him in. He's an incredible player and he's the best player I have ever, or will ever likely get to watch as a Twin.
Some of the weird little stats about him are just nutty. He's only popped out to the infield 21 times
in his entire career. He's only done it twice since 2010. He's only swung at a 3-0 pitch 13 times
in his entire career. After a 3-0 count his career OPS is 1.425 so I mean, I think he knows what he's doing up there.
I hope all of these idiots who complain about him or say he stinks or say he's overpaid hang their head in shame when they're walking through Gate 7 at Target Field ten years from now.