Minnesota Twins

[Nick@Night]

After getting burned in the Santa trade, should this scenario come to be for Liriano, what do the Twins ask for in return?

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/115676604.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUi D3aPc:_Yyc:aUCDEaLDyE7DyaU

[Benny003]

After getting burned in the Santa trade, should this scenario come to be for Liriano, what do the Twins ask for in return?

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/115676604.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUi D3aPc:_Yyc:aUCDEaLDyE7DyaU

It's not a horrible idea, but what to ask for in return is exactly the question. You're going to trade the guy who started Game 1 of the playoffs for us last season for......another pitcher that could start Game 1 for us? :confused

If you could get Felix Hernandez, then yeah, but I don't know what else you do unless the Twins want to start rebuilding the starting lineup with even younger, less experienced players (again).

[42graystreet]

I'm not gonna think for even a second about what to do with Liriano long-term until I see how he follows up his very good 2010 season with an equally as good (but hopefully better) 2011. If he improves in 2011, I want to give him the big contract. If he plateaus, then he would still be fantastic trade bait. Ask me again in June and maybe I have a different opinion depending on how the Twins, Liriano and the other starters are doing.

[uro55]

I'm not gonna think for even a second about what to do with Liriano long-term until I see how he follows up his very good 2010 season with an equally as good (but hopefully better) 2011. If he improves in 2011, I want to give him the big contract. If he plateaus, then he would still be fantastic trade bait. Ask me again in June and maybe I have a different opinion depending on how the Twins, Liriano and the other starters are doing.

100% agree with this!

[uro55]

NO EFFING WAY!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/115715034.html

[42graystreet]

NO EFFING WAY!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/115715034.html

Wow. I would be completely against this deal. I understand that replacing Alexi Casilla with Michael Young sounds great. But at the cost of our #1 starter? And 8 million/year over 3 years if we're lucky? For a guy who is 34 years old and is trending down? For a guy who's home/road splits are amazingly biased for that hitter's ballpark in Arlington? (He hits 43 points better at home than on the road and has an OPS that is 126 points better at home).

That is not something I want to sign up for. I hope this is just a rumor that our beat writers are taking out for a ride.

[Nick@Night]

If the Twins were going to pull the trigger with Liriano to upgrade at 2B, get a guy who is in the 26-29 range and somewhat established. At least then they could benefit for the next 3-4 years with a decent return on the trade (again, fuck that fucking Johan trade, man that one stings).

[Benny003]

I agree. I think M. Young is too old to consider for his price right now. I'm not that concerned about Casilla. Yeah, he's no power hitter, but the current lineup is already potent enough. Pitching is my #1 concern this season and I don't like the thought of trading away the guy that started Game 1 of the playoffs last season.

[42graystreet]

I agree. I think M. Young is too old to consider for his price right now. I'm not that concerned about Casilla. Yeah, he's no power hitter, but the current lineup is already potent enough. Pitching is my #1 concern this season and I don't like the thought of trading away the guy that started Game 1 of the playoffs last season.

No kidding. Can we at least see if Kyle Gibson is, in fact, the next great one before we ship off our best pitcher.

[UNC41]

It would be an awful, awful, awful decision to trade Frank for M. Young. Just horrible.

[Benny003]

There are people on the Twins forums that wanted to trade Cuddyer for Young. I thought that was about equally as dumb.

[42graystreet]

They are essentially the same player, except that Cuddyer is 3 years younger, has been with the organization his entire career, and doesn't shrivel up into a AAA level player on the road. That would make no sense. Basically, Michael Young is an old player who has decent numbers playing in a forgiving ballpark and a huge salary. Only a massively desperate team that loves spending money should be in the market for him.

[Benny003]

They are essentially the same player, except that Cuddyer is 3 years younger, has been with the organization his entire career, and doesn't shrivel up into a AAA level player on the road. That would make no sense. Basically, Michael Young is an old player who has decent numbers playing in a forgiving ballpark and a huge salary. Only a massively desperate team that loves spending money should be in the market for him.

I definitely agree with that.

[uro55]

I think trading Cuddy for anyone (well within reason of course. Cuddy for Roy Halliday? Yes please hahahaha) would be dumb.

[42graystreet]

I would definitely take Roy Halladay for Cuddy. Albert Pujols as well ;)

[Nick@Night]

We should trade Cuddy for Punto.

[uro55]

We should trade Cuddy for Punto.

That's not even funny:lorraine

[Nick@Night]

Benny, the Twins are looking for a part time photographer. Get on it, son.

[Benny003]

Benny, the Twins are looking for a part time photographer. Get on it, son.

Oh I am, I saw that posting on Facebook and just about flipped out of my chair! I really don't think I have a shot because I'm sure plenty of pros with a lot more experience than me are going to be applying. The thing I have going for me is that I'm a passionate Twins fan and I've photographed many games at Target Field already. So I do have "experience" photographing the Twins, but maybe not quite the experience they want. Anyway, I tossed my hat into the ring and I guess I'll see what they say. I provided a link to my website with the 2010 season gallery I made so they can at least see what I'm capable of.

You can't imagine how exciting this would be for me though. Combining the activities/hobbies/passions I enjoy most in this world into one thing (Twins baseball and photography) like that would just be unbelievable.

[Nick@Night]

Oh I am, I saw that posting on Facebook and just about flipped out of my chair! I really don't think I have a shot because I'm sure plenty of pros with a lot more experience than me are going to be applying. The thing I have going for me is that I'm a passionate Twins fan and I've photographed many games at Target Field already. So I do have "experience" photographing the Twins, but maybe not quite the experience they want. Anyway, I tossed my hat into the ring and I guess I'll see what they say. I provided a link to my website with the 2010 season gallery I made so they can at least see what I'm capable of.

You can't imagine how exciting this would be for me though. Combining the activities/hobbies/passions I enjoy most in this world into one thing (Twins baseball and photography) like that would just be unbelievable.
Good luck, if you want us to start a rally for you just say the word and we'll march down 5th Ave.

[UNLTrpt]

Good luck, if you want us to start a rally for you just say the word and we'll march down 5th Ave.

Egypt style.

Success will come faster than those guys though.

[42graystreet]

My desktop is currently a photograph from Ben Krause (c) 2010. I will attest to this in a written statement.

[Benny003]

Good luck, if you want us to start a rally for you just say the word and we'll march down 5th Ave.

Egypt style.

Success will come faster than those guys though.

My desktop is currently a photograph from Ben Krause (c) 2010. I will attest to this in a written statement.

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the support. I know it's a long shot, but I even emailed my season ticket rep to see if she could put in a good word for me since I've shared my photos with her too.

You seriously have no idea how much time I've spent imagining if I was a photographer for the Twins. That would absolutely be a dream come true (did you know the team photographer gets a world series ring if the team wins it?!). I came to the conclusion that I would never be the right fit to be the full time Twins photographer (they do all the team portraits and stuff, which isn't my strong suit, plus it would be a full-time job of course), but this part-time thing sounds absolutely perfect for me.

[Benny003]

I've been following the Facebook comments from people on the job opening post and it's going to be really hard to compare against the people saying, "I have 20 years experience with photography and 2 photos published in the Library of Congress!" and "I've been shooting for 30 years for different newspapers!", etc., etc. I'm not liking my odds so much. I don't know, bottom line is that there are tons of people who are going to be qualified and tons of people who know how to take great photos. I think it will come down to being passionate about shooting for the Twins and who's there to support the Twins and not simply add another notch on their resume. I have no photography resume and I don't care if that ever changes because shooting for the Twins is literally the only professional-type photography job I would ever want. Every bit of the $10,000+ of camera gear I bought over the last year and a half has been specifically for shooting Twins games...for simply my own personal enjoyment. I know that's completely nuts, but it's completely true. They probably wouldn't even have to pay me to do this job and I'd love it. That's probably the only potential thing separating me from the others.

I'll just have to keep telling myself that no matter what I'll still keep shooting the Twins games, it will either be for them or for me personally. I'll still be able to get pictures I can be proud of. Sure would be fun to have that inside access though. ;-)

[Nick@Night]

I've been following the Facebook comments from people on the job opening post and it's going to be really hard to compare against the people saying, "I have 20 years experience with photography and 2 photos published in the Library of Congress!" and "I've been shooting for 30 years for different newspapers!", etc., etc. I'm not liking my odds so much. I don't know, bottom line is that there are tons of people who are going to be qualified and tons of people who know how to take great photos. I think it will come down to being passionate about shooting for the Twins and who's there to support the Twins and not simply add another notch on their resume. I have no photography resume and I don't care if that ever changes because shooting for the Twins is literally the only professional-type photography job I would ever want. Every bit of the $10,000+ of camera gear I bought over the last year and a half has been specifically for shooting Twins games...for simply my own personal enjoyment. I know that's completely nuts, but it's completely true. They probably wouldn't even have to pay me to do this job and I'd love it. That's probably the only potential thing separating me from the others.

