Bark's Lounge

Hey PFH. Top Notch, Top Notch! Except for have a great holiday weekend - that is all I have to say.

A lot of folks have high hopes and expectations for what the Twins should do this off season upgrading their roster. Spend money, trade good position players to acquire pitching wealth, and blah, blah, blah. My prediction is there will be no big splashes and they will indeed trade Denard Span, getting okay, but not very good pitching prospects in return. When this happens fans will get pissed off, but this is what most have been clamoring for and every organization knows we have Outfield depth, thus creating a leverage scenario that works against the Twins. Those who think a “Span Trade” can net young pitchers like Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Kris Medlen and others have stuck their heads deep into the gopher hole. Obviously the Twins will not sign Greinke, Anibal Sanchez or Shaun Marcum. Marcum could be had, but I bet when all is said and done he ends up with a 3-4 year contract, earning 10M per annum and I do not think the Twins will go there. I cannot say I blame them as Twin’s fandom desperation seemingly over values the abilities of Marcum. Good pitching is not cheap, but when you are confidently looking down the barrel of a another mediocre season, why spend that kind of money on a guy who will have a +4.00 ERA and win you 10 games or so? I forgot to mention Edwin Jackson… the state of the Twins situation most definitely dictates he is not the right fit, I’d rather have Marcum. As we all know some team will over pay for these guys, and if they don’t, a contender will for one year at a pretty big salary. Our best bet is Erik Bedard… after that, it is Jason Marquis Types. My perspective is that the Twins will be lack luster next year, Kyle Gibson will be called up by June and pitch fairly well, Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia will be called up to replace Morneau and Willingham who have been traded in July. The net returns from these trades will be okay, but not overly good. Hicks will struggle a bit, but Arcia will hit adequately. 2013 aside, they both have successful MLB careers ahead of them. I am not down on the Twins, I am realistic, and it is going to take some time to develop the pitching we need to compete. These days, no one has the pieces to trade to acquire above average pitching, in turn you have to build from within – which takes a few or more years… hopefully.

A lot of folks have high hopes and expectations for what the Twins should do this off season upgrading their roster. Spend money, trade good position players to acquire pitching wealth, and blah, blah, blah. My prediction is there will be no big splashes and they will indeed trade Denard Span, getting okay, but not very good pitching prospects in return. When this happens fans will get pissed off, but this is what most have been clamoring for and every organization knows we have Outfield depth, thus creating a leverage scenario that works against the Twins. Those who think a “Span Trade” can net young pitchers like Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Kris Medlen and others have stuck their heads deep into the gopher hole. Obviously the Twins will not sign Greinke, Anibal Sanchez or Shaun Marcum. Marcum could be had, but I bet when all is said and done he ends up with a 3-4 year contract, earning 10M per annum and I do not think the Twins will go there. I cannot say I blame them as Twin’s fandom desperation seemingly over values the abilities of Marcum. Good pitching is not cheap, but when you are confidently looking down the barrel of a another mediocre season, why spend that kind of money on a guy who will have a +4.00 ERA and win you 10 games or so? I forgot to mention Edwin Jackson… the state of the Twins situation most definitely dictates he is not the right fit, I’d rather have Marcum. As we all know some team will over pay for these guys, and if they don’t, a contender will for one year at a pretty big salary. Our best bet is Erik Bedard… after that, it is Jason Marquis Types. My perspective is that the Twins will be lack luster next year, Kyle Gibson will be called up by June and pitch fairly well, Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia will be called up to replace Morneau and Willingham who have been traded in July. The net returns from these trades will be okay, but not overly good. Hicks will struggle a bit, but Arcia will hit adequately. 2013 aside, they both have successful MLB careers ahead of them. I am not down on the Twins, I am realistic, and it is going to take some time to develop the pitching we need to compete. These days, no one has the pieces to trade to acquire above average pitching, in turn you have to build from within – which takes a few or more years… hopefully.

I super appreciated Mack in his time with the Twins and so did my baseball comrades at the time. When Mack played for the Twins, I was the age of 14-19. Mack played for the Twins from 1990-1994, and strike his 1993 season, he was a hitting machine. It would have been interesting to see the kind of numbers he would have put up in 1994 if there were not a strike - but you could say that for a lot of players that year. Mack, along with Puckett were our best players during that time. Except for Santana, he has to be the best Rule 5 pick-up the Twins have ever made. I wish the Twins had Shane Mack in his prime now - maybe we could trade him for some above average pitching.

