Joe

Mauer

Beltré and Mauer earned induction into the hallowed halls of Cooperstown on their very first year on the ballot — garnering 95.1 percent and 76.1 percent of the vote respectively. It was a much longer road for Todd Helton, who finally eclipsed the 75% threshold (with 79.7 percent) in his sixth season on the ballot. Billy Wagner fell just five votes short of induction — finishing with 73.8 percent of the vote in his ninth season of eligibility. He should be able to nose it over the finish line in his final year on the ballot. Gary Sheffield was unable to do so in his final year of eligibility, finishing at 63.9 percent. Andruw Jones saw his total slightly rise from 58.1 percent to 61.6 percent in his seventh year on the ballot. Carlos Beltran was the only other player with over 50 percent of the vote — getting 57.1 percent in his second year on the ballot.

It’s incredibly hard for any player to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame during their first year on the ballot. Any candidate who receives votes on 75 percent of all ballots cast will earn election, which usually means just a small handful get in any season. However, it’s certainly an honor for these players to be considered and there are a handful, like Adrián Beltré, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley who seem likely to have their names called eventually.

Mauer is recovering from surgery on his left knee, and will likely be eased back into the Twins’ lineup upon his return. That said, he is still a good bet to be one of the better rookies in the AL this season.

He is still recovering from a knee injury. Jason Kubel will take Mauer’s spot on the postseason roster against the Twins’ likely opponent, the Yankees.

He is hoping to be able to return to action if the Twins advance beyond the ALDS.

Mauer said his surgically repaired knee feels fine when he swings a bat, but hurts when he runs or tries to crouch. Manager Ron Gardenhire is hoping Mauer will be able to at least pinch-hit in the postseason. Don’t count on much from Mauer if and when he returns for Minnesota in September.

Mauer had problems with the knee during a light bullpen session yesterday. “There wasn’t any swelling,” GM Terry Ryan said. “but he said something didn’t seem right.”

Mauer said Steubs didn’t seem overly concerned but wanted to see what the other doctors had to say.

“Everything hurts,” Mauer said, “except my knee.” Mauer will remain with the Twins for a few days, but he will head to Florida for some instructional league games as soon as doctors clear him to do so. It’s unlikely that he’ll see time in the playoffs, but he’s only been ruled out for the ALDS.

The Twins aren’t expecting their catcher to be ready until sometime in September. He could give the lineup a huge boost heading into the playoffs if healthy.