Minnesota Twins

[Benny003]

Here are just a couple of the photos from my first game shooting with a credential:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157629646247810/

It's going to take some getting used to. Overall despite the Twins winning, the game was rather boring for photographs. There just weren't any exciting plays.

[Nick@Night]

A couple of Dozier's plays in the field were decent (from a good play perspective, maybe not photo). The kid looks legit.

[uro55]

Hope the weather holds out tonight and then 4 vs Toronto:)

[Nick@Night]

Game ends, Valencia gets sent down to Rochester before the stadium is even empty. He needed to go down.

[Benny003]

Tonight will be my 150th game at Target Field. The Twins have a record of 73-76 at the games I've been to.

[AJF_41]

Liriano to pen too.

[42graystreet]

Tonight will be my 150th game at Target Field. The Twins have a record of 73-76 at the games I've been to.

Considering those are all home games, that's pretty bad.

[uro55]

Tonight will be my 150th game at Target Field. The Twins have a record of 73-76 at the games I've been to.

Damn:lol Without counting I'd guess around 60 for me.

Liriano to pen too.

YES:hump

Also I get to hear the Canadian nation anthem tonight:D

[Benny003]

Considering those are all home games, that's pretty bad.

No kidding. It's especially bad when you consider at the end of the 2010 season the record at games I attended was 39-20 (.661). Since 2010, the Twins have gone 34-56 (.378) at home games I've attended.

[Nick@Night]

Stop going, asshole!

[AJF_41]

Tonight will be my 150th game at Target Field. The Twins have a record of 73-76 at the games I've been to.

out of 176. that's pretty impressive.

[Benny003]

out of 176. that's pretty impressive.

I also counted the 2 exhibition games against the Cardinals and the 2 playoff games.

[Nick@Night]

out of 176. that's pretty impressive.
He's the SeanMH of Twins games attended.

[Benny003]

Stop going, asshole!

So I apparently impacted their performance in 2011 and now in 2012 to cause them to lose, but I didn't in 2010 when they had a .661 winning percentage at games I attended? You're right, that makes total sense and I should stop going so the Twins can start winning again. I guess since the Twins suck on the road too I should start going to those games in case I have the opposite effect on them there. Let's call Gardy and tell him we have the answers to all their problems! It's been me all along!

[uro55]

So I apparently impacted their performance in 2011 and now in 2012 to cause them to lose, but I didn't in 2010 when they had a .661 winning percentage at games I attended? You're right, that makes total sense and I should stop going so the Twins can start winning again. I guess since the Twins suck on the road too I should start going to those games in case I have the opposite effect on them there. Let's call Gardy and tell him we have the answers to all their problems! It's been me all along!

I think it was a joke Ben:)

[Benny003]

He's the SeanMH of Twins games attended.

There are almost certainly other fans who have been to more than me. Some old lady had a sign in 2010 saying she had attended all 81 games that season. I doubt she missed more than 30 last season.

[Benny003]

I think it was a joke Ben:)

Obviously it was meant that way, but the "asshole" part contradicted that.

[UNC41]

I'm really glad they decided to make a few moves. Hopefully this will shake things up and create a spark rather than just end up being replacing crap with crap. I don't see how it can get any worse though.

[Nick@Night]

*backs slowly out of thread.

Edit: tough room
Edit II: Is this my first time posting here?
Edit III: Really, guy?

[uro55]

Obviously it was meant that way, but the "asshole" part contradicted that.

Have you seen the movie Liar Liar?

I "heard" it like the line "STOP COMMITTING CRIMES ASSHOLE" I really don't think he was truely calling you an asshole. Then again I guess I could be wrong:)

[AJF_41]

everyone is on edge because the twins blow right now.

[UNC41]

Have you seen the movie Liar Liar?

I "heard" it like the line "STOP COMMITTING CRIMES ASSHOLE" I really don't think he was truely calling you an asshole. Then again I guess I could be wrong:)

It's "Stop breaking the law, asshole." ;)

[Nick@Night]

I think it was a joke Ben:)
Oh, dear. Last guy didn't get. Ok. You big, you big. We small, we small. We better go...

[42graystreet]

Everyone take a chill pill or light up a bowl, whatever you fancy. The last year of baseball has been rough on us all.

And Ben, the correlation between you snapping pics of Twins games and their performance is unequivocal, scientific evidence. They must be getting nervous when they see your camera.

[dmbgodagirl41]

Obviously it was meant that way, but the "asshole" part contradicted that.

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

Okay, later.

[uro55]

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

Okay, later.

People who are fans of athletes who "rock" a "sidehawk" aren't allowed in here:D

[Benny003]

Sorry I didn't understand a quote that was modified from a movie I saw 15 years ago.

[dmbgodagirl41]

People who are fans of athletes who "rock" a "sidehawk" aren't allowed in here:D

Excuse me, but I think I can agree that he looks like a complete DBag and the only solutions would be to 1. get rid of his wife and 2. have exposure to Circumcised Bacon.

[42graystreet]

This is a most pleasant surprise to have a whore in our thread. Since we don't have a regular female poster in here (to my knowledge), we'll take you!

[dmbgodagirl41]

Sorry I didn't understand a quote that was modified from a movie I saw 15 years ago.

You should be. :)

Also, Mauer is a hottie. That is all.

[dmbgodagirl41]

This is a most pleasant surprise to have a whore in our thread. Since we don't have a regular female poster in here (to my knowledge), we'll take you!

