Author: David Shama

When the Twins scored 10 runs yesterday to beat Milwaukee, 10-9, it was the team’s most runs in one game this month.  The Twins had lost the first two games of the home series against the Brewers, producing a total of five runs. 

The Twins are 7-25 in games where they score three runs or fewer.  In 32 of 67 games the Twins have produced three runs or less.  Their overall record is 34-33 and they are 5.5 games behind Cleveland in the American League Central Division. 

The Twins can’t sustain any subtractions in their scoring potential.  That’s evident watching Joe Mauer struggle since his return to the team on June 8 after missing 29 games with his now famous left quad injury.  When Mauer tripled in the seventh inning of Saturday night’s game against Milwaukee he ended a 0-13 streak.  In Mauer’s eight games since returning to the lineup he has seven hits in 34 at-bats, including his best day yesterday when he had two hits. 

Mauer was asked Friday about difficulty in hitting fast balls. “They seem harder (to hit),” he told Sports Headliners.  “You haven’t been in the box for awhile.  It seems like it’s coming in about 150 (miles per hour) but it just takes time (to get better).” 

Mauer’s comeback wasn’t helped by a blow from the bat of Atlanta’s Andruw Jones that struck his left arm, opening a six inch cut, according to a source.  That injury occurred last Thursday. 

Mauer said missing those 29 games also impacted his timing as a catcher but not as much as hitting.  Not having the opportunity to learn about the team’s pitchers was another negative to being on the disabled list. 

 “Yeah, you know we had some injuries on the pitcher’s side, too,” Mauer said.  “I remember the first time I ever caught Carmen Cali was in a game situation (earlier this month).  It was late in the game, eighth inning … so that can be tough.” 

Although the team’s record has been a disappointment, the season isn’t even half over.  Mauer, of course, has confidence that better results are ahead. “We know we’ve got the right personnel here,” he said.  “We just gotta go out and play.” 

Mauer participated in his first All-Star game last season.  As of last week he was fourth in All-Star balloting among catchers. “It was a fun event but there’s a lot guys out there deserving,” he said.  “If I go it would be great. If I don’t then I get three days off.  Obviously I’d love to be there but I know that there’s some guys out there having great years.”

Hooray for the Minneapolis City Council passing anti-panhandling measures. Perhaps I can now walk to Target Center and not be hassled.  Hard to sleep, though, worrying about how the measures may violate freedom of speech. 

Peter King writing in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated about Randy Moss and his positive behavior in spring practices with the New England Patriots:  “The smart money says Moss will be the NFL’s bargain of ’07. He’s always performed well when he’s been healthy and his team has had a chance to win. …” 

Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer likes living in Minneapolis and said he may one day buy a home near Lake Harriet or Lake of the Isles.  He won’t winter here, though, preferring his warmer home in southern Virginia. 

Gopher football coach Tim Brewster talking to Sports Headliners about Athlon magazine picking Minnesota for a last place finish in the Big Ten Conference: “Well, I think it’s a tremendous incentive for our coaching staff and our football team that there is a non-belief in what we’re capable of doing.  I think that’s really exciting for us. …We’re taking it as a real challenge.” 

Minnesota tennis legend David Wheaton isn’t participating in the Wimbledon 35 and over doubles because of a Wimbledon policy change.  He told Sports Headliners he expects to know by mid-July whether he will receive an invitation for the 35 and over doubles at the US Open. 

Four MIAC schools were ranked in the top 100 of the 2006-07 Division III U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup, the award presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, United States Sports Academy and USA TODAY to the best overall collegiate athletics programs in the country. Gustavus Adolphus finished 11^th, Saint John’s 22^nd, St. Thomas 28th and St. Olaf 95th.  

Golden Gloves boxing matches will be held outside at Canterbury Park on the following Saturdays:  June 30, July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25.  About five bouts, three rounds each, will be offered between races.

When Joe Mauer went back to work late last week after missing 29 games with a left quad injury he was the focus of a flattering story in the Sporting News magazine naming him THE player to start with in building a team.  “The Twins’ Mauer is not only the game’s best catcher but the guy most of our evaluators—six of the 12—would choose as the player to build a franchise around,” the Sporting News said. 

The evaluators included four general managers, six major league scouts, an assistant general manager and a “Hall of Fame writer.”  None were identified by name in the article. 

The Sporting News praised Mauer for his offense and defense, describing him as baseball’s best catcher.  “His only weakness is his height because, at 6-5, he can make calling low strikes difficult for the umpire trying to see over him,” the article said.   

That comment annoyed Twins’ general manager Terry Ryan.  “I don’t think much of that,” he told Sports Headliners.  “That’s the biggest crock I’ve ever heard.  I don’t believe that at all. …Carlton Fisk caught in the big leagues and he’s in the Hall of Fame, and he’s 6-feet-5, and about twice as wide as Joe.  I don’t know who is kidding who here.” 

Ryan explained why baseball people would choose to build a team by taking Mauer as their first player. “You’re always looking for a quality catcher, a left hand hitting catcher that’s got offense,” Ryan said. “That’s why people would pick Joe.  Not only that, he’s got his better days ahead of him.  He’s only 24 years old. When you’re going to start a club…you build from the middle and catching.  …That’s why I am sure all the evaluators decided he’d be the right guy to start a club with.” 

Mauer led the American League in hitting last season with a .347 average.  He became the first American League catcher ever to lead the American League in hitting and the first catcher in the majors to win a league hitting title since Ernie Lombardi did so with the Boston Braves in 1942.  Mauer’s career average is .321.