Mauer's response to Rickie Weeks

Hey Rickie, Thanks for your apology. It is not necessary though. You were just playing baseball to the best of your ability. Maybe the collision scenario was a bit unorthodox, but what the hey - things happen. If I sounded put off by it in my after game comments, I apologize. I was frustrated by being injured on the play and felt that this injury might keep me out for a handful of games.

As you know, I am from St. Paul and I share the same passion as our Twins fans do - as I am a Huge Twins Fan. It kills me to miss games with an injury - I want to be out there competing, I want to turn this dead horse of a season around.

I make a lot of money and I know because of this I will be scrutinized for this as long as I wear a Twins Uniform, but it certainly doesn't mean I do not care. Hell, I might care more than anyone - this is my town, and a lot of people have pinned their hopes on me to help bring them another World Series Championship... this weighs on me.

I might not have the biggest and in your face personality, I might not seem to be the leader that fans think I should be, I am a pretty reserved person - not too many highs or lows - I am even keel.

Rickie, who the hell are you to call me out for being injured? In 8 seasons you have only had 3 seasons with 500 plate appearances. You are the definition of an injured ball player - you are Mr. Glass. It might have meant more coming from a player who actually is durable.

Ricky, you have an all-star game or 2 under your belt and congrats for that. I am the only catcher in MLB history to win 3 Batting Titles, I have won an MVP and I have won more than a few Gold Gloves.

The analysts/scouts have always said I could not be a long term catcher because of my height/size. I am now feeling that they might be right. I like playing catcher and I take pride in being the best I can be and maybe I have held on too long because of my contract. I don't want to let down the fans.

Maybe next year I will play one of the corner OF positions or 1B. It will not be 3B as Plouffe has entrenched himself as a difference maker and power hitter that this line-up needs.

Hey, this year is not said and done yet. Maybe my bat will get hot and I will challenge for a 4th batting title. I can assure Twins fans this. I may never win another batting title again, but I will be in the hunt for many years to come!

One edit, though: Mauer wouldn't say "hell." I would change it to "H E Double Hockey Sticks."

Good post Bark.