Meet @BoringJoeMauer

One of the best anti-comedy twitter accounts is @BoringJoeMauer. This is one of my favorite twitter accounts on the internet. Obviously anti-comedy is an acquired taste, but it is a taste I've grown to enjoy.

Below I've laid out some of my favorite more recent tweets made by @BoringJoeMauer:

Bye, Sam Fuld. I still owe you a Gatorade from that one day I forgot my money.
— Boring Joe Mauer (@BoringJoeMauer) July 31, 2014

The DL is a lot like DH, except you don't get to hit.
— Boring Joe Mauer (@BoringJoeMauer) July 22, 2014

Facebook is like crack. I don't use it.
— Boring Joe Mauer (@BoringJoeMauer) July 17, 2014

What is there to do at a bar until 4 AM? Watch the news?
— Boring Joe Mauer (@BoringJoeMauer) July 16, 2014

When I was catcher I had a signal for "Your cap is crooked. You look weird."
— Boring Joe Mauer (@BoringJoeMauer) July 16, 2014

So if you haven't already, go follow @BoringJoeMauer.

Joe Mauer is a HOTTIE!

Okay, duh. Joe Mauer is so cute. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I just love to look at him. I was doing research on some Twins facts and found some adorable pictures I just couldn't wait to share with you. Take a peek below and try not to swoon.

Joe Mauer Moving to First Base

This just in - Twins fans. Joe Mauer will be moving to play first base. This doesn't come to a surprise to many Twins fans because the Minnesota Twins are hoping to avoid a repeat of Joe Mauer's concussion that cut his 2013 season short.

Mauer is signed through 2018 with $115 million remaining on his contract. I won't be surprised if people want to sit on the first baseline now to get a better view ;)

 

M&M Boys Own the Night

Mauer started the rally last night, or in the words of Ryan Doumit, woke the sleeping dragon. Mauer hit his first homer at Target Field since August 18, 2010 when he yanked a 0-1 cut fastball 260 feet down the right field line.

Then Morneau put the Twins up 8-7 with a two-run shot into the upper deck in right center.

Before the M&M Boys came up clutch... they were opposite of clutch. The crowd of over 30,000 was full of grumbles when the boys failed twice to bring in runners from third when the Twins were down by 5.

The home runs hit by the M&M Boys were the kinds of home runs the Twins never got last season. The Twins hit the third fewest HRs in the majors with only 103.

The Twins are two games under .500 and have a team earned-run average of 5.65. However, the lineup boasted by the hometown team should prove to be deep and powerful.

Here's to hoping the Twins pull out a win over Texas today... then we will really have something to write home about.

Twins on Winning Streak

Hey! What do you know? The Twins are on their first win streak - 2 w's in a row at Target Field!

If you watched the game last night, you probably almost had a heart attack given the thrills of the game. The Twins started out with four uninspiring losses, but have come alive the past two days at Target Field.

The Twins took a three-game series from the LA Angels (2-for-3) this past week. Recall that the Angels were one of the most active teams in the off season, picking up highly desired free agents.

I love a nail biter when we come out on top. However, there is something to be said about a straight-up win. Twins fans might not be able to take this kind of fun for 156 more games...

Let's pound Texas... and let Twins fans sigh with relief.

Twins Catcher Position

The Twins are likely expected to carry three backstops to start the season, but Gardy is planning on keeping his options open.

Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit are locks to make the club as primary catchers, but the Twins appear likely to carry another catcher on the roster. This comes as no surprise.

Drew Butera, who is on the 40-man roster, remains to be the favorite to win the job because of his defense and familiarity with the Twins pitchers. However, J.R. Towles, a former top prospect with the Astros, is expected to push Butera this spring.

Keep your eye out for other Twins news!

Is Joe Mauer Back?

This time last year, Joe Mauer was doing nothing but rehab on his left knee. This year, Mauer has started baseball activity in preparation for spring training. That, Twins fans, is something we should place our hope in.

Mauer has been hitting off a tee and throwing as he prepares for the day pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, FL - February 18th. Mauer reports that he feels good, even saying that he feels night and day in reference to last year's rehab period.

Well thank goodness for that because, not only are fans counting on Mauer, but the Twins are counting on him to regain the form that made him the AL MVP in 2009. That year Mauer reached career highs in batting average (.365), home runs (28) and RBIs (96). He won his third AL batting title that year and soon after signed an eight-year, $184 million contract extension with the Twins.

Mauer even plans on catching in spring training, something he certainly did not do much of last year.

My Target Field Experience: Game 1

If you recall (and if you don't, its below...) my last post was a foreshadow of my Game 1 adventure at Target Field. Last night was the actual adventure.