I have been a Twins Daily participant since March of this year. It has sucked me in, and at times it has been educational, captivating and controversial. My problem with Twins Daily is that I cannot find the time to fit internet porn into my schedule anymore. I am torn between two worlds and I am not sure what I should do? In 2003, after work, I would roll myself a marijuana cigarette, smoke it, have a Rolling Rock beer and watch some internet porn. In 2006, after work, I would lay out a line of crystal meth, snort it, crack open a 13 year old Zima I bought at a garage sale (13 cases) and watch some internet porn. In 2010, after work, I would pop some pharmaceutical pain killers, drink some shots of Hot 100 and watch some internet porn. In 2012, as an unemployed citizen, I take some Ibuprofen to relieve my back pain, tooth decay pain, and constant migraine headaches, while drinking a 5th of Vodka (yearning for a Zima) while participating on the Twins Daily website. Come Monday, I enter a internet obsession rehab facility. At least I will have my vodka and Ibuprofen… and maybe some porn rags. Signing out (If the treatment takes hold) Bark’s Lounge

I have been a Twins Daily participant since March of this year. It has sucked me in, and at times it has been educational, captivating and controversial. My problem with Twins Daily is that I cannot find the time to fit internet porn into my schedule anymore. I am torn between two worlds and I am not sure what I should do? In 2003, after work, I would roll myself a marijuana cigarette, smoke it, have a Rolling Rock beer and watch some internet porn. In 2006, after work, I would lay out a line of crystal meth, snort it, crack open a 13 year old Zima I bought at a garage sale (13 cases) and watch some internet porn. In 2010, after work, I would pop some pharmaceutical pain killers, drink some shots of Hot 100 and watch some internet porn. In 2012, as an unemployed citizen, I take some Ibuprofen to relieve my back pain, tooth decay pain, and constant migraine headaches, while drinking a 5th of Vodka (yearning for a Zima) while participating on the Twins Daily website. Come Monday, I enter a internet obsession rehab facility. At least I will have my vodka and Ibuprofen… and maybe some porn rags. Signing out (If the treatment takes hold) Bark’s Lounge

I don't see it. Trevor seems to always have a smile on his face and joking with the fellas when in the dugout. When he strikes out or makes an error he always appears to be disgusted with himself. These traits seem to indicate to me that he is not arrogant, but trying his best to succeed and be a good teammate.

I wouldn't be surprised if the G-Man is top 10 in HR's among Third basemen In MLB history.

Nice article TFFA. Hicks' breakout season is probably the highlight of this season for the organization from my perspective. Last winter I was really hoping that his AFL performance was going to be a sign of things to come... and it was! It would have been nice to see him get a September call-up, but I agree with your take that there would be no playing time. Parmelee needs to play everyday.

Damn PFH. You need to get your dog to obedience school!

Nice curve ball Glunn. I know a little bit about basketball, but I am no afiicionado. The Euros took quite an interest to that sport in the last 40 years and their talent ranks have been growing. The Spanish and former Eastern block seem to produce a fair amount of NBA talent. The Euros have not been subjected to, or do not like baseball. As of now it's a western hemisphere and Far East thing, Australian Basketball = A couple of high profile WNBA players and former T-Wolf Luc Longley. The Twins have a minor league youngster from Germany - Max Kepler, the Mariners's have the Italian Alex Liddi, and the Netherlands have a few players, but they probably were born and grew up on the Caribbean Islands that are controlled and property of the Netherlands. The Land Down Under has no such things... I think?

Hey PFH. Another enjoyable article. I am look forward to your next one!

