Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says he's optimistic that a new deal will be reached with American League MVP Joe Mauer.

Mauer and the Twins are keeping quiet on any talks about a new contract for Mauer, who's in the final year of his current deal. Gardenhire said yesterday he's confident the sides will come together and strike a deal.

Gardenhire says he doesn't "sit and fret about it" and that he doesn't get involved in the process. But he says he believes Mauer's contract will get done before spring.

Mauer, a catcher, hit .365, with 28 homers and 96 RBIs in 138 games last season.

He is making $12.5 million this season.

MARINERS

SEATTLE AGREES TO TERMS WITH BYRNES

Seattle added a right-handed bat, agreeing to a one-year contract with outfielder Eric Byrnes.

Byrnes, who will turn 34 on Feb. 16, was let loose two weeks ago by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona owed him $11 million from the final season of a $30 million contract, and any team could sign him for the $400,000 minimum, with the Diamondbacks responsible for the remainder.

Byrnes was hampered by injuries the past two seasons and hit just .226 in 84 games last year.

ELSEWHERE

Athletics: Right-hander Michael Wuertz has agreed to a $5.25 million, two-year contract with Oakland that avoided salary arbitration. Wuertz was one of the top setup men in the league in his first season in Oakland last year, going 6-1 with four saves and a 2.63 ERA in 74 appearances.

Cubs: Chicago and outfielder Xavier Nady finalized a $3.3 million, one-year contract. The deal, agreed to earlier this week, was contingent on Nady passing a physical.

Rangers: Texas right-hander Scott Feldman, a 17-game winner last season, agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,425,000 and avoided an arbitration hearing.