The Twins and Joe Mauer haven’t reached agreement on a new contract but likely will prior to the start of spring training later this month, according to Jake Mauer.
“It’s very close,” Jake said. “It will all be signed by the beginning of spring training. …That’s what they’re shooting for.”
Jake Mauer, Joe’s grandfather, spoke to Sports Headliners on Wednesday from Florida. The two have a close relationship and spend time together during the winter in the Fort Myers area.
The older Mauer said Joe’s agent, Ron Shapiro, and Twins general manager Bill Smith spent two days last week in Minneapolis working on a new contract. A 10 year deal is likely but specific compensation numbers aren’t settled, although $20 million per year is a possibility, according to Jake.
“That’s mind boggling,” Jake said. “No one is worth that. I don’t give a (blank)…nobody is worth that. I don’t care who they are. My God!”
The grandfather said Joe’s “heart and soul are with the Twins,” the only organization the 26-year-old all-world catcher has ever played for. “But even if they cut Joe down to $15 million for 10 years he would sign with the Twins…I think. Because Joe wants to stay in St. Paul, and he wants to start his thing (career) with the Twins and finish with the Twins.”
There’s no greed in his grandson, Jake said, and the Mauers know he could earn a richer contract by leaving the Twins after this season when he becomes a free agent. Just like the Twins, the Boston Red Sox train in Fort Myers, and Jake said even he has become a celebrity in southwestern Florida this winter.
“I don’t know half the people here but they all come over and shake my hand,” he said. “(People say) ‘I am from Boston. We’re going to have Joe for 2011. We’re gonna win the World Series.’ ”