It doesn't take a deep dive to appreciate what Raleigh is doing this season. We do, however, reach an odd conclusion if you dive deep enough: Raleigh's effort has been more impressive than it appears.

Joe Mauer is the last catcher to win the American League MVP, a fact that was particularly relevant this week with the Seattle Mariners and catcher Cal Raleigh in Minnesota to play the Twins. The Hall of Famer was voted MVP for a spectacular 2009 season in which he led the league in batting average (.

Cal Raleigh may not keep up his offensive pace, but he has been closing in on AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge. This is no longer Secretariat at the Belmont.