Joe Mauer's grandfather understands fans' frustration

Jake Mauer says he understands why Minnesota Twins fans are frustrated with his grandson, Twins first baseman Joe Mauer. Jake Mauer spoke about Joe's struggles this season in an interview with blogger David Shama.

“He’s getting a big salary, he should produce,” Jake said. “That’s what the fans think and that’s what the fans want.  He’s trying but it just don’t happen (yet).  But I don’t blame the people.”

In 76 games this season, Mauer, whose contract pays him $23 million this year, is batting a career-low .271 with two home runs and 28 RBI, but had seen his numbers improve during a 12-game hitting streak prior to going on the disabled list last week with a strained oblique.

Jake predicts Joe will raise his average above .300 -- he has exceeded that mark in all but three of his 10 completed seasons -- before the end of the year.

“He couldn’t understand the (poor hitting) stretch that he went through,” Jake said.  “He’s never had it in his life.  He starts coming out of it and then he gets hurt.

“He says, ‘What the heavens are going to happen next? Here I suffer for two months and then I start a string of going good and then I get hurt. It’s just terrible.’ ”

Jake Mauer also said he thinks the concussion Joe suffered last year has hampered him.

(h/t Minneapolis Star Tribune)

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-- Chris Johnson