Minnesota Twins Trade Rumors

Twins: Paying while they're playing
Comment
February 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Last month during a radio interview at TwinsFest, a fan had a question for Twins CEO Jim Pohlad: Why don't you tell General Manager Bill Smith to sign Joe Mauer to a contract extension? "We all tell [Smith] that," Pohlad said Monday, during a wide-ranging interview with the team's beat writers at Target Field. "We're all driven from that because we want Joe Mauer as a part of the Minnesota Twins." Mauer, 26, is entering the final season of his four-year, $33 million deal. How confident is Pohlad that the Twins will keep Mauer? "We basically gave our word [to Mauer and his agent] that we weren't going to talk about the negotiations," Pohlad said, "and we intend to honor that." Speaking in ..."
Twins weren't high bidder for Hudson
Comment
February 5
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins were not the high bidder for free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson -- at least not in total dollars. The Indians offered Hudson a two-year, $10 million deal, major-league sources say, though the present-day value would have been lower. The deal was backloaded, and a significant portion of the guarantee was in the buyout of a third-year option, according to one source. Hudson, by accepting a one-year, $5 million contract from the Twins, went with a team more likely to contend in 2010 than his two other finalists, the Indians and Nationals. His deal includes a stipulation that the Twins cannot offer him salary arbitration if he is a Type A free agent, ensuring that a team can ..."
Twins' blueprint to signing Joe Mauer just might be Griffey's deal in 2000
Comment
February 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"A hometown hero with unlimited earning potential. A small-market team trying to sign him to a long-term deal. It's not easy, but it's been done. Ken Griffey Jr. and the Cincinnati Reds made it happen in 2000, and his agent, Brian Goldberg, said there's no reason Joe Mauer and the Twins can't make it happen in 2010. "To work, there have to be a couple of different factors that would allow a player to sign a long-term contract with a team that perceives itself as small-market," Goldberg said. "First, the player has to not go for the highest dollar on the open market. Secondly, after that, the sides have to work on deferring some of that money into the future." That's how Goldberg negotiated ..."
Twins going after Hudson?
Comment
February 4
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins have intensified their pursuit of free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Thursday morning. Minnesota general manager Bill Smith declined to comment Thursday when asked if he is optimistic about his chances of adding a free agent this week. Hudson is asking for at least $6 million on a one-year deal, a separate source said. He is likely to agree to terms on a new contract this week. The Washington Nationals have been linked to Hudson for weeks, but they aren't a clear frontrunner in the market for his services. The Twins have a much better chance of reaching the playoffs this year, which could nudge Hudson in their direction. Hudson ..."
Latest on Bedard, Washburn destinations
Comment
February 4
Foxsports.com
 
"For several months last year, the pitching of Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn helped the Mariners remain in contention. Now, their free-agent marketplaces are intertwined. Two people in the industry said Thursday morning that they expect Bedard to return to the Mariners. For Bedard, who is coming off shoulder surgery, a familiarity with Seattle's medical staff could be an important consideration; the left-hander spent the past two injury-plagued seasons with the Mariners. One source said Thursday that Bedard can probably start pitching again in June, so he won't necessarily address the Mariners' need for starting pitching at the beginning of the season. But Mariners general manager Jack ..."
Twins look to sign Mauer, open Target Field
Comment
February 4
USA Today
 
"The Minnesota Twins' excitement over moving into open-air Target Field is tempered by a question about catcher Joe Mauer's long-term status with the team.Mauer, the 2009 American League MVP who has won three batting titles, is eligible for free agency after the season, and the Twins have made it a priority to get Mauer signed, perhaps before the start of spring training this month. While Mauer and general manager Bill Smith have no comment, manager Ron Gardenhire jokes that the team has to decide "whether to give him Minneapolis or St. Paul." Mauer returns for at least one more season to a Twins team that won the AL Central last season when they beat the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in a 12-inning ..."
