Comments on: Mauer contract a big risk the Twins had to take

By: 2cents

2cents — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:16:25 +0000

Of course! duh….

By: Church of the Perpetually Outraged

Church of the Perpetually Outraged — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:01:47 +0000

You do understand that Craig was commenting on a story by a SCOUT who said that, Craig himself wasn’t.

By: michael in CT

michael in CT — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:37:48 +0000

When the Twins can`t afford him and he still can rake, the Yanks will simply trade for him at that time. They have done it before, so don`t be fooled, he can be made a Yankee when the Twins cry for help financially. Mid-market teams usually can`t afford to give big market contracts and keep them the whole contract. I can almost hear the Yankees coming to their rescue when his back gets cranky in his 30`s.

By: 2cents

2cents — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:27:45 +0000

Ok…I found what I was looking for about the rumor in my head. Some guy named Craig Calcaterra posted a story on a blog called HardballTalk, on March 17th. Here’s the headline and you can search back for it if you’d like:
“Scout: Joe Mauer will be the next Yankees catcher
Wed Mar 17,2010 8:20 AM ET By Craig Calcaterra”

By: Church of the Perpetually Outraged

Church of the Perpetually Outraged — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:07:33 +0000

Carl Crawford and Cliff Lee, you’re the next contestants on the…

By: jersey_soxfan

jersey_soxfan — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:03:43 +0000

As a baseball fan, I am glad a so-called “small-market” team kept one of its star players. Of course, I think these guys are so over-paid. As a Red Sox fan, even I get sick and tired of hearing the rumors involving every star player one day being fought over by NY and Boston. Both cities’ fans have this entitlement mentality. Actually, NY is even worse than Boston in this regard. So, what future free agent will both teams’ fans openly pine for now?

By: 2cents

2cents — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:25:56 +0000

Hey ClementeLedgend……Nope…I read that somewhere the other day. Something like, “Mauer will be a Yankee in 2011″. I’ll try to find it just for you. It was a rumor type “report” but still worthy to receive an honorable mention on the what if list.
Today…
“After that portion of the conversation concluded, though, everyone casually agreed on one more point: They didn’t really want to see this man become a member of the Yankees or Red Sox. That just wouldn’t have felt right.”…Jason Stark, espn.com
I’ll try and find the thing I read. I ain’t knockin’ the deal. Don’t care one way or the other actually. Lots of game in the game. I love all aspects…just sayin’

By: MikeM

MikeM — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:31:26 +0000

As a Yankee fan, I can say congrats to Mauer and the Twins. There is not a thing any baseball fan could ever say against Mauer, he is everything a player should be. If the money is there, he should get it and I am glad the Twins paid it. We would love to have him as a Yankee, but it is great to see a player like him lead his Hometown Team. Good Luck (Except in October please)

By: PW

PW — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:20:11 +0000

The same people that are complaining about the increase in ticket prices, or the increase in taxes are eithee; a. Yankee fans, b. people that weren’t going to a game this year, and, c. if they would have went to a game, wouldn’t have next year because Mauer wasn’t there. Imagine if they would not have signed him and NO ONE went to games next year because of it. Then who is paying for the stadium.
Way to go Joe! and thanks Twins for keeping him, and not letting the evil empire get their way.

By: Bob R.

Bob R. — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:54:13 +0000

I am not sure that ticket prices are determined solely or even primarily by salaries, at least not directly.
Imagine. A stadium with 50,000 seats. Management charges an average of $30/seat and fills on average 25,000. It charges $35 and fills 20,000. It charges $25 and fills 40,000. Which do you think it will charge?
Now that team has a very popular ball player, say Mauer, and can fill 35,000 seats if it charges $30. It will probably raise the average ticket price to $30, but not because of the salary itself; rather because the product is more attractive. Are the fans suckers for paying more or are they getting more satisfaction for the increase in price? To say yes would be akin to calling consumers suckers for paying more to buy a Mercedes than a Focus. You might not do it, but it is worth it to some consumers.
Naturally this is oversimplifying, but so is the view that higher salaries are automatically and directly responsible for higher ticket prices. If the Yankees had a 4th place team every year would they fill the stadium every game at the prices they charge? They pay the salaries because it helps them win which allows them to raise prices because fans will pay for the entertainment of watching a winner.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:40:00 +0000

This is such good news for not only the Twins but to all teams besides the Yankees and Red Soxs.
And all you are gonna hear for the next few weeks is them Newyorkers constantly moaning and complaining cause they couldn’t buy the best catcher in the MLB instead of just training one.
Mauer never wanted to be in New York you arrogant cake eaters. Have fun with all your 30 somethings that you are paying much more than what Mauer is getting.

By: ClementeLegend

ClementeLegend — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:11:02 +0000

You mean the rumor in your head?
I mean I seriously doubt the Twins needed help moving forward to lock up Joe Mauer.

By: ClementeLegend

ClementeLegend — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:08:32 +0000

Let’s face it… It was Yankee fans that were coveting him. Red Sox fans knew they would be outbid.
Now Yankee fans can go back to soley lusting after Carl Crawford

By: 2cents

2cents — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:57:56 +0000

I was guessing the Yankees would take a shot at $160m for six years. Wonder if the Yankees rumor pushed things along?

By: D-Luxxx

D-Luxxx — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:42:59 +0000

You know, I’m sure you could find one or two exceptions to the rule, but almost ALL professional sports are played in taxpayer financed stadiums (in the U.S. at least). Besides, if we’re suckers, what are you doing here? Just trolling is my guess.

By: The Common Man

The Common Man — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:30:39 +0000

Agree entirely, Aaron. So relieved that this got done. Now who will the Yankee and Red Sox fans openly covet.

By: smokehouse

smokehouse — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:07:40 +0000

“That’s a good deal for Mauer and the Twins”…..are you freak’n loony?
They play in a taxpayer financed stadium, they will raise ticket prices on these very same taxpayers. They also sell seating licenses to the same taxpayers. They charge $25.00 for parking, $8.00 for a beer, $6.00 for a hot dog and $7.00 for a pepsi or coke. For you fans in the Twin Cities, enjoy your ride. Support your home team, just like they support you. Mauer and the Twins have taken you for a ride. Suckers.

By: Parker

Parker — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:49:26 +0000

Yes, because another dollar or two is such a burden over a handful of games…

By: adam

adam — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:16:52 +0000

boo..hoo. get over yourself.

By: mj passe

mj passe — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:05:54 +0000

the entire state of minnesota can now take a big sigh of relief. we’re looking forward to seeing Joe play until he gets grey hair

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 21:04:43 +0000

So, another dollar or two on the ticket price. This is why I don’t go to professional sporting events anymore.

By: AJ Gallo

AJ Gallo — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:21:22 +0000

That’s a good deal for Mauer and the Twins. Congrats to Mauer. The Mauer-to-the-Yanks for so-and-so rumors can now thankfully stop.

By: ClementeLegend

ClementeLegend — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:07:24 +0000

Ooops! I guess the scout was wrong http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/scout-joe-mauer-will-be-the-next-yankees-catcher.html.php