In a massive eight-year, $184 million deal, the 27-year old catcher is slotted to spend presumably the rest of his playing career in the Twin Cities—the deal included a full no-trade clause—and in a day and age where powerhouse markets like the Yankees and Red Sox have dominated big money players, the deal stands as a significant statement that smaller markets like the Twins can compete.

To put it plain and simple: this deal is good for baseball. With Mauer’s unique set of skills, and the fact that he is in his own universe in terms of talented catchers, he could have easily tested the waters of the free agent market and walked away with an A-Rod type deal somewhere in the ballpark of $250 million. The fact that he didn’t is a throwback to old baseball culture—where players spent their entire career with one organization—and shows something about Mauer’s character.

All loyalties aside, the $184 million deal is the most money that has ever been signed to a catcher—far surpassing the four-year, $52 million deal Yankees catcher Jorge Posada signed in 2007. The only players to ever sign for more guaranteed money is of course Alex Rodriguez, and also Derek “the captain” Jeter.

The deal however, does present an intriguing situation for the club. With $195 million going towards newly constructed Target Stadium, and nearly the same amount going towards Joe Mauer, how will the Twins continue to make the moves they need to make and bring in new talent? The Twins may already be in the market for a new closer with Joe Nathan sidelined for the year with Tommy John, and that in all probability will not be the only need for the club in the near future.

Nevertheless, do not let that detract from the deal. Mauer is arguably the best player in the AL, and is worth every penny of $185 million. The Twins made all the right moves with this one, and will continue to benefit from the all-star catcher through at least 2018.

Is it too early to chalk him up as a first ballot hall of famer? I think not.

Span put up a line of .311/.392/.415, which was good for a .359 wOBA and a 3.9 WAR. He is one of the premier leadoff men in baseball and the Twins got him signed to a reasonable contract. He should be an upgrade over Carlos Gomez in center field even though he is not quite the defensive player in center that Gomez was. He will make up the difference in defense with his bat. Him moving to center allows Ron Gardenhire the option to put Jason Kubel in left, which would be an improvement over Delmon Young.

If the Twins are able to re-sign catcher Joe Mauer to go along with Justin Morneau and Span they could have a good core offensively and that should make them contenders in the AL Central for the next few years.

I think it’s about time the Minnesota Twins have started re-signing their own players. They have let a lot of players walk in the past and it’s good for the Twins and their fans that the team is starting to spend money to keep their own players. It’s also a smart move because it locks Span up through 2014 without the risk of going to arbitration.

He’s the essential “scrappy” kind of guy; Announcers surely gab about his “passion for the game”, or how he’s a true “grinder” (Whatever that means).

This brings me to the main story. There is a battle going on this year in the Twins Spring Training camp, and it’s a fight for the starting job at third base. When I heard that Nick Punto was their best option, I wasn’t very excited.

Never confuse Punto for being a meaningful or even decent producer, offensively that is. Punto doesn’t really do much at the plate, but his greatest asset is his patience. For his issues with contact and complete lack of power, one cannot ignore his ability to work the count and draw pitches.

Although it is of only slight importance, Punto is also an bonus on the base-paths; The man can swipe bags just into the double digits while also being a smart and nimble runner.

With his obvious offensive deficiencies, one can still see how Punto offers a little more than expected. You see though, when a player is as fantastic defensively as Nick is, you don’t need to do much at the plate.

According to Fangraphs.com, Nick Punto has been a very good (and even great) defensive player, anywhere on the diamond. Nick would have a chance to be one of the elite defenders at third base in 2010, and could save more runs than any infielder in baseball.

This brings me to Brendan Harris, Punto’s competition for the starting job at Third base. To sum it up quick, Brendan Harris is a slightly better offensive player than Punto, but remains a noticeable defensive liability.

Whoever wins the third base job will almost assuredly be hitting 9th in the batting order. In a lineup that owns names like Mauer, Morneau, and Thome in the middle, you can take a guy like Punto batting last.