I'll just have to keep telling myself that no matter what I'll still keep shooting the Twins games, it will either be for them or for me personally. I'll still be able to get pictures I can be proud of. Sure would be fun to have that inside access though. ;-)
Just think of how much you could sell a naked Joe Mauer picture for.

[42graystreet]

Just think of how much you could sell a naked Joe Mauer picture for.

Yep. That's what he was thinking of. :lol

[Benny003]

Just think of how much you could sell a naked Joe Mauer picture for.

My plan is foiled! :lol

[Nick@Night]

Speaking of that naked, side-burned brute that is our catcher, he is on Jimmy Fallon tonight.

[UNLTrpt]

Just think of how much you could sell a naked Joe Mauer picture for.

I think I have 12 dollars in my wallet.

[Benny003]

Speaking of that naked, side-burned brute that is our catcher, he is on Jimmy Fallon tonight.

I'll have to try to catch that. Thanks for the info.

[Nick@Night]

I'll have to try to catch that. Thanks for the info.
I have to decide if I want to stay up for it or not. I never watch Fallon and I prefer sleep over late night television.

Edit: I sound old.

[42graystreet]

I have to decide if I want to stay up for it or not. I never watch Fallon and I prefer sleep over late night television.

Edit: I sound old.

where there's smoke...

[Nick@Night]

where there's smoke...
I turn 29 this week, life is over.

[42graystreet]

Holy crap. I'm older than you! :eek

Only by a couple months, but still.

[handsareme]

Good luck on the photog gig Benny!

In other news, Young's back for one year, $5.4 mil.

[Nick@Night]

Interesting idea: http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/116203424.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUi D3aPc:_Yyc:aUKcOy9cP3DieyckcUsI

Frank and a couple of prospects for Justin Upton. I could never see Arizona giving him away for an injury prone pitcher given Upton's ceiling, but we've done pulled shit like this off before.

[Nick@Night]

This is going to upset some people. All games will be broadcast on FSN only, there will be no Fox 29 Sunday broadcast any longer.

Edit: It's pretty awesome that 99% (160 of 162) of the games are on TV this season. Always having the option to watch the Twins from April-Oct is a great thing.

[handsareme]

This is going to upset some people. All games will be broadcast on FSN only, there will be no Fox 29 Sunday broadcast any longer.

Edit: It's pretty awesome that 99% (160 of 162) of the games are on TV this season. Always having the option to watch the Twins from April-Oct is a great thing.
I'm sure I'd be angry if I lived in the FSN area that broadcast Twins games. Then again, we don't even have cable here. See if I can convince the wife to spring for an mlb.tv membership since it can stream through the blu-ray player. Anybody know what the quality might be on that? I'm guessing not 1080...

[Benny003]

This is going to upset some people. All games will be broadcast on FSN only, there will be no Fox 29 Sunday broadcast any longer.

Edit: It's pretty awesome that 99% (160 of 162) of the games are on TV this season. Always having the option to watch the Twins from April-Oct is a great thing.

That's awesome. I never liked the Fox29 broadcasts anyway. I didn't like their pre-game and post-game crews. FSN does a great job broadcasting the games and FSN HD is a great way to watch Twins games. Having FSN is seriously about the #1 reason I have cable. I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't watch all the Twins games in HD. I even got my wife to look forward to watching all the games every night.

[jordonh]

This is going to upset some people. All games will be broadcast on FSN only, there will be no Fox 29 Sunday broadcast any longer.

Edit: It's pretty awesome that 99% (160 of 162) of the games are on TV this season. Always having the option to watch the Twins from April-Oct is a great thing.

What exactly does this mean ? For example , I live in north dakota and get FSN....im a bit confused..thanks for any info

[Nick@Night]

What exactly does this mean ? For example , I live in north dakota and get FSN....im a bit confused..thanks for any info
It used to be that every Sunday broadcast was on Minneapolis Fox 29, the local station that people without cable would be able to tune in. This deal takes those away so people can only watch now if they have FSN, even on Sundays. It takes about 20 games away from people without FSN.

[jordonh]

It used to be that every Sunday broadcast was on Minneapolis Fox 29, the local station that people without cable would be able to tune in. This deal takes those away so people can only watch now if they have FSN, even on Sundays. It takes about 20 games away from people without FSN.

Thanks for the info!..Im not affected then

[42graystreet]

Thanks for the info!..Im not affected then

You're not affected because those Sunday games that were broadcast to Twin Cities residents on the local Fox channel, were getting to everyone else via FSN. So you won't notice any difference whatsoever. The people who are getting screwed are those in the Twin Cities who don't have cable. Now, they will only have access to 6 games a year, the Saturday games that get a national Fox broadcast.

Personally, I'm not affected, but I do feel bad for those people who have other priorities in life than paying $$$$$ for cable TV.

[grace2]

If you don't have cable by now, you should probably just make the investment.

[Benny003]

Yeah, it would be hard not to be able to watch all of the Twins games.

[42graystreet]

Spring training has officially arrived!!!!!

[Benny003]

Can't wait! I leave in 2 and a half weeks.

[uro55]

Can't wait! I leave in 2 and a half weeks.

Two weeks for me:bounce :thumbsup

[42graystreet]

2 of my co-workers are also going down for spring training. I suck at life.

[Benny003]

Did everyone see this bobblehead on the Twins facebook page? :lol

https://www.facebook.com/Twins#!/photo.php?fbid=10150112922154841&set=a.112709869840.87239.45991614840&theater

I'm guessing since this year is the 20th anniversary of the 1991 World Series team that maybe the bobblehead giveaways this year will be memorable moments from that world series. That would be awesome.

[Nick@Night]

Did everyone see this bobblehead on the Twins facebook page? :lol

https://www.facebook.com/Twins#!/photo.php?fbid=10150112922154841&set=a.112709869840.87239.45991614840&theater

I'm guessing since this year is the 20th anniversary of the 1991 World Series team that maybe the bobblehead giveaways this year will be memorable moments from that world series. That would be awesome.
They going to have Ron Gant there for the give away?

[42graystreet]

They made a bad choice on the bobblehead. His base running gaf in game 7 is a way better memory for us Twins fans.

[bigeyefish22]

who watches all the games? Not related to the FSN subject, just wondering. I cant imagine watching 162 baseball games. thats like 450 hours of baseball, and thats just for one team!

I listen more than I watch. While doing other things.

[UNLTrpt]

They made a bad choice on the bobblehead. His base running gaf in game 7 is a way better memory for us Twins fans.

I have the highlight video of the 87 & 91 WS and I HATE HATE HATE Lonnie Smith for all points of that World Series because every time he runs...his helmet comes off. And even in the field, his hat sometimes comes off.

And then the base running gaff comes...and I don't hate him anymore.

[Benny003]

who watches all the games? Not related to the FSN subject, just wondering. I cant imagine watching 162 baseball games. thats like 450 hours of baseball, and thats just for one team!

I listen more than I watch. While doing other things.

I would guess I probably watched 150+ of the games last season. I mean I didn't like study every play intently, but I at least had the game on and made a point to know what was going on at least.

[uro55]

I would guess I probably watched 150+ of the games last season. I mean I didn't like study every play intently, but I at least had the game on and made a point to know what was going on at least.

Ya I'd say I watched roughly 140ish in the same way.

[42graystreet]

who watches all the games? Not related to the FSN subject, just wondering. I cant imagine watching 162 baseball games. thats like 450 hours of baseball, and thats just for one team!

I listen more than I watch. While doing other things.

I'm like the other guys. Sometimes it just doesn't work out that you can watch a game (like when you're stuck at a fucking family reunion). But unless something weird like that is going on, I am watching the game. Probably in the neighborhood of 140-150.

I have the highlight video of the 87 & 91 WS and I HATE HATE HATE Lonnie Smith for all points of that World Series because every time he runs...his helmet comes off. And even in the field, his hat sometimes comes off.

And then the base running gaff comes...and I don't hate him anymore.

Lonnie Smith made the huge mistake, yeah. I don't know why I thought it was Gant. Either way, I think it's worth a bobble head. Him, rounding 2nd and getting duped by Gagne and Knobbers.

[Nick@Night]

who watches all the games? Not related to the FSN subject, just wondering. I cant imagine watching 162 baseball games. thats like 450 hours of baseball, and thats just for one team!

I listen more than I watch. While doing other things.
Basically in the evenings my first plan is to watch the game, but if there is something else that requires my attention I do it. Or what happens a lot of the time is if we eat dinner late I'll pick up the game in the 3-4th inning.

