Mauer has inflammed lower back, not something more serious. Twins hope medication is all he needs.
Posted on March 11th, 2009 – 10:42 AMBy La Velle
The Twins were relieved to learn today that catcher Joe Mauer only has an inflamed sacroiliac joint following an exam on Tuesday in Fort Myers and a meeting this morning with Twins team physician Dr, John Steubs.
The Twins will switch to a stronger prescription of medication and see how Mauer responds over the next few days before he tries to do any physical activity.
“It shows the same thing,” Twims manager Ron Gardenhire said. “The inflammation in the SI joint and they are going just change the medicine and see where we go from there. Change the type of medicine he’s taking, that’s what I was told by Dr. Steubs.
“I don’t know what he’s been taking, but they are going to go with something more aggressive.”
The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, is located at the base of each side of the spine and the top of the pelvis. In Mauer’s case, the inflammation is at the right side of his lower back.
This is what the Twins suspected all along, as Mauer kept feeling pain in that area when he tried to run. Gardenhire actually sounded pleased that it wasn’t something more serious.
“`Yeah. We were thinking it could be something huge, the way it has been going,” Gardenhire said. “Obviously, it’s the same thing. We just haven’t gotten it under control yet.”
Mauer can swing a bat, catch and throw. Running has been his only challenge. If the Twins can get rid of the inflammation, Mauer can return to baseball actitivies and try to get on the field before spring training ends.
My take: There were indications before the exam that this issue was unrelated to the kidney surgery he had in December and it really looks that way now. Hopefully, we’ll verify that later today.
242 Responses to "Mauer has inflammed lower back, not something more serious. Twins hope medication is all he needs."
so what does this mean exactly?
My shop teacher used to say I was a pain in his sacroiliac.
I can’t wait to hear Gardy at the end of May when Mauer is slumping and banged up. “He doesn’t have his legs under him.” I hope Mauer can get into good shape before the club heads north.
Do they have an idea on what is causing the inflamation?
Great news!!!
Thanks, La Velle.
to clarify that “great news” comment above: this is a sports injury and nothing to do with the kidney issue. He probably put more stretch in his back doing activities while favoring his abdomen. Antinflammatories, ice, massage and rest would do it.
Joe Mauer, the Marian Gaborik of baseball.
La Velle,
Since Mauer has not been doing anything too strenuous since late December can you find out what caused the inflamation? Inflamation is sometimes treated with rest so I hope that this will not be a problem all season long.
Has Mauer been taking his swings in the cage? If he has been working out otherwise, it shouldn’t take him long to get in shape once he can start running. You’d think.
WJ,
it has been reported that Mauer has been taking swings (not sure whether with a tee or pitching machine of live bp) and been catching the ball with no pain.
It’s encouraging, anyway. Need to see how the new meds work, but it’s certainly better news than discovering new kidney issues.
Here’s hoping for the best! Let’s hope that the Twins doctors are better at prescribing rehab for back injuries than they are for arm injuries. 
In reply to anyone who is constantly labeling Mauer as a “wimp” or “injury prone”, why dont you provide evidence for these accusations? Mauer logged more innings behind the plate last season than I think all but 2 other catchers in the majors and the one they used to call being so “tough”, the Mighty T. Hunter, missed more games in 1 season than Mauer has in 3 years… just because he has some pain and inflammation of some joint in his back during spring training doesn’t give 2 craps to labeling the best player on the Twins as a “wimp”. What a joke.
Get him doing sprints in the pool.
Is this good news? We don’t know the cause of the inflamation, nor do we know how the problem is going to be corected. Medication is for pain and presumably to bring the swelling down. The real problem is what’s causing it. I hate to sound overly concerned, but back injuries are serious things. The season hasn’t even started yet. Will he be on and off the disabled list this year? Is there surgery in his future? Will he be dealing with this for the rest of his career? I hate to be pessimistic, but we constantly hear reports of guys having what they think are small injuries, only to find out that they are serious and season ending. I hope he is going to be OK, but I think there is ample reason for short and long term concern until we know what it causing this problem.