For the Minnesota Twins to keep Joe Mauer, he'll have to accept less money
Comment
February 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"A hometown hero with unlimited earning potential. A small-market team trying to sign him to a long-term deal. It's not easy, but it's been done. Ken Griffey Jr. and the Cincinnati Reds made it happen in 2000, and his agent, Brian Goldberg, said there's no reason Joe Mauer and the Twins can't make it happen in 2010. "To work, there have to be a couple of different factors that would allow a player to sign a long-term contract with a team that perceives itself as small-market," Goldberg said. "First, the player has to not go for the highest dollar on the open market. Secondly, after that, the sides have to work on deferring some of that money into the future." That's how Goldberg negotiated ..."
Potential Mauer deal is a win-win
Comment
February 3
MLB.com
 columnist Mike Bauman
"This could be a big one for the little guys. If, in fact, Joe Mauer signs a long-term contract extension with the Minnesota Twins, this will be a good thing not only for the Twins, but for baseball, the sport. During the recent kickoff of TwinsFest, manager Ron Gardenhire said on the topic of Mauer's extension: "I think everybody knows what needs to get done here. From our owners to our general manager to our fan base, we all know what everybody wants. It is right out there for us, and I think they'll make it happen." That kind of confidence is unusual in a case such as this. The history of free agency at the highest level of spending is a history of the migration of the best, most ..."
Mariners on fringe of Hudson pursuit
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mariners signed Ryan Garko on Monday, raising to five the number of position players added to their major-league roster from outside the organization this winter. Yet, team officials haven't entirely dismissed the possibility of bringing in a sixth. Seattle, a team not often linked to Orlando Hudson, remains a long-shot candidate to sign the free-agent second baseman, multiple major-league sources said Monday. The Nationals, Indians and Twins have also shown interest in Hudson recently, sources said. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has gained a reputation for making bold moves, but the addition of Hudson would probably require some Olympic-caliber roster gymnastics. For one ..."
A's claim Tolleson on waivers from Twins
Comment
February 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Oakland Athletics on Monday claimed infielder Steven Tolleson off waivers from the Twins. The Twins tried to get Tolleson through waivers to clear space on their 40-man roster to add desiginated hitter Jim Thome, who could officially sign as soon as Tuesday. Tolleson, 26, hit .270 with six homers and 27 RBI in 92 games at Class AAA Rochester last year after hitting .258 in 38 games at Class AA New Britain."
Hudson talks remain fluid
Comment
January 27
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson looks like he will have a choice. Take a strong financial offer from the Nationals. Take perhaps a lesser contract from the Rays. Or take a deal from another club that might put him near the Nats financially and the Rays competitively — if such an opportunity exists. The Nationals and Rays both are pursuing Hudson, but his negotiations remain fluid, major-league sources say. At least one, unidentified team might still be in the mix. That team could be the Twins, who are known to have interest in Hudson, major-league sources say. So far this offseason, the Twins have been linked more with third basemen than second basemen. Nick Punto and Brendan ..."
TwinsFest won't include announcement of new contract for MVP Joe Mauer
Comment
January 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Charley Walters
"Pssst: That was Minnesota Twins general manager Bill Smith and Baltimore-based Ron Shapiro, who represents American League most valuable player Joe Mauer of the Twins, spotted Tuesday at a restaurant at the downtown Minneapolis Westin Hotel. Though there has been substantial buzz this week that the Twins hoped to announce a new contract for Mauer at the team's TwinsFest this weekend, that's not going to happen. A little birdie says there have been only preliminary talks for a new deal for the three-time batting champion, who can become a free agent after the coming season. When talks get serious, they are expected to center on an eight-year, $200 million contract for Mauer, 26, an all-star ..."
Minnesota Twins sign arch nemesis Jim Thome
Comment
January 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Jim Thome has 57 career home runs against the Minnesota Twins, more than any other player in team history. For the 2010 season, at least, that number will go static as the 39-year-old slugger works on the number of homers he can hit for the Twins. Thome, who turns 40 in August, agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Twins on Tuesday, pending a physical he will undergo this weekend. The move came one day after White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen announced that Chicago would not re-sign the designated hitter. Thome also can earn up to $750,000 in incentives. Thome said the Rays and White Sox were his other suitors. Guillen told reporters Chicago would not bring Thome back because ..."
