RandBalls Stu
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‘I’ve been a lifelong fan of both teams, no cap. Can’t wait for Game 1,” he said, adjusting his Duke Blue Devils hat. Image courtesy of Unsplash/Nima Sarram A New York-Los Angeles World Series may cause a collective groan for baseball fans in flyover country, but for Beckett Kelly, it’s a dream come true. Kelly, a 24-year-old senior at St. Thomas and a Stillwater native, spoke with Twins Daily about being one of the few local fans looking forward to seeing the high-payroll, high-visibility showdown. I can’t help but notice you’re wearing a CeeDee Lamb jersey…you’re not a Vikings fan? Were you born there? Lived in Minny my whole life, bro, but I’ve been a Cowboys fan from the jump. We’re America’s team, baby! I see. But you do like the Twins, I assume. I barely watch baseball. When I do, it’s when my Yanks are playing or the Dodgers are on West Coast time. You don’t like the Twins, and you don’t watch much baseball, but you’re on tilt for the Fall Classic? What’s that? The Fall Classic. The World Series. Oh, you should have just said that, brother. Fall Classic is what happens after too many shots at Plum’s. Boom, classic fall, get that guy an Uber! Do you know anyone on either team? Aaron Judge. Shohei Ohtani. Derek Jeter, The Captain. Jeter’s been retired for years now. Really? Damn. Missed that. Love The Captain. Gotta figure that makes the Dodgers the favorites. I see. Just because I’m curious, what other teams are you a fan of? My Duke Blue Devils, the Los Angeles Lakers, love the Crimson Tide in college football. Cowboys fan like I said, but damn I love Tom Brady. Played hockey growing up in ‘sota, so you best believe I’m a massive New York Rangers fan. Not the Wild? Nah, my first two stepmoms took me to a bunch of games when I was a kid, but I stopped going when my third stepmom got the season tickets in the divorce. OK, then. Any predictions? Like I said, gotta give the Dodgers the upper hand with Jeets out. The captain makes it happen. But he’s not out. He’s retired. Heard you the first time, bro, we’re all dealing with it. Not gonna let it distract me, been a fan of these teams my whole life, no cap. Can’t wait for Game 1. Image license here. View full article
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There have been many words written in the last week about the stunning announcement that the Twins were for sale. Most of them have been reasonable, clear-eyed assessments of the Pohlad family’s stewardship of the local franchise, warts and all, and what the future might hold. However. You can find, on God’s own internet, people debasing themselves in the service of the current owners. These simple, hard-working banker’s sons aren’t so bad, you see. Last year’s embarrassing payroll cut was just pragmatic. The attempt to contract the team a couple decades back is just water under the bridge, like when your mom made dad sleep in the garage for a few months after that one work trip during the Clinton presidency. And you never know, this next owner might be way worse than the so-called cheap Pohlads… First of all, no. Just no to all of this. The Pohlads pay people very well to do their marketing and PR for them. Whether you’re writing this for a media outlet or on your Tumblr page for the 17 remaining perverts on Tumblr, they don’t need your help, and you will not be rewarded with a seat at the table for it. Have some dignity, son! The payroll cut is one of the rare times when observers noted something and forecasted the likely outcome of it, and then it unfolded exactly that way. There’s no (valid) counterintuitive way to approach it! What if they spent that $30-$45 million on bad players with worse contracts? WHO CARES, is what. Reopen the schools. And oh my god, yes, we know, the next owner might be a real piece of crap. Thank you for your wisdom, sensei. Do you have an MBA? Did they name the Wharton School after you? Are you Warren Buffett? Are you really Jimmy Buffett’s cousin? The next owner is almost guaranteed to be unpleasant! Dudes (and it is always dudes) with that much money tend to be jerks, because who’s going to tell them they can’t be? And how would a nice person accrue that much money in the first place? It's really impolite! The threat that the new guys might have a team of lawyers working in a boiler room sussing out how to break unbreakable leases is real, but the current ownership would have thrown the franchise down a well for a cashier's check not that long ago. That threat is always there, regardless of who's signing the paychecks, because shareholder value doesn't care about your feelings. The very best you can hope for is a Mark Cuban type who is occasionally good/non-annoying 30 to 35% of the time and ponies up for a competitive product, even if it impacts a sliver of a fraction of his unimaginable wealth. The way I figure, there are two kinds of people writing this slop: People who are agitating, writing in bad faith, or trying to maintain a working/professional relationship with the Pohlads. People who sincerely believe this to be true. For the former, whatever, man. Good luck. I hope they let you on the yacht someday. For the latter, I need you to understand that you will not see heaven. Image license here.