Thanks for posting, LEN3. Your up-to-the-minute reporting is much appreciated and keeps us tuning in.
MarkW needs to calm down.
This does not sound like a slam dunk as far as getting him healthy. From http://www.medicinenet.com/sacroiliac_joint_pain/page4.htm#tocg
it looks like the treatment is to minimize the pain. Hope Mauer, a young guy in great shape, can do better than ‘average’.
“It shows the same thing,” Twims manager Ron Gardenhire said. “The inflammation in the SI joint
Shows the same thing? So they’ve known about this for awhile? Am I the only one who found this quote curious. Same as what? We were talking kidneys. Same as tests last year? This year? Is this an ongoing thing?
Must be where he injected the roids.
I’ve played college baseball and have gone through the same thing before… I can certainly understand why he’s been off the field because the pain caused by this condition can make it difficult to walk. The pain I experienced was bad on my lower back as well as shooting down my hip and keeping me from running. Luckily for me, some medication and two weeks of intense massage therapy and chiropractic care took care of the problem. I don’t think this will slow Joe down too much assuming they can get it under control.
tlk, All he is saying is they new he had inflammation which is normal. It is just going down slow. Basically he is saying it isn’t a new or more serious problem then what they were tackling to start with.
tlk: It’s the same thing they’ve already been treating him for. It’s just the treatment’s not working as they thought and he’s having more pain.
So they’re keeping on the same course and increasing the strength of the medication. Which they wouldn’t just do out of the blue until they could figure out what was wrong.
does anyone have gameday link
what time does the game start? Link to gameday, anyone?
I wouldn’t read too much into what Gardy says…
Calm down about what? I was never “fired up”… Simply stating that those who don’t know what they are talking about are best to keep their comments between them and the 4 walls surrounding them…
And to reiterate… Mauer was 1 in 4 MLB catchers last season to catch over 1,200 innings… what a wimp.
why is the gameday link hidden during spring training? I don’t get it.
Drew, I hope you are right. I do think this is good news compared to what we were all afraid of (something wrong with his surgery). Let’s hope that Mauer will have a speedy recovery and will back up on the field playing by the Opener!
I know the young girls will call this a travisity-But who cares about Joe Mauer!
I’ve had inflammation in my SI joint on and off for several years now, related to a mild case of ankylosing spondylitis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankylosing_spondylitis). It’s usually not much more than a nagging injury, but when it flares up it affects my ability to run and sometimes walk. Sometimes the pain can be unbearable. I can usually keep it under control by taking mild anti-inflammatory meds like Aleve. No idea what could be causing this for Mauer, but stronger meds and a cortisone shot worked for me.
I thought that if anti-inflammatory meds and pain meds weren’t helping, you just double the dosage on your own without “wasting your time” with tests.
If that doesn’t work, wash it down with bourbon.
If that doesn’t work, call the Coroner’s Office and make an appointment.
When I had surgery for my narrow uerethra I had the same back problem. It was all solved by me wearing a glutial orthotic.
Thanks LEN. I am not a doctor but play one on the blogs. From personal experience, it is not uncommon to cause inflammation when you overcompensate while recovering from an injury or surgical procedure. I think Mauer will be OK.
I am considering changing my moniker to “doc”.
I and I think that Joe need to rest his joint and smoke one too.
Ah Joe I can help you with that….you know…what Rasta said?
Haha, I like the advice, Sane.
It doesnt need to be serious for baby boy wimp Mauer to miss significant playing time
I think that my medical opinion has more validity than the other posters.
I have nearly completed my GED testing.
I thought this game was on the radio?
If he injected ‘roids he got royally ripped off! Maybe he was in the control group and thus injecting saline solution. You’d expect someone on roids to possibly hit, you know, double digit homeruns.
Oh, and for all of you morons who are about to rip my head off for accusing Mauer of: 1) Taking steroids and 2) Not hitting enough HR’s, everything I just said was a complete joke, responding to a previous joke. Thanks!
Rasta,
You mean “another” one. Apparently you’ve already had a couple since your grammar sucks.
