Mauer`s Power?

[StringerBell]

I know Mauer is not considered a power guy, but why doesnt he have much power? He`s about 6' 5 ", 220--- so he should be pretty strong. He looks straight out of the Flintstones with that size and those sideburns. So is it way he swings?

[freeling_prideful]

He has a very level, line-drive sort of swing that gives him a very good contact rate (90+) but limited power upside. It isn't an accident that almost all power hitters have roughly 80% contact rates--they sacrifice strikeouts and average by using uppercut swings that give their balls good loft and carry. Albert Pujols is the most notable exception (he's a freak) as are guys like Vlad Guerrero (even freakier) who swing at a ton of stuff but somehow strike out very rarely.

[MTUCache]

They actually talked about this exact subject during the Tigers' broadcast of this evenings game.

Rod Allen's theory is that he's just never been taught how to use his power, and he's instead become an incredible opposite-field hitter. Power is something that guys often develop later in their maturities, so it's certainly not out of the question for him to start hitting for power, but as said, it'll likely come at a detriment to his average and K-rates.

[kab21]

In addition to the above statement, he hits alot of GB's (about 50%) and LD's (20%). So there just aren't alot of flyballs to become homers. I don't have comparisons for other players, but I'm pretty sure that's a low flyball %. In addition to that he had some leg injuries last season (and actually throughout his career) which can affect a players power. I'm hoping that he can start hitting 15-20 HR's regularly, but we'll have to wait and see.

[jfg]

They actually talked about this exact subject during the Tigers' broadcast of this evenings game.

Rod Allen's theory is that he's just never been taught how to use his power, and he's instead become an incredible opposite-field hitter. Power is something that guys often develop later in their maturities, so it's certainly not out of the question for him to start hitting for power, but as said, it'll likely come at a detriment to his average and K-rates.

You don't want to mess with that swing. There was some talk this spring about teaching him to hit for power and not many people were for it. The power could still come...he is only 24.

[moochman]

They actually talked about this exact subject during the Tigers' broadcast of this evenings game.

Rod Allen's theory is that he's just never been taught how to use his power, and he's instead become an incredible opposite-field hitter. Power is something that guys often develop later in their maturities, so it's certainly not out of the question for him to start hitting for power, but as said, it'll likely come at a detriment to his average and K-rates.

You don't want to mess with that swing. There was some talk this spring about teaching him to hit for power and not many people were for it. The power could still come...he is only 24.

I dunno, it's not like he has not seen enough major league pitching. I doubt he will ever hit for substantial power.