Obviously I am no scientist. The folks who have read my threads or other tid-bits on this site, probably consider me some other choice words. I’m cool with that. I consider myself the guy that is rolling some dice in a back alley in urban America, making deals, breaking deals and throwing some ideas out there that probably won’t stick. I still try and one of these days they might stick… Ha, Ha! Evolution – If you are a human being who believes in evolution, it is probably thought about in terms of a 100,000 – Millions of years. It doesn’t seem like we talk about it in a year to year, decade to decade, millennium to millennium kind of way and when it comes to Australian baseball players – maybe we should. What I am about to write is not about superiority or inferiority on a human level, but on a baseball level – please take note of that. Baseball is an American Sport which borrowed some ideas from somewhat similar sports in the United Kingdom and beyond. America made it their own, ran with it, made it better and created the best sporting contest in the history of the world. Baseball has reached out to other countries – far and wide and Australia is one of them that has sort of picked up the game. Baseball in Australia is not a tradition as it is here in the States. I have no percentage on Australians playing baseball, but it is probably comparable to Americans playing Cricket or maybe a better comparison is Rugby. I would imagine that the baseball gene is not yet imbedded in the muscle memory, coordination, and physical instinct of the baseball playing Australian. It took many generations of Americans to make this game what it is today (1860’s-2010’s). Australia is roughly 25 years into it. Repetition, physical ability and love for the game are not only passed onto the next generation by word of mouth, but also by the ability to reproduce and implant their genetic mark, a mark that contains the imprint of baseball. So far in Australia’s brief history with baseball, I am assuming that Dave Nilsson (position player) and Grant Balfour (pitcher) are the best players to come out of this country. Although many are disappointed with Liam Hendriks and his performance thus far, he is genetically new to baseball and is one of the few Australians who has made it to the MLB level. Maybe he will have success, maybe not, but he will be one of the men who has an opportunity to reproduce, strengthen and further the Australian Baseball movement and evolution. One day there will be an impact Australian Baseball Player!!!

Obviously I am no scientist. The folks who have read my threads or other tid-bits on this site, probably consider me some other choice words. I’m cool with that. I consider myself the guy that is rolling some dice in a back alley in urban America, making deals, breaking deals and throwing some ideas out there that probably won’t stick. I still try and one of these days they might stick… Ha, Ha! Evolution – If you are a human being who believes in evolution, it is probably thought about in terms of a 100,000 – Millions of years. It doesn’t seem like we talk about it in a year to year, decade to decade, millennium to millennium kind of way and when it comes to Australian baseball players – maybe we should. What I am about to write is not about superiority or inferiority on a human level, but on a baseball level – please take note of that. Baseball is an American Sport which borrowed some ideas from somewhat similar sports in the United Kingdom and beyond. America made it their own, ran with it, made it better and created the best sporting contest in the history of the world. Baseball has reached out to other countries – far and wide and Australia is one of them that has sort of picked up the game. Baseball in Australia is not a tradition as it is here in the States. I have no percentage on Australians playing baseball, but it is probably comparable to Americans playing Cricket or maybe a better comparison is Rugby. I would imagine that the baseball gene is not yet imbedded in the muscle memory, coordination, and physical instinct of the baseball playing Australian. It took many generations of Americans to make this game what it is today (1860’s-2010’s). Australia is roughly 25 years into it. Repetition, physical ability and love for the game are not only passed onto the next generation by word of mouth, but also by the ability to reproduce and implant their genetic mark, a mark that contains the imprint of baseball. So far in Australia’s brief history with baseball, I am assuming that Dave Nilsson (position player) and Grant Balfour (pitcher) are the best players to come out of this country. Although many are disappointed with Liam Hendriks and his performance thus far, he is genetically new to baseball and is one of the few Australians who has made it to the MLB level. Maybe he will have success, maybe not, but he will be one of the men who has an opportunity to reproduce, strengthen and further the Australian Baseball movement and evolution. One day there will be an impact Australian Baseball Player!!!

If I know the Twins Organization correctly... If the 2B conversion is to happen, it would probably mean Revere being sent down to AA next year to learn the position and spending most of 2014 in AAA perfecting 2B. It is probably a pipe dream. I can see FDG's proposition more realistically working out. Neither of which I see as feasible outcomes. In a perfect world it would be nice though.

Welcome to the buffet! Pick your spot at the trough.

