Jump to content
Twins Daily
  • Create Account

brvama

Provisional Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    622

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Profiles

Minnesota Twins News, Rumors & Analysis

Minnesota Twins Videos

2026 Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings

2022 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks & Signing Bonuses

Minnesota Twins Trade & Free Agent Rumors

Minnesota Twins Fan Guides & Resources

2023 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks & Signing Bonuses

The Minnesota Twins Players Project

2024 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks & Signing Bonuses

2025 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks & Signing Bonuses

2026 Minnesota Twins Draft Picks & Signing Bonuses

Forums

Blogs

Events

Store

Downloads

Gallery

Everything posted by brvama

  1. brvama
    Great Article, Nick. Would it have gone against their philosophy to give us the following: We are at a point that some things are starting to come together, but there is quite a ways to go yet. We have good players coming up and they will need the experience. While I don't believe free agency will bring us to a playoff team, yet, we have the funds available to improve our team so that we can become one.
  2. brvama
    Normally I' m optimistic and sometimes apologetic toward the Twins FO, but this story was a gut punch. Many have shared my same thoughts on this thread. It's not the amount of payroll that bothers me - it's the subtle reference that they will not be willing to add payroll, if necessary. That creates that angst that many of us have. After 4 terrible years they throw this out to the fans -that's inexcusable. Their policy of playing things close to the vest has them in a bind with the fans. As has been mentioned, an honest presentation as to their plan would, or should, maintain a base of support from fans and ticket holders. The details are not important, direction is. I am very frustrated and deflated with those story. Oh crap, my drink is empty!
  3. brvama
    Parker - really great article. Can you verify this or not ? Recently I read that one ML team has no statistical department. Can't remember the team but Seattle or Arizona come to mind. That is surprising since there has been so much Twins bashing on how slow and behind they have been in that department. It sounds like it was Gardy and not his coaches that was reluctant. IMO the next manager will readily use statistics.
  4. brvama
    It is only Gardy that has the control on the bold comments and that is why I hope like many others the next manager is willing to incorporate these statistics. Regarding Ryan, his comments that he uses Goin when necessary indicates to me that he does incorporate statistics into his work.
  5. brvama
    Spycake, I wasn't responding to your post, but in general with some previous posts about how easy some think it is to grab so & so. Generally, I agree that TR has more work to do in the FA market, especially the international one. He does seem a bit tentative with those FA. Did Nishi sour them? Any FA signing is a risk. You are basically paying on the past performance and gambling that there is a reasonable chance that will continue. Bad things can happen. Still, I feel like the Twins (TR) still haven't totally grasped the new revenue flow available to them. Last year looks like a start, but more must be done. It really comes down to a balanced approach - bringing in the young studs, inside and outside the organization; while finding upgrades in some areas with veteran FA's. There are limits on FA contracts though, both in years and $'s.
  6. brvama
    Are we playing a board game here? It sounds so easy to just get certain guys that are or were out there, like Abreau or Puig or anyother player. It's not because there are so many factors involved. And where is the proof that Ryan didn't go after some of these players. But we'll never know, will we, until he writes his memoirs. There is obviously a giant dislike of TR and/or what he has NOT accomplished which is your justification to have him fired. Fine. The rest of us aren't there yet. But trying to convince us with 20/20 hindsight is well, IMHO, short-sighted.
  7. brvama
    Agreed. They may very well have their favorite in mind, but the more they interview the better the odds that someone else rises to the top of the list. That is what we want - the best candidate hired.
  8. brvama
    Thanks denim. It is usually standard procedure that incoming CEO/management bring in those that they want to support them. It is my hope that some of the current coaches or those in the system are given due consideration. I think a blend of inside and out makes for a quicker and more seamless transition Certainly as Goulik says, either they're good coaches or they aren't.
  9. brvama
