Not only does it keep Mauer away from the division ("Keep all those guys out of the East," Francona said) but the Sox skipper is pleased that the Twins could preserve the cornerstone of their franchise, even though he manages one of the few teams who could have afforded Mauer if he made it to the market.
"I think it's good for the game. I think it's really good for the game," Francona said Monday morning before examining some of the imbalances which afflict the game.
Mauer signing the fourth-largest contract in baseball history is a significant development for a small market team. If it levels the playing field a bit, that's a good thing, Francona said. But he is unsure if the options exist to make amends for payroll differences going forward.
"Unless you have a way to fix it, we're not the NFL where we have the national TV package. I don't know a way to fix it, I just don't," he said. "I guess I hope people that are smarter than me come up with ways. There is a big difference [in payrolls]."
Francona said that when he was managing the Phillies from 1997 to 2000 he cared more about the issue, but the city of Boston and the Red Sox ownership group have made the club big players.
"Now we are the Red Sox. I don't know if it's fair. I think our ownership and our city has created a big market," Francona said. "We are a big market team. I know there are differences and people argue about it."
In his four years in Philly, Francona's team ranked no higher than 17th in Major League Baseball in terms of payroll. In his six seasons in Boston the club has ranked no lower than fourth.
Minnesota ranked 24th in baseball last year in regards to payroll but is moving into a new stadium in 2010. With Mauer in the fold until his mid-30s, the club's outlook has certainly picked up.
"It looks like they're gonna get after it a little bit," Francona said. "I think that's good."
Mauer's signing makes Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez the top free agent at the position if he and the team do not agree to a contract extension before the end of the season. Martinez has said he would like to stay in Boston and insisted Monday morning that he is ready and willing to explore an extension.
"It's all up to them," Martinez told reporters.
There are plenty of options for Martinez here in Boston should he remain with the team. He could play first base if Adrian Beltre's option is not picked up and Kevin Youkilis is moved to third, or become the designated hitter down the road if David Ortiz does not re-sign.
For now, with Mauer remaining a Twin, the options for the Red Sox to look elsewhere for a premium catching talent are limited. In a lot ways, according to their manager, that's a good thing.
