Paul Battaglia/AP
When Bo Jackson captivated a previous generation, Nike built an ad campaign around the phrase "Bo Knows.'' It became a sensation.
"Joe Knows'' wouldn't work in Minnesota, not these days. Joe Mauer, who two years ago ranked as the most popular athlete in Minnesota history, demonstrated last year that he doesn't get it. As the Twins begin spring training, Mauer's obliviousness to the requirements of his position needs to be fixed every bit as much as his troublesome left knee.
In the past six months, I've spoken with dozens of key people working at all levels of the Twins organization about Mauer. Most expressed disgust or dismay over the way he conducted himself last season.
A few defended him, saying his primary problem is an inability to communicate...
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