The night got off to a rough start as I walked in and they didn't have my name on the list or have a nametag for me. I'm willing to help a guy out, but come on. First you don't have season tickets for me, then you don't have my nametag? Lucky my Type A personality was ready for anything, resulting in me bringing my confirmation email and my Twins Account #.

If that hadn't worked, then my hostile personality would've kicked in and had a meltdown. Fortunately for the gentleman at the table, the confirmation email did the trick.

We (Mara and I) got to the Legends Club just in time to see Dave St. Peter get grilled about the growing payroll and the receding wins. His answers were very political, which is absolutely what I expected, but still interesting to hear. It was kind of like Occupy Target Field - fans giving their opinions on The Man. There were other interesting questions, but one that particularly peeked my interest was a question about 2nd base.

St. Peter THREW Nishioka under the bus. Hardcore. It was brutal. He basically said Nishi would have to earn his spot on the team during Spring Training (duh), but that they fully expect Casilla to be playing at 2nd and will be looking for a fresh player at shortstop. So... basically this guy is willing to go out and break a leg for the Twins (literally) and we won't even grant him support as he attempts to transition. Sure, it was a rough year for him and for everyone. He played terrible and couldn't make simple catches or execute easy throws, but does that mean we give up on him?

If so, then we should have given up on the whole team a while ago.

Dave also talked a bit about moving Justin Morneau off the field and solely into a DH role. Sucks.

Anyway, back to my experience. It was great. The night really turned around after the nametag incident. There was a free ballpark food buffet and beers were only $4.50. The view was amazing with the centerfield screen lit up with Game 1. It was like an oasis in the blacked-out stadium with the Minneapolis skyline to the right. How poetic.

Towards the end of the night we went on a tour of Target Field. Let me tell you... that Champions Club is no joke. It is pretty sweet. When we were just outside the Club, our tour guide told us a story about how when the Yankees are in town, Yankee fans will fly in and purchase Champ Club tickets because they think they are such a deal. Kind of irked me because the tickets are expensive, it doesn't matter what some Yank thinks.

As the tour progressed, we got to see the underground batting cages as well as the Twins clubhouse. Interesting fact: Mauer and Morneau have the two biggest 'cubbies' (or lockers) in the whole place. They are easily twice the size of everyone else's. What is that about? The less you play the more you get? Sounds like something Michelle Bachmann would say.

Anyway, the whole experience was a lot of fun. My only disappointment of the night hinged on a bet that I made with Mara regarding the outcome of the game and the series as a whole. I put $50 on the Rangers winning it all and a beer on the Rangers winning Game 1. At least I still have the $50 to look forward to.

If I remember, I'll post some pictures of the tour and such at a later date. We weren't supposed to take pictures of the clubhouse, but I was sneaky and managed a blurry one. NBD.

Danny Valencia Saves Season With Walk Off Single, Closer Thoughts

It looked like the Twins' season was all but over. Casilla flew out to left field, and Mauer was up to bat with one out. The Twins' were about to be 8 games back in the division, and likely would be trading key players at the deadline, but the Twins' fought back in a huge way, just like they have been doing all season. Mauer walked, and Cuddyer hit what looked like a single, but become a double because of his hustle. The Indians intentionally walked Jim Thome, bringing up Danny Valencia. Valencia hits a dinky fly ball to left field that drops and Cuddyer rounds third to score the game winning run. This is a huge win for the Twins that brought them to 6 games back of the 1st place Indians. They have to win again tonight if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Matt Capps pitched again last night and looked better than before. He clearly cannot handle the mental grind that comes with being a closer, as he leads Major League baseball with 18 blown saves over the past year. I think Joe Nathan is improving, but I would love to see Glen Perkins close. He's got closer stuff, the only thing you have to worry about with him is his mental toughness. He shouldn't have to worry about the mental part because when you are throwing a filthy slider along with a 97 mph fastball, you should be just fine. Gardy, just give him a shot, please.

All Star Weekend Thoughts: How to Change it and How Cuddyer Did

Alright so the first part of this is going to be how to change the All Star game. Second part will be about Cuddyer. First lets start with the home run derby. I really hate the home run derby it's really boring. I've got two ways to fix it, either would be great. One way would be to have the reigning Cy Young winner actually pitch to these guys so it's not like batting practice. Another way to fix it, have the captains be forced to pick one pitcher. Pick some interesting people to spice it up. I would love to watch CC Sabathia try to beat out all the Sluggers in a home run derby, I bet he'd have a chance. Or watch little Tim Lincecum try to hit some home runs. I hate when there are just mediocre power hitters that I don't care about. Spice it up, maybe even throw Nick Punto out there for all I care. The Last thing they have to do is trim that damn roster. I was watching it last night and didn't know half the players by the 7th inning. Make the best players play and if you want it to matter, make them play the whole game. There's no reason these guys can't play a whole game, it's baseball, not football.

