Joe Mauer News: Pro Sports Daily

Mauer's agent lands at training camp to meet with team

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March 4

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Ron Shapiro, the agent for Twins catcher Joe Mauer, has arrived in Fort Myers, Fla., to meet with the Twins, a club source confirmed on Wednesday night. While it's being shaped as Shapiro's annual visit to spring training, the sides are expected to hold face-to-face discussions about the future of the Twins' MVP catcher. Shapiro and the Twins have negotiated a contract extension for several weeks. While there have been reports that the framework for a deal is in place, there are indications that progress has slowed recently. There are no indications from either the Twins or Mauer's camp that a deadline for a contract to be worked out has been set. Mauer, at the start of training camp, ..."

All eyes at Twins spring training camp are on Joe Mauer

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February 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"One year ago, Joe Mauer spent most of his time during spring training in the Hammond Stadium training room, frustrated while trying to recover from a lower back problem that caused him to miss the first month of the season. Now, at age 26, Mauer is the reigning American League most valuable player and a three-time batting champion who within weeks could become one of baseball's highest-paid players. An eight-year, $200 million deal wouldn't be unreasonable — and that's if he decides to remain a Twin. Should Mauer opt for free agency after this season, allowing the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to compete for his services, a contract worth $30 million a season would not be ..."

Mauer offers no hint on status of contract

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February 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Joe Mauer opened boxes of shoes and stored equipment in his stall on Sunday. A group of reporters stood nearby, waiting to see what he had with him. He did not unpack a new contract. And he did not -- to no surprise -- offer any details as to when it might happen. "I'm not going to get into any of that," the Twins catcher said when asked about that chances he might be a free agent next offseason. "I'm just going to open a can of worms. I'm just looking forward to this year, and that is what I'm preparing for." Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, has been negotiating a contract extension with the Twins for several weeks. Despite previous reports that the sides had the framework of a deal in place, ..."

Reasons numerous for Mauer to stay put

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February 21

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"Looking for reasons why Joe Mauer won't leave the Twins, and for reasons why the MVP catcher will sign a contract in the area of 10 years for $200 million with them in the near future? Here are a few. First, Mauer doesn't have Scott Boras for an agent. Boras runs the show in baseball. He tells his clients what to do, and they listen. Mauer's agent is Ron Shapiro, who has a history of keeping players with their original teams, two good examples being Kirby Puckett with the Twins and Cal Ripken Jr. with the Orioles. Mauer has made it clear that he will decide where he will play and that his agent will do the financial planning. Then you have the value of the franchise. Carl Pohlad paid about ..."

Cal Ripken has been in Joe Mauer's shoes

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February 21

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"In 1991, Cal Ripken Jr. redefined conventional thinking about what a shortstop could do with a bat. He hit .323 with 34 home runs and 114 runs batted in (all career bests) and was named the 1991 American League most valuable player. The next season, 1992, was the last in his four-year deal with Baltimore, a city readying to open a brand-new ballpark, Camden Yards, that April. Ripken grew up in Maryland. He was beloved by the fans, firmly rooted in the community and a pillar of the Orioles franchise. He and his agent, Ron Shapiro, were expected to negotiate the richest contract in team history. Sound familiar? Substitute the name Joe Mauer for Cal Ripken, catcher for shortstop, Minnesota ..."

Catcher Joe Mauer will test staying power with Twins

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February 17

USA Today

"The sun is a rumor at 5:30 in the morning. The temperature is a bone-chilling 5 degrees, with a wind chill south of zero. Lungs sting just trying to catch a breath.And a line of humanity, bundled from head to toe, has formed outside the Metrodome, extending past the ticket windows and nearly to the street. They are waiting for TwinsFest to start and hoping for a chance to secure an autograph from Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer. Fans came from as far as South Dakota, some setting up portable ice-fishing houses to combat the frigid conditions and a few others huddling around propane heaters. They know there is no guarantee because, once the doors open, not even Mauer will be able to sign ..."

Contract talks continue between Joe Mauer and Minnesota Twins

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February 17

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Joe Mauer contract extension talks quietly continue, but from all appearances, nothing seems to be imminent. The Twins' all-star catcher, 26, who is signed for $12.5 million this season, can become a free agent after the season. A deal isn't expected before spring training, which begins Monday in Fort Myers, Fla."

