Minnesota Twins

[Nick@Night]

well this thread ain't any fun.
There's douche goo all over the floor.
Well, looks like I'm rooting for the Twins tonight.
:thumbsup

[TapNorris]

dont you have to win a title in the last ten years to be considered elite? cuz pretty sure the yanks, braves and twins havent been close to doing that in a while. good teams maybe but constant choke artists. no one chokes more than the twinkies though. and the braves are right up there. you guys have the cutest little outfield wall though, looks just like a garbage bag! i feel so bad for yall up there. :BANG

I'm sure you'll soon receive the label of "Quality White Sox Fan". :rolleyes

[john baptiste]

You can argue this back and forth all you want. Head to head records doesn't translate into better team. What if you were 2-16 against the Indians, doesn't mean they were better, just that they were better against you. You still proved to have the better overall record. In the event that you're tied w/ a team, think of it as overtime. You didn't earn the Central Crown in 162 games so you flip a coin, just like in football. If you can't solidify it in the regular season, you can't complain about the playoff game.

For the record, I hope you guys win and woulda liked to see the game in MN. But the way baseball dictates the one-game playoff, you need to beat them in Chicago.

i say it about once a week, but the ante keeps rising: this is quite possibly the stupidest thing i've ever read on ants. flipping a coin is the dumbest way to figure anything out, in any situation.

look, if you can't wrap your head around the fact that flipping a coin to decide home field for this playoff is absolutely ludicrous based on the fact that MLB has set it up so each divisional opponent plays the other 18 times (9 at home and 9 on the road) that's on you.

the way baseball dictates it is wrong. always has been. will be until they change it. i wouldn't be surprised if it gets changed for next year.

[UNLTrpt]

I'm so excited. If this game is as good as last year's one game playoff, oh man :thumbsup

good lord that would give me a heart attack if it were half as good as that game.

[Nick@Night]

I'll have to catch the first 3-4 innings on the radio during the drive home.

[kurz41]

i say it about once a week, but the ante keeps rising: this is quite possibly the stupidest thing i've ever read on ants. flipping a coin is the dumbest way to figure anything out, in any situation.

look, if you can't wrap your head around the fact that flipping a coin to decide home field for this playoff is absolutely ludicrous based on the fact that MLB has set it up so each divisional opponent plays the other 18 times (9 at home and 9 on the road) that's on you.

the way baseball dictates it is wrong. always has been. will be until they change it. i wouldn't be surprised if it gets changed for next year.

You've had plenty of chances to win the division outright in the regular season. If you woulda taken care of business in the first 162 games, you wouldn't be in this situation. No reason to say my logic is stupid or dumb or whatnot. Take a deep breathe and deal w/ the card you've been dealt.

[bigeyefish22]

we've won 2 titles in the last 20 years. only four teams can claim that feat. we've also won 4 of the last 6 AL Central titles.

which is mostly why i think we're winners. Also because of our status as perennial contenders, our strong minor league system, our astute front office, our humble, hard-working players who are generally up-beat and valued members of their communities.... I could go on...

Its funny how many people forget or have never experienced the fundamental baseball ethos of pragmatism, moderation and taking the long view. Pity so many people buy whatever espn (or whoever else) sells them...

[justinandimcool]

good lord that would give me a heart attack if it were half as good as that game.

:thumbsup

The ending was so weird. So many things going on at once.

"Is he safe!?". "Holy shit what a throw!". "Wait he had to be out!". "Holy shit he got hurt is Holliday alright?!". "The Rockies won?!?!!". "Hoffman blew it!". "Seriously though that throw was dead on". "I'm hungry". "I need to see a replay!".

All within a 1.4 second span :lol

[john baptiste]

You've had plenty of chances to win the division outright in the regular season. If you woulda taken care of business in the first 162 games, you wouldn't be in this situation. No reason to say my logic is stupid or dumb or whatnot. Take a deep breathe and deal w/ the card you've been dealt.

slowly this time:

we won the season series that is set up to fairly measure teams head-to-head with equal number of games in each team's home stadium. for that season series to have no bearing on this playoff game is not "unfair" it's bizarro.

your logic is illogical.

[kurz41]

slowly this time:

we won the season series that is set up to fairly measure teams head-to-head with equal number of games in each team's home stadium. for that season series to have no bearing on this playoff game is not "unfair" it's bizarro.

your logic is illogical.

The only way your "logical" explanation has any bearing is if you played the same exact schedule as the Sox, which you didn't. I think it's bizarro on your end to talk about the head to head matchup when the White Sox had to play 6 games against the best team in the NL. How many did you play against them? Exactly. Maybe if you played the same exact schedule, you may have a point. But you didn't, so you don't.

I'm done arguing this, cause we each see it in our own way.

Good luck tonight. :thumbsup Taker 'er home.

[Nick@Night]

What does their (the Sox) record against other people have to do with anything for the purpose of this game? For this situation, you throw out everything else but how each team did against each other, in which the Twins held the edge 10-8.

[Garrettnettz]

What does their (the Sox) record against other people have to do with anything for the purpose of this game? For this situation, you throw out everything else but how each team did against each other, in which the Twins held the edge 10-8.

You should start ur own douche Minnesota league where head to head games decide tie breakers. Head to head would only make sense if all teams played the exact same schedule. Why do you think head to head matters in a 162 game schedule??!! Isn't there a goohers message board you can go to?

[Nick@Night]

You should start ur own douche Minnesota league where head to head games decide tie breakers. Head to head would only make sense if all teams played the exact same schedule. Why do you think head to head matters in a 162 game schedule??!! Isn't there a goohers message board you can go to?
You are a classy individual, for sure.

[UNLTrpt]

We're gonna win Twins, we're gonna score!
We're gonna win Twins, watch that baseball soar!
Knock out a homerun, shout a hip-hooray!
Cheer for the Minnesota Twins today!

We're gonna win Twins, give it our all!
We've got the guys who'll knock the cover off the ball!
Let's hear it now for the team that came to play!
Cheer for the Minnesota Twins today!

[john baptiste]

You should start ur own douche Minnesota league where head to head games decide tie breakers. Head to head would only make sense if all teams played the exact same schedule. Why do you think head to head matters in a 162 game schedule??!! Isn't there a goohers message board you can go to?

they tied in the 162 game schedule, that's why they're playing a 163rd game, genius.

the two teams involved in the 1-game playoff did play an identical schedule against each other: 9 at home and 9 on the road.

if two teams are tied -- with both guaranteed a playoff spot, one division, one WC -- at the end of the season, they decide the division winner based on :GASP: head-to-head season series. not a fucking coin-flip.

[UNC41]

You should start ur own douche Minnesota league where head to head games decide tie breakers. Head to head would only make sense if all teams played the exact same schedule. Why do you think head to head matters in a 162 game schedule??!! Isn't there a goohers message board you can go to?

Functionally retarted.

they tied in the 162 game schedule, that's why they're playing a 163rd game, genius.

the two teams involved in the 1-game playoff did play an identical schedule against each other: 9 at home and 9 on the road.

if two teams are tied -- with both guaranteed a playoff spot, one division, one WC -- at the end of the season, they decide the division winner based on :GASP: head-to-head season series. not a fucking coin-flip.

Perfectly logical.

[Garrettnettz]

they tied in the 162 game schedule, that's why they're playing a 163rd game, genius.

the two teams involved in the 1-game playoff did play an identical schedule against each other: 9 at home and 9 on the road.

if two teams are tied -- with both guaranteed a playoff spot, one division, one WC -- at the end of the season, they decide the division winner based on :GASP: head-to-head season series. not a fucking coin-flip.
Oh really? I thought this was the golden shower, I mean gopher thread. They didn't play an exact same 162 game schedule. I realize they played 18 times, as all divisional opp do. Dear lord you're a moron.

[UNC41]

Oh really? I thought this was the golden shower, I mean gopher thread. They didn't play an exact same 162 game schedule. I realize they played 18 times, as all divisional opp do. Dear lord you're a moron.

