Online wagering companies will see their odds on the Minnesota Twins influence by Joe Mauer for many years to come. The Twins signed the All-Star catcher to a huge eight-year, $184 million dollar deal. The Twins are considered a contender in the American League this season and they get definite respect from those making an online wager.
Online wagering companies list the Twins as about a 15-1 darkhorse contender to win the World Series this season. Mauer is considered one of the best players in the league and his contract reflects that. It includes a full no-trade clause and is in the range of the contract signed by Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.
Mauer has won three batting titles and two Gold Gloves in his career. The Twins had to lock up Mauer now because he would have become a free agent after this season. The question for the Twins will be how they can be competitive with a mid-range budget. They will be paying Mauer a huge amount of money and that means less for other players.
The Twins were 5th in the league in runs scored a year ago and that might surprise some who make an online wager. Minnesota scored a lot of runs and Mauer was right in the middle of it all. He anchors a lineup that includes Justin Morenau and Michael Cuddyer. The Twins can definitely match up with any team in the American League Central in terms of offense. Whether or not they can match up with pitching is what may determine if they win the division. It didn’t help their cause last week when they learned that All-Star closer Joe Nathan will miss the season. The American League Central is weak though so Minnesota has to be considered the favorite at online wagering companies until they are beaten.
The Twins were 87-76 last season including a very impressive 49-33 at home. The Twins may have to improve their road record which was not very good at 38-43. Even though the Twins scored a lot of runs, they actually went under the total 79 times last season. With Nathan hurt, those numbers could change in 2010. Another factor that might point to more runs being scored is the health of the team as now Justin Morneau is healthy and he is a great complement to Mauer in the lineup.