Want To Be Protective? Shut Mauer Down For The Season

Last night in the 15th inning, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey was involved in a nasty collision during the 12th inning of their 7-6 loss to the Florida Marlins. During the play, Posey's ankle bent back and he tore ligaments in his knee. He will miss the rest of the season.

As Minnesota Twins fans, we know all about protecting a certain franchise catcher, but, to quote KFAN's Dan Barriero, "How long would Mauer milk it?"

When you think about it, I'm sure the Twins wouldn't let him appear in a game until he was 100%, no DH'ing for the Baby Jesus...that would be an insult. Besides, he's a CATCHER.

Think about other injuries. Francisco Liriano, Joe Nathan, and Pat Neshek all had Tommy John surgery and returned the following season. Just think if Mauer had that surgery. Would he miss 2 1/2 seasons until he was 100%? (Of course pitchers are different because you can't plug them in at DH, but still.)

The other thing to consider is that Mauer has now missed a little under two months with sore legs and arms. It's a legit question, "How long will Mauer milk it?"

I say, why not go the entire rest of the season? If Mauer comes back and hits .400, the Twins are so awful that it won't matter. Call me a pessimist all you want, but the Twins aren't coming back with a crap bullpen, even worse lineup, and two idiots at the top. So shut down Mauer.

This would give Joe, if I may call him that, 10 full months to get his legs strong enough to catch in 2012. I mean, even after his routine knee surgery, somehow he couldn't get strong enough in the 4 1/2 month offseason. By the time he comes back for spring training, Mauer will not only be able to pull trucks with his bare legs, he'll be able to do the impossible: crouch.

I know what you're thinking. "BUT WE'RE PAYING HIM 20 MILLION DOLLARS THIS YEAR!!!" I know, but Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne in the Twins front office seem to be in no hurry to rush him back, so let him swim in the tainted waters of Target Field, and lift weights all we want. It's not like Mauer could turn into Kevin Slowey, right?

So, to the Twins front office, shut him down this year so that for the remaining 7 years of his contract, his legs will be strong enough to catch 10 more games in 2012 and each season until then. And just think, you can get a quality prospect like Aaro...um...Joe Ben...umm...BJ Gar...oh Christ...

Well, you'll probably just draft another college "pitch-to-contact" guy with a 4 ERA...oh well.