27 going on 10. Ladies and gentlemen, I present your typical White Sox fan.

[bigeyefish22]

this thread makes me think of this today:

Dude: Just take it easy man.
Walter: I'm perfectly calm Dude.
Dude: [shouting] Yeah, waving the fucking gun around?
Walter: Calmer than you are.
Dude: Will you just take it easy?
Walter: Calmer than you are.

[Nick@Night]

Oh really? I thought this was the golden shower, I mean gopher thread. They didn't play an exact same 162 game schedule. I realize they played 18 times, as all divisional opp do. Dear lord you're a moron.
I wish I could go back in time and give your mom the 50 bucks to have the abortion.

[Garrettnettz]

27 going on 10. Ladies and gentlemen, I present your typical White Sox fan.
Be honest, have you ever masturbated to joe mauer?

[Garrettnettz]

I wish I could go back in time and give your mom the 50 bucks to have the abortion.

You still can! I could probably buy a 6 br house in Minnesota for that much. So ill take it!

[TapNorris]

Be honest, have you ever masturbated to joe mauer?

Taking the high road, huh?

[UNLTrpt]

oh my word. This is just stupid.

[Xmasjjm]

You still can! I could probably buy a 6 br house in Minnesota for that much. So ill take it!

Forget money, you're the load that your mom should have swallowed.

[devilandthelord]

Good luck today.
I hope the Twins win.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

this thread makes me think of this today:

Dude: Just take it easy man.
Walter: I'm perfectly calm Dude.
Dude: [shouting] Yeah, waving the fucking gun around?
Walter: Calmer than you are.
Dude: Will you just take it easy?
Walter: Calmer than you are.

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

You're outta your element

[SoRight24]

Go Twins tonight. :thumbsup

[dmbgodagirl41]

Anyone else fucking stoked Dr. Cox is back?

[dmbgodagirl41]

Game tonight should be played in MN. Those who disagree, shut up.

/end argument.

[Nick@Night]

This would be the game where Morneau would want to make his case for MVP.

[dmbgodagirl41]

This would be the game where Morneau would want to make his case for MVP.

what. a. hottie.

Most Valuable Penis, FTW.

[Nick@Night]

what. a. hottie.

Most Valuable Penis, FTW.
He's engaged, go see if Tom needs an ice pack or something.

[dmbgodagirl41]

He's engaged, go see if Tom needs an ice pack or something.

:mad:mad DAMMIT.

*sulks off*

[gocubsgo3822]

Go twins!!!!!!!!!

[phlaming lips]

It has to start somewhere...
It has to start sometime..
What better place than here?
What better time than now?
ALL HELL CAN'T STOP US NOW!

Motherfuckin' Twins going for the win on the Southside!:violent

[MPizzle06]

Let's Go TWINS!!! Let's Go TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!

[john baptiste]

at the bar, watching the game by myself. To be honest I kinda like it this way.

[devilandthelord]

I'm rooting for you guys.

I was just getting some food on my dinner break, and I saw some dumbass Sux fans trying to get to Red Line (L-Train) just now, and the game's already started.
God I hope they lose.
I hate the Sux. And I hate their fans more. No wait, it's a draw.
No wait, I hate Hawk and DJ more. Winner.

[john baptiste]

Winner winner chicken chunk dinner.

super nasty, btw

[PilotC150]

I find myself getting just as excited for a single, double or advancing on a fly-out as I normally do for a run.

Every little thing is soooo important.

[DMBnick15]

they need to score a run her

[Tiduwho]

Griffey PWNS Cuddyer.

[justinandimcool]

Unbelievable!

[john baptiste]

fucking aj

[DMBnick15]

i kind of want the sox to win just to piss everyone in the cubs threads off.

[Tiduwho]

i kind of want the sox to win just to piss everyone in the cubs threads off.


Wouldn't piss me off in the least...I can't imagine why any Cub fan would feel different. As long as they aren't in the World Series, it's pretty irrelevant.

I'd rather watch Sox vs. Rays, than the Twins by FAR.

[john baptiste]

great play by pierzynski

[PilotC150]

I didn't think Griffey had the arm, anymore, to do that.

[phlaming lips]

listening to the game, by the bonfire, by myself, and I DO LIKE IT THIS WAY.
C'mon Twins, Mauer and Mornozee need to get something going.......:bounce

[devilandthelord]

I can't believe there's still no score.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

You can put it on the board, yes

[john baptiste]

well shit

[phlaming lips]

I'm sitting in the exact same spot I was when the twins won game 3 of the last series with the Sux, when they came back late in the game. I'm not really superstitious, just saying;)

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Wait, you are at the game?

[devilandthelord]

C'mon Twins!
Don't let the Stank Sox into the playoffs.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

I'm fine with either team winning. I don't really care.

[phlaming lips]

Wait, you are at the game?

If by game, you mean "my backyard" then "Yes, I'm at the game.":)

C'mon dammit, LET'S GO TWINS!

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Isn't it cold outside?

[john baptiste]

I'm sad

[phlaming lips]

Isn't it cold outside?

The weather channel says 50, "feels like 47." Still not cold enough for a long sleeve.

It's going to have to be something special in the 9th. Danks has pitched one hell of a game:shrug

[bigeyefish22]

you gotta believe.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

here goes nothin

[bigeyefish22]

we can get 1 fuckin run, lets just go get it...

[phlaming lips]

you gotta believe.

Bobby Jenks couldn't hold the lead last week against the Twins. Here's to history repeating itself!:monkey

[PilotC150]

Great season, Twins! After being projected to finish fourth in the division you proved all the naysayers wrong, once again proved your farm system is the greatest in all of baseball, and came within one game, the tiebreaker game, of winning the division.

I've never been more proud to be a Twins fan!

[devilandthelord]

John Danks = teh PWNage

Twins = teh FAILZ


Sorry Twins fans. Really.

[phlaming lips]

Here's to a good season Minnesota. Thanks for the memories.:hug

[DMBnick15]

wow 1-0

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Damn. That was a nice catch though...

[justinandimcool]

Sorry Twins fans. Tough.

But damn, what an entertaining game. Griffey's fantastic throw, Thome's bomb, and HOLY SHIT Brian Anderson's catch. Unbelievable way to kick off the postseason, again, with a great one-game playoff.

[Number27]

Sorry Twins fans. Tough.

But damn, what an entertaining game. Griffey's fantastic throw, Thome's bomb, and HOLY SHIT Brian Anderson's catch. Unbelievable way to kick off the postseason, again, with a great one-game playoff.
:thumbsup Great game. Great way to end the season. :thumbsup

[Ballashoes]

Go Wild!

[ant_marching41]

Sorry Twins fans. Tough.

But damn, what an entertaining game. Griffey's fantastic throw, Thome's bomb, and HOLY SHIT Brian Anderson's catch. Unbelievable way to kick off the postseason, again, with a great one-game playoff.
:thumbs up What a game.

Sorry Twins fans.

[john baptiste]

fuck

[Sou1 So1di3r]

Sorry y'all

[bigeyefish22]

til (a very bright) next year...

[Xmasjjm]

fuck

No matter what, we will always hate the White Sox. Hell of a year though, this has to be motivation for the young guys to get after it next year. With my buddies from college we've always had a drinking chant that we modify as prudent and necessary: TWINS '09!!

[devilandthelord]

til (a very bright) next year...

Yeah, if they keep the team together and are healthy, I would consider them the preseason favorite for the AL Central next year.
But its gonna be one long offseason for them the way it ended.

[john baptiste]

here's the bright side. blackburn's performance tonight jumped me up a point in my $100 roto league. i finished 4th, a half point ahead of a three-way tie for 5th. 4th means i get to pick my draft position next year, 5th means jack shit.

[UNLTrpt]

fuck.

[Xmasjjm]

here's the bright side. blackburn's performance tonight jumped me up a point in my $100 roto league. i finished 4th, a half point ahead of a three-way tie for 5th. 4th means i get to pick my draft position next year, 5th means jack shit.

