"Among factors Joe Mauer considered important before he would agree to a $184 million, eight-year contract with the Minnesota Twins last year was that the team be a championship contender.

This year, the last-place Twins (59-84) are the third-worst team in baseball. Only the Baltimore Orioles (56-85) and Houston Astros (48-95) have worse records.

But, Mauer said Tuesday, he hasn't changed his mind - he believes the Twins will become contenders again.

"Absolutely," he said. "It's been frustrating mentally, and I've had my personal things going on with my health. But we've had a lot of other things that have led to where we're at. Hopefully, we can make those adjustments and get back where we need to be."

With 19 games left in the season, the Twins catcher is hitting .288 with two home runs and 29 RBIs in 77 games. He said he hopes to finish the season strong, then rest the first part of the offseason. "