Joe Mauer
Contract: Signed through 2010
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 226 lbs
- Born: Apr 19, 1983
- Debut: April 5, 2004
SEASON
| AVG | HR | RBI | Runs | SB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Newsbreakers
December 1, 2009
Predictably, Joe Mauer has denied a Yahoo! Sports report that said he would cut off contract negotiations with the Minnesota Twins were the two sides not to reach a new deal by opening day, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
It's the time of the year for myriad conflicting reports. Regardless of what Mauer actually said, expect things to be completely different this time next week, and then again the week after that.
December 1, 2009
Joe Mauer will not discuss signing a contract extension with the Minnesota Twins after the beginning of the 2010 season, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Our View:
Formal negotiations have still yet to begin between the two sides, though sources have claimed that Minnesota would like to have a deal done by Christmas. Expect talks to heat up very shortly.
November 30, 2009
Twins' catcher Joe Mauer has set a deadline for the team to sign him to a contract extension, according to MLB writer Jeff Passan. Mauer has informed the team that he will break off talks if the two sides haven't reached an agreement by spring training.
Our View:
Mauer wants to stay with the Twins, but he doesn't want to deal with contract talks throughout the 2010 season. The Twins will work hard all winter on getting something done, but they will have to loosen their notoriously tight wallets to keep their MVP catcher.
November 30, 2009
Joe Mauer will reportedly not sign a contract extension with the Twins that is shorter than seven years, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View:
Rumors continue to abound that Minnesota is beginning in earnest to try and lock Mauer up, and if this report is to be believed, seven years will be a starting point in any discussion about length. Stay tuned.
November 29, 2009
The Twins are "getting serious" about a Joe Mauer contract extension, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our View:
No surprise considering their hometown franchise player is coming off of his first MVP award and third batting title before the age of 27. While the Yankees and Red Sox would love to sign Mauer next offseason, it would be a huge upset were he to leave the Twin Cities.
November 24, 2009
The Minnesota Twins are rumored to be trying to lock-up 2009 American League MVP, and three-time AL batting champ, Joe Mauer to a long-term contract extension by Christmas, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View:
It is going to take a gargantuan amount of money - the kind of money the Twins don't usually spend - to keep their native son, but both sides appear to want to get a deal done, and not retaining him long term in the Twin Cities would be a public relations disaster in a season in which the Twins will be opening a new stadium. It might not get done by Christmas, but it will get done.
November 23, 2009
In a near unanimous decision, Joe Mauer has been named the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player, according to BBWAA.com.
Our View:
After leading the AL in batting average (good for his third batting title), on-base percentage and slugging percentage, the Twins' dynamic catcher received 27-of-28 first place votes en route to his landslide victory. The only other first place vote went to Detroit's Miguel Cabrera. New York's Mark Teixeira placed second, while Derek Jeter was third. Cabrera was fourth.
October 29, 2009
Minnesota Twins' catcher Joe Mauer has been voted the AL's Most Oustanding Player by the Major League Baseball Players Association, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Our View:
Mauer is in a tight race for AL MVP with the Yankees' Mark Teixeira, but apparently the players believe he was the best in his league. Mauer's .365 average was outstanding this season, not to mention he added 28 homers and 96 RBI.
October 10, 2009
Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that Twins' catcher Joe Mauer is dealing with a hip flexor issue. Mauer told manager Ron Gardenhire that he wants to remain behind the plate the rest of the way.
Our View:
The injury sounds pretty minor, but any discomfort for Mauer has to be a concern for the Twins. He is a gamer who would not miss a playoff game for something like this, so expect him to be just fine for Game 3. If the injury gets too sore, Mauer could DH at some point if the series continues.
October 9, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 and worked a pair of walks in the Twins 4-3, 11-inning loss to the Yankees on Friday night. They head home to Minnesota trailing 2-0 in the series.
Our View:
Mauer hit a ground-rule double down the line to lead off the 11th, but the ball was called foul when it was clearly fair. He mustered a single after it was called back, and the Twins ended up loading the bases with no one out, but failed to score. The Yankees won it on a solo homer by Mark Teixeira in the first at-bat of the bottom of the inning and the Twins have to be livid over the umpiring. Someone was looking out for the Bronx Bombers.
October 2, 2009
The New York Times is reporting that Twins' catcher Joe Mauer is not interested in being the highest paid player in the game when he becomes a free agent after next season. "Just having the chance to win would be important to me," he said.