Thome won't return to White Sox; Twins in mix to sign slugger
Comment
January 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters Monday that free-agent slugger Jim Thome won't return to the team this year, a decision that could clear the way for Thome to sign with the Twins. The Chicago Sun-Times reported the Rays and Tigers are also interested in Thome but called the Twins the favorite to sign him. Thome, 39, has hit 564 career home runs but hasn't played an inning defensively since 2007. Guillen is trying to keep the DH spot open to give additional at-bats to Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay, Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. "To me, it was about at-bats," Guillen said in a conference call. "I don't want to go through a situation where Jim is not playing two or three days and ..."
Will Twins, Mauer talk this week?
Comment
January 25
Foxsports.com
 
"This could be the week the Twins accelerate their contract talks with catcher Joe Mauer, if only because the representatives for both sides all will be in one place. Mauer, his agent Ron Shapiro and Twins general manager Bill Smith will be in attendance Wednesday for ESPN's "Homecoming with Rick Reilly" featuring Mauer. The show will be taped at Mauer's high school, Cretin-Derham Hall, in St. Paul, Mn. The two sides have maintained regular contact, according to major- league sources, but the talks have yet to progress to the serious stages. Mauer, eligible for free agency at the end of the 2010 season, will be the most coveted player on the market if he fails to re-sign with the Twins."
Thome's bat could add depth to Twins' bench
Comment
January 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"After years of getting tormented by Jim Thome, the Twins are cozying up to the big slugger, hoping to lure him onto their side. Thome, 39, remains a free agent, and the Twins are interested in signing him as a bench player, a team official familiar with the situation said on Friday. Nobody has hit more home runs against the Twins than Thome, who has 57, including a shot off Nick Blackburn that gave the White Sox a 1-0 victory in their 2008 AL Central tiebreaker. The Twins realize Thome wouldn't be a perfect fit. He's a lefthanded-hitting DH, and they already have Jason Kubel in that role. But they also have a very thin bench, which Thome would bolster considerably if he accepted such a ..."
Might Thome follow path to Minnesota?
Comment
January 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Fans wondered during a recent offseason whether a longtime rival player had any gas left in the tank at the end of a Hall of Fame career. He was, after all, set to turn 40 during the upcoming season. He hadn't exactly finished the previous year on a high note. And there was the obvious question of how he would fit into the mix if he did, indeed, wind up playing for Minnesota. This set-up, obviously, refers to Brett Favre and the Vikings. But while some other circumstances are decidedly different, all of the above qualities and questions could also be used to describe Jim Thome and the Twins' apparent interest in the aging slugger. The differences: Favre was either going to play here or ..."
Thome's bat could add depth to Twins' bench
Comment
January 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"After years of getting tormented by Jim Thome, the Twins are cozying up to the big slugger, hoping to lure him onto their side. Thome, 39, remains a free agent, and the Twins are interested in signing him as a bench player, a team official familiar with the situation said on Friday. Nobody has hit more home runs against the Twins than Thome, who has 57, including a shot off Nick Blackburn that gave the White Sox a 1-0 victory in their 2008 AL Central tiebreaker. The Twins realize Thome wouldn't be a perfect fit. He's a lefthanded-hitting DH, and they already have Jason Kubel in that role. But they also have a very thin bench, which Thome would bolster considerably if he accepted such a ..."
Twins work eight new deals, avoid arbitration altogether
Comment
January 20
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins avoided arbitration with all eight players who were eligible Tuesday, a key development even if none of those players is named Joe Mauer. They signed Brendan Harris to a two-year, $3.2 million deal and awarded one-year contracts to Carl Pavano ($7 million), J.J. Hardy ($5.1 million), Matt Guerrier ($3.15 million), Delmon Young ($2.6 million), Jesse Crain ($2 million), Francisco Liriano ($1.6 million) and Pat Neshek ($625,000). Teams officially exchanged figures with arbitration-eligible players Tuesday, and entering the day, no team had more potential arbitration cases than the Twins. With those eight players signed, the Twins can devote all their attention to Mauer, who is ..."