Hey, If Joe needs anyone to give him some back massages to help with the “recovery process”, I’ll be more than willing 
And Big D, I read somewhere that it was on AM1500
i’m a little concerned that if we have to know what we’re talking about before we can say anything there won’t be many of us left.
ggg,
“i’m a little concerned that if we have to know what we’re talking about before we can say anything there won’t be many of us left.”
You should be more than a “little” concerned.
KIDDING!!!!!!
trish- I read the same thing somewhere. Not on though. i’m pissed!
My favorite comment: “The Twins knew this is what it was all along.” Right.
2-2 in the 2nd, crede 0-1 with 2 lob. the good thing crede’s ave can’t do anything but go up.
With problems running does this mean he will be hitting into more DPs?
There isn’t a doctor on the board, but apparently several of you stayed at a Holiday Inn…
mlb.tv has an audio from the game via the orioles’ network.
2-2 end of the second
yeah, I thought it was supposed to be on the radio too.. but it’s not.
Good to know Thrylos is a medical wizard, along with a baseball genius.
crede got a hit!
anyone gonna post the line ups?
Star Tribune online on the Twins page says the game is on the radio today, but it’s not…anyone know why?
last time i checked, chiropractors deal with low back pain and they help without taking drugs. i dont like the thought of just taking medicine to take care of the inflammation. what is causing the problem should be addressed first, not the result of the problem, inflammation.
So…. does this mean we aren’t getting Pudge? Hmm. Who is the Twins emergency catcher this year anyway? Brendan Harris?
sane - Clearly you are qualified to be the ‘Doc’ on this blog, so I have a question: The men in white coats here keep putting a jacket on me that ties my arms in back. Are they just stupid or is there a medical issue here?
it’s only the balt. feed on mlb.com bases loaded top 3 with 1 out.
kevin, that could work. i know when i went to the chiropractor for my low back pain he had me moving around without pain in 2 weeks after i had been going to the doctor and his pt for 3 months. who knows, could work.
wow! Can’t believe Crede got a hit.
Although I did see his last one against the Netherlands so I knew he could hit a ball at least a little bit.
Here’s the lineups:
Minnesota
Span, LF
Casilla, 2B
Crede, 3B
Kubel, DH
Cuddyer, RF
Buscher, 1B
Redmond, C
Harris, SS
Gomez, CF
Perkins, P
Baltimore
Roberts, 2B
Jones, CF
Wigginton, 3B
Huff, 1B
Wieters, DH
Scott, LF
Freel, RF
Zaun, C
Cabrera, J, SS
Pauley, P
and a repost of the gameday link that someone kindly posted earlier: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_11_minmlb_balmlb_1
atta boy crede, come on twins
r-dog short fly out, harris ground out to 2b no runs scored.
does anyone wonder when crede is going to get a hit? its like having the 2007 LNP batting!
You can get the game on mlb.com/mediaplayer
But it is the Baltimore announcers.
Do any of the Twins medical people have an opinion on the cause of the inflamation. Does he have a sliver? Did a teammate punch him? Did he injure the joint with activity? Is it the trauma from the surgery? Did the surgeon “nick” the joint? Geesh. Is this pispoor reporting or am I being anal?
wow i eat my words
well it sure makes you feel better to go to the bottom half of the inning and see Glenn Perkins, 12 pitches - 12 strikes
Maerv,
“The men in white coats here keep putting a jacket on me that ties my arms in back. Are they just stupid or is there a medical issue here?”
Never put yourself in the hands of “The men in white coats HERE!
I am the ONLY qualified medical (semi)professional on the blog and I hereby release you back into the general population.
Don’t disappoint me by becoming a serial killer, although since my identity can’t be traced. it’s not that big of a deal.
paul, i doubt that he ‘nicked’ the joint which is surrounded by a capsule and to get to the kidneys is higher up the spine then where the sacroiliac joints are. there are quite a few things that could have attributed to his sacroiliac problems, overuse, posture, muscular hypertonicity of the muscles that attach to the sacrum and ilium, muscular imbalance, so who knows.
Maybe Mauer should see Koskie’s chiro. Seems to have done wonders for him.