Twins owner Jim Pohlad not in on Mauer talks, but revenue boost should help team sign star

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February 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Twins owner Jim Pohlad, in a meeting with reporters Monday at Target Field, said he's "absolutely not" involved in any Joe Mauer contract negotiations. As snow fell on the team's new ballpark, Pohlad answered questions about his organization's record-breaking payroll, set to reach about $96 million by Opening Day, legacy contracts, and what he thinks of the 2010 Twins. What everyone wants to know, though, Pohlad wouldn't share, insisting he hasn't been and won't be involved in the Twins talks with Mauer, though he joked that he tells general manager Bill Smith to re-sign Mauer all the time. "We all tell him that," Pohlad said while seated next to Twins President Dave St. Peter and Twins ..."

Twins' blueprint to signing Joe Mauer just might be Griffey's deal in 2000

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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 look to sign Mauer, open Target Field

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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

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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

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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 ..."

Twins killing: Sign Mauer and open new Target Field

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February 3

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 ..."

Everyone waiting for definitive Mauer word

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February 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Minnesotans were buzzing about a potential Mauer deal Monday, but the report appeared premature, unless you're talking about the first-day auto sales at Mauer Chevrolet. On the same day Mauer's older brother Billy opened his new dealership in Inver Grove Heights, sending two new cars off the lot, Twins fans were digesting a WCCO-TV report that the team had reached preliminary agreement with the catcher on a 10-year extension. Not so, said several people familiar with the negotiations, including some from the Twins' side and some from Mauer's side. Twins General Manager Bill Smith and Mauer's agent Ron Shapiro declined comment, continuing their efforts to keep the talks out of the press. ..."

Mauer's situation overshadows all at TwinsFest

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January 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The line for Joe Mauer's autograph started outside the Metrodome at 8 a.m. Friday. He was eight hours from signing, and the temperature was minus-4. Travis High, 27, and friends planned accordingly, lugging a portable fish house and propane heater onto the sidewalk near Gate H. By 3 p.m., a line of shivering fans had formed behind them, winding around the block. When the doors finally opened for TwinsFest an hour later, fans could be seen sprinting through the concourse toward Mauer's signing area. It was like the Running of the Bulls, only these were humans wearing boots and heavy jackets, lugging baseball bats and oversized Mauer pictures. Tim Higgins, one of the first through the line, ..."

TwinsFest marks open season on Joe Mauer

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January 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Two years ago at the Twins' annual media luncheon, manager Ron Gardenhire stood in front of a microphone and told the room his wishes. Johan Santana was entering the final year of his contract with the Twins, and national media attention already had homed in on the Twin Cities. Gardenhire wanted the situation behind the ballclub. Specifically, he wanted Santana re-signed or traded before spring training started the following month. On Friday, with Joe Mauer entering the final year of his contract with the Twins, Gardenhire found himself surrounded by reporters again asking questions about timetables and extensions and possible distractions. This time, though, there was no edict from the ..."

Twins fans pack ESPN show to deliver this message to Mauer: Don't go, Joe

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January 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"If the Twins needed another indication of how important Joe Mauer is to their ballclub, they got one Wednesday at Cretin-Derham Hall, where more than 3,500 people crammed into the school's gym to hear ESPN's Rick Reilly grill their hometown hero. Mauer can become an unrestricted free agent after next season and undoubtedly would be the hottest offseason target of the season, maybe ever. At just 26, he already has three American League batting titles and the 2009 AL Most Valuable Player Award on his resume. The Twins, of course, would like to sign Mauer before he hits the open market, where deep-pocketed teams such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox could ignite a ..."

ESPN program brings Mauer back to roots at Cretin

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January 28

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Joe Mauer is going national. Right before St. Paul's eyes. About 4,000 people packed the Cretin-Derham Hall gymnasium Wednesday for the taping of ESPN's "Homecoming" series with host Rick Reilly. Mauer wore a light purple sweater over a collared shirt and seemed to enjoy the whole experience, as Reilly went through his life story, needling him along the way. Mauer's family was there, as was his agent, Ron Shapiro, and several Twins employees, including General Manager Bill Smith. Alas, there was no announcement of a new long-term contract extension for Mauer, who can become a free agent this fall. Late in the 2 1/2-hour program, Reilly asked Mauer what was more important, winning or ..."

TwinsFest won't include announcement of new contract for MVP Joe Mauer

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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 ..."

Will Twins, Mauer talk this week?

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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."

Twins clear plate for Mauer talks

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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 ..."