Twins clear plate for Mauer talks
Comment
January 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Now, finally, it's time to try to sign the big fish, Joe Mauer. The Twins on Tuesday spent $25.33 million to sign their eight salary arbitration-eligible players. That could be what it will cost to sign Mauer, their all-star catcher, per year. Insiders say there have been no serious negotiations about a new contract for Mauer, 26, the three-time batting champion who will be paid $12.5 million this season, after which he can become a free agent. But it's clear the Twins wanted to first clean up potential arbitration issues before hearings next month. The Twins signed starter Carl Pavano for $7 million for the coming season. They gave new shortstop J.J. Hardy $5.1 million, reliever Matt ..."
Twins agree with Hardy, whittle arbitration list
Comment
January 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"With eight players eligible for arbitration, the Twins appear to be paring down that list. They reached agreement on a one-year deal with shortstop J.J. Hardy worth about $5 million, with incentives for plate appearances, a person familiar with the negotiations told our La Velle Neal today."
Talks stall between Washburn, Twins
Comment
January 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Talks between the Twins and the agent for lefthander Jarrod Washburn have broken down after the Twins' recent offer of a one-year contract for around $5 million was rejected, according to a person with knowledge of the offer. Washburn, 35, lives in Webster, Wis., and has indicated that would like to play closer to home. The Twins, despite getting veteran Carl Pavano to accept arbitration, are looking for another veteran starter. "We had to tap into our minor league system a lot last year [for starters]," said Twins General Manager Bill Smith, who declined to comment on the club's interest in Washburn. Washburn was 9-9 with a 3.78 ERA last season but only 1-3 with a 7.33 ERA in eight starts ..."
Report: Twins extend offer to free agent pitcher Jarrod Washburn
Comment
January 6
Michigan Live
 
"Jarrod Washburn likely won't receive a warm welcome from Tiger fans if or when he makes his return to Detroit, but it appears several other teams are willing to look past his second-half woes last season and welcome him with open arms. The Minnesota Twins, Seattle Mariners and New York Mets have expressed interest in the 35-year-old free agent, although the Twins appear to have a leg up on the veteran pitcher after reportedly offering Washburn a $6 million, one-year deal."
'Wait and see' approach for Twins
Comment
December 23
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins would like to upgrade their infield and starting rotation before Opening Day. But they seem content to wait while sifting through the options in both areas, hoping that the prices will drop. Really, what did you expect? The Twins may be moving into a new (better-attended) ballpark in the spring, but the Twins are still the Twins. In each search, the field is broad. Among starters, one source said the Twins have some level of interest in Jarrod Washburn, Jon Garland, Doug Davis and Brett Myers. Garland, however, is looking for a multiyear contract and may be out of the Twins' price range. At third base, the Twins like (but may not be able to afford) Mark DeRosa and Adrian Beltre. ..."
Twins will take a look at Cuban defector Chapman
Comment
December 15
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins will have two scouts in attendance Tuesday as Cuban pitching prospect Aroldis Chapman works out for teams potentially interested in signing him as a free agent. Chapman, 21, already has been offered $15.5 million by the Red Sox, according to ESPN.com. A 6-4 lefthander whose fastball was clocked at 102 miles per hour during the World Baseball Classic, he defected from the Cuban national team in August during a tournament in the Netherlands. Chapman's agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks, e-mailed teams with invitations to come get to know their client in Houston. The Yankees and Angels are reportedly among other teams that will be there."
Twins will offer deals to 30 players
Comment
December 13
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The lobby of the Indianapolis Marriott buzzed last week with talk of which players would not be tendered contracts by Saturday's deadline, and a couple of teams wondered if Twins righthander Jesse Crain would be one of them. But the Twins on Saturday announced that all 30 unsigned players on their 40-man roster will be tendered contracts, meaning Crain, who made $1.7 million last season and is eligible for arbitration, will be back. Crain was 7-4 last season with a 4.70 ERA. Crain could make $3 million next year, which would nudge the Twins' 2010 payroll closer to $90 million. And the club still could sign a third baseman or a bat off the bench, possibly pushing the payroll over $90 ..."
Twins beat deadline on contracts
Comment
December 13
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Twins offered contracts to all of their arbitration-eligible players, general manager Bill Smith said, beating Saturday's 11 p.m. CST deadline. Any eligible player not tendered would have become a free agent. Now all of the unsigned players on the Twins' 40-man roster are guaranteed to sign 2010 deals, either before or after an arbitration hearing. That includes starter Carl Pavano, who accepted an arbitration offer, and shortstop J.J. Hardy, whom the Twins acquired in a trade for Carlos Gomez. The others are pitchers Francisco Liriano, Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier and Pat Neshek, left fielder Delmon Young and infielder Brendan Harris."
