11/18/2004 3:39 PM ET
Mauer joins rookie All-Stars
Catcher makes team despite injuries
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins catcher Joe Mauer didn't get to play much this
year. But when he did, he must have left quite an impression with
opposing managers.
Despite having his much-anticipated rookie campaign limited to 35
games in 2004 because of a knee injury, Mauer was named to the Topps
Major League Rookie All-Star Team on Thursday. Major League managers
selected players for the 46th annual award.

The overall No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft and a native of St. Paul,
Minn., Mauer batted .308 with six homers and 17 RBIs this season.
The 21-year-old's 2004 season was marred when he tore medial
meniscus cartilage in his left knee during the second game of the
season.

The injury required arthroscopic surgery and forced Mauer to miss
two months. He returned to action for about six weeks before going
back on the disabled list July 19 because of recurring knee soreness
and inflammation. He missed the rest of the season.

Mauer was one of only two American League players named to the Topps
Rookie All-Star Team. Also honored were Braves first baseman Adam
LaRoche, Rockies second baseman Aaron Miles, Diamondbacks third
baseman Chad Tracy, Padres shortstop Khalil Greene, Pirates
outfielder Jason Bay, Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, Expos
outfielder Termel Sledge, Orioles right-handed pitcher Daniel
Cabrera and Pirates left-handed pitcher Mike Gonzalez.

To commemorate the honor, the 2005 Topps baseball cards of this
year's Rookie All-Star class will have a trophy next to the players'
pictures.

The Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team began in 1959, with 13
of its honorees going on to Hall of Fame careers -- including Twins
greats Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject
to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.