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Having self-respect and dignity is important. Yes, even online. Image courtesy of Flickr/jpellgen There have been many words written in the last week about the stunning announcement that the Twins were for sale. Most of them have been reasonable, clear-eyed assessments of the Pohlad family’s stewardship of the local franchise, warts and all, and what the future might hold. However. You can find, on God’s own internet, people debasing themselves in the service of the current owners. These simple, hard-working banker’s sons aren’t so bad, you see. Last year’s embarrassing payroll cut was just pragmatic. The attempt to contract the team a couple decades back is just water under the bridge, like when your mom made dad sleep in the garage for a few months after that one work trip during the Clinton presidency. And you never know, this next owner might be way worse than the so-called cheap Pohlads… First of all, no. Just no to all of this. The Pohlads pay people very well to do their marketing and PR for them. Whether you’re writing this for a media outlet or on your Tumblr page for the 17 remaining perverts on Tumblr, they don’t need your help, and you will not be rewarded with a seat at the table for it. Have some dignity, son! The payroll cut is one of the rare times when observers noted something and forecasted the likely outcome of it, and then it unfolded exactly that way. There’s no (valid) counterintuitive way to approach it! What if they spent that $30-$45 million on bad players with worse contracts? WHO CARES, is what. Reopen the schools. And oh my god, yes, we know, the next owner might be a real piece of crap. Thank you for your wisdom, sensei. Do you have an MBA? Did they name the Wharton School after you? Are you Warren Buffett? Are you really Jimmy Buffett’s cousin? The next owner is almost guaranteed to be unpleasant! Dudes (and it is always dudes) with that much money tend to be jerks, because who’s going to tell them they can’t be? And how would a nice person accrue that much money in the first place? It's really impolite! The threat that the new guys might have a team of lawyers working in a boiler room sussing out how to break unbreakable leases is real, but the current ownership would have thrown the franchise down a well for a cashier's check not that long ago. That threat is always there, regardless of who's signing the paychecks, because shareholder value doesn't care about your feelings. The very best you can hope for is a Mark Cuban type who is occasionally good/non-annoying 30 to 35% of the time and ponies up for a competitive product, even if it impacts a sliver of a fraction of his unimaginable wealth. The way I figure, there are two kinds of people writing this slop: People who are agitating, writing in bad faith, or trying to maintain a working/professional relationship with the Pohlads. People who sincerely believe this to be true. For the former, whatever, man. Good luck. I hope they let you on the yacht someday. For the latter, I need you to understand that you will not see heaven. Image license here. View full article
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The premium offering allows fans to welcome the Twins legend into their home. Image courtesy of Eric Enfermero The long-awaited resolution to the Minnesota Twins’ television drama arrived earlier this week, with Major League Baseball taking over the broadcast rights for the 2025 season. Included in this was the much-anticipated promise of a standalone streaming service, which is expected to offer three tiers: monthly, season-long, and a unique offering that allows fans to stream the games and host former Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti. “We wanted to make sure there were options for the entire fanbase,” said a source close to MLB’s streaming division. “A monthly tier allows fans to pay as they go, the season-long tier saves money in the long run, and the Gary Gaetti tier allows fans to provide room and board to one of the heroes of the 1987 World Champions.” Although no pricing is available, it’s expected to be in line with similar plans, with the Gaetti tier being a free upgrade to consumers who order the full-season plan during a promotional "pre-sale" window. “We like to think of this as a make-good for all the 2024 issues,” said the MLB source, referring to the team disappearing from local cable channels for most of the summer due to a carriage dispute. “You can stream almost every game, home or away, and spend time with The Rat (Gaetti’s nickname). He’ll bring his lifelong understanding of the game, a Ziploc bag of ranch-flavored sunflower seeds, and a battered thermos of hot black coffee to every subscriber’s living room.” Thursday’s announcement that the Pohlad family is exploring a sale of the franchise is not expected to impact this initiative. Gaetti was unavailable for comment, but a representative did say that the four-time Gold Glove winner prefers not to sleep on air mattresses and has a brutal cilantro & cumin allergy. “No taco or chili nights while Gary is there, it’s not pretty. It’s not pretty at all.” Image license here. View full article
