Minnesota Twins

[jubes02]

I made a post on my website highlighting my thoughts and photos I took of him while he was with us if anyone is interested:

http://benckphotography.com/blog/2011/08/26/jim-thome-it-sure-was-fun-while-it-lasted/

This is really really well done Ben, thanks for sharing :thumbsup

[jubes02]

I think I may be spending a lot of my time in the bars down at TF on saturday if it gets REALLY ugly :lol


and by if, i mean when, and by when i mean probably after the 2nd inning

[uro55]

I think I may be spending a lot of my time in the bars down at TF on saturday if it gets REALLY ugly :lol


and by if, i mean when, and by when i mean probably after the 2nd inning

I'm going to the game tomorrow!

[jubes02]

awesomeness! where u sitting??

lets meet up for a drink, it's my birthday so i will be pretty sauced up... which I probably would be anyways :lol

[uro55]

awesomeness! where u sitting??

lets meet up for a drink, it's my birthday so i will be pretty sauced up... which I probably would be anyways :lol

Section 230, don't know the row/seats.

But hells ya we should meet up for a drink! I got a birthday drink for ya:thumbsup

[jubes02]

Section 230, don't know the row/seats.

But hells ya we should meet up for a drink! I got a birthday drink for ya:thumbsup

ha no shit?? we're in 231, row 1 :ggoat:hump

[Nick@Night]

You guys will want to be drunk to watch this ball club perform in person. Put me down for a shot for the birthday girl.

[uro55]

You guys will want to be drunk to watch this ball club perform in person. Put me down for a shot for the birthday girl.

This Twins team vs Verlander? I'll need to mainline moonshine in order to get through it:lorraine

[jubes02]

haha its going to be terrible but whatever

we're bbq'ing and starting to booze it up at my place at noon and taking the northlightrailstar whatever its called down

[uro55]

haha its going to be terrible but whatever

we're bbq'ing and starting to booze it up at my place at noon and taking the northlightrailstar whatever its called down

Sweet, we'll probably be pregaming at the 508, so you guys would be more than welcome to stop by! Otherwise we could try and meet up inside the game?

[Nick@Night]

On the positive side, you get to watch Verlander pitch. I enjoy watching him work, he's a master of his craft. Wish the Twins had a pitcher that even slightly resembled Verlander.

[jubes02]

Sweet, we'll probably be pregaming at the 508, so you guys would be more than welcome to stop by! Otherwise we could try and meet up inside the game?

well we're gonna take the light rail thingy down there like i said, and i think we get there like 45 to an hour prior to the game, and we don't really have plans, but i'll keep 508 in mind if we're wandering around. otherwise def once we're inside, we'll easily find eachother being in sections next to eachother, but i'll shoot you a text :thumbsup:thumbsup

[UNC41]

On the positive side, you get to watch Verlander pitch. I enjoy watching him work, he's a master of his craft. Wish the Twins had a pitcher that even slightly resembled Verlander.

They need to start getting some power arms in the organization rather than all of these guys who pitch to contact.

[uro55]

well we're gonna take the light rail thingy down there like i said, and i think we get there like 45 to an hour prior to the game, and we don't really have plans, but i'll keep 508 in mind if we're wandering around. otherwise def once we're inside, we'll easily find eachother being in sections next to eachother, but i'll shoot you a text :thumbsup:thumbsup

Sweet sounds like an awesome plan to me:)

[Nick@Night]

They need to start getting some power arms in the organization rather than all of these guys who pitch to contact.
A 200 k/yr guy would be just lovely.

[Benny003]

They need to start getting some power arms in the organization rather than all of these guys who pitch to contact.

Totally agree. Pitch to contact only works if the pitcher trusts his defense, which requires a solid defense that doesn't commit too many errors or fielding mistakes. With all the players rotating on a daily basis this season plus most of them being AAA players, I believe that led to more errors which led to our pitchers losing confidence in pitching to contact. That's what led to the dramatic increase in walks this season too (afraid to let the batters hit the ball essentially).

This is also why I think this season was basically something that won't be long term over the years. If everyone can stay healthy I think it will give the players a much better shot at "meshing" better and provide more confidence for everyone. The regular players will lead to less errors, which leads to more confident pitching. If the players also stay healthy they should be batting much better as well. Mauer batting less than .275 and Morneau with 4 homeruns or whatever just isn't normal, but it's because they were injured so much this season. They couldn't get into a rhythm. Nobody could really. So I believe next season will be much better if people can stay healthy, but I also agree the Twins need a good strikeout pitcher along with a solid bullpen to give our starters the confidence to hand it over to the bulpen when needed. If the Twins did nothing by add one more solid starter and fix the bullpen during the off-season, I'd probably feel fine about next season. We know our lineup has talent, it's just a matter of building everyone's confidence to get the best out of them.

[Benny003]

So here's an interesting story for you from Friday's game. There was a group of about 6 people who were all friends sitting next to us and they were all in their late 30's or early 40's possibly. They're talking and having a good time while the Twins are getting blown out and most of the stadium has left. So I hear one of them tell his friend that he'll give him $200 if he gets on top of the Budweiser sign that is on top of the Roof Deck. I don't think much about it. A few innings later I over hear the one who made the dare talking on his phone say something like, "15 seconds? We should look for you in 15 seconds?" Then he taps my shoulder since I had my camera with me (but it was only a small lens since I was in my season ticket seats and was just doing wide angle things, anyway...) and tells me to shoot the Budweiser Roof Deck. I'm like, "what am I looking for?" and he just says keep watching. So I'm watching and suddenly a guy appears on the roof of the Budweiser Roof Deck! He stands there for about 15 seconds and then disappears. The picture says it all really.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110826-Tigers-0109.jpg

It was the group's friend of course and when he came back he said the only way he would have had the balls to actually go on top of the sign was if he was blowing a 0.25 blood/alcohol level. :lol

And speaking of Friday's game, did anyone else find it ironic that the giveaway was a Jim Thome wind-up walker with it being the very first game since Thome was traded?

[Benny003]

Pictures from Sunday's game against the Tigers are below. I was in the outfield for this game, so the view is a little different:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627543298084/

[jordonh]

So here's an interesting story for you from Friday's game. There was a group of about 6 people who were all friends sitting next to us and they were all in their late 30's or early 40's possibly. They're talking and having a good time while the Twins are getting blown out and most of the stadium has left. So I hear one of them tell his friend that he'll give him $200 if he gets on top of the Budweiser sign that is on top of the Roof Deck. I don't think much about it. A few innings later I over hear the one who made the dare talking on his phone say something like, "15 seconds? We should look for you in 15 seconds?" Then he taps my shoulder since I had my camera with me (but it was only a small lens since I was in my season ticket seats and was just doing wide angle things, anyway...) and tells me to shoot the Budweiser Roof Deck. I'm like, "what am I looking for?" and he just says keep watching. So I'm watching and suddenly a guy appears on the roof of the Budweiser Roof Deck! He stands there for about 15 seconds and then disappears. The picture says it all really.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110826-Tigers-0109.jpg

It was the group's friend of course and when he came back he said the only way he would have had the balls to actually go on top of the sign was if he was blowing a 0.25 blood/alcohol level. :lol

And speaking of Friday's game, did anyone else find it ironic that the giveaway was a Jim Thome wind-up walker with it being the very first game since Thome was traded?

haha..classic

[uro55]

Went to the Mariners/Angels game in Seattle tonight. Saw a great game and went to my 6th ballpark of the year:lol

But it was actually kinda cool to go to a ballgame in a nice stadium w/o any personal connections/invested in! Was different:)

[Nick@Night]

I got asked to go to the ball game on Monday, 3rd row seats (not sure where, company seats). Figured I couldn't turn that down, especially when they are going to be free.

[Benny003]

Went to the Mariners/Angels game in Seattle tonight. Saw a great game and went to my 6th ballpark of the year:lol

But it was actually kinda cool to go to a ballgame in a nice stadium w/o any personal connections/invested in! Was different:)

What did you think of Safeco? I was not a big fan of it because it's so dark in there with the seats matching the color of all of the steel. Plus the roof is an eye-sore open or closed. It's very much like Miller Park in that way, but I would say I liked it a lot more than Miller Park. They were built around the same time, so it makes sense.

