Mauer says Gold Gloves have come from hard work

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Joe Mauer says he’s proud of the work he’s done with his defense considering how much publicity his hitting has received over his career.

The Minnesota Twins catcher spoke Wednesday to local reporters on a conference call, the day after he was awarded his third straight Gold Glove award.

Mauer acknowledged that 2010 was a “long year” for him physically, given shoulder and knee injuries. He doesn’t need surgery

Mauer, who signed a $184 million contract extension in March, says he realizes there will be a point when he’ll have to stop catching, but he says he’s hoping that will be “a lot later than sooner.”