The Twins lock up Catcher Joe Mauer long term AP Photo/Steven Senne
This was a move the Minnesota Twins had to make, not only is Joe Mauer one of the best players on the Twins roster, he is a home town kid they need to help fill their brand new ball park. Finally the Twins have given up their small market mentality, and made a strong move to insure the success of their team in future seasons.
Before we go any further, let’s look at the details. Mauer gets an eight year 184 million dollar deal. I t covers the MLB seasons of 2011-2018 and includes a full no trade clause. That money averages out to better than 23 million dollars a year.
It also ends up being the fourth largest MLB contract in history both in terms of total money, and average salary. He will make 12.5 million in 2010 in the final year of his previous 4 year 33 million dollar deal.
The Twins could not afford to let the 2009 American League MVP get away from them. They had to make a strong move here. Mauer is from Minnesota and beyond what he brings to the team in talent, he will add in box office draw as the Twins move to their new stadium, Target Field.
Twins fans should be very happy that Mauer is locked up long term, and likely will play his whole career with their team. Twins fans should also be happy their front office realized what they had in Mauer, and that they were willing to sign him to the largest deal in the franchise’s history.
In fact this deal is worth over twice as much as the previous record, Justin Morneau’s six year 80 million dollar deal. It is kind of hard to fathom that the Twins have spent big money on two players, have a new ball park, and are not that far removed from being considered for contraction.
Mauer’s stats speak for themselves in 2009 he hit .365, with 28 Home Runs and 96 RBI. He won the American League Batting title and became just the 10th player to win three batting titles.
With a lifetime batting average of .327 since his debut in 2004 he ranks third amongst active players behind only Ichiro Suzuki (.335) and Albert Pujols (.334).
Twins fans should also be happy that this is the third long term deal they have inked this spring. They had previously worked long term deal for Pitcher Nick Blackburn to a four year deal and OF Denard Span to a five year deal.
The Twins also traded for shortstop JJ Hardy, signed 2B Orlando Houston, and slugger Jim Thome. It seems the Twins are serious about stay competitive for the long term, and nothing could make Twins fans or really baseball fans happier.
Related Links:
• Minnesota Twins news and notes
• The Business of Major League Baseball
• MTR Baseball.com
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