The Royals are a team on the rise with closer Joakim Soria acting as one of the team's established veterans. Meanwhile, Joe Mauer is among baseball's most popular and successful players and the face of a Twins team that has become a perennial playoff entrant. Why Soria is a Franchise Player Believe it or not, Joakim Soria is in the early parts of his fifth major-league season. He has already amassed 135 saves, including at least 30 in each of the last three seasons. What makes his total even more impressive is the team he plays for, the Royals, who haven't come close to 80 wins since 2003. He already has three saves in seven appearances in 2011 and if he remains with Kansas City he could reap some of the benefits from the franchise's deep farm system. Despite the lack of talent behind him, he is a two-time All-Star and finished 10th in the American League Cy Young voting last year. Soria also received some MVP love, drawing a single voting point (good enough for 19th). He went 1-2 with a 1.78 ERA in 66 games in 2010. The right-hander totaled 43 saves and had a WHIP of 1.051. Why Mauer is a Franchise Player Joe Mauer has become one of baseball's most recognizable faces despite his residence in Minnesota's smaller market. In 845 career games, the catcher has a career batting average of .326, an OBP of .406 and an OPS of .885. He's already won three batting titles in his six full seasons. When he won the AL MVP award (2009), he led the league in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS and OPS+. He can also hit for power, slugging 28 home runs in 2009, but has just one other season with double-digit homers. The spacious Target Field isn't going to help his power numbers, but no park is going to neutralize his talents at the plate. The four-time All-Star also brings tremendous value to Minnesota as the leader of the team's pitching staff. He has won the AL Gold Glove for catchers in three straight years. Mauer is perennially among the AL's leaders in WAR, whether it be generally or offensively. He led the league in WAR, WAR among position players and Offensive WAR in 2008. He's among the game's highest-paid players and this is one case whether he desires nearly every penny in his back account. Click here to see this year's 'Be A GM' bracket.