[davelk10]

At least if we're going to suck as bad as we did last night, it barely lasts over 2 hours

[Nick@Night]

I'm curious to see the time of games in which they face Beuhrle.

[Benny003]

Gibson is going to have Tommy John:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110901&content_id=24054158&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

There goes our chance of seeing him play a role on the team next season.

[davelk10]

We are in for some lean years ahead

[Benny003]

Did everyone give up on watching the rest of the season? :lol Nobody is posting in here anymore.

Anyway, Twins called up some fresh bodies:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110904&content_id=24205244&notebook_id=24208450&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min

Hendriks will make his MLB debut on Tuesday.

[Nick@Night]

I'll be spending the entire day at the ballpark today, will be attending both games. I might have to go with a sweatshirt and jeans today rather than shorts and my Span jersey.

[AJF_41]

is the season over yet?

: heads over to the vikings thread :

[42graystreet]

I've been gorging, but yes, I have completely given up. Onto college football. Go big red!!

[Benny003]

BEAUTIFUL day at the ballpark today. Great day to have 2 games. This whole week is supposed to be awesome weather.

[Benny003]

That was way too close to a perfect game for comfort. I don't care if it's baseball history, I don't want to see the Twins be on the losing end of a no hitter or perfect game.

It shouldn't count anyway if over half the lineup (7 out of 9 in tonight's case) is AAA material. :lol

[Nick@Night]

Though, it's not like Chicago's pitcher was anything special either.

[Benny003]

Though, it's not like Chicago's pitcher was anything special either.

That's what made it ever worse. The guy had an ERA around 5 and an OBA of .331 coming into the game. There was no reason he should have had a perfect game going into the 8th inning. It would have been embarrassing.

Anyway, here are some photos I took at the game 1 of the double header:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627605273930/

[Nick@Night]

Were you at the evening game too, Ben? I was sitting a few rows behind the White Sox dugout. The view was amazing.

Edit: I have never seen such futility so up close before.

[Benny003]

Were you at the evening game too, Ben? I was sitting a few rows behind the White Sox dugout. The view was amazing.

Edit: I have never seen such futility so up close before.

Yeah, I was at the evening game too, but I was sitting in 108. I'm sitting in the front row of section 3 for all of the remaining games this season.

The Twins looked pathetic last night, but that doesn't surprise me when 7 out of the 9 batters were from our minor league teams. The way things look with Benson and Parmelee coming up now I think by the end of the season I'll forget who the regular starters are supposed to be.

[Nick@Night]

You can tell the people at the games don't give a shit any more. It was so quiet last night.

[Benny003]

I don't blame them. The only thing to be happy about at games anymore is the nice weather and if somehow the Twins manage to scrap out a win. Even wins are meaningless at this point. The team is pretty much playing for draft position and giving the minor league guys experience at this point. The only reason I care about the rest of the season is simply for documentation purposes with the photos. I'll be making a book at the end of the season covering the entire season. Even though the season sucked as a whole, the point of the book will be to show that no matter how bad a season is there are a plenty of great moments that happen over the course of 81 home games. I mean I was still able to get tons of fun photos from the season, so I'll keep doing that until the season is done.

[Nick@Night]

For game 1 I was sitting way up in the boonies, the second to last row of the foul territory left field seats. A few people around, but more or less sparse, but I saw this chick a few rows in front. She's blonde, tall, somewhat cute and wearing a Morneau shirt. She had her jeans rolled up and I look closer and she's hairy as hell. The hairs were probably an inch long and curly. I about jumped off the balcony. That's the Twins season in a nut shell: An attractive bitch with hairy legs.

[Benny003]

The bottom line on ESPN was saying this morning that Gardenhire announced that if Morneau comes back this season it will only be as a DH and Mauer will be at 1st base the rest of the season.

Morneau or someone else better be playing 1st base next season because no way in hell is Mauer a $23 million 1st baseman even if he does win batting titles playing there. A batting title winning catcher? That's another story, especially when you consider that BOTH of our backup catchers can't hit above .200. Catchers aren't known to be good hitters, but if you can't hit above .200 then you don't have much business being a starter at the MLB level.

[Nick@Night]

At least they are cutting their losses and saving the wear and tear on their two biggest guns.

[Benny003]

And the Twins are officially eliminated from playoff contention (big surprise).

Sure was fun seeing 3 Twins players all make their MLB debuts in the same game though. Parmelee and Benson are pretty big guys. Should be fun watching them develop.

[Benny003]

Some of my photos from Tuesday's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627613671460/

[Nick@Night]

The Wild are scoring more than the Twins right now and it's not even hockey season.

[UNLTrpt]

On the bump tonight for the Rochester Red Wings, Carl Pavano....

[Benny003]

Twins win! I honestly forgot how much fun the games are when they win. They have only won 5 out of the last 25 home games.

So here are some of my photos from Wednesday night's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627621550852/

[Benny003]

For those that are interested I finally had the time to make a post on my website about covering the RBI World Series and the Twins 4K Run:

http://benckphotography.com/blog/2011/09/09/mlb-rbi-world-series-and-twins-4k-fun-run/

[uro55]

Ive been out of town for almost two weeks, so I've missed out almost everything. But from the scores I've been able to check it hasn't seemed pretty:(

[Nick@Night]

Ive been out of town for almost two weeks, so I've missed out almost everything. But from the scores I've been able to check it hasn't seemed pretty:(
You were better off.

[uro55]

You were better off.

That the impression I got from what I read online:lorraine

Think this is the longest I've gone without watching a game though:eek

[PilotC150]

Here's a good article I just came across:

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/09/09/11/Cuddyers-homers-saved-teammate-on-911/landing_twins.html?blockID=562384&feedID=5930

[Benny003]

Here's a good article I just came across:

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/09/09/11/Cuddyers-homers-saved-teammate-on-911/landing_twins.html?blockID=562384&feedID=5930

They talked with Cuddyer live during the game on FOX about that. Matt Capps appeared to be throwing what must have been sunflower seeds at Cuddyer while he was being interviewed. I'm guessing Capps didn't know what they were talking about at the time.

[Benny003]

Ben Revere's over-the-shoulder leaping catch from almost 3 weeks ago is still the #1 web gem. Let's keep it going!

http://espn.go.com/mlb/

[Benny003]

The Cubs and Phillies will be visiting Target Field next season. That will be cool. Schedule next season looks a little more balanced than this season. Not quite as many long stretches either away or home. Surprising the Yankees don't come to town until the very last home stand of the season. Season starts and ends on the road, both against east coast teams.

[Nick@Night]

I haven't watched a minute of Twins baseball in the last week, I don't see that changing for the rest of the season. The interleague schedule looks awesome, Philly gets to come in and show us what a real starting rotation looks like.

[davelk10]

Monday April 9th, looking forward to another opener

[Benny003]

Keep voting for Revere's web gem. Count is early right now, but he only has a small lead over a clearly inferior play:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/baseballtonight

[uro55]

I haven't been to a game at Target Field in almost three weeks:eek

Can't wait fir the weekend and next week!

[Benny003]

It was fun to see Thome hit another home run at Target Field. Too bad it ended up being the winning run for the Indians. I was really pulling for Benson to get the cycle. He was so close! Still it ended up being a fun game. Here are my pictures from the game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627563689511/

[Benny003]

Is this a joke?

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110917&content_id=24846784&notebook_id=24871014&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min

[uro55]

Is this a joke?

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110917&content_id=24846784&notebook_id=24871014&vkey=notebook_min&c_id=min

Wow:lol

Also turd of a game today all around:(

[Benny003]

Photos from Saturday's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627702312388/

[Benny003]

Photos from the rainy game on Sunday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627586328123/

[davelk10]

Wow:lol

Also turd of a game today all around:(

Been a turd of the last 4 weeks

[42graystreet]

Just make it stop. Please!

I actually tuned into the game yesterday (but only to see Rivera get 602).

[Nick@Night]

Twins are still playing? I sort of forgot.

[42graystreet]

Here's a really bad sign for the Twins. My folks got their season ticket renewal package in the mail yesterday. They laughed and threw it in the garbage. Now, there are other financial forces at work, but it says a lot that they didn't even think about renewing or even downgrading.