Twins ponder acquiring yet another potential third baseman
Comment
December 10
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"For the second consecutive offseason, the Twins are looking at Mark DeRosa as a possible answer to their third-base problem. Club sources confirmed the Twins have interest in DeRosa, who hit .250 with 23 homers and 78 RBI for the Indians and Cardinals last season. He batted only .228 with 10 homers and 28 RBI in 68 games after being traded to St. Louis, but the dip has been attributed to a left wrist injury. He has since had surgery. The Twins met with DeRosa's agent, Keith Grunewald, on Tuesday and plan to remain in contact. The Twins appeared to make little progress on any players Wednesday and probably will leave town Friday without any additions. "A lot of conversation, not a lot of ..."
Red Sox acquire Bonser from Twins
Comment
December 10
MLB.com
 
"The Red Sox added some potential depth to their already set starting rotation on Thursday, when they acquired right-hander Boof Bonser from the Twins for a player to be named. Designated for assignment by Minnesota on Tuesday to make room for Carl Pavano, Bonser missed the 2009 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery in February. The 28-year-old has made 96 Major League appearances (60 of them starts) since being a first-round Draft pick by the Giants in 2000. In those three seasons, all with the Twins, Bonser is 18-25 with a 5.12 ERA."
Minnesota Twins in no rush to fill third
Comment
December 10
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Three days into baseball's winter meetings, the only change Twins general manager Bill Smith has made to his roster didn't even require his OK. That was done with Carl Pavano's yes to arbitration. The Twins remain interested in San Diego third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. And free-agent third baseman Mark DeRosa's agent, Keith Grunewald, confirmed that the Twins are one of a number of teams to inquire about his client, though Grunewald's discussion with Minnesota has been only preliminary. Still, Smith said he'll be content to leave Indianapolis on Friday morning with a hole to fill at third base, perhaps because the day after the front office returns to Kirby Puckett Place, some new options ..."
Twins met with DeRosa's agent on Tuesday
Comment
December 9
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins met yesterday with the agent for Mark DeRosa and definitely are exploring ways to land the versatile player. DeRosa is 34 but still hit 23 homers and 78 RBI last year in stints with Cleveland and St. Louis (batted .250 but, IIRC, has an injury with the Cards). He could be the best thing the Twins have as a No. 2 hitter in front of Joe Mauer. There are several third baseman available, and the buyer's market could grow after Saturday, when some arbitration-eligible players aren't tendered contracts. For instance, there's a lot of speculation that Colorado will non-tender Garrett Atkins. That could drive down prices. There have been rumors that DeRosa is seeking a three-year, $27 ..."
Padres 3rd baseman Kouzmanoff creating a buzz
Comment
December 9
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Suddenly, the hottest trade chip the Padres have to play seems to be third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff. Eight teams have apparently contacted the Padres regarding Kouzmanoff, although San Diego days earlier seemed to be facing an uphill battle in hopes of creating interest in Kouzmanoff against a deep pool of free-agent third basemen. Then Seattle spent $36 million to get Chone Figgins for four years. And the Phillies signed Placido Polanco for $18 million over three seasons. With visions of big paydays apparently in the heads of the top three remaining free-agent third basemen — Pedro Feliz, Adrian Beltre and Mark DeRosa — teams are seeing Kouzmanoff as an affordable (and playable) option. ..."
Twins mulling free-agent options at 3B
Comment
December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins are sifting through a number of free agent options at third base, including Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz, Mark DeRosa and Juan Uribe, according to a major league source. Beltre will probably be out of the team's price range. DeRosa might be, too. But Feliz and Uribe could fit. Boston's Mike Lowell, available on the trade market, isn't believed to be a target of the Twins. One good thing about the Twins' search: They no longer have to worry about how the player will fare on artificial turf for 81 games"
Poof! There goes Boof.
