"The last-place Twins had just lost their 93rd game of the season Monday afternoon to the Yankees in New York, and Twins President Dave St. Peter was in his Target Field office.

The Twins played without Joe Mauer, who is being paid $23 million this year and is finished for the season because of pneumonia, and Justin Morneau, who is paid $14 million and is done for the season because of concussion symptoms and a minor knee procedure.

Mauer, 28, who is in the first season of a $184 million, eight-year contract, played in just 82 games this season.

Morneau, 30, who is in the fourth season of an $80 million, six-year contract, played in just 69 games.

Both players' contracts are guaranteed. I asked St. Peter if he has second thoughts about having signed Mauer and Morneau, both of whom have been American League most valuable player, to such immense deals.

"Absolutely not," St. Peter said. "We obviously are huge believers in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, and we still believe to this day that they will continue to be cornerstone players for this franchise as they have been throughout their contracts. This was obviously a very difficult year for both of them, as well as other people throughout the organization. "