Did Mauer play today?(in relation to impact on the game) Before anyone feels they have to rationalize his contract/performance, I now they are stuck with his contract but what is so obvious about the FO is their committment for really improving the starting pitching. They would have been better off trying to get one quality starter based on track records then add in their prospects. Its almost like they knew the natives were getting restless with 3 90+ loss seasons so he they tried to get a three for deal and proudly told us how much they invested in the off-season when in reality their combined salaries woul d be half of a top pitcher. The result is our era for our starting staff.