Hey are you going to compile a greatest hits of this thread for the season? That would be funny!

[john baptiste]

Hey are you going to compile a greatest hits of this thread for the season? That would be funny!
maybe when i'm in a better mood.

didn't get much response from the last one, but if people want, i'm sure i'll be bored enough to do it in the next couple of days.

[Xmasjjm]

maybe when i'm in a better mood.

didn't get much response from the last one, but if people want, i'm sure i'll be bored enough to do it in the next couple of days.

Well I'd enjoy it. Shitty ending to a fun season, a season I didn't think would be possible. I love this organization. Unfortunately all we can do is say TWINS '09!

[UNLTrpt]

Great season, Twins! After being projected to finish fourth in the division you proved all the naysayers wrong, once again proved your farm system is the greatest in all of baseball, and came within one game, the tiebreaker game, of winning the division.

I've never been more proud to be a Twins fan!

:thumbsup

amen. This has been an exciting season. 2nd best IMO to only '06. We weren't supposed to win 88 games this year. We weren't even supposed to sniff the playoffs. This team is going to be a tough one next year.

Go Twins!

[Garrettnettz]

Hope ur plane crashes on the way home from ohare twinkies! ... White Sox ftw!!!!!! We are going to ruin the rays.

[Garrettnettz]

Honestly, the twins are a class organization. And we are scared to death of them on the southside. I just came In here to ruffle some feathers today, but only because I was amped abt the game and wanted to talk some smack. Its the cubs I really hate. Truth is, the AL will always be the premier league over the NL, and the central division in each league is a perfect example of that. Good luck to yall next year!

[justinandimcool]

:lol

What the hell just happened?


That was fucking amazing. You deserve an internet Oscar :thumbsup

[Garrettnettz]

Haha I just had a moment of clarity. No really, just reversing the heat a little. Def was just stirrin the pot earlier and wanted to give props to the twinkies, they are the perennial thorn in our side every year. Now you have a fall and winter with Gus frerotte to get ready for... Eek!

[Sou1 So1di3r]

It's fans like you that make me hate the white sox more and more.

[UNLTrpt]

Did anybody think that it was pretty stupid that the WHITE sox had a BLACK out for the game?

I dunno maybe a white out would have been more appropriate? You know, with the whole color white being in their name...maybe its me.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

No. Black because it represents how black and evil they are and how they have no souls.

[JTRocks]

It's fans like you that make me hate the white sox more and more.

see you in the world series motherfucker...as long as you dont get swept again in the oppening round

[UNLTrpt]

this thread was so much more fun when it was just the occasional outside team coming into chat.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

see you in the world series motherfucker...as long as you dont get swept again in the oppening round

Hah... I'd be more worried about your team being swept in the opening round

[Nick@Night]

this thread was so much more fun when it was just the occasional outside team coming into chat.
When both Chicago teams are out of the playoffs next week we'll be back to normal.

[Garrettnettz]

It's fans like you that make me hate the white sox more and more.

fans like me? cuz you know me and what im all about! i know that youre consistently a complete tool with all your pro cubs talk and how southside fans are this and that and boo to the southside. its slays me.

[UNLTrpt]

Ok so who do we have up for free agency?

Who should be kept around? Who is expendable?

[Nick@Night]

I think it would be in our best interest to keep that 9-1-2 line up swing of Gomez, Span and Casilla and start the next season with it. What we do with Cuddy, I'm not sure, but I'm not convinced we're better off with Cuddy in the lineup over Span because he's become a bonafied lead-off guy for this team. Now, perhaps if the team really wants Cuddy to be a core part of this lineup, they could maybe put him in left, make Delmon the DH and shop around Kubel. Or keep Kubel and shop around Delmon?

[UNLTrpt]

I think it would be in our best interest to keep that 9-1-2 line up swing of Gomez, Span and Casilla and start the next season with it. What we do with Cuddy, I'm not sure, but I'm not convinced we're better off with Cuddy in the lineup over Span because he's become a bonafied lead-off guy for this team. Now, perhaps if the team really wants Cuddy to be a core part of this lineup, they could maybe put him in left, make Delmon the DH and shop around Kubel. Or keep Kubel and shop around Delmon?

To me Delmon and Kubel have more upside than Cuddy does. We did it all this year pretty much w/o him. He made 3 mil last year and 5 mil this year. His production was down from 06 to 07 and it was on another downward trend this year before he got injured.

[Nick@Night]

To me Delmon and Kubel have more upside than Cuddy does. We did it all this year pretty much w/o him. He made 3 mil last year and 5 mil this year. His production was down from 06 to 07 and it was on another downward trend this year before he got injured.
I agree, I just know there are others in this thread who feel Cuddy isn't getting his fair shake and it's not fair to judge him harshly or talk about making him expendable, even though his production has been civilian except for one season.

[Xmasjjm]

I agree, I just know there are others in this thread who feel Cuddy isn't getting his fair shake and it's not fair to judge him harshly or talk about making him expendable, even though his production has been civilian except for one season.

I'm leaning to letting Cuddy DH. Maybe shop Kubel and see what's out there. Do you think we keep Punto at short? I'd be alright with that but they need to do something at 3rd (like always). I'm not sold on Busher's bat and glove.

I'm pumped about the rotation and a full season of Mijares in the bullpen with a healthy Neshek should be a huge improvement.

In a pipe dream I'd love to add Manny as a DH to the lineup. Mauer, Manny, Morneau!

[Nick@Night]

Do we part ways with Reyes and have Mijares take his place as team chubby lefthander? And there's no way we pay 20 million dollars for a year of rent-a-DH from Manny.

[Xmasjjm]

Do we part ways with Reyes and have Mijares take his place as team chubby lefthander? And there's no way we pay 20 million dollars for a year of rent-a-DH from Manny.

Reyes will get a big offer from someone. It would be silly to pay to keep with with Mijares around. I know the Manny thing will never happen but I'd love to see what he could do to the lineup.

[UNLTrpt]

I finally think Kubel is living up to his potential.

[Nick@Night]

He's definitely on his way, push him in to the 30 HR and 100 RBI sector and we're good to go.

[UNLTrpt]

In a pipe dream I'd love to add Manny as a DH to the lineup. Mauer, Manny, Morneau!

wow. that would be a trio. While it would be fun, Manny would never fully embrace the Twins.

[Nick@Night]

wow. that would be a trio. While it would be fun, Manny would never fully embrace the Twins.
We'd hear a lot more of, "Manny being Manny".

[john baptiste]

ditch reyes. i appreciate what he's done for us -- and what we've done for him, as he's said -- but mijares is reyes younger, thinner, and cheaper.

we need a 3B. bad. i guess i'm not sold on beltre, yet. i'm confused about punto at this point. i'm not sure if '06 was his anomaly, or if last year was. this year was more like 06. i know he's a great fielder though. and if we can super-upgrade 3B, i'll take punto at short.

[Nick@Night]

Outside of Beltre, who would we have an honest shot to make a run at that would be available? I agree though, a bookend 3B would make Punto at short more than acceptable.

[john baptiste]

Outside of Beltre, who would we have an honest shot to make a run at that would be available? I agree though, a bookend 3B would make Punto at short more than acceptable.
i don't know. haven't really looked at it much.

here's one thing we have to look at though. the twins did not give cuddyer 3/24M to ride the pine. i know cuddy has said he doesn't want to go back to the 3rd, but two things tell me he'll be there next year: 1) he's a good guy, he'll do what's best for the team, and 2) the money thing.

i think.

[john baptiste]

how about blake.

[john baptiste]

i know i don't want crede.

[Nick@Night]

Didn't he used to be a Twin at one point?

Edit: Blake

[Xmasjjm]

i don't know. haven't really looked at it much.

here's one thing we have to look at though. the twins did not give cuddyer 3/24M to ride the pine. i know cuddy has said he doesn't want to go back to the 3rd, but two things tell me he'll be there next year: 1) he's a good guy, he'll do what's best for the team, and 2) the money thing.

i think.

