Hey Gang -

I need a little help from the local folks... my family and I are coming up to a game in late June this year and need to find a decent place to stay near Target Field.   You guys have any suggestions on a nice place?  Of course we're looking for something not too outrageous in price and something we could get to either by walking or light-rail.  We're bringing our 2 yr old son to his first game, so thought something close would be ideal.

Thanks, everyone.

Just got back from the Twins Winter Caravan in Rapid City, SD.  Gardy, Manship, Butera and Vavra were there.  This is the first time they've been to Rapid City, and it was seriously cool.  They did a really nice job putting it together and the turnout was great.  I'm hoping they continue to make it out our way.

A couple of interesting things from Gardy during the presentation:

-  They showed a video, during which they talked about every player currently on the roster.  During Duensing's portion of the video, Gardy commented that he has earned his spot in the starting rotation.  Thought that was interesting that it had been decided already.  I certainly don't disagree.

- When asked about signing Pavano, Gardy said something to the fact that "if I was a bettin man it would be done by the end of the week".

- Someone also asked if they were going to re-sign Nick Punto.  Gardy's responded by saying that Punto was one of his all-time favorite players (surprise, surprise) and that he has been begging the front office to sign him, but that it looked like it wasn't going to happen.

- I asked Gardy if he was leaning one way or the other as far as where Nishioka and Casilla were going to play, and he again said that he would wait until spring training to make a decision, but that both players were versatile enough to play either second or short.  No surprise on the response, but had to ask.

Anyways... great time at the Caravan.  It was a very cool experience and really gets a guy excited for spring training.  Let the countdown begin!