Mauer to appear on MLB Network

AL MVP sits down with Verducci to discuss his career

• Comments
• print this page
• e-mail this page
• post on facebook

By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com

02/08/10 7:56 AM EST

MINNEAPOLIS -- Joe Mauer's contract status has drawn the attention of the entire baseball world, as the catcher gets ready to enter the final season of his four-year deal with the Twins.

But while Twins fans and others wait to see if negotiations between Mauer and the Twins will result in a long-term contract extension to keep him in Minnesota, the catcher will find himself in the spotlight once again on Monday night. This time the focus will not be on his future, but all that the 26-year-old has already accomplished in his young career, including winning the 2009 American League Most Valuable Player Award.

Mauer's incredible career thus far and his tremendous '09 season will be examined in the profile, "2009 AL MVP presented by MLB 10: The Show," which will air on MLB Network on Monday night at 9 p.m. ET/8 CT.

Tom Verducci sat down to interview Mauer just before the 2010 Baseball Writers Association of America dinner in New York City last month. The two discussed Mauer's childhood growing up in St. Paul, his tremendous rise from being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 Draft to now being considered among the best players currently in the game, and, of course, his MVP-worthy season in 2009.

The interview doesn't delve into Mauer's contract talks with the Twins, but Verducci does ask the catcher what he believes is the best part about playing for his hometown team.

"Everything," Mauer said. "Putting on that jersey that I rooted for my whole life. My grandparents at every home game. I think they've missed a total of six in the last six years. That's a lot of ballgames. Just to have your family, friends, coaches and teammates you grew up with coming to the games and the support that you have from your family and your friends is great."

In addition to Verducci's interview with Mauer, the show will also feature interviews with Mauer's parents as well as his coach and teammates from Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul.

Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.