Jeff Passan reports on a myriad of injuries slowing down Joe Mauer:

Though still baseball’s best catcher, the reigning American League MVP looks little like his 2009 self, even after gorging the last two days on Kansas City pitching. His power output is unplugged, with only six home runs after mashing 28 last season. His on-base percentage is the lowest since his rookie season. He’s catching a quarter of opposing basestealers, far below his career average. And at 27, Mauer is feeling the sort of wear that builds in men who spent half their professional lives squatting in cumbersome gear and taking ball after inadvertent ball off all 206 of their bones.

Mauer’s left heel nags him. His right shoulder aches. Two other injuries – his back and his hip, for which the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported he receives treatment – are something neither he nor the organization will address publicly. Because while the heel and shoulder are more pesky, anything having to do with a back or hip, let alone both, inspires a great deal of fear.

Remember, the eight-year deal worth all that cheese doesn’t start until next season. And even a team like Minnesota – with the increased revenues Target Field provides, the zenith of player-development systems and a Latin-American program rivaling any in the game – can’t swallow the prospect of its franchise player hobbling along so early into such a monumental contract.

Well, Mauer is the man if he can play through all that and still post impressive numbers. The Twins want to win this year, their first in Target Field. Joe can rest during the off-season, have surgery if he needs it, DH all of next year if that will help. Winning this season will have a lasting effect on attendance, so I don’t disagree with pushing Joe this season. If they win, they’ll have a whole year to give Joe a break so he can complete the rest of his contract.

Hat tip, The Big Lead.