Cuddyer, I loved seeing you out there, but you are not an all star. Cuddyer was an all star because they had to pick someone to be on the team, and he was the best of the worst. This devalues an All Star appearance. Who cares if Joe Mauer has made 10 all star appearances because everyone makes all star teams in baseball. There were 84 players named to the all star teams this year. Only ten guys can be on the field at once... this is ridiculous.

Michael Cuddyer wasn't too bad out there though. He played a solid first base, and he flew out on the first pitch he saw. Clearly he was a little nervous and I don't blame him. Hopefully Mauer and Morneau are healthy and productive next year so we can watch them in the All Star Game.

Minnesota Twins All Star: Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer was named to his first All Star team recently. I can honestly say I'm really happy for they guy. He's having a career year. He's leading the team with a .298 batting average, 13 home runs, 93 hits, and a .369 on base percentage. He was clearly the most deserving position player that the Twins had to be named to the All Star team. He's in the midst of his 10th Major League season, all with the Twins, and he has been rock solid the past five seasons, outside of 2008 when he played in only 49 games.

I'm happy for Cuddy. This is going to be a great moment for him and his family and the Twins organization. I love Cuddyer, but I would much rather see Morneau or Mauer out there. Even though they aren't having the best seasons, I like seeing the traditional Twins out there that everyone else knows. Barely anyone even knows who Cuddyer is. I'll have my thoughts on the All Star game in my next blog.

Joe Mauer Playing First Base Tomorrow

According to the Startribune, Joe Mauer is playing first base tomorrow. This is great news for the Twins because it allows Mauer to get some more at bats and rest his body. Mauer hasn't played first base in ten years, but he's gotten some help from teammates. He said he has spent a lot of time talking to Michael Cuddyer about how to play first base. Mauer had this to say about playing 1st base tomorrow.

"I want to do anything I can to help the team," said Mauer. "Obviously for me personally, it’s going to be a grind the rest of the way, physically. So if this allows me to take a day from behind the plate and give your body a little break, it’ll be a good thing."

Gardy thought he looked okay out there"

“We won’t really know until we get him over there and see, but honestly he’s pretty fluid over there,” Gardenhire said. “He’s got soft hands, he moves around there pretty well, all the fundamental parts of it.”

It's about time Mauer starts to sacrifice to the team. He needs to realize how important his bat and his health are to this teams success. There's no place for his selfishness. Don't be afraid to DH or play some first base every once in awhile.

Joe Mauer Takes Grounders at First Base, It's About Time!

Joe Mauer took grounders at first base yesterday and Ron Gardenhire was right next to him the whole time giving the 3 time batting champion advice.

With injuries to Delmon Young and Justin Morneau, there is a big hole at first base. Cuddyer is needed in the outfield because Span and Young are injured, leaving Luke Hughes to play first base. No one is asking Mauer to become a full time first baseman, but with so many injuries on this team, they can't afford to have his bat out of the line up, which is why Gardenhire has suggested that he play some first base so that he can avoid the rigors of catching, while still being able to stay in the line up.

Message to Mauer: The Twins are paying you 180 millions dollars. You are the face of this franchise and this team. If you don't sacrifice for the better of the team, than who will. You're not a great public speaker so lead by example. You need to be tough and show that you'll do whatever it takes to win because this team desperately needs you not to take off days right now with your mysterious injuries. An injured Joe Mauer is better than most substitutions Gardy is going to be able to put out there.

Twins San Francisco Giants Game 3 Preview

Tonight is a pivotal game for the Twins. After losing last night and ending their 8 game winning streak, they dropped to 7.5 games back in the AL Central race. The Tigers, White Sox, and Indians all won their games last night so it is important for the Twins to bounce back tonight. A small problem is that they will be going up against former NL Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum. Luckily for the Twins, Lincecum is having a very sub par season for his standards. He's 5-6 with a 3.39 ERA. The Twins are sending Brian Duensing to the hill tonight and he's been pretty poorly this year with a 4.82 ERA but he is has been pitching better as of late. The twins should be able to get this win. Lincecum isn't pitching that well lately and some key Twins are still getting healthy. Look for Mauer and Nishioka to improve as they continue to get healthier.

