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.

Minnesota Twins gifts

I hope every one had a great holiday! I would like to report that I did NOT receive any Minnesota Twins merchandise under my tree this year. Santa?!? Hello, did you forget that I wanted some blue fleece Minnesota Twins mittens? Maybe next year. It’s not like I could wear them to the Metrodome in the summer any way, but I wanted to show my spirit year round and I am betting I could make good use of the Twins mittens at a few early spring and late fall games at Target Field in 2010! I did get a promise from my sister to take me to a game at the Dome in 2009, her word is good as gold so I guess I should count that as a Minnesota Twins gift, right?

Leave me comments with your favorite Minnesota Twins gifts!

Gardy likes Punto, so do I

I read over in the Pioneer Press that Ron Gardenhire is pushing to re-sign free agent shortstop Nick Punto. In fact, he has guaranteed him a starting spot:

"If we sign Nick Punto, he would be my starting shortstop," Gardenhire said.

What happens if we don’t sign Nick Punto? “If we lose Nicky, I'm not afraid to take a look at Casilla over there." said Gardy.

I don’t dislike Alexi Casilla, but I would prefer to see Nick Punto back on the field for the Minnesota Twins in 2009. I think he is a better choice for shortstop and a great batter. Punto has reportedly received inquiries from three or four other teams.

I think the Twins should sign Nick Punto to a multi-year deal and make sure he is a part of opening up Target Field in 2010 as well. I am sure the front office is thinking of that as well, you know, building a team for 2010. Let’s hope good decisions are made so we can have a strong team to finish up the Metrodome Legacy and an even better team to start the new legacy in 2010.

Minnesota Twin Scott Erickson

I read last week that Scott Erickson wants back in with the Minnesota Twins. Remember him? Man, I used to have a huge crush on him back in ’91 – his dark hair and light eyes and oh yeah he was a pretty good pitcher, too. He’s got to be in his 40’s by now and I haven’t exactly seen him around MLB. Perhaps this is a publicity stunt for the Twins or maybe the reporter got it mixed up with Erickson’s desire to make the All-Metrodome team that the Twins are going to select this season.

Good ‘ol Scott Erickson, man that brings back some good memories.

Twins Players Moving Around – Adam Everett a new Tiger

Bodies will be moving all about in the next few months as the Twins and other MLB teams try to secure their roster before spring training. Twins free-agent shortstop Adam Everett is going to be a Detroit Tiger after agreeing to a one-year contract worth $1 million and the Philadelphia Phillies are seriously looking at adding Delmon Young to their roster.

One of the best parts of all the player movement is that there is plenty to blog about! Major League Baseball definitely does a good job of being a year round sport – long regular season, long playoffs, long spring training, winter meetings – is there an off-season?

Twins Spring Training

The Minnesota Twins Spring Training Schedule is out. Every year this is a depressing time for me as I spend my time day dreaming about taking a trip to Florida to see my favorite baseball team up close and personal in the warm sunshine state. This year will be just like last year, no trip to Florida for me, but I swear some day I will go.

You can buy Twins Spring Training Tickets already. I wouldn’t mind seeing the Twins Red Sox or even the Twins Yankees games. Just think, February isn’t that far away.