When it comes down to it, Punto is not and never will be a viable top-of-the-order hitter, but the Twins don’t need him to be. With the up-and-coming star lead-off hitter Denard Span and the veteran Orlando Hudson manning the 2-spot in the order, Punto doesn’t need to be held to much of anything at the plate.

Brendan Harris’ slight offensive upgrade is made completely negligible when defense is factored in. It’s about “total value”, and it’s obvious to anyone that Punto adds much more to the team. The Twins are plainly better with Nick Punto starting over Brendan Harris, and I don’t even see why this is a debate.

This is coming from someone who is frustrated with many things Punto stands for. In summary, I would never celebrate “Nick Punto Day” (It exists…Google it).

I may never like Punto’s lackluster offensive game, but I can appreciate any player who makes his team noticeably better, and he most certainly does it with his defensive play.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I would be SHOCKED if Joe Mauer wasn’t being shopped…just in case. If the Twins and Mauer stall on talks, and the Twins become afraid Mauer leaves, they’re ONLY real option is to trade Joe Mauer. I know, I know. It hurts to even think about. Unfortunately, that’s the way the game is now, and if some team comes calling with 5 of their best prospects, how can the Twins not consider it? Not listen to it? If they did end up trading Joe Mauer- obviously they’re fan base would probably mutiny the team, people would move out of the city, and a great turmoil would suffice. Okay- I’m going a little overboard with the last couple statements, but seriously- is it IMPOSSIBLE to think Joe Mauer CAN’T 100% be traded by the deadline if no offer is accepted?

In Baseball, nothing is impossible

Orlando Hudson is the newly-signed Twin; A second baseman with a very inflated defensive reputation.

Orlando Cabrera is the 35-year-old shortstop who has also been recently signed by a new team: The Cincinnati Reds. He is also the proud owner of a top-of-the-line defensive reputation.

I’m here to break (or at least put a very large dent) in the myth that ties these two players together. These infielders are no longer quality defensive players.

Back when Hudson was playing up in Toronto in 2004 and 2005, he was a fantastic defensive player. Since those days, Hudson has lost a large amount of range while steadily and consistently becoming a sub-par defender at second base.

According to UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating), this Orlando was 3.3 runs below average in 2009; He was 5.1 runs below average in 2008 to top things off. Whether this drop-off was due to his increasing age or increasing injuries, it remains a fact that Hudson is a far-cry from his former self in the field. His reputation as a sterling defender is long overdue for a change.

Hudson is a slightly above average offensive second basemen, and this remains true, but Twin fans better not be expecting a stud in the field as well.

On to the other Orlando. This one is the former World Series champion who is joining the 6th team in his career with the Reds. Cabrera has been a consistently sub-par offensive player the past 2 seasons, posting an identical .705 OPS in 2008 and 2009. His abysmal .316 On-base percentage leaves much to be desired, but as far as shortstops go, you can accept his middling offensive game.

Up until 2009, Orlando had remained a talented defensive shortstop (albeit an inconsistent one). In 2009 however, Cabrera made a drastic switch, and became arguably the worst defender at the position in all of Major League Baseball.

“O.C.” was 15.3 runs below average this past season, which is absolutely disgusting.

Red fans had better hope his massive defensive shortcomings in 2009 were an aberration instead of what the future holds. Because while Orlando Hudson brings better than average offense, Cabrera brings relatively nothing at the plate (outside of an 8-hole offensive player). If Cabrera’s defense doesn’t make a huge recovery in 2010, he will be massively hurting his new-found team.

Cabrera doesn’t produce enough at the plate to make up for anything less than sterling defense. Thank God that Dusty Baker doesn’t believe in patience or players drawing walks, because he’ll now fall madly in love with this Orlando.

Hudson is a league-average offensive second basemen and middle-of-the-road defensive player. Don’t let his Gold Glove in 2009 fool you, Orlando has been mediocre or worse in the field for 4 straight seasons now. Back on the Blue Jays he was elite in the field, but at age 32, the man has lost a large amount of range. UZR (or Ultimate Zone Rating) is an effective method for calculating how many runs above or below average a player is on defense. This statistic factors the range of the infielder along with his arm accuracy and strength. In 2009, Hudson was 3.3 runs below average in the field. He’s not going to save the Twins many runs in 2010, but he won’t be hurting them too badly either.

