Jonah Schulz

Joe Queen

[Aaron Gleeman @AaronGleeman]

I asked #MNTwins owner Joe Pohlad about payroll and why the team is treated as just another typical business.

Here's a full transcript of my question, his response, and two follow-up questions that I asked after hearing it.

[Kyle Theige @KyleTheige]

After decades of futility, the Minnesota Timberwolves are headed back to the Western Conference Finals.

*clears throat*

*wipes eyes*

WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, FRIENDS!

[Phil Mackey 🎙 @PhilMackey]

I had the privilege of covering Joe Mauer on the Twins beat from 2010-2013.

A few thoughts on a first-ballot Hall of Famer:

Joe was/is one of the most genuinely kind humans I've ever come across. He takes a real interest in getting to know the people around him, asking questions, and just generally giving people the time of day. He is probably the single-most approachable superstar athlete in the country.

Joe's 2009 is one of the greatest seasons -- maybe THE greatest season -- of any catcher in MLB history. He missed the entire first month of the season recovering from knee surgery and STILL won MVP, batting .365/.444/.587 w/ 59 extra-base hits and Gold Glove defense behind the plate. This 2009 performance *should* be celebrated more than it is.

Joe played through a lot more pain and discomfort than people realize. He was tough as sh**, despite what his mild-mannered demeanor may suggest. He was a 6'4" catcher who grinded through knee, core and concussion issues in his career and still hit over .300. Had he been more up-front about the impact of his injuries with the public, he could have avoided some unnecessary criticism. But it wasn't in Joe's DNA to use injuries as an out.

Joe came to the plate nearly 8,000 times in his career. He hit only 31 infield pop-ups. This is my favorite Mauer stat. Always on top of the ball, driving it somewhere.

Most of the great pitchers of Joe's era will tell you he was among their least favorite hitters to face. Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Zack Greinke. I'll never forget a 2012 AB against peak Aroldis Chapman. Twins trailed by 1 in the 9th. Mauer fell behind 0-2 to Chapman who was clocked at 102-103 that day with a filthy 90+ slider. Joe proceeded to foul off four pitches + spit on three more off the plate, then rifled a double to LF that set the table for a Twins comeback win.

"Joe, how were you able to work your way back into that AB against Chapman?"

Joe said (and I paraphrase slightly): "Well, he wasn't throwing his breaking ball for strikes, so I eliminated that pitch out of his hand. I was basically just sitting fastball."

"Right, but he was throwing 103!"

Joe: (Shrugged and smiled sheepishly)

First-ballot Hall of Famer. Well-played, Mauer.

[Joshua X Metellus @NoExcuses_23]

Last week to vote! Please Repost this to help me get to the probowl! Thank you #Skol

Josh Metellus #ProBowlVote

[Minnesota Vikings @Vikings]

Mr. Everything

#ProBowlVote @NoExcuses_23

[Aaron Gleeman @AaronGleeman]

This was called an inning-ending strike three on Max Kepler and took away a Royce Lewis stolen base, too.

[Twins Daily @twinsdaily]

We trust Joe Ryan. Retweet if you do too. #WeBelieveinTC

[Vikeologist™ @Vikeologist]

Retweet if you think @harrismith22 is a Hall of Famer. #HarrytheHitman

[Bussin' With The Boys @BussinWTB]

Nebraska might have a shot after this speech

[Big Red Basketball @BigRedfootball7]

I can’t imagine the pain being a Vikings fan. Well, yea I can. I can’t imagine being a Husker and Vikings fan. I’d be in an asylum.

[Adam Patrick @adampatrickNFL]

The #Vikings ran 10 plays in the red zone on their final 2 drives and they came away with 0 points

[Blake Gronvold @blake_gronvold]

Will the Cowboys ever find a kicker than can make XP????????????

[Jonah Schulz @JonahSchulz]

Thank God he was wearing a helmet. #XGames

[Twins Daily @twinsdaily]

Is Joe Mauer a HOFer?

Please retweet this poll for a bigger sample, especially among non-#MNTwins fans.

[Jonah Schulz @JonahSchulz]

@blake_gronvold

[Seth Gillitzer @Sethgillitzer]

Hung it in the Louvre @Vikings @JJettas2

[NFL @NFL]

THE @VIKINGS WIN. LARGEST COMEBACK IN NFL HISTORY.

[Minnesota Vikings @Vikings]

THE BIGGEST COMEBACK IN NFL HISTORY IS COMPLETE

[VikingNations @VikingNations]

#ProBowlVote
Kirk Cousins
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T.J. Hockenson
Christian Darrisaw
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Votes worth double!