Capital Babs,
We all wish that was the case but Gameday in spring training pitch counts are not accurate at all. Sorry to burst your bubble there.
Paul,
The cause of the inflammation (in Mauer’s lower back) is probably repeated CATCHING.
Why does Mauer need to run, he’s either legging out a single or completing an inning ending double play. Just get him on the “quick swing” and let him do what he does best.
If this is all it is, with extra medication and working the Illio-tibular tract in exercising should be able to relieve some of that pressure…
It’s nice to see that I probably won’t have to read any more about Pudge Roid-riguez coming to the Twins.
Besides, Ramos and Morales look more than capable of filling in.
I feel like an atheist in a fox hole, but I’m glad Baby Jesus looks to be ok.
Since I’ve started using the “Quick Swing”, for softball, my average has sky rocketed, however i’am hitting into more inning ending double plays.
is anyone elses gameday not working right, or is it really taking a long time in between innings? I am still waiting for jones to bat
Some other basic exercises that stretch out the thighs and the lower back should have been already par for the course as a catcher, and as a major league ball player. Do the Twins employ a team massage therapist?
balt bases loaded and don’t score.
the world may be coming to an end, gomez walked!
sane,
Musta taken your smartass pills today huh?
Kevin,
Thanks. “Who knows?” Obviously not you or me or anyone else on this blog that I”ve read. Maybe someone should ask the people treating this. Hey, maybe La Velle could ask. He’s already down there.
minnymadness,
During ST, Gameday only updates every half inning. After the half inning is over the show what happened. It isn’t “live”.
gomez gets picked off, the world will be ok.
brad,
“i’am hitting into more inning ending double plays.”
That’s because you aren’t striking out all the time, now.
The surest way to break up the double play, is for the batter to strike out.
You and Mauer just don’t do that enough.
sane, you are on fire today. I like when you are ripping others, and not me, lol.
casilla single, crede single 1st and 3rd 2 out.
when is that Crede going to get a hit?
hey sweet one thanks, thats kinda the impression i was gettin cuz all of a sudden it takes off in speed mode and buzzes through the half. Kinda sucks though.
kubal out still 2-2.
B.C. a better idea is to use some Cramergesic Atomic Balm. Then just:
RUB IT IN, RUB IT IN
Put a little on my nose
Put a little on my toes
Rub it on my back and my sacroiliac
a dab on my chinny-chin-chin
RUB IT IN, RUB IT IN
RUB IT IN, RUB IT IN
(does the B.C. stand for Billy Crash Beneke?)
blackie pitching 1st hitter singles.
BC does not stand for Billy Crash
sorry.
Gomez with a walk. He is driving the ball and is taking some BB. Look out MLB.
dp
end of 4 2-2.
50% of us have inflamation in this joint. What the problem is here is that Mauer has an extremely low pain threshold and he refuses to play under any discomfort. This is just the way some people are, so get used to Mauer playing less and less each year.
Crede gets a hit. The first of several this year, I’ll bet.
well gee, Blackburn sure wasn’t out there long enough to tell us his knee is great (although I fully believe he’s just fine now).
Walter, he actually has 2 hits today!
What the problem is here is that Mauer has an extremely low pain threshold and he refuses to play under any discomfort.
I am sure he was playing with at least a little discomfort during his 1200+ innings/140+ games last season.
WJ,
that last one was hit #3 this spring (a double with the Netherlands 2 singles with Baltimore.) Another hit and he will be having a higher BA than Span.
Thank you sane!
You’re my favorite Doc!
Like a snowball rolling down a mountainside…
balt radio guys are saying the twins always battle their tails off and get after it.
2 on 1 out top of 5th.
