I got to enjoy my first game at Target Field this last Tuesday. I must say the place is amazing. The atmosphere there was unlike anything I ever felt at the dome. I stood in the concourse above the bullpen for a majority of the game because it was very windy in our seats. They were in the last row of the upper upper deck. I enjoyed hearing the catchers mit smack as the relievers were warming up and giving Paplebon a hard time as he strolled through center field. It was rainy as everyone knows but my fiance pointed something out to me that was very interesting. I am not sure what inning it was but during a Joe Mauer plate appearance the sun peaked through the overcast sky. She said "look the sun is shining down on Baby Jesus!" I gave her a smile and said "babe that statement makes me want to get married today!" On to the food, I might catch some heat for this, but I was disappointed in the food I had. I first had a steak sandwich that was not very good. I then tried a Twins Dog which was better then the sandwich but it was no dome dog. Then I got a pretzel which was rock hard and cold. I highly recomend gettting a pretzel right away if you want one they get gross in a hurry. Enough of the negative. I absolutely love Target Field the open air, the natural grass, the sunlight, Minne and Paul, and so many Twins fans everywhere! I cant believe we watched baseball in the garbage can for so many years.

Man I hate the White Sux. For some reason I hate them more then any other team in our division. After watching them play our favorite nine over the weekend I could not help but notice how awful they made that team over the off season. Anduw Jones??? Omar Vizquel???? Juan Pierre???? Mark Teahan???? and they dont bring back Dye? Sounds like Kevin MchHale is making personal decisions in the South side of Chicago. I love to watch the White Sox lose, I don't know if its because AJ is there or the fact that I cant stand Mark Buehrle or what. This year I will enjoy watching them crumble and hopefully finish last (yes behind KC)"> 

Has anybody heard if the Twins and The Star Tribune are doing the golden ticket contest this year? My wife and I enjoy this contest every year but are unsure if it will happen with us opening the new park. If anybody knows anything about it please post a comment. Last year we were kind of frustrated with the clues but this year we vow to find the elusive ticket, happy hunting and good luck to everyone who also enjoys this contest.

Thanks

Go Twins!

Mr. Crede remains a free agent well into spring training. Have the Twins considered bringing him back? I dont think it would hurt to give him another one year incentive based contract, If he stays healthy all year great, if not no big deal we can go back to Punto and Harris. I realize that the Twins have spent a lot of money this offseason and I am more excited about this year than any other. I just think that Crede deserves another chance, he is a hell of a ball player when healthy (plus I loved seeing the look of the faces of the White Sox fans when he was there in a Twins uniform). I guess what my point is there is no downside to bringing him back so why not do it? 

I know what your thinking Joe is the best catcher in baseball and the Twinks would be crazy to move him. He is the best catcher in baseball and handles the pitching staff marvelously. That being said catchers take a beating over the haul of 162 games and it is very hard on the knees. Moving Mauer to third would be a defensive loss yes, however I think it worth the trade off reducing injury risk. I am not writing this because I don't enjoy watching Mauer catch, I just would like to see him stay healthy for many years to come. 

1. Denard Span CF, should hit around .300 with maybe six or seven homers and 50-60 RBI. As far as defense goes the guy is sweet 'nuff said. Nickname: D-SPAN outfield coverage 24-7

2. Orlando Hudson 2B, Should hit between .270 and .290, .300 would be sweet, add a dozen long balls and 70 RBI's and possibly a gold glove Nickname: (I have not thought of anything funny yet. I am open to ideas)

3. Joe Mauer C, The dude is the second coming of Christ need I say more? Nickname: Baby Jesus

4. Justin Morneau 1B, .300 batting average 40 dingers and 120 RBI's. While he is close to gold glove contention I dont think he is quite there yet, but he might do it why not? Nickname: The Doctor

5.  Michael Cuddyer RF, .250 for the low end .280 for the high end. I am guessing 25 bombs and 90 RBI. Nickname: Cuddybear

6. Jason Kubel DH, I am guessing Thome will cut down Kubel's at bats a bit. I am going to go with a .260 average and 20 homers. When he does play left I will say he is ok at best. Nickname: I have never thought of one for Kubel I will take ideas

7. J.J. Hardy SS, a bit of a question mark. I am hoping he will have a bounce back year. these numbers are optimistic: .275 average, 18 homers and 80 RBI. Great Defense.Nickname: Detective Hardy, helping the Twins solve the mystery of how to win the World Series.

8. Delmon Young LF, I think and hope this should be a make it or break year for Delmon. If he stinks we need to cut our loses and let Thome DH full time. My guess for his numbers: .240 average, 12 homers and 60 RBI. Sub par defense. Nickname: Elmon (he got no D)

9. Whoever 3B, Punto, Tolbert, or Harris. Whatever we get from any of these guys will be bonus. I am still hoping but not optimistic the Twins will bring back Crede.

It was not so long ago I was sitting in the Dome enjoying a game between our favorite nine and the ever so hated Cleveland Indians. Jim Thome came to the plate and took one his signature massive uppercut swings. The ball soared through the air and proceeded to smack Kent Hrbek square in the face. I have never seen another player hit the ball that hard or that far. Thome over the years continually slaughtered Twins pitching especially in the Dome. Some time has passed since then and Thome has played for some different teams over the years. He may be in the twilight of his playing days but this Twins fan thinks he still has a few more home runs left in him. I think his veteran presence is something the Twins have lacked over the last few years. I mean really if you need a pinch hitter in the 9th inning and Jim Thome and Alexi Cassila are sitting there who would you pick? 

 I recently read in a local paper that if Joe Mauer enters free agency, and when, not if the Red Sox and Yankees start a bidding war, Joe's Salary could reach 30 million dollars a season. I as a huge Twins fan want to express that Twins need to get a deal done soon. Christmas has come and gone and no news has come that the parties have agreed to a new contract. Is Joe going to sell out to one of the evil empires out east? I hope not. If losing Johan was like a paper cut, losing Joe will be like a gunshot wound. The Twins will survive and generate new revenue at Target field, but The absence of our hometown hero will give Target field an empty feeling. I am hoping Joe and his agent understand how important he is to this team and fan base. The Twins will give him plenty of money if he stays, I hope that and knowing he is keeping his hometown ball team competitive are reason enough for him to stay. I implore Mr. Smith to get a deal done soon. I want to take my kids to Target Field some day and show them a huge statue of Mauer that is bound to be in front of it if he dose stay and tell them, that was the greatest player the Twins had ever seen, and I was lucky enough to watch him play baseball.