American Idol

The Twins' hometown kid is staying anchored to home.

All-Star catcher Joe Mauer and Minnesota completed an eight-year, $184 million deal, a contract which will inevitably be hailed within baseball as an example that teams like the Twins do have a chance to keep their homegrown talent.

The deal, which includes a full no-trade clause, ranks in scope with only Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million contract and Derek Jeter's 10-year, $189 million contract.

Mauer is generally regarded as the American League's best player and may be baseball's most coveted player, given his unique set of skills. Mauer, who turns 27 next month, already has won three batting titles and two Gold Glove Awards, and last year, he began to hit for power, posting a 1.031 OPS.

It took a realization on all sides that Joe Mauer had to be a Twin, forever and ever to make this extension happen. If Mauer had become a free agent in the fall, he probably would have been the most coveted free agent since Rodriguez reached free agency after the 2000 season. With the use of total free-agent leverage, Mauer might have commanded a deal for something in the range of $250 million in the fall.

But all along, Mauer -- taken by the Twins' No. 1 overall in the same year that Mark Prior was eligible for the draft -- indicated a desire to remain with the Twins in his hometown of St. Paul surrounded by family and friends. It appears that he will play his entire career for the Twins.

The above was summarized from an ESPN Magazine article. I just wanted to come clean about my growing obsession with this little cutie. What a good guy he is!!! Who couldn't love a nice young guy who choose loyalty over making a few extra million bucks. He'll be making $184 million vs. a possible $250 million had he tested the free agent market. For once, someone with some sense realizes that $184 million is plenty of money to live a pretty descend life.

He grew up in Minnesota, was drafed by the Twins, and will play his whole career as a Twin. What a story!! In today's day and age of free agents and following the money, he is a breath of fresh air. I've heard nothing but good things about him and he's an athlete that you can actually have your kids look up to. Not to mention he's my #1 player on my Fantasy Team!!!