Dear Life Partner:

I miss you and your hot ability to quote "Anchorman".

Love,
Your Life Partner

P.S. I just seriously figured out why they are called The Twins. Wow.

[Nick@Night]

Sorry I didn't understand a quote that was modified from a movie I saw 15 years ago.
It's not even that. You took it 100% personal, like some idiot on the planet would actually correlate you being there with the winning/losing percentage, and in a huff actually took the time to poke holes in my Stephen Hawking level of logic that was implied by my statement. It's the type of cliche' shit you hear when people say they go to games and the team is either successful or not.

"They keep losing when you go? Maybe you should stop going." *wink*

Edit: I forgot the emoticon. That's what did it. Completely my fault. Carry on.

[dmbgodagirl41]

It's not even that. You took it 100% personal, like some idiot on the planet would actually correlate you being there with the winning/losing percentage, and in a huff actually took the time to poke holes in my Stephen Hawking level of logic that was implied by my statement. It's the type of cliche' shit you hear when people say they go to games and the team is either successful or not.

"They keep losing when you go? Maybe you should stop going." *wink*

Edit: I forgot the emoticon. That's what did it. Completely my fault. Carry on.

Thank you, Dark Helmet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNJj-PA8lKU

[42graystreet]

Dear Life Partner:

I miss you and your hot ability to quote "Anchorman".

Love,
Your Life Partner

P.S. I just seriously figured out why they are called The Twins. Wow.

And to think, we'll soon be able to quote another Anchorman flick.

[AJF_41]

wtf is katie doing here?

nick, is this your doing?

[42graystreet]

KT was most likely stalking Nick.

[Nick@Night]

Dear Life Partner:

I miss you and your hot ability to quote "Anchorman".

Love,
Your Life Partner

PS. I just seriously figured out why they are called The Twins. Wow.
Go play quietly in your area while the men are talking.
wtf is katie doing here?

nick, is this your doing?
She's lost, like a child who wanders in to the middle of a movie and wants to know what's going on.
KT was most likely stalking Nick.
That bitch cray.

[davelk10]

Was Coomer on the broadcast last night?
Just wondering because he grabbed some food and a couple drinks next to us at Kieran's around 6 with what looked like his wife and parents.

[uro55]

In the past 12 months the Blue Jays have played 5 games at Target Field. Jose Bautista has 7 home runs in those games:lol

[Benny003]

1AM, just got home. That was a pretty exciting game actually. I can't believe the number of Blue Jays fans there. They were getting rather obnoxious by the 8th inning. I was credentialed for the game, so I spent the 2 hour rain delay just sitting in the photo work room.

[Benny003]

Here are 11 of my photos from Friday's game:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157629689050620/

[Nick@Night]

On the broadcast, Dick or Bert mentioned booing or some chant the Blue Jay fans had going and that Twins fans retorted with a "U-S-A" chant. :lol

[Benny003]

On the broadcast, Dick or Bert mentioned booing or some chant the Blue Jay fans had going and that Twins fans retorted with a "U-S-A" chant. :lol

They were chanting "let's go Lawrie" and they got loud.

[42graystreet]

Why are there so many Canadians here? Nick?!? (not @Night, Uro).

[uro55]

Why are there so many Canadians here? Nick?!? (not @Night, Uro).

Ha ha, honestly not sure:lol

I've been wondering the same thing myself!

[Benny003]

A few stadium shots from Saturday with the great weather:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157629720034684/with/7194411650/

[42graystreet]

Watched yesterday's game from the suite level. Pretty nice, obv. Great game to watch as well.

[UNLTrpt]

Stupid fatty capps

[Benny003]

Apparently Capps can only pitch well if he has the lead. That's the second time he's come in during a tie game and taken the loss.

[bustedstuff88]

Typical twins fashion tonight to dramiatically tie it up in the late innings, only to give the lead back immediately, then have our offense flop over and die like a fish in polluted water in the 9th.

ANYWAYS....

Anyone else taken aback by the fact the our two young pitchers out of AAA (Diamond and Walters) can come up here and and put up zero's and our seasoned vets getting the big bucks seem to struggle to make it 3, 4, 5 innings?

Im starting to think that it really is the management that is getting to these guys!

[AJF_41]

ugh. tough loss.
argree on triple a guys.
dozier also playing well, which is nice.

[Nick@Night]

I like Doumit, or as I prefer to call him, Jack Parkman.

[uro55]

Get up this morning with nothing to do, and trying to decide how to spend my day, and I check my phone and I've got an offer for a free ticket from a buddy to the game today. Sweet!

[UNLTrpt]

Anyone else taken aback by the fact the our two young pitchers out of AAA (Diamond and Walters) can come up here and and put up zero's and our seasoned vets getting the big bucks seem to struggle to make it 3, 4, 5 innings?

Im starting to think that it really is the management that is getting to these guys!

While I do understand where you're coming from,it could be just as simple as the guys from triple A are unknown. Come in, couple of starts they fool hitters but by the time they get some tape on them, hitters figure them out.

[AJF_41]

Get up this morning with nothing to do, and trying to decide how to spend my day, and I check my phone and I've got an offer for a free ticket from a buddy to the game today. Sweet!

do u not have a job?

[UNLTrpt]

do u not have a job?

The world doesn't shut down on the weekends. Some people actually have to work during them and thus have days off during the week.

[AJF_41]

The world doesn't shut down on the weekends. Some people actually have to work during them and thus have days off during the week.

are you talking about high school graduates?
:D

[uro55]

do u not have a job?

