Why would they cut Joe Mauer? I know that are struggling and probably want to start over, but why not try to trade him instead of just cutting him? Man, it just keeps getting worse. I would've thought you could get a couple good players for the best hitter in the league.

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [August 29 at 7:17am CST]

The Twins placed Joe Mauer on revocable waivers, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. The Red Sox, who recently freed themselves of more than $260MM in future salary obligations, have long-standing interest in the catcher, Rosenthal reports. Mauer has approximately $142MM remaining on his contract through 2018.

Teams routinely place their players on waivers, so this isn’t an indication the Twins are looking to move Mauer. They recently placed Justin Morneau on waivers but declined to let him go when he was claimed. If Mauer goes unclaimed, the Twins will be able to complete a trade just as easily as they could have before the current waiver period began at the beginning of August.

If a team claims Mauer, the Twins will have three choices. They can let him (and his contract) go to the claiming team, they can complete a trade with the claiming team, or they can pull him back off of waivers. American League teams will have claiming priority on Mauer, whose waivers expire at 12pm CDT today.

Mauer's record-setting eight-year, $184MM extension assures him of a $23MM annual salary through 2018. The 29-year-old has a .309/.403/.425 batting line with as many walks as strikeouts (70) in 522 plate appearances this year.

The three teams American League teams with waiver priority over the Red Sox have young catching of their own and payrolls that rank among the lowest in the sport. It would be a surprise if the Blue Jays (J.P. Arencibia, Travis d'Arnaud), Royals (Salvador Perez) or Indians (Carlos Santana) submitted a claim on Mauer.

Mauer has a no trade clause, so unless he OK's a trade it ain't happening. My voices in my head sources are telling me that management is trying to send a message to the team that even though the season is over don't mail it in.

Just a a few days removed from trading Denard Span, more big news as the Twins trade Ben Revere for two pitchers (Worley and May)from Philly - a team known for great pitching with the likes of Lee H. Oswalt, Cliff Lee, and Billy Halladay. Worley had 11 wins last year but most impressive are his goggles. I think anytime a pitcher can look like Wild Thing, it's a good thing - (just a little bit outside...)

Revere and Span were fan favorites so the upcoming season will be interesting, especially attendance figures, as the Twins rebuild. Parmalee in right and Willlingham in left will make for some interesting defense. CF will be a three way race. M & M boys are set but 3B, SS, and 2B are also up for grabs, especially with Alice Casilla now with the O's. How the M & M boys fit into the equation will be interesting as they seem like the odd men out. Expect one or both to be down the road come July.

Exciting times ahead for those Twins fans sick of poor pitching and those that like watching a young team grow. But I think the person who is most excited today is Gardy, as the pressure to win is now gone. He just got another couple three year extension.

Pitchers and catchers report to camp today. The pitching staff should be fun to watch this year with all the former NL guys as they typically fall flat going from the NL to the AL. Hopefully the Twins can produce enough runs to keep the games close. Can't wait to see who will be the opening day starter!

OPENING DAY! - How exciting. Might need a roster to keep the pitchers straight. Goggles Pizano was anointed the ace and gets the start today. Hopefully he throws some chin music and then wipes off his goggles like it's the goggles fault.

Floriman and Dozier at SS and second should be fun to watch. Hicks in center should be fun too. Keep in mind this year is prelude to next year so enjoy watching some of the young guys mature. Should be interesting what the starting rotation looks like June 1st.