Article: Hey Joe, What's Next?

[ThejacKmp]

 

I am hoping the 2018 World Series ring is what helps push him over the edge.

 

And that World Series MVP.

[ThejacKmp]

 

It won't surprise me at all if Mauer signs with another team if, a) he feels another team with interest in him offers a better shot at getting him a WS ring, he believes he'd have a meaningful role on that team, and c) the money is good.

 

I don't believe sentiment will play a role, either on the part of the Twins FO offering him an opportunity to return OR on his part. Both parties will do what makes the most business sense for them. 

 

He'll retire when he's no longer enjoying going to the ballpark.

 

I think many overestimate the importance, to him, of remaining with the Twins. I also suspect he's well aware of the disdain that a vocal portion of the Twins fan base holds him in. All in all, he won't hesitate for a moment to sign elsewhere if he feels it's in his best business interest to do so.

 

Disagree wholeheartedly.

 

1.) What team offers PT and a better chance at a ring? Not a lot of contenders looking for a first baseman who doesn't have pop and is more of a defense/intangibles guy.

 

2.) Joe does have kids and is settled in MN/FL. That's why I think the only place he would consider going is Tampa. He has a house near there and his kids aren't in school yet. But is Tampa a better spot than the Twins? Assuming the Twins make an offer, it's hard to see Tampa being the team that trumps that or the Rays being a better contender than the Twins.

 

3.) Joe grew up a Twins fan and has a chance to be a lifelong Twin with his number retired, in the HOF and in the argument for best Twin of all time. I think that means more than you'd think. Plus his family and his wife's family is in the cities, it's hard to move away from that. Joe's a big family guy.

 

4.) The only thing I could see changing it would be if the new Twins management starts wanting to push him out. Joe's not going to take crap at this point. That could happen but I think there's not a strong reason for it to happen (assuming he doesn't fall off big time next year). He's not going to cost much and he has a skill the Twins need at a position (LH 1B) that they don't have other options (Rooker can play elsewhere, Sano can play DH if 3B isn't working, no big prospects coming, hard to see the Twins signing a free agent 1B). Plus, he still puts butts in seats and jerseys on backs. The intangibles of fan love are not going to bigger anywhere else than MN.

 

I think the front office won't want to piss off the larger section of the fan base that loves Joe, especially since there's likely not a good baseball reason to do so until 2021.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Tell the co-worker you sit closest to to go out on top tomorrow. They will probably look at you like what the??

My point is that Joe will go to work as long as he still likes going to work everyday. If that means he goes to another team then he will do that. If he doesn't really feel like going through the grind anymore, he will hang up the cleats. It's really doesn't matter what we think.

 

1.) No one cares about legacy in 99% of professions. There isn't a correlation to most other professions (maybe acting and politics?)

 

2.) I don't have enough money for me and my kids to never work again. Going out on top isn't an option, I go out when the ticker fails.

[HitInAPinch]

I don't see the Twins releasing Joe.  Remember, it was on upper management's orders that Molitor gave Joe more rest.  Seemed to workout OK.  

 

And I just don't see Joe wanting to play for any other team. 

 

[Twodogs]

 

 

 

2.) I don't have enough money for me and my kids to never work again. Going out on top isn't an option, I go out when the ticker fails.

 

Sorry, I feel for ya.

 

I'm going to go out when I'm ready.  

Edited January 11, 2018 by Twodogs

[ThejacKmp]

 

Sorry, I feel for ya.

 

I'm going to go out when I'm ready.  

 

Ha. Looking back that was a little morbid. But yeah, everyday people don't think about their legacy with their job that much. They do their best day-to-day. Athletes, actors and politicians think legacy.

[kab21]

I see two paths for Joe

a) he comes back on a legacy yearly contract similar to Dirk (let's say 7-10M) and fills the role of part time 1B/DH and bench bat.

 

b-) he retires because his body is all beat up and he has enough money

 

I think people are getting ahead of themselves with Rooker. He had a great 40 games at High A but I wouldn't pencil him into any lineups in any year. He still needs to show that he can hit upper minors before we talk about him replacing anyone. Good prospect but let's see how this season goes.

Edited January 11, 2018 by kab21

[Twodogs]

 

Ha. Looking back that was a little morbid. But yeah, everyday people don't think about their legacy with their job that much. They do their best day-to-day. Athletes, actors and politicians think legacy.

I hear your sentiment.  I was just saying lets forget about legacy and money for a second.  Some guys like to play the game.  If Joe likes playing the game he will stick around, and I don't think money will be a big factor.  If he doesn't enjoy playing anymore he will be gone because he doesn't need the money. 

 

I see it all the time in different fields of work.  There are lots of people that work past retirement and they have plenty of money to live off of, but they just like doing what they do so they keep doing it??

[gocgo]

I'll lob this grenade into the mix.  What if Mauer has an incredible 2018?  .330 and 20+ dingers....along with a solid first base.  He wants to stay in Minnesota for obvious reasons.  Retiring after a year like that isn't likely.  What do the Twins do then?

[ashbury]

I'll lob this grenade into the mix.  What if Mauer has an incredible 2018?  .330 and 20+ dingers....along with a solid first base.  He wants to stay in Minnesota for obvious reasons.  Retiring after a year like that isn't likely.  What do the Twins do then?

Sign him for two more years at something around or above $10M/per. Sometimes events force a team's hand. Public relations can't be ignored.

[kab21]

 

I'll lob this grenade into the mix.  What if Mauer has an incredible 2018?  .330 and 20+ dingers....along with a solid first base.  He wants to stay in Minnesota for obvious reasons.  Retiring after a year like that isn't likely.  What do the Twins do then?

This isn't a grenade. The Twins only have one above average player to play 1B/DH in 2019 and he is currently the starting 3B. 

If Mauer has the season that you suggest as a grenade then you first -  party like it is 2009 and second - bring him back on a modest deal if he is interested

[Mr. Brooks]

I'll lob this grenade into the mix. What if Mauer has an incredible 2018? .330 and 20+ dingers....along with a solid first base. He wants to stay in Minnesota for obvious reasons. Retiring after a year like that isn't likely. What do the Twins do then?

That would be his 2nd best season, by a mile, at age 34.

Aside from a steroid guy, has that ever happened?

Just not realistic, IMO.

Edited January 12, 2018 by Mr. Brooks