Twins' Mauer slated to DH in extended spring training

[cruzg24]

When the baseball season started, two of the biggest stars in the majors -- Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer(notes) and Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley(notes) -- were out of commission and had no timetable to return to action. Utley is now back on the field for the Phillies, but Mauer is still sidelined. And it remains unclear when he will return.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the 2009 American League MVP is expected to DH Wednesday in an extended spring training game and could stay in that position for perhaps another week before finally getting down on his haunches behind the plate and catching a few balls.
"They're going to DH him and see how it works out," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said, according to the Pioneer Press. "They have a schedule for him, a plan, a target date for him to come back."
That schedule and date, the paper points out, is a total secret. As it is, Mauer hasn't caught live pitching at all yet, and has had some "arm soreness" from throwing.

Source: yahoosports.com

 

[Lake Louise]

I find it hard seeing him as a DH. I mean he can hit and all, but usually DH has power, and Mauer hasn't shown much power. Could be more because he's been hampered with injuries but we'll see how that goes. He's always been able to hit, and sees the ball well. It's a bat the Twins are missing, badly, but I don't think even Mauer can save them.

 

[cruzg24]

The "bilateral weakness" that put Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer(notes) on the disabled list early this season appears to not be such an issue at this point. He finally strapped on catcher's gear and got down on his haunches behind the plate for some game action Thursday in an extended spring training game.
The 2009 American League MVP may have gone 0 for 5 at the plate but, more importantly, he "felt real good" behind the plate, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
"I didn't have the pain that I've been having in a lot of different areas," Mauer said, according to the paper.
Mauer also said his shoulder problems began last season when he was "compensating for other injuries," the paper reports.
"My shoulder was hurting last year, but my arm hasn't felt this good in a long time, so it's encouraging definitely," he said. "I'm able to move a lot better, and the ball is coming out of my hand a lot better than what it was. So yeah, slowly getting back to where I need to get to."

Source:Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Notice how Mauer came back and this team has been winning like crazy, just wait till they get Justin back.

 

[elcheato]

The reason they've been winning lately is because of pitching and defense. Mauer has 3 hits and 2 RBIs in his 5 game return.

 

[cruzg24]

I think Joe Mauers return brings about confidence in this team. I knew this was going to happen, I knew the Twins would make their run once they got Mauer back.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

I think Joe Mauers return brings about confidence in this team. I knew this was going to happen, I knew the Twins would make their run once they got Mauer back.

That is exactly what I was saying, he hasn't done all that well from a productive standpoint, but he's a huge part to that team and it gives the entire locker room more confidence.

 

[WHO-DEY-BENGALS_18]

Also, with Joe Mauer, even if he isn't doing what we are accustomed to seeing, we know he will be back strong, at some point and if they are winning right now basically without him, that's worse yet especially if they continue to do what they are doing right now.

 

[cruzg24]

Yea, I think Joe will have to eventually move to 1B, but you can tell this guy is the anchor of this team in every way. He was the MVP, and you can see why year in and year out he is in the MVP consideration. He makes that pitching staff so much better every day and you can tell the players rally around him.


And besides I picked the Twins to win the division.... lol

 

[Mexi]

he loses a ton of value at first
that contract looks awful

 

[cruzg24]

he loses a ton of value at first
that contract looks awful

They will have to eventually move him to 1B or else. He has just gone through much wear and tear which will affect his offensive game.

 

[Mexi]

i know
that sucks too.
way too much for a 1B of his caliber(future caliber)
the most HR he's hit is 26. the 2nd most is 12 i think?
180M for a 1st baseman not even hitting 30 bombs a year. yikes