Our View:
Most players say things like this and still take the biggest offer on the table, but Mauer may be one guy who is telling the truth. He is a Minnesota boy, and if the Twins prove they can be competitive every season, we could see Mauer signing a long-term deal. It also wouldn't surprise anyone if he ended up breaking the bank with the Yanks or Red Sox before the 2011 season.
September 27, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-5 in Sunday's 4-1 loss to the Royals.
Our View:
Mauer has his major league leading average up to .371 and is hitting at a .386 clip in September. His worst statistical month? July, where he "struggled" to hit .309 with four homers and 14 RBI.
September 19, 2009
Joe Mauer blasted his 28th home run of the season in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Tigers. He finished the day 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.
Our View:
Mauer is the total package this season. Not only do his 28 long balls more than double his previous career high (13), but he also leads the planet with a .373 average. An MVP award is surely in his future.
September 15, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Indians at the Metrodome. He hit a single and a double.
Our View:
The elite catcher raised his MLB-leading batting average to .373, and has eight hits over his last three games. He also tied his personal season-high of 85 RBI tonight.
September 13, 2009
Joe Mauer padded his MVP numbers on Sunday with a 3-for-4 performance that included his 27th home run of the season in the Twins 8-0 blanking of the A's.
Our View:
Mauer is now hitting .366 this season and has not batted less than .309 in any month during the 2009 campaign. He's having by far, the best and most complete season of his career.
September 7, 2009
Joe Mauer carried the Twins in Monday's 6-3 win at Toronto, as he went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored. He hit a single and a double.
Our View:
The elite catcher is riding a seven-game hitting streak, and raised his MLB-leading batting average to .369.
September 5, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles in Saturday's 4-1 win at Cleveland.
Our View:
Mauer is riding a five-game hitting streak, and raised his MLB-leading batting average to .367.
August 31, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with a single and a solo homer off Gavin Floyd in tonight's 4-1 win over the White Sox at the Metrodome.
Our View:
Mauer snapped an 11-game skid without a homer, and now has 26 for the season. He raised his MLB-leading batting average to .368 tonight as well.
August 29, 2009
Joe Mauer hit safely for the 23rd time in 26 August games on Saturday, but drove in no runs, as the Twins lost 3-0 to Texas at home.
Our View:
Mauer's American Leauge leading average "fell" to .371 in the process. With 25 home runs, 79 RBI and an on-base percentage above .440, he is still the AL's runway leader in the MVP race.
August 28, 2009
Joe Mauer went 1-for-4 with an RBI in the Twins' 3-2 win over the Rangers on Friday night.
Our View:
Mauer is having a month that mirrors his spectacular season. He's hitting .408 with seven homers and 22 RBI and is making a rock-solid case for MVP.
August 18, 2009
Joe Mauer carried the Twins in tonight's 9-6 win at Texas, as he went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. He hit a single and swatted two homers, one off Scott Feldman and the other Jason Jennings.
Our View:
Mauer extended his hitting streak to 15 games, and raised his MLB-leading batting average to .383. He launched five homers over his last six games as well, and has 25 for the season.
August 17, 2009
Joe Mauer went 3-for-5 with a single, double and a solo homer off Tommy Hunter in tonight's 8-5 loss at Texas.
Our View:
Mauer launched a homer in three of his last five games, and has 23 for the season. The elite catcher also extended his hitting streak to 14 games, and raised his MLB-leading batting average to .380
August 16, 2009
Joe Mauer went 1-for-4 with a single in the Twins' 7-4 loss to the Indians on Sunday.
Our View:
Mauer's single game him a 13-game hitting streak. He's hitting .466 in August and is a good candidate for player of the month.
August 15, 2009
Joe Mauer had a strong outing in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Indians at the Metrodome, as he went 3-for-5 with an RBI. He hit two singles and a solo homer off Tony Sipp.
Our View:
Mauer launched his 22nd homer of 2009, and raised his AL-leading batting average to .378. The elite catcher should continue to perform up to high expectations for fantasy owners.
August 13, 2009
Joe Mauer provided all of the Twins' offense on Thursday, but it wasn't enough as Minnesota fell to the Royals 5-4. Mauer went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, a run scored, and four RBI.
Our View:
Mauer hasn't shown the power after the break that we saw in the first half, but this guy is just a really good hitter. He can do it all at the plate, and he is one of the most valuable fantasy players out there because of his talent and the position he plays.
