Buster Posey and Joe Mauer, Two Very Different Comebacks
The start of spring training marks yet another chance for many players to prove themselves. Even players who thought their millions of dollars and years of experience were enough proof going forward must come into spring ready to show the world they can still compete. This is what spring ball is all about. Returns, comebacks, new beginnings. For Buster Posey and Joe Mauer, two of the game’s most premier catchers, spring training offers a comeback chance. However, each player’s comeback story is very different.
Early in the season last year, on a cool San Francisco night, Buster Posey found himself doing what he’s done hundreds of times before. He was blocking home plate, trying to prevent a run from scoring. Scott Cousins, a rookie for the Florida Marlins, was barreling down on him. It’s a common play in baseball – this non-contact sport as so many erroneously point out – the runner smashing full speed into the catcher. It’s unlikely that either player thought about any potential injury consequences, but consequences there were. Cousins smashed into Posey who’s leg was out over the plate at an awkward angle. The leg bent in ways legs were not designed to bend. And that was it. Season over for Posey.
In Minnesota, things were looking bright. Coming off a 94-win season in 2010, the Twins had a long-term deal in place for their young, stud catcher Joe Mauer. They were playing their second season at the beautiful Target Field. But then something happened. Mauer tried to rush back from minor knee surgery. He had the surgery in December of 2010 on his left knee, but by January felt he should be good to go for spring training. However, Mauer did not play much in the spring, choosing instead (or being told instead) to rest his knee. The move lead to a weakness in his knees that made Mauer ill-prepared to squat behind home plate and carry a major league workload. He was eventually diagnosed with bilateral leg weakness and spent time on and off the disabled list. In all, he played 81 games for the Twins and was not very productive. This led to people questioning his leadership ability, his heart, and his desire to play. Those questions are akin to accusing someone of murder or rape in sports circles.
So spring starts with both of these young catchers out to prove two entirely different things. It has been suggested that both Posey and Mauer may change positions, and Mauer actually played in right field a bit last season, but neither is entering spring training with plans of switching. They are both looking to prove themselves.
For Posey, he must prove that his devastating leg injury from May of last year is completely healed. According to Andrew Baggarly of CSN Bay Area, Posey will get some time behind the plate, but he will also spend some
time at first base. Of course, the Giants and Posey must take caution in not limiting him too much behind the plate. Mauer proved last season just how much preparation it takes to absorb the rigors of 140-160 games behind the plate. Yet, Posey’s recovery and comeback will be filled with joyous fans welcoming him back. It will be filled with feel-good stories by reporters and bloggers. It will be marked by every successful at-bat during spring. His comeback, while not easy, will take a path with far less road blocks than Mauer’s.
Joe Mauer must not only overcome a poor performance last season, he must prove the critics wrong. Fair or not, the label has been sewn on like his name across the back of his jersey. Quitter. People may not use the word, they may rely on synonyms like “not a leader” or “lacking heart.” But it all boils down to an accusation of quit. Mauer was the golden boy in Minnesota. Now he is a pariah. The best way for him to overcome his poor numbers and the disappointment of the fans and media around the Twin Cities is for Mauer to simply hit. If he hits again like 2010 and before, all will be forgotten. 2011 will be nothing more than an injury-plagued season. Mauer will not be a quitter or someone without heart or leadership qualities. Instead, he will be a player who battled injuries, kept his head up, and overcame.
So goes it in sports. Success defines players. We like to label them as leaders or as good guys, but the truth is those labels are derivative of success. Posey and Mauer enter camp with the chance to either excel or disappoint. Even Posey, who is so loved in San Francisco could see that support fade if he has a season similar to Mauer’s 2011. But right now, Posey is a team leader. His success has earned him that. Fans who shout from the rooftops that Mauer needs to be a leader forget that his success before last season had previously earned him the title of team leader. Now, entering spring training 2012, Mauer must regain that title. Posey must work to keep it. Both must prove they are still the players we grew to love.
Injuries are a demon that can drag the fight out of a player. Whether that happened to Mauer or not is not not the issue. His perception is the issue. This spring is his chance to rectify and rebuild his once sterling reputation. As unfair as it may be, the cold fact of baseball is a player is only as good as his performance, and if that player is struggling, he must show the world he hates himself for it. Perhaps Mauer did not do enough self-loathing last season. This year though, he can focus on results rather than perception.
Posey on the other hand, is simply trying to prove to himself, his team, and the fans that an injury as bad as he had to a body part so vital to his success will not hinder him this season. It’s what spring training is all about. Recovery, retribution, comebacks.
You can follow Call to the Pen on Twitter at @FSCalltothePen or like us here on Facebook.