Mauer Deserves All The Promotion

Catcher Joe Mauer joined the Rock Cats on June 16 amid much hype and so far has proved it was warranted.

"When he came here, I knew he could handle our pitching staff and he has single-handedly turned our staff around," Rock Cats manager Stan Cliburn said Friday from Bowie, Md. "But what has surprised me is his offense and how he has been able to handle lefthanders. He has adjusted to their style and overall has adjusted to the better pitching in this level."

Mauer, the Twins' top prospect and the No.1 overall pick in the 2001 draft, began the season at Class A Fort Myers of the Florida State League, where he hit .335 with one homer and 44 RBI in 62 games. After a bit of a slow start with New Britain, he has hit his stride offensively.

Mauer is hitting .360 (58-for-161) with two home runs and 22 RBI in 43 games. He has struck out only 15 times.

"He has a positive approach at the plate," Cliburn said. "He has the attitude that nobody can get him out."

Mauer, 20, has 16 multiple-hit games, including seven three-hit games, with the Rock Cats.

"I knew in spring training he could catch in the big leagues right now," Cliburn said. "But he is also proving that soon he'll be able to hit there also."

Mauer has been handling the pressure well. Rock Cats radio broadcaster Jeff Dooley said Mauer has had many interview requests during New Britain's seven-game trip, which ends today.

He also impressed Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk at the All-Star Futures Game July 13 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. Fisk managed the U.S. team and pulled Mauer aside to give him a few pointers.

Mauer, who is 6 feet 4, 220 pounds, was the starting catcher for the U.S. team in its 3-2 victory over the World team.

"You could tell he's not afraid," Fisk told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He's aware and he knows he has a lot to learn. But he has all the attributes. I looked at how he called the game. I didn't call any pitches, and neither did my coaching staff."