Twins Fest, no Young?

Twins Fest was last weekend and there seemed to be quite a few fans in attendance. The paper reported that there were 4,000 fewer than 2007 which I thought was strange since this year they had more star power on the roster for autographs.

I found it interesting that Delmon Young was absent from most of the planned activities. I read in the paper that he had the stomach flu. Hmmm, “Sick” – huh? I am betting the Twins are sick of him. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Twins work out a deal to trade him.

Minnesota Twins Tickets Popular

The Minnesota Twins reported that “Minnesotans are so eager to watch baseball at Target Field, they're buying a record number of tickets to the Metrodome.”

The Twins are expecting to sell almost 11,000 season tickets (a franchise record) for the 2009 season due to the fact that the seat-selection process for Target Field begins with Twins season ticket holders. I am guessing that you will be able to buy cheap single game tickets this year from ticket brokers like Ticket King, then because there will be an excess of “purchased” tickets on the market.

I will want to see a few games at the Metrodome this season (the Twins 28th), but I won’t go out of my way to see more games than I usually do. Are other fans? It will be interesting to see what the season holds.

I was surprised that you couldn’t buy Twins Tickets at TwinsFest last weekend – what was up with that? The Twins Schedule is out and ticket brokers already have tickets for sale. Weird – I think the Twins missed out on potential ticket money from single game fans (like me!)

Joe Mauer not Ready, not healthy

Everyone’s favorite Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer says he might not be ready to go for the start of Twins spring training – why? He had surgery in December to get rid of a kidney blockage…isn’t that a Kidney Stone? Can’t you just “pass” those? Anyway, I have always thought Mauer was a little soft when it came to toughness and this just proves it even further. Come on Joe, toughen up and get swinging that bat!

I know if he needs a nurse, my friend Nicole would love to volunteer! I think he will be at Twins Fest this weekend Nicole, you should put on a nurses outfit and go to the Dome!

Target Field Seats Revealed

I saw a news story this afternoon about the new Twins stadium seats. Boy, those Twins marketing gurus are good at keeping the baseball team in the news even during the boring off season.

Here’s the deal: Target Field will have 6 different types of seats – apparently that is very unusual – I have only been to 3 MLB ballparks and I have to admit I didn’t look around to count the seat types so we will have to take the official word of the Twins that this is unusual and newsworthy. There will be bleachers with backs, plushy suite seats and most of the stadium (80%) will be filled with the standard folding ballpark seats we are all used to.

What will be new to us is that the Target Field seats will be 1 inch wider than the Metrodome seats and offer more leg room – I think that is fitting in the state that is home to Paul Bunyan and the Green Giant!

The folding ballpark seats will be a Northwood green color to give Target Field an old time ballpark feel and of course are touted as fade resistant. The club level will have wood back seats which look pretty cool. You can try the new seats out at Twins Fest this weekend…for some of us poorer baseball fans, it may be the only time we get to sit in the seats.

Bert Blyleven not in the Hall of Fame

I know this is older news, but I just wanted to comment quickly on the fact that former Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven was AGAIN denied enshrinement in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It was his 12th consecutive try (you only get 15). He did receive 62.7 percent of the vote (you need 75 percent to get in) which is up a teeny tiny bit from last years 62 percent which was up hugely over 2007’s 47.7 percent.

What I think is weird or funny – It’s not like Bert Blyleven’s accomplishments change – he hasn’t thrown a strike since 1988 – why do some voters choose to vote for him now and not 10 years ago? Maybe next year, Bert?

Justin Morneau is now a Married Man

This Minnesota Twins fan is in mourning over the recent marriage of my all-time favorite first baseman, Justin Morneau. Yes, ladies Mr. Morneau is officially off bachelor status after getting married in Edina last Saturday to Minnesota girlfriend Krista. Mr. and Mrs. Morneau held their wedding reception at the Landmark Center in St Paul – part of me thought of crashing the party or digging out the black funeral dress and veil and just standing across the street with a sign that says "I am in mourning over Morneau." Ok, that is crazy talk – I know. Justin’s former roommate and Twins buddy Joe Mauer was a groomsman and a bunch of other Twins players attended the big wedding including Nick Punto, Mike Redmond, Boof Bonser, Pat Neshek, and Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.

I was sad that I didn’t get my invite and even sadder that my dreams of marrying Justin Morneau are over, but no worries I won’t be pulling a Madonna anytime soon - ha ha.

Carl Pohlad Gone, Not Forgotten

It’s been a week and a half since I update this Twins blog – sorry, readers! Not too much to report on the off-season yet and the Twins offices are usually quiet over the holiday weeks as well.

I am sure everyone heard that Twins owner Carl Pohlad died Monday. As with any pro sports team owner, us fans have enjoyed (endured?) a love/ hate relationship with Pohlad. I am sure we will experience more of the same with Pohlad’s sons taking over the top level decision making. My guess is regular fans will not even notice the difference. We will still be frustrated with lack of spending especially if the team doesn’t make it to the playoffs in ’09 and even more frustrated if the team isn’t World Series ready when we open the fancy new stadium in ’10.

Part of me feels sad that Carl Pohlad won’t get to sit in the stands and see the first pitch thrown at Target Field in 2010, but then again he didn’t want to pay for that stadium any way – I am still bitter he wouldn’t ante up more money especially for a retractable roof – come on, Carl – you lived in Minnesota, you know the weather! And that fact that there are plenty of fair-weather fans. Every time a game is cancelled due to rain or cold, I will think of Carl.
Carl Pohlad may be gone, but he will not be forgotten as his next generation take over the Minnesota Twins.