Unfortunately for Brett Anderson, he may be the biggest underdog in the Sweet 16. Joe Mauer is one of the game's best players and shouldn't have much difficulty advancing to the Elite Eight. Why Anderson is a Franchise Player Brett Anderson had a very good rookie season, going 11-11 with a 4.06 ERA in 30 starts (2009). He had just seven wins last season, going 7-6, but he lowered his ERA to 2.80 and lasted long enough to earn a decision in 13 of his 19 starts. The left-hander has a career strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.46, with averages above 3.33 in each of his two full seasons. In his first two starts this season, Anderson was 0-1 with an ERA of 1.93, a complete game and a 10-to-1 K/BB ratio. His ability to strike batters out without walking a ton will bode well for his long-term future. It's clear that the Athletics view him as a potential ace given the four-year contract extension they signed him to last April. He could make as much as $12 million in 2015, while being well worth it. Why Mauer is a Franchise Player Joe Mauer has become one of baseball's most recognizable faces despite his residence in Minnesota's smaller market. In 845 career games, the catcher has a career batting average of .326, an OBP of .406 and an OPS of .885. He's already won three batting titles in his six full seasons. When he won the AL MVP award (2009), he led the league in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS and OPS+. He can also hit for power, slugging 28 home runs in 2009, but has just one other season with double-digit homers. The spacious Target Field isn't going to help his power numbers, but no park is going to neutralize his talents at the plate. The four-time All-Star also brings tremendous value to Minnesota as the leader of the team's pitching staff. He has won the AL Gold Glove for catchers in three straight years. Mauer is perennially among the AL's leaders in WAR, whether it be generally or offensively. He led the league in WAR, WAR among position players and Offensive WAR in 2008. He's among the game's highest-paid players and this is one case whether he desires nearly every penny in his back account. Click here to see this year's 'Be A GM' bracket.