How much should the Twins guarantee Mauer?

[markakis8]

He's a FA next year...I don't want to see him in Boston or NY. In fact, I would love to see him in a Twins uni for his entire career - it would be good for the game.

I was reading this article ( http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/84420522.html ) and the guy has a valid point: just give the man 8 years and a blank check.

Mauer wouldn't be the type of guy to limit his team's spending from contending. If he wants $20 mil a year just give it to him. The guy, right now, is the 2nd best player in baseball IMO and compared to other contracts around the league would be worth every damn penny.

 

[ballerskrip]

He is a STUD, but the 2nd best player in baseball?

Not too sure about that. Show me more than one year with power before i would put him on that pedistal. IMHO

skrip

 

[Y4NK335]

I hope they do whatever it takes, even as a Yankee fan I would like to see them lock him up for a while.

 

[Pinbreaker]

So far 3 batting titles under his belt.. and an MVP to boot..

They shoudl pay him about 18M per year, and I think since he is a hometown kid, he probably would take it..

 

[markakis8]

IMO what he does as a catcher offensively AND defensively makes him the 2nd best player in baseball. Period. I'd take Mauer over Hanley, ARod, Utley, or Ichiro any day.

EDIT: I should say any day last year and going forward. Obviously 3-4 years ago I would've taken ARod and some others. But ARod has begun his decline (that's not to say he wont hit 30 HR 100 RBI), whether people want to face it or not, and Mauer is on his way up. You won't see another 50 HR season from ARod.

He is a STUD, but the 2nd best player in baseball?

Not too sure about that. Show me more than one year with power before i would put him on that pedistal. IMHO

skrip

 

[011873]

He was the first guy I TOTALLY invested in, just about anything rookie related AND he is/was always my favorite player who didnt wear an NY on his hat.

BUT, as much as I would love him to be a Yankee next year, its better for Baseball if he stays a Twin.

But, the Twins shouldnt take advantage of him, knowing his first priority is staying put, by offering him like $10 mill a season. I dont think they would be this dumb, they are not the Mets.

To me, he is worth every single penny of 20 million. From avg. to power, to defense to handling the pitchers to putting fannies in the seats, the man is worth that cash.

 

[ballerskrip]

Is he worth that much at 3rd base or 1st base where he will be in 3-4 years?

 

[CollectorsCorner]

I think he could play well at first

 

[AmishDave]

If, for some reason, the Twins don't re-sign Mauer, you will see Twins fans revolt like no other. I guarentee you this.

 

[markakis8]

I'm usually on with your posts but how in the heck do you get 3-4 years? He's only 26. Even Mike Piazza stayed behind the dish until he was mid 30's.

Although I do think the Twins will move him somewhere else earlier that most catchers to save his offensive numbers. But I think Joe Mauer has more than 3-4 left behind the dish.

Is he worth that much at 3rd base or 1st base where he will be in 3-4 years?

 

[ballerskrip]

I am not sure if he is moving or not. BUT, i have heard quite a few analysts bring this up when discussing his contract. I think for good reason, when you take into account ALL of the injuries that Mauer has suffered. At some point, the wear and tear behind the dish and the continual yearly injuries will start to effect his hitting. Now is that something that will happen soon? Not necessarily, but will the Twins move him before the decline starts, I personally thing so.

Just an opinion. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved off Catcher in 2012.

skrip

I'm usually on with your posts but how in the heck do you get 3-4 years? He's only 26. Even Mike Piazza stayed behind the dish until he was mid 30's.

Although I do think the Twins will move him somewhere else earlier that most catchers to save his offensive numbers. But I think Joe Mauer has more than 3-4 left behind the dish.

Is he worth that much at 3rd base or 1st base where he will be in 3-4 years?

 

[EricInCT]

I am not sure if he is moving or not. BUT, i have heard quite a few analysts bring this up when discussing his contract. I think for good reason, when you take into account ALL of the injuries that Mauer has suffered. At some point, the wear and tear behind the dish and the continual yearly injuries will start to effect his hitting. Now is that something that will happen soon? Not necessarily, but will the Twins move him before the decline starts, I personally thing so.

Just an opinion. I wouldn't be surprised if he moved off Catcher in 2012.

skrip

I'm usually on with your posts but how in the heck do you get 3-4 years? He's only 26. Even Mike Piazza stayed behind the dish until he was mid 30's.

Although I do think the Twins will move him somewhere else earlier that most catchers to save his offensive numbers. But I think Joe Mauer has more than 3-4 left behind the dish.

Is he worth that much at 3rd base or 1st base where he will be in 3-4 years?

Wilson Ramos will be ready if not this year definitely 2011.

 

[UMich92]

About a year ago I was thinking the contract would be somewhere in the 5/6 year range for $120-140 million with an average yearly value in the low $20 million range. Now it seems likely that the contract could be a 10 year deal. I still think the average value will be $22-$23 million a year.

I also don't see Mauer moving from behind the plate until his catching skills diminish and that's not going to happen anytime soon. I really think his injury history is overblown. Since 2004, when he had the knee injury, he has played at least 130 games a season every year but 1 in which he played 109. If anything, the fact that catchers do get dinged up may be a solid reason to pay more per year for a shorter contract.

Alex

 

[NECpilgrims8]

$25M/year and everyone's first born in the state of Minnesota.

 

[AmishDave]

$25M/year and everyone's first born in the state of Minnesota.

I'm in :?

 

[bodiaz]

They better hand him a blank check. If they let this get to free agency, the Red Sox or Yankees will double whatever they offer. If they want to keep him, they better get it done.

 

[midwestsports]

The Twins will get it done, they have no choice. They are going to be a top 10 drawing team attendance wise for at least the next 5+ seasons, with Mauer being the main attraction.