[handsareme]

I would never get anything done if I lived in Minnesota during baseball season.

[UNLTrpt]

I would never get anything done if I lived in Minnesota during baseball season.

you got that right.

[bigeyefish22]

I would never get anything done if I lived in Minnesota during baseball season.

ha, no shit. I lived elsewhere for 3+ seasons so I grew accustomed to the radio. I'm sticking with it for now.

Like this week Comcast is making the NHL ticket free; it's beautiful! But I would never buy the NHL ticket because I'd have to be dragged away from my house. If it was on fire.

[handsareme]

ha, no shit. I lived elsewhere for 3+ seasons so I grew accustomed to the radio. I'm sticking with it for now.

Like this week Comcast is making the NHL ticket free; it's beautiful! But I would never buy the NHL ticket because I'd have to be dragged away from my house. If it was on fire.
I will convince my wife that mlb.tv is essential to our marriage. It is either that or full blown cable with all the bells and whistles to get FSN North. I'd rather pay the small amount for Twins baseball...

[Benny003]

I will convince my wife that mlb.tv is essential to our marriage. It is either that or full blown cable with all the bells and whistles to get FSN North. I'd rather pay the small amount for Twins baseball...

Seriously, when we started off with a 20-game season ticket package back in 2008, my wife wasn't that thrilled because she didn't really care about baseball. Now 2 years later last season she attended around 45 games and watched pretty much every game on FSN with me with no complaints. If a game ran late and I stayed up to watch it in the living room, she even ended up watching the rest of the game up in our bedroom by herself. She also follows the players almost as closely as I do and can recite their player numbers. So just force your wife to watch and she'll grow to like them. :lol

[handsareme]

Seriously, when we started off with a 20-game season ticket package back in 2008, my wife wasn't that thrilled because she didn't really care about baseball. Now 2 years later last season she attended around 45 games and watched pretty much every game on FSN with me with no complaints. If a game ran late and I stayed up to watch it in the living room, she even ended up watching the rest of the game up in our bedroom by herself. She also follows the players almost as closely as I do and can recite their player numbers. So just force your wife to watch and she'll grow to like them. :lol
She began to embrace it last season...I mean, we went to a game on our honeymoon. She made a valiant effort to learn names and positions. She knows it's important to me. :D I doubt she'll get to where your wife is at in her fandom, but who knows?

[Nick@Night]

If a bitch knows what's good for her, she'll stay in the kitchen and only leave it to watch a Twins game with you. That'd be the perfect marriage.

[handsareme]

If a bitch knows what's good for her, she'll stay in the kitchen and only leave it to watch a Twins game with you. That'd be the perfect marriage.
And blowjobs.

[UNLTrpt]

And blowjobs.

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

[bigeyefish22]

this was posted by howard sinker on the strib site. Its apparently Tsuyoshi's, well here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=demGSiw8l0E&feature=player_embedded

What you just watched was Nishioka's 2010 ouenka, or fight song, that fans of the Chiba Lotte Marines performed when he came to bat.

The words?

(Music + clapping) Tsuyoshi!
(Music + clapping) Let’s go!
(Music + clapping) Speed-o-star!
(Music + clapping) Tsuyoshi! Nishioka!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/116594778.html

This needs to be organized for the home opener.

[Benny003]

Yeah, that would be cool. The Japanese and their fight songs are like a whole different sub-culture of baseball over there. You go to bars and people will have their noise makers out and everyone in the bar is chanting while their team is playing. Their fans get highly organized. It would be pretty cool if the Minnesota fans can pull it off, but I'm doubtful. It's going to require the Twins to be providing some education on it at games for it to really take off.

[handsareme]

I don't care what they label the stuff going into Mauer's knees (preventative), it worries the shit outta me.

[42graystreet]

I'm immune to almost any news regarding Joe Mauer's knee. It's just a fact a life. Unless it will affect playing time, I wouldn't worry about it.

[Benny003]

Get ready to see a lot more of Joe during commercial breaks this season:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110222&content_id=16708338&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

I guess that explains why he grew out his hair this off-season. :lol

[UNLTrpt]

yeah any news about Mauer's knees have to be taken with a grain of salt. They probably would have done the same light workload even if he didn't have postseason surgery.

mauer even said that he wishes Gardy wouldn't have released the info and that a ton of players get these shots after surgery.

hell if it were up to me he wouldn't squat except to shit at all in the preseason. But that isn't going to happen so bring he back slow.

[Nick@Night]

Get ready to see a lot more of Joe during commercial breaks this season:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110222&content_id=16708338&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

I guess that explains why he grew out his hair this off-season. :lol
They need to figure out a way to have Joe and Troy in the same commercial.

[Benny003]

So on the MLB Network's Hot Stove tonight they were going over teams and doing an over/under thing on wins. The Twins came up and the over/under was 86.5 wins. 2 out of the 3 analysts said under basically entirely because of the bullpen questions and they considered Morneau a question mark. I thought that was a little surprising given the Twins won 94 games last season (even when they took the last 2 weeks of the season off) and they have the potential of not only having Morneau back, but also Nathan.

[bigeyefish22]

Nice article re: Twins spring training workouts: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/23/3426011/time-for-good-morning-america.html

Benny, I think the Twins should be projected to win 90 this year. It's always give or take a few from there but I feel like 90-72 is not unreasonable. I think the Twins are underrated coming into this season. Maybe it's just spring training optimism.

[UNC41]

Baseball Prospectus has the Twins winning the Central at 84-78.

[42graystreet]

Baseball Prospectus has the Twins winning the Central at 84-78.

Completely disagree. I think we have 3 pretty good teams. We might beat up each other a little bit, but not to the tune of 84 wins will get the division. I have us winning with 90.

[Nick@Night]

If I decided to leave all you guys behind to join the Chicago White Sox thread, should I be upset not all of you wished me the best on my choice to side with the enemy? If I were Jesse Crain I would be.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6154804&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

[Benny003]

That's funny. I didn't know Morneau was that heated into the rivalry. I know I'm not happy Crain went to the White Sox. Did you guys watch the Twins Diamond Awards that has played on FSN? Crain attended it (took place in January) and Gardy made fun of Crain for leaving for the White Sox. Something about "how could you go and join the White Sox!?"

[Benny003]

Has anyone else made a trip to Milwaukee before? With the Twins finally playing there this year on a weekend, I'm planning on going to 2 of the games there. I haven't been there before, but even though I know it won't compare to Target Field I figured it would be fun to see the Twins play in another park again this year. Plus, it's been wife-approved.

[UNLTrpt]

Has anyone else made a trip to Milwaukee before? With the Twins finally playing there this year on a weekend, I'm planning on going to 2 of the games there. I haven't been there before, but even though I know it won't compare to Target Field I figured it would be fun to see the Twins play in another park again this year. Plus, it's been wife-approved.

I have not, but really would like to go.

With DMB off (most of the year) I'm finding myself planning or at least considering so many sports related trips.

Twins @ KC, Milwaukee.
A trip to Target Field.
4 of the 5 Nebraska football road games :lol (I've got a friend in Wyoming, Wisconsin, Penn St. and family in Minnesota)

[Benny003]

Brewer tickets go on sale Saturday, so that's why I brought it up.

With the All-Star game in KC next year, I think I'm going to make a serious run at going. I've heard that ballpark is really nice since they finished the renovation and it's within reasonable driving distance for a nice road trip.

[UNLTrpt]

KC's ballpark was a nice ballpark before their reno. I have not been there since but have heard the same thing.

[Nick@Night]

What kind of changes did they all make to Kauffman?

[Benny003]

What kind of changes did they all make to Kauffman?

http://www.suite101.com/content/kauffman-stadium-renovations-a115148

Probably most notable is that giant jumbotron in centerfield.

[42graystreet]

I kind of like Justin Morneau a little more after reading that article. I've always thought he was a very passionate guy. Didn't Torii Hunter punch him once?

[grace2]

Baseball Prospectus has the Twins winning the Central at 84-78.

I think we'll grab more wins than that...

[grace2]

I kind of like Justin Morneau a little more after reading that article. I've always thought he was a very passionate guy. Didn't Torii Hunter punch him once?

I'd like to see that :lol

[handsareme]

KC's ballpark was a nice ballpark before their reno. I have not been there since but have heard the same thing.
It's definitely aesthetically pleasing. It was before, of course.

Now to figure out which games to go to up there. Might try to do a Saturday evening-Sunday afternoon game.

[UNLTrpt]

You get called out by fans for being friendly with other teams players and then you get called out by other players by not being friendly enough.