    I get frustrated hearing about how the Twins need to replace everyone, or nearly all, with the outside people. That ignores the attributes of those within the organization. Surely there must be some bright people in this organization considering the success for the previous decade. The Twins have been bringing people from other organizations, mostly into the minor league system. And they all are not Minnesota natives. They just purged Gardy, so likely, we will see a change in managerial leadership and direction. I hope that it is more substantial than subtle. But to suggest that some of the newer guys on staff (Cuellar & Bruno) and many in the minors cannot do the job is flawed. I have had the opportunity to interview and hire people in similar capacities and you just don't tear it it down and start over. If one's organization is generally strong but has some defined weaknesses you look for people that can enhance those strengths while at the same time improve the weakness. And that means getting the right person where ever he's from. I don't much care who is hired as manager, but I do care that he has a solid idea on the direction he would like take this team, on the field, and the type of assistants that surround. He needs to understand the dynamics of the current roster and player system. Good insiders can help with that. And he needs to be able to communicate freely with TR. And I also want the FO and new manager to be on the same page for the future. Get someone like that and I'd be thrilled. But I will only judge him after he's be on the job a year or more.
  10. brvama
    I could not agree more with 'all ya all.' I chose not to subscribe to cable, but it sure would be nice to have access to Twins or ML games, even at a cost without all the other 'stuff'.' It's either radio or gamecast (whoopie!) for me. Seems like I have gone Back to the Future of my childhood in the 50's of running out to the mailbox to get the game logs and box scores. If I wasn't such a diehard fan I'd forget it. My boy was raised with baseball but hardly ever follows it. It is a shame. I agree that the anti-trust exemption has shifted the balance to pro sports and away from the viewing public and fans.
  11. brvama
    What is your philosophy regarding promotion to the ML? And specifically, are the elite-type talents,such as: Buxton, Sano, Berrios, and Meyer, evaluated differently for promotion?
  12. brvama
    Well, this certainly woke me up. It is an interesting angle. However, I tend to side on the "let's see what we have by April 2015" first. I am all for pushing these 2 b/c I believe they are elite players. Their make-up seems to indicate thaey strive when challenged. Some players just don't have the self-confidence in their abilities to be "thrown to the wolves." Buxton and Sano believe in their abilities. I do think a month or two, especially for Buxton, in AA would be wise, however. As with Sano, He seems ready or so close that ML would not swallow him. Spring training should be a good guide for him. BUT (my wife hates that word!), it is the mental part that worries me - that is, with both of them losing some much time, do they try to make up the time or do they just go about their business. I worry more about that then having to adjust to better competition and struggle through the learning curve. Still I will be disappointed, barring injury, if both aren't on the roster by June 1.
  13. brvama
    Are you really serious?
  14. brvama
    We certainly don't know what the management has its priorities in a coach, but I would think that stability in the managers chair is near the top as well as getting the best out of the players. We know that PM is an excellent teacher and DM brings that fire.. My concern though is that 'fire' could be a detriment, ala Ozzie Guillen. Along that same line of thinking, Mientkiewicz still could use a bit more honing. I have enough questions that I would like to see more of him before I'd select him as the next manager.
  15. brvama
    I have not been a lead cheerleader for Molitor, nor has he been my favorite. However I agree that some of his attributes have been downplayed. First, I think one cannot overlooked the HOF credentials he brings. That gives a level of accomplishment that should, and does, bring immediate attention to young players. Being a HOFer brings a respect that seems make it easier to listen and learn from one of the best, especially someone that humble and accessible. Another example of such would be Rod Carew. Second and probably less significant, Mollie has also seen baseball outside of MN, having played in Milwaukee and Toronto. Mient does have more of that in a shorter career. Actually, I am starting warm more toward Molitor and less for Mientkiewicz.
  16. brvama
    I would think that Cuellar or possibly some of our own MiL pitching coaches might be considered also. Personally, I'd like to have Cuellar.
  17. brvama
    Seth I think you did a great job identifying the candidates. My choices in no particular order are Steinback, McEwing, or Mauer. My only negative of Mauer is that he has spent his career in the Twins organization. I think it would be extremely helpful to have at least spent some time outside the Twins organization. Still, it all depends on 'whether that individual has a vision for the future while still be able to address current short comings. Mauer does bring a youthfulness to the position. The interviews and previous experiences are important. Any potential candidate needs to match the club's direction. I am open and will wait to pass judgment. Someone younger would likely bring a new and fresh approach to the position. Regardless of the final decision, I believe that any of the candidates listed represent a change. That, in and of itself, should be considered as progress.
  18. brvama
    How is this Olberman anyway? Is he suppose to be someone important?
  19. brvama