August 11, 2009
Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 in tonight's 14-6 loss to Kansas City at the Metrodome. All three of his knocks were singles.
Our View:
The elite catcher extended his hitting streak to eight games, and raised his AL-leading batting average to .369.
August 8, 2009
The odds-on favorite for the AL MVP came through again on Saturday. Joe Mauer belted his 20th homer and plated three runs with a 2-for-4 effort in Saturday's 11-0 whipping of the Tigers.
Our View:
Mauer is hitting .366 this season and has taken his game to the next level. The average has always been there, but the 20 homers puts Mauer into an entirely different fantasy stratosphere. If you shook off his preseason back issues and gambled on him on draft day, feel free to pat yourself on the back.
August 7, 2009
Joe Mauer went 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored in tonight's 10-8 loss at Detroit. He hit three singles and a solo homer off Armando Galarraga.
Our View:
The elite catcher raised his batting average to .364, and generated his 19th homer of 2009. He has 63 RBI over 84 games as well.
August 2, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the Twins' 13-4 loss to the Angels.
Our View:
Mauer "cooled" in July, hitting just .309, but the best offensive catcher in the game is a safe bet to rebound. The 2-for-4 day Sunday is a good start.
July 31, 2009
Joe Mauer went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored in tonight's 11-5 loss to the Angels at the Metrodome. He hit two singles and a three-run homer off Ervin Santana.
Our View:
Mauer raised his batting average to .359, and launched his 18th homer of the season. The elite catcher should continue to perform up to high expectations as long as he stays intact.
July 25, 2009
Joe Mauer is serving as the Twins' DH on Saturday for their game against the Angels. Mike Redmond will take over behind the plate and catch starter Nick Blackburn.
Our View:
The Twins are giving Mauer a much needed rest from defensive duties, but they can't afford to have his bat out of the lineup. Don't be shocked if Mauer spends more time DHing in the second half of the season, as the Twins want to keep him fresh and healthy.
July 22, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-5 with a run scored in Tuesday's 3-2 win at Oakland. Both of his hits were singles.
Our View:
Mauer recorded multiple hits for the first time since July 9, and continues to lead the Twins with a .362 batting average.
July 19, 2009
Joe Mauer suffered through an 0-for-6 night at the plate on Sunday as the Twins fell to the Rangers 5-3 in 12 innings. Mauer is now hitting .358 on the season.
Our View:
Mauer is falling further away from the coveted .400 mark, and he is no longer leading the league in hitting, as he fell behind Ichiro who is at .363. It looks like the quest for .400 is over for Joe, but hittng over .350 is nothing to be disappointed about.
July 14, 2009
Joe Mauer went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the National League in the All-Star Game at Busch Stadium.
Our View:
The elite catcher had the only double for the AL, and their only other extra-base hit was recorded by Curtis Granderson, who had a triple in his lone at-bat. Mauer helped the AL claim home-field advantage for the World Series as well.
July 12, 2009
Joe Mauer went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and stranded five runners on Sunday.
Our View:
Mauer was the only one that didn't get in on the fun Sunday during the Twins' 15-hit, 13-run attack launched on the White Sox. His average has now dipped to .373 since hitting .407 on June 21st.
July 8, 2009
Joe Mauer went 3-for-5 with a double, a homer and a pair of RBI in the Twins 4-3 loss to the Yankees on Wednesday.
Our View:
Mauer is having an incredible season, but the dream of hitting .400 likely won't come true. Since hitting .407 on June 21st and falling to .395 after an 0-for-5 the next day, he has yet to get his average back to that magical plateau. He's currently at .388, but in the good news column, he did hit his first homer since June 20th.
July 1, 2009
Joe Mauer went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Wednesday's 5-1 win at Kansas City. He also drew two walks. All three of his knocks were singles.
Our View:
Mauer ended a five-game skid without an RBI, and raised his batting average to .392. He continues to play up to high expectations as an elite catcher.
June 26, 2009
According to MLB.com, Twins' catcher Joe Mauer will get a day off on Saturday when the Twins play the Cardinals at St. Louis. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he wanted to get Mauer a day off on this road trip, and Saturday seemed like the best day.
Our View:
It is always nice when managers give fantasy owners some advance on when their star players will be getting a day off. If you have another option at the catching position, use it tomorrow. If not, Mauer will be fine for Sunday so you will only have to go one day without.