You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't

[Benny003]

I got tickets for the Friday and Saturday games in Milwaukee. I should be able to get some good pictures from the games. I decided to sit on the 3rd base side (Twins side) on Friday and the 1st base side (Brewers side) for Saturday just to get 2 different perspectives. Should be a lot of fun.

[UNC41]

I went to a game at Miller Park in 2006. It is a great place to watch a game. I had a really unique perspective for the first half of the game. There is a place directly behind the right field fence that you can rent out for private parties, which includes a bar right up against the fence and buffet. Well, a friend and I ended up talking our way down there and enjoyed free beers and burgers from a perspective I've never watched a game from for the first five and a half innings. Eventually someone with the company who rented it out figured out we weren't with their party and kicked us out, but it was great. Ahh college ...

[AJF_41]

Agree. Miller park is pretty dope.

[UNLTrpt]

There is an ESPN Insider headline:

Rumors: Yankees may try to deal for Liriano

What could they give us in return...

[42graystreet]

Twins win spring training game #1 and get an RBI single from Nishioka!

[scrock25]

There is an ESPN Insider headline:

Rumors: Yankees may try to deal for Liriano

What could they give us in return...

I was wondering the same thing, Dan.

[42graystreet]

There is an ESPN Insider headline:

Rumors: Yankees may try to deal for Liriano

What could they give us in return...

I wonder if Joba would be part of the deal?

[UNLTrpt]

Would the Twins WANT Joba?

[Benny003]

Why would the Twins trade Liriano? For another starter? If not, I don't know why they would want to make the starting rotation weaker. The Yankees are hurting for starters, so I'm sure that's not what the Twins would get in return. Just doesn't make sense to me right now.

[Nick@Night]

It better not be a prospect type deal if there's any legs to this rumor.

[AJF_41]

I hope they don't. Our starting rotation is weak enough already.

[grace2]

Would the Twins WANT Joba?

I hope not

[Benny003]

The trees from Target Field have officially been removed.

When the weather permits, two trees will be transplanted near the entrance to the Target Field parking lot on Twins Way; one will be held for an online, public auction benefitting the Minnesota Twins Community Fund; one will be held for a season ticket holder contest; and the remaining 10 will be donated to the Minnesota State Park system and transplanted within 150 miles of the Twin Cities in public view.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110228&content_id=16760894&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

[UNLTrpt]

Why would the Twins trade Liriano? For another starter? If not, I don't know why they would want to make the starting rotation weaker. The Yankees are hurting for starters, so I'm sure that's not what the Twins would get in return. Just doesn't make sense to me right now.

Well it has already been thrown around that the Twins might deal him.

His value is never going to be higher, and he might be at his peak right now.

But if history tells us anything they have nothing in their farm system and what in the world do they have on their roster that they would legit trade that we would need?

[scrock25]

Well it has already been thrown around that the Twins might deal him.

His value is never going to be higher, and he might be at his peak right now.

But if history tells us anything they have nothing in their farm system and what in the world do they have on their roster that they would legit trade that we would need?

What are you talking about, Dan?

The Yankees have one of the best farm systems in the league right now. Once Cashman took total control, he made it a point to build the farm system again.

Edit: #4 (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/2011-farm-system-rankings/) in the league my friend. Figure out what you're saying before you say it.

[Nick@Night]

What are you talking about, Dan?

The Yankees have one of the best farm systems in the league right now. Once Cashman took total control, he made it a point to build the farm system again.

Edit: #4 (http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/10/2011-farm-system-rankings/) in the league my friend. Figure out what you're saying before you say it.
Look at what he said. "If history tells us". It's wonderful they are ranked #4 this year and thanks for the link, but his general statement regarding probably the last decade isn't incorrect. No doubt the statement wasn't made given the current up to date status of the minor leagues, more so just the general consensus that trading with the Yanks for prospects was usually shunned by a lot of teams over the past several years.

[42graystreet]

Where there's smoke, there's fire. I've seen way too many rumors to not think that the Twins have decided Liriano isn't in their long-term plan. I really don't know what to think of the whole situation. I get that many people think he is a long-term health risk because of his problems and throwing motion, but you can't deny he is our best starter and losing him without a reasonable replacement could be devastating to our rotation. Our margin of error with guys like Bakey, Blackey, Duensy and Slowey would be down to nothing.

[Nick@Night]

Put Pavano on the hill twice a week, he'll pick up the slack.

[Benny003]

Basically if the Twins deal Liriano any time before the All-Star break without picking up another very good starter some other way to replace him immediately, it means they are essentially giving up on this season and building for the future. Not sure why you would spend the money on Pavano for this year if that's the case. I just have trouble believing the Twins would deal Liriano before the season starts. I could maybe see waiting until like the All-Star break to see how the season is going first. If they are in contention, keep Liriano and ride the season out to see where it goes. If they are falling way back, trade Liriano for some nice prospect starter or something and bring Gibson up to gain experience for the rest of the year (although he'll probably be up in June anyway).

[UNC41]

The Yankees biggest trade chip is Montero, and the Twins have no need for a guy who will play at catcher or maybe first down the road.

[UNLTrpt]

Basically if the Twins deal Liriano any time before the All-Star break without picking up another very good starter some other way to replace him immediately, it means they are essentially giving up on this season and building for the future. Not sure why you would spend the money on Pavano for this year if that's the case. I just have trouble believing the Twins would deal Liriano before the season starts. I could maybe see waiting until like the All-Star break to see how the season is going first. If they are in contention, keep Liriano and ride the season out to see where it goes. If they are falling way back, trade Liriano for some nice prospect starter or something and bring Gibson up to gain experience for the rest of the year (although he'll probably be up in June anyway).

I'm just guessing here but I doubt the yankees or the twins are interested in doing a deal before the all star break anyway. Or at the twins wouldn't be interested in one.

play the first half of the season, see how he does. Evaluate gibson, I'd he's MLB ready bring him up and field trades for liriano. I don't see anything wrong with that. Plus if the yankees are strugling (in 2nd or gasp even in 3rd) you're gonna get more out of the yankees anyway out of desperation anyway.

[Benny003]

I'm just guessing here but I doubt the yankees or the twins are interested in doing a deal before the all star break anyway. Or at the twins wouldn't be interested in one.

play the first half of the season, see how he does. Evaluate gibson, I'd he's MLB ready bring him up and field trades for liriano. I don't see anything wrong with that. Plus if the yankees are strugling (in 2nd or gasp even in 3rd) you're gonna get more out of the yankees anyway out of desperation anyway.

Yeah, if that's the case fine. I didn't read the details of the rumor, but it seemed odd to be talking about a possible trade that won't happen for 4 or 5 months.

[ProudestAnt]

Deal rumored to be centered around Nova or Chamberlain...

[UNLTrpt]

Yeah, if that's the case fine. I didn't read the details of the rumor, but it seemed odd to be talking about a possible trade that won't happen for 4 or 5 months.

I haven't read the details of the rumor either. (its on ESPN Insider so I don't have access to it) I'm just guessing at this point.

[UNLTrpt]

And now the rumor comes out:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=6169516

In an effort to try to improve their pitching, the Yankees called the Twins this offseason about the availability of Francisco Liriano, a baseball official with knowledge of the conversations between the two teams said.

Thus far, the Twins have been unwilling to deal Liriano. While Minnesota is not necessarily looking to shop Liriano, a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune last month said the Twins could be talked into it. Although Liriano is considered the Twins' ace, he is eligible for free agency after the 2012 season. Minnesota, who is deep in starting pitching, could look to sell high, thinking they won't be able to sign Liriano.

As of right now, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said there are no talks with the Twins.

"I'm not talking to anyone about anything right now," Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com's Wallace Matthews. "Nobody's available. Nobody of value, anyway."

Twins executives have also recently said that Liriano is unavailable right now. If a trade for an ace were to happen before the regular season, it is more likely to occur toward the end of spring training when teams have more of an idea of what they have heading into the season.

If no trade is made, the Yankees will likely watch the Twins closely because Liriano is the type of starter they would like to slot behind CC Sabathia in their rotation.

Entering the season, the Yankees have question marks after Sabathia and Phil Hughes. A.J. Burnett finished 10-15 with a 5.26 ERA last year, while Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon and Sergio Mitre are the main contenders for the No. 4 and 5 starter spots.

On Monday, USA Today's Bob Nightengale tweeted that the Yankees are keeping a close eye on Liriano, while Minnesota is scouting the Yankees' prospects. Nova and Joba Chamberlain are potential Twins trade targets.

Cashman likely would not give up his top two pitching prospects, Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances. Both are slated for Double-A, but could push for spots with the Yankees for later in the year and could be potential Yankees starters next season.

