For those who are not familiar with baseball, Joe Mauer is a catcher for the Minnesota Twins. He was born and raised in Saint Paul, MN, and has played for the Twins his entire career. He is a two time gold glove winner, three time batting champion and last year’s MVP. And he’s a catcher. Needless to say, he’s a fan favorite. Oh, and did I mention he looks like this:

He’s pretty popular with the lady fans as well. He will be a free agent at the end of the 2010 season and the Twins are definitely trying to get a new deal worked out with him, or face angry mobs of Minnesotans throwing beer bottles and lutefisk at the new stadium. Word is that Mauer wants to stay with the home team, but in case he is undecided I thought I’d write him a little letter.

Dear Joe,

I know you’re busy right now with Spring Training about to start, but I just wanted to drop a line and highlight a couple reasons why you should re-sign with the Twins.

1) The new stadium. You survived the Dome, and now you get to play here:

It would be a shame to leave after one year.

2) I hear they don’t give away free fishing lures at other ballparks.

3) You can search around, but you won’t find another manager that looks more like Santa Claus than Gardy. I promise.

4) Don’t make the Twins get rid of Joe Mauer sideburn night

As a side note, I’ve been to one of these promotions and it really is the most hilarious thing to see bald men and older women alike sporting fake side burns. My favorite, however, was the kid who put them on as giant eyebrows.

5) If you stay long enough, Prince will probably write a song for you.

6) I hear Minnesotans melt in warmer climates.

7) Sure, the top dogs can win, but when the underdogs win it’s even more exciting.

8 ) Tens of thousands of female fans wearing pink #7 shirts

9) I hear all the food at the new stadium will be on sticks.

10) If you stay, we’ll see what we can do to get Bert to circle you.

Please consider these reasons among the many others I’m sure you’re considering. My husband and I hope to see you at a game at the new ballpark sometime this summer.

Sincerely,

Nicole