Mauer's Trying To Take It Easy In Spring Training
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Joe Mauer has arrived at Minnesota Twins spring training and plans to take it easy for now.
Mauer is coming off a less-hectic offseason than last year, when the All-Star catcher dealt with all the attention from his contract situation. After signing a $184 million extension last March, Mauer's megadeal has started.
He is still coming back from minor surgery in December to alleviate some swelling in his left knee. Mauer was in camp a day before the first official workout for pitchers and catchers, and said Thursday he's ready to go.
But he says he wants to avoid pushing too hard. April 1 is the target to be full strength, not Feb. 20. Mauer has been encouraging teammates coming off injuries to take the same approach.
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