Liriano, 27, was 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA. After bursting on the scene in the 2006, going 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA, Liriano's career was slowed by Tommy John surgery. He is slated to make $4.3 million this season.

[UNLTrpt]

More from the Yankee Blog:

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/13122/trade-watch-2011-francisco-liriano-nova-joba

Trade Watch 2011: Francisco Liriano, Nova & Joba
By Andrew Marchand

With it probably a question of when instead of if the Yankees are going to make a deal for a starting pitcher, we are going to try to keep a close eye on all possibilities until they make a big deal. So, with the Weather Channel fresh in our head, let's continue Trade Watch 2011.

The Candidate:Francisco Liriano

Why the buzz?: We first went into theLiriano possiblility on Feb. 10. The buzz then came from a Joe Christensen story in the Minneopolis Star Tribune. Now, stick with me here, Jim Bowden, ex-Reds GM, tweeted Monday that Bob Nightengale says that Liriano could be traded for Ivan Nova or Joba Chamberlain in the next two weeks. Presumably, Bob said this to Jim on Jim's XM show.

What we think: Well, nothing has changed since we wrote: Liriano is in not the type of guy you would trade Jesus Montero for, we don't think. He is just a tick below that level -- and that is if you believe he can stay healthy. We would strongly consider giving up Ivan Nova as a front man in such a deal, but not Manny Banuelos or Dellin Betances. Liriano is an upgrade, but he is a tad below giving up the top prospects.

This is the type of guy that we believe that Brian Cashman will have to continue to show discipline on. He is worth obtaining, but the price must be right.

Now, let's add if the Yankees were to trade Nova, it would be classic Yankees, talking up Nova left and right and then dealing him. I do think from Cashman to Joe Girardion down, the Yankees like Nova, but they have talk very confidently about a guy with three career decisions. Liriano is much more of sure thing and, if he avoids injury, he can be a legit No. 2.

If the Yankees could trade Liriano for Joba, it would be the right move at this point. Joba is only 25 and there still could be a tremendous upside, but it is hard to imagine it will ever happen as a Yankee. They don't think he is a starter anymore and so he will not pitch really important relief innings unless there is a serious injury and/or a sudden loss of effectiveness to Rafael Soriano and Mariano Rivera.

The Twins like Nova's skills, according to a scout with knowledge of their thinking. They also like Joba. They would probably keep him as a reliever as their bullpen was neutered this winter and they have viewed better in shorter bursts than longer outings because of Joba's perceived short attention span.

Update: Cashman told Wallace Matthews: "I'm not talking to anyone about anything right now. Nobody's available. Nobody of value, anyway."

OK, then, but these type of deals happen at the end of the spring, anway. So we'll keep an eye on it.

[scrock25]

Nice updates, Dan!!!

[Benny003]

Yeah, thanks for the information. I'm not sure I like the idea of dealing Liriano. The starting rotation is weak enough as it is (not sure why the first report said the Twins are deep in starting pitching other than we have a lot of possible 4 or 5 starters, not exactly what helps me sleep well at night). I've never been impressed with Joba. That would be a terrible trade for a #2 starter even if we get Nova too who apparently only has 3 career decisions. Just seems like a big risk.

[Benny003]

Nathan will be pitching in today's game. I really hope it goes well.

[Nick@Night]

Nathan will be pitching in today's game. I really hope it goes well.
Arm falls off at the elbow.

[uro55]

I don't care if we git CC back :lol, I don't want to send anything or anyone to that team......

[Benny003]

Does this worry anyone else?

One day after Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that Justin Morneau was scheduled to see a doctor to gain clearance to play in games, the team seemed reluctant to pass along any more information. When asked when Morneau would see the doctor, Gardenhire told reporters, ""I have no idea. I'm not even getting into that. That's done. Don't ask me about him anymore. You're going to start tweeting it and blogging it. That's over with."

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110228&content_id=16768124&notebook_id=16770166&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min

[UNLTrpt]

Yeah, thanks for the information. I'm not sure I like the idea of dealing Liriano. The starting rotation is weak enough as it is (not sure why the first report said the Twins are deep in starting pitching other than we have a lot of possible 4 or 5 starters, not exactly what helps me sleep well at night). I've never been impressed with Joba. That would be a terrible trade for a #2 starter even if we get Nova too who apparently only has 3 career decisions. Just seems like a big risk.

Joba would fit in here I know that. Where would they put him is the question. Would they put him at starter or relief? He's probably a little bit more polished as a reliever but I think could turn into a decent starter.

I understand your concern about the starters but isn't this pretty much the same lineup that won 94 games last year? Pavano, Liriano, Baker, Duensing make a pretty solid 4. And you have Blackburn and Slowey going for spot #5. Throw in the possibility of Gibson coming up and doing a Duensing type thing. (spot starts down the stretch when we need him)

I still don't think anything gets done in the preseason. I think we should hang onto him for now and wait and see what happens through the all star break.

[Benny003]

Looks like Nathan had a good day or at least it went as well as you could hope for the standard 1 inning of relief.

[Benny003]

Got shipping notification for my season tickets today, should be here in the next day or two! :bounce I'm really getting baseball fever now.

If you remember in the movie Fever Pitch where Jimmy Fallon runs out in his boxers to get his Red Sox season tickets from the UPS guy and he gives him a big bear hug, just imagine that as me this week. :lol

[Nick@Night]

Got shipping notification for my season tickets today, should be here in the next day or two! :bounce I'm really getting baseball fever now.

If you remember in the movie Fever Pitch where Jimmy Fallon runs out in his boxers to get his Red Sox season tickets from the UPS guy and he gives him a big bear hug, just imagine that as me this week. :lol
Put some clothes on, man.

[davelk10]

The fact that anyone thinks the Twins would trade Liriano for Joba is utterly ridiculous. The Twins are not the Pirates or the Royals.

[uro55]

Got shipping notification for my season tickets today, should be here in the next day or two! :bounce I'm really getting baseball fever now.

If you remember in the movie Fever Pitch where Jimmy Fallon runs out in his boxers to get his Red Sox season tickets from the UPS guy and he gives him a big bear hug, just imagine that as me this week. :lol

We made the final plans for our season ticket draft party today:thumbsup

And I'll be in Fort Myers in about 65ish hours:hump

[scrock25]

The fuck is Hot Dish?

[42graystreet]

The Twins officially sold out of season ticket packages for the 2011 season. A record 25,000 seats for every game have been sold through various packages, leaving about 13,000 (plus standing room) for each game that will be sold when single-game tickets go on sale.

Ben - did your season tickets come in the mail? I loved the little box they come in.

[scrock25]

The fuck is hot dish?

[Benny003]

The Twins officially sold out of season ticket packages for the 2011 season. A record 25,000 seats for every game have been sold through various packages, leaving about 13,000 (plus standing room) for each game that will be sold when single-game tickets go on sale.

Ben - did your season tickets come in the mail? I loved the little box they come in.

Yep, they arrived yesterday. Very similar box to last season. Sure was nice seeing the full 81 games worth of tickets (first time for me for full season). I'm excited to see exactly what my new seats will be like this year. Should be pretty good.

[scrock25]

The fuck is hot dish?

[AJF_41]

Yep, they arrived yesterday. Very similar box to last season. Sure was nice seeing the full 81 games worth of tickets (first time for me for full season). I'm excited to see exactly what my new seats will be like this year. Should be pretty good.

Where did you move to? I thought you were right off first base last year (dope seats).

[scrock25]

The fuck is hot dish?

[Nick@Night]

Cuddy's foot after the wart removal: http://twitpic.com/45pf7g

[scrock25]

The fuck is hot dish?

[Benny003]

Where did you move to? I thought you were right off first base last year (dope seats).

I was in 105 last season with a 40-game plan. This year since I have a full season plan we moved into the Home Plate Box area, so I'm in 108 Row 8 near the aisle between 108 and 109. So we're inside 1st base 8 rows behind the Dugout Box seats. They really should be pretty solid seats.

[Nick@Night]

Do you have to throw down the money for the whole season at once?

[uro55]

Yep, they arrived yesterday. Very similar box to last season. Sure was nice seeing the full 81 games worth of tickets (first time for me for full season). I'm excited to see exactly what my new seats will be like this year. Should be pretty good.

Can't wait to see mine, half season not full. But still:hump

[scrock25]

I was in 105 last season with a 40-game plan. This year since I have a full season plan we moved into the Home Plate Box area, so I'm in 108 Row 8 near the aisle between 108 and 109. So we're inside 1st base 8 rows behind the Dugout Box seats. They really should be pretty solid seats.

Do you have to throw down the money for the whole season at once?

Can't wait to see mine, half season not full. But still:hump

The fuck is hot dish?

