Rundown: Target Field Security, Offseason Expectations and More

If there’s a traffic issue, maybe they should just designate certain gates for people bringing in bags in order to keep things moving quickly elsewhere. 

And I think your solution regarding traffic into the stadium was a good solution ... no bags to check, go into this line; bag to check, go into that one. I've been to plenty of places that do this and it works fine.

Target Field already does have designated lines for people without bags to check, at least at Gate 34, and has for as long as I can remember. They're not particularly well marked, but there's two of them to the far right as you're facing the gate. Let's call them express lines.

I think what slows things down is that there are far, far more lines that do check bags than there are express lines, and I'd guess maybe one in six people that go through the express lines still have bags to check. Target Field personnel don't often ask them to exit the express lines, and a collective moan always goes up when the line grinds to a halt for a bag check.

Tom's idea of entire express gates is fantastic. It would also really help if Target Field personnel did a better job of directing people with bags away from the express lines before they even get in line, because I totally get not wanting to kick someone to the back of a line after they've made it all the way up to the front.

I always wondered what coaches make at the major league level. Wes Johnson is getting paid a bit more than at the college job, but you would think a college job might have more stability. But a wonderful opportunity.

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

So they should wait until there is an event to have security?

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

Unfortunately, I think the sad reality in these turbulent modern times is that some sort of security is needed, even at ball games. But as you noted, most all of what is being done certainly is useless and ineffective.

This is a time when ranked-choice voting would be interesting. It could be that Austin wouldn't be the leader after the multiple rounds of re-allocating votes.

Ranked choice voting is the best. For EVERYTHING.

A girl can't carry on an athletic tradition? I mean, get them both playing tennis and we could have a new generation of dominant sisters in the sport.

All three offspring can carry it on, but regarding baseball it's very unlikely that the girls will make much of a contribution. In this day and age every MLB franchise would take any player who could contribute to its success regardless of genetic background, but people with two X chromosomes are very unlikely to succeed in baseball. It may not be fair but it's reality.

So they should wait until there is an event to have security?

This post comes bound up with innumerable unexamined assumptions, not the least of which is the ridiculous idea that this pseudo security would ever stop an incident from happening.

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

If we sign a 1B to platoon with Austin that can also play 3B could work. That way we can still sign DH Cruz and 2B Dozier or Kinsler and have lots of power in the lineup.

Buxton

Polanco

Sano

Cruz

Rosario

Dozier

Austin / platoon

Kepler

Castro / Garver

Jon Jay as 4th OF

Adrianza IF

Garver C

Platoon 1B - 3B

Deep line up and diversified bench. And protection from slumps from Buxton and Sano.

Realistically I think we sign Kinsler over Dozier but Dozier has more power for my example lineup.

If we sign a 1B to platoon with Austin that can also play 3B could work. That way we can still sign DH Cruz and 2B Dozier or Kinsler and have lots of power in the lineup.

Buxton
Polanco
Sano
Cruz
Rosario
Dozier
Austin / platoon
Kepler
Castro / Garver

Jon Jay as 4th OF
Adrianza IF
Garver C
Platoon 1B - 3B

Deep line up and diversified bench. And protection from slumps from Buxton and Sano.

Unless I misunderstand what you are trying to advocate, you would only have 10 roster spots for pitchers, not to mention pretty suspect defense.

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

I tend to agree. Most troublemakers are just looking for A target, not necessarily THE target.

If someone really wants to get into your house, they'll find a way around an angry Rottweiler. But usually any house will do, so they'll find one that doesn't have an angry Rottweiler.

I tend to agree. Most troublemakers are just looking for A target, not necessarily THE target.
If someone really wants to get into your house, they'll find a way around an angry Rottweiler. But usually any house will do, so they'll find one that doesn't have an angry Rottweiler.

We don't have a Rottweiler. We have a Flat Coated Retriever. He's an excellent watchdog but a terrible guard dog. He'd be overjoyed for a burglar to break in. He loves everyone.

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

I think it’s you who needs to look it up on Wikipedia. The one speculative benefit you mention (complete with a “citation needed”) is absolutely overwhelmed by the listed downsides.

But hey, go read it for yourself if you need to: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_theater

Unless I misunderstand what you are trying to advocate, you would only have 10 roster spots for pitchers, not to mention pretty suspect defense.

9 starters and 4 bench and 12 pitchers. I listed Garver and Platoon 1B twice as the second have of the starters and on the bench since they will be on the bench.