[uro55]

I'm renewing mine! I know his year has been a disaster. But two things. One, this year has been just weird with injuries etc. And two, even if they go 0-162 there is nothing I love more than watching the Twins and having beers:)

[Benny003]

Yeah, I renewed before the Twins even sent my renewal package (they posted the link on their site like the first week of September, invoices were issued the end of August). There is simply no way things can be worse than this year. I mean the Twins are on pace to lose 100 games for only the 2nd time in their history. I highly doubt that will happen again next year.

However, I'm definitely counting down the days until this season is over. It's been painful to watch. I'm doing it for the photos now just to make sure I've got the end of the season covered. I can't wait to start on my book covering the season. It's what I've been working toward since spring training, so I'll be happy once it's done after 7 months of shooting.

[uro55]

Lulz:lol

http://didthetwinswin.com/

[UNLTrpt]

Here's a really bad sign for the Twins. My folks got their season ticket renewal package in the mail yesterday. They laughed and threw it in the garbage. Now, there are other financial forces at work, but it says a lot that they didn't even think about renewing or even downgrading.

I think they'll be in the minority.

[Benny003]

Holy crap. Down by 1 in the 9th, load the bases with nobody out, and they can't score at all. They sure seem to be punishing us for something lately. Anyway, here are some photos from the game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627718456174/

[Benny003]

Here are some of my photos from the walk-off win on Thursday:

http://benckphotos.com/gallery/20110922-walk-off/

[uro55]

Three more home games (two I'll be at) and its over. I don't know whether to be sad there's no more times at TF this year, or be happy that the pain and bleeding is over:lol

[Benny003]

I'm going to be glad the pain is over. There has been very little to be happy about for the last 2 months in going to games. I love going to Target Field, but 76 games there during a year like this was more than enough for me. I will be a sad though next Wednesday when I walk out of there for the last time until next spring just because I know it will be so long until I can go back. I'm ready to finally have some free time to do other things though.

[Nick@Night]

I can't believe this team is going to lose 100 games this year. That number is like a stab wound on an already bullet laced corpse.

Edit: I just assume they aren't going to finish 3-4 to keep that from happening, 2-5 seems best case scenario with the way they are limping towards the finish.

[uro55]

I'm going to be glad the pain is over. There has been very little to be happy about for the last 2 months in going to games. I love going to Target Field, but 76 games there during a year like this was more than enough for me. I will be a sad though next Wednesday when I walk out of there for the last time until next spring just because I know it will be so long until I can go back. I'm ready to finally have some free time to do other things though.

Ya I didn't get to that many this year, I've been to roughly 35 +\-.

It's been painful of late, but I had such a big baseball year (spring training, 35ish home games, games in 4-5 other parks, hall of fame induction, week in cooperstown) it's just to see it end:(

[handsareme]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AmgSb9M5GaNsBcCe8xqjM6ERvLYF?slug=ap-twins-caraccident

[uro55]

You can't write this shit:lol

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7009718/minnesota-twins-danny-valencia-denard-span-minor-car-accident

[AJF_41]

both driving range rovers too. pretty original.

[AJF_41]

10 miles and hour and they can't play? give me a fucking break.

[Benny003]

After winning a walk-off, the Twins lose a walk-off. So it goes.

FYI, Revere's over-the-shoulder leaping catch is still the reigning web gem on Baseball Tonight. It's at 30 days now. Let's keep it going.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/

[Benny003]

I got my photo back from the framer that the team signed:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20110924-FarewellHarmonsmall-0001.jpg

[AJF_41]

Did Justin sign in? That looks like Jim's sig on Justin.

[Benny003]

Justin signed it. It says 33 next to the signature anyway. Only the people who were in the shot actually signed it. It's too bad Thome and Mauer were on the DL at the time, so they weren't in it.

[Benny003]

Revere's catch was beat by a play from Ryan Braun:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7021102&categoryid=2378529

Not sure I agree with it. Braun's play doesn't have quite the shock factor that Revere's catch did when it happened.

[Benny003]

Some photos from Monday's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627762982322/

[uro55]

About to walk to Target Field for the last time this year:(

[handsareme]

What a way to avoid 100 losses...

[42graystreet]

99 losses and holding!

[uro55]

Record wise is was rough, but I had a wonderful year Twins wise and I'm sad it's over:(

[Benny003]

What a fantastic night to end the season. If I had to dream up how to end this season coming into the day, I couldn't have done a better job than what actually happened. The weather was PERFECT. Shorts and short-sleeves were all that was needed the whole night. No wind either. Gordon has a great send off before the game and what a game to call his last! Fun game, very emotional. Cuddyer came out and was giving bats away and he had tears in his eyes it looked like. As shitty as this season was, tonight's game really did a great job of putting a positive spin on it as we go into the off-season.

[Benny003]

Here are some of the photos from the game:

http://benckphotos.com/gallery/20110928/

[42graystreet]

I was at the game as well. The Gordo send-off was great, and a little emotional. I've never known Twins baseball without John Gordon calling the game. When they wrapped up his video montage with the classic call of Kirby's Game 6 home run, I got a little misty eyed. Great way to end a miserable season too!

[uro55]

What a fantastic night to end the season. If I had to dream up how to end this season coming into the day, I couldn't have done a better job than what actually happened. The weather was PERFECT. Shorts and short-sleeves were all that was needed the whole night. No wind either. Gordon has a great send off before the game and what a game to call his last! Fun game, very emotional. Cuddyer came out and was giving bats away and he had tears in his eyes it looked like. As shitty as this season was, tonight's game really did a great job of putting a positive spin on it as we go into the off-season.

This is so very true. It's like the baseball gods opened up and gave us a great send off, after such a down year records wise. The day was like something out of a movie, PERFECT weather and an awesome game. I'm gonna miss me some Twins:(

Well only 4-5 months until pitchers and catchers report:lol

[uro55]

I met Bert today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

[Benny003]

What's the story behind that?

[uro55]

What's the story behind that?

It's not as a cool story as it might seem:lol

But Bert was doing an autograph signing for charity today, and they sold a limited # of tix to it, so each person got 5ish mins to meet and chat with him, and I did that!

He was arguably the nicest, most friendly famous person I've ever met. Like I normally don't get starstruck when I met athletes, but I kinda was today. Being such a huge Twins fan, all the games I go to, and the fact I went to his induction ceremony? Meeting him this year was the icing on the cake:D

I'll post the pics and what we talked about tomorrow, but I feel so lucky to have met one of my favorite athletes ever today. I'm still on cloud nine about it:D

[Benny003]

Very cool!

[Benny003]

Well here are the final galleries of photos for the season. The Twins record may have sucked, but I definitely have tons of positive memories from this season.

Tuesday, September 27: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627667505205/
Wednesday, September 28: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627798217154/

And if you care to go back and look at any of my other galleries you can see the collection of them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/collections/72157627074826410/

I have no idea what's going to happen next season as far as me taking photos, but I'll definitely keep everyone posted. I really hope everyone enjoyed my photos from the season. It was a TON of work, but I'm really happy at how thoroughly I was able to cover the season. Next up for me is making a book about the season like I did last season.

[handsareme]

Well here are the final galleries of photos for the season. The Twins record may have sucked, but I definitely have tons of positive memories from this season.

Tuesday, September 27: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627667505205/
Wednesday, September 28: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157627798217154/

And if you care to go back and look at any of my other galleries you can see the collection of them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/collections/72157627074826410/

I have no idea what's going to happen next season as far as me taking photos, but I'll definitely keep everyone posted. I really hope everyone enjoyed my photos from the season. It was a TON of work, but I'm really happy at how thoroughly I was able to cover the season. Next up for me is making a book about the season like I did last season.
I love 'em!

[Benny003]

With Thome going to the Phillies, it sounds like there is a very serious chance Cuddyer will join him. I honestly don't know why Cuddyer wouldn't do it now that this is the case. The Star Tribune today was saying the Twins should let him go and go into full rebuilding mode. Even suggested to let Nathan go.

The Phillies are seriously pursuing free agent Michael Cuddyer, who would be a good fit because he is a right-handed bat and can play the corner infield and outfield positions. Thome and Cuddyer are good friends and Thome could help the Phillies' recruitment of Cuddyer.

