Up until recently, whenever a discussion of Mauer vs. Prior comes up I have ALWAYS leaned towards Joe Mauer. He has all the skills. He can hit. He can throw. He is deceptively fast on the basepaths. All signs pointed towards Mauer and I always used to thank heavens that we took him over Prior. The knock on Prior has always been his health. When health Prior has shown dominant skills. While I haven’t changed my opinion (and I am still thrilled that we took Mauer), I am starting to wonder about the health of Joe and whether he is actually any less injury prone than Prior.
His most recent quad injury that has kept him on the shelf for about a month makes me really wonder what is going on with him. Now, I am not doubting Joe and his injury. I am sure that it exists. On the other hand, I have to wonder about Joe’s durability and toughness. I have never known of anyone who has a “buised” quad to be out for so long. Also, does this most recent issue really require a stint on the DL?
I am not about to put all the blame on Joe. Considering that he is the reigning batting champ and hometown hero, I am sure that the Twins organization is being extra careful with him. I must wonder though whether this isn’t something that he just needs to learn to play through. You see guys like Torii “hit me in the face with a fastball and i’ll still play tomorrow” Hunter, Mike “foultip to the groin” Redmond and even Justin “I’ll play with a broken nose” Morneau being very gutty and playing through pain. Maybe it’s time that Joe learn that not everyday will be pain free. There will be times during his career that he will have to gut things out.
As I am writing this, I just heard an interview with Terry Ryan… He just said that Joe will be out “probably another two weeks”.
What? Wasn’t he supposed to be ready yesterday?
The reason for the delay was stated as being “tightness” in Joe’s leg. No pain, just tightness……
Thank goodness for Mike Redmond. I wonder how patient the Twins and fans would be if Redmond was batting .220…..
Get well soon Joe!
