Mauer not interested in becoming game's highest paid player

SportingNews staff reports Oct 3, 11:16 am EDT

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Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer(notes) is sure to set off a frenzied free-agent watch next season. He can leave Minnesota after 2010 for untold riches elsewhere.

That doesn't mean Mauer is angling for baseball's version of a max deal.

He tells The New York Times he's "not really" interested in becoming the highest-paid player in the game; his bigger priority is playing for a winner.

"Just having the chance to win would be important to me," the potential AL MVP tells the Times. "I've put myself in a pretty good position that, wherever I end up, I think the pay's going be pretty nice."

And that winner could still be his hometown Twins. He indicates he'd be interested in staying at home if the club commits to surrounding him with enough talent.


More from Sporting News: Indians fire Eric Wedge; he'll finish season

Updated Oct 3, 11:16 am EDT
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8 Comments

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  1. D-No
    8. Posted by D-No Sun Oct 4 6:27am EDT

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    Mauer's full of crap. Minnesota HAS talent, and if he wants to be part of a winning team, the Twins are in the relatively weak AL Central. "I've put myself in a pretty good position that, wherever I end up, I think the pay's going be pretty nice" is what he says. He's looking past Minnesota at this point. Since the opportunity to win is clearly there, he's thinking of reward$$ to come from deep pockets elsewhere.
  2. Keith
    7. Posted by Keith Sat Oct 3 7:00pm EDT

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    Twins "fans" get ready to accept: Now catching for the New York Yankees --Joe Mauer.
  3. big oke
    6. Posted by big oke Sat Oct 3 4:28pm EDT

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    Just love it when players say it's not about being paid the most,but about the team making a commitment to winning.Well in2006 they came in 1st,2007 3rd,2008 2nd one game back and now fighting tooth and nail.Every year they field a very good team,make wise deals and draft well.This is just his excuse when he does take the MONEY.
  4. Burn.The.Witch
    5. Posted by Burn.The.Witch Sat Oct 3 1:18pm EDT

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    yes, mlb should have a salary cap... mauer wants talent! the twins have made the best out of the players they have, they don't need superstars, but they need talent to compete.
    if the twins were willing to bring in talent, do you think torri or santana would have left? NO! they loved minnesota. but they want a chance at the championship, like mauer is saying.
    the twins have a great farm system and an eye for upcoming talent, but they are only a couple talented players away from serious contenders... and a deeper pitching staff.
  5. beaverstore42
    4. Posted by beaverstore42 Sat Oct 3 12:21pm EDT

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    They need to set a ceiling for players pay. We have seen many players leave the Twins because their agent wants millions. How do they address the 100 million dollar man with the payroll like the Twins will have with the new ballpark. They can only afford five or so players in the multi million dollar brackets. When does too much enter the signing of a great player like Mauer????????
  6. cuffablimp
    3. Posted by cuffablimp Sat Oct 3 12:10pm EDT

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    That's too much $$ preassure but he's been in the contention mix nearly every year right where he is.. Another "right" player or 2 could push them further.
  7. <i>crashbump2003</i>
    2. Posted by crashbump2003 Sat Oct 3 11:54am EDT

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    They have to sign him. If they don't, they will lose a LOT of twins fans for awhile. Attendance is key in their new stadium
  8. tony f
    1. Posted by tony f Sat Oct 3 11:48am EDT

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    if the twins let him go, i dont know if ill be able to continue watching baseball, the twins lettign mauer go woould be the biggest mistake ever
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