Joe Mauer has played baseball in Taiwan, Japan and Mexico, but never in Puerto Rico. He's been there, but …
"This is embarrassing," Mauer said. "I was there as a model. During my first couple years up I did a photo shoot for Perry Ellis.
"Hopefully, those pictures aren't still floating around."
The next pictures of him taken there will be in a Twins uniform. Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announced Wednesday that the Twins will play Cleveland in a two-game series in Puerto Rico on April 17-18, 2018. It will be the first time the Twins have played games outside the United States or Canada.
"We are well-represented with Puerto Rican players," said Mauer, who has played with Team USA on the amateur level as well as in the World Baseball Classic. "It will be a lot of fun. It's really fun to see how other countries celebrate the game."
Outfielder Eddie Rosario, infielder/designated hitter Kennys Vargas and pitcher Jose Berrios were born in Puerto Rico. Hector Santiago was born in Newark, N.J., but pitched for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
"I was happy when they told me that we are going to go to Puerto Rico," Vargas said. "I haven't talked to anybody over there yet, but Puerto Ricans are excited for the opportunity to play at home in front of our people, our families."
The Indians will be represented by All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and catcher Roberto Perez. From stars such as Lindor and Houston shortstop Carlos Correa to up-and-comers such as Rosario and Berrios, the island is teeming with young talent.
