I've always thought that you generally stop growing while you're in high school. I know I haven't grown any taller since I was probably 16, but I'm no Joe Mauer.Mauer was 6-4 last season, and this year he's 6-5.
The team lists him at 6-5 in the media guide, but Mauer acknowledged that he is actually 6-6 "wearing shoes."I've been growing ever since last year," he said Wednesday. "I don't want to get too big, or I might have to move [positions]."
Mauer was 6-4 when the Twins drafted him out of Cretin-Derham Hall in 2001. His big growth spurt came earlier in high school, and he stayed the same height until last year.
Mauer will turn 24, and at this rate he'll be 7 feet tall by the time he's 30.
There was some speculation that the growth spurt may have contributed to the recent stress reaction in his left fibula, but Mauer doesn't think that's true. He's also upset because this wasn't the kind of growth spurt that he was hoping for.
"Hopefully I'll grow the other way. I'd like to get a little stronger, but I don't know about taller."
I'm sure the Twins don't care how tall he gets, as long as he keeps that gorgeous swing and .455 batting average he has so far this season.
Previously at the Fanhouse:
Joe Mauer Sidelined With A Stress Reaction
Joe Mauer Is A Lucky Hitter
