Mauer to figure out if hernia surgery needed

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: October 2, 2007 - 1:03 AM

Twins catcher Joe Mauer said he will begin a series of tests Oct. 10 to determine if he will need hernia surgery. He was slowed by various left leg ailments during the season and has dealt with what could be a hernia since midseason.

Mauer's main offseason goal is to fine-tune a workout plan that will help him stay on the field for the entire season. He repeated Monday how frustrating this year was for him.

"I'm still tweaking some things," said Mauer, one of the Twins players who stopped by the Metrodome clubhouse to collect their belongings as the offseason began.

Mauer played in only 109 games this season.

Relieved reliever

Reliever Pat Neshek said his right shoulder no longer feels weak. He didn't pitch the final two weeks of the season because of fatigue that led to an inflamed ligament in his elbow.

He spent last week rehabilitating and said he felt so good that he could have pitched if needed.

Despite sitting out at the end, Neshek still pitched in a team-high 74 games, going 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA.

Santana the golfer

Johan Santana said he will spend most of the offseason at his home in Fort Myers, Fla.

The lefthander swung by the clubhouse Monday to make sure his shipments were in order, to purchase a new exercise bike online and to prepare for an offseason that will include more rest than usual.

He plans to drop his oldest daughter off at school in the morning, work out at Hammond Stadium, pick his daughter up from school, then go play golf.

"You don't want to see me play golf, but I have fun," said Santana, who mentioned something about working on his foot wedge.

Etc.

• Jason Bartlett underwent some tests as part of his exit physical. The Twins expect to know late this week if their shortstop will need surgery to eliminate a sore shoulder and neck that bothered him throughout the season.

La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com

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