You might wonder why anyone would care about a team signing a simply adequate 32-year-old second baseman. Well, you have to look at who Hudson will be replacing, in Nick Punto. Last season, the incumbent second basemen hit a paltry .228 with an unbelievably poor .284 slugging percentage. Although Punto has been an above average defender in his career, Hudson’s gigantic offensive upgrade more than makes up for the defensive difference.

Hudson will undoubtedly be batting second in the Twins batting order that is beginning to look top-notch. A little way into the season, they could see this projected line-up (Once they insert Thome into the DH-role and call up prospect Danny Valencia):

1. Denard Span – CF

2. Orlando Hudson – 2B

3. Joe Mauer – C

4. Justin Morneau – 1B

5. Jason Kubel – LF

6.  Jim Thome – DH

7. Michael Cuddyer – RF

8. J.J. Hardy -SS

9. Brendan Harris/Danny Valencia – 3B

Honestly, with those players performing to their highest abilities, the Twins lineup could be in the running for the best in Major League Baseball.

Things are looking up for the Twin cities in 2010.

Key losses- Scott Podsednik, Jermaine Dye, Chris Getz, Octavio Dotel

Key additions- Juan Pierre, J.J. Putz, Mark Teahen, Andruw Jones, Omar Vizquel

Off-season grade- B-

Justification- They did improve the outfield defense by letting Jermaine Dye go. They got some nice pieces for the bench in Vizquel and Jones. Juan Pierre gives the Sox speed at the leadoff position, which Ozzie likes. I question whether or not the Sox have enough power to compete. The bullpen needs J.J. Putz to pitch to his career norms to be effective.

Detroit Tigers

Key losses- Curtis Granderson, Fernando Rodney, Brandon Lyon, Placido Polanco, Jarrod Washburn, Edwin Jackson

Key additions- Max Scherzer, Phil Coke, Dan Schlereth, Austin Jackson

Off-season grade- B-

Justification- They lost some pieces to last year’s team, but they would have had to overpay to keep them. Losing Granderson hurts, but I think they got a nice return. I like Austin Jackson a lot. I think Scherzer has a lot of upside and all it cost them was Edwin Jackson, who had a bad second half.

Cleveland Indians

Key losses- Jamey Carroll

Key additions- Austin Kearns, Shelley Duncan, Mark Grudzielanek

Off-season grade- C

Justification- They didn’t lose anyone significant, but they did not add anyone to make their team better either.

Kansas City Royals

Key losses- Coco Crisp, Miguel Olivo, Mike Jacobs

Key additions- Scott Podsednik, Jason Kendall, Brian Anderson, Rick Ankiel

Off-season grade- D

Justification- They lost a good defensive center fielder in Coco Crisp and replaced him with Scott Podsednik. Much like the Bengie Molina I question why any GM would give Jason Kendall significant money. I’m sure you could find a minor league player that can give the same amount of production for less. I believe they overpaid for Rick Ankiel.

Minnesota Twins

Key losses- Carlos Gomez, Joe Crede, Orlando Cabrera

Key additions- J.J. Hardy, Carl Pavano (re-signed)

Off-season grade- C

Justification- J.J. Hardy should improve the defense at the shortstop position. There was not a lot of activity by the Twins, but they did not need to do a lot. The core of the team is still in place.

Should be a real strong major league player with the stick.

2) Kyle Gibson-SP

I don’t care so much that he fell in the draft. Upper rotation guy with above average stuff. Twins feast on guys like this.

3) Ben Revere-OF

Is the typical fast, slap hitter, center fielder that will kill you with his legs instead of his bat in terms of power.

4) Dave Bromburg-SP

Continuing to get better at every level. That says alot about him.

5) Wilson Ramos-C

Where’s he gonna play? Who cares how talented he is and how much potential he has? Joe Mauer is in front of him. His only chance is Mauer leaving for free agency.

