AAA Affiliation

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Interesting article about the Twins/Red Wings

 

Link

[TwinsFanLV]

The rumor is that Las Vegas doesn't consistently draw that well, unless the team is winning, because of so many otehr distractions. Plus, it is a hot place to play and can be expensive for housing and such for players. Plus, a distraction for players. It's a favorite place to play for visiting teams. I can see Gardy pushing for Oklahoma. I hope the relationship will continue with Rochester. But the Twins also might be kicked out of New Britain, and heaer rumbles of departing Beloit (which is a nice roadtrip).

After living here for the last 17 years, let me tell you about Cashman Field and AAA baseball in Las Vegas. Cashman Field is the most dismal venue in pro baseball. The stadium is ugly and unwelcoming. It stands in a dangerously high crime area north if downtown, known affectionately by locals as "the Hood". Parking and traffic are miserable. One half to two thirds of the seating is bleachers, not fixed seats. The temperature at first pitch is routinely 100+ degrees. Players actually take BP and infield drills in shorts, to combat the heat. A small percentage of seats are located under a misting system, but sitting there puts fans under an overhang, sending the majority of fly balls out of view. There are no workout or treatment facilities at the stadium. Home team players are given passes to a local gym. I don't know where they get treatment. A dedicated Twins Fan, living in Las Vegas, I still don't wish this situation on the Twins. Please find a better place for your prospects.

[roger]

Some of the Northwoods League cities used to have teams in the Midwest League. I don't see either Fargo or Sioux Falls as AAA cities and don't think the Twins would want their AAA affiliate so close as it could negatively affect the Twins gate. Of course, an argument could be made the other way that it would drum up more interest since the AAA affiliate would be geographically located within "Twins Territory". Prior to Rochester, the Twins affiliate was Salt Lake City. Why did the Twins leave SLC for Rochester? I do know that Rochester has had an excellent AAA history/reputation.

They didn't. They left Salt Lake City for Edmonton. They were there a few years and realized the weather made it impossible to play there in April, then left for Rochester.