Mauer vs. Prior

[NorthsideAvenger]

Choi-Hill-Montanez-Teixeira!

 

Don't forget the immortal David Kelton.

 

RYAN GRIPP, BABY!!!!!

 

He's the final piece to the puzzle.

[Bruno7481]

back in 2002 many thought the Twins took the easy (and cheaper) way out by selecting Mauer over Prior.

 

It has turned out pretty good for them so far. If you could go back in time to 2002 (and have the #1 pick) would you go with Mauer or Prior?

 

It's funny how these issues get brought up the first time things look bad. Prior had us within 5 outs of the promised land just 2 years after the 2001 Draft, and looked all the world like a sure-fire HOFer in bloom. At 25, he may still get us and himself to those levels. I don't regret having taken him, it just hasn''t gone well the last 2.5 seasons.

 

If I could know then what I know now, I'd say neither. I'd go with Texeira, as Barrett has been hitting the cover off of the ball as well. Draft Tex for third, package Aramis for Arod, move Ronny to second, never make the move for Izturis.

 

Jehrico, you are the first to mention what the real choice was for the Cubs in 2001 - Prior vs. Teixeira. I recall a lot of fun banter on another board around draft day, knowing we'd get one or the other. Choosing any of the 3 has looked good for each them at different times the last 5 years. I hope all 3 reach their full potential with their respective teams over a long career.

 

I wasn't bringing it up because he has looked bad, it was just an honest question. I'm not anti-Prior, I hope he can get healthy and back on track to where he once was headed.

[CuseCubFan69]

I think it was a win-win choice between Mauer and Prior. I've seen many of those HS catchers fail way more often than succeed and it's nice to see one work out.

 

As for Barrett, I think a guy that is hitting 330 or so could find a spot in the lineup no matter where he played.

[gflore34]

At the moment, given Mauer' success and Prior' recent struggles, it's real easy to give up on Prior (all the Chicago Sportswriters have). On several occasions, out of frustration, I've given up on Mark Prior but, I believe there's hope, we've not seen the best of Mark Prior. The Cubs and we will be rewarded in very big way for our patience and the Chicago Sports Media will all eat a gigantic helping of crow.

[CubsBullsBears]

By drafting Mauer the Twins were able to get Liriano, Nathan, and Boonser, something they'd never do if they took Prior. So regardless of how Mauer turns out, it was the right choice

[soccer10k]

By drafting Mauer the Twins were able to get Liriano, Nathan, and Boonser, something they'd never do if they took Prior. So regardless of how Mauer turns out, it was the right choice

 

Everybody read what you wrote the first time you wrote it. That being said, you do make a good point.

[goonys evil twin]

By drafting Mauer the Twins were able to get Liriano, Nathan, and Boonser, something they'd never do if they took Prior. So regardless of how Mauer turns out, it was the right choice

 

I'm not so certain about that. First off, you can't judge whether it was the right choice simply becuase you think it then allowed them to make a trade 2 years later. Furthermore, it's not like the Twins were a lock to hold onto AJ and turn down that trade even without Mauer on board. They kept AJ through his pre-arby years. The first year after he was traded he made almost 4.5 times what he made in his time with the Twins, combined. The Twins have a habit of letting more expensive guys go. So, while maybe they don't make that deal, there's no guarantee they don't. And it's not like they had that trade lined up the day they drafted Mauer, so you can't judge the pick based on the trade.