6) Miguel Sano-SS

Okay yes- I know he’s 16/17 years old. He’s also better than alot of 20 year olds in the organization. Could be ready in 3-4 years which would make him 20/21. Miguel Cabrera like tools.

7) Chris Parmelee-1B

Hasn’t projected out to be the power hitter once thought. Still has some time to figure it out in Minnesota.

8) Angel Morales-OF

Real young and like alot of guys- has a ton of power, but swings and misses way to much for my liking.

9) Billy Bullock-RP

100 mph fastball. Future closer?

10) Carlos Gutierrez-SP

Amazing sinker. Could be a 2 or a 3 by 2011. Won’t strike you out, but will wear out the turf.

So will the 2010-11 off-season give us more stories?

There are a few more bigger names becoming free agents, but how many will test the open market or be traded by the mid-season trade deadline? Let’s take a look at some of these teams and how their paths could play out:

• Joe Mauer: Maybe one of the biggest names on the market after a 2009 MVP season. Mauer is sure to land a gigantic deal, that is, unless he remains a Twin. Minnesota is his hometown. I expect Mauer to take a hometown discount and stay with the Twins longterm, even if it means passing up on a extra $50-70 million if he took offers from the Red Sox or Yankees.
• Carl Crawford: Crawford has a lot of years left in his career and at age 28 may just be hitting his prime. With many years of MLB service left, he most likely will not remain with the small market Tampa Bay Rays. As Brett Rosin wrote, I would look for Crawford to be traded before the trade deadline, as the Rays cannot afford to lose him for nothing and center field prospect Desmond Jennings is right around the corner.
• Jayson Werth: After signing a sub-par contract with the Phillies two years ago, Werth is due for a big payday after the 2010 season. His back to back seasons of 24 and 36 home runs and two seasons of 20 stolen bases, with the addition of his good fielding ability is more than enough to land him a long term deal. But the Phillies have expensive contracts invested in several other positions, such as with Utley, Howard and Halladay. Werth will most likely test the open market and find himself a suitor for a contract somewhere between what Jayson Bay and Matt Holliday were given this season.
• Victor Martinez: If Mauer remains a Twin as expected, Martinez becomes the biggest name catcher on the market next season. The only way I see Martinez leaving the Red Sox is if Mauer does test the open market. In this case, the Yankees and Red Sox battle out for Mauer, with the loser landing Martinez. Not a horrible consolation prize.
• Carlos Pena: Back to the small market Rays. When Pena began hitting his stride a couple years ago, it was expected he would land a big contract. The same could happen next off-season, but I expect Pena will remain with the Rays. I also don’t see a scenario where Pena gets traded, as the Rays owe him a $750,000 if traded after the 2009 season.
• Derek Jeter: I don’t see any way Jeter leaves New York. He started his career in pin-stripes and should retire in pin-stripes.

There are a few other big names on the market next season, including Josh Beckett, Cliff Lee and Ted Lilly. Beckett and Lee should each receive long term contacts and so could Lilly, barring any setbacks in his return from surgery following the 2009 season.

If they didn’t pick up the option- Cuddyer would have received a 1 million dollar buyout- and it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that the class-act Cuddyer would have given the Piranhas er Twins a home town discount?

Yes I do understand Cuddyer had an extremely solid campaign while picking up the slack for part time injured superstars Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, but for a team that really isn’t considered a big market team- I have to question this move. Apparently, they believe they’re going to find extra revenue next year while opening Target Field in the spring, but 10.5 million is a big chunk of a change going to someone who really hasn’t shown over the course of his career he can stay healthy consistently.

I can also understand that Cuddyer is a home grown first overall pick, but wouldn’t it be more wise to save that 10.5 million and give it to I don’t know….the soon to be free agent Joe Mauer? Isn’t Joe Mauer more important to the franchise than Michael Cuddyer? Do they really think Mauer is going to ignore a New York Yankee 7 year offer worth around 200 million and settle for a 150 million from Minnesota? I don’t care who you are- It’s virtually impossible to turn down the pinstripes and that cash to stay with a team that will likely be financially crippled paying the salaries of Mauer and Morny.

Questionable financial move from an otherwise extremely intelligent organization.