Alright, so I'll be booking my flight and hotel for my trip to Minneapolis on August 4th, in time for the 1991 reunion the next day. I wanted to discuss with those more familiar with the locale if you have any recommendations for hotels, or what's closest to the stadium, as well as transportation. Any suggestions are welcome!

And most importantly: I want to have a meet-up with anyone who's going to the game on August 5th (a Friday no less), at a bar or restaurant close to the stadium. Again, I'll let you guys pick the best one, and I say we meet there three or four hours before gametime. We can work out the specifics over the next few weeks. My ticket for the game is standing room only and I intend to be there early for the reunion ceremony and to check out the stadium. 

See you all there,

Marshall

So, I sent a get-well letter to Harmon Killebrew a few weeks back, and upon arriving home today found he sent me an autographed thank-you card! What a sweet guy...reminds me of my first days as a fan in 2000 when I wrote a letter to Kirby Puckett and got an autographed picture of him in return. This is terrific! Hope to get many more autographs at the 1991 reunion in August as well. 

Anyone else written Harmon during this time as well? 

Hey all,

As I've mentioned, I'm going to give it my all to make it to the 20th anniversary reunion of the '91 team in August, and plan to buy my ticket for the game(s) as soon as possible just to be safe. I just have one question: Since it's scheduled for now for the weekend of August 5-7, do they intend to spread the reunion festivities over three games, or is it all on one day? If anyone knows, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,

Marshall 

Hey all,

Been awhile since I've posted. School has started again and I've been getting ready for a whole slew of exciting things in my life this year. Of course, the Twins remain a high priority as always and through all the frustration over last year's playoff I'm looking forward to this season in many ways.

Anyway, first: I've officially decided I want to customize my gray pinstriped away jersey (the one they just retired) since it has no name or number on it. I'm going to go with Gladden and 32, but I'm not sure how or where to send it in to be customized, if that's even possible. But if anyone knows how I might be able to do so, I'd appreciate it! I'd love to sport the legend of the greatest Twins outfielder to ever have a blond mullet.

Second, speaking of Danny: The 1991 team reunion is currently set for the weekend of August 5-7, and since I've started a plan of vacationing to Minnesota and Ireland someday, I've decided I want to make said weekend the Minnesota part of the trip on its own! I'll have to have a job soon and save up as much as possible, but if all works out as I've planned I should be there for the reunion and game(s). I wouldn't miss it for the world...the '91 squad is my favorite single-year sports team ever and among my top heroes (among other Twins teams and players, of course), going back to my earliest days as a fan. If it all comes together, I suggest a meet-up at whatever is the preferred bar/restaurant around. I'm a lifelong Californian so you'd have to help there....

Hopefully see some of you in August,

Marshall

Alright, so I'll admit to not being in the loop with all Twins prospects (although in the past year I've become acquainted with quite a few names and their expectations, mostly our beloved Danny V.), so, even with obvious internet research possibilities at my disposal, I'm going to leave it up to you experts to elaborate on what makes Kyle Gibson such a valued prospect. What are his strengths and weaknesses, how do you think he will do, or if you don't like him, why do you think he'll disappoint?

I ask not out of cynicism or low expectations, but because I'd like to think he has the qualities to improve the pitching staff in due time, perhaps even if he's called up this season. Ever since the latest ALDS bed-shitting against the Yankees I've gone on and on about the Twins needing a bona-fide, league-wide ace (like Halladay, Lee, Sabathia, etc.) in order to be more complete and go all the way. Since that kind of pitcher is difficult to come by (and right now I can't think of a scenario where any team will relinquish theirs like Seattle did with Lee), the only other strategy I can think of is to draft more power arms as opposed to serviceable, pitch-to-contact types. I'm not insinuating that Gibson must or will be this kind of ace, but if he's at least got the stuff to be a reliable power pitcher, then I can't wait to see him soon.

As the intense disappointment of another first round exit starts to fade, I'm finally starting to find more enthusiasm in offseason speculation than I thought I would (But then again, I did last season as well...stop...). The first thing that came to mind was the need for an ace. Living in the past and wondering what could have been with Cliff Lee is fine, but for the present and future, Zack Greinke has come to mind. He'd not only likely resolve the ace problem, but I think he'd love to play for the Twins. He griped during the season about being stuck with so many "rebuilding" Royals squads, it's clear he wants to play for a winner. If I'm not mistaken, he's under contract for a few more years, so he'd be more than a rental.

