Mauer has played in just nine games this season as he's been battling bilateral leg weakness and a viral infection. The 28-year-old backstop is considered the best in the league and he has the hardware to prove it as he took home the AL MVP award, the batting title and a Gold Glove in 2009.
With Mauer out of the mix, a fellow AL Central catcher has stepped up and stolen the spotlight. Alex Avila, taking the majority of starts behind the dish in Detroit because of a banged-up Victor Martinez, has been having a solid year thus far. Avila has a .303 batting average, five homers and 21 RBIs — the most among MLB catchers.
Russell Martin has made a splash in his first year in the Bronx as the Yankees' new backstop has six homers and 20 RBIs in 26 games played.
Who is the best catcher in baseball this season?online survey