Tell him now and make him take 500 ground balls a day this winter. That could be huge if he'd man up and go for it.

[Xmasjjm]

how about blake.

I don't like Blake. He's older, nothing special.

[Nick@Night]

Tell him now and make him take 500 ground balls a day this winter. That could be huge if he'd man up and go for it.
He's got the arm to throw ropes over to first, every time Buscher does his womanly motion to throw I get nervous.

[john baptiste]

meh. blake is older than i though he is.

sorry, jjm. you got me.

[john baptiste]

Didn't he used to be a Twin at one point?

Edit: Blake
yes.

[Nick@Night]

Too bad we don't have a David Wright type guy sitting somewhere in our farm system waiting to emerge.

[bigeyefish22]

Souhan says today that the Twins should trade Delmon. Ive been on the fence on that for a while, but I think he might be right (and I loathe Souhan). The dudes a lumbering arse in left field, and hes probably going to get bigger as he ages, as most do (and, look at his brother. those are some genes youre hoping to avoid). I mean, he is so hard to watch in left, I just cant stand it; its sooo ugly.

But he could become a power hitter. hes so young, hes a natural hitter, and hes HUGE and getting bigger. I think theres a very good chance he could be a power hitter. and a very good one. Man, I dont know. Is it too early to relegate him to full time DH?

I dont know what to do there. hhmmmmm

[UNC41]

I don't think you can trade Delmon right now. His value is much lower than it was a year ago this time, and the Twins would take a loss on the Garza trade. He turned it around after the All-Star break. If anything, I say you give him one more year to see what he can do.

[bigeyefish22]

I don't think you can trade Delmon right now. His value is much lower than it was a year ago this time, and the Twins would take a loss on the Garza trade. He turned it around after the All-Star break. If anything, I say you give him one more year to see what he can do.

I think theres a team who would pay for him. Hes a big, young, pure hitter... but the quick turn around from the turmoil in tb to abandonment by the Twins might be a red flag. But we can easily explain that last part away with our glut of adequate outfielders.

[UNC41]

I think theres a team who would pay for him. Hes a big, young, pure hitter... but the quick turn around from the turmoil in tb to abandonment by the Twins might be a red flag. But we can easily explain that last part away with our glut of adequate outfielders.

I think it would definitely be a red flag. And I'm not so sure about this glut of outfielders. I hope Gomez will make the leap next year, but you can't count on that, and I don't think you can count Cuddy as a guy who will give you reliable production after the past two years.

[bigeyefish22]

I think it would definitely be a red flag. And I'm not so sure about this glut of outfielders. I hope Gomez will make the leap next year, but you can't count on that, and I don't think you can count Cuddy as a guy who will give you reliable production after the past two years.

In the end I dont think it'll be a red flag. We have different needs and we can bill it that we're selling a good, young asset to supplement other areas, like 3rd fucking base (:lol), because we have the glut. Another team looking at the Twins outfield situation would see a glut, I think. Span established himself enough this year to earn a spot next year, Gomez has HUGE upside, Kubels a young power guy who can platoon with CUDDY, our big investment in the OF...

Im still not sure Id trade him though. Is it too early to dh? Does that hurt his fragile fucking psyche? God hes a pussy. :shrug

[UNC41]

Also, if the Twins were trade him the only way it'd make sense is if it was for a very good to elite prospect on the left side of the infield.

[Xmasjjm]

Remember when the Twins gave up on David Ortiz? Good idea...

I'm not comparing DY to Ortiz (ever) but he is way too talented to give up on. The guy is 23 and a career .292 hitter; his power will come. He has one of the best arms in the game.

Souhan is a douche, will always be a douche, and whatever he says about the Twins' personal moves has as much weight as what Mike Tice says about winning football.

[bigeyefish22]

Remember when the Twins gave up on David Ortiz? Good idea...

I'm not comparing DY to Ortiz (ever) but he is way too talented to give up on. The guy is 23 and a career .292 hitter; his power will come. He has one of the best arms in the game.

Souhan is a douche, will always be a douche, and whatever he says about the Twins' personal moves has as much weight as what Mike Tice says about winning football.

well, you just did :lol

In the end, you probably have to hold onto him because of his hitting and hopes for more power. His arm is good, but hes such a lumbering idiot out there. And if he goes the way of Dmitri? (see: rotund) He cant play the outfield!

But he could be a whale of a DH (literally and figuratively).

[UNC41]

In the end I dont think it'll be a red flag. We have different needs and we can bill it that we're selling a good, young asset to supplement other areas, like 3rd fucking base (:lol), because we have the glut. Another team looking at the Twins outfield situation would see a glut, I think. Span established himself enough this year to earn a spot next year, Gomez has HUGE upside, Kubels a young power guy who can platoon with CUDDY, our big investment in the OF...

Im still not sure Id trade him though. Is it too early to dh? Does that hurt his fragile fucking psyche? God hes a pussy. :shrug

For some reason I can't wrap my head around Kubel as an everyday outfielder, although I love him at DH for the Twins next year. If Gomez is the everyday guy in center next year, Cuddy will have to be the odd man out. You need Span leading off. Any chance they could flop Delmon and Span around at the corners?

[UNLTrpt]

Would David Ortiz have flourished in Minnesota like he did in Boston? I'm not so sure he would have. While we all agree that's the one mistake the Twins have made in recent years in letting him get away, I highly doubt that he'd have the nickname "Big Papi" if he were still in Minnesota.

As for Delmo, I would lean on the side of keeping him and shopping Cuddy. Because of the injury, I really think Cuddy is going to start his downward trend. Delmo only has upside right now. That's me.

[john baptiste]

Delmon is too young to trade him and it's too soon after we got him to trade him. Souhan is an idiot. So we have a logjam in the outfield. So what? We have no idea what span will do over the course of a full year. We know gomez is amazing defensively, but sucks at the plate. Cuddy is a clubhouse guy, not that special of a player. Kubel is kubel. I don't want to do anything drastic. If we can get something for Perkins I'd be fine with that. If not, I'd be fine with keeping him.

[john baptiste]

how about going after chase headley?

[john baptiste]

PLEASE no orlando cabrera. OVer RAted

[john baptiste]

sid hartman says delmon will be on the market

http://www.startribune.com/sports/30471924.html?page=3&c=y

[bigeyefish22]

sid hartman says[/url]

A close, personal friend tell him that?

[Xmasjjm]

sid hartman says delmon will be on the market

http://www.startribune.com/sports/30471924.html?page=3&c=y

Sid has been wrong before. He also said that the team won't make a big deal about the ordeal. What players outside of Mauer, Morneau, and Nathan wouldn't be shopped this offseason? Seriously, if someone is going to offer the farm for say Baker, then you have to listen.

I'm wondering if the Twins could package an outfielder and pitcher, maybe another prospect for Ryan Zimmerman? That would be a stud at 3rd.

[Nick@Night]

This could be a long winter, waiting to see what/if the Twins do any shuffling of personel, an underachieving Vikings team and Wild team that's reloading might be rough on the pysche.

[ace0242]

Did anyone else notice that Michael Cuddyer is now listed as a 3B on the Twins' website? Hopefully, he moves there so they can keep there 3 young OFers.

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150212

[john baptiste]

Did anyone else notice that Michael Cuddyer is now listed as a 3B on the Twins' website? Hopefully, he moves there so they can keep there 3 young OFers.

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=150212
wow. great find.

[ace0242]

I can't imagine it being a mistake. I'm surprised that they put it up so soon after the season though. I wonder now if they will move Delmon to right to get more use out of that cannon of his. Left field in the Metrodome has more room for Span to roam as well so that could make sense.

[bigeyefish22]

LaVelle on Twins in the AZ Fall League:

Rob Delaney, RHP: Delaney, a reliever, was 1-2 with a 1.42 ERA in 23 games at Class A Fort Myers. He walked four and struck out 34 in 31.2 innings while holding opponents to a .207 batting average. He was bumped up to Class AA New Britain - but his numbers were even better. A 2-1 record and 1.05 ERA in 23 games there. He walked seven and struck out 38 in 34.1 innings. Opp. avg: ,171. Delaney throws in the low to mid-90’s but apparently has a nasty slider and a bulldog mentality to go with it. He should debut with Twins sometime next year - his success at the AA level suggests so.

