"After years of speculation and debate over when Joe Mauer might move from behind home plate and begin playing another position, the St. Paul native took his first step in the direction toward more versatility Monday afternoon at Target Field by taking ground balls at first base.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire first brought up the possibility of Mauer playing some first base when the team announced Friday that Justin Morneau would need neck surgery that will keep him in the disabled list for at least six weeks.

Mauer said he spent his time at first base Monday listening to what Gardenhire had to say about playing the position - one he said he hasn't practiced since he was in the minor leagues back in 2002.

How much work Mauer will need at first before he's ready to play there in a game remains to be seen. Mauer said he hopes the position comes quickly to him, though he also cautioned: "There's no doubt in my mind that I can do it, it's just that it's not going to be an overnight thing."

Asked when Mauer might be ready to make an in-game appearance at first, Gardenhire said he isn't sure. "