5 Questions with Twins President Dave St. Peter

With one of the strongest rosters in baseball, the Twins were on the cusp of what looked to be a magical 2020 season. Now there are plenty of questions and not many answers about when and where baseball will return. Here are five questions with Twins President Dave St. Peter.

Twins Daily (TD): What did you miss most about the Home Opener not happening last week?

Dave St. Peter (DSP): There is so much to miss about baseball and our Home Opener. There is nothing like baseball’s Opening Day. It’s so rich with tradition and serves as a pseudo-holiday in most major league markets. In markets like Minnesota, it also serves as the unofficial start of spring. But what I miss the most are the people. Each and every year the Opener provides a platform for a reunion of our players and staff with the hundreds of ballpark employees, our fans, our partners, etc. Re-engaging with these folks is always a huge highlight of the season. I miss these folks and all they do to make Twins baseball what it is.

TD: Expectations were high for the club this season. Should expectations change with a potentially shortened season?

DSP: Assuming we are able to play baseball, I see no reason why expectations should change. We have a talented group of players with a singular focus. That reality shouldn’t be impacted by the current crisis. While we ultimately need to step up and accept the many challenges even a shortened season will present, at the end of the day we like our chances. We believe in our group.

TD: What can fans expect as Major League Baseball develops a plan for a shortened season?

DSP: I wish I could answer this question in a definitive way. Unfortunately, there are currently more questions than answers. It’s safe to say the current crisis will force all sports leagues – not just baseball – to ensure fan and player safety while also being nimble and creative in relation to what constitutes our season.

TD: What has changed with the day-to-day operations of the club due to a delayed start to the season?

DSP: The change is drastic considering there are no games (majors, minors, college, high school) being played. That reality and its impact on our players, coaches, staff, scouts and fans consumes each and every day. Our remote work environment has proven to be successful in allowing our people to remain connected both internally and externally. Beyond looking out for our people, our leadership is focused on ensuring the team is prepared for multiple scenarios related to a return to play plan, the amateur draft, etc.

TD: What’s the best part about being a graduate of the University of North Dakota?

DSP: I’m quite proud to be a UND grad. It’s a great school with wonderful traditions and high-character people. Any success I’ve had can be directly attributed to my time at UND. Go Sioux!!!!

Here are the other posts in the "Five Questions" series:

- Lewis Thorpe

- Brent Rooker

- Randy Dobnak

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