Expectations have always been high for Joe Mauer. Long before the Twins chose the St. Paul native as their top draft pick in 2001, Mauer was considered a sports phenom. If his rookie season is any indication, the Minnesota Twins catcher will be rubbing elbows with the league's other top talents in a not-too-distant All-Star game.
Mauer, 21, has the highest slugging percentage on the team, and an approach to the game that has earned him accolades from coaches, teammates and fans.