Mauer signing looks like bad move

At what point can we conclude that signing Joe Mauer for the amount he got the beginning of last season — eight years, $23 million per year — was a bad move? Well, I think I'm there right now.

To make the kind of money Mauer is, you must be at least three of five things: an RBI machine, a defensive gem, a leader in the clubhouse, durable, and a fan favorite.

Well, since signing for that price in March of 2010, Mauer has proceeded to be one of those things. He’s a really good catcher. That is, when he’s healthy enough to play the position.

Mauer played in 137 games last year (162-game regular season), and has played in 70 of 130 games this season. Injuries have significantly gotten in his way both years. He drove in 75 runs in 2010 (hitting nine home runs) and has driven in 25 in 2011 (one homer). One-hundred RBIs is considered the benchmark for an RBI stud. Mauer has never driven in that many runs in a season. His high is 96, in 2009, when he also hit a career-high 28 home runs. His next highest home-run total is 13, in 2006.

So, Mauer is not a great RBI guy, and he’s not durable. As for being a leader in the clubhouse, it’s tough to be that guy when you’re sidelined as much as he is. And as far as fan-favorite status, that is quickly eroding, too, even with his St. Paul roots. When you’re not on the field, there’s not much to cheer for. And when you’re not producing when you are out there, there’s even less.

So, $23 million per year, for eight years? Unless he figures out a way to stay on the field, and starts hitting some long balls, it looks like an awful move for the Twins.

— Pat Ruff