Subtraction by Addition?

Rumors continue to swirl about a Mauer deal in the works, with both sides inching ever closer to a long term deal. WCCO's Mark Rosen, aka Joe Mauer's real father, has stated for months now that a 10 year deal is in the works. But only recently has WCCO actually gone with that as a story. The report was immediately scoffed at by ESPN's Buster Olney, and Joe Christiansen of the Star Tribune, them citing their own sources to the contrary.

Rewind to this past summer:

Rosen was among the first to actually accurately report the Favre agreement. A report that was blasted by the national media who failed to get it right, time after time, only to have Rosen proven right a short time later.

Whether a deal is done or not, the two sides have been talking.

The recent Thome signing and current Orlando Hudson speculation leads me to think the Twins are taking a Subtraction by addition approach. Subtracting the, no doubt, enormous Mauer asking price, by adding talent in other areas.

When asked if he wanted to stay at home in MN, or Win, Mauer answered with a question of his own: "Why can't we do both"

I think the Twins are wisely bringing in talent, realizing that a supporting cast, is just as important as a deep wallet when it comes to signing Mauer and securing the fan base for years to come.