There are common traits among reporters in this business.  Sometimes those traits permeate the outlook of many in the media.

Cynicism can be useful because a good reporter needs to be skeptical of what others tell him.  But the skeptic’s view of life can become exceedingly negative and spoil a person’s outlook.

Another characteristic among those in the journalism trade is always waiting for something to happen.  “The next big thing,” or a better performance by a player or team.  Other times it’s waiting for a milestone, or the once in a generation accomplishment.

All of this comes to mind when thinking about Joe Mauer. The time to enjoy Mauer is now, and not be thinking about how he might one day flirt with a .400 season, or lead the Twins to a World Series parade down Hennepin Ave.  This is the moment, the only time there really is, to appreciate how special Mauer is.

The three-time American League batting champion and 2009 league MVP is hitting .500 in his last 10 games and has driven in 10 runs.  His average now is .327, tied for fourth best in the league.  Only a few weeks ago he was hitting under .300.

The most important statistic to Mauer is that his offensive production has helped the Twins to a 19-8 record since the All-Star break.  After last night’s three game series in Chicago the Twins are alone in first place in the Central Division.

The Twins’ catcher ranks with the best in baseball for being the “hardest to steal on,” according to a players poll in the August 2-9 issue of Sports Illustrated.  That is the most recent national confirmation Mauer is both a gifted catcher and hitter.

Mauer is 27 now, all grown up, presumably in or nearing his peak seasons.  He’s got more financial security than he would need in several lifetimes after signing an eight-year, $184 million contract.  Mauer’s commitment to sign that contract earlier this year and stay with the Twins was the final judgment on his character and loyalty to his home state.

If any local athlete ever was one of us, it’s Mauer.  He is what many Minnesotans aspire to be.  Hard working and accomplished at his trade.  Loves what he does and wants to be part of a team effort.  Wise enough to stay humble and treat others like he always has, with respect.  Makes family a priority and shares his prosperity with others.

Put it all in one sentence:  Mauer is a good “Joe.”  He doesn’t even need a golden reputation because his character defines him wherever he goes and whatever he does.

Mauer is among a few players in major league baseball who other teams would choose to build a ballclub around.  He is a superb hitter, catcher and quiet leader.  One of the great players of his generation.

Someday he might be recognized by one and all as the greatest and most popular athlete to ever perform in this state.  But that’s down the road and a place we promised not to travel today.

So let’s just do this: the Twins come home tonight to play against Oakland.  Mauer will be in the lineup.  Watch and enjoy.

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Here are five newcomers to watch on Saturday night when the Vikings open their preseason schedule in St. Louis: quarterback Joe Webb, running back Toby Gerhart, linebacker Nate Triplett, cornerback Chris Cook and kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd.

With a big learning curve, watch to see how comfortable Webb will be in his first NFL game.  Will Gerhart show the blocking and pass catching skills needed to backup Adrian Peterson?  Triplett might emerge as a standout tackler on special teams and make the roster.  Cook’s size, 6-2, potentially can bother receivers.  Lloyd, the only non-rookie among the five players, is supposed to put so much oomph in his kickoffs they can’t be returned.

Several Rams have local connections: Linebacker James Laurinaitis is a Plymouth native and safety Craig Dahl is from Mankato.  Guard Mark Setterstrom is a Northfield native.  Offensive tackle Adam Goldberg, from Edina, played for the Vikings in 2004 and 2005.

Rams Linebackers coach Paul Ferraro was the Vikings special teams coordinator from 2006-2008.  Defensive line coach Brendan Daly was the Vikings assistant defensive line coach during the same period.  Wide receivers coach Charlie Baggett held the same position with the Vikings from 2000-2004.  Offensive line coach Steve Loney was the Vikings offensive line coach from 2002-2004 and the team’s offensive coordinator the next season.

Think about this: the most important positions on an NFL offense are quarterback, running back, wide receiver and left tackle.  The Vikings are hoping (praying?) Brett Favre shows up to play quarterback.  Adrian Peterson had a leg injury in training camp and although he should be fine the team still needs a No. 2 running back to emerge.  Wide receivers Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin have been sidelined during training camp.  Left tackle Bryant McKinnie has long been regarded as an underachiever.

Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany was in Minneapolis this week and Bill Lester said he expected to talk to him regarding the city hosting the conference’s championship football game.  Lester, executive director of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission that operates Mall of America Field, wants to encourage the commissioner to consider a three or four city rotation to host the game that will be played for the first time ever next year.  Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will be the site in 2011.

Lester said schools like Nebraska and Michigan have huge fan followings and excite the Meet Minneapolis visitors and convention organization because of the economic impact that can be made on the community.

Lester also said the new artificial turf has been installed at the dome.  Eight high school bands will practice on the turf to “tamp” it down prior to the Vikings first game at the dome on Saturday, August 28.

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Gophers coach Tim Brewster, with an introduction by Star Tribune columnist Sid Hartman, will be the speaker at the C.O.R.E.S. luncheon on Thursday, September 9 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bloomington.  C.O.R.E.S. organization members can make reservations by contacting Jim Dotseth, dotsethj@comcast.net.  (C.O.R.E.S. is an abbreviation for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans).

Don’t be surprised if there still is a trade sending Marian Gaborik from the New York Rangers to Los Angeles.

The addition this week of Rick Wilson as an assistant coach with the Wild is a good move.  Wilson, 60, was an associate coach last season with Tampa Bay.  Prior to joining the Lightning he spent 16 seasons (1992-2009) with the Stars franchise as an assistant and associate coach.  Under Wilson’s influence the Stars finished in the top three for fewest goals against in the NHL during four seasons including 2007-08.

The Wild are promoting a fan trip to Finland for the team’s games in that country during early October.  Reservations are being accepted at 651-602-2000.

Defending champion University of Minnesota Duluth was selected by the league football coaches as the overall and North Division preseason favorite in the NSIC for 2010. The Bulldogs were the unanimous choice of the coaches receiving 13 first place votes (coaches can’t vote for their own team).  Minnesota State University, Mankato was the unanimous pick in the South Division.  St. Cloud State and Augustana tied for third place in the poll while Bemidji State completed the top five.

The coaches voted Bulldogs running back Isaac Odim North Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year.  Teammate and linebacker Robbie Aurich was the choice as North Division Defensive Preseason Player of the Year.  Southwest Minnesota State quarterback Ryan Ratekin was chosen as the South Division Offensive Preseason Player of the Year while Winona State defensive lineman Matt Ulrich was voted the South Division Defensive Preseason Player of the Year.

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