Twins' Mauer to play for Miracle tonight

By Kevin Johnson
Naples Daily News

FORT MYERS — Six years to the day that he was plucked by the Minnesota Twins as the first overall pick in the amateur draft, Joe Mauer must have felt like a rookie again.

Playing on a practice field in front of fewer than 10 fans, Mauer returned to action Tuesday afternoon for the first time since May 4. His visit to the Twins practice facility at Lee County Sports Complex on a rehab assignment was welcomed by the Minnesota's extended spring training squad.

"He's very humble," said manager Nelson Prada. "He worked out with the team in the morning. He stretched with the team. He hit (batting practice). He was just acting like another rookie."

"It's a pleasure when you learn from the best," added 22-year-old catcher David Hernandez, who said he picked up a few pointers from Mauer during the day.

Heck, even opposing pitcher Sam Lecure, who is on a rehab detail of his own from Cincinnati's AA team, said Mauer's appearance was educational.

"His throws are sharp. He blocks the ball well," said Lecure. "When I was pitching to him, the way he took the ball was impressive to me. Little things like that ... how big league guys go about their business. You can learn a lot just watching, not necessarily the results of what they do, but how they go about it."

The defending American League batting champion caught the first five innings in an extended spring training game against Cincinnati minor leaguers. Mauer has been nursing a strained left quadriceps injury that forced him onto the disabled list a month ago. He reported no problems after Tuesday's stint, aside from making the return under Southwest Florida's 90 degree sunshine.

"It went good, but it was hot out there. I'm not used to that. I just came from Oakland and it was about 50 degrees. So it was a little different, but everything felt good and I was pretty happy with the day," said Mauer.

All signs on the rehab trail point to another start in Fort Myers on Wednesday night. Mauer is slated to be in a Miracle uniform -- which he wore four seasons ago -- when they host Vero Beach in a Florida State League game at Hammond Stadium. Game time is 7:05. For tickets, call 239-768-4210. Hammond Stadium is located on Six Mile Cypress Road south of Daniels Parkway. Take Interstate 75 north to Exit 131 (Daniels Parkway). Go west to Six Mile Cypress and then go south.

"I don't know what the plan is for sure, but maybe sneak in a game and then hopefully get back with the big team," said Mauer.

Twins manager of media and player relations Dustin Morse confirmed late Tuesday afternoon that Mauer will start. Morse said the Twins hope he gets at least four at-bats, which is how many trips Mauer made in Tuesday's game.

Facing Lecure, Mauer flew out to the warning track in left, grounded out sharply to short, walked and struck out on three pitches with two runners aboard. Mauer wasn't too concerned about his 0-for-3 afternoon.

"I haven't been in the box for about four weeks, so it seemed like the ball was coming in there a little quicker," said the 24-year-old, who is six hits shy of 400 in his Major League career. "But I made some good contact when I did do it, so that will come. That just takes time. The main thing is just getting my legs ready to go."

While the focus is getting Mauer's legs back into game shape, his right arm showed no negative signs from the layoff. Mauer fired a perfect laser to nail Angel Cabrera, who paid the consequences for testing a big league arm on a steal attempt at third.

Mauer arrived in Fort Myers on Sunday night. He was greeted at the airport by older brother Jake, who serves as bench coach for the Twins extended spring training team.

"I told him when he got off the plane that 'It's good to see you, but I wish it was under different circumstances,'" said Jake.

The Mauer brothers dined at Carrabba's restaurant in Fort Myers on Monday night. Unlike in the Twin Cities, Joe Mauer ate in anonymity in the City of Palms.

"Joe's kind of a low-key guy," said Jake, who lives in Joe's Fort Myers home during the season. "In Minnesota, he gets recognized all over the place. I think that's why he likes it down here. A few people will recognize him, but for the most part he's kind of left alone and he likes it like that."

As for returning to the Twins, Jake said his brother is anxious to head north.

"I think he's getting kind of antsy," said Jake.