Mauer in the spotlight with latest injury

Funny how a $184 million contract can attract a guy a lot of attention, especially when his team isn't doing well.

Howard Sinker, in his Fan's View from Section 219 blog, doesn't go to extremes like some fans or bloggers, but says there are legitimate concerns about Mauer based on his numbers this season.

The Strib's Chip Scoggins says Mauer was really needed in the lineup Thursday as the walls appear to be crashing down on the Twins.

Bob Sansevere of the Pioneer Press says that if Mauer cares about staying so popular, he must deal with the perception he is soft.

Judd Zulgad of espn1500.com agrees with Sansevere that it's Michael Cuddyer and not Mauer who has been the toughest.

Nick Nelson, writing for the Strib's TwinsCentric blog, points out Mauer had not sat out a full game since mid-June and wonders why it'd be in the team's best interest to have him out there in a meaningless late-season game and risk further injury.