"We've texted a little bit," Thome said. "We've talked. All I can say about Michael is that he's a great player. He's a winner. He's a stand-up guy. I know he's done a lot of great things on and off the field in Minnesota. Anybody that plays in that organization for a long time, their credibility is instantly high. Any team that gets him is going to gain. He's a great teammate. I would put Michael as one of my top-five, all-time favorite teammates. No question. He's up there. He's a winner."

Did Cuddyer express any interest in coming to Philly?

"I can't answer that," Thome said. "Look, every player that sees the way the Phillies have done things over the last seven or eight years, they've set the bar very, very high. Guys around baseball would love to come here. When you win, you create a lot of good things."

Did Thome encourage his former teammate to join him?

"I could, yes," he said. "Absolutely. I'm sure we will talk going forward."

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111105&content_id=25921086&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

[AJF_41]

twins have gotten rid of just about every good player we've had in the last 10 years (at some point), excluding the milk man.
wouldn't be surprised if they get rid of the heart of the team now.

[uro55]

With Thome going to the Phillies, it sounds like there is a very serious chance Cuddyer will join him. I honestly don't know why Cuddyer wouldn't do it now that this is the case. The Star Tribune today was saying the Twins should let him go and go into full rebuilding mode. Even suggested to let Nathan go.



http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111105&content_id=25921086&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

I sooooooooooooooo hope Cuddy doesn't go to the Phils:(

[handsareme]

I would be sad to see Cuddy go. He's definitely one of my favorites. ...and I still need to get the ball signed that I caught off one of his fouls in KC.

[Benny003]

Yeah, I'd miss Cuddyer too. I think it all depends on if the front office truly believes it can be a contender next year. If not, then there is really no reason to keep Cuddyer. They would be better off spending that money to sign some hot prospects/draft picks. If the Twins lose Cuddyer to the Phillies, they would pick up not only a 1st round pick, but a second round pick as well because he's a Type A free agent and he would be going to a team with a top 15 record (don't quote me on the draft picks, I'm not an expert on those things). So the Twins would stand to gain quite a bit from losing Cuddyer actually. However, that would assume a rebuilding year. I guess if the Twins are going to have a big losing season again, I'd rather they do it without a team record payroll again. On the other hand, I'd hate to see them waste what should be Mauer's prime years, especially for what the Twins are paying him.

[Nick@Night]

They are really stuck between a rock and a hard place here for next season.

[uro55]

Yeah, I'd miss Cuddyer too. I think it all depends on if the front office truly believes it can be a contender next year. If not, then there is really no reason to keep Cuddyer. They would be better off spending that money to sign some hot prospects/draft picks. If the Twins lose Cuddyer to the Phillies, they would pick up not only a 1st round pick, but a second round pick as well because he's a Type A free agent and he would be going to a team with a top 15 record (don't quote me on the draft picks, I'm not an expert on those things). So the Twins would stand to gain quite a bit from losing Cuddyer actually. However, that would assume a rebuilding year. I guess if the Twins are going to have a big losing season again, I'd rather they do it without a team record payroll again. On the other hand, I'd hate to see them waste what should be Mauer's prime years, especially for what the Twins are paying him.

Oh you're 100% right Ben. I'd just hate to see him go twofold. One he's end of my favorite players, and two I hate the Phillies lol. So if he did sign there, 3 of maybe my top 5 players ever would be on that team:lol (Cuddy, Thome, Halliday)

[handsareme]

Per Twins' Facebook: "Terry Ryan has assumed the role of interim General Manager, replacing Bill Smith."

[42graystreet]

Wow! This is huge news.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/133383113.html

[42graystreet]

I wonder if this is because Smith was pushing the Pohlad's to spend and re-sign key players like Cuddyer, and the Pohlad's are wanting to go into full-on rebuilding mode and slash the payroll.

[Nick@Night]

Whoever they replace him with should bring a new mentality to the fold. This team needs a jump start.

[Benny003]

Wow, I was just coming to post that. That's HUGE news. I thought for sure they would give Smith at least one more year. OK, now the off-season is getting interesting.

I'm happy with this move though. I can't think of anything really good Smith did for the club other than maybe bringing in Thome. The rest of his trades were just head scratchers.

[handsareme]

Wow, I was just coming to post that. That's HUGE news. I thought for sure they would give Smith at least one more year. OK, now the off-season is getting interesting.

I'm happy with this move though. I can't think of anything really good Smith did for the club other than maybe bringing in Thome. The rest of his trades were just head scratchers.
I didn't know it, but I feel a lot better for some reason.

[Benny003]

Twins front office page didn't waste any time: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/front_office.jsp?c_id=min

They already have Ryan listed as the GM and Smith's tenure is listed as ended in 2011. Except they still list John Gordon as the radio broadcaster. :lol

I guess whoever runs that page was just eager to get Smith out of there.

[uro55]

All I can say is wow, wow, wow. This isn't what I was expecting when I got home from running errands. You almost never see turnover in this organization.

But again, like others have said, this gives me a good feeling:thumbsup

[dontburnthe_pig]

good news

everyone seems excited about this.

[uro55]

Interesting, I didn't know this:

"This is the first time since the franchise moved from Washington to Minnesota in 1961 the Twins have fired a general manager."

[davelk10]

This couldn't come soon enough. The organization has some serious issues and hopefully Terry can turn it around again.
Hopefully they aren't foolish enough when they hire the replacement to get someone with limited scouting ability like Bill.

[uro55]

Wow, I know he's not one of "us" anymore, but wow this is fucked up:eek

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33210483

[Benny003]

Yeah, that is messed up. I hope he's returned safely. Of all the things you think will happen to a player, that just isn't one of them that I would have ever expected.

[AJF_41]

Wow, I know he's not one of "us" anymore, but wow this is fucked up:eek

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33210483

what the hell...

[Benny003]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111111&content_id=25957738&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

I don't know much about him, but looking at the stats they showed I won't complain. I mean the middle infield can't possibly get any worse than it was last year.

[uro55]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111111&content_id=25957738&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

I don't know much about him, but looking at the stats they showed I won't complain. I mean the middle infield can't possibly get any worse than it was last year.

Solid pick up imo.

[Benny003]

Ramos was rescued safely: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111111&content_id=25960762&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

[42graystreet]

Solid pick up imo.

I don't care who we sign, the best pick of the offseason will be Terry Ryan.

[Benny003]

Well if there are any country fans in here, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney are playing the first ever concert at Target Field on July 8th.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111112&content_id=25963340&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

If it had literally been anything except country I probably would have been interested in going.

[AJF_41]

If it had literally been anything except country I probably would have been interested in going.
:thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

What an awful way to break that stadium's concert cherry. Only thing worse would have been Nickelback.

[Benny003]

What an awful way to break that stadium's concert cherry. Only thing worse would have been Nickelback.

Now that's true as well. I did get an email saying season ticket holders will have their own pre-sale. I don't know anything else other than it will be first-come, first served. So I guess that means we don't get the option to buy our actual game seats, which is a little disappointing since my seats would have been decent as far as non-field seats goes. I wonder if the on-field seats will be actual seats or if it will be GA. I can't imagine Larry DiVito (head groundskeeper) is too thrilled about this.

Anyway, I guess the plan is to only do 1 concert a year. Hopefully the 2013 concert is better than this. Now if only they could get the NHL Winter Classic. That would be something to get excited about.

Edit: 5,000th post.

[uro55]

This makes me :BANG

So I know there are a lot of country fans in MN, but I'd have gone to almost ANY concert there just to go.......not this one though. I was really excited at the idea of a concert at TF so close to my house!

Oh well.....

[Nick@Night]

I think a rock concert would have better suited the use of a stadium.

[Benny003]

I think a rock concert would have better suited the use of a stadium.

TCF gets U2 and Target Field gets country. :shrug

Oh well, I'm sure a lot of country fans are excited.

[Benny003]

I finally framed the photo I made from Opening Day: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20111116-OpeningDay-0003.jpg

Another view: http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/Bluecow003/20111116-OpeningDay-0006.jpg

[Benny003]

Twins pick up Doumit to back up Mauer. Can play 1st and catcher. 7 MLB years of experience and has a career batting average of .271. That's not a bad pick-up at all IMO. Finally it would seem we'll have 9 bats in the lineup instead of 8 when Mauer doesn't play catcher.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111118&content_id=26001508&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

[Benny003]

Buster Olney is saying the Phillies picking up Ty Wiggington ends the chances of them picking up Cuddyer. I really thought he would have been going there, but now I think there is a good chance he'll be coming back. In any case, a decision should be coming soon since he's having twins in a couple weeks.