Personally, I'd offer a package of Blackburn, a reliever who might walk anyway (Rauch? Guerrier?), and maybe a disposable prospect.

As for free agent signings and retainments, has anyone else considered the value of keeping Brian Fuentes? I know he has a unique contract feature and was considered a rental when he arrived, but he pitched so excellently throughout the late season and playoffs that I say we keep him in place of a reliever or two. I think he really relished his time with the team this season and enjoys being in Minnesota, especially after all the fuming from Angels fans. He, Thome, and Pavano would be my off-season "musts." I'm also entirely for keeping Hardy, especially since it looks like Hudson will walk.  

I dunno...maybe I'm not entirely up to snuff on everyone's status. I'm particularly curious as to where the bullpen might go. And goddamn, I know I'll be alone on this, but I'm interested in the idea of having Clay Condrey again as long as he's healthy. I know he was just a pick-up and it felt like we wasted $900,000 on an injured pitcher we probably didn't really need, but he's one of the better long-relievers in the game and would be worth a shot if enough people leave. A healthy Joe Nathan will be fantastic as well!

Also, what are our outfield options? I think it's time for Kubel to go, especially with a .069 playoff average. Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth would be awesome in his place, although I'm guessing either would be impossible.  

What say you? Discuss.

Hey all,

First off, I guess I ought to introduce myself. I'm a long-time sports and boxing fan, 20 years old (21 in November!), and am starting out on my quest to become a boxing/kickboxing official and referee. I've already made a few calls, and am currently waiting to hear back from the northern CA boxing official on when the next clinics will be, but I also want to know any inside pointers or advice that would help me. I'm doing plenty of research on my own, but all the same, advice would be highly appreciated. Love the blog btw, the writing and coverage are excellent.

Thanks,

Marshall

While this can't quite measure up to the same level as Randball Stu's creative anthem list, it'd still be a blast to pick songs that fit each player musically, lyrically or both (Or neither I suppose. Be random if you wish, chaps!).

You can pick multiple songs for any players, even ones that have already been highlighted in other comments. And yes, you can still comment after Stu cleans house with his insane array of obscure yet fitting choices.

My picks after the jump:

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With the Twins comfortably in the playoffs and almost guaranteed to have ALDS home-field advantage, there's a bit more room to get invested in the other races still being decided throughout baseball. At least, when we're not being treated to the sight of the Royals suddenly thinking they're the Rangers and Randy Flores thinking he's a paid baseball player.

Up until recently, I honestly couldn't have cared less about anything transpiring in the National League. With so much focus on the Twins and their chase of Tampa and NY for the best record and the Dodgers slogging through a disappointing season, nothing grabbed me. Now, however, I am officially pulling for the Reds for a number of reasons. First, I can't root for the Giants (because of my inherited Dodger love). Second, they have a lot of cool players including Joey Votto, Aroldis Chapman, and our beloved Orlando Cabrera. Third, they haven't been to the playoffs since 1995, and the World Series since 1990. Fourth, they're a classic team with great history (Ernie Lombardi, Frank Robinson, and Sparky's Big Red Machine come to mind). Fifth, for all the heat he takes, I still like Dusty Baker and would be happy to see him have a great postseason. Sixth, they probably have a better shot at the pennant than the Padres, who would also be a cool winner.

And finally, I think I'm a little sick of the Phillies. I know there is probably not too much of a passionate basis for this, as opposed to being incredibly tired of the Yankees and Red Sox all the time. Not to mention, they're one of my overall preferred teams, they've earned their position with timely playing and smart acquisitions, and I love a lot of the players (Utley, Howard, Werth, etc.). But after last-year's World Series match-up, I'm really hungry for something entirely new, and of course there's always the disgusting social retards that comprise a chunk of the Philly faithful (I know, I know, the rotten apple spoiling the bunch argument...).

Maybe this is just out of antsiness about whether or not the Twins will finally get WS trophy number three this year. As long as they do, it really doesn't matter in the end.

