Twins New Ballpark Design

The Twins' new ballpark model was completed and reviewed by the Hennepin County board for approval yesterday. It was all over local news as the Twins try to keep the excitement over the project on the front burner. I think the Twins are worried about public support and frankly they should be after their disappointing season finish. Minnesota fans like a winning team and if millions of dollars are going to be spent, it better be worth it.

The ballpark reveal yesterday had a few changes from its original model including a few more left field seats, hanging a few rows of seats over the warning track in right field and making some room for family time beyond centerfield. But the field retains the signature architectural strokes revealed last April when the design was announced, such as its limestone exterior, the Norway pines behind the centerfield fence and a heated canopy over the upper deck.

The Hennepin County Board is slated to vote next week on the design. Groundbreaking on the 40,000-seat ballpark is already under way in the Minneapolis Warehouse District of restaurants and offices, it is scheduled to open in time for the 2010 season.

Twins Look Forward to Next Season – 10/30

Now that the Boston Red Sox have been officially crowned the 2007 World Series Champions, all of baseball will turn its focus to the '08 season and building competitive rosters without breaking the bank. The Minnesota Twins need to focus on one thing – OFFENSE and finding the players that can swing the bat. In order to compete in what now is an offense-laden division, more power and players who drive in runs must be added to the lineup.

Kelly Theiser from the Twins mailbag writes:

The hard part, of course, is figuring out just how the club will add those bats if it wants to keep other essential pieces in place -- i.e. Santana, Joe Nathan and possibly Hunter. With so many holes existing for the club right now, it undoubtedly seems like a tough task to try and fill them all this winter when no real solutions exist in the farm system. That's why it seems like trade rumors will be following the club all offseason.

This Minnesota Twins fan is open to trading players to better the team next year. Minnesota deserves another run at a pennant, but it won’t come without smart acquisitions and roster shuffling during the off-season. I hope the Gardy and the Twins pencil pushers have their working boots on! The Twins will need to come out strong if they have any chance of selling Twins Tickets to the average Minnesota baseball fan.

Twins keep Joe Nathan

The Minnesota Twins picked up the $6 million option for 2008 play in Joe Nathans contract. The star closer has done well for the Twins and fans are happy to see him stay. Nathan, who will turn 33 on Thanksgiving, has recorded 160 saves along with a 1.94 ERA over his four seasons with the Twins. He ranks second on the club's all-time saves list, trailing only Rick Aguilera (254), and became the first Twins pitcher to record 35 or more saves in four consecutive seasons.

"I don't think it's a surprise to anyone," Twins general manager Bill Smith said of the club's decision to pick up the option. "Joe Nathan has been a big part of this club for the last few years and hopefully for years to come."

By picking up the Joe Nathan option, the Twins now have seven players under contract for 2008, bringing their salary total as of now up to $30.9 million. That includes Johan Santana ($13.25 million), Joe Mauer ($6.25 million), Nick Punto ($2.4 million), Jesse Crain ($1.05 million), Dennys Reyes ($1 million) and Mike Redmond ($950,000).

Happy Birthday Coach

Happy 50th Birthday, Ron Gardenhire. I bet you wish you were getting ready for the World Series . . . sigh.

Torri Hunter counting the Days

Word on the street is that the Minnesota Twins have made no progress in negotiating a deal with outfielder Torii Hunter. Hunter rejected the Twins three-year, $45 million offer and will be a free agent after the World Series. I am sure Torii Hunter is nervous about testing the free agent waters, but only time will tell if it was a wise decision.

Joe Mauer won’t need Surgery

Joe Mauer, after receiving several opinions, will NOT need hernia surgery. Joe had the procedure done in 2004 and doctors agree that there’s no reason to go back in. Joe is resting for a couple weeks but is expected to swing into full offseason workout mode soon. The Minnesota Twins need Joe Mauer to be healthy, this Minnesota Twins fan is concerned that Mauer is in a pattern of rotating injuries. The vicious cycle needs to be broken, Joe, get healthy and stay healthy! Be the American Idol that we can count on!