[UNC41]

I really like the Carroll and Doumit signings. It's so great to see Ryan back. He's gotten great value out of his first couple of signings.

[Nick@Night]

Joe Nathan signed with Texas.

[Benny003]

Say it ain't so Joe.

Who in the hell is going to close for the Twins now? Perkins?! This blows.

[handsareme]

Say it ain't so Joe.

Who in the hell is going to close for the Twins now? Perkins?! This blows.
Came in to post this...

Bye Joe. :(

[42graystreet]

Joe Nathan never even gave the Twins a chance to match Texas' offer.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Joe.

[Benny003]

Joe Nathan never even gave the Twins a chance to match Texas' offer.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Joe.

I heard that too. Shows he didn't think the Twins could win before his career was done. I'm sad he's leaving, but I won't be cheering for him in Texas.

[uro55]

That's too bad about Joe, both him leaving and if that's true that he never gave them a chance to match it.

It's odd, I know he didn't start his career as a Twin, but I always saw him as a "lifer" if that makese sense.

In better news I've started getting emails about my season ticket stuff for next year and that makes me super happy:)

[UNC41]

I have no reason to do anything other than wish Nathan the best. He's not getting any younger and Texas is a much better opportunity to get a ring over the next couple of years. I'll always be appreciative for what he did on the field and how great he was last summer when he came to our office and spent three hours interacting with our employees and their families.

[AJF_41]

Any time I see Nathan...I think of his shit show against the Yanks.

[Benny003]

That's too bad about Joe, both him leaving and if that's true that he never gave them a chance to match it.

It's odd, I know he didn't start his career as a Twin, but I always saw him as a "lifer" if that makese sense.

In better news I've started getting emails about my season ticket stuff for next year and that makes me super happy:)

Dave St. Peter tweeted yesterday that Joe never gave them a chance when someone asked why the Twins couldn't have matched the Texas offer. According to the story about him signing with Texas Nathan also said on the last day of the season that he would be looking for a team that could win now.

[Nick@Night]

I don't blame him for leaving, the ring is more important at this point in his career. Plus, you don't go out to dinner with The Ryan Express and expect to leave the table without agreeing to something.

[42graystreet]

Dave St. Peter tweeted yesterday that Joe never gave them a chance when someone asked why the Twins couldn't have matched the Texas offer. According to the story about him signing with Texas Nathan also said on the last day of the season that he would be looking for a team that could win now.

I had to chance to talk to Dave St. Peter today and asked him about those tweets. He kind of laughed it off and was a tad surprised how much attention it's got.

[uro55]

No! No! No! No! No!

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Twins-bringing-Capps-back-to-close-?urn=mlb-413078

[42graystreet]

So, long story short about Twins President, Dave St. Peter. My Dad recently had to retire for medical reasons from being the MN Lottery Director, a position he's held since 2004. Dave and my parent's season ticket salesman came to the retirement party yesterday. Dave said a few nice words and presented my Dad a personalized Twins jersey. I also said a few words, including a story of how I took my Dad to the last regular season game and we celebrated the not-100th loss like we had just won the world series.

Afterwards, I went up and thanked Dave for being there, he looked me straight in the eye, told me how much he'll miss working with my Dad, gave me his card and said that if we ever want to see a Twins game, just give him a call and everything will be taken care of. What an unbelievable gesture. It's nice to know that good people like him and Terry Ryan are the face of the Minnesota Twins front office.

I asked my dad how many times he'll take Dave up on his offer and he said "maybe once, just to see where he puts us." :lol

[Nick@Night]

No! No! No! No! No!

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Twins-bringing-Capps-back-to-close-?urn=mlb-413078
I'd say at this point, save the money it's gonna take to sign him, see if you can slot Perkins to close games and just rebuild the bullpen with guys who aren't marshmallowy pieces of shit.

[Nick@Night]

So, long story short about Twins President, Dave St. Peter. My Dad recently had to retire for medical reasons from being the MN Lottery Director, a position he's held since 2004. Dave and my parent's season ticket salesman came to the retirement party yesterday. Dave said a few nice words and presented my Dad a personalized Twins jersey. I also said a few words, including a story of how I took my Dad to the last regular season game and we celebrated the not-100th loss like we had just won the world series.

Afterwards, I went up and thanked Dave for being there, he looked me straight in the eye, told me how much he'll miss working with my Dad, gave me his card and said that if we ever want to see a Twins game, just give him a call and everything will be taken care of. What an unbelievable gesture. It's nice to know that good people like him and Terry Ryan are the face of the Minnesota Twins front office.

I asked my dad how many times he'll take Dave up on his offer and he said "maybe once, just to see where he puts us." :lol
I'd be curious as well.

[uro55]

I'd say at this point, save the money it's gonna take to sign him, see if you can slot Perkins to close games and just rebuild the bullpen with guys who aren't marshmallowy pieces of shit.

Me too:thumbsup

[Benny003]

Perkins is going to remain in a setup role. The Twins are looking outside to find a closer and they say there are a lot of closers available on the market.

[UNC41]

So, long story short about Twins President, Dave St. Peter. My Dad recently had to retire for medical reasons from being the MN Lottery Director, a position he's held since 2004. Dave and my parent's season ticket salesman came to the retirement party yesterday. Dave said a few nice words and presented my Dad a personalized Twins jersey. I also said a few words, including a story of how I took my Dad to the last regular season game and we celebrated the not-100th loss like we had just won the world series.

Afterwards, I went up and thanked Dave for being there, he looked me straight in the eye, told me how much he'll miss working with my Dad, gave me his card and said that if we ever want to see a Twins game, just give him a call and everything will be taken care of. What an unbelievable gesture. It's nice to know that good people like him and Terry Ryan are the face of the Minnesota Twins front office.

I asked my dad how many times he'll take Dave up on his offer and he said "maybe once, just to see where he puts us." :lol

St. Peter is a fantastic man. He's from my hometown, and as a sophomore in college I e-mailed him asking if there was any way I could talk with him for a half an hour on how to get a job working with a professional sports team the next time I was in the Cities. He said yes, but set aside an hour for us to talk instead. It was a great meeting where I learned a lot, although I didn't end up pursuing a career in that direction. He's a true class act.

[Benny003]

Well I finished my book of the 2011 season. It's 188 pages, close to 600 photos. I used a different company to make the book this time, so I was a little nervous as to how it would turn out, but it turned out exactly as I had hoped. After I finished doing final edits on all of the games from the season, I spent roughly 3 weeks putting the book together.

8 months, 2 spring training games, 78 regular season games, roughly 40,000 clicks of my camera shutter, and hundreds of hours editing photos resulted in this book. You can see a sampling of what the book looks like in the link below. Note that the photos in the actual book look much better than how they appear in these pictures. The book is truly photo quality print.

http://benckphotos.com/gallery/2011twinsbook/

[Benny003]

Did you see the prices for the concert at Target Field next season?!

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

With prices like that I'm glad I'm not interested in going.

[AJF_41]

Did you see the prices for the concert at Target Field next season?!

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

With prices like that I'm glad I'm not interested in going.

i wouldn't go to the show if they paid me those prices...

[uro55]

Did you see the prices for the concert at Target Field next season?!

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

With prices like that I'm glad I'm not interested in going.

HOLY SHiT! That's wayyyyyyyyyy more than when DMB played and Wrigley!

Glad I ont want to go either:lol

[Benny003]

I don't understand this move:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111205&content_id=26095764&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

He's essentially a minor league shortstop. On the call with season ticket holders Ryan said the team is actually pretty deep with minor league talent at shortstop. So I don't understand why they picked up another one. I wonder if they are planning on using one of our shortstop prospects as a trading chip and replacing him with what seems to be a downgrade just to fill in the gap created by a potential trade. If it helps us get starting pitching or bullpen help then I guess I'm fine with it.

