The 'V' in 'MVP' Stands For 'Very Big Contract'

Joe Mauer was the clear cut choice for 2009 American League Most Valuable Player, but, according to Sports Illustrated's Ted Keith, you’ll really see that “value” shine when Mauer attempts to get a new contract after the 2010 season:

Just how valuable Mauer is has yet to be adequately quantified, and it won’t be until his next contract is signed, which figures to be the central theme surrounding his 2010 season as he defends his AL MVP award and the Twins defend the AL Central title they won due mostly to Mauer’s brilliance. But there is no question that no player, not even St. Louis’ Albert Pujols, who figures to join Mauer as an ‘09 MVP on Tuesday, or the Yankees’ Derek Jeter, who finished third to Mauer in the AL voting, is as beloved by his city’s fans as Mauer is and as significant to his team’s success.

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It also means that Mauer is in for a sizable raise over the $12.5 million that he’ll make next season. The Twins will need to balance their desire to keep Mauer with their desire to field a competitive team, which is far easier said than done. They can’t tie up too substantial a portion of their payroll in one player without limiting their flexibility to make other moves, and yet they can’t simply let Mauer go without putting up a fight.

Twins fans everywhere are praying that once it’s time for Mauer to sign a contract, he takes a hometown discount to stay in Minnesota. Red Sox and Yankees fans, though, are praying he’s greedy and wants money, money, money. No matter what happens, Mauer is likely to be one of baseball's best for years to come.