I do not unfortunately:lol

But it does allow for fun days like today:D

[AJF_41]

I do not unfortunately:lol

But it does allow for fun days like today:D

i'm jealous. it was perfect out today.

o look. 3 hits today (ex. dozier).

:lol:lol unbelievable.

[AJF_41]

win! best team!

[42graystreet]

I don't even get excited about wins anymore because I know they are just flukes. I guess we really were spoiled the last decade.

[AJF_41]

I say we win 61 games this year. What does everyone else think?
AJF: 61

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65

[handsareme]

Even it's a 2-gamer, first sweep of the season!

[42graystreet]

Wow. The AL Central is BAD.

[UNC41]

I'll go with 59 games. It's great to get two from the Tigers though!

[uro55]

Wow. The AL Central is BAD.

That's the only prediction of mine that's come true so far:lol

Our division is TURRIBLE:ggoat

[bustedstuff88]

Another great start by our rookie pitchers.....

Hope????

[42graystreet]

Maybe? I doubt it's sustainable this year, but for the long term future it's nice to see.

[AJF_41]

Best team.

[bustedstuff88]

4 in a row now.....

[42graystreet]

Best team.

Certainly better than the Brewers :D

[Benny003]

How did Drew look in the mound? I heard he struck out Gomez.

[UNLTrpt]

Certainly better than the Brewers :D

Not today.

[bustedstuff88]

We got raped in milwaukee today

[davelk10]

I don't see us winning much more than 55

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55

Anyone else wanna play? Add your name and prediction to the list.

[AJF_41]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55

Anyone else wanna play? Add your name and prediction to the list.

nick, benny and uro need to get in.

[uro55]

nick, benny and uro need to get in.

I was gonna say 65, but Chad's got that, so I'll be optimistic and go 66:lol

[AJF_41]

sadly we made predictions pre-4 game streak.
not that it really matters.

[handsareme]

So...they didn't lose today!

[jordonh]

65 wins.........

[42graystreet]

65 wins.........

Taken...

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55
uro: 66

[davelk10]

Marquis designated for assignment, so long
Twins called up local kid Cole DeVries

[42graystreet]

So...another win. A thumping of the White Sox. This road trip is going quite well. We're no longer the worst team in baseball.

[AJF_41]

walters and diamond are the future!

[Nick@Night]

I see I need to pick a win number. I'll say...68.

[AJF_41]

I see I need to pick a win number. I'll say...68.

nice. riding the recent momentum.

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55
uro55: 66
Nick@Night: 68

[Nick@Night]

They'll play beyond their capability for a few stretches this summer and push winning 70 games. It will become more apparent as they play more games against the central.

[handsareme]

I'll take 70. Optimism.

[uro55]

Sucks to give up 11 runs and lose to the Sux, but some real good points to take from tonight's game:thumbsup

Also even though I've been to roughly 1/3 of the games there:lol I took the tour of Target Field for the first time today:D

[AJF_41]

justin first hr was a BOMB last night.

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55
uro55: 66
Nick@Night: 68
handsareme: 70

We should probably shut this down before we get too far in to the season. Get your prediction in before the end of the holiday weekend.

[AJF_41]

^agree.
they won 4 straight after my 61 choice.
i think benny is in europe.

[tosssweep]

Alright I'll throw in at 71 wins. #ItsHappening will rise again!

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55
uro55: 66
Nick@Night: 68
handsareme: 70
tosssweep: 71

We'll let Benny chime in when he's back.

[handsareme]

What are we playing for?















One night in Benny's seats? :D

[Benny003]

I just got back from a 10-day trip to Paris and London. So I'm kind of out of the loop. Sounds like a lot of the same stuff, but Morneau has found his swing.

I'll say 67 wins. Unless their pitching finally gets its act together this team is screwed.

What are we playing for?

One night in Benny's seats? :D

Haha, my seats are available for Wednesday's game.

[42graystreet]

AJF: 61
42graystreet: 65
UNC41: 59
Davelk10: 55
uro55: 66
Nick@Night: 68
handsareme: 70
tosssweep: 71
Benny003: 67

There it is then. We'll have to come up with some sort of prize for the winner. Best of luck everyone. No cheering against the Twins just for the sake of this contest!

[Benny003]

I'm going to be working Monday's game from the field, so my season ticket seats are available. Make an offer if interested. My seats for Wednesday's day game are also available.

[Nick@Night]

Well done, Capps.

[AJF_41]

Well done, Capps.

yeah, sucks to lose one that way...
i actually thought we were going to take it in the bottom of the 9th..

[bustedstuff88]

Anyone think the twinkies will trade capps or span at the deadline? How about liriano and morneau?

For the record, i think putting liriano back in the rotation is a bad idea
&
P.J Walters is the real deal. Diamond aint bad either.

[AJF_41]

liriano is still better than walters.
maybe morneau gets traded.
i hope they don't let span go.

[UNC41]

I don't see how Capps or Liriano would have any value. I'd be fine moving Span if Revere can play well over the next month or so. Those two are pretty redundant guys in the outfield.

[Benny003]

I don't see how Capps or Liriano would have any value. I'd be fine moving Span if Revere can play well over the next month or so. Those two are pretty redundant guys in the outfield.

Not in terms of arm strength. Revere's arm is a legitimate liability because he can't hold runners at all.