[davelk10]

I don't understand this move:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111205&content_id=26095764&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

He's essentially a minor league shortstop. On the call with season ticket holders Ryan said the team is actually pretty deep with minor league talent at shortstop. So I don't understand why they picked up another one. I wonder if they are planning on using one of our shortstop prospects as a trading chip and replacing him with what seems to be a downgrade just to fill in the gap created by a potential trade. If it helps us get starting pitching or bullpen help then I guess I'm fine with it.

Sorry Ben, but I never question what Ryan does, it always seems to work out.

[Benny003]

Twins are signing Capps to a 1-year deal worth $4.75 million. I'm not against that move although I'm sure a lot of fans will be upset. I think it's a cheap way to get a potential all-star closer again and spend the saved money on other needs. Capps is still quite young. It's a little bit of a gamble considering how bad he was last year, but if he bounces back it could really pay off.

[uro55]

Twins are signing Capps to a 1-year deal worth $4.75 million. I'm not against that move although I'm sure a lot of fans will be upset. I think it's a cheap way to get a potential all-star closer again and spend the saved money on other needs. Capps is still quite young. It's a little bit of a gamble considering how bad he was last year, but if he bounces back it could really pay off.

I'm not a Fat Crapps fan of course after his meltdowns last year. Yet a 1 year deal for 3 mil less than he made last year is ok with me.

[Benny003]

Slowey to the Rockies for a player to be named. :thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

I love getting nameless players in a trade.

[AJF_41]

I'm not a Fat Crapps fan of course after his meltdowns last year. Yet a 1 year deal for 3 mil less than he made last year is ok with me.

agree with all of this.

[Benny003]

I love getting nameless players in a trade.

As long as it's more than the $20,000 cash we got for Thome I'm fine with it.

[Benny003]

The Twins are wasting no time! :lol

TwinsPrezDave St. Peter
Twins host 6 games vs. Albert Pujols-led LA Angels April 9, 11-12 & May 7-9 at Target Field in 2012. Single-game tickets on sale Feb. 25.

[Benny003]

Holy shit this story is blowing up fast: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1104/biggest-stories-2011/content.1.html?eref=twitter_feed

SI is already including it in the top stories of 2011.

[42graystreet]

I don't get where the Angels have this kind of money.

[Benny003]

Twins took John Doyle (RHP) with the 2nd pick in today's Rule 5 draft. I'm optimistic about this. He looks promising. Had the 2nd lowest ERA in the White Sox minor league system last year and was 4-0 with a 1.98 ERA during the Fall League.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/chi-sox-lose-pitcher-doyle-in-rule-5-draft-20111208,0,7849859.story

[Benny003]

Oops, meant Terry Doyle.

[uro55]

I don't get where the Angels have this kind of money.

Their owner Arte Moreno has got mad loot.

[Benny003]

I just relocated my season tickets to section 109 row 11 (I had 108 row 8 last year). Section 109 is my ideal section, so any moves from now on will just be trying to get closer to the front of the section. I was curious to see how many season ticket holders would be dropping their accounts after last season. The scalpers that owned the seats around me last year bailed for next year since I saw those seats were available now. There were hardly any seats available in 109 and 110 and basically all dugout box seats were unavaiable except the sections that are actually out in the outfield (which are way overpriced in my opinion, sections 1, 2, 15, 16, and 17). So I think all the hardcore fans or corporate ticket holders stuck around for next season. I think the sections for partial season ticket holders looked a little more wide open, but I think those fluctuate a lot from season to season no matter what.

[AJF_41]

Those seats are dope Benny.

[uro55]

I just relocated my season tickets to section 109 row 11 (I had 108 row 8 last year). Section 109 is my ideal section, so any moves from now on will just be trying to get closer to the front of the section. I was curious to see how many season ticket holders would be dropping their accounts after last season. The scalpers that owned the seats around me last year bailed for next year since I saw those seats were available now. There were hardly any seats available in 109 and 110 and basically all dugout box seats were unavaiable except the sections that are actually out in the outfield (which are way overpriced in my opinion, sections 1, 2, 15, 16, and 17). So I think all the hardcore fans or corporate ticket holders stuck around for next season. I think the sections for partial season ticket holders looked a little more wide open, but I think those fluctuate a lot from season to season no matter what.

Me and my group renewed ours, but we moved from left field in the 200's to behind hom in the 300's not as good, but the heat during summer/day games was just too brutal in left field.

[Benny003]

Jim Hoey was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays. I'm not sad.

Me and my group renewed ours, but we moved from left field in the 200's to behind hom in the 300's not as good, but the heat during summer/day games was just too brutal in left field.

That's one of the reasons, among many, that I prefer the 1st base side. It's a little cool in April, but it more than makes up for it in the summer. The 300's behind home are nice seats if you don't mind the upper deck. You have a great view of the plays as they unfold and great views of the area surrounding the ballpark. Plus, you're protected from the rain when it happens.

[uro55]

That's one of the reasons, among many, that I prefer the 1st base side. It's a little cool in April, but it more than makes up for it in the summer. The 300's behind home are nice seats if you don't mind the upper deck. You have a great view of the plays as they unfold and great views of the area surrounding the ballpark. Plus, you're protected from the rain when it happens.

Oh they were just brutal in that regard. I very much liked the seats from a few perspective (right down the left field line). But also deep left/left center you couldn't see great, and yu had to crane your neck to see the main big screen.

So while I haven't sat in them yet, I'm pretty happy with where we're moving too. I've sat in the 300's for some games before and it's not bad at all. I lik pe that I'm gonna be benzine home and have abreast view if the plays as you said.

I mean I'd love great 100's, but being unemployed I'm lucky to be bale to keep my season tickets lol. So I'm more than happy with quite good 300's rather than so so 100's.

[Benny003]

Sort of looking like Cuddyer will be returning: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/319816?eref=twitter_feed

[42graystreet]

Don't get your hopes up yet. Cuddyer's time in the spotlight of the free agent market is just beginning. There's a number of teams with money that could use him. We'll know in the next week. It does give me optimism that the Twins are at least gonna fight for him with a relatively good offer. Hard to say how much higher other teams would go, but if it's not that much, I could definitely see him taking the discount to stay with the organization he's been at his whole career.

[UNLTrpt]

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7350148/2011-mlb-free-agency-minnesota-twins-josh-willingham-reach-multiyear-deal-source-says

Josh Willingham to the Twins

[Benny003]

I sure hope he hits as many or close to as many home runs that he his last season and also comes much cheaper than Cuddyer. I think it will be a little hard to hit that many home runs playing half the games at Target Field though. He's a career .262 hitter.

[AJF_41]

does this mean kubbie AND cuddy are gone? or just one of htem?

[cruscott35]

Me and my group renewed ours, but we moved from left field in the 200's to behind hom in the 300's not as good, but the heat during summer/day games was just too brutal in left field.

I'll take any seat behind home plate over any seat elsewhere. Personal favorite is first row of the upper deck behind home plate.

[42graystreet]

Willingham and Cuddyer have remarkably similar numbers. I guess were trading Cuddy's utility and clubhouse leadership for a less expensive contract.

[Benny003]

Willingham is official: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111213&content_id=26159450&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

3 years, $21 million. I hear he's not good defensively. Hopefully he really does bring some power to Minnesota though. Ryan was saying yesterday that there are still talks with Cuddyer, but it's also been reported that the Rockies are offering $10 million a year.

[42graystreet]

This is about as big of a free-agent signing as the Twins are capable of. I see no chance whatsoever that we keep Cuddyer now.

[Benny003]

I don't think so either. It would actually be nice to keep Kubel around now. Solid defensive skills and a good bat to have in the lineup for probably the same cost or less than Willingham. Plus he's younger. The ONLY knock against him is he's left handed since the Twins are already left heavy, but that would come in handy if Morneau misses a lot of games again.

[Nick@Night]

Word out there is Cuddy getting 3 yrs/30 million from someone just doesn't seem likely. If he agrees to 3 yrs/24 million here, that's value compared to what Willingham just signed for.

[Benny003]

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/319975?eref=twitter_feed

Rockies offering 3 years at $27 million. So basically an extra $3 million to leave the only team he's ever known in 14 years since being drafted by the Twins. I guess I'd have to think long and hard about that as well, but it would be tough to leave in my mind.

[Nick@Night]

Cuddy got his money, 3 years and 31.5 million. He wanted a 4th year with the Twins or more money to sign here. 10.5 million a year would have been a bit much for him I think. Willingham at 7 per looks wonderful now.