[Benny003]

Do you have to throw down the money for the whole season at once?

No, they have payment options. I think you can pay something like the first 50% by October and then the other 50% by January. I paid mine in full as soon as the invoice came so I'm not totally positive on the options, but there are definitely payment options available.

[scrock25]

The fuck is hot dish?

[uro55]

No, they have payment options. I think you can pay something like the first 50% by October and then the other 50% by January. I paid mine in full as soon as the invoice came so I'm not totally positive on the options, but there are definitely payment options available.

We paid ours all at once, but ya if I remember there were two or three different payment options?

[Nick@Night]

Do you pay face value for each ticket or do you save some by getting the package?

[scrock25]

No takers on explaining what hot dish is?

[Benny003]

My wife found this youtube link for me, this is what I was talking about with Fever Pitch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrCfQpVwUVY

Do you pay face value for each ticket or do you save some by getting the package?

You definitely save! For instance, my tickets in the season ticket plan are $53 each. That's a flat rate for every single game. The single game price varies from $60 to $65 depending on the game. So I save between $7 and $12 per game per ticket for every single game. Here is the pricing breakdown:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ticketing/singlegame_pricing.jsp

[scrock25]

Hot dish, anyone?

[UNLTrpt]

You definitely save! For instance, my tickets in the season ticket plan are $53 each. That's a flat rate for every single game. The single game price varies from $60 to $65 depending on the game. So I save between $7 and $12 per game per ticket for every single game. Here is the pricing breakdown:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ticketing/singlegame_pricing.jsp

Man, I would be so content with those Diamond Box seats. If I had the coin and lived in the Twins cities, I would absolutely pony up.

[Nick@Night]

My wife found this youtube link for me, this is what I was talking about with Fever Pitch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrCfQpVwUVY



You definitely save! For instance, my tickets in the season ticket plan are $53 each. That's a flat rate for every single game. The single game price varies from $60 to $65 depending on the game. So I save between $7 and $12 per game per ticket for every single game. Here is the pricing breakdown:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ticketing/singlegame_pricing.jsp
If I lived in/closer to Minneapolis I'd want to try one of the smaller packages. If I was single I'd do it with out question no matter where I lived, having a 5 year old makes trotting off to the ballpark a task.

[scrock25]

Man, I would be so content with those Diamond Box seats. If I had the coin and lived in the Twins cities, I would absolutely pony up.

Can you tell me what hot dish is, Dan?

[UNLTrpt]

If I lived in/closer to Minneapolis I'd want to try one of the smaller packages. If I was single I'd do it with out question no matter where I lived, having a 5 year old makes trotting off to the ballpark a task.

I think I'd do the 40 game one first and then if I found myself craving more baseball probably bump it up to the 81 game the next year.

[42graystreet]

The fuck is Hot Dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

The fuck is hot dish?

No takers on explaining what hot dish is?

Hot dish, anyone?

Can you tell me what hot dish is, Dan?

Now that's persistence.

[Benny003]

I think I'd do the 40 game one first and then if I found myself craving more baseball probably bump it up to the 81 game the next year.

That's basically what I did. Actually, I had 20 games for season tickets in 2008, 2009, and 2010 (shared a 40-game plan in 2009 and 2010). I was doing between 25 and 30 games each season and I never imagined that I would go to more games. With Target Field opening I found myself unexpectedly going to 57 games last season. I basically fell in love with that place and I couldn't get enough. So I knew a full season plan is what I needed.

[Nick@Night]

If you ever have games you know far enough in advance you're not going to make and need to get rid of tickets, check in with the group. The 1-2 Wild games we go to a season are tickets we buy from my gf's brother at the price he paid in his season package. If he knows far enough in advance he can't attend it works out well for us since they are right on the glass and we don't have to pay full price. It's a good system.

[42graystreet]

If you ever have games you know far enough in advance you're not going to make and need to get rid of tickets, check in with the group. The 1-2 Wild games we go to a season are tickets we buy from my gf's brother at the price he paid in his season package. If he knows far enough in advance he can't attend it works out well for us since they are right on the glass and we don't have to pay full price. It's a good system.

Holy cow...what Nick said. Give us a shout, help out an Ant/Twins fan :)

[AJF_41]

If you ever have games you know far enough in advance you're not going to make and need to get rid of tickets, check in with the group.

Agree. I'd like to get in on that list as well.

[42graystreet]

I attend some games and occasionally get access to extra tickets thanks to my folks' season tickets package. If I'm just getting rid of them, I'll post a message in here, for sure.

[Benny003]

I'll be sure to post a message here. Typically I don't know that far in advance, but if I do I'll let you know. Would you guys be available for weekday day games? Those would be the ones I'd be most likely to not use.

[42graystreet]

Unless I planned far in advance, I probably wouldn't be able to do a day game during the week. But YNK when a "sick" day is warranted ;)

[Nick@Night]

I'll be sure to post a message here. Typically I don't know that far in advance, but if I do I'll let you know. Would you guys be available for weekday day games? Those would be the ones I'd be most likely to not use.
Mental health days are a good use of day game tix.

[Benny003]

Mental health days are a good use of day game tix.

There technically isn't anything stopping me from going to the day games (my PTO hours aren't even tracked as far as I know), but I feel guilty if I take off a day multiple weeks in a row. I'll probably go to like 1 a month, but sometimes there are day games on back-to-back weeks.

[Nick@Night]

There technically isn't anything stopping me from going to the day games (my PTO hours aren't even tracked as far as I know), but I feel guilty if I take off a day multiple weeks in a row. I'll probably go to like 1 a month, but sometimes there are day games on back-to-back weeks.
Fair weather fan.

[scrock25]

Now that's persistence.

Can somebody answer the question?

The fuck is hot dish??

[Nick@Night]

Can somebody answer the question?

The fuck is hot dish??
This should catch you up to speed regarding your inquiry.

The fuck is hot dish? (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Hot+Dish)

[scrock25]

Tator Tots as a "crust"! Looks delicious!!

Thanks Nick!!!

[Benny003]

Fair weather fan.

:lol There was some older person last season that had a sign at the last regular season game that said she (I think it was a woman, don't recall exactly) had attended all 81 regular season home games. Now that's what I call a happy retirement.

[Benny003]

I think the Twins just posted the first new commercial of the year. Kubel, Span, Jerry White, and Valencia are in it.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?tcid=mm_min_vid&c_id=min

[Nick@Night]

Not that great of commercial, they usually make these really good.

[AJF_41]

Day weekday games are great. I can usually sneak away for those.

[uro55]

Day weekday games are great. I can usually sneak away for those.

Same here!

Also I leave for Fort Myers in a few hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:hump:D:hump:D

[Benny003]

Just saw the Twins giveaway schedule. Only good things looks like the Matt Capps (random?) fishing lure and the Kent Hrbek/Ron Gant 1991 World Series bobblehead (August 5th).

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=min&y=2011

Same here!

Also I leave for Fort Myers in a few hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:hump:D:hump:D

Awesome, have fun. I'll be leaving for Ft. Myers on Wednesday.

[Benny003]

Nathan appears to be in really good shape. That's great to hear. It's looking good that he'll be ready for opening day. If we could have him able to contribute this season, that would really give things a boost.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110304&content_id=16818354&notebook_id=16818358&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min

My wife was telling me there was some article online (thought it was Jim Souhan, but can't find it) that was saying that Morneau might wait to make his comeback for the first home series. The Twins first regular season series is in Toronto...the last place Morneau played a game. The second series is in New York where everyone will need to be on top of their game. Anyway, just kind of interesting since I didn't even put 2 and 2 together that Toronto is opening day for the Twins and that might be kind of strange for Morneau to play his first real game back there.

[AJF_41]

Ron Gant. That's awesome. I lived in Atlanta for a year when I was 8. Became a huge Braves fan (lasted through middle school). Gant was my favorite baseball player. Haven't thought about him for a looooong time.

So random.

[Benny003]

Morneau played in a game today!!! Went 1 for 2. This is great news to hear.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110308&content_id=16862296&vkey=news_min&c_id=min&partnerId=rss_min

[tosssweep]

Morneau played in a game today!!! Went 1 for 2. This is great news to hear.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110308&content_id=16862296&vkey=news_min&c_id=min&partnerId=rss_min

That's AWESOME! Really glad he's doing alright and is back on the field!

[Benny003]

Sounds like he's aiming for Thursday for his first non-B game, which happens to be the first spring training game I'll be attending. So hopefully that's true and I'll get lots of photos.

[42graystreet]

Sitting in a virtual waiting room, hoping to get opening day tickets. Anyone else doing this?

[42graystreet]

321, row 2. Eh, I'll take it.