[UNC41]

They are not clones, but similar in what you get offensively and tracking down balls in the outfield. Span is one of the few guys on the roster who I'd see having value, which is why I'd be fine with getting an asset or two for him.

[AJF_41]

They are not clones, but similar in what you get offensively and tracking down balls in the outfield. Span is one of the few guys on the roster who I'd see having value, which is why I'd be fine with getting an asset or two for him.

leaving us with what?

more cap room...a shitty team..and an overpaid joe?

[Benny003]

It's going to depend on how the draft comes out, but if someone offers some nice pitching prospects for Span at some point this summer, then I would bet the Twins would take a serious look at it.

[UNC41]

leaving us with what?

more cap room...a shitty team..and an overpaid joe?

The Twins are the worst team in the AL with or without Span. I like him as a player, but he's a good piece to building a team, not someone you can build around. This team needs to rebuild, and part of that is stocking the farm system with as many assets as possible.

[UNLTrpt]

BOOM! walk off!!!!

[Benny003]

That's been long overdue. Only the second walk-off homer in Target Field history. I'll have a few photos of the celebration in a bit.

[Benny003]

Here are some of my pictures from the walk-off:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157629963811034/

I only brought a smaller lens and only brought it at all just in case there was a walk-off. So I didn't shoot anything else in the game.

[AJF_41]

soild win last night.
fairly boring game before that.
place looked kind of dead.

[Benny003]

It was really cold last night. Most people left after the 8th.

[UNC41]

People started filtering out where I was sitting after the 7th. I'll never get why you would buy tickets to a baseball game and then leave early when it's a two run game. Willingham's bomb was a great way to end the game for the few of us who stuck around.

[Benny003]

For a casual fan I don't blame them. The Twins offense was pathetic all night and it was pretty cold. Barring the improbable (which actually happened this time for once), there wasn't much reason to stick around.

[UNC41]

Teams come back from two run leads all the time. And I didn't really think it was that cold. All I had on was a t-shirt and fleece, and I wasn't bothered by the weather. I guess some just want to be at the ballpark regardless of whether a team wins or loses, but I'll never get that.

[Benny003]

Wow, the Twins swept a 3-game series! And Liriano pitched well? :ugh

[42graystreet]

Pics (Ben) or it didn't happen.

[Benny003]

I wasn't there. Since I had taken almost the last 2 weeks off from work I felt guilty taking another day off 1 day after coming back.

[AJF_41]

santana!

[bustedstuff88]

It's pretty sad when on the front page of the MN Twins own website they display the teams pitching leaders....And Carl Pavano is No.1 with A 6.00 ERA......
:BANG

[Nick@Night]

The rotations is basically a glorified group of batting practice pitchers.

[bustedstuff88]

liriano is still better than walters.
maybe morneau gets traded.
i hope they don't let span go.

Liriano has been a mental case again this season. At least Walters has been consistently consistent.
Sure, frankie has great stuff, but if you cant settle yourself down and let the whole inning unravel and implode in front of you because the other team gets a base hit, you wont amount to a pile of beans as a pitcher in the bigs.

[bustedstuff88]

I was bored at work and was lamenting the fate of the twins so I thought about the future. I created a potential lineup for the twins on opening day 2015. It goes like this:

1. CF Ben Revere
2. RF Byron Buxton (assuming we take him in the draft tomorrow)
3. C Joe Mauer
4. 3B Miguel Sano
5. 1B Chris Parmelee
6. SS Brian Dozier
7. DH ( Plug in any power hitting draftee..we get the #1 pick in 2013 draft)
8. 2B Eddie Rosario
9 LF Trevor Plouffe (big question mark here)

As far as the pitchers go I have no fucking idea. I think though, that if we could get a few decent arms, and if the young guys in the lineup I put up there develope as expected (Sano, Rosario, Buxton) we could be formidable and maybe even contend.

What do you all think?

[Benny003]

Several prospects will be used as trade bait at one point or another and if the veterans we have now are not on the team in 2015, then they will have been traded most likely as well.

Hopefully Gibson and Wimmers can someday make an impact on the starting rotation. I'm liking what I'm seeing from Diamond so far.

[AJF_41]

^ that line up is a 100 game loss lineup.
we need to get someone legit.
fuck a building process.

[Benny003]

Twins take Buxton. Makes sense. Hopefully he can hit MLB pitching.

[UNC41]

I'm a big fan of what the Twins did in the draft today. They started off getting a guy who was almost the consensus best talent in the draft at No. 2 and then took shots on a couple power arms with the comp picks. Here's a good read on Buxton ...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/web/COM1198695/index.htm

[handsareme]

Got tickets for the game on Wednesday. Front row of the upper deck, just above third base. Always love going to a game at The K.

[bustedstuff88]

^ that line up is a 100 game loss lineup.
we need to get someone legit.
fuck a building process.

Thats subjective. Dependant on 2 factors:

1. Pitching staff.
2. Developement

If that lineup had to put up runs for the twins staff of 2012, then yeah, probobly 100 losses. Quality staff? 100 wins..... IF (and this is a big if) our young talent can develope as expected. Honestly in our farm system right now i think we have a handful of guys who could become monsters in 5 years give or take.

[bustedstuff88]

Seems like were pretty heavy on OF right now.....Anyone else see the twins over the next couple years dealing some of these guys for pitchers?

[Benny003]

Seems like were pretty heavy on OF right now.....Anyone else see the twins over the next couple years dealing some of these guys for pitchers?

Absolutely.

