Michael Cuddyer puts his mind on the game
Michael Cuddyer is one of the longest serving Minnesota Twins’ players on the roster and he comes in with the expectation to perform at his best when the regular season kicks off in April. He is currently the only player to have played in all positions, depending on the club’s requirement. His natural position is on the right field. However, last year marked the first time Cuddyer made his appearance on five different positions.
Nevertheless, that is not a problem for the Twins’ player. His dedication to the club is unparalleled. Furthermore, his ability to function as a team leader and motivator has impressed the manager on many occasions. Manager Ron Gardenhire voted him as the team’s most valuable player and that means a lot to the fans who have seen Michael play as Minnesota faithful since 1997, when he was drafted by the team.
Cuddyer suffered a right knee injury last season after the playoffs’ campaign ended. The player went over to the hospital, 12 days later for a right knee clean up, which has gotten better for the team player. Cuddyer is entering the last year of his contract and even though the club has not started negotiations on an extension plan, there is a general belief that the matter will come up sooner or later. Casey Close, who was the agent for Derek Jeter this winter, represents Michael.
The absence of a negotiation process does not concern Cuddyer much, as his main focus is on the game.
"I don't play for contracts," Cuddyer said. "I mean it's part of the game and I know that, I'm not naive. But at the same time, it's not No. 1 on my list. No. 1 on my list is winning ballgames. And as of right now, I'm a Minnesota Twin and I want to win as a Minnesota Twin. If it is my last year, I would like to finish the goal that we started back in 1997 when I was drafted."
However, Cuddyer will not be accepting a negotiation channel after the season starts, as his main priority is to focus on the game.
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