Cure-alls are all around

Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Still sidelined by soreness in the joint between his spine and pelvis, Twins catcher Joe Mauer watched Sunday’s victory over the Cardinals from the dugout in Fort Myers, Fla. The Twins say they’re satisfied with his rehabilitation program.

The Twins get plenty of suggestions for treatment of what ails Joe Mauer.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: March 30, 2009 - 11:55 PM

FORT MYERS, FLA. - Massage therapy. A chiropractor. Surgery. It seems that everyone who follows the Twins has an opinion on how to cure catcher Joe Mauer, who might have the most talked-about sacroiliac joint in Twin Cities sports history.

"Everyone wants Joe back on the field as soon as possible," said Bill Smith, the Twins' general manager, "including Joe, his family, his manager, his coaches and the front office."

The wait continues for Mauer to show signs that he's got the inflammation in the joint -- the pain actually is in his right buttocks -- worked out. But all he's done for a week since changing medication is play catch. For three weeks, he hasn't swung a bat, caught in the bullpen or, most important, run. He will ride a bike or use the elliptical machine for low-impact conditioning.

"This is the best I've felt this spring," Mauer said Sunday, in a rare session with reporters since the inflammation reoccurred. "I'm just trying to stay this way."

There have been plenty of suggestions on what path he should take to get back into the lineup. One person recently managed to get transferred to the Hammond Stadium clubhouse so he could make his pitch to Mauer over the phone.

"I had a guy call me and said he can heal me in a hour," Mauer said with a slight chuckle. "We have heard some different things and different approaches. I think we have a good plan right now."

Worried fans offer advice

Mauer had surgery in December to remove a kidney obstruction, which was believed to be the reason for the soreness. He reported to camp in February with a plan to miss only the first handful of games, but the pain returned when he tried to run.

A trip to see a specialist in Baltimore was scheduled for March 14 -- and the medical advice from Twins Nation began to fly. E-mails from fans to one Star Tribune reporter included links to medical websites about possible remedies along with lists of questions to ask Twins officials.

Smith has been in the same boat.

"I have had a number of e-mails and a couple of phone calls, mostly e-mail," Smith said. "I don't want to shoot anyone down, because they all mean well. We are following our own program, but I have forwarded a number of them onto our doctors and trainers. So far, we're comfortable with the route we are going."

Mauer spends most of his time in the trainer's room but will pop into the dugout during home games to watch a few innings. Mauer on Sunday was one of the first players to high-five Brian Buscher after he made a diving grab of Ryan Ludwick's liner to end the third inning.

Watching games makes Mauer want to rush back. Teammate and good friend Justin Morneau tries to keep his spirits up. How?

"My usual sarcasm," Morneau said. "I'll usually go in there and ask him if he's coming out today, if he wants to play in the ballgame or anything. Actually, when you're hurt, that's all you can think about, any time you move. So I try to talk about anything but [the injury]."

Caution is clubhouse watchword

While the new medication appears to be working, the Twins are being more cautious than earlier in camp about how hard Mauer pushes himself. He will eventually attempt baseball-related activities. Just not now.

He's ruled himself out for the April 6 opener against Seattle and will likely remain in Fort Myers when the rest of the team breaks camp. The Twins have not set an official timetable for his return, but clubhouse estimates are that he'll miss anywhere from one to four weeks of the regular season.

For now, Mauer and the Twins are just being patient.

"You always appreciate the level of concern," Smith said, "but we are going to follow our medical staff."

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