[Benny003]

Thats subjective. Dependant on 2 factors:

1. Pitching staff.
2. Developement

If that lineup had to put up runs for the twins staff of 2012, then yeah, probobly 100 losses. Quality staff? 100 wins..... IF (and this is a big if) our young talent can develope as expected. Honestly in our farm system right now i think we have a handful of guys who could become monsters in 5 years give or take.

That's every team's plan with their prospects.

[AJF_41]

6 out of the last 7.
white hot!

[Benny003]

6 out of the last 7.
white hot!

They did this last June too where they won 15 out of 17 games.

[AJF_41]

thanks for that cold water ben...

[Benny003]

thanks for that cold water ben...

:lol It has been fun watching them win lately though. I'm starting to lose that feeling where every win just felt like more luck than skill. It actually seems like they have a real shot to win each night now, which is enjoyable.

Twins bullpen has the 5th best ERA in the last month or something.

[Benny003]

Tough loss tonight. I liked that Liriano had 4 strikeouts in one inning though. Apparently it was only the 2nd time in team history that has happened. Baker had the other one back in 2008.

[Nick@Night]

Foiled by Bruce Chen. Seems like an Onion headline.

[42graystreet]

2 decent starts in a row for Liriano. Against the A's and Royals, so the jury is still very much out.

[AJF_41]

2 decent starts in a row for Liriano. Against the A's and Royals, so the jury is still very much out.

yeah. i'd say better than decent.
just didn't get any support last night.

[Benny003]

FYI, my tickets are available for next Tuesday's game against the Phillies.

[AJF_41]

any chance you have tickets for sunday's game?
i think i'm going to bring my son.

[Benny003]

No, I requested credentials for that game, but with it being a day game and the Cubs there were apparently too many credential requests to get a spot.

[AJF_41]

ahhh. i see.

[handsareme]

So...did FSNorth happen to show a guy with a Twins gnome on their broadcast last night?

[Benny003]

I can't say I noticed one, but I only really had the game on in the background listening for big plays to happen.

[AJF_41]

Just scored 4 free tickets to tomorrow nights game.
section 123. not bad.

[42graystreet]

Just scored 4 free tickets to tomorrow nights game.
section 123. not bad.

Nice coincidence. There will be a few Ants there as well. Not anyone else from this thread but me, but other Twin Cities ants.

[AJF_41]

Nice coincidence. There will be a few Ants there as well. Not anyone else from this thread but me, but other Twin Cities ants.

i kick it in the tc thread every once in awhile...

[42graystreet]

Ben - your pics of Europe are amazing! My favorites were 14, 24 and 43.

[AJF_41]

fun game last night. glad they pulled it out after not scoring in the 9th...

[Benny003]

Ben - your pics of Europe are amazing! My favorites were 14, 24 and 43.

Thank you very much!

fun game last night. glad they pulled it out after not scoring in the 9th...

Amazing game last night! 3 triples, like 5 home runs, 5 ties or lead changes, and a walk-off. Can't ask for anything more than that. Now I get to get scorched at today's game. I bought a ticket in 118 back in March, so I'll be in the sun all day.

[AJF_41]

It's going to be blazing today.

[Benny003]

It's going to be blazing today.

It was better than I thought it would be. There was a pretty good breeze. Nice win too! Diamond continues to impress. By watching the team in the dugout before the game it looks like they are finally starting to have fun.

[Benny003]

How did the Twins end up on The Onion? :lol

http://www.theonion.com/articles/tired-twins-ask-if-they-can-stop-swinging-bat-all,28466/

[AJF_41]

haha. the onion is great.

[handsareme]

My buddy Paul made it to a game, finally: http://imgur.com/a/9SpvM

:D

[davelk10]

I really can't believe we are starting to win series', but I like it
Granted its not like we're playing winning teams but I'll still take it
I guess I'll have to grab a game around the 4th when I'm around for a week

[davelk10]

How did the Twins end up on The Onion? :lol

http://www.theonion.com/articles/tired-twins-ask-if-they-can-stop-swinging-bat-all,28466/

Good stuff, even though it would have been timely last week

[AJF_41]

I really can't believe we are starting to win series', but I like it
Granted its not like we're playing winning teams but I'll still take it
I guess I'll have to grab a game around the 4th when I'm around for a week

yeah. we are beating up on shitty teams.
but i'll take it.

[UNLTrpt]

Ploooooooooooooof!

[UNLTrpt]

Randy Bush is the assistant GM for the Cubs. Did not know that.

[AJF_41]

Randy Bush is the assistant GM for the Cubs. Did not know that.

yeah. i didn't either, but realized when he was on awhile ago.
quick moving game so far. good for the people there.

[Nick@Night]

I figured the wheels had to come off the Liriano wagon eventually.

[Benny003]

I'll be photographing the Twins game on Tuesday. I sure hope Thome is in the lineup.

[Nick@Night]

I guess the Twins have decided to adopt the 1998 Vikings philosophy for beating teams. Just outscore them no matter what you give up in return.

[Benny003]

I'm shooting the Twins game on Saturday against the Brewers, so I have one of my season ticket seats available if anyone is interested.

Sure was fun seeing Thome tonight. I got some very close shots of him since one of the photo positions is literally right next to the visitor's dugout.

[Benny003]

Here are a few shots from the Twins game on Tuesday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157630054929125/

[UNLTrpt]

Here are a few shots from the Twins game on Tuesday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157630054929125/

That last shot of Thome is awesome.