Tomorrow is July 31, 2012 and we all might have this date branded into our memory if things don't play out right. Liriano: As we all know, Liriano pitches against us tomorrow, less than 3 days after we traded him. If real life was a movie in the making - this would be the stage for Liriano to throw a no hitter or a shutout with double digit K's. Seemingly for most of us, this trade stung a bit and seemed unnecessary because of the return. Yeah, I get it... Liriano was not coming back after this season and the Twins received some players that will play in MLB for a time... great... feels sort of hollow though. Not to be a Negative Nelly, but I truly hope Frankie sucks tomorrow and gives the South Siders the same headaches for the next few months as we have been dealing with for the last 4 years. Let me make myself clear. In the first decade of the 21st century when the Twins were going good, but failed to make the playoffs - I instantly became a supporter of the National League, I have no interest in cheering on the AL East or West playoff teams and I especially have no place in my heart to root for one of our AL central opponents. When the White Sox won it all in 2005 it made me intensely sick. Fortunately I had a lot going on in my life at that time, which made that sickening feeling less intense. Whomever wins the World Series this year, I hope it is an NL club. Judgement Day (Trade Deadline): It's a crap shoot to guess what will happen tomorrow for the Twins. My guess is there will be no trades made. We have some handsome pieces, but a lot is being asked for in return, which should be the case. If the Twins are overwhelmed with some top grade pitching prospects for Span, Morneau, Willingham, etc., etc. - you have to go for it. It seems that no club wants or will trade these kind of players anymore, so there is seemingly no point to set yourself up for a let down. So far this season we have one Chump Trade under our belt - I see no reason to have another. It is important to keep the fan base happy to some degree... I hope that is the Twins Organization's thought process on this matter. As a Twins fan I hope there is no trade tomorrow. If there is, the disappointment will most probably trump the Liriano trade. Where we stand right now in the world of MLB is that no organization wants to trade their top prospects, especially of the pitching ilk. (I apologize for being redundant) The Twins will need to fix this mess internally. If what I say is the gospel, we better be ready to be patient... very patient. Good Luck to us all on 7.31.12

Tomorrow is July 31, 2012 and we all might have this date branded into our memory if things don't play out right. Liriano: As we all know, Liriano pitches against us tomorrow, less than 3 days after we traded him. If real life was a movie in the making - this would be the stage for Liriano to throw a no hitter or a shutout with double digit K's. Seemingly for most of us, this trade stung a bit and seemed unnecessary because of the return. Yeah, I get it... Liriano was not coming back after this season and the Twins received some players that will play in MLB for a time... great... feels sort of hollow though. Not to be a Negative Nelly, but I truly hope Frankie sucks tomorrow and gives the South Siders the same headaches for the next few months as we have been dealing with for the last 4 years. Let me make myself clear. In the first decade of the 21st century when the Twins were going good, but failed to make the playoffs - I instantly became a supporter of the National League, I have no interest in cheering on the AL East or West playoff teams and I especially have no place in my heart to root for one of our AL central opponents. When the White Sox won it all in 2005 it made me intensely sick. Fortunately I had a lot going on in my life at that time, which made that sickening feeling less intense. Whomever wins the World Series this year, I hope it is an NL club. Judgement Day (Trade Deadline): It's a crap shoot to guess what will happen tomorrow for the Twins. My guess is there will be no trades made. We have some handsome pieces, but a lot is being asked for in return, which should be the case. If the Twins are overwhelmed with some top grade pitching prospects for Span, Morneau, Willingham, etc., etc. - you have to go for it. It seems that no club wants or will trade these kind of players anymore, so there is seemingly no point to set yourself up for a let down. So far this season we have one Chump Trade under our belt - I see no reason to have another. It is important to keep the fan base happy to some degree... I hope that is the Twins Organization's thought process on this matter. As a Twins fan I hope there is no trade tomorrow. If there is, the disappointment will most probably trump the Liriano trade. Where we stand right now in the world of MLB is that no organization wants to trade their top prospects, especially of the pitching ilk. (I apologize for being redundant) The Twins will need to fix this mess internally. If what I say is the gospel, we better be ready to be patient... very patient. Good Luck to us all on 7.31.12

