Remember Joe Mauer? The one-time hometown golden boy whose shortened 2011 became a running punchline in the Minnesota Twins' 63-99 year? Well that Joe is gone and in his place is one who is oh gosh...not as Minnesota nice.
From Twins infielder Trevor Plouffe's Twitter:
Just worked out with the new evil Joe Mauer. He was dressed in all black and had this crazy look in his eyes. #2012
— Trevor Plouffe (@TPlouffe24) February 16, 2012
Plouffe's tweet, which comes two days before pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training in Fort Myers, set off Twins fans on Twitter. Many have had fun with the #eviljoemauer hashtag, coming up with such things as:
He played quarterback at fsu #EvilJoeMauer
— Matt!!!! (@Slap_Bet) February 16, 2012
Pulls outside fastball for a homerun. #EvilJoeMauer
— Kenny Nelson (@kenfromkenya10) February 16, 2012
And of course:
He would date @KimKardashian. #EvilJoeMauer
— Ben Collin (TTBB) (@bennyc50) February 16, 2012
At the very least, if Twitter is any indication Minnesota fans are ready for baseball to begin.
For more on Mauer and the Twins as they begin Spring Training, be sure to check out SB Nation's Twins blog Twinkie Town.