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March 21, 2010: a date that will forever be considered one of the most important in Minnesota Twins history.

A time in the baseball calendar that is generally reserved for spring training updates and fantasy buzz was dominated by the news that Joe Mauer and his hometown Twins had agreed on an 8-year, $184M contract.

Just add one more layer to a season already full of history, even though it isn't even under way yet.

Too many articles talked about Joe Mauer heading to free agency after this season and signing with the Yankees. That was never going to happen because of Mauer's native roots and his homegrown status of being a Twins first-round draft choice and first pick overall.*

Last Sunday the Minnesota Twins all but assured that Joe Mauer will be wearing a Twins cap into the Hall of Fame by signing their star to a eight-year 184 million dollar contract extension.

Thank God, because seeing the St. Paul native in pinstripes might have been too much for me to handle.

Mauer’s deal is a huge commitment for the small market and thrifty Twins organization, but it shows that they, unlike many small market clubs, have their priorities straight.

What I’m Reading

• Tune in tonight at 7 for our unnecessarily extended sappy special, “Not Officially, But Close: The John Smoltz Retirement Story.” Sounds like a romantic-comedy.

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Garrett Jones is leading the team in at bats this spring, but still is not getting the hits he would like. He is not discouraged, but remains focused on preparing for the long season ahead.

"Numbers wise, its not going well," Jones said prior to a recent game in Bradenton, Florida. "But overall, I'm trying to get my swing down. Physically, I'm feeling great. I'm just getting ready for the season."

Everyone knew J.J. Hardy would be traded from the Brewers after the 2009 season. Most felt his departure would bring the Brewers a starting pitcher to compete for a spot in the rotation in 2010.

No one expected a trade for a center fielder—especially when Mike Cameron said he was willing to sign for less than market value to remain in Milwaukee. GM Doug Melvin decided it was time for the team to move on, and he pulled the trigger on the deal to bring Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee.

On Wednesday, the Giants inked reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year, $9.5 million extension, according to USA Today baseball writer Bob Nightengale .

On paper, it makes sense.

Once again the baseball season is upon us.

With the steroid era still looming over the league, players and fans try to move on and look toward the future.

Last year we saw the Yankees come back into Championship form winning their 27th title.

Will they repeat or will some dark horse win the race?

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On an everyday basis during the baseball season, the Yankees make me believe in things. They make me feel strong. Whether it is crushing a 400 foot home run or throwing a 99 mph fastball, it’s almost as if the Bronx Bombers possess powers and abilities beyond those of mortal men.

Simply put, the Yankees are my superheroes.

Then I got to thinking: if the Yankees were superheroes, which ones would they be? I put together a list of Bombers who represent comic book heroes. I tried to match each hero to a Yankee in accordance to their attributes and personality.

With less than two weeks until opening day, most the roster is set. However, a few position battles will likely go down to the final week.

As everyone knows, spring training stats are an awful indicator of future performance and are written off as useless for most players. But don’t tell that to guys like Brooks Conrad and Joe Thurston who are playing their tails off trying to be the last position player on the roster.

Since most of the roster is set, I won’t go into detail about why Tommy Hanson will be in the rotation or Chipper Jones will start at third base.