Anthony Slama, RHP: Slama was Delaney’s teammate at Fort Myers before Delaney was promoted, and the two simply worked over the league. In 51 games, Slama was 4-1 with a 1.01 ERA and 25 saves. In 71 innings, Slama walked 24 and struck out 110. Slama should have been promoted to New Britain along with Delaney, but Slama was caught up in a numbers game and the Twins wanted him to close. He has a good sinking fastball and decent slider. He’ll be 25 in January, so it’s really time to get Slama moving through the system.

Tim Lahey, RHP: Another reliever, Lahey throws hard but his numbers at Class AAA Rochester - 5-5, 5.43, 23 walks in 63 innings - suggests he needs some refinement. The AFL will be a good test for the converted catcher.

Jeff Manship, RHP: The Twins have been fired up about Manship for a couple years now. He throws the basic four-pitch mix, but his curveball has been called one of the best in the organization. He was 7-3, 2.86 in 13 starts at Fort Myers before he was moved to New Britain. But he struggled with the Rock Cats, going 3-6, 4.46 in 14 starts. After not giving up a homer at Fort Myers, he was tagged eight times at New Britain. So the AFL will be a good challenge for him. The experience he’ll gain should help him solve AA ball - then the Twins can look forward to his arrival.

Steven Tolleson, 2B: There are three second basemen and two shortstops listed on Peoria’s roster, so there will be a battle for playing time. Tolleson hit .300 with nine homers and 50 RBI for New Britain in 93 games. While he struck out 74 times, he walked 44 times for a .382 on base percentage (had a .388 OBP in 2007). Tolleson played short, second and a little outfield at New Britain last season and I’ve been told supposed to be a nice little defensive player.

Daniel Valencia, 3B: The Twins believe Valencia is bonafide third base prospect who will hit for power and play good defense, not some undersized stopgap answer or a strong hitter with a stone glove. He hit .336 with five homers and 44 RBI and a .402 on base percentage in 60 games at Fort Myers before moving to New Britain. I remember barking at the Twins for keeping him -and Delaney…and Slama - at Fort Myers so long. Well, the Twins moved him to New Britain - and Valencia promptly hit .186 in his first 12 games. But he figured things out. He hit .319 in July then hit .308 with eight homers and 21 RBI in August to finish at .289-10-32 in 69 games. So I was right! He drew just 18 walks and fanned 70 times after the promotion, which is concern. But it will be interesting to see how he plays this fall. So far, not bad for a 19th round pick in 2006.

Dustin Martin, OF: He’s listed at 6-2, 210. I saw Martin during spring training and he was one physical specimen. But he’s still trying to get his physical gifts to show up on the field. He hit .290 with 10 homers and 72 RBI for New Britain. He stole 22 bases. He walked 49 times and 125 times in 133 games - not good. I was impressed to see that he made just two errors in 128 games in the outfield. That means his arm isn’t erratic and the 22 steals suggests he can cover ground. This is a good test for him heading into a 2009 season during which he’ll turn 25.

[Nick@Night]

Mike Redmond has a 950,000 club option for next year and the Twins have until two weeks after the world series to exercise it. I can't see them not doing this.

[UNLTrpt]

Mike Redmond has a 950,000 club option for next year and the Twins have until two weeks after the world series to exercise it. I can't see them not doing this.

unless there's a catcher thats worth a shit in Triple A that is cheaper than 950k, i don't see them not doing it either.

[john baptiste]

they didn't not do it.

[phlaming lips]

they didn't not do it.

Que? what did(n't) I miss?

[john baptiste]

the two before mine

[phlaming lips]

the two before mine

I see. Red Dog is back, good deal:thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

We need some off-season talk going in this thread, I'm looking very forward to next season. Anyone heard anything at all that's being kept on the DL?

[john baptiste]

"Twins given nod as no. 1 team for youth" by Bill James 2009 Handbook

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081022&content_id=3637326&vkey=news_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min&partnerId=rss_min

[Nick@Night]

Mauer wins the Gold Glove this year, had a .997 fielding percentage in committing 3 errors in 139 games.

[Xmasjjm]

Anyone else like to see the team trade for J.J. Hardy? That would be a sweet addition.

[Nick@Night]

Is he on the block or anything? What sort of deal would that even be?

[Xmasjjm]

Is he on the block or anything? What sort of deal would that even be?

He is rumored. The Brewers have a shortstop in waiting and will need pitching if CC and/or Sheets leave. See the A's got Holliday? That would be like the Twins getting Ryan Zimmerman...

[john baptiste]

holliday = zimmerman? i'm failing to see the analogy.

[Nick@Night]

He is rumored. The Brewers have a shortstop in waiting and will need pitching if CC and/or Sheets leave. See the A's got Holliday? That would be like the Twins getting Ryan Zimmerman...
Holliday >> Zimmerman.

[Xmasjjm]

holliday = zimmerman? i'm failing to see the analogy.

adding a player that will make a difference...

[Nick@Night]

adding a player that will make a difference...
I'm not sure Zimmerman would make that same type of a difference that Holliday would with the A's.

[Xmasjjm]

I'm not sure Zimmerman would make that same type of a difference that Holliday would with the A's.

He'd still make a difference. We don't need a middle of the order guy, we need someone who can play 3rd and hit 20 bombs.

[Xmasjjm]

Now Neshek had a setback. This can't be good...

[Nick@Night]

Now Neshek had a setback. This can't be good...
His arm fall off?

[Xmasjjm]

His arm fall off?

elbow pain, he's going to have it looked at tomorrow.

[john baptiste]

holliday's a rental anyway.

[Nick@Night]

elbow pain, he's going to have it looked at tomorrow.
Neshek is out for 2009, having Tommy John.

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/christensen/2008/11/11/report-neshek-to-have-tommy-john-surgery/

[john baptiste]

it was fun while it lasted, pat.

[Xmasjjm]

Thoughts on a possible Blake signing? I'm okay with it as long as it's two years max. Hughes or Valencia might be ready by then, hopefully.

Anything added to the bullpen? I'm still intrigued at how the outfield/dh will shape up. Have the Twins ever had two players finish in the top four of MVP voting before?

[Nick@Night]

Looks like the Twins are officially talking to Blake now, probably hear more as the days go on. He's 35, does he have enough left in the tank for a couple years of productive baseball?

[Nick@Night]

Ron Gardenhire was in Fargo on Wednesday afternoon, speaking at a farm trade show, and the subject of the outfield came up.

According to the Fargo Forum, Gardy said he wants a starting outfield in 2009 of Denard Span, Carlos Gomez and …

… Michael Cuddyer.

Been nice knowing you, Delmon.

Gardenhire said about his outfielders-of-choice: “Those three guys need to play every day. Delmon is in the mix. He’s a hell of a player, a hell of a talent. But to me, those three guys should be your outfield and then you go from there.”

This is the strongest indication yet that Young is available to a team that can offer up something reasonable in return. Gardy told the Fargo group that teams have inquired about Young.

Anyway, what’s just as interesting about Gardy’s words is the faith he has in Cuddyer to come back in 2009 and be one of the productive right-handed bats that the Twins were missing last season.

It also means the Twins are “officially” acknowledging that they traded a starting shortstop (Jason Bartlett) and a starting pitcher (Matt Garza) for two role players — and without even being able to dump Juan Rincon in the process.

So let’s see… If Casey Blake signs on Monday and the season started next Thursday, the lineup would be: Span, lf; Casilla, 2b; Mauer, c; Morneau, 1b; Blake, 3b; Kubel, dh; Cuddyer, rf; Harris, ss; Gomez, cf. We can still hold out hope for an upgrade at shortstop, perhaps from a package that includes the aforementioned deposed outfielder.

