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Twins first baseman Justin Morneau informed me Sunday that he never was offered the same four-year, $33 million contract that catcher Joe Mauer accepted.

The American League MVP didn't say whether he would have accepted such an offer. But Morneau sounded optimistic that he would sign a long-term deal in the near future.

"I was definitely never offered that -- so it was interesting when I read that and my agent read that," Morneau said. "And I think it was probably interesting when Terry [Ryan, the team's general manager] read that, too."

Morneau said his agent, Mark Pieper, is talking to Ryan about getting a deal done.

"I think we're pretty close; we're hopefully going to get it done," Morneau said. "I think my agent's coming down here [to spring training] -- they're hoping to meet with Terry in the next couple days and they're going to talk face-to-face. Hopefully, they can talk and figure something out.

"I think it's something both sides want to do if it makes sense and ... obviously, I want to be in Minnesota for a long time. With the team we have and the young guys we have, it's a great place to play.

"Yeah, I think both sides are still optimistic. We have a couple weeks, probably three weeks, left until the end of spring training. And, after that, it's time to concentrate on the regular season, so hopefully we can get it done before all that stuff starts."

There is a good chance that a number of the superstars on the Twins will sign new contracts or extensions this spring.

Hudson gets chance

After the Timberwolves lost to Dallas here Tuesday, Kevin Garnett was asked if the team might improve if Troy Hudson, who has been riding the bench, was given a chance to play like he did earlier in his career here. "Absolutely," answered Garnett. "Absolutely."

Hudson, who has played in 28 of the team's 58 games, got a limited chance Friday against the Jazz. He played 17 minutes, hitting two of nine shots for five points and added one assist.

But on Sunday he started and was impressive against the Celtics, playing 46 minutes and scoring 26 points.

Hudson says he is 100 percent healthy and just looking for the chance to play.

"It's just about getting back in the rhythm, getting my game and getting going," he said. "I haven't really had the chance all year, so it's tough to come out every 20 games and have a rhythm like you want to have."

Three years ago, it looked like the Wolves were headed for the NBA championship with Hudson leading the way. Then he got hurt and the team was eliminated by the Lakers.

"I think I'm back to that level of play," Hudson said. "I said this is a game of rhythm -- once you've been out for a while you just need someone to have confidence in you to put you out there and let you get a rhythm."

Hudson said he can't understand why he wasn't playing.

"When you look at it, early in the season when I was playing, our record was pretty good," he said.