Joe Mauer

Wow. Joe Mauer just signed for 8 years, $184 million. A great extension by the Twins but I wonder if because he is a catcher, this will pay off in the long run. The good news is that it means even the "small market" Twins can keep their own players in the current baseball economy but it should be interesting to see how this plays out in the future. The payroll for the Twins in 2009 was 67 million, and now Mauer will be getting $24 M per year.

Mauer is a great player, and it's nice to see that this contract basically guarantees he'll play the majority of his career with one team. I wonder also if this will affect the Yankees when they try to re-sign Derek Jeter at the end of the year.

Is This Related?

4/24 - Hunter's champagne gift violated baseball rule
Twins OF Torii Hunter gave the KC Royals four bottles of champagne after they swept the Detroit Tigers last year, helping the Twins pass the Tigers in the standings and win the AL Central. According to MLB rules, personnel cannot give gifts to other teams for beating another team. The champagne was returned.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2847416


4/26 - Hunter taken to hospital after being hit in mouth
Twins OF Torii Hunter was hit in the mouth by KC Royals pitcher Zack Greinke.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2850281

Probably not related, but funnier if they were related.