Sometimes, Delmon, baseball is a lot like fashion. As the fashion diva Heidi Klum would say, if she took John Gordon’s job: “One year you’re in — the next you’re out.”

[Xmasjjm]

Ron Gardenhire was in Fargo on Wednesday afternoon, speaking at a farm trade show, and the subject of the outfield came up.

According to the Fargo Forum, Gardy said he wants a starting outfield in 2009 of Denard Span, Carlos Gomez and …

… Michael Cuddyer.

Been nice knowing you, Delmon.

Gardenhire said about his outfielders-of-choice: “Those three guys need to play every day. Delmon is in the mix. He’s a hell of a player, a hell of a talent. But to me, those three guys should be your outfield and then you go from there.”

This is the strongest indication yet that Young is available to a team that can offer up something reasonable in return. Gardy told the Fargo group that teams have inquired about Young.

Anyway, what’s just as interesting about Gardy’s words is the faith he has in Cuddyer to come back in 2009 and be one of the productive right-handed bats that the Twins were missing last season.

It also means the Twins are “officially” acknowledging that they traded a starting shortstop (Jason Bartlett) and a starting pitcher (Matt Garza) for two role players — and without even being able to dump Juan Rincon in the process.

So let’s see… If Casey Blake signs on Monday and the season started next Thursday, the lineup would be: Span, lf; Casilla, 2b; Mauer, c; Morneau, 1b; Blake, 3b; Kubel, dh; Cuddyer, rf; Harris, ss; Gomez, cf. We can still hold out hope for an upgrade at shortstop, perhaps from a package that includes the aforementioned deposed outfielder.

Sometimes, Delmon, baseball is a lot like fashion. As the fashion diva Heidi Klum would say, if she took John Gordon’s job: “One year you’re in — the next you’re out.”

I honestly think that Gardy's outfield preference remark was simply motivation. Gardy loves competition in the spring - how much will Go-Go impove? Is Span for real or the second coming of Lew Ford? DY is a career .292 hitter, Cuddy is .268. Hmm. If we keep Young and he crushes in the spring then he will be playing everyday. We all know that DY needs a fire under his ass just to get him thinking about playing hard. All Gardy wants to do is keep his players motivated: Young has a lot to gain, Go-Go, Span and Cuddy all have a lot to lose.

Right now I'm really unimpressed with Cuddy. He has to know how valuable he could be to the team if he could play 3rd. Just step up and try again. Also, I'd say all of the outfielders are trade bait if the right player is coming back. All I know is that for christmas, I want a new shortstop.

[Nick@Night]

I think Span should be untouchable, the other 3 guys I'd let go for the right deal. It would be completely ideal if we could make Cuddy the guy at the hot corner, keep DY in the lineup and not have to sign Blake to the 3 years guaranteed he wants. In a perfect world...

[Nick@Night]

Talks are off with Blake.

[Nick@Night]

Here's the latest, possibly getting involved in a three team trade with the Cubs and Pads.

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/neal/2008/12/10/twins-could-play-a-role-in-the-jake-peavy-sweepstakes/

[Clem Haskins]

I think Span should be untouchable, the other 3 guys I'd let go for the right deal. It would be completely ideal if we could make Cuddy the guy at the hot corner, keep DY in the lineup and not have to sign Blake to the 3 years guaranteed he wants. In a perfect world...

I agree that Span should be COMPLETELY UNTOUCHABLE. I think this kid could be something special, truly special.

And Bill Smith better think he's untouchable...my Span jersey just arrived in the mail a coupe days ago and I am not about to spend another $90 on a different jersey

[Nick@Night]

Kiss of death, getting the jersey before knowing his long term status. I don't think he goes anywhere though, after seeing what he was able to do last year, he better be at the top of the lineup for years to come.

[gmmmotors]

I read that Boof Bonser has hired a trainer "again". And is starting to work out "again". Apparently teams have inquired about him as well at the winter meetings.

Also Scott Erickson is talking about coming back. He is 40 years old and hasn't played since '06. Apparently he is playing in winter ball now.

[gmmmotors]

Here's the latest, possibly getting involved in a three team trade with the Cubs and Pads.

http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/neal/2008/12/10/twins-could-play-a-role-in-the-jake-peavy-sweepstakes/

I read this also and do not really like a 3 man trade with the Padres and Cubs. I am not a fan of DeRosa, defensively at 2B he was alright and he can play any where in the infield, but he does not have the pop we need with the bat in our lineup.

I just read from a Cubs' source that they will not part with DeRosa.

[Nick@Night]

I wish for once we could have a deal that would be at the level of like Griffey going to Cincinatti type.

[Nick@Night]

I read that Boof Bonser has hired a trainer "again". And is starting to work out "again". Apparently teams have inquired about him as well at the winter meetings.

Also Scott Erickson is talking about coming back. He is 40 years old and hasn't played since '06. Apparently he is playing in winter ball now.
I don't think it would be a bad idea to use him in a trade somewhere, maybe there's a team who feels he can still contribute and would be willing to give up a bat.

[gmmmotors]

I don't think it would be a bad idea to use him in a trade somewhere, maybe there's a team who feels he can still contribute and would be willing to give up a bat.

I've been hoping on getting rid of Boof for 3 seasons now. I have never been able to stand him and can not stand him in the bullpen even. I hate that over weight slacker.

[Xmasjjm]

Re-signed Punto for 2 years, $8.5 mil. with a team option for 2011. He'll work at short but we still need a stick at Thrid...

[Nick@Night]

Was just going to post about Punto, good for us I guess. Let's just hope he doesn't resort to his efforts of 2007 when he was an everyday player.

[bigeyefish22]

I like havin him around too, but preferably at about 1/3rd the cost. bottom line, my day just got worse.

[Nick@Night]

Never thought I'd see Punto take over 4 a year in the millions department. Even he has to be thinking, "Whatever I did right in a previous light is coming to a head right now."

[Clem Haskins]

Love keeping punto, but 2 years, 8.5 million??? seems very questionable...

[gmmmotors]

You know I did not want to say something earlier when I wanted to get rid of Boof, but in 2006 when Punto did a nice job batting 2nd for us, there was something I did not like about him. Then in 2007 we all saw what happened when he was promoted to an everyday player. But then even last year you saw something that made 2007 look like just a slump/off year. But I still have to say that I am just not happy when I see Punto in the lineup. Sure defensively he is great, but we have other guys that are great defensively, especially in Morneau. Hell he is going to snag just about everything over there in that corner.

With that said I would be happy seeing Punto leave, to bring in someone who is going to bat .274/15/70 instead of Punto's .281/2/27. I wouldn't mind taking a loss on the defensive end.

If someone can step up or we can bring someone in who can protect Morneau. We will see his and Mauer's numbers increase.

So I guess it is fair to say that this put a damper on my day seeing Punto being resigned and made me gag to see for how much. I knew he was looking for around 4 million a year, but never thought that we would over pay for him like we did.

[bigeyefish22]

gmmmotors, you involved in the auto industry? serious question. never seen you before, saw the name, just wondering.

[gmmmotors]

No I have had that screen name since I was 14. I just really liked cars growing up. And GM are my initials. Actually GMM are my initials.

[Nick@Night]

No I have had that screen name since I was 14. I just really liked cars growing up. And GM are my initials. Actually GMM are my initials.
So are my dad's. Scary!@!@

[bigeyefish22]

No I have had that screen name since I was 14. I just really liked cars growing up. And GM are my initials. Actually GMM are my initials.

haha, nice. Are congratulations in order? I think they might be. :lol

[gmmmotors]

Thank you thank you! I thought it was so clever when I thought of it. Typing it in on AOL hoping that no one had thought of it yet. I remember my best friend got the scream name FinalFour and I was like damn that was clever, now mine has to be.

[Clem Haskins]

Twins overpaid, but its hard to be pissed about this...ya know?

[Nick@Night]

Twins overpaid, but its hard to be pissed about this...ya know?
Just as long as he doesn't give us buyer's remorse by hitting .220.