June 20, 2009
Joe Mauer pounded another homer on Saturday in the Twins' 6-5 loss to the Astros. Mauer went 1-for-4 with the homer, two runs scored, and an RBI in the game.
Our View:
Mauer is only hitting .417 this season, which is pretty good. He may be the best hitter in the AL, and his fantasy value is sky high considering his position. Mauer should not be traded unless you absolutely get overwhelmed by a deal, because he is as good as it gets.
June 18, 2009
Joe Mauer is getting a day off on Thursday in the Twins' afternoon game against the Pirates. He will be replaced in the battery by Mike Redmond.
Our View:
Mauer is on fire right now, but the Twins have no desire to catch him on a day game after a night game, especially considering he missed the first month with an injury. Mauer will be back tomorrow, and if anything the rest should do him some good. It's hard to imagine he could be much better than he has been, though.
June 16, 2009
Joe Mauer went 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 8-2 win over the Pirates at the Metrodome. He had a double and three singles.
Our View:
The elite catcher extended his hitting streak to nine games, with 18 total hits and six RBI over the span. He has not cooled off in June after hitting .414 in May.
June 12, 2009
Joe Mauer hit his 13th home run of the season on Friday, as the Twins beat the Cubs 7-4 at Wrigley Field.
Our View:
Mauer continues to tear the cover off the ball, and is now batting .413 on the season. He has hit safely in 32 of 38 games since making his season debut on May 1.
June 9, 2009
Joe Mauer was productive in Monday's 4-3 loss at Oakland, as he went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.
Our View:
The elite catcher has 11 hits over seven games in June, and has not cooled off after hitting .414 over 99 at-bats in May.
June 4, 2009
Joe Mauer has been named the AL Player of the Month for May, according to the Sports Network. He led the AL with a .414 batting average, with seven doubles, 11 homers and 32 RBI. He also led the majors with an .838 slugging percentage.
Our View:
Mauer already launched 12 homers this season, and is one away from tying his career high. This is the second time he earned the monthly honor, the last time coming in June of 2006.
June 2, 2009
Joe Mauer had another strong night at the plate, as he went 3-for-3 with three RBI in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Cleveland at the Metrodome. He hit two singles and a two-run homer.
Our View:
The elite catcher is hot as he has seven hits over his last three games. He notched his 12th homer, and is only one away from tying his career high of 13, set back in 2006.
May 31, 2009
The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that Joe Mauer was given the day off on Sunday. He is not injured and is expected to return to the lineup on Monday.
Our View:
Mauer is just getting a routine day off today since he has been DHing when he doesn't catch. He will be back tomorrow, so make sure he stays in your lineup. The way he is hitting, you can't afford to not play him.
May 29, 2009
Joe Mauer is ridiculous. The Twins' backstop was 3-for-5 with a double, a triple and a run scored in Friday's 5-3 loss to the Rays.
Our View:
Joe's bat has done all the talking this season. Mauer's current line: .417/.500/.844. We think that speaks for itself.
May 26, 2009
Joe Mauer has been named the AL Player of the Week, according to the Sports Network. He earned the honor by leading the AL with a .458 batting average and 13 RBI, while also collecting four homers and 25 total bases.
Our View:
This marks the second time the elite catcher took the weekly award, the last time coming in June of 2006. Teammates Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau were also nominated for the weekly honor.
May 25, 2009
Joe Mauer sat out Monday's home game against Boston, according to the Star Tribune.
Our View:
The elite catcher played in 20 games in a row, and manager Ron Gardenhire felt it was time to give him a day of rest. He should draw back into the lineup Tuesday.
May 24, 2009
The power surge for Joe Mauer continues. The Twins' catcher was 2-for-3 with a homer and two runs scored in their 6-3 series-sweeping win over the Brewers on Sunday.
Our View:
Mauer has now officially eclipsed his entire home run total from last season. He has ten on the year in just 22 games after needing 146 games to hit all of nine in 2008. Oh, by the way, Mauer is hitting .438 this season.
May 24, 2009
Joe Mauer had a huge game against Milwaukee on Saturday, going 3-for-3 with a walk, two RBI, three runs and his ninth home run of the season.
Our View:
Mauer has been completely tearing the cover off the ball since his return from the DL. He already has a batting title on his resume, and if he can maintain the power surge he's displayed so far this season, you can make an argument that he's the league's most gifted hitter this side of Albert Pujols.
