Minnesota Twins

After learning their star closer is out for the remainder of the 2010 season and likely some of the 2011 campaign, the Twins have signed 2009 MVP catcher Joe Mauer to an eight-year; $140 million contract extension good for $17.5 million a season.

Mauer, who could have been a free agent next season, seemingly took a hometown deal to remain in his native Minnesota. Reports said Mauer could have garnered as much as $200 million if he tested the free agent waters.

The Minnesota Twins announce that Joe Mauer has signed an eight-year, $184 million contract. The deal includes a full no-trade clause.

The deal will be made official at a 7:00 pm EST press conference in the Twins’ Conference Center.

Joe Nathan has opted to undergo Tommy John surgery, ending his 2010 season and leaving his future as an elite closer in question.  While the rest of the fantasy world goes sorting through the middling relievers who could fill the role in the early weeks of the season like Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, and Jose Mijares, you may be better served to look at the long-term solution. 

It’s official, the Minnesota Twins will be without All-Star closer Joe Nathan for the 2010 campaign.

Nathan elected to undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery today after feeling continued pain and discomfort following a bullpen session with pitching coach Rick Anderson.

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | No. 6 | Angel Morales

Via ESPN.com chat:

So says Sid Hartman:

After 28 long seasons spent cooped up inside a big Teflon bubble the Minnesota Twins will be moving to an exquisite new ballpark for the 2010 season.

Target Field figures to provide the Twins with not only a much better playing environment, but also much larger revenue streams.

The club has already made the most of the revenue increase by bumping the payroll nearly $40 million over last year’s Opening Day payroll.

After 28 long seasons spent cooped up inside a big Teflon bubble the Minnesota Twins will be moving to an exquisite new ballpark for the 2010 season.

Target Field figures to provide the Twins with not only a much better playing environment, but also much larger revenue streams.

The club has already made the most of the revenue increase by bumping the payroll nearly $40 million over last year’s Opening Day payroll.

First off I want to apologize for my lack of writing as of late. I've been on Spring Break this past week and...well...lets just say that the computer I'm using isn't the greatest. I know it's a lame excuse, but it's the truth. So I apologize and I will certainly write about a lot of things this week (such as the Nick Blackburn contract extension, Joe Nathan injury, and I'll finally get around to finishing my Top 50 Twins Prospect list). Thanks for visiting.