Hey MarkW, why did you purposely pick only one year? If that’s the case, lets use 2004. How did he do that year? How about we compare him with other catchers over his 5 year career? How’s he do then? Not so good, huh! Look, the point is Mauer seems to be healthy only every other year. It doesn’t mean the Twins have to release him or send him down, it’s just a disappointing fact. Simply because you’re a hometown rube who can’t objectively look at that any player born locally doesn’t change the fact.
gomez pops out. still 2-2 mid 5
I’m with Mike Hunt…HeHe
nathan in 1st hitter drills a db.
ggg,
One thing I’ve learned after watching the Twins for several years on mlb.com (and getting to hear the opposing anouncers) is that, except for the other Central Division teams’ announcers, they pretty much all say the same thing - whatever is in the press guide.
gobble- appreciate the updates as all I get is gameday which is slower than this economic recovery…
Hey MarkW, why did you purposely pick only one year? If that’s the case, lets use 2004. How did he do that year?
He probably picked it because it was LAST season. He was instead supposed to pick 2004? When Mauer was 22, if I remember Mauer wasn’t even supposed to be the everyday catcher. Anwway, when you look at the numbers, 2007 was the only year Mauer really underperformed as far as games pitched:
2004: 35
2005: 131
2006: 140
2007: 109
2008: 146
that worthless Wigginton is 3 for 3 today…
1 run in runner on 3rd.
I am recovering from lower back surgery. It strated with inflamation and turned into a cyst that was very debilitiating, all because the Dr. couldn’t figure out what was going on at the start. If they catch this in time he should be fine. I’m glad to see that they are taking care of business. Now let’s get the other JC hitting at third B. I think we look good for a run deep into the play offs.
thrylos98,
What’s his OPS?
in ‘04 it was supposed to be a competition between Mauer and LeCroy for the starting job. Blanco came in as a back up replacement for Prince who retired, and ended up getting most of the reps at catcher.
*games caught*
WJ,
who’s?
oy… MLB must have one poor lonely staffer doing the coding input from the stringers at the games to have the updates to gameday going this slowly.
I think my mood is definitely ready for the start of the regular season and full staffing!
Wiggy
WJ,
including this game he is hitting
.286/.429/.524 (.953 OPS)
(quick calculation)
Twins have 12 hits already. Two each for Casilla, Crede, Kubel and Cuddyer.
bottom of 6: 3-2 Orioles
R. A. Dickey in (the Twin not one with the Mariners)
Dickey in
Crede out Romeiro in; Span out Martin in
Anyone have a good site for ST stats? Also, has anyone on the Twins hit a triple this spring?
Cuddy hit a triple. MLB.com has stats:
http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=min
you have to pick “spring training 2009″ from the pull down menu on left at the page indicated above
4-3 Twins
Buscher out, Macri in
sorry had to work i hate that when the game is on. twins 2 runs in top of 7th lead 4-3.
Awesome. Thanks thrylos and Big D.
2-run double by Macri.
thanks for the updates men, keep ‘em comin’
Looks like every starter but harris got a hit so far this game. not too bad!
Swarzak in, Morales for Redmond, Plouffe for Harris
Pridie for Cuddyer
Pridie pinch ran for Cuddyer, so he is maybe the new RF.
O’s announcers just referred to Morales as “the veteran catcher Morales”.
Morales just gunned down Donnie Murphy CS
Right, Twinsfan. Keep ‘em comin’ . This is funny:
Good pitching will beat good hitting any time, and vice versa. ~Bob Veale, 1966
yeap, one game in the bigs kind of veteran.
End of 7; 4-3
WJ,
That one game he played in the bigs makes him a vet. Don’t you know? 
“Dickey in”
Is that right off the pregame checklist?
sane,
You can’t do that. I’m trying to be sneaky about watching the updates at work. You can’t make me laugh out loud like that. I’ll get busted.
joe angel on the radio how long ago did he do twins games?
Martin opens the 8th with another hit. Watch out Span
The Twins had another Jose Morales in the late 70s who was a DH. Maybe they think he’s making a comeback.
Joe “You Can Wave It ‘Bye-Bye’” Angel?
I really wish the O’s would put Mickolio in.. 
4-3 going to bot of 8th.
Help!!! Where have they put the link to gameday on the Twins website???
WJ,
That was his father you cretin.
Kubel and Cuddyer both 3 for 4. Kubes is hitting .500.
