Minnesota Twins sign Joe Mauer to contract...

Minnesota Twins fans breathed a collective sigh of relief this weekend after it was announced the team had agreed to terms with catcher Joe Mauer on an eight-year, no-trade, contract extension worth $184 million. The contract likely means that the Minnesota born Mauer, who would have been eligible for free agency following the 2010 season, will finish his career in a Twins uniform. A news conference is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. this evening from the Twins Spring Training camp in Ft. Myers, Florida. Mauer has three American League batting titles, two Gold Glove awards and one American League MVP award. This is especially welcome news after the team lost All Star relief pitcher Joe Nathan for the 2010 season to elbow surgery.

Comments: 13

Jim G. Mar 22, 2010, 10:34am UTC

Super!!!New ballpark, Mauer franchise player. Can't wait! Maybe Lariano will replace Nathan?

Michael Fishman Mar 22, 2010, 7:21pm UTC

It's an exciting time to be a Twin's fan, isn't it? I like the idea of Liriano as the closer. Assuming he's no better this year than he was last year, he can probably be very effective pitching the one inning.

Jim G. Mar 22, 2010, 7:43pm UTC

Actually, Lariano has been pitching pretty well in spring training & the club is undecided about whether he will be a 5th starter or a closer.

Michael Fishman Mar 23, 2010, 8:45am UTC

My guess is that Gardenhire will rotate 3-4 guys in that role until one has a few good back-to-back performances and then around the end of June go with that guy which (because it's fun to disagree with the manager) I would disagree with.

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Len Maxwell Mar 22, 2010, 5:03pm UTC

The "Minnesota Twins fans breathed a collective sigh of relief?" Wow, you have no idea how long I've been holding my breath about this. Oh, who is he? Why was that important? Hmm, guess I was holding my breath about something else.

Michael Fishman Mar 22, 2010, 7:23pm UTC

A bit of hyperbole with that collective sigh thing maybe? You'll know who he is by 04/08!

Len Maxwell Mar 22, 2010, 7:26pm UTC

Hyperbole to the nth degree. I've mentioned before that I really don't follow or care about baseball. Hmm, should I take a deep breath to see if I can make it to 04/08?

Michael Fishman Mar 22, 2010, 8:53pm UTC

Hyperbole isn't always bad, is it? I remember you saying that, but I have such a difficult time believing that someone doesn't like baseball that it takes a few times for it to sink in.

Len Maxwell Mar 22, 2010, 8:58pm UTC

I love going to Dodger or Angel Stadium, but I just can't stand to watch a game on TV. There's something about the hot dogs, peanuts, and beer when you're sitting there that can't be beat.

Michael Fishman Mar 23, 2010, 8:46am UTC

I do like the game a lot on TV, but I agree that nothing beats the atmosphere of being there in person.

Jim G. Mar 23, 2010, 9:26am UTC

I miss the smell of cigar smoke in the good ol' days.....

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Ruthi C. Mar 22, 2010, 6:32pm UTC

Sigh...
:-)

Michael Fishman Mar 22, 2010, 8:51pm UTC

LOL! See? The collective sigh!

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Minnesota Twins sign Joe Mauer to contract extension

Comments: 13

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