Comment
December 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins waited until Tuesday to announce that righthander Boof Bonser has been designated for release or assignment, a move to create space on the roster for righthander Carl Pavano. Bonser missed all of last season following right shoulder surgery during spring training. He recovered quickly enough for him to contemplate an attempt to pitch in September when the Twins made a late run to the postseason. The Twins decided against that. With a crowded field fighting for spots on the 2010 pitching staff, someone was expendable. And it certainly helps a team whose 2010 payroll is climbing toward $90 million."
Several clubs interested in Kouzmanoff
Comment
December 8
MLB.com
 
"Kevin Kouzmanoff, one of four prominent Padres who are eligible for arbitration and due for a substantial raise, has apparently drawn the interest of several teams at the Winter Meetings. Kouzmanoff, a third baseman with power, has been linked to the San Francisco Giants as well as the Minnesota Twins in various online reports Tuesday. Kouzmanoff, who last season finished second in the voting for the Gold Glove Award in the National League, has averaged 19.7 home runs in the past three seasons and could be a fit for several teams looking for a third baseman. Kouzmanoff, who made $432,000 last season, could be looking at a pay raise for 2010 that could approach $4 million. The Padres have ..."
Pavano accepts arbitration, will be on 2010 Twins
Comment
December 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"One day into the winter meetings, and the Twins have four-fifths of their 2010 starting rotation set. Righthander Carl Pavano on Monday night agreed to accept arbitration from the team, locking him into the 2010 roster and giving the Twins the veteran starter they coveted. The move also could make it easier for the club to deal lefthander Glen Perkins, who butted heads with the coaching staff during the season and later filed a grievance to regain lost service time. Working on an 11 p.m. deadline Monday to accept or reject arbitration, Pavano's agent, Tom O'Connell, met with clubs for other offers. Cleveland and Milwaukee were among interested teams, but Pavano picked the Twins because he ..."
Pavano likely to take arbitration from Twins
Comment
December 7
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent right-hander Carl Pavano is likely to accept salary arbitration from the Twins, according to a major-league source. Pavano and other free agents offered arbitration must decide by Monday midnight whether to accept a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. The agents for such players are spending the day surveying the market, trying to determine whether they can land a multi-year deal. Pavano, 33, went a combined 14-12 with a 5.10 ERA in 199 1/3 innings for the Indians and Twins last season."
Mauer deal looms over Twins' future
Comment
December 6
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins have a new shortstop in J.J. Hardy and are looking to make more offseason moves during the annual winter meetings that begin Monday in Indianapolis. Yet their offseason will likely be judged on their attempts to sign American League MVP Joe Mauer to a contract extension. According to a person with knowledge of contract talks, serious negotiations haven't started, but the sides are expected to sit down before the end of this year. The person also said that the Mauer camp has not set any deadlines for a deal to be reached, which refutes an online report last week. It looks like little, if any, progress toward an extension will be made during the winter meetings. There's a chance ..."
Twins' winter could be unusually warm
Comment
December 6
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Historically, the Twins are quiet players each year at baseball's winter meetings, which run Monday through Thursday this week in Indianapolis. Historically, though, they've never had an offseason like this. The Twins are prepping for a move out of the Metrodome and into Target Field, a move that will boost revenue and could enable the player payroll budget to climb to $90 million. The team's front office is faced with signing the best catcher in baseball to a contract that might reach $20 million per year, and eight players are eligible for arbitration. Joe Mauer has made it clear his biggest condition for signing with the Twins long term is that the team is good enough to contend for a ..."
Mike Redmond won't return to Twins for 2010 season
Comment
December 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Twins general manager Bill Smith confirmed Friday what has been assumed for much of the offseason — the ballclub will not bring back veteran catcher Mike Redmond for the 2010 season, ending the 38-year-old's five-year tenure with the team. Instead, Smith said, Jose Morales and Drew Butera are the two favorites for the backup job to Joe Mauer. "I called Mike right away when he filed (for free agency), and he has told me he's going to play, and I applaud that," Smith said. "I think Mike Redmond is a tremendous team player. He adds a lot whether he plays a great deal or whether he doesn't play at all. I know he meant a lot to Joe Mauer as a young catcher in this organization, and it's a ..."
