Mauer not interested in becoming game's highest paid player

Sporting News staff reports Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer is sure to set off a frenzied free-agent watch next season. He can leave Minnesota after 2010 for untold riches elsewhere. That doesn't mean Mauer is angling for baseball's version of a max deal. He tells The New York Times he's "not really" interested in becoming the highest-paid player in the game; his bigger priority is playing for a winner. "Just having the chance to win would be important to me," the potential AL MVP tells the Times. "I've put myself in a pretty good position that, wherever I end up, I think the pay's going be pretty nice." And that winner could still be his hometown Twins. He indicates he'd be interested in staying at home if the club commits to surrounding him with enough talent.