Joe Mauer signs 8 year extension with the Twins

[cjkalt]

Colorado made it to the playoffs last year.
Texas- Regardless of what they do after A-rod means nothing, Texas did sign key players/had key players around when A-rod was there, Palmero, Pudge, they also signed Chan Ho at that time, but his injury problems got to him.

Toronto- 3 things, Wells himself has sucked, also it doesn't help when you play in a division that included NYY, BOS and TB.

Giants- Just because they gave Zito that contract doesn't mean that prevents the Giants from signing FA. Also Giants have been in contention for either the WC or the division for the past couple of years, if you weren't following west coast baseball.

So your telling me if the Twins make the playoffs 1 time with M&M thats success?

The Giants woulda been in on Manny, CC and others in the past few years if they didn't have the zito deal... it certainly has hurt them

Not saying its a bad deal at all, im just saying its interesting to see where they go from here

[missionhockey21]

The Twins have young talent, if the front office is confident they can flip that talent when its more expensive later for more talent that is younger and cheaper, while building around a core, it's not a bad thought. It would be easier to replace a Kevin Slowey, or whoever, than to replace Joe Mauer.

[HollywoodLeo]

I'd be excited about this if it wasn't a 23 mil/year contract. Of course they can retain him at that, but the question is: Can they also retain future stars they develop now that they have to give Mauer 23 mil/year?

That's the difference between a team like the Twins and the Yankees.

The Yankees can pay A-Rod 33 mil/year and Jeter 21 mil/year and still afford to give Mark Teixeira 21 mil/year, AJ Burnett 16.5 mil/year, and CC Sabathia another 15 mil/year.

[mntwinsfan]

The signing to me was a must. The Polads don't spend money as we all know but, Mauer is the face of the franchise and this was a good deal for both sides. For the next 8 season's Mauer can't be traded, which I like. Maybe now the Polad's understand you have to spend money to build a winning franchise.

The club has some nice prospects for the future. Only concern I have is there middle of the infield. Hopefully we can build off the Mauer signing and bring in more top talent.

[mntwinsfan]

I'd be excited about this if it wasn't a 23 mil/year contract. Of course they can retain him at that, but the question is: Can they also retain future stars they develop now that they have to give Mauer 23 mil/year?

That's the difference between a team like the Twins and the Yankees.

The Yankees can pay A-Rod 33 mil/year and Jeter 21 mil/year and still afford to give Mark Teixeira 21 mil/year, AJ Burnett 16.5 mil/year, and CC Sabathia another 15 mil/year.

You need to consider the new park opening this season. The place will be sold out for the next 7 to 10 years is my guess. Also with the new park being open I see an all star game or two being held at Target Field in the next 2 to 5 years. New park brings in money. I don't see the spending on Mauer hurting the Twins sign or resign players.

[henks]

How can you honestly say the Pohlads haven't been spending money in recent years? Contract extensions to Nathan, Mauer, Blackburn, Morneau, Span, Neshek, Cuddyer. Signing Hardy and Cabrera to contracts this year. There is being a lot of money being spent here.

[HollywoodLeo]

Also with the new park being open I see an all star game or two being held at Target Field in the next 2 to 5 years.

I'm still waiting for PetCo's all star game and it opened 6 years ago.

[mntwinsfan]

How can you honestly say the Pohlads haven't been spending money in recent years? Contract extensions to Nathan, Mauer, Blackburn, Morneau, Span, Neshek, Cuddyer. Signing Hardy and Cabrera to contracts this year. There is being a lot of money being spent here.

It is simple to me. I am not talking about there own players, I am talking players outside of the organization. for one why did they not try and sign Figgins? He would have been the third baseman till our 3rd base spec is ready.

I don't know about you but Punto is not what the team needs at 3rd base. The ONLY reason he is a Twins is because Gardy likes him.

[missionhockey21]

And for a team like the Twins, spending money within makes a lot more sense. A Blackburn or even a Mauer, has a chance to come a bit cheaper with a hometown discount of some sort. Plus with locking up guys like Morneau and Mauer, I would hope that was their goal first before bring in talent that might hinder the offer they could have extended to the players within the team.

[HollywoodLeo]

Here's the base difference between the Twins doing this and someone like the Yankees doing it.

This signing is awesome right now, no denying. But what happens if Mauer, heaven forbid, has a major injury this year or next and is never the same afterwords? Well, now the Twins are stuck paying this 23 mil/year and can't afford to find anyone else to replace Mauer or step in as "the" guy.

This happened with the Padres when they gave huge contract extensions to two players that looked like they could serve as a building point going into PetCo: Phil Nevin and Ryan Klesko. Unfortunately for them the two wound up being injury prone and ineffective shortly after the signing and the Padres were stuck with their contracts hoping they'd revert back to form from why they got the contracts.

Meanwhile, if Alex Rodriguez had a career ending injury tomorrow the Yankees aren't hurt financially and the only reason they'd be in a bit of trouble for this season is because there isn't anyone available for them to throw another 20+ mil per at.

[henks]

I love putting on a Minnesota Twins uniform,” Mauer said. “It’s a real thrill to be able to do this for the rest of my career...

Twins, Mauer make it official: $184M extension - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

[catman]

How much money did the 28 homers last season add to this contract?

[Impossibles]

How much money did the 28 homers last season add to this contract?

Huge, but he's also entering his prime, has won 3 batting titles, and plays a premium defensive position.

[mntwinsfan]

He has won the ALMVP too I believe..

[HollywoodLeo]

How long before the Twins move Mauer to 1B or DH to save his knees?