Joe Mauer

Not a free agent until after 2010, Joe Mauer will be on the 2010 Twins team pending an unlikely trade scenario. He has expressed interest in staying on his hometown team but you never know what will happen. If he makes it to free agency, he could end up being one of the highest paid players ever, and in order for the Twins to retain him, he would need to be willing to take a huge hometown discount. What teams should be interested in acquiring him? Pretty much everyone except the Braves, Phillies, Cardinals, Orioles and perhaps the Rays, who all have great young catchers. Now, what teams will be able to afford him? Thats a whole new story. My guess as well as many other's, would be the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, and Twins pending a home town discount. The Mets can afford it, but they should probably stick with Schneider and pour their money into the outfield and perhaps some pitching. The Yankees will most likely be players if he hits FA, and the Sox will need to do everything they can to keep him out of NY. Not only could they use him to bolster their own lineup, but he would be a great thorn in their side if he signs with the Yankees. The Sox could make Youkilis their third baseman, move martinez to first, and let one of the games best young players fill the catcher position.