Saturday, April 15, 2006
New Infield Positions Considered for Joe Mauer
In the tradition of Astros All-Star Craig Biggio, who moved from catcher to second base and the outfield, new infield positions are being considered for Twins backstop Joe Mauer. Long regarded as a probable candidate to play first base, Mauer is also credited with the potential to play third, second and even shortstop, and has been practicing taking infield grounders during batting practice in case he is called upon to appear in those spots as a substitute in late-inning situations.
Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.