The talks between the Twins and Joe Mauer, over a long-term contract extension, have stalled. The Twins would love to get something agreed upon as soon as possible, but Mauer has made it quite evident -- as illustrated by his actions -- that he would rather test the market. With teams like the Red Sox and Yankees undoubtedly interested, who wouldn't want to do that?
The Twins may find themselves in a very difficult place come mid-season. As the season progresses and no extension has been agreed upon, the Twins are going to be backed into a corner to the point where they just won't have a choice.If Joe Mauer and his agent, Ron Shapiro, decide to ask for the kind of money that he deserves, the Twins will have to seriously consider trading Mauer. Singing him for a ridiculous price (one he would certainly deserve) would make any other improvements impossible. And with Joe Nathan questionable for the rest of his career, the Twins will need to consider replacing him, which a trade could easily satisfy. Signing Mauer for a high price would rule out any replacement, especially for a talented pitcher like Nathan.
A trade would seem to make sense for the Twins, and the way things are starting to play out, it would seem that a trade was somewhat inevitable. However, consider the other side.
Joe Mauer may be the single most important piece for this organization. Championship or no championship, the Twins have a huge economic investment in Mauer. Quite simply, people come to the park to see Joe Mauer. That won't change for a while.
Also consider that trades of this enormity don't have a very promising history, and even if the Twins were to decide to trade him, there is no guarantee it would happen. The Blue Jays decided to trade their big piece last year in Roy Halladay. No trade ever happened, and Halladay became a free agent. However, the deal for Johan Santana -- another huge deal -- went through, but not too smoothly.
With all of the trade talks, it is also important to remember that a long term deal is still possible. In fact, a long term deal is probable. Although a trade is possible, the Twins have made it clear that their number one priority is to bring back Mauer, and Minnesota is Mauer's hometown, it's just up to the Twins to make it happen.
jess.coleman@classactsports.com
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