MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ The Minnesota Twins are gathering this weekend for their annual fan festival, and Joe Mauer's contract remains a topic of intense interest.

Mauer and the Twins are keeping quiet on any talks about a new deal for the American League MVP. He has begun the final year of his current contract. But manager Ron Gardenhire said Friday 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 is making $12.5 million this season.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)