So the twins have stated that they are willing to listen to offers on Joe Mauer. Any reason to think the Rangers may make a play at him since we are kind of hurting for a catcher? or is that just going to cost to much?

hope not, way too much money unless they're willing to eat a good chunk. plus, as much as i love joe mauer, the man is a singles/double play machine

With that contract joe Mauer = MY 2.0

BJ Upton just got $15M per year for 5 years with a career slash of .255/.336/.422. Mauer will make $23M per year for 6 years and has a career slash of .323/.405/.468 and can catch. I don't think he gets dealt, but with the money being spent I'd be willing to guess there is a number the Twins could pay in a deal that makes it attractive if they were trying to move him. I'm not just talking the Rangers either, the Yankees need a catcher and would probably love hs marketability. Again, doubt he gets dealt, but if the Twins were tossing in cash its not as bad as it looks. Not many guys can catch and post OBPs over .400.

We can't expect him to be a full-time catcher for the duration of his contract. He'll likely be playing 1B and DH more as time goes on. Factor that in.

We could do worse, but that's probably not the move the Rangers have in mind.

I agree with Andy. Joe is entering his age 30 season. He's guaranteed $23M every year through 2018. He won't be catching all that much towards the back end of the contract. Not to mention he's prone to injury. The risks outweigh the rewards in his case, in my opinion.

If only we could somehow create a player with Justin Upton's tools and raw power and combine him with Joe Mauer's attitude and consistent approach to hitting to go after...

MIN would have to pick up a big tab, close to 8-10 a year for this to work. If Mauer comes to Texas its likely that he would catch only 60-70 games to minimize the chances he gets hurt. If this is true he takes over the Napoli role. While Mauer is a better pure hitter than Naps was, the power is less too. With only one season of over 15 HRs five or so years ago and little speed he doesnt play to the power/speed dynamic that the Rangers love (rightfully so). Hes a great offensive force don't get me wrong, but if we werent willing to give Nap 13.3 M for one year why would they be inclined to pay Mauer alot more.

I'm interested but he is really the face (not like FACE) of the franchise up there and the only reason to buy a ticket. I certainly can't see them paying Mauer to play elsewhere (yet). Besides they will demand Profar and that will be the end of that discussion.

I still would like to trade Murphy and Grimm (or comparable) for Josh Willingham. The Twins are stocking up on pitchers and they'd save some coin (especially in 2014) with this deal. If we resign Ham - and I think we will - he will basically swallow Murphy's playing time anyway. I like Willingham as a DH and if you check his splits he hits RHP better than LHP which is a nice plus.

Mauer has a full-no trade clause and he's from MIN. Think he'd like to stay, plus if MIN deals both he and Morneau away, their attendance would be reduced to 3 guys with bags over their heads.

NO, no, no! Why would you want to add a horrible contract after dumping a horrible contract (if MY is actually traded)? I like Mauer, he is a great player that would hit for a high average and OBP but he can't catch anymore, he's sub-par at 1B, and he has limited power. If we're going to entertain that idea we might as well re-sign Hamilton.