Hometown Kid Moving East?

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

2011 might be the saddest year in Twins' history. The hometown kid, Mauer, might leave his hometown for the East Coast. Mauer's contract ends after 2010 and he will be the highest valued free agent in baseball.

Minnesota has the chance of signing Mauer back, but the Yankees and Red Sox will be putting up a fight. Both teams have aging catchers and they will both be fighting for Mauer for roughly $200 million.

The Twins are a young, developing team. It is hard to keep a top notch player for years in a small organization. The Yankees and Red Sox are the two highest grossing teams in baseball and will have the money for Mauer.

If he does decide to go with another team, I am pretty sure that Minnesota would not be mad for long. But Justin Morneau, a long time friend and teammate, said, "If you (Mauer) leave, I will not talk to you again."

But what would you, the fan, do? If you were offered $200 million, would you take it or be with the team you were born with?

After his contract is up, Mauer will have to choose, rich sell out or beloved hometown hero.

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