Friday, June 24, 2011

Starting at 1B...Joe Mauer?

Over 2 months ago, I wrote about how frustrating it was to see Joe Mauer go on the DL with "bi-lateral leg weakness."  At the time in my rage, I would have done anything to see Mauer come back to play at a different position that catcher, as it only seems to bring more days off for #7.  Now I hear that Morneau is going to have surgery on his neck to take care of that nerve problem he has been dealing with, and Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune says that Gardy brought up the possibility of Mauer playing some 1B.

Looking back, this was not the scenario I envisioned of Mauer making a position switch, nor was it the scenario I would have picked if I had my choice.  It's definitely discouraging to see Morneau go down again.  Out of all the guys on this roster, Morneau is the guy you root for to stay healthy.  It just seems like it never happens with the big Canadian.

While it's a major bummer to see #33 go down, it's nice to know that the Twins seem to excel down the stretch without arguably our best hitter.  Not only that, but it will hopefully give Mauer a chance to stay in the lineup, and ensure roster spots for some of our hot-hitting young kids (see: Luuuuuuuuuuuuuke).  We also know that Cuddyer has gotten a head start on his late season run over the last week or two; so if we can get Delmon going like last season, get Thome and Kubel back in the lineup, and watch Nishioka continue to get comfortable, it's going to be a great 2nd half ride Twins fans!  Maybe this year, September will be the month that Morneau actually gets to play!

No comments:

Post a Comment