[Benny003]

Yeah, I don't blame him. Still would be hard to leave the only team he's ever known IMO. There are going to be a lot of new faces on the team next season.

[Benny003]

Smith is staying on the assist Dave St. Peter basically:

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111216&content_id=26179462&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

He's doing a lot of facility work in the minors and spring training. Almost no player related things.

[handsareme]

Bye Cuddy.

:(

[AJF_41]

Bye Cuddy.

:(

:( agree

[phlaming lips]

Bye Cuddy.

:(

:( agree

Big loss for the clubhouse:thumbsdow

This team needs some unity and identity

[Benny003]

Big loss for the clubhouse:thumbsdow

This team needs some unity and identity

I like Cuddy, he's a great guy, but I honestly don't know how much he contributed to actual wins. I guess his WAR has only been over 2 once in his career. ESPN is saying the Twins made a good move in that Willingham is essentially the same player for $10 million less.

If anything, maybe this will allow Mauer to finally take on more of a leadership role. He needs to for what he's getting paid. In some ways I'm glad Cuddyer is moving on only because he was the last player to be around since Gardenhire took over. Maybe this will allow a fresh perspective in the clubhouse and for other voices to step up.

[Nick@Night]

Maybe once Mauer gets married he'll want to be at the ballpark more to get away from his wife and it will turn in to a productive season.

[uro55]

I like Cuddy, he's a great guy, but I honestly don't know how much he contributed to actual wins. I guess his WAR has only been over 2 once in his career. ESPN is saying the Twins made a good move in that Willingham is essentially the same player for $10 million less.

If anything, maybe this will allow Mauer to finally take on more of a leadership role. He needs to for what he's getting paid. In some ways I'm glad Cuddyer is moving on only because he was the last player to be around since Gardenhire took over. Maybe this will allow a fresh perspective in the clubhouse and for other voices to step up.

I don`t buy WAR or any of thosse advance stats, so I don`t put an stock in that ESPN bit. Plus I think you can never have enough nor pay too much for leadership and clubhouse presence. This team has NONE now.

Sad, sad, sad day for me. Much more so than when Torri Left:(

[42graystreet]

I don't think it's too much to ask of Morneau and Mauer to step up and be leaders. Or stay off the DL at the very least.

[uro55]

I don't think it's too much to ask of Morneau and Mauer to step up and be leaders.

It's not too much to ask, I just don't see that vocal leadership in Mauer esp.

[Benny003]

I don`t buy WAR or any of thosse advance stats, so I don`t put an stock in that ESPN bit. Plus I think you can never have enough nor pay too much for leadership and clubhouse presence. This team has NONE now.

Sad, sad, sad day for me. Much more so than when Torri Left:(

I think the problem is nobody ever got the chance to step up and take a leadership role. Cuddy was always there. Honestly I'm excited to see who steps up and maybe it will create a new vibe in the clubhouse. I'm not blaming this on Cuddy at all, but under his leadership how many post-season games did the Twins win? Keep in mind he was a rookie in 2002.

So I actually see Cuddy leaving as an opportunity for other players to grow and take a bigger role in the clubhouse.

[Nick@Night]

I think the problem is nobody ever got the chance to step up and take a leadership role. Cuddy was always there. Honestly I'm excited to see who steps up and maybe it will create a new vibe in the clubhouse. I'm not blaming this on Cuddy at all, but under his leadership how many post-season games did the Twins win? Keep in mind he was a rookie in 2002.

So I actually see Cuddy leaving as an opportunity for other players to grow and take a bigger role in the clubhouse.
It will be interesting to see if this happens or if the mood remains complacent.

In other news, looks like Kubel is close to terms with the D-Backs. 2 years, option for a third, pending pysical.

[Benny003]

I actually would have liked to see Kubel come back since he'd probably be priced nicely. If Morneau misses significant time again we'll be hurting for a little power. However, if that happens then I think there will be bigger problems like figuring out how to get Morneau to retire or something.

[Benny003]

So Kubel, Nathan, and Cuddyer gone. I sure as hell hope they are using all the money saved to get better pitching, but I have yet to see that happen. They definitely have a good chunk of money left in the expected payroll.

[grace2]

Maybe once Mauer gets married he'll want to be at the ballpark more to get away from his wife and it will turn in to a productive season.

:lol:lol:lol

[Nick@Night]

Who is going to be full time DH?

[uro55]

So Kubel, Nathan, and Cuddyer gone. I sure as hell hope they are using all the money saved to get better pitching, but I have yet to see that happen. They definitely have a good chunk of money left in the expected payroll.

That's what 25-30 mil off the payroll?

[Benny003]

That's what 25-30 mil off the payroll?


Nathan: $12 million
Cuddyer: $10.5 million
Kubel: $5.25 million

Total = $27.75 million out (doesn't include Slowey leaving)


Capps: $4.5 million
Willingham: $7 million
Doumit: $3 million
Carroll: $3.75 million

Total = $18.25 million in

So they shaved off at least $9.5 million in replacements for them (actually got 4 players after losing 3). Time to buy some pitching.

[uro55]

Nathan: $12 million
Cuddyer: $10.5 million
Kubel: $5.25 million

Total = $27.75 million out (doesn't include Slowey leaving)


Capps: $4.5 million
Willingham: $7 million
Doumit: $3 million
Carroll: $3.75 million

Total = $18.25 million in

So they shaved off at least $9.5 million in replacements for them (actually got 4 players after losing 3). Time to buy some pitching.

Don't forget the fact that Capps is making 3 mil less than last year. So 12.5 if my Minnesotaa math is working:lol

[Irishoshea21]

I don`t buy WAR or any of thosse advance stats, so I don`t put an stock in that ESPN bit. Plus I think you can never have enough nor pay too much for leadership and clubhouse presence. This team has NONE now.
(

That's easily the dumbest thing I've ever read. You need good players to win. End of story.

Don't "buy" WAR? The hell is there to "buy?" You don't understand it. Big difference.

[uro55]

That's easily the dumbest thing I've ever read. You need good players to win. End of story.

Don't "buy" WAR? The hell is there to "buy?" You don't understand it. Big difference.

I don't buy advantaced stats as in I think they are a fat waste of time. And I don't "buy" them as in I don't faactor them into my thinking. I understand how the numbers are made, I just don't think they hold much value. I can invent a stat myself, doesn't make it worth while.

And if you think you need talent and nothing else to win, then you know nothing about sports.

[Irishoshea21]

I don't buy advantaced stats, I understand how the numbers are made, I just don't think they hold much value. I can invent a stat myself, doesn't make it worth while.

And if you think you need talent and nothing else to win, then you know nothing about sports.

You and I are clearly not watching the same sport.

You're basically telling me you put no value in things that can be proved with analytics over a large sample size vs some bullshit like clubhouse chemistry. Do you have a framed Nick Punto jersey?

[uro55]

You and I are clearly not watching the same sport.

Ok...............:rolleyes

[Benny003]

The table is set, now all we need is to invite Ricky and Chief Wahoo in here to really get things cooking. :lol

[AJF_41]

The table is set, now all we need is to invite Ricky and Chief Wahoo in here to really get things cooking. :lol

:lol:lol:lol:lol

[uro55]

The table is set, now all we need is to invite Ricky and Chief Wahoo in here to really get things cooking. :lol

:lol:thumbsup

[AJF_41]

so who are we going to go after on the pitching side?


line up thus far?

span, ben and willingham
valencia, carroll, casilla, justin
mauer

?

[uro55]

so who are we going to go after on the pitching side?


line up thus far?

span, ben and willingham
valencia, carroll, casilla, justin
mauer

?

I want a 1 year deal on Oswalt:hump

[Benny003]

I want a 1 year deal on Oswalt:hump

I was almost thinking that. Weren't the Twins also looking at some Japanese pitcher? The market is so thin for quality starters, I really don't know what they will do. They might be content with what they have for this season and see where things are next off-season to be honest. They did say they wanted to get the payroll down to about $100 million and that meant taking out about $15 million. That's basically what they have done by letting Nathan, Cuddyer, and Kubel go. So if $100 million is the mark, I actually don't know how much room they have left.

It really sucks that Gibson had to have Tommy John. He could have been a big contributer next season.

