Will (should) Mauer stay at C?

Joe Mauer, the Twins All-Star catcher and reigning AL batting champ, has been diagnosed with a stress reaction (the pre-cursor to a stress fracture) in his left leg.  Given his special talents with the bat, and his height (6'4"), there has been talk of eventually moving him out from behind the plate.  The wear and tear of the position is bad enough for anyone, but the toll is greatened based on the height of the backstop.

Add to those considerations the unforgiving artificial turf in the Metrodome (which certainly hasn't helped players like Torii Hunter and ex-Twins Shannon Stewart and Cristian Guzman), and the injury risk is heightened further.  Given that the Twins will be moving into their new stadium in a couple of years, its doubtful that the present turf will be replaced.

So, can the Twins afford to leave Mauer behind the plate?  History seems to say "no".  Below is the list of most games appeared in for players 6'4" or greater.

                                                                                       

		G	HT
	Johnny Edwards	1392	6'4"
	Sandy Alomar Jr.	1353	6'5"
	Tom Haller	1199	6'4"
	Jody Davis	1039	6'4"
	Eddie Taubensee	871	6'4"
	Paul Casanova	811	6'4"
	Jim Pagliaroni	767	6'4"
	Larry McLean	761	6'5"
	Bob Tillman	725	6'4"
	Bob Melvin	627	6'4"

Not the most auspicious list ... is it?

Mauer has been behind the plate for 268 games to this point.  The clock is ticking.