Riddle me this, why can Mauer....

[Big Dave2]

I seem to remember Joe(I call him Joe cuz I got a good vibe with him)DHing a fair amount of games last year on his day off. Plus not too many of his games off go by without him at least making a pinch hitting plate appearance.

If you have ever been on the metrodome floor you would know why it may be harder to catch on that field than outdoors. The metrodome field is basically carpet on top of cement and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

[hcmpls1]

I seem to remember Joe(I call him Joe cuz I got a good vibe with him)DHing a fair amount of games last year on his day off. Plus not too many of his games off go by without him at least making a pinch hitting plate appearance.

If you have ever been on the metrodome floor you would know why it may be harder to catch on that field than outdoors. The metrodome field is basically carpet on top of cement and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Last year we didnt have Thome as a backup to Kubel in the DH role.

[CodyDawg]

Big Dave,

I have played on the Dome turf a couple of times and I remember it being pretty spongy and then of course the concrete when you got through the sponge. But the dirt I dont recall being any different. It is not like there is an inch of dirt and then concrete. There is plenny of dirt there that the concrete I wouldnt think would be a factor. but that is why I asked.

[Big Dave2]

It has probably been 15 years since I played a softball game on the metrodome turf but the one thing I remember is how high the balls would bounce because of how hard the surface was.

I also remember thinking I didn't know how on earth anyone could ever play football on that stuff!

[Big Dave2]

Originally Posted By: Big Dave2

I seem to remember Joe(I call him Joe cuz I got a good vibe with him)DHing a fair amount of games last year on his day off. Plus not too many of his games off go by without him at least making a pinch hitting plate appearance.

If you have ever been on the metrodome floor you would know why it may be harder to catch on that field than outdoors. The metrodome field is basically carpet on top of cement and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Last year we didnt have Thome as a backup to Kubel in the DH role.

I guess that was the point I was trying to make but not succeeding. I was saying that I thought Joe actually DID a fair amount of DHing LAST year so I'm not sure where the OP was coming from in saying that Joe never DHes. I agree though, with Kubel swinging the bat the way he is and Thome to back him up or to fill the pinch hit role, I'm not sure what more anyone could ask for.

I would bet you will still see a few DH games for Joe against right handed pitchers when Gardy wants to put Kubel out in left field to get an extra left handed bat in the line-up. Even if Thome DHs you know you would still see Joe as a pinch hitter late in the game unless the twinkies are up by 10 in the 7th inning.

[Cicada]

It's the fresh outdoors air! Easier to breath, thus healthier. Or...Joe's first injury his rookie year was a blown knee because of the Metrodome turf?

[pegleg]

I think the reason you see more of Joe this year after a night game is because of who the backup catcher is this year vs last year. Gardy doesn't have as much confidence in Butera as he had in Reddog. Redman wasn't a great hitter but he was a clutch hitter plus I think Redman controlled the young pitchers better than Butera does right now.

[Scott K]

I think the reason you see more of Joe this year after a night game is because of who the backup catcher is this year vs last year. Gardy doesn't have as much confidence in Butera as he had in Reddog. Redman wasn't a great hitter but he was a clutch hitter plus I think Redman controlled the young pitchers better than Butera does right now.

We have 2 very good catcher prospects itchen to get in the majors right now, and both are far better then Butera. If Gardy lacks the confidence, he should have just brought one of the other two catchers up then.

[fishyguy]

I don't know why everyone makes such a big deal over Mauer taking a day off. All catchers take days off and need them.

Joe caught the 10th most innings in MLB last year after missing the 1st month of the season. He caught the 4th most in 2008 and the 7th most in 2006. He was 27th in 2007 after only playing 91 games. When healthy he is out there as often as he should be.

[BrianLucky13]

As long as he is healthy and bats I could care less if he doesnt catch a game here or there!!!

[JBMasterAngler]

The reason the other guys are still in the minors and not butera is because gardy wants them in the lineup everyday getting at bats. Can't become a better player while sitting on the bench everyday.

[bgreen82]

I heard gardy actually wanted ramos up here but bill Smith wanted him playing everyday.

[greebs]

wish they would have taken this approach with delmon and/or go go the last couple years. delmon may have righted the ship some but he nor go go got any better sitting on the bench so much of the time the past couple seasons.

[finnbay]

I played college ball for a Division II team, and summer ball with a team that played 48-50 games a summer. That meant 85-100 games a year for 4 years. I was an infielder but also on the roster as a back-up catcher and would catch a few summer ball games each year. By the end of July I was shot. Couldn't imagine playing another 60-some games till the end of September. Add in traveling and living out of a suitcase half of that time, and you need a break every now and then. Days off in the majors mean that you are expected to do some charity, promo and humanity work. All-Star break looks filled for many years to come. If you want Joe to be around to help in the playoff picture, give him a day off now and then. He'll be a bigger help then, then during a handful of games during the regular season when you have other capable guys to fill in.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

Since my question is 100% correct and completely factual, I will accept your apology whenever you get around to it PB!

Mauer did catch a Day game after a night game last year so it looks like both of you are factually incorrect.

Dave played on the old Turf which was concrete with some turf thrown over it. I played in a volley-ball league on the old stuff and it was brutally hard!

The newer carpet in the Dome is/was much better but still much harder on the body then grass.

Not that this is breaking news or anything but the reason Joe caught the day game was because we just signed him to a long term deal and opened the best New Park in Baseball!

I don't think much will change from last years handling of Mauer!

Go Twins!

[Big Tom]

I had the very same question in my mind when Gardy tossed out that strange comment.

Safe to say if Joe feels like he can go, only a fool would put him on the bench.

[CodyDawg]

No, I didnt say Mauer didnt catch a day game after a night, game. I said "gardy said he wouldnt have done it at the Dome". and that is exactly what Gardy said.

Again, I am not opining on whether he should or not, just asking why Gardy feels that way cuz I wouldnt think the dirt would be that different, but I wasnt a catcher.

[RumRiverRat]

Because he is tired from staying up all night counting fat stacks of cash.

[Scott K]

Quote:

Joe Mauer is out of Thursday's lineup against the Tigers.

According to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, Mauer is banged up and needs a day off from catching. Mauer said he was available to be the designated hitter, but Gardenhire will go with Jim Thome instead.