[UNLTrpt]

I guess the Twins have decided to adopt the 1998 Vikings philosophy for beating teams. Just outscore them no matter what you give up in return.

:lol The Twins offense isn't as good as the Vikings offense was but yeah, when you average 6 runs in your last 10 games...you're gonna win a couple.

[Nick@Night]

Jim Thome can still mash a baseball. I love that Dick and Burt were talking about the last homerun Thome hit over the batter's eye seconds before he did it again.

[Benny003]

Jim Thome can still mash a baseball. I love that Dick and Burt were talking about the last homerun Thome hit over the batter's eye seconds before he did it again.

For the 2nd time since Thome left the team, his home run against the Twins at Target Field, which Twins fans gave standing ovations for, represented the deciding run in the game. The same thing happened last season when he was with the Indians. It's just funny to me that Twins fans gave him a standing ovation for scoring the winning run in the game to beat the Twins.

[Ashley J]

We're just so gosh-darn nice....

Finally getting out to a game tomorrow. This may have been the longest I've gone into a season without going to a game. Shameful shit.

[Nick@Night]

For the 2nd time since Thome left the team, his home run against the Twins at Target Field, which Twins fans gave standing ovations for, represented the deciding run in the game. The same thing happened last season when he was with the Indians. It's just funny to me that Twins fans gave him a standing ovation for scoring the winning run in the game to beat the Twins.
At least they didn't do the wave last night...oh, wait.

[uro55]

We're just so gosh-darn nice....

Finally getting out to a game tomorrow. This may have been the longest I've gone into a season without going to a game. Shameful shit.

Minnesota "nice":lol

Yay for going to the game! But boo for not going earlier;)

[Nick@Night]

Think there will be a game tonight? Weather doesn't look very promising.

[uro55]

Think there will be a game tonight? Weather doesn't look very promising.

I was gonna buy tix last minute cause I haven't been to a game in while cause I've been out of town. But ya it's not looking good.....

[Nick@Night]

Does anyone use MLB.TV to watch the Twins game? I’m considering getting rid of my DirecTV to save some money but my only hangup is not being able to watch the Twins games.

Edit: It's 20/mo for the MLB.TV and I'm wondering if it's worth it only to watch ball games.

[42graystreet]

Does anyone use MLB.TV to watch the Twins game? I’m considering getting rid of my DirecTV to save some money but my only hangup is not being able to watch the Twins games.

Edit: It's 20/mo for the MLB.TV and I'm wondering if it's worth it only to watch ball games.

Are you blacked out of Twins games because you're in Minneapolis?

[Benny003]

There might be a delay if anything, but I'd be surprised if they postpone it. The showers look fairly concentrated pockets rather than widespread. It would be tough to reschedule an interleague game too.

[uro55]

There might be a delay if anything, but I'd be surprised if they postpone it. The showers look fairly concentrated pockets rather than widespread. It would be tough to reschedule an interleague game too.

I was thinking the same thing, but it's pretty shitty downtown right now. I haven't been to a game in a few weeks (withdrawal:lol). But I think I might hold off with this crappy weather:(

[Nick@Night]

Are you blacked out of Twins games because you're in Minneapolis?
No, my only hangup with discontinuing DTV service would be the inability to watch Twins games going forward. I'm just wondering if $20/month to strictly watch baseball makes any sense.

[Nick@Night]

Are you blacked out of Twins games because you're in Minneapolis?

No, my only hangup with discontinuing DTV service would be the inability to watch Twins games going forward. I'm just wondering if $20/month to strictly watch baseball makes any sense.
I misunderstood the question the first time around, so ignore the answer form earlier. They can black out games from that service if you live in the home market?

Edit: How about Plouffe? Think he can be a 25-30 HR full timer at 3B in seasons going forward?

[42graystreet]

I went on an assumption that you might get blacked out because they can tell where your IP address is located. I could be wrong. Maybe that's only to do with TV rights and not online rights.

[Nick@Night]

It looks like I would be blacked out to the Twins games. That's damn stupid.

Regular Season Local Live Blackout: All live games on MLB.TV and available through MLB.com At Bat are subject to local blackouts. Such live games will be blacked out in each applicable Club's home television territory, regardless of whether that Club is playing at home or away. If a game is blacked out in an area, it is not available for live game viewing. If you are an MLB.TV Premium subscriber and not within either Club's home television territory, the applicable game will be available as an archived game as soon as possible after the conclusion of the game. If you are an MLB.TV Premium subscriber within either Club's home television territory or an MLB.TV subscriber in any territory, the applicable game will be available as an archived game approximately 90 minutes after the conclusion of the game. Archived games are not available through MLB.com At Bat.

In addition, note:

These blackout restrictions apply regardless of whether a Club is home or away and regardless of whether or not a game is televised in a Club's home television territory.
All live Toronto Blue Jays games are blacked out throughout the entire country of Canada.
Additional teams may also be subject to blackout in parts of Canada based on their region.
All live games will be blacked out in the U.S. territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands during the MLB regular season.

[42graystreet]

That blows. Ya know what else does? Getting shut down by Joe Blanton.

[Benny003]

Buster Olney has been tweeting since yesterday about teams inquiring about Willingham and Morneau:

Buster Olney‏@Buster_ESPN
Lots of speculation about Morneau's availability, but rival execs note tremendous risk b/c of concussions. He's owed about $23m through '13.

