Quote of the Day: Joe Mauer's Potential Departure Has Twins Fans "Mortified"

Mortified:

"'I tell people that it's possible he could leave as a free agent after the year," former Twins catcher Tim Laudner says, "And they look mortified. It just shows how Minnesotans are so different. They're so protective of their teams. I mean, look at what they did to embrace (Brett Favre ). People would go crazy here if Mauer ever left, especially with the new stadium."

Lemme ask you this: How many players are there right now who would elicit a "mortified" look from the hometown fans just at the mere discussion of leaving as a free agent? The discussion has to begin with Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter, but both of those guys have been around since the mid '90s and have a true legacy with the Yankees.

Mauer, on the other hand, only burst onto the scene in 2004 and is just 26 years old. It's remarkable how quickly Twins fans have taken to Mauer, not just because he is a hometown boy, but because he's one of the top players in baseball.

We've seen great baseball towns have their hearts ripped out before by players, but I'm very, very doubtful that Mauer will leave the Twins. Simply put, the love affair is too strong, and if the money is good (which it will be), then I see no reason why Mauer would want to leave.