Mauer denies contract deadline report
Comment
December 1
MLB.com
 
"In a text message to MLB.com on Tuesday Joe Mauer denied the report of a deadline in place for his negotiations on a contract extension with the Twins. In response to a Yahoo report that quoted a source close to him as saying the Minnesota catcher would end contract negotiations if a deal wasn't struck by Spring Training, Mauer wrote, "I'm not going to react to every story/rumor that comes out or comment on any negotiations. As far as that report, I don't know where that came from." The report of a deadline had contradicted comments made by Mauer last week during his teleconference after winning the 2009 American League MVP Award. "I've always said it will happen when it needs to happen ..."
Urgency may be factor in Mauer talks
Comment
December 1
MLB.com
 
"The Twins reportedly hope to have Joe Mauer signed to a long-term contract extension by Christmas. But the club may need to have a deal in place before the start of the 2010 season if they want to ensure that the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player won't explore free agency. According to a Yahoo report on Monday, a source close to Mauer said that the Twins catcher plans on ending contract negotiations if a deal isn't struck by the end of Spring Training. Mauer would then play out the 2010 season and become a free agent after it was over. The source also told the Web site the formal contract negotiations between the two sides have yet to begin. While all indications have been that ..."
Mauer, Morneau want to win title together
Comment
November 25
MLB.com
 
"Twins general manager Bill Smith is well aware of the unusual perk that his team currently possesses in having two MVPs on its roster. When Justin Morneau won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 2006, it had been nearly 30 years since a Twins player took home the honor. With Joe Mauer being named the near-unanimous winner of the '09 AL MVP honor on Monday, the Twins have now had two winners of the award in the past four years, and both of those players are set to be donning a Twins uniform next season as well. "We're fortunate we've got a once-in-a-lifetime player in Joe Mauer," Smith said. "We've got one in Justin Morneau, too. ... It's very rewarding." Rewarding for a ..."
Will MVPs Mauer, Pujols stay put?
Comment
November 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Joe Mauer wins the MVP, and Twins fans wonder if he'll stick around past 2010. Likewise, Albert Pujols wins the MVP, and Cardinals fans wonder if he'll stay beyond 2011. A time to celebrate is also a time to speculate. It's a gloomy thought for the respective fan bases to consider life without their franchise players, but that's the business of baseball, especially considering the players' roots. We wouldn't hear as much contractual guesswork if Mauer and Pujols played in New York, but this is Minnesota and St. Louis, both in the heartland. It's the first time in the 15-year history of baseball's six-division format that both MVPs came out of the Central, the land of second cities and ..."
Brewers eyeing Pavano
Comment
November 24
MLB.com
 
"Here's another name for the long list of pitchers drawing interest from the Brewers this winter: Carl Pavano. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirmed the Brewers' interest in the veteran right-hander on Monday after a chat with agent Tom O'Connell, who told the newspaper he has had informal chats with general manager Doug Melvin. "He's definitely on their radar," O'Connell said, according to the report. Melvin has said he's open to all options as he looks to bolster a pitching staff that struggled mightily in 2009. The Brewers have been linked in various reports to John Lackey, Randy Wolf, Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Jarrod Washburn and Mark Mulder, among others."
Twins have MVP catcher, but will they keep him?
Comment
November 24
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"For those Twins fans fearful that this year's MVP award will make it more difficult to keep Joe Mauer past 2010, General Manager Bill Smith tried offering some soothing words Monday. "Do you think if he finished second, the price was going to come down?" Smith said, cracking a smile. "So no, Joe said it perfectly: 'Today, let's celebrate the MVP Award, and we've got time to work on the other stuff.' " To be sure, it didn't take validation from the writers to establish Mauer's soaring value. He's a two-time Gold Glove catcher, a three-time American League batting champ and now, an MVP. All this at age 26, with a four-year, $33 million contract set to expire after next season, just when the ..."
Mauer Expected to Win M.V.P., but That's the Least of the Twins' Concerns
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November 23
New York Times
 
"Monday afternoon's scheduled announcement of the winner of the American League Most Valuable Player award comes with limited drama. The Baseball Writers Association of America guards the voting results judiciously. But if Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins beats out the Yankees' Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter for the award, industry observers will not be surprised."