Buster Olney‏@Buster_ESPN
Teams that have checked in on Willingham are being told he's not available. Yet. But the perception of other teams is that might change

Buster Olney‏@Buster_ESPN
By the way: Some teams believe Terry Ryan is, generally speaking, conservative with in-season deals. So they doubt Willingham will move.

[42graystreet]

The status of the AL Central also makes it hard to move Willingham. Yes, we effin' suck, but we are still just 8.5 games out of first.

[Benny003]

I would suck if they moved Willingham mid-season. It would really signal they are just going to let this season burn to the ground. Maybe that's a good move in the long run, but as a fan going to games today it would suck.

[Nick@Night]

The value we're getting from Willingham at 7 mil a year means the deal to ship him out would have to be tremendous. It does us better to keep him around at this point.

[AJF_41]

The value we're getting from Willingham at 7 mil a year means the deal to ship him out would have to be tremendous. It does us better to keep him around at this point.

agree 100%

[Nick@Night]

He’s on pace for 34 HR/115 RBI. You keep that shit in house.

[uro55]

Anyone hitting up the game tonight?

[Benny003]

He’s on pace for 34 HR/115 RBI. You keep that shit in house.

Only if you think you can compete right now. Man, if this team just had 3 quality starters we would probably be leading the division. The offense is fantastic and the bullpen is solid. It's just the starting pitching that is screwing everything up.

Anyone hitting up the game tonight?

Yeah, I'll be there of course.

[uro55]

Yeah, I'll be there of course.

I assumed as much:D

My plans for today/tonight fell through, so thought I'd try and grab a ticket and go tonight. Although forgot they're playing the Brewers, so it's a little more $$ than normal.

[uro55]

Speaking of which Benny, do you know, or know where there's a list of cameras, or types of ones "regular" fans can bring in! Just got a new one and was curious:)

[42graystreet]

I bet if you check the street before the game, you'll find a decent priced ticket.

[AJF_41]

Speaking of which Benny, do you know, or know where there's a list of cameras, or types of ones "regular" fans can bring in! Just got a new one and was curious:)

you can bring it in.

[uro55]

you can bring it in.

Cool, I wasn't sure if there was any kind of "limit" if you will. It's not some professional one or anything, but it's not just a point and shoot or whatever.

[AJF_41]

Cool, I wasn't sure if there was any kind of "limit" if you will. It's not some professional one or anything, but it's not just a point and shoot or whatever.

you're good to good.
have fun.

[uro55]

you're good to good.
have fun.

Thanks again man!

You'd think after going to about 1/3 of the games they've played there I'd know every in and out:lol

[uro55]

Score! Got dugout box 17 row 4 for $35:hump

[bustedstuff88]

heart wrenching loss tonight.

Anyone think Plouffe might be trade bait if he continues hitting home runs at this freakish pace?

[uro55]

heart wrenching loss tonight.

Anyone think Plouffe might be trade bait if he continues hitting home runs at this freakish pace?

It was painful, especially so that Franky had a no-no going until the sixth.

And I have no idea what to make of Plouffe:lol

Also watched a game from a suite for the first time last night and it was awesome:hump

[Nick@Night]

No way they move Plouffe. One hot streak for a guy who has yet to show consistency isn't going to get us more in return than he's worth.

[Benny003]

It was way hotter today than I was expecting, but at least the rain stayed away. Braun is an animal. Here is shot taken with my iPhone today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/7382566370/in/photostream

[42graystreet]

I let Braun know what I think of him today. Great day for a game. Shitty game.

[bustedstuff88]

I let Braun know what I think of him today. Great day for a game. Shitty game.

You told him you dont appreciate him taking roids and then barely passing his drug test on account of a minor technicality?

[UNLTrpt]

15th inning Denarded!

[Benny003]

That game was exhausting. After shooting the game for the Twins on Saturday, which was about a 6 hour day, Sunday's game was 15 innings with a rain delay added in for good measure. I haven't even had time to look at my photos from Sunday to see if I got any good ones of the walk-off.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/7392069964/in/photostream

[AJF_41]

15th inning Denarded!

:bounce

That game was exhausting. After shooting the game for the Twins on Saturday, which was about a 6 hour day, Sunday's game was 15 innings with a rain delay added in for good measure. I haven't even had time to look at my photos from Sunday to see if I got any good ones of the walk-off.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/7392069964/in/photostream

damn ben. a couple of those are dope.

CLOSE UP.

[Benny003]

Some of my photos from the 15 inning game on Sunday: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/sets/72157630187824922/

[bustedstuff88]

Damn how about that R.A. Dickey???

Did he leave us to free agency, or was this another epic bad trade by Bill Smith?

[UNLTrpt]

Damn how about that R.A. Dickey???

Did he leave us to free agency, or was this another epic bad trade by Bill Smith?

On November 28, 2007, he signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins that included an invitation to spring training, but was claimed in the Rule 5 Draft by the Seattle Mariners on December 6, 2007.

On December 23, 2008, Dickey signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Minnesota Twins. He would go on to pitch in 35 games for the Twins that season.

1-1 record 4.62 ERA in 35 games, started 1. 64 innings pitched. 34 Runs, 33 Earned. 8 HR 30 Walk, 42 SO. .290 average against.

Nothing jumps off the page. Probably more of a case of that he hasn't figured it out until now.

[bustedstuff88]

On November 28, 2007, he signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins that included an invitation to spring training, but was claimed in the Rule 5 Draft by the Seattle Mariners on December 6, 2007.

