Joe Mauer won't be starting in the 2012 All-Star Game after losing out in the voting contest, but after having such a lackluster (by his standards, at least) season in 2011 he's just happy to have been invited.
"After the season we had last year, and the year I had, it's nice to be able to go," Mauer said of his all-star honor before Sunday's game against Kansas City at Target Field. "It's still special. If they want me there, I'll keep going. It's a huge honor."
Mauer's performance in 2012 wasn't enough to earn him the win in the voting -- he lost by well over a million votes to Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli -- but he came in second and will be getting a reserves appearance, which likely will translate to a few innings and an at-bat or two for the Twins star.
No other Twins made the roster for the AL, but Mauer's .324 average and decent stats across the board were good enough to keep him from being overlooked. It's going to be Mauer's fifth ASG appearance after 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 looks.
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