Twins and catcher Joe Mauer appear to be moving in a positive direction toward a four-year contract that could be resolved within a day or two.
Mauer, 23, who led the major leagues with a .347 batting average last season, has a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Mauer has submitted an arbitration figure of $4.5 million for next season; the Twins have offered $3.3 million.
A four-year deal would bind Mauer to the Twins through 2010.
Mauer's Four-Year Deal Coming Soon