[Nick@Night]

I was at the 'rents place this weekend and my dad had the form to select the 6 games he wanted to be entered for in the drawing at his work. I went through and found the games that would be the most worth while, hoping he gets selected for a Saturday night game where we can take the Northstar train down from Elk River. He didn't get drawn for any last year, hopefully he gets it this time since he's retiring in November. I want to check out the company's season ticket location.

[42graystreet]

I also found out I'll finally get a see a game from the Budweiser Roof Deck. Saturday, May 28th, against the Angels. Looking forward to that.

[Benny003]

321, row 2. Eh, I'll take it.

The person who buys 20 games of our season ticket package was able to get section 105 for opening day (which was the section where our partial season tickets were last year). Not sure what all was available since I wasn't there, but I'm guessing 105 is pretty good considering.

[42graystreet]

The person who buys 20 games of our season ticket package was able to get section 105 for opening day (which was the section where our partial season tickets were last year). Not sure what all was available since I wasn't there, but I'm guessing 105 is pretty good considering.

I got out of the virtual waiting room at about 10:15, selected best available and that's what I got. I'm guessing they just got luckier than me.

[Benny003]

Was at the Twins game today. They delayed the start by an hour because of rain. So not great weather, but it was warm, shorts and short sleeves weather. Blackburn got lit up today. 5 runs in 3 innings, 2 from homeruns. I guess his sinker wasn't working today. I can't believe Gardy already selected Blackburn to be in the starting rotation.

Got tons of photos today. Nathan pitched an inning. Great to see him on the mound again. He looked great and I'm positive we'll be seeing him at Target Field singing "Stand Up and Shout!" in no time. Saw all the big names (Morneau, Mauer, Nishioka, Cuddyer, Young, etc.) in the dugout watching the game. I believe Morneau is expected to start Friday's game, so that is going to be extremely exciting.

The weather should be much better Friday (sunny skies expected), can't wait! Photos will be on my website sometime next week.

[Benny003]

Beautiful day in Ft. Myers today! Twins won on essentially Papelbon's lack of control. The rest of the pitching looked great though besides one bad inning from Duensing. It was great to see Morneau take the field again. Too bad he couldn't get a hit today, but he only had 2 at-bats. Fun seeing Nishioka too. He made a nice diving play that got the crowd cheering. He'll be fun to watch this year. The Japanese media is funny. During batting practice there were like 20 people from the Japanese media all lined up in front of the Twins dugout. Should be interesting to see how much media there will be at Target Field.

Time to go find some place to eat for dinner. One more day in Ft. Myers before we head back to snowy Minnesota. Oh, if any of you come down here, go to Grimaldi's Pizza in the Bell Tower Shops. It's authentic New York coal oven pizza. I ate there in New York last summer and I was shocked to see it down here. Anyway, it's probably my favorite pizza in the world and I eat a lot of pizza. We ate there last night and I plan to go there for lunch tomorrow also. That place is almost reason enough for me to want to make the trip back here next year.

[bigeyefish22]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/117836358.html

article in the strib re: Kubel. Brings up an interesting quandry: playing time for Kubel, Delmon, Thome, Cuddy. Assuming health for everyone (which may be doubtful), how would you like the games played/position numbers to bear out at the end of the season??

Considerations:
- Delmon could hit the shit out of the ball this year. I think he'll at least replicate last seasons numbers, which were pretty good, and I expect an improvement.
- Cuddy probably plays 150+ regardless, right? Doesn't he always?
- The aforementioned article mentions 'not allowing Thome to get rusty', or something to that effect. What does that mean re: starts at DH?
- Other considerations?

Only 3 of the 4 can start for 162 (again, assuming health throughout the lineup, etc.). Thats 486 total starts. Clearly, they're not just interchangeable at every position, so some will necessarily start more than others (i.e., Cuddy, due to history (always plays) and that sweet, sweet arm from the outfield; so, assuming lineup health, he would rarely, if ever, DH this year, IMO):

Delmon: 130
Thome: 88
Kubel: 118
Cuddy: 150

And, what if Span continues his decline from last year (which I doubt)? Don't let Revere into the equation (not sure how to work this if Span struggles and there's no Revere, but just a thought I'd like to hear opinions on).

[UNLTrpt]

Gardy needs to play the nice little dance between matchups and who's hot.

Obviously you want to use Thome a little less at the beginning of the year just so he'll have enough leg under him for Sept and Oct. And you obviously rule him out of 9 starts due to interleague games on the road.

So that gives the other guys a couple more starts/at bats to get rolling at the beginning of the year.

But just play the percentages and the hot hand. If Thome is seeing the ball and hitting it well, ride him a little bit.

But the article is right, he needs a good year to prove to the Twins to keep him around once he goes FA. If he shows he's a consistent hitter he'll find a spot on the field.

But damn depth sure is a nice problem to have isn't it?

[Benny003]

All 4 guys played the first half last season. Just do what they did then. Young and Cuddyer start almost every game, Kubel and Thome interchange at DH for the most part except days where Mauer DH's during Pavano's starts. Kubel plays the outfield when Cuddyer or Young get a day off.

[42graystreet]

It is a nice problem to have. One that injuries will almost certainly take care of sooner than we'd like.

[Benny003]

Wow, where is everyone? Been pretty quiet in here. Anyway, here are the pictures from the first spring training game I went to last week.

http://benckphotography.com/galleries/twins/2011/Toronto%20Blue%20Jays%2020110310/index.html

I'm still working on the photos from the game against the Red Sox.

[handsareme]

Wow, where is everyone? Been pretty quiet in here. Anyway, here are the pictures from the first spring training game I went to last week.

http://benckphotography.com/galleries/twins/2011/Toronto%20Blue%20Jays%2020110310/index.html

I'm still working on the photos from the game against the Red Sox.
I liked #9.

[Benny003]

I liked #9.

The TC one? If so, what happened there was the game was about to start and TC quickly ran off the field toward the dugout. When he hit the gravel in front of the dugout he slipped and sort of dove toward the dugout rail to catch himself before falling. What you see in the picture is basically how he ended up by catching the rail. The photo after that of the guy laughing (sorry I don't recognize him at all) was because of watching TC almost bite the dust.

[Nick@Night]

They need to figure out a way to have Joe and Troy in the same commercial.
I guess they were listening. There is a commercial with these two in it, debuting soon. :cool

[Benny003]

Finally got everything put together from the trip down to spring training. Links to the galleries for both games are here:

http://benckphotography.com/blog/2011/03/19/a-new-season-is-born/

[uro55]

Been sitting in the damn electronic ticket line for 30 mins now:(

[Benny003]

I got my tickets no problem. Got in the electronic line a couple minutes before 10 and it let me buy tickets a few minutes after 10. Only problem was I think their system was messed up at first because when I clicked the popup that said I could buy tickets nothing would happen. I had to open a new tab and go to the schedule again and since my other tab was able to buy tickets it finally let me in to buy tickets. Not sure what happened, but I was able to buy tickets to the games I really needed for family members. Pretty good seats available for all the games. Saw some Dugout Box seats come up for the Friday Yankees game, but passed since they were far down the 3rd base line. So at least I know there were a lot of good tickets available for all the games.

Another season outdoors at Target Field, I can't wait!

[uro55]

Ya I've had one browser open in the line since 9:55. And have been trying with others with no damn luck yet:(

[uro55]

Two hours later and I'm gonna fucking scream!!!!!!

[uro55]

Nooooooooooooo! After 2.5 hours trying I got kicked out of the system:(

[Benny003]

Sorry to hear that uro. It really did seem like luck of the draw.

[uro55]

Sorry to hear that uro. It really did seem like luck of the draw.

Thanks man:) It's not the end of the world, I've got a 20 game pack, but no home opener tix, so I was shooting for those!

[UNLTrpt]

They were saying on the Twins facebook page that they were having troubles with the online ordering system.

Luis Castillo cut today by the Mets. They ate the 6 mil. Left on his contract.

[Benny003]

The Twins are being covered tonight at 9PM CST on MLB Network's 30 Clubs in 30 Days series.

[Benny003]

Just saw that Neshek was claimed off waivers by the Padres. That's too bad that he couldn't make a better come back from Tommy John surgery. Maybe he'll be better for the Padres.

[jordonh]

Just saw that Neshek was claimed off waivers by the Padres. That's too bad that he couldn't make a better come back from Tommy John surgery. Maybe he'll be better for the Padres.

his career basically ended when he became a vegetarian

[uro55]

Wally's aquitted :)

http://www.startribune.com/local/118433159.html

[Benny003]

I can't believe that went to trial. Good for him though.

Rumor is that the rotation is set with Baker as the #5 and Slowey in the pen. Makes sense since Baker takes hours to get warmed up.

