Yankees Fear Mauer Extension Could Prevent Him From Playing For Yankees

Written by Andy | 22 March 2010

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Yankee front office personnel are concerned that by signing an 8-year contract extension with the Minnesota Twins, Joe Mauer could be prevented from playing for the Yankees next season. Mauer was set to become a free agent, but by re-signing with his current team, the Yankees fear it means he may be off the market.

"I was shocked when I heard the news," said Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. "It's a daring move and I tip my hat to the Twins organization. It seems they are going to make it really hard for us to sign Joe Mauer."

Cashman admits he can't recall a small market team ever re-signing a potential free agent.

"Since I've been in this position, I'm unaware of any free agent signing with a small market team. Well, average, no-name players yes, but certainly not All-Star, MVP-type players. But I guess I don't usually pay much attention to what small market teams are doing."

Mauer's extension with the Twins is just a small hurdle says Cashman, and he vows to do whatever it takes to have him wearing pinstripes next season.

"I'm gonna do all I can to have Joe Mauer in a Yankee uniform. I'll use every trick in my book, which is basically just offering more money than any sane person would to play baseball for the renowned Yankees organization. It's worked in the past, so I figure it'll probably work this time too."

Mauer signs $184 million extension with Twins (Yahoo! Sports)
Twins Give Mauer Millions, For Real This Time (Around the Majors)