Mauer moving up Twins depth chart

MINNEAPOLIS -- There were few who doubted that this day would eventually come.

A.J. Pierzynski most of all.

When the Twins selected catcher and former hometown high school star Joe Mauer with the overall No. 1 pick in June 2001, Pierzynski's career was just starting to take off. But he also was aware that his days in Minnesota were already numbered.

"Everyone knew Mauer was going to be the guy," Pierzynski said.

Prediction became reality Friday when the Twins dealt Pierzynski to the Giants for reliever Joe Nathan and two minor leaguers. It paved the way for the 20-year-old Mauer to be promoted from Double-A to the Major Leagues.

"It's definitely made it a lot easier," Mauer said by phone from Fort Myers, Fla. "The door is open. I'm going to keep working to get through it and take that spot."

While Pierzynski was a popular player, a 2002 All-Star and a career .301 hitter, the sting of the move should be lessened for Twins fans. They will have a chance to see a highly touted St. Paul native who graduated from Cretin Derham-Hall High School behind the plate at the Metrodome.

Mauer hit a combined .339 with five homers and 85 RBIs with Single-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain in 2003.

With a great left-handed swing and strong defensive skills, many in the baseball industry consider Mauer to be the complete package. He earned Minor League Player of the Year honors from Baseball America and the Twins organization. Team USA also selected him to play in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Panama.

"I'm just going to keep working on my overall game," Mauer said of his offseason workout plans. "I'd like to work on the power development but that will come late on."

As word spread about the Pierzynski trade, Mauer's phone began ringing. The first call was from minor league pitcher and Team USA teammate Jesse Crain.

"I was thinking he was messing with me," Mauer said. "But right after he called, the other calls started pouring in. I was excited."

Mauer's eventual promotion to the Twins was a lock. But his ascent to becoming the club's starting catcher next season isn't yet assured.

"He will be competing for that position. He will not be handed the job," Ryan said.

"It's no secret that he's going to get an opportunity in Spring Training and we'll see how he handles himself," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He's a very talented kid but he hasn't been in the Major Leagues yet. There are no guarantees he'll be our catcher. He's going to have to earn it."

Matthew LeCroy backed up Pierzynski in 2003 and will compete with Mauer for the starting spot. Ryan also said he would consider looking outside the organization for other catchers.

"I don't know what's going to happen," LeCroy said. "It's probably going to be Mauer's job to lose. He's done all he could do in the minors. I don't care what role they have for me as long as we win. Hopefully, I'll get to play more."

Mauer impressed Twins players and coaches in 2003 Spring Training as a non-roster invitee. He was kept around in the Major League camp until near the end of cuts. He was able to experience catching veteran Major League pitchers like Brad Radke and Rick Reed.

"I liked Joe from the beginning," LeCroy said. "He's really poised and mature for his age. I think he can handle it."

"I felt pretty comfortable with the staff and we faced Major League hitters," Mauer said. "The game is a little bit faster. Players don't make too many mistakes so you have to be sharp."

Being a hometown star and former No. 1 pick should shine a bright light on Mauer when he debuts in the Major Leagues. It should also prepare him for all the demands that come his local and national fame.

"I have been dealing with it the past five years," Mauer said. "I think I'm ready for it. I'm just excited that the opportunity has come about."

Mauer still isn't quite sure what to expect if he's around for Opening Day at the Metrodome. But he knows this much:

"I'll probably have a big pass list for a couple of days," he said. "It'll be crazy."

Another solid prediction.