[1suitewhirled]

punto's one if the top 5 defensive infielders in majors, is a huge plus in the clubhouse and is a 100% effort type of player, not to mention a fan favorite...

that being said, i was a little shocked at the contract BUT i'm happy he's back especially if the twins (once again) fail to make a move for a quality right handed bat on the left side of the infield...punto's got no pop but certainly is valuable in that he can play third, short, or second on a given night

good signing

[gmmmotors]

Teams that need power hitters would only pick up Punto with the thought of maybe playing for someone else's off day. The only way Punto starts in MLB is if he is on a team that does not need any more pop in their batting lineup just a nice plug for the infield.

Sort of like Doug Mientkiewtcz... the Twins were looking for offense from him and he just did not have it. So the Yankees got him and told him they just wanted a solid defender and that is what he did while he was there.

But with the Twins Punto is an everyday starter. I think on a team that struggles every year producing runs does not need someone like Punto on the field everyday however great he is at defense. The rest of the team has basically been built on defense we can afford one not so great defender.

[Nick@Night]

Teams that need power hitters would only pick up Punto with the thought of maybe playing for someone else's off day. The only way Punto starts in MLB is if he is on a team that does not need any more pop in their batting lineup just a nice plug for the infield.

Sort of like Doug Mientkiewtcz... the Twins were looking for offense from him and he just did not have it. So the Yankees got him and told him they just wanted a solid defender and that is what he did while he was there.

But with the Twins Punto is an everyday starter. I think on a team that struggles every year producing runs does not need someone like Punto on the field everyday however great he is at defense. The rest of the team has basically been built on defense we can afford one not so great defender.
Yeah, he played LF for us last year.

[Xmasjjm]

Teams that need power hitters would only pick up Punto with the thought of maybe playing for someone else's off day. The only way Punto starts in MLB is if he is on a team that does not need any more pop in their batting lineup just a nice plug for the infield.

Sort of like Doug Mientkiewtcz... the Twins were looking for offense from him and he just did not have it. So the Yankees got him and told him they just wanted a solid defender and that is what he did while he was there.

But with the Twins Punto is an everyday starter. I think on a team that struggles every year producing runs does not need someone like Punto on the field everyday however great he is at defense. The rest of the team has basically been built on defense we can afford one not so great defender.

The Twins were 3rd in runs scored in the AL last year. They don't struggle at scoring runs, they just struggle at hitting the ball over the fence. Let's see what DY and a healthy Cuddy can do in 2009.

[gmmmotors]

The Twins were 3rd in runs scored in the AL last year. They don't struggle at scoring runs, they just struggle at hitting the ball over the fence. Let's see what DY and a healthy Cuddy can do in 2009.

You are right I did mean to say Power hitting, not producing runs. But in recent years we have had trouble doing both.

[Nick@Night]

This is awesome:

Twins first baseman Justin Morneau contacted local law enforcement and fire department officials and identified four needy families. He then took all four families to Target and gave each a $2,500 shopping spree.

Morneau also sent every Twins employee -- front office personnel, scouts, media relations, etc., totalling about 350 people -- a scarf for Christmas along with a note that read, "Your hard work off the field made it easier for us on the field." One employee said it was the first time a player had done that.

[PilotC150]

Morneau also dropped $11,000 to renovate a field in north Minneapolis this past year.

http://www.kare11.com/sports/twins/twins_article.aspx?storyid=525517&catid=220


I love hearing these kinds of stories.

[Nick@Night]

Carl Pohlad will no longer be signing paychecks:

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s729817.shtml?cat=1

[bigeyefish22]

wwwhhhhooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

[Nick@Night]

I don't think this will really change much in terms of how the team spends money, unfortunately.

[bigeyefish22]

yeah, probably not. no clue how this changes the twins.

peace out, Carl.

[Nick@Night]

What's amazing is he only died 9 years after his mom did.

[UNLTrpt]

Carl Pohlad will no longer be signing paychecks:

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s729817.shtml?cat=1

Dang. Puckett, Herb and then Pohlad. Who's next for the Twins?

[AJF_41]

AJ Prysinski
:rolleyes

[Nick@Night]

Dang. Puckett, Herb and then Pohlad. Who's next for the Twins?
John Gordon.

[UNLTrpt]

AJ Prysinski
:rolleyes

:lol

AJ reminds me of that catcher in Major League 2. The one they love when he's on there team but hate when he's on the other team.

[PantalaNagaMan]

:lol

AJ reminds me of that catcher in Major League 2. The one they love when he's on there team but hate when he's on the other team.

That's because to fans outside the White Sox he's a cheater and a punk. But to fans, he knows the game more then 95% of the people playing.

[UNLTrpt]

John Gordon.

Gordon is not in anybody's death pool right now.

[UNLTrpt]

That's because to fans outside the White Sox he's a cheater and a punk. But to fans, he knows the game more then 95% of the people playing.

Need I remind you he was a Minnesota Twin at one point in his career. My point wasn't that nobody likes him, my point was that AJ is one of those players you love to have on your team and love to hate when he's not on your team.

Minnesota fans understand AJ, that doesn't mean we have to like him.

[PantalaNagaMan]

Need I remind you he was a Minnesota Twin at one point in his career. My point wasn't that nobody likes him, my point was that AJ is one of those players you love to have on your team and love to hate when he's not on your team.

Minnesota fans understand AJ, that doesn't mean we have to like him.

Need I remind you I was agreeing with you?

[Nick@Night]

:lol

AJ reminds me of that catcher in Major League 2. The one they love when he's on there team but hate when he's on the other team.
He's on the rooster!

[UNLTrpt]

That's because to fans outside the White Sox he's a cheater and a punk. But to fans, he knows the game more then 95% of the people playing.

Need I remind you I was agreeing with you?

Sorry I misunderstood you there. I thought you were saying everybody other than White Sox fans think he is a cheater and a punk.

[Nick@Night]

We're seriously looking at Gagne?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/112435-fool-me-once-minnesota-twins-havent-learned-livans-lessons

[UNLTrpt]

We're seriously looking at Gagne?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/112435-fool-me-once-minnesota-twins-havent-learned-livans-lessons

Yeah, unless we got him for dirt cheap I don't seeing that being that great an idea. While I'd love to have someone consistent there to set up Nathan, we don't need him for any significant amount of money. Spend the money on a starter or a big bat...not on a set up man.

[Nick@Night]

We signed Kubel to a 2 year deal, I think that was a good move. Ryan Howard wants 18 million for his arbitration, that's a lot of cash for a guy who strikes out half the time. He'd be making way more than Pujols, which should be illegal.

[devilandthelord]

Yeah, unless we got him for dirt cheap I don't seeing that being that great an idea. While I'd love to have someone consistent there to set up Nathan, we don't need him for any significant amount of money. Spend the money on a starter or a big bat...not on a set up man.

Its not a good idea either way. Trust me.
You could sign some young kid for league minimum and he would have a 2 point lower ERA than Gagne this year.

[Nick@Night]

Its not a good idea either way. Trust me.
You could sign some young kid for league minimum and he would have a 2 point lower ERA than Gagne this year.
We had a guy who came up during September that did a pretty stellar job in the 7/8th inning role, I think they should give him a crack to start out the season as the set-up specialist.

[devilandthelord]

That would be the best idea. Plus Gagne made 10 million last year, and although I'm sure he won't command anything near that, he still won't come cheaply either.
Whatever happened to Pat Neshek? I remember him as the 7th/8th inning guy and he was pretty good. He get hurt or traded?

[Nick@Night]

That would be the best idea. Plus Gagne made 10 million last year, and although I'm sure he won't command anything near that, he still won't come cheaply either.
Whatever happened to Pat Neshek? I remember him as the 7th/8th inning guy and he was pretty good. He get hurt or traded?
He's on the shelf for '09, had TJ surgery a couple months ago.

[davelk10]

Whatever happened to Pat Neshek? I remember him as the 7th/8th inning guy and he was pretty good. He get hurt or traded?