May 21, 2009
Joe Mauer's incredible start to the season continued on Thursday. His 3-for-4 effort included a grand slam, six RBI, two doubles and two runs scored in the Twins' 20-1 destruction of the White Sox.
Our View:
Mauer has eight home runs this season. That would sound about right if we were approaching the end of September, but it's just past mid-May and Joe has only played in 19 games. We don't know where the power came from, but we don't care. Mauer is raking to the tune of a .417 average with eight homers and 24 RBI.
May 19, 2009
Joe Mauer went 1-for-4 with a home run, a run scored, and an RBI in the Twins' 6-2 loss to the White Sox on Tuesday.
Our View:
Mauer has been a beast since returning from the DL earlier this season, and the power he has shown has been very impressive. Those of you who stashed him on your rosters until his return are reaping the rewards now. Expect him to keep it up as long as his health remains intact.
May 12, 2009
Joe Mauer homered again on Tuesday and was 2-for-3 with two RBI in the Twins 6-2 win over the Tigers.
Our View:
Mauer now has four homers in 36 at-bats since returning from the DL and has found a hidden power stroke that has eluded him for years now. He's also hitting .500 with 12 RBI, so he hasn't lost anything in the other categories.
May 10, 2009
Joe Mauer continued his hot hitting with a 2-for-4 day in the Twins 5-3 loss to the Mariners. He had an RBI and a run scored in the game.
Our View:
Mauer already has 10 RBI through nine games and he is hitting .485/.553/.848. Despite missing the first month of the season, he looks like he could still make a run at being the top fantasy catcher in 2009.
May 9, 2009
Joe Mauer's power surge continued on Saturday as the catcher went 2-for-3 with a double, homer, two walks and three RBI in the Twins 9-6 win over the Mariners.
Our View:
In just eight games this season Mauer has three homers, three doubles and nine RBI. He only had nine homers last season and seven the year before, so fantasy owners are not wrong to be shocked by his recent slug fest. Still, feel free to relish it. The former batting champ is also hitting .483.
May 8, 2009
Joe Mauer was 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBI in Friday's 11-0 rout of the Mariners.
Our View:
Mauer has been fantastic since coming off the DL. He's hitting .462 with two homers and six RBI and looks like he hasn't missed a beat from last season. He's also showing more pop in his bat and that power surge owners have been waiting for may have finally arrived.
May 7, 2009
Joe Mauer was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a walk in Minnesota's 5-4 loss to Baltimore on Thursday.
Our View:
Mauer looks to have benefitted from the day off. He had gone 0-for-7 in his last two games, but his average jumped back up to .476 tonight. Expect steady hitting from the reigning AL batting champ all season long.
May 6, 2009
Joe Mauer wasn't in the starting lineup for the Twins on Wednesday night, according to MLB.com. He should return to the starting lineup on Thursday as he is merely getting a rest after playing in back-to-back games. Mike Redmond will start in his place.
Our View:
Mauer is 7-for-17 (.412) on the year, though he is 0-for-7 in his last two appearances. Look for the sweet swinging Mauer to be back at it against Brad Bergesen on Thursday.
May 2, 2009
Joe Mauer went 4-for-6 with an RBI in Saturday's 10-7 loss to the Royals at the HHH Metrodome. He hit a double and three singles.
Our View:
Mauer is off to a strong start over two games since being activated from the DL, as he has six hits (one homer, two doubles). Fantasy owners who stashed him on their rosters did not have to wait long to be rewarded for their patience.
May 2, 2009
Joe Mauer made his presence felt early on tonight as he homered in his first at-bat of the season. Mauer finished the game 2-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.
Our View:
Mauer owners are jumping for joy after his performance tonight. He is an elite hitter when he is healthy, so those of you who waited patiently while he was on the DL should reap the rewards.
May 1, 2009
Joe Mauer has been activated from the DL, according to the Associated Press. Juan Morillo was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester as the adjoining move.
Our View:
Mauer is expected to return to the starting lineup tonight against the Royals. The elite catcher should be employed in fantasy lineups immediately.
April 30, 2009
Joe Mauer will be activated from the DL prior to Friday's game against the Royals, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
It is not official, but the club hinted that Mauer will return to the No. 3 spot in the batting order upon his return.
