New York Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner bare-hands the ball on the bounce to prevent Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer from getting an extra base on his double in the fifth inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York July 12, 2013. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees batter Robinson Cano (C) reacts to the driving rain in front of Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer (R) as he tries to bat against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Yankee Stadium in New York July 12, 2013. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL ENVIRONMENT) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer hits an RBI single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning of their MLB American League baseball game in Toronto, July 6, 2013. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer tags out New York Yankees Luis Cruz at home during the sixth inning of their American League MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, July 4, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer watches a pop fly by teammate Oswaldo Arcia that breaks his bat during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game against the New York Yankees in Minneapolis, July 4, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees right fielder Ichiro Suzuki follows through with his throw after fielding a hit by Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer during the third inning of their American League MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, July 2, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Mets left fielder Mike Baxter (23) is unable to catch a hit by Minnesota Twins Josh Willingham that scores Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer during the ninth inning of their Interleague MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, April 13, 2013. New York won 4-2. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey throws against Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the first inning of their Interleague MLB baseball game in Minneapolis April 13, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins base runner Joe Mauer is congratulated by Trevor Plouffe (R) after scoring on a Ryan Doumit single in the first inning of the Kansas City Royals' home opener MLB American League baseball game in Kansas City, Missouri April 8, 2013. REUTERS/Dave Kaup (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer singles against Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ervin Santana during the first inning of the Royals' home opener MLB American League baseball game in Kansas City, Missouri April 8, 2013. REUTERS/Dave Kaup (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nate McLouth makes a diving catch for the second out in the first inning against Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during their MLB American League baseball game in Baltimore, Maryland April 5, 2013. REUTERS/Doug Kapustin (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Puerto Rico's Angel Pagan (L) reaches for the plate, scoring the run driven in by Mike Aviles, as U.S. catcher Joe Mauer (R) watches during the first inning of their 2013 World Baseball Classic game at Marlins Stadium in Miami, Florida, March 15, 2013. REUTERS/Andrew Innerarity (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Aaron Laffey tags out Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer (L) after fielding a ground ball during the first inning of their MLB American League baseball game in Toronto October 1, 2012. REUTERS/Mike Cassese (CANADA - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia throws against MInnesota Twins Joe Mauer during the eighth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, September 26, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia throws a pitch that strikes out Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the fourth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, September 26, 2012. Sabathia struck out the side. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer watches his RBI single that scores Twins Denard Span for the eventual game-winning run off New York Yankees pitcher Boone Logan during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis September 25, 2012. Minnesota won 5-4. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees pitcher Boone Logan wipes his face after he gives up an RBI single to Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, September 25, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Baltimore Orioles Chris Davis scores safely after Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer misses the ball on a throwing error by Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, July 19, 2012. Baltimore won 4-3. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Baltimore Orioles Adam Jones tosses his bat after striking out to Minnesota Twins pitcher Jared Burton as Twins catcher Joe Mauer celebrates the end of their American League MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, July 17, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer speaks with Baltimore Orioles Jim Thome before Thome bats in the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game in Minneapolis, July 17, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer hits a single to center field off Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman that scores teammate Ben Revere during the first inning of their MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, July 16, 2012. Minnesota scored seven runs in the inning. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