He's on the shelf for '09, had TJ surgery a couple months ago.


Torn the UCL in pitching elbow early in the season (Pre-season?) and tried non-surgical rehab this last year. Didn't take so had Tommy Johns in August or September.

[devilandthelord]

Oooh, that sucks. Always hate to see talent like that fall victim to injury.
He was pretty nasty when healthy. Stuck out a lotta guys.

[Nick@Night]

They should have just done surgery right away.

[Xmasjjm]

The Kubel deal is good. Maybe he will relax and crush the ball all season. Let's hope Mauer is 100% for the start of the season. His workout program got thrown off, but he's a trooper. I'd be alright with the Gagne signing for 1 year. Worst case he sucks balls in the first month and we release him. If he turns his career around that's not only a plus but when he leaves in free agency we gain extra draft picks.

[Nick@Night]

The problem with Gagne would be the price, why invest 4 million dollars at minimum for a guy you might have to cut?

[Xmasjjm]

Looks the team is watching Crede work out this week. I wonder how he will do and if we can sign him for one year.

[Nick@Night]

If we are going to take anyone from the Mariners it should be Beltre, not Washburn.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/118003-jarrod-washburn-delmon-young-could-be-apart-of-trade

[Nick@Night]

Anyone catch the new Twins commercial? I thought it was great, incorporating all their talents with ways to help "build" the new stadium.

[Clem Haskins]

I do not support trading Delmon Young. Not at all.

[Nick@Night]

I do not support trading Delmon Young. Not at all.
At least not for pitching, that would be assinine.

[UNC41]

The main prospect involved is a catcher. That would make you think they've got plans to let Mauer walk eventually or have already figured out where they want to send Clement.

[Nick@Night]

If they let Mauer walk I may not forgive this team.

[bigeyefish22]

Ty Wigginton signed with Baltimore. 2-year deal worth 6 mil.

I didnt want the guy, didnt think he was the answer, but thats a pretty decent bargain if he produces what he has in his career. So, if we do nothing for 3rd base and it remains the gaping hole its been since that big gimpie canadian M-Fer we had, then I will be displeased.

re: Delmon, I hated him last year, but that was knee-jerk and I was probably wrong. You cant trade this kid for anything less than Beltre, and I dont think thats happening. And, Jarrod Fucking Washburn?? Just re-sign Livan for Christ sake (kidding). You know that Ben Sheets is a free agent? Why not pay that guy the same we'd pay Washburn for better production and keep Delmon?? OK, anyway, I dont think the Delmon rumor is anything but that. I would go shit-house if we did that deal though.

[bigeyefish22]

the Ben Sheets thing is no joke, why dont we make a run at that guy?? He made 12 mil. last year, and Im not sure Id want to pay him that but if they were seriously considering Washburn, theres not a big price difference there (2 mil) and Sheets is much better...

[davelk10]

You lose 1st round draft pick if sign Sheets.

And he won't go the entire season.

[Nick@Night]

I don't think this is the year to bring in any big name starting pitchers, we have a chance to have a core group like that of Atlanta's in the early 90's if they all continue to progress, we shouldn't fuck that up. See how they do this year, then make any changes for 2010 going in to the new stadium if necessary.

[Clem Haskins]

If this team lets Mauer walk, I seriously don't know how I would react. How could we ever let this happen? Not only would that kill the team, but it would kill the city/fan base.

[bigeyefish22]

If this team lets Mauer walk, I seriously don't know how I would react. How could we ever let this happen? Not only would that kill the team, but it would kill the city/fan base.

well, ok, lets not overstate here. lose Mauer without compensation and its a huge mistake. Trade him, and who knows?? Im not saying I want this to happen, I LOVE Mauer, I think he'll be a long-time Twin, but keeping him in Minny isnt the Twins reason for being.

[UNLTrpt]

Key word in that statement was eventually. There is no way that the Twins are looking to let go of Mauer anytime soon. His contract runs out after the '10 season which would make him 27 at the beginning of the '10 season. I could see them sticking with him until he's 30 and then letting him go.

[Clem Haskins]

well, ok, lets not overstate here. lose Mauer without compensation and its a huge mistake. Trade him, and who knows?? Im not saying I want this to happen, I LOVE Mauer, I think he'll be a long-time Twin, but keeping him in Minny isnt the Twins reason for being.

Much different then letting him walk (via monster free agent deal). If we end up botching this like we did with a Torii Hunter type bit (clearly not as big of an impact, just as a reference), that is when I will freak out.

But that being said, I just can't see Mauer leaving, ever (knock on wood). Especially with the new stadium going up and the solid core that we have.

[bigeyefish22]

Much different then letting him walk (via monster free agent deal). If we end up botching this like we did with a Torii Hunter type bit (clearly not as big of an impact, just as a reference), that is when I will freak out.

But that being said, I just can't see Mauer leaving, ever (knock on wood). Especially with the new stadium going up and the solid core that we have.

I dont see him leaving either. Hes a true MN kid and I think he wants to go down in Twins and MN sports history as this shining light atop the hill. I think he can and I hope he does.

[UNC41]

Key word in that statement was eventually. There is no way that the Twins are looking to let go of Mauer anytime soon. His contract runs out after the '10 season which would make him 27 at the beginning of the '10 season. I could see them sticking with him until he's 30 and then letting him go.

There's no way Mauer signs a three-year deal ...

Much different then letting him walk (via monster free agent deal). If we end up botching this like we did with a Torii Hunter type bit (clearly not as big of an impact, just as a reference), that is when I will freak out.

But that being said, I just can't see Mauer leaving, ever (knock on wood). Especially with the new stadium going up and the solid core that we have.

The Twins didn't botch Torii's situation.

[Nick@Night]

There's no way Mauer signs a three-year deal ...



The Twins didn't botch Torii's situation.
Correct, he was not worth 19 million a year as a Twin.

[bigeyefish22]

There's no way Mauer signs a three-year deal ...

that strikes me as an odd and arbitrary decleration. Why say you?

[Nick@Night]

that strikes me as an odd and arbitrary decleration. Why say you?
I'm gonna guess it would be longer than just 3, since UNL said we'd look to stick with him until he's 30.

[UNC41]

that strikes me as an odd and arbitrary decleration. Why say you?

Because at 27 Mauer will be in the prime of his career. He'll be looking at the biggest contract he'll ever receive. He'd have to be insane to limit those dollar figures to three years rather than five to seven.

[Nick@Night]

Because at 27 Mauer will be in the prime of his career. He'll be looking at the biggest contract he'll ever receive. He'd have to be insane to limit those dollar figures to three years rather than five to seven.
5 would be minimum, for sure.

[Clem Haskins]

There's no way Mauer signs a three-year deal ...



The Twins didn't botch Torii's situation.


The Twins should have moved him before the trade deadline. I have no problems with us not re-signing him, but let's be real: we all knew that someone would throw too much money at Torii, and he would take it.

We are obviously fine in the outfield today, but it would have been nice to have dealt him, and then gotten something in return.

[bigeyefish22]

The Twins should have moved him before the trade deadline. I have no problems with us not re-signing him, but let's be real: we all knew that someone would throw too much money at Torii, and he would take it.

We are obviously fine in the outfield today, but it would have been nice to have dealt him, and then gotten something in return.

true. I think Mauer will sign the bigger contract, but, I mean, if he signed for 3 years it wouldnt be the craziest thing.

[Xmasjjm]

The Twins should have moved him before the trade deadline. I have no problems with us not re-signing him, but let's be real: we all knew that someone would throw too much money at Torii, and he would take it.

We are obviously fine in the outfield today, but it would have been nice to have dealt him, and then gotten something in return.

We got the draft picks: Carlos Gutierrez and Shooter Hunt. Gutierrez could be in the pen by the end of the year. Hunt has good upside as a starter. Somethings the draft picks are worth more. If the team traded Torii they would have told every veteran on the team that in your contract year, regardless of how hard you play for us, we will trade you simply because we don't want to pay you. Not a good message to send.