April 28, 2009
Joe Mauer caught seven innings with Single-A Fort Myers Monday, according to the Star Tribune. Mauer is expected to catch five to seven innings Tuesday and is slated to serve as the DH Wednesday.
Our View:
Mauer remains on track to return to the Twins Friday when the club starts a three-game set against the Royals.
April 25, 2009
Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with two RBI in his first rehab start but the team will not accelerate his expected return from a back injury, according to the Star Tribune. "He didn't do anything all winter and didn't do anything all spring, and now all of a sudden, he's caught 12 innings [in extended spring training games], and everybody wants to move the schedule up," manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Our View:
Mauer is expected to be back in the lineup for the Twins Friday game with the Royals, and barring a setback, that appears to be a timeline that everyone is pleased with. Those of you who have exercised patience with Mauer, you are almost ready to be rewarded.
April 23, 2009
Joe Mauer fared well in an extended spring training game Wednesday in Fort Myers, Florida, according to the Star Tribune. Mauer went 3-for-4 with a double, a sacrifice fly and one RBI. He also caught six innings and gunned down one runner trying to steal.
Our View:
The Twins are optimistic that the elite catcher can return May 1, when they battle the Royals. He shall remain patiently stashed on fantasy rosters.
April 21, 2009
MLB.com is reporting that Joe Mauer went 1-for-3 with a double and two walks in his simulated game on Monday. It was Mauer's first baseball action of the season as he recovers from a sore sacroiliac joint.
Our View:
The Twins are hopeful that Mauer will be ready to go on May 1 for the start of their series against the Royals. He still has some minor league rehab games to play, but if all goes well expect him to be in the Twins' lineup on the first day of May.
April 20, 2009
The Associated Press is reporting that Joe Mauer could be back with the Twins in two weeks. Mauer will play a simulated game on Monday, followed by a handful of games with the Twins' rookie league team, and finally finish with a stint with the Class A squad.
Our View:
If all goes well, this is great news for those who have stashed Mauer on the bench and are waiting desperately for his return. He should still be an elite catcher once he gets on the field, so if for some reason he is available in your league be ready to pick him up soon.
April 15, 2009
Joe Mauer was able to run on Monday and Tuesday without back pain and is expected to start a rehab assignment at some point next week, according to MLB.com.
Our View:
This is encouraging, as the only time that Mauer felt pain in his inflamed right sacroiliac joint this spring had been while running. The plan for Mauer is to continue taking batting practice, running and catching bullpen sessions at the Twins' training facility in Fort Myers, Florida, for the remainder of the week. Barring a setback, he will start participating in Gulf Coast League games next week. There is belief that the elite catcher could return to the Twins' lineup before the end of April.
April 12, 2009
Joe Mauer, who is recovering from a sore sacroiliac joint, will begin a running program early this week, according to the Star Tribune. Manager Ron Gardenhire said, "Everything has gone great. He has been catching in the bullpen, hitting on the field. He feels great."
Our View:
It is uncertain how much running on the field the elite catcher would need before he would begin participating in minor league games. But Mauer has been running in a pool at a facility outside of the Twins' complex to keep the pounding off his back. The club thinks that the water resistance will help his legs get close to game-ready.
April 8, 2009
The Star Tribune reports that Joe Mauer has been catching bullpen sessions at the Twins minor league camp. He has also been able to hit off a tee and he is expected to take batting practice on Wednesday night. He is currently on the DL with a sore sacroiliac joint.
Our View:
He still is not running and he will have to take in a few minor league games to get ready before he returns to the Twins. While some believe he'll be back by the end of the month, we won't subscribe to that theory just yet.
April 2, 2009
Joe Mauer has been placed on the 15-day DL by the Twins, according to the Sports Network.
Our View:
Mauer is still dealing with inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, and there is no timetable for his return. Mike Redmond will start at catcher until he is ready to return, with Jose Morales the primary backup.
March 26, 2009
Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been taking new medication, and it has eased the pain in his back, allowing him to walk with greater ease, according to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press.
Our View:
This does not change the fact that Mauer will not be ready by Opening Day, and in fact it's not even known when he'll resume batting practice. Still, it's a step in the right direction for fantasy owners counting on Mauer to deliver his usual production.
March 20, 2009
Joe Mauer will not be ready for opening day due to pain and inflammation in his back, according to ESPN.