[Irishoshea21]

Ok...............:rolleyes

If you honestly feel that any issues that the Twins faced last year (or currently) stem of a "lack of identity" or "clubhouse issues" I feel sorry that you invest so much of your time into something you clearly don't understand.

[uro55]

If you honestly feel that any issues that the Twins faced last year (or currently) stem of a "lack of identity" or "clubhouse issues" I feel sorry that you invest so much of your time into something you clearly don't understand.

Did I say that, no I didn`t. I said that any team in any sport needs leaders and those type of guys. And that you can`t count on 100% talent alone.

[Nick@Night]

I was almost thinking that. Weren't the Twins also looking at some Japanese pitcher? The market is so thin for quality starters, I really don't know what they will do. They might be content with what they have for this season and see where things are next off-season to be honest. They did say they wanted to get the payroll down to about $100 million and that meant taking out about $15 million. That's basically what they have done by letting Nathan, Cuddyer, and Kubel go. So if $100 million is the mark, I actually don't know how much room they have left.

It really sucks that Gibson had to have Tommy John. He could have been a big contributer next season.
I think the Twins will be hesitant to burn money on bringing someone from Japan after Yoshi pretty much being a bust. It sucks there's really no one out there from a FA perspective to woo with some big bucks to ace the pitching staff.

[AJF_41]

Hiroki Kuroda?

[uro55]

Hiroki Kuroda?

I'd be ok with that:thumbsup

[uro55]

Class act all the way:thumbsup

"Cuddyer will wear No. 3 with the Rockies -- a tribute to late Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew. Cuddyer described the Hall of Famer as "one of the greatest human beings I've ever met."

[AJF_41]

make sure i've got my facts straight.

cuddy had a chance to stay here for the same contract right? or no?

[42graystreet]

make sure i've got my facts straight.

cuddy had a chance to stay here for the same contract right? or no?

I don't know that we know this for sure, but I don't think the Twins were willing to go as high as the Rockies. If only for the fact that I really believe he would've stayed if the Twins matched the Rockies offer.

[uro55]

make sure i've got my facts straight.

cuddy had a chance to stay here for the same contract right? or no?

No, he got offered a fair bit more by the Rox.

[Benny003]

The uniform just doesn't look right on him. It's going to take a while to get used to that. I'm glad he's in the NL though. I wouldn't enjoy playing against him.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20036271&topic_id=7417714&partnerId=aw-7264737180462073446-996

make sure i've got my facts straight.

cuddy had a chance to stay here for the same contract right? or no?

Twins offered 3 years for $24 million. Rockies gave him 3 years at $31.5 million.

[uro55]

The uniform just doesn't look right on him. It's going to take a while to get used to that. I'm glad he's in the NL though. I wouldn't enjoy playing against him.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20036271&topic_id=7417714&partnerId=aw-7264737180462073446-996



Twins offered 3 years for $24 million. Rockies gave him 3 years at $31.5 million.

I have no team that's "mine" in the NL. The Rox might be now. Plan on getting a Cuddy Rox jersey.

[Benny003]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111220&content_id=26214552&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

Cuddyer basically says the Twins were the ones that decided not to have him return. There was an offer of course, but he said they never got into serious negotations about returning. After they signed Willingham he said it was clear they would rather save some money plus get two draft picks instead. So he figured it was time to move on and Colorado impressed him the most with their desire for him.

[42graystreet]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111220&content_id=26214552&vkey=news_min&c_id=min

Cuddyer basically says the Twins were the ones that decided not to have him return. There was an offer of course, but he said they never got into serious negotations about returning. After they signed Willingham he said it was clear they would rather save some money plus get two draft picks instead. So he figured it was time to move on and Colorado impressed him the most with their desire for him.

I'm not really put off by this. The Twins knew what Cuddyer was going to get on the open market and made a decision that they weren't going to pay him that much. So, of course no serious negotiations got started.

[uro55]

I'm a little put off by the Twins doing this, but I get it/understand way.

I know it's soooo early, But I'm not liking the regime of Terry Ryan 2.0 so far:(

[UNC41]

I'm not put off at all. The Twins need someone to start making smart moves again, and that's exactly what Ryan did.

[Benny003]

I'm not put off by it at all either and Cuddyer understood as well. There was more value in getting a similar player for $10 million less plus 2 draft picks in exchange. The Twins have 5 draft picks in the first 75 picks in the next draft. I think Ryan is looking more to the future. I think he wants to build up their pool of prospects and I think that's a good idea. Smith kind of let things get a little bare by making a run in 2009 and 2010, which I don't blame him for really. If the Twins believed they were going to win the WS next year, then I think they would have tried to keep Cuddyer. Right now I think it's more about building for the future.

[uro55]

I'm not put off by it at all either and Cuddyer understood as well. There was more value in getting a similar player for $10 million less plus 2 draft picks in exchange. The Twins have 5 draft picks in the first 75 picks in the next draft. I think Ryan is looking more to the future. I think he wants to build up their pool of prospects and I think that's a good idea. Smith kind of let things get a little bare by making a run in 2009 and 2010, which I don't blame him for really. If the Twins believed they were going to win the WS next year, then I think they would have tried to keep Cuddyer. Right now I think it's more about building for the future.

The thing is, I don't totally agree with this.

I'm not saying these are mistakes and he's fucking up:lol Just saying I'm not a huge fan so far, but he's more than earned the right to give him time:thumbsup

[UNC41]

What do you disagree with? The only way it would have made sense to keep Cuddy is if the Twins were heading into next season with hopes of contending for a title, and I just don't see that. Otherwise, getting a guy with comparable talent, saving $10 million and picking up two draft picks to hopefully use on power arms is a no-brainer.

[uro55]

What do you disagree with? The only way it would have made sense to keep Cuddy is if the Twins were heading into next season with hopes of contending for a title, and I just don't see that. Otherwise, getting a guy with comparable talent, saving $10 million and picking up two draft picks to hopefully use on power arms is a no-brainer.

I don't think he has comparable talent, and I think he brings much more to the table.

Was it a bad move per say? No. But to say it's a no brainer isn't correct either.

I'll get into it more tomorrow when I'm not so tired:thumbsup

[Benny003]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111221&content_id=26224184&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

What the hell is that? Another "back of the rotation" starter? Don't we already have like 3 of those?

[Benny003]

Some perspective:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/135972833.html

[uro55]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111221&content_id=26224184&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

What the hell is that? Another "back of the rotation" starter? Don't we already have like 3 of those?

I like that signing, but we still need a front of rotation starter.

Some perspective:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/135972833.html

Oh I know he's earned the benifit of the doubt, and he's got that from me. But it doens't mean I have to like/agree with the move:)

[Benny003]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111221&content_id=26224184&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

I don't understand this move. Couldn't Scott Diamond or Liam Hendriks have filled this role? I mean he has a career ERA of 4.55. Twins had the 3rd worst ERA in the AL with a 4.64. This guy really doesn't help that. I know I've been supportive of Ryan's moves so far, but I guess on paper this one doesn't make sense to me.

[AJF_41]

Twins starters combined to post the third-worst ERA in the American League last season (4.64) while striking out just 617 batters in 961 innings.

[uro55]

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111221&content_id=26224184&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

I don't understand this move. Couldn't Scott Diamond or Liam Hendriks have filled this role? I mean he has a career ERA of 4.55. Twins had the 3rd worst ERA in the AL with a 4.64. This guy really doesn't help that. I know I've been supportive of Ryan's moves so far, but I guess on paper this one doesn't make sense to me.

Also he's been in the NL he's whole career and been ok/solid. A switch to the easier AL central could be great for him. Not saying it's the best move they could have made, but it's solid IMO.

[Irishoshea21]

Twins starters combined to post the third-worst ERA in the American League last season (4.64) while striking out just 617 batters in 961 innings.

due to a lack of leadership in the clubhouse, of course

[jackisback24]

this thread will reach 10K before the Packers thread???:ugh

[uro55]

due to a lack of leadership in the clubhouse, of course

No it's Chicago's fault.

[Nick@Night]

What are the odds Marquis finishes the season in the rotation? It always seems when the Twins bring in a guy like this, he does well for a bit, then nosedives in to being so ineffective he has to get pulled from the rotation.

[42graystreet]

10,000. Go Twins!