Jake Mauer named Manager

Jake Mauer was named manager of the Twins’ rookie league team in the Gulf Coast League. He’s been a coach there the past two seasons. Congrats Jake and I hope you have a successful and healthy year (the same wish I have for your bro’).

Corey Koskie back in a Twins Uniform?

Former Minnesota Twins third baseman Corey Koskie, whose $6.5 million option was declined by the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, hasn't played since July 2006 because of post concussion syndrome suffered while chasing a fly ball. Koskie, 34, who lives in Medina, said that he has made so much progress the past six weeks, he can see himself trying to play again next year. Koskie, who played for the Twins from 1998 to 2004, gets a $500,000 buyout from the Brewers and can file for free agency after the World Series. The Twins need a third baseman, and Koskie might be looking for a job.

Francisco Liriano, Where Are You?

New Twins General Manager Bill Smith said Friday that he expects lefthander Francisco Liriano to contribute next season, based on his successful rehabilitation in Fort Myers, following Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. Smith this week watched Liriano throw a bullpen session and came away thinking that Liriano, barring any setbacks, is ready.

"He is healthy and he is strong," Smith said. "He has been given the go-ahead to prepare for spring training as he normally would."

Liriano, who turns 24 this month, was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA for the Twins in 2006 before damaging his left elbow late in the season. Liriano spent most of the year rehabbing in Fort Myers under the watch of Twins rehabilitation coordinator Lanning Tucker. Smith said Liriano has gone home to the Dominican Republic for the offseason but will return to Fort Myers in January and will work out with staff ace Johan Santana in preparation for Twins spring training.


This Minnesota Twins fan is looking forward to seeing the number 47 jersey of Francisco Liriano back on the mound.

Twins Release 2008 Schedule

The Minnesota Twins released their 2008 Twins Schedule and the World Series hasn’t even started yet. I guess the baseball bosses truly believe in only looking forward, not looking back (and oh what an ugly season it was to look back at). Opening Day: March 31st vs the Los Angeles Angels at the Metrodome. Other key schedule notes . . . two visits by the New York Yankees, yes two! New York will play four games at the Dome from May 30-June 2 and then return for three more on Aug. 11-13…and the Twins will travel for the first time ever to the Rocky Mountains May 16-18 when they play the Colorado Rockies (could be the World Series Champion Colorado Rockies).

Click here for the complete 2008 Minnesota Twins Schedule. See ya at the Dome!

2007 Twins Team Leaders

With the Minnesota Twins Season over, it’s time to reflect on a few Twins stats. Now, let’s face it this Twins blog doesn’t have a lot of stats on it – it’s mostly fluff, but I just can’t resist posting this years leaders (and last years).

2007 Twins Team Leaders (2006)
BATTING AVERAGE: Joe Mauer, .293 (Joe Mauer, .347)
HOMERUNS: Justin Morneau, 31 (Justin Morneau, 34)
RBI’s: Justin Morneau, 111 (Justin Morneau, 130)
WINS: Johan Santana, 15 (Johan Santana, 19)
STRIKEOUTS: Johan Santana, 235 (Johan Santana, 245)

Twins Fans, notice that the names are the same only the numbers have changed…story of the 2007 Minnesota Twins Season!

Minnesota Twins Season Over

The 2007 Minnesota Twins season is finally over, but this Minnesota Twins fan is NOT over the disappointing numbers. The Twins finished below .500 for the first times since 2000 ending the season with a 79-83 record, third in the AL Central.

It was not what I expected from the Twins at all. The team won four division titles in the last five seasons and had a string of really solid hitters and pitchers, most of whom played on last years phenom team. I just don’t get it – where did the breakdown for the Minnesota Twins begin? The offensive run production was weak to very weak for much of the season particularly in the latter half. Then there are those pesky Cleveland Indians that swept us more than once and dashed all of our dreams of staying in the pennant race. Injuries to the team didn’t help either and I hope next year the Twins spend more time focusing on their health. Perhaps a new team doctor or nutritionist is needed because the injuries this year were enough to destroy any team.

Check back to this Twins blog over the off-season for trade and roster move information and Twins Spring Training notes!