But until then:

Go Reds! 

While this may not be a post of great analysis or intricate stats (and hey, we can't use UZR anymore anyway since claiming Manny and shifting Thome to center), I think it'd still be fun to see who your overall favorite players in the game are. You can list as many as you want, including any from our beloved Twins of course, and explain why.

I'm just going to list mine, because I'm somewhat sedate right now after a steak dinner, raspberries, and the bliss of watching Nelson Cruz singlehandedly whack the Yankees.

Joe Mauer

Justin Morneau

Jim Thome

Chase Utley

Ryan Howard

Torii Hunter

Cliff Lee

Ichiro Suzuki

Paul Konerko (most underrated player of the decade in my opinion)

Andre Ethier

Zack Greinke

Evan Longoria

I'll remember more later.

After last year's flurry of impressive summer acquisitions, the Twins have been surprisingly quiet this season. Unless you want to count the prolonged, rumor-packed Cliff Lee period, the Capps-for-Ramos exchange is the only real bit of trade action in 2010. All the gripes about the pieces of the deal itself considered, I think it's clearly a good trade, if for no other reason than the fact that the Twins needed a veritable closer as Rauch started to slip. I love Jon, but it was a little hair-raising to envision him trying to save a close playoff game. Getting an All-Star closer not only helps this year, but provides insurance for the future as Nathan's health is determined next season.

Now that that much is settled, I think it's pretty clear the Twins could stand to benefit from another pitching acquisition or two. This isn't to completely rule out trading for an offensive player (perhaps Ty Wigginton), but since the offense is so thoroughly strong right now I don't think that's necessary (The unexpected quality of Valencia and Casilla also minimizes the need for an infielder.). So, especially after some hiccups in this past series, what pitchers do you think Bill Smith should make a move for this month?

Personally, the only one I can think of off the top of my head is Scott Downs from Toronto. He's been mentioned here frequently and for good reason: His stats boast the likes of a 2.37 ERA, 38 strikeouts, and 0.97 WHIP. Best of all, he's a lefty, and could thus help augment Mahay (especially if Duensing doesn't go back to the bullpen should we make the playoffs). So that's my suggestion.

Also, for those who are more immersed in trade whispers than I, I ask: What starters are speculated to be available? And should the Twins take a shot on any of them, if they can?

Discuss.

Alright, so part of the fun of hanging out here at Twinkie Town (and SB Nation blogs in general) is the irreverence and fun we all have making jokes and references as we stick with our team through everything. For my money, sports often become more fun with random pop culture references that somehow work perfectly in context, as well as quirky humor in general.

On that note, few things hit the spot like perfectly re-tooling a song with a set of parody lyrics. And tonight it hit me: Why not do a thread of Twins-based song parodies? Post your own lyrics to whatever song you feel like regarding the Twins universe, and include links to the original tune and lyrics. Being the gigantic music geek that I am, I could re-write dozens of songs popular and obscure to address the Twinkies, but I'll just go with the one that comes to mind quickest right now. Lyrics after the jump.

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So:

The idea for this thread came during a tangent on Randball's exceptional (as always) article for Demon's training video. The very idea of hilarious fielding errors inevitably led to a mention of Torii Hunter making an erroneous, ill-conceived...yeah, 2006. Just the thought of that moment still leaves Twins diehards colder than Ferdinand Marcos's corpse. So, to break a free-fall into inconsolable depression, someone (I think Hillstop) suggested we talk about 2002 instead. The time WE upset an A's team that was slated to go all the way. And I've been meaning to post this for sometime, as it is still one of my greatest baseball memories. Besides, we haven't won a playoff series since then, so without further ado: Tell your story of experiencing game five of the 2002 ALDS! Mine after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Alright, so I've been considering this for awhile now, and especially after the legendary battle of Game 163 last year, I want to determine once and for all: Are the Detroit Tigers a truly HATED rival, or just a divisional adversary we find ourselves in a tight race with year after year? 

I guess it's fairly subjective, but some of the criteria to consider would be public comments and smack talk, on-field scuffles, mutual hatred between the fan bases, intense head-to-head match-ups, and any sort of rivalry between the cities. The White Sox obviously fit all these requirements. So...do the Tigers?

Discuss.