I have this exact issue, inflammation in the SI joint. Really nothing to worry about. Best treatment is probably chiropractic, especially if the issue is misalignment of the joint, but for him, anti-inflammatories should do the trick. Good news for Twins fans. Thank god he’s not Marian Gaborik, this would keep him out half a season at least.
AgateHunter’swife -
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2009_03_11_minmlb_balmlb_1
You actually get it from some of the kind folks on this blog. I don’t know where they are getting it.
The play-by-play on this blog is more real-time than what Gameday is going to give you. Very slow.
Gosling in
I wonder what happens if Span ends up hitting under .200 for the spring? Does Gardy give him a free pass for playing 3 months of good ball, or does he put him on the bench? Spring stats usually dont mean much at all, unless a player is fighting for a spot in the lineup. That being said, if we had a real game today, there is NO way Delmon isnt starting. Gomez hasnt done anything to hurt his chances, and Cuddy…well Gardy loves Cuddy…
I don’t know where they are getting it.
Baltimore radio
Gomez has been picked off 1B and caught stealing at 2B.
He is wearing out a path from the infield back to the dugout.
ES16,
Is English your first language?
it cost $14.95 for the mlb radio feed and you get all regular season games and most spring games. very reasonable. costs $14.95 a month if you want radio and tv feed.
I wonder what happens if Span ends up hitting under .200 for the spring?
I think that he will be warming the bench, if the others keep hitting over .300. And if Dustin Martin keeps hitting over .500, it might be more interesting…
sane, I think getting picked off counts as both a cs and a pick off…not positive though
Sane,
How did your team make out at your tournament??
gossling pitching bases loaded.
Gomez has been picked off 1B and caught stealing at 2B.
same play: Run and hit called, Gomez went and Sherrill threw to the first baseman to pick him off.
I agree thrylos, I loved span last year, but he came out of the gutter. He had been a bit of a first round bust until that point. It makes me worry that he was a one hit wonder. I hope not, I really liked him in the leadoff spot last year.
gossling gets out it twins lead 4-3 going to top of 9th.
thrylos98,
Do you ever download and read the Gameday Press Passes? Tons of info (although, for ST games they only have one page).
WJ,
yes. They are very informative, esp. for the WBC games because it is hard to get information for a lot of those players.
WJ,
Maybe you are confused, a cretin is not someone who went to Joe Mauer’s high school.
Those Baltimore announcers seem to be hitting the booze pretty early…
twins out in 9th going to last of 9th ahead 4-3.
I wonder what the average was today with runners in scoring position? Sixteen hits and two walks with four runs scored through eight.
Jeff,
We are 2-1.
We blew a 4-1 lead in the final inning of our loss, when two of our pitchers couldn’t cope with the lead.
Mauer went attended high school at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Julianel in try to close the game
a lot more bs-ing then what’s going on the field.
game over. 4-3 Twins
game over. they never did say who pitched the 9th.
As long as Mauer can still swing the bat, it sounds like good news. We don’t need Mauer stealing bases in April and May. Hopefully he’s staying in shape doing other things. This doesn’t sound like it will be a major issue. Hopefully Mauer will be our opening day #3 batter.
O’s pitching staff threw a 17-hitter.
Best Twin’s pinch hitter ever! Jose Morales picture and baseball card. Gene Mauch said “Jose plays “Bat”.
http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&pid=9930&bid=1648
Not sure if the present Twin Jose Guillermo Morales is his son. The article says Jose Miguel Morales is one of his sons.
Mauer is a wuss, we all get that. This inflamation is very painful. I have had it off and on for a few years. One time so bad I could hardly move. The key though is to stretch and stay loose. However, I am not a professional athlete, so I would think he would be able to deal with it.
Mauer and Marianne G. would make a great couple.
PHEW!!!!
Billy Crash,
they are unrelated. The old Morales was from the Virgin Islands, this one is from Puerto Rico.
However, I am not a professional athlete, so I would think he would be able to deal with it.
Pain is pain. If you have pain bad enough you can barely move…being able to play baseball doesn’t suddenly make that pain any less.
Especially since your ENTIRE JOB would be to move…including running, throwing, swinging, and other assorted tasks.