Our View:
The Twins do not believe the ailment will be a long-term issue, but there is no timetable for the AL batting champ's return. Mike Redmond is the likely starter behind the plate while Mauer is on the shelf.
March 18, 2009
The Twins are nearing a final diagnosis on Joe Mauer's ailing lower back, according to the Star Tribune. GM Bill Smith said there are "no red flags" and he added, "What I have been told is it is not a surgical issue. It is something we can treat, and hopefully, what we want to do is treat it once. We do not want to rush this thing back and have further issues down the road."
Our View:
A final update may come later today, and another person familiar with the situation said an update will be announced by Thursday. This should give us a better idea whether or not Mauer will be ready to go for opening day.
March 11, 2009
Joe Mauer's MRI revealed an inflamed lower back that will require additional medication, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. It is not considered to be overly serious.
Our View:
An inflamation isn't terrible news, but Mauer's availability for Opening Day is still in question. Hopefully the new meds work because Mauer is too valuable to the Twins and his fantasy owners to go down for an extended period of time.
March 10, 2009
Joe Mauer is slated for an MRI on his back to determine what is causing chronic pain, according to the Pioneer Press. Mauer underwent off-season surgery to remove a kidney blockage. The pain in his back got so severe down the stretch last season that he could barely walk at times. The surgery should have cleared up Mauer's back pain then, but the lingering soreness has sent him for another doctor visit, and put his availability for opening day in question.
Our View:
Mike Redmond would start at catcher if the elite Mauer is unable to go, with either Jose Morales or Drew Butera as the primary backup.
March 9, 2009
Joe Mauer has been slowly recovering from kidney surgery, but the Twins are hopeful he will be ready to go for opening day, according to the Star Tribune. Manager Ron Gardenhire said, "He has been here every day. He gets going, he does his lifting and bike-riding and all that stuff, and it just does not feel good enough to go out and run and all those things right now. And you know, in baseball, you have kind of gotta be able to do that."
Our View:
If Mauer is not ready, the Twins would employ Mike Redmond behind the plate, with either Jose Morales or Drew Butera as the backup.
February 24, 2009
Twins catcher Joe Mauer said he experienced no pain in his torso after swinging a bat for the first time in nearly five months Monday, according to MLB.com. "I don't feel any different from yesterday, which is good," said Mauer, who underwent kidney surgery on Dec. 22, after waking up Tuesday pain-free.
Our View:
In light of Monday's successful batting session, which consisted of 25 balls and a tee, Mauer said the next step is to begin doing some light running drills.
February 15, 2009
According to the Associated Press, Twins catcher Joe Mauer will be limited as spring training opens Monday after undergoing surgery Dec. 22 to remove a blockage in one of his kidneys. "I'm going to take it slow," Mauer said. "I think that's the right thing to do."
Our View:
Mauer is expected to be ready to go for the start of the regular season.
January 19, 2009
The Star-Tribune reports that Joe Mauer may not be ready to practice by the time pitchers and catchers report next month. He is still recovering from a surgery he had to repair a kidney obstruction.
Our View:
This news likely indicates that he will not participate in the WBC. However, there is very little chance that he will not be ready for Opening Day.
January 11, 2009
Twins catcher Joe Mauer will not play in the World Baseball Classic, according to TwinsBaseball.com.
Our View:
Mauer had surgery for a kidney obstruction recently and wants to be sure he is healthy for the season. He is just one of numerous players to decline an invitation.
January 9, 2009
Joe Mauer is unlikely to play in the World Baseball Classic, according to MLB.com. He recently had a minor surgery on his kidneys.
Our View:
Mauer has not made anything official, but playing in the WBC may be rushing his recovery. Stay tuned.
January 5, 2009
Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad has passed away at age 93, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:
Pohlad had been owner of the Twins since 1984 and won the World Series as owner in 1987 and again in 1991. He also owned part of the Minnesota Vikings from 1980-91. It is unclear what this will mean to the Twins as a franchise, but we wish his family the best.
January 2, 2009
The Star Tribune reports that Twins catcher Joe Mauer recently underwent surgery to remove an impurity in his kidney. "It's something he's had since he was a kid," Minnesota GM Bill Smith said Friday. "It is something that has bothered him more lately. Everything went fine and he will be ready for the season."
Our View:
Mauer, 25, has to be one of the AL's most gifted hitters. Playing a position not normally synonymous with offense, Mauer hit .328 a year ago, raising his lifetime batting mark to an impressive .317.
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