Mauer has all the power in contract negotiations with Twins

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January 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Jim Souhan

"This is a good time to be Joe Mauer. Well, OK, pretty much anytime is a good time to be Joe Mauer. How many 26-year-olds make millions starring in the game they love in their hometown while women of all ages offer to swap chest protectors with them? Now is a particularly good time to be Joe Mauer, though, because right now his agent is negotiating a contract with the Twins, and Mauer has more leverage than Pat Williams on a teeter-totter. Ron Shapiro, Mauer's agent, has the easiest job this side of Brett Favre's razor. Never before has a Minnesota athlete, by virtue of talent, geography, popularity and timing, held this kind of negotiating advantage while seeking a record-breaking ..."

Pioneer Press Sports Figure of the Decade: Twins' Joe Mauer

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December 29

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Way back in June 2001, when he walked out of his parents' house to play in his final high school baseball game, Joe Mauer said to his father, Jake, "Dad, ain't you going to say something?" Jake didn't offer anything in the way of a big speech or life-altering advice. He told his son, simply, "Just get some hits, Joe." Joe did just that. He went 3 for 3 to help lift his Cretin-Derham Hall baseball team to a state championship. On that June day, Jake Mauer also served up the same line he'd been giving his son for years. Whenever Joe Mauer played in a game, whether it was football, basketball or baseball, his dad told him, "This is the most important game of your little life.""

Mauer contract: A pleasant price to pay

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December 25

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As the Twins contemplate Joe Mauer's next contract, they are negotiating with an agent whose clients once included Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken Jr. and Oprah Winfrey. ¶ Ron Shapiro, who has represented Mauer since he signed out of Cretin-Derham Hall in 2001, is known as a good guy among agents. Though Shapiro lost Winfrey as a client before she made it big, he helped keep Puckett with the Twins and Ripken with the Orioles. ¶ Shapiro, 66, has co-authored three books, including "The Power of Nice: How to Negotiate So Everyone Wins -- Especially You!" ¶ But none of that should suggest this will be an easy negotiation for the Twins. ¶ "I don't think we ever got any real bargains from Ron, I ..."

Twins' Joe Mauer will see Yankees all around him at banquet

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December 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"Prominent New York Yankees will surround Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer when he receives his American League Most Valuable Player Award on Jan. 23 at the 87th Baseball Writers' Association of America banquet at the New York Hilton. At the head table with Mauer will be Yankees Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, who is the catcher Mauer would replace if he were to opt for free agency after next season and sign with Yankees. Also at the head table will be Carlos Beltran, Don Zimmer, Aaron Boone, Zack Greinke and Tim Lincecum. Tickets for the banquet are $225 each. Mauer will be back in Minnesota on Jan. 28 for the Twins' Diamond Awards banquet also featuring ..."

Mauer deal looms over Twins' future

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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 ..."

Mauer denies contract deadline report

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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

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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 ..."

Joe Mauer a Cub? What could have been!

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November 26

Chicago Sun-Times

"If only the Twins had taken Mark Prior. Joe Mauer winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award this week was yet another reminder of just how star-crossed the Cubs have been this decade. What looked like an incredible break—the Twins passing on Prior and taking the more "signable" Mauer with the No. 1 overall pick—has turned into yet another example of how fate seems to taunt the Cubs and Cub fans. It looked great at one time. While Mauer was moving up from Class A to AA in 2003, Prior went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and was third in the Cy Young voting. He had the Cubs five outs from the World Series. No sense rehashing the unpleasant developments that followed. Suffice to say, ..."

Mauer, Morneau want to win title together

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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?

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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 ..."

Joe Mauer's season started late, but Twins catcher is a runaway winner for AL MVP award

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November 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Mauer's bat might not be magical, but it sure seems like it sometimes, as it did back on May 1, when the Twins' catcher belatedly started his 2009 season. After spending all of spring training off the field, and rehabbing a bad back for the first month of the season, Mauer stepped in against Royals right-hander Sidney Ponson and drilled the first pitch he saw out of the park. "Everyone in the dugout, we looked at each other and just started shaking our heads," first baseman Justin Morneau said. "Then we started laughing." Mauer went 2 for 3 with a double, a home run and three RBIs in the Twins' 7-5 victory and didn't look back until Monday, when he was named the American League Most ..."

Twins have a pair of MVP now in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau

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November 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Only three major league teams have two league MVPs on their rosters: the Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners and the Minnesota Twins. When Joe Mauer won the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player award on Monday, he joined teammate Justin Morneau, the 2006 winner, in that most selective of clubs. "Those players don't come along often," general manager Bill Smith said, "We've got one in Justin Morneau and one in Joe Mauer, and it's very rewarding." Yes, since Mauer joined the team fulltime in 2005, the Twins have won two Central Division titles, and have won five in their past eight seasons. But they haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs, despite two MVPs in their ..."

