Don't look now -- OK, you can look -- but Joe Mauer is in third place in the AL batting race, just eight points behind Miguel Cabrera.

He is 5 for 7 since returning to the lineup after missing time with back spasms. He is 18 for 38 (.474) in September. And yes, he is still getting on base at an AL-best rate (.419 going into Wednesday).

The question we leave you with tonight: If Mauer can overtake Cabrera and co. to win his fourth AL batting title, would it actually be a detriment to his image in the eyes of many? That is to say, would being really, really good at hitting for average (again) only fuel the rage about Mauer not hitting enough long balls?