It is 2010, and the Twins are at it again. Although they were able to lock up Joe Maurer to a long-term deal, the Twins have had a hefty number of departs over the years. It even seems like former ace Johan Santana never played in Minnesota. But it is in the middle of May 2010, and the Twins are at the top of the Central Division. It will never stop amazing baseball fans how the Twins get it done. Fans always seem to associate the Athletics with being able to build up a farm system and win, partially due to the book “Money Ball”.

But the Twins are a team that should not be overlooked in this regard at all. With a limited amount of payroll and resources, they continue to find a way to win. Too bad the Yankees spend more money on their infield than the Twins do on their entire time, because if that wasn’t the case, maybe the Twins would be able to go further. The season is still early, but the Twins look like how they do every year. They are ready to contend, but the lack of money will probably not allow them to.

by David at the Sports Fan Blog Network

If you are a Minnesota Twins fan these days, you ought to be pretty happy. Nearly everything you could have hoped for going into the season has happened. The new Target Field has gotten rave reviews, the club locked up hometown hero Joe Mauer to a long term deal, and the Twins are off to one of the best starts in baseball. All of the worry about Joe Nathan’s season ending elbow injury has seem to simmer for now, as Jon Rauch has been fantastic thus far in Nathan’s absence. Rauch has only given up 1 earned run and walked only 1 batter in 6 appearances thus far. If Rauch does begin to struggle as the games get more important into the summer, it seems as if the Twins are willing and able to spend money and go out and acquire a proven closer to finish off games for them. Usually in the bottom thrid in terms of payroll, this years Twins opened the season with a payroll approaching 100million dollars, putting them up there with typically big spending teams like the Giants, Mariners, and Dodgers.

While the Twins fast start has to have fans excited, prehaps the biggest and best news surrounding the Twins in recent weeks was the 8 year, $185 million dollar extension that Minnesota native Joe Mauer signed just before the season. As soon as Mauer signed the dotted line, you have to think that big market teams like the Yankees and Red Sox let out a collective scream, as they anxiously awaited Mauer hitting the open market. The fact is, Mauer remaining with the Twins, the team he grew up cheering for, is good for baseball. While he still got big time money, he certainly took at least a little bit of a hometown discount. Had he left the Twin Cities, where he is by far the most popular athlete, it would have been a crushing blow to the Twins franchise, especially as they try to sell seats and luxury boxes in their new stadium. Keeping Mauer ensures that the fans will remain happy and more than likely, that the team will remain contenders in the American League.

by Josh Weiner at the Sports Fan Blog Network

The 26-year-old entered Wednesday’s contest against the Rangers, batting an American League-leading .383 with 25 homers and 77 RBIs. His 1.101 OPS ranks second in the Majors, behind only Albert Pujols (1.117) and Mauer’s .653 slugging percentage is also second to Pujols’ .676 mark.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Mauer is one of five American League players to have at least 25 home runs and at least a .380 batting average this late in the season. The others were Ted Williams (1941 and 1957), Joe DiMaggio (1939), Lou Gehrig (1930 and 1936) and Babe Ruth (1931).


Click here to read the full article – By Kelly Thesier of MLB.com

Minnesota Twins Sports Memorabilia
and other Minnesota Twins Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for Joe Mauer.

Joe Mauer has found his home run swing this year, connecting for a career-high 15 already with the season but half over. That swing served him well at the State Farm Home Run Derby on Monday night, but not well enough to keep that Derby trophy sitting in Minneapolis.

Click here to read the full article – By Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com

Minnesota Twins Sports Memorabilia
and other Minnesota Twins Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for Joe Mauer.

Both Morneau and Joe Mauer were named to their third All-Star Game on Sunday, and Morneau has taken part in the Home Run Derby in each of his first two trips to the Midsummer Classic. However, when asked about the Derby on Sunday, Morneau said that he’s leaning toward skipping this year’s event to give himself a little more rest.

Click here to read the full article – By Kelly Thesier of MLB.com

Minnesota Twins Sports Memorabilia
and other Minnesota Twins Gifts and Collectibles
Below are links to memorabilia available for Joe Mauer.