Who says that Mauer can not deal with it? It is spring training for crying our loud. The team and he will smartly take a conservative approach. Geesh!
“ES16 says:
WJ,
That was his father you cretin.”
“they are unrelated. The old Morales was from the Virgin Islands, this one is from Puerto Rico.”
That makes ES16 the actual cretin, since that little bluff was exposed.
That’s what I thought, Thry. Jose said in the article his Dad was a traveling shoe salesman and he has 18 brothers and sisters, LOL! If the shoe fits……….no…….. always try on a pair before you…….. no, aw forget it.
Looks like Cuddy and Crede woke up today. Nice welcoming committee for Morneau.
Is he back yet? Been busy, trying to play catchup ball…..
Sounds like this injury is from hitting. I’ve been saying for years that he should be pitching and not straining himself by hitting, that way a DH can help him lengthen his career. Also Cuddyer should be playing 3rd, and every game the starting pitcher should be left in until the 8th, they are dumb from trading Mientkiewicz, etc.
Morneau and Crain are in Ft. Myers but did not make the trip south.
Anyone know if the new “Who’s Who In Baseball” is out yet? I’ve looked at Borders and Barnes & Noble but haven’t seen it.
Mauer and Crede need a team Chiropractor. My favorite chiropractor joke:
In a line of people one guy suddenly started massaging the back of the person in front of him. The man in front turned and snarled, “Just what the hell you are doing?”
“Well,” said the guy,”I’m a chiropractor and I could tell that you were tense, so I thought I’d massage your back”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard!” the guy replied. “I work for the IRS. Do you see me screwing the guy in front of me?”
I’m sorry for Mauer that he’s going through pain yet relieved that it isn’t something much more serious. The Twins need him! Sadly, he’ll probably have to start to get use to back pain because being a career catcher hence constantly squatting is certainly not healthy for the back. Get better soon Mauer!
ES16’s father is Michael Hunt.
no. his daddy was jack mehoff.
Twins gave up a lot of hits today huh?
I think the “that was his father” comment was in regards to the Baltimore announcer, Joe Angel, who I believe had a father in the baseball broadcasting business.
However, I will refrain from positing on just exactly who the cretin(s) is/are.
Gave up a lot…but got just as many. (More actually)
Thanks for the heads up on Morneau and Crain thry. Hopefully the team will be able to start working closer to that regular lineup.
I’m hoping more chances for Young in the #3 spot…especially now with Moreneau back to see how teams respond.
Can’t believe people think that Span will play or not play this year because of his ST stats. I agree that there concerning but I wonder if he isn’t hiding some minor injury or something?
I have suffered from the same injury in the same area for over 2-years.
I have considered Surgery. The stablization of the joint with screws doesn’t produce great results according to surveys.
I’ve gone throught many different rehab programs nothing really works well.
Every morning you need to get your stretching in.
Sleeping is the tough one. Pain meds help to avoid the restless moving that doesn’t let the joint heal while at rest.
Good Luck Joe!!!
As a ex athelete and construction worker this little simple injury might be worse than most think.
Chief,
the Joe Angel who announced part of the game today in the Orioles radio network, is the same Joe Angel who used to announce Twins’ games in the mid eighties.
Shazel, spring stats often dont matter a single bit. However when a player is in a competition they matter a lot. Nobody cares if Crede has a bad spring because he is our starter no matter what. Span on the other hand is fighting for a a spot in the lineup. If Delmon destroys the ball all spring and Gomez plays the way he has, Span wont start. 3 months of good play isnt enough equity to be promised a spot
1000 grams of Advil twice a day until inflammation is gone. It will work!
T,
you should thank Kelly Thesier; the Monreau and Crain info was on her blog this morning.
I think you mean 1000 milligrams. Unless you’re trying to kill someone?
1000 grams of Advil twice a day until inflammation is gone. It will work!
there is a slight problem with this (other than the amount suggested) : ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatories are contra-indicated for people with kidney issues…
A lead-off hitter like Span is a priceless commodity. We can’t just ignore that we’ve finally got a real lead-off hitter because he didn’t hit well in games that meant nothing…right? That would be like what ever team drafts michael crabtree benching him because he dropped a TD pass in a preseason game.
