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Joe Mauer batted second in the order in Wednesday's split squad loss to Baltimore with Brian Dozier hitting third. Manager Paul Molitor has said he's considering Mauer for the No. 2 spot in the order but won't bat him leadoff, the St. Paul Pioneer Press r

Mauer batted second in the order in Wednesday's split-squad loss to Baltimore with Brian Dozier hitting third. Manager Paul Molitor has said he's considering Mauer for the No. 2 spot in the order but won't bat him leadoff, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis:

Mauer's combination of a high OBP and low home run totals would make him a better fit at the top of the order. Molitor doesn't feel he's fast enough to hit leadoff, even though Mauer's .401 OBP is third among active players and he rates well as a baserunner by advanced metrics. Mauer is hitting just 3-for-16, but there's little to read into his spring stats as a veteran with a secure starting job.

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