HOLY **** JOE MAUER

[raptorsfan_04]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5016230

MINNEAPOLIS -- AL MVP Joe Mauer has agreed to an eight-year, $184 million contract extension to stay with the Minnesota Twins.

The deal announced Sunday covers the 2011-2018 seasons and includes a full no-trade clause. It's the culmination of a monthslong negotiation between the Twins and their hometown star.

Mauer has won three AL batting titles and an MVP award. He is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Last year he hit .365 with 28 home runs and 96 RBIs to help the Twins win the AL Central division.

The St. Paul native was the No. 1 overall pick by the Twins in 2001.

I'm sorry but that's too much for a catcher... once his knees go once he's done... I guess it's market value but still wow.

[trwi7]

Once his knees go out he can still be an awesome DH.

[bigboy1234]

Best player in the game. Well worth it.

[nyknicks2k2]

He would've made more in FA and he's considered one of, if not, the best player in the game. I don't see the problem.

[Relentless88]

Sucks for the Yankees, I bet they would've gone hard after him. I think they'll go after Crawford now.

[Dr Positivity]

He's worth the money, but still.. I don't know if it's worth it to any team to pay 1/4 their payroll to a single guy. This isn't basketball.

[sunshinekids99]

He would've made more in FA and he's considered one of, if not, the best player in the game. I don't see the problem.

I agree 100%.

[HMFFL]

He would've made more in FA and he's considered one of, if not, the best player in the game. I don't see the problem.

I agree.

All parties involved should be pleased with this deal.

[Worm Guts]

I'm a little worried about the length of this deal considering he's a catcher, but as long as he continues to hit with power he's worth it no matter what position he plays. The fact is though, the Twins had to sign him.

[lpsevier]

I'm relatively surprised they poinied up.

[Worm Guts]

I'm not. With a new publicly funded stadium, they had to. The Twins big selling point for the stadium was the that they'd increase revenue and be able to spend more money to be competitive. If their first move was to then let the local boy who just won MVP walk, it would be a PR nightmare.

[craig01]

I think it's a great move by the Twins.

BTW- their new stadium looks fantastic, won't dread watching their games on tv anymore.

[sunshinekids99]

I'm pretty sure the players and fans that attend the game might dread going early in the year. Just odd to me with such a beautiful stadium to not have a retractable roof. Sorry end of my rant.

[Nolan]

Good move for Mauer and a good move for the Twins.

[jeff1624]

Best player in the game. Well worth it.

Albert Pujols says hi.

[VinnyTheMick]

Sucks for the Yankees, I bet they would've gone hard after him. I think they'll go after Crawford now.

Every report indicated that the Red Sox coveted him more than the Yankees did. Catcher is one of the deepest positions in the Yankees farm system. The Red Sox are about to overpay for Victor Martinez this upcoming offseason because they have no depth. They wanted Mauer BAD.

As for Crawford, it is no secret that he has been the #1 target for some (I'd say about 70%) of the Yankee front office.

[Bigdog1]

mauer would've ogetten at least $225 mil from the yanks...twins got a home town discount.

[daddyfivestar]

Once his knees goes it's DH, 3B, 1B, Setup Man... Anything for the hometown hero.

[adjacent2bench]

mauer would've ogetten at least $225 mil from the yanks...twins got a home town discount.

Pretty much. He definitely left money on the table. But props to him and Minnesota for getting that done.

[Bigdog1]

even though yanks got some good prospect at the C

mauer is going to give you around 25-30 hr(very conservative est for yankees stadium) while batting above .310 for a catcher...for the next 6-7 years

like i said easily $225mil