American League All-Star Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins shakes hands with retired Kansas City Royals groundskeeper George Toma (R) before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Home Run Derby in Kansas City, Missouri, July 9, 2012. REUTERS/Dave Kaup (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Joe Blanton throws against Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the ninth inning of their interleague MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis June 14, 2012. Philadelphia won 6-1. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Michael Martinez (top) tries to tag out Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer after he advances safely to second on a wild pitch during the eighth inning of their interleague MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis June 14, 2012. Philadelphia won 6-1. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer (7) scores the eventual game-winning run ahead of a tag by Toronto Blue Jays' catcher J.P. Arencibia (in blue) on a hit by Twins' Ryan Doumit during the fifth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 13, 2012. Minnesota Twins won 4-3. Umpire Jeff Nelson watches the play. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins' Brian Dozier (R) is congratulated by Twins' on-deck batter Joe Mauer after he hits a solo homerun off Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Ricky Romero during the third inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 13, 2012. The hit was Dozier's first major league homerun. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer hits a single to left field off Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Drew Hutchison during the fourth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 12, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kyle Drabeck adjusts his cap after he walks Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 11, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer (background) watch the team's American League MLB baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis May 10, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Kelly Johnson forces out Minnesota Twins Brian Dozier before throwing to first to get out Twins Joe Mauer for a double play in the sixth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 10, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer smiles at Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols after Pujols hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 9, 2012. Los Angeles won 6-2. Pujols had two runs batted in. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels Albert Pujols (5) trips as he rounds second base in front of Minnesota Twins shortstop Brian Dozier (20), after he is hit in the back by the ball on a throw to second base by Twins Joe Mauer, during the third inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis May 9, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Hisanori Takahashi throws against Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer, the only batter he faces, during the eighth inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 8, 2012. Minnesota won 5-0. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins third baseman Danny Valencia (22) throws out Los Angeles batter Peter Bourjos after fielding a sacrifice bunt as Twins catcher Joe Mauer (7) watches during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, May 7, 2012. Los Angeles Angels won 8-3. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish (L) gives the ball to Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) as he leaves the game after walking Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer to load the bases during the sixth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 14, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish throws against Minnesota Twins batter Justin Morneau with Twins Joe Mauer (background) on first base during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 14, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Hisanori Takahashi leaves the field after giving up an infield single to Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer during the sixth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. Minnesota won 10-9. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer hits an infield single off Los Angeles Angels pitcher Hisanori Takahashi during the sixth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. Minnesota won 10-9. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer (7) is congratulated at home by teammate Justin Morneau after Mauer hit a three-run homerun off Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Dan Haren during the fifth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. Minnesota won 10-9. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau (33) is congratulated at home by teammate Joe Mauer (L) who was on base when Morneau hit a two-run homerun off Los Angeles Angels pitcher Rich Thompson during the eighth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. Minnesota won 10-9. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins second baseman Alexi Casilla (L) is pulled off the bag by a wide throw from Twins catcher Joe Mauer as Los Angeles Angels Maicer Izturis safely steals second base during the second inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano wipes his head with Twins catcher Joe Mauer and pitching coach Rick Anderson (R) as he gives up five runs to the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Dan Haren throws against Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 12, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins' Josh Willingham (16) is congratulated at home by his teammate Joe Mauer (L) who was on base as Willingham hit a two-run homerun against the Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jered Weaver during the fourth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis April 11, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins closing pitcher Matt Capps (55) celebrates with Twins catcher Joe Mauer after the Twins defeated the Los Angeles Angels for their first victory of the season in their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis April 11, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer speaks with reporters before the start of the Twins' American League MLB home opener baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field in Minneapolis April 9, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL HEADSHOT) 

Minnesota Twins' Joe Mauer (L) and Justin Morneau take batting practice before the start of the Twins' American League MLB home opener baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field in Minneapolis April 9, 2012. Los Angeles won 5-1. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) catches a throw to first base on a ball hit by Los Angeles Angels Peter Bourjos during the ninth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis April 9, 2012. Los Angeles Angels won 5-1. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer (R) is safe ahead of a tag by Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (L) as he steals second base on a wild pitch by Angels pitcher C.J. Wilson during the third inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis April 9, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson stretches his arms after giving up a single to Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the third inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis April 9, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher C.J. Wilson throws a pitch that strikes out Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, April 9, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy (L) forces out Minnesota Twins base runner Jamey Carroll at second base on the front end of a double play hit in to by Twins batter Joe Mauer in the first inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game in Baltimore, Maryland April 6, 2012. REUTERS/Joe Giza (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer (L) tags out Baltimore Orioles base runner Nick Markakis at home plate during the sixth inning of their MLB American League opening day baseball game in Baltimore, Maryland April 6, 2012. Umpire Tim Tschida is at far left. REUTERS/Joe Giza (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez watches his pop out to Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer during the fifth inning of their MLB American League baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez gets ready for Minnesota Twins batter Joe Mauer during the fifth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 21, 2011. New York won 3-0. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez pumps with the ball to first base around Minnesota Twins' Ben Revere (L) but does not throw on a hit by Twins Joe Mauer during the eighth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 21, 2011. New York won 3-0. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees' Curtis Granderson (L) slides safely around Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer's glove (R) as home plate umpire Ron Kulpa watches the play for an in-the-park homerun during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 21, 2011. The Yankees won 3-0. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees' Curtis Granderson prepares to slide safely around Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer (L) for an inside-the-park homerun during the seventh inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez throws his bat after he pops up to Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer with bases loaded to end the top half of the fifth inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 21, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL) 

New York Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher (33) plays a double by Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer off the wall during the first inning of their American League MLB baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis, August 20, 2011. REUTERS/Eric Miller (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)