I have to admit I am a bit concerned with the impending trade deadline quickly closing in on us Twins fans. Some of you are adamant about the necessity to make a trade and some of you are equally apprehensive about making a trade. I see both sides, and I am very worried that a few folks on this site might access the end of their sanity with a trade/non-trade and reach and breach their breaking point. I have a few suggestions for those who might feel this is a feasible outcome. 1. Drink a lot of water (with lemon or lime… it makes a difference). 2. For your Gods - Sacrifice a neighbor’s dog, cat or maybe a little bunny inhabiting your yard or recreation area… it might please this mighty force. 3. A Full Body Shave – It is possible you might feel weighted down by the trade situation. Like a swimmer shaves their body to accrue more quickness, by shaving your body you might feel a swiftness to deal with adversity and “swim” through the people you deal with on a daily basis with a positive and upbeat attitude. No one likes a downer… except me. 4. Use recreational drugs. They will most definitely let you escape for a short period of time, but if you dedicate yourself to stopping the intake of negative feelings a daily use of ganja, mushrooms and sometimes alcohol might suppress the darkness that is enclosing your life… maybe. 5. Last and least. Go to your local physician and tell them your depressed. You will instantaneously get a subscription for some Prozac, Zoloft, or another Psychotropic drug that is popular these days. They probably will take away the highs and the lows (side affects included) and you can continue living your life on the basis you do so now. If you adhere to these five points, I think you will be okay. The one concern I have is the emotional quotient that is baseball. Who the hell wants to lose that? There may or not be some trades involving the Twins. Let’s hope that Terry Ryan is shrewd in his moves and gets equal+ value. This is somewhat the last chance for the Twins to show that they have a handle on things. If Ryan fails us, I fear that the Twins faithful might be lost in oblivion and the handlers rendered useless.

I have to admit I am a bit concerned with the impending trade deadline quickly closing in on us Twins fans. Some of you are adamant about the necessity to make a trade and some of you are equally apprehensive about making a trade. I see both sides, and I am very worried that a few folks on this site might access the end of their sanity with a trade/non-trade and reach and breach their breaking point. I have a few suggestions for those who might feel this is a feasible outcome. 1. Drink a lot of water (with lemon or lime… it makes a difference). 2. For your Gods - Sacrifice a neighbor’s dog, cat or maybe a little bunny inhabiting your yard or recreation area… it might please this mighty force. 3. A Full Body Shave – It is possible you might feel weighted down by the trade situation. Like a swimmer shaves their body to accrue more quickness, by shaving your body you might feel a swiftness to deal with adversity and “swim” through the people you deal with on a daily basis with a positive and upbeat attitude. No one likes a downer… except me. 4. Use recreational drugs. They will most definitely let you escape for a short period of time, but if you dedicate yourself to stopping the intake of negative feelings a daily use of ganja, mushrooms and sometimes alcohol might suppress the darkness that is enclosing your life… maybe. 5. Last and least. Go to your local physician and tell them your depressed. You will instantaneously get a subscription for some Prozac, Zoloft, or another Psychotropic drug that is popular these days. They probably will take away the highs and the lows (side affects included) and you can continue living your life on the basis you do so now. If you adhere to these five points, I think you will be okay. The one concern I have is the emotional quotient that is baseball. Who the hell wants to lose that? There may or not be some trades involving the Twins. Let’s hope that Terry Ryan is shrewd in his moves and gets equal+ value. This is somewhat the last chance for the Twins to show that they have a handle on things. If Ryan fails us, I fear that the Twins faithful might be lost in oblivion and the handlers rendered useless.

Ditto PFH. Keep up the excellent work!

Hey PFH - Nice article. You are hitting on all cylinders. The baseball card article was fantastic also. The Photos added a lot in the dramatic effect department.

Hey Glunn. I like your line of sight in this article. I wonder if the Twins ever broach these kind of prospect for a prospect trade ideas? It seemingly could help both clubs. I guess time will tell.

That might be a good idea. Veronica's sister Betty is pretty hot.

Liriano pitched a decent game tonight. He was mentally fragile as he usually seems to be, but made it through without incident. It might have made the game 45 minutes longer . (I’m not Bud Selig and game length is of no concern to me.) Liriano is greatly reminding me of Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade – he needs someone to watch over him at all times. Tonight Drew Butera was Liriano’s Charlie Simms. I am fearful of Liriano’s mental shortcomings. He has great stuff, but seemingly without a trip to the mound every other at bat it seems that he might implode. I would like Liriano to pick up some of Colonel Sade’s traits – hatred, revenge, and bitterness might serve to be Frankie L’s friends. Like Colonel Slade, Liriano is blind, not in the literal sense, but blind to his ability. Maybe a change of attitude can further his career. Drew Butera can continue to be Liriano’s Charlie Simms but this is what needs to happen: Liriano expresses the following: 1. “I’m in the dark here, I’m in the dark here on how to pitch” 2. There is nothing worse than seeing how I amputate my pitching game plan. Slade: “Frankie, how about getting me a bottle of a complete game?” Frankie: “Do you mean 5 or 6 innings?” Slade: “No you dip****, 9 innings – HOOYAA!!!!”