On December 23, 2008, Dickey signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Minnesota Twins. He would go on to pitch in 35 games for the Twins that season.

1-1 record 4.62 ERA in 35 games, started 1. 64 innings pitched. 34 Runs, 33 Earned. 8 HR 30 Walk, 42 SO. .290 average against.

Nothing jumps off the page. Probably more of a case of that he hasn't figured it out until now.

Seems like we've seen this scenario play out before though. (Matt Garza comes to mind immediately)

[UNLTrpt]

Guy pitches 60 innings for us 3 years ago, was in the minors a year later for the Mets...all the sudden he pitches two one hitters and we're lamenting we didn't stick with him? A bit over reactionary don't we think?

[Nick@Night]

It's the year of the pitcher, everyone is benefitting (except most of the Twins rotation).

[davelk10]

It would be real nice to have Dickey and Hardy on this team still, 2 positions we have struggled with the last 3 seasons

[Nick@Night]

A Hardy Dickey would be wonderful right about now.

[uro55]

A Hardy Dickey would be wonderful right about now.

This man wins the thread today:lol

[42graystreet]

Liriano with another good outing. He's getting back into it, albeit against marginal competition. Pittsburgh, despite their winning record, has a terrible offense.

[Nick@Night]

Frank keeps doing this to us. He flashes some form for a stretch and then it all falls apart as soon as people start gaining confidence in him and/or play better competition. Maybe they can trade him...

Cuddyer: 10.5 million salary.
.270/11 HR/45 RBI

Willingham: 7 million salary.
.279/ 14 HR/46 RBI

More or less a wash stat wise at this point in the season, but for 3.5 million less and the clutch situations Willingham has come through in, this has been a wonderful signing.

[Benny003]

Frank keeps doing this to us. He flashes some form for a stretch and then it all falls apart as soon as people start gaining confidence in him and/or play better competition. Maybe they can trade him...

Cuddyer: 10.5 million salary.
.270/11 HR/45 RBI

Willingham: 7 million salary.
.279/ 14 HR/46 RBI

More or less a wash stat wise at this point in the season, but for 3.5 million less and the clutch situations Willingham has come through in, this has been a wonderful signing.

Willingham has made Ryan look like a genius. I guess there was a reason the Wall Street Journal ranked the Twins as having the 6th best offseason moves in baseball.

[AJF_41]

Willingham has made Ryan look like a genius. I guess there was a reason the Wall Street Journal ranked the Twins as having the 6th best offseason moves in baseball.

yeah, it's really paying off.
:D

[davelk10]

Willingham has made Ryan look like a genius. I guess there was a reason the Wall Street Journal ranked the Twins as having the 6th best offseason moves in baseball.

Ryan is a genius, has nothing to do with Willingham
It's amazing when you have a GM that can actually scout players to identify talent and not just someone who can negotiate salaries

[Benny003]

All I meant is Willingham is proving to be a very good move. Signing him is working out exactly as was hoped.

[simplelife08]

Glen Perkins > Matt Capps

[Benny003]

Glen Perkins > Matt Capps

Perkins still made it interesting. Capps only really sucks when he doesn't come in with the lead. He's been solid in save situations.

[UNLTrpt]

I love me some Ben Revere. He's just awesome.

[simplelife08]

I love me some Ben Revere. He's just awesome.

^This :thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

Revere is like the Twins version of Juan Pierre.

[Benny003]

Willinghammer! That was a thing of beauty along with Mauer's at-bat before it.

[UNLTrpt]

Josh Willingclutch!

[Nick@Night]

The Hammer is Mr Walkoff.

[Nick@Night]

That short hop to the nuts Butera took is gonna linger for a while.

[AJF_41]

losing 1 run games is the worst.

this thead is on life support.

[Benny003]

It's all my wife's fault. Since Mother's Day the Twins are 0-7 at home games she has attended and 7-1 at home games she hasn't attended.

[AJF_41]

It's all my wife's fault. Since Mother's Day the Twins are 0-7 at home games she has attended and 7-1 at home games she hasn't attended.

:eek:eek:eek

[42graystreet]

I really thought Denarded was gonna win the game for us.

[Benny003]

I really thought Denarded was gonna win the game for us.

Sorry to say this, but Span is anti-clutch. I can think of at least 3 home games this season now where he has ended the game when there was a chance to tie or win it and that doesn't include the blown chance he had in the 12th inning of that Brewers game before he finally came through in the 15th.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/benckphotos/6971528784/

With the game on the line and runners in scoring position, give me Casilla or Valencia.

[uro55]

With the game on the line and runners in scoring position, give me Casilla

Any day of the week and twice on Sunday's :thumbsup

[Nick@Night]

I forgot Valencia started the year as the full time 3B.

/Plouffe

[AJF_41]

tough to score on sale..

[Benny003]

Buster Olney‏@Buster_ESPN
Wouldn't shock me if NYY took a run at Francisco Liriano before July 31. If he doesn't work out as a starter, could be used as set-up man.

Yankees could use him as a left-handed specialist:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/splits/_/id/6211/francisco-liriano

Apparently he's killing left handed batters and right handed batters are killing him.

[Benny003]

The Twins have no qualifiers for starter ERA statistics meaning they have no starting pitchers who have pitched enough innings to qualify. Awesome.

[Benny003]

The Minneapolis Miller uniforms were awesome tonight. They just looked really good. I hope the Twins use them again sometime.