Red Sox should take measured approach for ’10

Q: Do you think that in the end, Joe Mauer will stay with the Twins, or seek the biggest contract he can find elsewhere?
— Tina Baldwin, Minneapolis

A: Call me naïve or crazy, but I do think Mauer will stay put with his next contract. A couple of factors are in play here.

One, the Twins move into the Target Center next season will mean bigger revenue streams. That in turn will translate into being able to considerably expand the payroll.

The 2009 figure was $65 million, and it was as high as $71 million in 2007. That could jump to the $80-million range in 2010, and perhaps $90 million in the very near future.

Now, if Mauer really wants to strike it rich, he probably will be able to get $22-25 million a year from the Yankees (and perhaps the Red Sox) over seven-eight years.

But before Mauer reaches free agency after the 2010 season, the Twins will make an extension offer — likely soon.

And if anybody is going to take a hometown discount — especially when that ‘discounted’ deal likely will be in the $100-million range — who better than the local kid from St. Paul, who often has said he likes it right where he is?

We’ll see what happens, and where the market goes this winter. But I’m thinking that if the Twins make Mauer one of the top 10-paid players in the game, he’ll stay with his hometown team.

Q: It would be sad if the Rays’ window to contend already has closed, but with their financial situation, you have to wonder if they already are finished as a regular contender. What do you think?
— Randy Barton, St. Petersburg, Fla.

A: I think the two biggest reasons why you ask this question have nothing to do with the Rays. And by that I mean the Yankees and Red Sox.

Put the Rays in any other division, and their financial situation wouldn’t be as big an issue as it is now. It’s not a good situation; that’s for certain. But competing against the two richest franchises in the game makes it that much more difficult.

They do a lot of things right in Tampa/St. Pete. They took advantage of their high draft positions, developed quality talent without rushing it to the big leagues, made some good trades and signings, and have one of the best managers in the game.

However, going forward, they won’t have the benefit of those very-high first-round picks, and the stadium issue apparently is going to remain for awhile. They absolutely need to be able to keep their payroll in the $60-million range, which is where it was this season (and that was only 22nd in the majors).

Among their key players, they likely will have to deal Carl Crawford at some point before the July 31 trade deadline (or keep him, and get draft picks when he leaves through free agency next winter).

Carlos Pena also can become a free agent after the 2010 season. But Evan Longoria (2016), James Shields (2014) and David Price (2012) can be under the Rays’ control for quite awhile.

Bottom line, I’d have to say they aren’t likely to remain a regular contender in the AL East. They’ll have to settle for the occasional challenge when everything falls into place.

Q: Do you think it made any sense for the Mariners to bring back Ken Griffey Jr.?
— Jon Walker, Issaquah, Wash.

A: In a word, absolutely. This may sound a bit weird considering we’re talking about a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but at this point, Griffey’s most-valuable contribution may come off the field.

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

By all accounts, he was a totally positive and uniting force in rookie manager Don Wakamatsu’s clubhouse, bringing about a dramatic change from 2008, when all the problems between Ichiro Suzuki and some teammates surfaced.

Griffey also has been gracious and humble, even thankful for the opportunity for this swan song of sorts with his first team. So what better ambassador could there be for Mariners baseball?

As for on the field, granted, the batting average (.214) was way too low. But he did provide some power with 19 homers and 57 RBI, drew a team-high 63 walks, and you know teams still respect him as a threat.

And the money ($2 million guaranteed) certainly is reasonable. Could the Mariners find a better full-time DH — and have to pay him much more? Yes.

But Griffey’s total package makes him a nice investment for the Mariners, and his place on the roster certainly isn’t going to prevent the M’s from winning an AL West division title.

Also on NBCSports.com NHL: Devils outs Rangers, reach Stanley Cup finals  |  Highlights NBA: Why the Celtics will beat the 76ers in Game 7   PFT Live: Will Teblow push Sanchez, or take the QB's job?   French Open: Isner is the dark horse in Paris   Indy 500: Will Franchitti break tradition if he wins third title? Follow us on Twitter: @NBCSports  |  And Facebook