    Had a feeling this morning there would be news from the Twins. Have mixed emotions but I do believe there could be no other alternative at this point. I have enjoyed many of the thoughts and well wishes expressed here. I also think we should celebrate the class that the Twins and Gardy show. Regarding the next manager - I probably tend to side with internal candidates vs. outside ones. That is if the internal ones have experienced ML baseball outside of the Twins domain within the last 5-6 years. Being familiar with the cast of characters is an advantage. But it is also important that one has experienced how others operate. Bottomline - get the best manager available and preferrably someone that has a new perspective. Don't want any retreads. I will be satisfied with whomever, in or out, as long as they understand that this team is going to be primarily young with potential. Improve the weaknesses and maintain the strengths. I also hope that somehow Molitor, Steinback, Cuellar, and Brunasnky are involved or people with similar skills.
  20. brvama
    It seems there is a great deal of pent-up anger and frustration with the Twins. I get that. However, it is getting tiring hearing the some negative points repeated. If there is no hope then why is anyone still interested in this team? The premise of this thread is that improvement, however small, was noticed this year versus the last three. I did not read that the Twins have improved enough to be playoff contenders, just that there has been some improvement. That certainly makes me feel a lot better than last year at this time. So yes, there is hope on the horizon. Some improvement in the pitching staff (long ways to go yet), younger players getting experience and showing their potential, an improved offense, players like Plouffe improving their play, top prospects closer to the ML, and finally a jettison of players who didn't figured to be part of the club going forward. If that isn't improvement then I must be in the Land of Oz. IIRC those were some of things many were calling to change. This year gives me hope that the Twins have made a step in the right direction IMHO. When building a road it is the base and grade that takes the most time -the final road surface comes after a great deal of prep has taken place. We are still not ready to surface that road, but we are getting closer with much more prep left.
  21. brvama
    Great read. I sincerely agree action ike this is desperately needed. One can nitpick the specifics, but the fact is, something relevant must take place. Thanks for a well thought out proposal. I sure hope that Mr. Polhad sees it it.
  22. brvama
    It is unfortunate that the rain came. However, how would we view the situation if he had this game in May and he finished the game today with a complete game still being a 1/3 inning short. Would we still be so giving of a half million dollars? if that is the case, you create an environment and precedent for challenges of every contract bonus fulfillment. A contract is a contract and one needs to live by it. Even a donation becomes suspect and challengable on future player contracts. One must live by the rules as are set and agreed to both parties.
  23. brvama
    Couple of random thoughts. First, the punishment metted to various athletes charged with certain crimes should be handle consistently. Why is it so difficult to be consistent? I don't care if it is murder or DUI, the fact that a charge has been brought against you should be enough to warrant the same response from any sports league. That would be at least inactive status until the judicial process is resolve. This eliminates trying to decide who should or shouldn't be punished. You break the low you are suspended from playing, period. Then let due process take its course. I would venture to say that our pro athletes may take a more conscience approach to their life style. Keep in mind that #1 is my tenet, but regarding the corporal punishment issue that is a separate discussion. I am not condoning what Peterson did. But I will say that sometimes in certain instances a swat on the backside is the only thing left to do. It happened to me and my wife had to pick out her own switch. Neither of us used that as a our preferred punishment. Did I spank my kids? Yes. However, if it is used as the primary correction tool that that parent needs some help. Again this is a whole different issue. I still say that AP should be suspended from play. He has charges against. It doesn't matter what I think of corporate punishment. Finally. If everyone is treated the same when charges are filed there should be no issue of what to do. They are no longer available to pursue their career until the charges are judicated.
  24. brvama
    You are correct. My caution was a general statement, not for these specific incidents. Sorry about the confusion.
  25. brvama
    Good read Seth. As a retiree it is still hard to see the warts of those I admire. Despite the effort of trying to understand it is the performance that I admire, not the person. Too often our society emulates the "rich and famous" as idols, to be followed at any beck and call. They are no different than the rest of us, except they have been blessed with an extreme talent. Below that talent though exists a common person with the same humanity as the rest of us. However, being in the limelight, these people are generally used as props for companies coffers. Thus, they are presented to us as models of perfection. Make-up, virtual or real, can do wonders to hide reality. I have tried to instill in my kids that admiring someone because of what they do is fine. Just remember, it is the skill or talent with which you are enamored. Still it hurts when they fall. Just a note of caution - convicting our heroes as human is right, convicting them of crimes before the full story is known is wrong.
×
×
  • Create New...