| Mauer Learning First Base |
| By Sally Haase June 29, 2011 This past week it was announced by the Minnesota Twins that regular first baseman Justin Morneau will be out four to six weeks with neck surgery. The pain and soreness in his neck is something that Morneau has struggled with all season, but it is not related to last season’ s concussion and post-concussion syndrome. It is the third season in a row where the former MVP has lost a significant amount of playing time. For the previous two seasons, regular Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer took over at first base and filled in brilliantly. This season is a different story. Cuddyer has filled in several times at first base this season, but the Twins outfield is injured too. Jason Kubel is still on the disabled list, Denard Span is out with a concussion, and Delmon Young suffered a bone bruise to his right ankle, and it is unknown how long Young will be out. With the backup first baseman needed in his outfield position the Twins are looking at another option at first base…catcher Joe Mauer. This is something that several Twins fans/amateur managers have suggested since Mauer was called up and promptly injured his knee, ending his rookie season. Fans said he’s too tall to play catcher and the constant up and down into the crouch position will wear on his knees. A lot of fans wanted Mauer to hardly have a career at all as a catcher; they wanted to see him play first or third base. A change of position can and will extend the careers of catchers, the Astros Craig Biggio is a prime example of the position change extending his career and got him into the 3,000 hit club. Then there is Mike Piazza, who played his entire career at catcher and is regarded as the best power hitting catcher in the game. Mauer has showed with two batting titles, that he fits more into the Piazza mold than the Biggio mold and can handle the day to day grind of catching and still manage to hit .300 or better. Personally, I do not see the move of Mauer to first as a permanent position change right now; it just gives Ron Gardenhire more options with his bench. Once Mauer is comfortable with playing the base, expect to see number 7 make his first base debut. |
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