Listened to a Bill Smith interview with Chad Hartman the other day and Chad asked him why Mauer couldn't DH until he was ready to catch. Who knows what's going on, but seems reasonable to me. That pretty much encapsultates the people's problem with Mauer: either he's a puss, or he's not a puss and we don't understand why. But don't blame the people when the only explanation that's been given is a seemingly weak one.
My article today for South of Canada (http://www.south-of-canada.com/south-of-canada/2011/05/twins.html) said the Twins were having a little (or a lot of) humble pie; that could really be good for them if they take a long, hard look at what has got them here. But my fear is they won't - that they'll write it all off to injuries and bad luck. Yes everything has went as absolutely bad as possible, but some questionable decisions and lack of quality backups has contributed greatly to our current standing as well.
Some other Bautista numbers: he is the fourth leading HR hitter in Target Field history, with 7. That includes Twins. Mauer has one career homer at Target Field, Morneau four.
Dating back to September 2009, Jose Bautista has 78 homers in 209 games.
I'll finish with some recent tweets that I've enjoyed:
@aarongleeman
Jon Rauch converted 21-of-25 saves for Twins. Since replacing him Matt Capps has now converted 21-of-25 saves. "Proven closer." Heh.
3:55 PM May 11thvia web
@OverTheBaggy
Friday's home game is Noose Night at Target Field. First 10,000 fans get the same replica rope the #Twins bullpen used to hang themselves.
3:57 PM May 11thvia web
@aarongleeman
Twins trying to avoid this company. RT @LaVelleNeal: '08 Seattle was first team to lose triple digits (101) and spend triple digits ($117M).
4:03 PM May 11thvia web
@aarongleeman
Drew Butera has made 59 outs in 68 plate appearances.
Friday, May 13, 2011 8:06:53 PMvia web
@aarongleeman
Carl Pavano has faced a total of 80 batters in his last three starts. He has one strikeout.
Friday, May 13, 2011 8:48:02 PMvia web
@DarrenWolfson
6th time this year the #Twins have had 4 or fewer hits in a game. They'll need to go 74-52 the rest of the way to win 86. Time to sell?
Friday, May 13, 2011 10:33:07 PMvia web
@aarongleeman
As a team the Twins are hitting .228/.294/.321. Nick Punto is a career .247/.323/.324 hitter.
Saturday, May 14, 2011 9:42:35 AMvia web