New York Yankees Need to Do Whatever It Takes to Get Joe Mauer in Pinstripes
November 16, 2012 · John Nizinski · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
It is not even a month into the MLB offseason, and we have already seen moves being made.
The Detroit Tigers signed veteran outfielder Torii Hunter to a two-year, $26 million deal.
Hunter is in the twilight of his career but is still producing. He had a career-high last season in batting average (.313) and hit 16 HRs, while driving in 92 runs.
The bigger news this offseason was the blockbuster trade that sent Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and others from the Miami Marlins to the Toronto Blue Jays.
This deal could definitely change the balance of power in the American League and more specifically the American League East.
This could also force Yankee GM Brian Cashman’s hand to make a blockbuster move of his own.
There are several options that the Yankees can look to in order to “keep up with the Jays.”
Josh Hamilton is a free agent, and Justin Upton is most likely available.
However, Hamilton is looking for a contract in the seven-year, $175 million range, which might be too much of a risk for the Yankees, especially with Hamilton’s history and if the $189 million payroll aspirations are for real.
Justin Upton is a young star on the rise and would give the Yankees the youth they need. He could be a player they can stick in the middle of their lineup and in the outfield for the next 10 years.
But, the Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly looking for a shortstop and probably an arm and a leg to go along with it. The Yankees might not have what the Diamondbacks are looking for.
With the Yankees in need of a catcher, if they do not bring Russell Martin back, the perfect fit is Joe Mauer.
In 2010, Mauer signed an eight-year, $184 million extension with the Minnesota Twins. However, the Twins placed Mauer on waivers last August.
While the Twins didn’t comment on this move, it most likely shows that they are willing to trade their franchise catcher.
The Yankees should be on the phones trying to work on a deal that brings Mauer to the Bronx.
The Yankees have a plentiful of young catching prospects that they could throw in a deal to the Twins, who are most likely looking to rebuild.
Mauer hit .319 with 174 hits, 10 HRs and 85 RBI last season. Over the last five seasons, Mauer has averaged a .329 BA, with 12 HRs and 74 RBI.
With only two of the Yankees’ starters batting over .300, the Yankees can undeniably use another consistent hitter.
Not to mention, Mauer has been pretty good in his short sample size in the playoffs.
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