Shooter Now: Minnesota Twins expected to try to sign Joe Mauer ...

Joe Mauer, despite catching regularly for the Minnesota Twins and missing the first 22 games with a sore back, still has 179 hits this season - without steroids.

[Lets get this done]

If Mauer is playing for the Yankees I think their new stadium, after the first honeymoon season, will never sell out.. I hope beyond all hope that the twins plan on locking him up BEFORE he becomes unrestricted.

[choo choo]

If your Mauer you should insist on at least 20 mil a year. Hunter got 18 mil a year from the Angels and this offer would only be 17 mil per year for Mauer who is only 26. I know were talking about a lot of money, but its another cheap skate offer. Just give the guy what he deserves. There are teams that would give him more.

[rjb]

Been nice seeing you play Joe. At least at those numbers we can get this out of the way quickly instead of being "the Q" of 2010. Good luck on the East Coast.

[Jmoy]

Actually, I think it is a pretty fair offer. Only a couple teams have kept giving huge contracts with the bad economy. Also, Joe plays a very tough physical position and has been injured a good amount. Hes a great hitter but, if he plays 3B or DH, is he worth more then 17mil a year? Great hitter but he won't have this same season over and over again. He will probably slide back down to a .330 hitter with maybe 20hr. Yes, great numbers, but how much are they worth if not as a catcher?

[Firearm]

This is just the beginning; it'll probably take more to lock up Mauer, and the Twins should spare no expense with regards to re-signing Mauer.

[Dicky]

Why would you compare Joe Mauer to Barry Bonds? They are completely different types of hitters. That would be similar to comparing Mauer's hits to Ichiro. Ichiro hasn't had a season of less than 206 hits. Mauer's best season (to this point) is 181 hits. Completely different types of hitter.

[Did They say TRY]

"try to sign Joe Mauer for $120 million over 7 years"

The key word here is "TRY"

Meaning 50/50 shot and it all
depends if Joe wants to be
here for the long haul or not.

I don't think money is an issue
for him.........Winning is.

[Are You Serious]

Luckily for you, you write in Minnesota, not New York or Boston. Apparently, in small town America, it's OK to say that your hometown hero plays "without steroids." In one year, he's gone from a gap hitter to a 30 HR hitter.

I'm not for a second accusing Mauer of using steroids, but to just dismiss it makes you a joke.

[Odrama]

Are You Serious wrote:

Luckily for you, you write in Minnesota, not New York or Boston. Apparently, in small town America, it's OK to say that your hometown hero plays "without steroids." In one year, he's gone from a gap hitter to a 30 HR hitter.
I'm not for a second accusing Mauer of using steroids, but to just dismiss it makes you a joke.

It's not okay to say that on the east coast? I'm so confused by that statement and logic.....

[Jake101]

I don't think money is the issue for Mauer. He wants to win a World Series, along with Morneau and Nathan, who all came out this season urging management to make the deals necessary to make this team a contender. Problem is we already gave management what they wanted: their stadium.
The Twins biggest hole this season was pitching, and with Roy Halliday and Cliff Lee on the market the twins could have easily upped their starting rotation. Nope, not for the "small market" Twins.
Mauer is as good as gone, with Morneau, Nathan, Kubel and Cuddyer right behind. At least now when fans ask "who?" after a Twin is announced, they'll be getting a tan.

[Jake101]

Um, Pioneer Press, how is the word T.A.N. banned?

[Now that is funny]

$120M over 7 year??? Are you kidding?? Bye Joe. I was nice watching you play while it lasted.
Hey Rick - Make a competitive offer!!! Give him a reason to stay. Your benchmark offer should be at least $140M over 7 years if you really want to keep him from going into next year unsigned.
Disclaimer - This comment is made under the caviat that Shooter actually knows what he's talking about.

[Mr T in STP]

What can you do with 180 that you couldn't do with 120? I suppose that extra 60 could buy naming rights to a few places.

[Flaw_checker]

It's the old try offer by the Twins, enough to sound good but it isn't really competitive. FYI the twins were the 6th most profitable team in baseball last year.

http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/33/baseball-...

Sort on operating income. Don't be brain washed into believing the twins just can't afford to keep anyone.

[JMR]

He is under contract with the twins through next season. He can only deal with the twins through next season so why would you even bring up the Yankee's? Called trying to get peoples dander up I think. Mauer will be a Twin for his entire career. Bank on it! As long as they are trying to win. I still am amused at the Yankee statement as they have no say in it what so ever!

[Camel Tow]

I think they ( Twins) are counting on him accepting the "home town" discount which I don't see happening...good luck with that one fellas.....

[J-rod]

I'm guessing Chuck just pulled this number out of a hat. Either the Twin's sign him or they will become the most hated franchise in the Twin Cities.

[ron]

It doesn't say the Twins have said that's the offer. It's an "expected offer". Not that Charley doesn't know some things, but in reality, it's just Charley speculating. No reason to get undies in a bundle over this.

[ron]

Are You Serious wrote:

Luckily for you, you write in Minnesota, not New York or Boston. Apparently, in small town America, it's OK to say that your hometown hero plays "without steroids." In one year, he's gone from a gap hitter to a 30 HR hitter.
I'm not for a second accusing Mauer of using steroids, but to just dismiss it makes you a joke.

The thing is easterners expect them to be juiced. And if I lived in the east I'd probably take that view also. Wall Street - Washington. You are the place of cheaters.

[Truth Hurts]

These Pohlad's are so stupid and becasue of their frugality they will lose this player and destroy this team. They could have locked him in years ago at a much cheaper price.