[handsareme]

Trying to figure which games to go to in KC...

[grace2]

Wally's aquitted :)

http://www.startribune.com/local/118433159.html

Good. It's not a big deal, at all.

[jordonh]

Anybody interested in 4 tickets to the 2nd twins home game (April 9th)....Was gonna go to the opener and this game but found out early this week I have to work that weekend.

Section 126 Row 25 i believe

Face Value $40 ea

PM me!

Thanks

[Nick@Night]

Mauer H&S commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFBW162l7S4

[Benny003]

Mauer H&S commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFBW162l7S4

Good find, that's hilarious!

[Benny003]

Starting Thursday, the Twins are going to start using a demand-based ticket pricing system for the Home Plate Box and Home Plate View sections for the rest of the season (I imagine it will expand to more sections as the system is used more). What this means is they will adjust the price of the tickets based on estimated demand using criteria like weather, team performance, pitching matchup, visiting team, etc. More directly this means the Twins will now be charging scalper-like prices for those seats. Excuse my language, but fuck that.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110328&content_id=17167610&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

One of two things will happen: either it will screw over the scalpers and you'll find more tickets available on the Twins website, but at substantially higher prices; or it will simply raise the prices the scalpers are charging. Either way the fans are getting screwed by being forced to pay higher prices essentially. Season tickets will now become by far the cheapest way to get tickets and, in turn, make them the most scalpable. Great.

[UNLTrpt]

Man I love watching Jim Thome highlights. God damn can he hit the ball.

[rustysurf83]

The White Sox tried the whole demand based shit; it works awesome ( I.e. Shitty for fans ) when the team does well, however when the team blows dick it fails because they refuse to match the $2.50 per ticket that some dude wants on StubHub.

[Benny003]

The White Sox tried the whole demand based shit; it works awesome ( I.e. Shitty for fans ) when the team does well, however when the team blows dick it fails because they refuse to match the $2.50 per ticket that some dude wants on StubHub.

That's what I'm thinking. I'd love to see how this system works when the team is back to pulling in 20,000 per game instead of 40,000+.

[dontburnthe_pig]

Trying to figure which games to go to in KC...

when are the twins at kauffman? i will be in lawrence over the summer and would love to catch a few games there. beautiful park.

[Benny003]

when are the twins at kauffman? i will be in lawrence over the summer and would love to catch a few games there. beautiful park.

April 29-May 1
June 2-4
September 13 and 14

[UNLTrpt]

I keep telling myself I'm going to hit up Kauffman again in the summer and I never do. Its been....5 years(?) since I've been down there. I need to get down there again.

[42graystreet]

I keep telling myself I'm going to hit up Kauffman again in the summer and I never do. Its been....5 years(?) since I've been down there. I need to get down there again.

When I was going to school at Nebraska I drove down and saw the Twins at Kaufman every chance I could. It was always a great time. Seeing the Twins on the road is a blast and that stadium is without a doubt beautiful.

[Benny003]

I think next year I might try to get down there for a Twins series. We're hitting up Milwaukee this year.

[uro55]

I'm going to do one or two places this summer. Chicago probably and maybe KC.

If April 8th doesn't get here soon I might scream lol :lol

[uro55]

Oh and because it's awesome :)

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13103651&topic_id=7417714

[Benny003]

Oh and because it's awesome :)

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13103651&topic_id=7417714

Wow, I didn't know that made their Top 20.

[uro55]

Wow, I didn't know that made their Top 20.

I didn't until yesterday, made me :D

Also in other news.....I bought some home opener tickets today! Not the best seats, but not the worst and not a bad deal. Sigh of relief! Haven't missed an opener in like 7 years. I'm freaking pumped for next Friday :hump

[Benny003]

I didn't until yesterday, made me :D

Also in other news.....I bought some home opener tickets today! Not the best seats, but not the worst and not a bad deal. Sigh of relief! Haven't missed an opener in like 7 years. I'm freaking pumped for next Friday :hump

Yeah, I saw they released more. What did you end up getting?

[uro55]

Yeah, I saw they released more. What did you end up getting?

Right field section 139, row 2. So not the best nor the worst. Row 2 is good, and I've never sat in right field. Either way after the debacle of last week, I'm just happy ton have my tix:)

[UNLTrpt]

Oh and because it's awesome :)

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13103651&topic_id=7417714

And they haven't even got to Game 6 or 7 of the '91 series. We might get two more on there. At least one.

[grace2]

Wow, I didn't know that made their Top 20.

Glad to see it is, best game ever.

[scrock25]

And they haven't even got to Game 6 or 7 of the '91 series. We might get two more on there. At least one.

I totally agree, Dan.

[42graystreet]

Game 7 for sure, that has a decent argument for being #1. Not sure if game 6 will make it. Certainly had a dramatic conclusion, but I'm not sure if it had enough elsewhere to make the list.

[UNLTrpt]

Game 7 for sure, that has a decent argument for being #1. Not sure if game 6 will make it. Certainly had a dramatic conclusion, but I'm not sure if it had enough elsewhere to make the list.

The game with Gibson's HR is #10 on the list. There wasn't much more to that game. I think game 6 has a chance.

[bigeyefish22]

Game 7 91 has to be top 3, and I think #1. Im no historian but I dont care. Best game ever played, take it to the bank.

[42graystreet]

The 8th inning of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series was the greatest and most dramatic inning of baseball in the history of the world.

[uro55]

So hard to call for me, could go with 4-5 different games. But if I had to pick, I'd honestly go with game 163. Being there in person is beyond explanation :)

[Nick@Night]

Exhibition game against the Braves is on right now. My first time seeing live action baseball this spring.

[uro55]

Exhibition game against the Braves is on right now. My first time seeing live action baseball this spring.

That's been one of the view advantages of getting laid off from work. I've caught TONS of spring training :lol

[uro55]

Watching an interview with Thome and they asked him if he could remember who he hit home runs 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 off of. And he knew them all. And then Dick asked him who he wanted to hit home run 600 off of. And his answer?

"Who ever is the closer for the White Sox"

Awesome :hump

[grace2]

Watching an interview with Thome and they asked him if he could remember who he hit home runs 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 off of. And he knew them all. And then Dick asked him who he wanted to hit home run 600 off of. And his answer?

"Who ever is the closer for the White Sox"

Awesome :hump
The fact that he knew those just shows how important personal statistics are for players.

[Benny003]

Watching an interview with Thome and they asked him if he could remember who he hit home runs 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 off of. And he knew them all. And then Dick asked him who he wanted to hit home run 600 off of. And his answer?

"Who ever is the closer for the White Sox"

Awesome :hump

Yeah, that was from the Diamond Awards they held in January. That was pretty impressive that he knew all of those.

[Benny003]

Exhibition game against the Braves is on right now. My first time seeing live action baseball this spring.

Notice there were only like 100 people there? Crazy. If that was at Target Field, it would have been packed to the roof.

[uro55]

Notice there were only like 100 people there? Crazy. If that was at Target Field, it would have been packed to the roof.

I KNOW! Made me almost mad:lol I've got nothing to do, and I'd have loved to go to Target Field today:thumbsup

[UNLTrpt]

Watching an interview with Thome and they asked him if he could remember who he hit home runs 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 off of. And he knew them all. And then Dick asked him who he wanted to hit home run 600 off of. And his answer?

"Who ever is the closer for the White Sox"

Awesome :hump

And I THINK his next walkoff HR is a record breaker? Or ties the record?

I can't remember.

[UNLTrpt]

Yep. Breaks the record. He's tied with a couple of people at 12. Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Frank Robinson, and Babe Ruth

[Benny003]

And I THINK his next walkoff HR is a record breaker? Or ties the record?

I can't remember.

Walk-off 600, let's do it! :cool

[Clem Haskins]

Anyone got any suggestions for a good burger/beer on gamedays? maybe something with an outdoor seating area?

[Benny003]

Dave Winfield picked the White Sox to win the Central:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks

Traitor! Just kidding. Lots of ESPN writers picking the White Sox. Most other places I've seen, including MLB Network and Sport Illustrated, have the Twins winning the Central.

[UNLTrpt]

Dave Winfield picked the White Sox to win the Central:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview/2011/news/story?page=11expertpicks

Traitor! Just kidding. Lots of ESPN writers picking the White Sox. Most other places I've seen, including MLB Network and Sport Illustrated, have the Twins winning the Central.

People picking against the Twins doesn't surprise me anymore. The bitch sox get ONE FA and the people go nuts over them.

The Twins just do what they do and they're going to be right there when September rolls around.

[UNLTrpt]

Anyone got any suggestions for a good burger/beer on gamedays? maybe something with an outdoor seating area?

Are you talking inside or outside the park?