Charley Walters: There's LeBron and there's Mauer

James doesn't need to worry about producing sharks in his beloved homeland of Australia - there are plenty of sharks there!:)

LeBron and Mauer, both grossly overpaid but LeBron gets the advantage of moving to a state with no income tax. College sports are becoming far more appealing.

At least James puts up the numbers un-like punch & judy Joe.

Outsidelookingin wrote:

LeBron and Mauer, both grossly overpaid but LeBron gets the advantage of moving to a state with no income tax. College sports are becoming far more appealing.

You mean like USC?

mike wrote:

At least James puts up the numbers un-like punch & judy Joe.

Yeah those numbers Mauer put up last year were awful. A 300 avg this year is terrible, we should trade him immediately.

I've been sick of the NBA for several years now so I'm glad this Lebron crap wont be clogging up the air waves anymore.

As for Mauer.....call it what you want, new stadium, slump or whatever, he's not doing the same things that he has in the past. I don't think that this is the Mauer the top brass wanted to see in the lineup. They want last seasons. Joe. He had ONE outstanding redicilous season stats wise and the Twins were banking on that happening again. I think that they'll be let down. He's a great defensive catcher who will hit for average. That money would have been better invested in Justin, who has proved and shown consistency with power and RBI numbers over a few seasons now. Not just a one season wonder that will leave the fans looking for that again. We might be waiting a while folks. The Twins put to much money into the hometown hero.

Not a good comparison. The Twins gave Mauer A LOT of money to stay here and he didn't have a reason to leave. Lebron James took less money to go somewhere to win...that's rare in sports.

Richard Head wrote:

<quoted text>
You mean like USC?

No, I mean like St. Thomas, Hamline, and the local colleges in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Been to many games over the years and it's much more fun.

how'd those Catlicks across town get the pitcher we deserved? Hey HM, stick to hockey and leave the baseball to us.....

"When it came time for the Twins' reigning American League Most Valuable Player last spring, through free agency, to choose any contending team he wanted for just about any amount of money he wanted,"

That would be a great comparison if Mauer had actually been a free agent.

Pete Carroll, the former Vikings assistant who left USC with the NCAA at his heels, has a new book out, "Win Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion."

And if that doesn't work, cheat like hell.

The poor play of Wislon Ramos will ultimately hurt the Twins hopes of landing Cliff Lee. The Yankees are nearly a lock to get the pitcher now, offering a superior catching prospect to Seattle. I do think the contrast between James and Mauer ought to bring a deeper appreciation for Joe. He is every bit the super star that James is but not a self-centered jerk. So, next time you're tempted to rage against Mauer (even though his average and obp are higher than Span and Hudson) remember the class he brings to the organization.

Come on Charley - the Vikings have the biggest egomanic in the NFL (perhaps in all of sport) and the MN fans, press, and team management add ratings to his "ego-driven-show" by catering to his every need.#4 is the same as James, they think are better than the sport that which gave them an opportunity.

The NBA is right above the WNBA in American sports. Way below the NFL, MLB, NCAA football and NCAA hoops. Golf, hockey, and Tennis are the same page as the NBA. As for the perps whining about Joe, they are living in their mom's basement waiting for her to get back from the store so she can make them a peanut butter and jelly samich.

Comparing Mauer and James is ridiculous. James is far more popular and marketable than Joe. James did look like a complete @ $$ though.

Outsidelookingin wrote:

LeBron and Mauer, both grossly overpaid but LeBron gets the advantage of moving to a state with no income tax. College sports are becoming far more appealing.

I would bet that Joe is a resident of FLA already.

Outsidelookingin wrote:
LeBron and Mauer, both grossly overpaid but LeBron gets the advantage of moving to a state with no income tax. College sports are becoming far more appealing.
I would bet that Joe is a resident of FLA already.

It doesn't matter what state he is a resident of, his taxes are based upon the states where he worked. In LeBron's case, half of his income will be free from income taxes.

Mauer is one of the most marketable players in all of professional sports, even though he is a bit less dominating in baseball compared to James in basketball. The Twins really could not afford to lose Mauer, because both his bat and his image are crucial to the Twins' success. Besides, Mauer gets to play outdoor baseball on days like today in Minnesota...and it doesn't get much better baseball weather than this.

The LeBron James stunt does nothing but shows that some pro athletes have their respective heads up you know where. They are NOT team players, but me players & I have to be cuddled, nursed along and babied throughout their careers. Thankfully; we in Minnesota have had some players, who stayed the course and were team players until end of their careers. Money has become too much of a negative in the pro sports world and the team loyalty does not mean anything or has any value.
Mr. James will pay the penalty with in Cleveland with the fans showing their displeasure in various ways. Good for them.....Bad for Mr. James.

Reggie Bush and OJ mayo cused the problems for USC , not the coaching staff, ghrtto kids that come from nothing need it all right away