Twins Players Feel Like it's '06

Twins players have been talking about how feels like 06 because of the hot streak they're on and the confidence they are playing with. I hate to say it, but that team had ridiculous talent at the front of the rotation with Francisco Liriano (who was pitching out of his mind) and Johan Santana. This team does have the same scrappy feel to it as that 06 team.

I really think this team can compete for the playoffs. No one in the AL Central is strong and the team is really starting to hit its stride. The only team I'm a little worried about is the Detroit Tigers. They have talent at the front of their rotation with Scherzer, Verlander, and Porcello, but I don't think their line up is very good at all. The Twins lineup is going to be really good once everyone comes back, especially if Ben Revere continues to see some time in left field. With a little luck they'll be find because Detroit is going to have to stumble a little bit for this team to have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Thankfully the division is really weak this year, but if the Twins don't make it, it's obvious that the very slow start is to blame.

In other news, Joe Mauer is playing today! That should give the Twins a nice boost. Hopefully he has his legs back under him and the Twins can continue this hot streak with him behind the plate.

Gardenhire Facing Tough Decisions: Who Will Sit?

With Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Nishioka and Jim Thome on the DL, a lot of players have stepped in and made cases for playing time. This has been a valuable time for players such as Luke Hughes, Ben Revere, Drew Butera, and Jason Repko have earned a lot more playing time. This leaves for some uncomfortable decisions for Gardenhire. Too big decisions he'll have to make will be about Luke Hughes and Ben Revere. Hughes is clearly out playing Danny Valencia and likewise for Ben Revere over Delmon Young.

There just aren't enough at bats in this line up for Revere once Span and Kubel come back. That means the outfield is loaded with Cuddyer, who is playing very well, Kubel, Young, Span, and Revere. That's just not enough at bats for Revere. Which brings up my suggestion, sit Young for Revere. Revere is hitting so much better than Young and even though it takes away some power, Revere has been doing a great job getting on base. My guess is, the more at bats he gets, the more comfortable he'll be playing at this level. I expect Revere to be a .300 hitter on this team.

As for Hughes. He is clearly outplaying Danny Valencia. The problem here is, the Twins believe Valencia is the answer at 3rd base for the future. Well here's my opinion, he isn't the future. We need more run production from that spot and that we need more power from the position. Hughes isn't going to provide that either, but he is hitting much better than Valencia so we should play him the rest of the year. I'm not too worried about Valencia's confidence because I don't think he's the answer at 3rd base. Please prove me wrong Danny.

Minnesota Twins Homestand

The Minnesota Twins have the talent - Mauer, Morneau, Thome, Kubel, Cuddyer, Young, Valencia, Span, Nishioka, etc. We know the 7-12 record is not an indication of what they are capable of. A lot of people will say it's the starting pitching or perhaps the new bullpen. Right now, the offense needs to swing the bats better. Let's just say the Twins have more to be desired in the offensive statistics categories and they will need to do more with the bats. The pitching has not gotten a lot of run support and that is part of the issue. We are 30th in runs scored and that stat must improve. Let's get after it on this homestand.

Minnesota Twins Split With Baltimore Orioles

The Minnesota Twins split a 4 game series with the Baltimore Orioles this week at Camden Yards. The Twins took the opener and the closing game, sandwiched in between were two victories by the Birds. So, after 19 games the Twins sit at 7-12. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Delmon Young, and Tsuyoshi Nishioka have been out of the lineup at times, making it a little harder on the manager without his regulars. After an 8 game roadtrip, the Twins will now have a 6 game homestand. They will host the Cleveland Indians for 3 and the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays for 3. The Indians are 13-6 and lead the AL Central. This series is a nice time to gain some ground.

Purchase your Minnesota Twins tickets with Ticket King!

Joe Mauer is on the DL

Joe Mauer has landed on the DL. Just not the way he has landed before. Apparently, he has battled a case of the flu that landed him in the hospital. Then it was reported that he has "bilateral leg weakness", which I have never heard of but seems like fatigue. Like they said on PTI, it's better than trilateral leg weakness. Hopefully Joe can figure out what's draining him right now and can return to his MVP form. He was placed on the 15 day DL so he shouldn't be out for too long.

Joe Mauer To Appear on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon"

Joe Mauer, Mr. Minnesota himself, will appear on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" tomorrow night (Tuesday, February 15th). He will be promoting the video game for which he is this year's cover boy for "MLB 11 The Show." This is the first time in awhile that I can remember a Minnesota Twin player appearing on a Late Night show, so I thought I'd remind some Twins fans to check it out. The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is on NBC and begins at 11:35 Central Time.