Coincidentally, or not, today is World Kidney Day. No kidding.
He isnt a real leadoff hitter if he produces like he has this spring or the way he did during most of his minor league career. I like him, but its just the facts. He wont start if he has a horrible spring, and the others have great springs. Its not like he has established himself in the league, he had 3 good months. If he was established it would be a whole different story
And Saturday is Pi day…mmm pie.
shazel,
it is hard to ordain Span a “priceless commodity” yet, based on limited at bats for part of a year in the majors. He has to repeat his success. Remember, Shane Spencer was ordained the next Reggie Jackson in Yankeeland based on limited at bats his rookie season and Gregg Jefferies was ordained the second coming of Wade Boggs, based on a partial rookie season. Span is in a battle for a starting position here and if he does not pick it up, he probably will not be a starter to begin the season.
Cuddyer and Crede a combined 5 for 8?
Damn… what will people bitch about now?
Ahhh… Nicky’s back soon.
the Joe Angel who announced part of the game today in the Orioles radio network, is the same Joe Angel who used to announce Twins’ games in the mid eighties.
My mistake, then. I thought Joe had a son who was now working in broadcasting.
Cuddyer and Crede a combined 5 for 8?
Damn… what will people bitch about now?
Should we be concerned that Crede and Cuddyer are wasting too many hits in spring training?
Instead of messing with nregular doctors, why don’t they get a good chiropracter?
CHIROPRACTOR
[…] Twins Insider – […]
Just posted a little udate…
Common modern contradictions in terms:
“Military Intelligence.”
“Jumbo Shrimp”
“A Good Chiropractor”
Medication will not fix the problem, only relieve the pain temporarily. Unless he gets chiropractic adjustments immediately his career as a catcher will soon be over. I understand the problem personally, since I have been fighting SI problems for years. I’m only walking without pain because of monthly adjustments from my chiropracter.
Jack,
Could the lack of pain be because your wallet is lighter?
Jack,
Sorry. That was a glib thing to say. I’m havin a sh tty day.
At the risk of sounding pessimistic … I think everyone needs to postpone any celebration. I was diagnosed with the identical sacroiliac joint syndrome two years ago. I continue to be distracted by the discomfort on a daily basis.
My prediction … Joe is at risk of seeing his career curtailed within the next 3-5 years … at best.
Well. I hope Joe Mauer Getts better Real Soon. Hee iss the cuuuttesstt Baseball player EVER!!
<3.Kayla.<3
For this great news we are truly tankful.
Now, let’s get this season started already.
if the twins docters are relieved that it is only this then that is really good news
hey paul, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than surgery and it actually works
I’ve never played professional sports but I have a very demanding job that occasionally requires me to squat for long periods of time and assume various positions to get at equipment I am working at. I have had the very same injury that Joe has. The pain can be so intense at times it’ll take your breathe away. Other times it’s a dull throb that lets you know it’s there. Epidurals help for a short time. Some PT can help but it’s mostly get the inflammation down and keep it down. This can go on for long periods of time also. I wish Joe the best.
[…] Joe Mauer’s injury is an inflammed lower back: The Twins were relieved to learn today that catcher Joe Mauer only has an inflamed sacroiliac joint following an exam on Tuesday in Fort Myers and a meeting this morning with Twins team physician Dr, John Steubs. […]
[…] Notes: Mauer, Mijares, Manny, and McCartyAfter undergoing an MRI exam Tuesday, Joe Mauer has been diagnosed with an inflamed sacroiliac joint in his lower back. There’s a sense of relief within the […]
SI injuries are serious. Prolonged periods of joint misalignment can cause damage to supporting ligaments and tendons resulting in a lax joint that is likely to remain a painful problem. Anti-inflamatories may allow Mauer to play, but may also inhibit his body’s natural healing process. Fixing this isn’t like working on a knee. There’s no standard surgery for a damaged SI joint except for fusion. I hope he’ll be ok.