Twins have MVP catcher, but will they keep him?

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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 ..."

Taking Mauer instead of Prior was a decision to be applauded

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November 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Patrick Reusse

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer is so popular in his home state that there are ruffed grouse that will not leave him alone. "Joe was in his deer stand the other day and this grouse started flapping around him,'' his mother, Teresa, said. "Eventually, the grouse landed in his stand and wouldn't leave. Joe didn't know what to do.'' Mauer was conducting his pursuit of venison with a bow. He said a couple of deer appeared but not within shooting distance. Why not a firearm? "No way ... we don't want Joe in a tree with a gun,'' Teresa said. Fear of having a three-toed catcher? His mother nodded and said, "That's it.'' For now, Mauer's a three-time batting champion, and no other catcher in the 109 years ..."

Extraordinary Joe: American League MVP

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November 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Jake Mauer received a text message from his son Joe around 12:50 Monday afternoon. "Press conference at the Dome at 3 pm,'' it read. "And I'm wearing a suit.'' Dad replied: "I'll be there ... and I will NOT wear a hat.'' Jake Mauer threw his head back as he laughed and added, "He never told me that he actually won the award.'' Even as the news conference started, his son was still coming to grips with being named the American League's Most Valuable Player. Mauer's parents, brothers, grandparents -- and a couple of nieces -- took up a sizable section of the seating as he explained what it meant to be considered one of the game's elite players. "My dream was always to be in the big leagues ..."

Mauer Near-Unanimous Pick as American League M.V.P.

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November 24

New York Times

"Joe Mauer spent last weekend at his log cabin north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. He woke up Monday at his home in St. Paul and spent the afternoon at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, where his teammate Justin Morneau joined him to celebrate Mauer's near-unanimous selection as the American League most valuable player. "He came up with a bottle of Champagne," Mauer said on a conference call with reporters. "Hopefully, we can pop that open a little later." Mauer and Morneau have not savored a World Series title as Minnesota Twins, but both have denied Yankees the M.V.P. award in recent seasons. Morneau beat Derek Jeter in 2006, and Mauer beat Mark Teixeira this year, with Jeter finishing ..."

Joe Mauer's season started late, but Twins catcher is a runaway winner for AL MVP award

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November 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"oe Mauer's bat might not be magical, but it sure seems like it sometimes, as it did back on May 1, when the Twins' catcher belatedly started his 2009 season. After spending all of spring training off the field, and rehabbing a bad back for the first month of the season, Mauer stepped in against Royals right-hander Sidney Ponson and drilled the first pitch he saw out of the park. "Everyone in the dugout, we looked at each other and just started shaking our heads," first baseman Justin Morneau said. "Then we started laughing." Mauer went 2 for 3 with a double, a home run and three RBIs in the Twins' 7-5 victory and didn't look back until Monday, when he was named the American League Most ..."

Mauer catches AL MVP Award

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November 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player today by the Baseball Writers Association of America. He received 27 of 28 first-place votes and became the second twins player in four seasons to win the award. Miguel Cabrera of Detroit received the other first-place vote but the first baseman finished fourth overall, behind Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter of the Yankees, who finished second and third respectively. Mauer, 26, became the fifth Twin to win MVP honors, joining Zoilo Versalles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977) and Justin Morneau (2006). The voters -- two writers from each AL market -- cast their ballots at regular season’s end. The ..."

No doubt Mauer to catch AL MVP

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November 23

Denver Post

columnist Patrick Saunders

"The Twins' Joe Mauer should be awarded the American League MVP today. There is no doubt about that. And if there is any justice, he will get every first-place vote cast by the baseball writers. He probably won't. Some New York-area yahoo will insist that the Yankees' Derek Jeter or Mark Teixeira were more valuable. Please, spare me. What Mauer did this past season almost defies belief. He hit .365, had a .587 slugging percentage, a .444 on-base percentage, cranked out 28 homers and knocked in 96 runs. And more important, he led his team to an incredible comeback to win the American League Central Division title. He did all of this after missing the first month of the season with a back ..."

Tough luck, Yanks: Mauer likely the MVP

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November 23

New York Post

"The Yankees' most valuable player isn't going to be crowned the AL MVP today. No matter who you believe is the World Champions' MVP -- cases can be made for Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera -- they aren't going to finish ahead of Twins catcher Joe Mauer when the results are announced today. Mauer, who missed the first month of the year with a back problem, is expected to cop his initial MVP award based on him hitting an MLB-leading .365 with 28 homers and 96 RBIs and leading the Twins to the AL Central title. He led the league with a .444 on-base percentage, a .587 slugging percentage and a 1.031 OPS. So, the only major award that will be won by a Yankee is ..."

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."

By Monday he could be Joe MVP

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November 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have asked Joe Mauer to be stationed near the Twin Cities on Monday afternoon, when the American League's Most Valuable Player is named, in case he needs to hold a news conference. No problem, Mauer figured. Though he has an offseason home in Fort Myers, Fla., he planned to be in Minnesota anyway for Thanksgiving. If he wins, the official word would come in a personal phone call from Jack O'Connell, longtime secretary of the Baseball Writers Association of America. "That would definitely be a good phone call to get," Mauer said. Mauer, 26, is a good bet to become the fifth Twin to win AL MVP honors, joining Zoilo Versalles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977) and ..."

By Monday he could be Joe MVP

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November 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have asked Joe Mauer to be stationed near the Twin Cities on Monday afternoon, when the American League's Most Valuable Player is named, in case he needs to hold a news conference. No problem, Mauer figured. Though he has an offseason home in Fort Myers, Fla., he planned to be in Minnesota anyway for Thanksgiving. If he wins, the official word would come in a personal phone call from Jack O'Connell, longtime secretary of the Baseball Writers Association of America. "That would definitely be a good phone call to get," Mauer said. Mauer, 26, is a good bet to become the fifth Twin to win AL MVP honors, joining Zoilo Versalles (1965), Harmon Killebrew (1969), Rod Carew (1977) and ..."

Re-signing Joe Mauer will drive Twins' payroll into orbit in 2011

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November 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Tom Powers

"The magic number is a secret. Bill Smith knows what it is. Dave St. Peter knows what it is. So do Jim Pohlad and Jerry Bell. As for everybody else, we're just guessing. All we know for sure is that the Twins' payroll is going to get jacked up next season. Way, way up. "I can't comment on anything relative to Joe Mauer and his contract status," said St. Peter, the team president. I know, Dave. "I'm not going there." No problem. "I can't comment." Fair enough. Besides, the Mauer signing won't affect the 2010 payroll because it will take the form of an extension that begins in 2011. But the payroll still is going to balloon next season. Consider this: The Twins opened last season with a ..."

Twins, Mauer contract talks quiet

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November 12

MLB.com

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer knows his contract status will be a topic that draws national attention this offseason. A report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Wednesday said that Mauer and the Twins have started talks on a new contract, but the catcher indicated later that day that nothing serious has taken place between the two sides just yet. "Nothing new to report," Mauer said when asked about a possible contract extension in a phone interview late Wednesday. "I've gotten a chance to start thinking about those things, but we really haven't started [negotiating with the Twins]." Mauer, 26, is getting set to enter the final year of a four-year, $33 million contract that he signed before the ..."

Minnesota Twins' Jerry Bell says 'we'll see' if team can afford to keep Joe Mauer

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November 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"As the Twins' top executive under the Pohlad family ownership, Jerry Bell has helped negotiate and approve the biggest player contracts in team history. The Twins and representatives for catcher Joe Mauer, who can become a free agent after next season, have begun talking about a new deal. "Everything in time ... it'll work out — I hope, and I'm pretty sure," Bell said Wednesday. "I feel good about it because I think he wants to stay here and we sure want him to be here, and all of his teammates want him to be here." Can the Twins afford Mauer, 26, who on Nov. 23 is expected to be named the American League's most valuable player? "We'll see," Bell said. Bell said he's not nervous about ..."

Mauer: Contract talks haven't started

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November 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Jerry Bell was Twins president in November 1989 when the team gave Kirby Puckett a three-year, $9 million contract, making Puckett baseball's first $3 million-per-year player. Puckett's agent was Ron Shapiro, who now represents Twins catcher Joe Mauer, as the team considers another major contract. "I'm confident that we'll have a good negotiation because I know we're dealing with good people," said Bell, now president of Twins Sports Inc. "I can't say I'm confident about the outcome because I don't know." Bell and General Manager Bill Smith would not confirm a Pioneer Press report that the team has begun talking with Mauer about a new deal. But Bell said: "I think when sides want to get ..."