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New Twins Streaming Package Includes Complimentary Gary Gaetti Tier
RandBalls Stu posted an article in Just For Fun
The long-awaited resolution to the Minnesota Twins’ television drama arrived earlier this week, with Major League Baseball taking over the broadcast rights for the 2025 season. Included in this was the much-anticipated promise of a standalone streaming service, which is expected to offer three tiers: monthly, season-long, and a unique offering that allows fans to stream the games and host former Twins third baseman Gary Gaetti. “We wanted to make sure there were options for the entire fanbase,” said a source close to MLB’s streaming division. “A monthly tier allows fans to pay as they go, the season-long tier saves money in the long run, and the Gary Gaetti tier allows fans to provide room and board to one of the heroes of the 1987 World Champions.” Although no pricing is available, it’s expected to be in line with similar plans, with the Gaetti tier being a free upgrade to consumers who order the full-season plan during a promotional "pre-sale" window. “We like to think of this as a make-good for all the 2024 issues,” said the MLB source, referring to the team disappearing from local cable channels for most of the summer due to a carriage dispute. “You can stream almost every game, home or away, and spend time with The Rat (Gaetti’s nickname). He’ll bring his lifelong understanding of the game, a Ziploc bag of ranch-flavored sunflower seeds, and a battered thermos of hot black coffee to every subscriber’s living room.” Thursday’s announcement that the Pohlad family is exploring a sale of the franchise is not expected to impact this initiative. Gaetti was unavailable for comment, but a representative did say that the four-time Gold Glove winner prefers not to sleep on air mattresses and has a brutal cilantro & cumin allergy. “No taco or chili nights while Gary is there, it’s not pretty. It’s not pretty at all.” Image license here. -
Pohlads Considering New Tactics for Payroll Questions
RandBalls Stu posted an article in Just For Fun
Today marks the one-week anniversary of the Minnesota Twins’ official elimination from 2024 playoff contention. It also marks a turning point in ownership’s response to questions about the team’s 2025 payroll. “They’re going on offense,” said a source familiar with ownership’s thinking. “When Joe Pohlad gave those perfectly fine answers to (Aaron) Gleeman in The Athletic, it made everyone even madder for some reason. These commoners don’t understand that we don’t have to answer their questions, much less accurately. It’s disappointing.” This agitated response to Pohlad’s non-answer has caused the team to explore other avenues to avoid truthful answers. Per multiple sources, these are the options they’re considering: Remind everyone that they almost contracted the entire franchise 20+ years ago. “Fun little pastime you have here, would be a shame if something happened to it,” said the front office source. “Can’t complain about payroll if there isn’t one. Just something to think about before your next SELL THE TEAM post.” Buy The Athletic. “Everyone is still pretty mad that Gleeman kept asking follow-up questions to Joe,” said the source. “And if there’s one thing the Pohlads know how to do, it’s how to buy a media organization and make it go away. They spent $28 million on Go96 and sold it to a church. Here’s a follow-up question for Aaron: Your boss Joe Pohlad wants to see you in his office. Bring your laptop and any other company equipment.” The art of distraction. “When a reporter brings up payroll, we point out the window and say, ‘Look at that,’” said the source. “The reporter looks, sees nothing, turns back, and we’re not there anymore. Stealth, baby.” Words that mean nothing. “We’re going to a webinar next week about business jargon,” said the source. “If we can get all our guys to say ‘circle back,’ ‘pencil out,’ ‘core competencies,’ ‘mindful right-size,’ ‘headcount efficacy,’ and ‘managed spend,’ the media won’t know what hit them. Drop a ‘nimble’ or ‘macro topline’ on them and they’ll just go work at Starbucks. We're gonna thread the needle here.” An army of sycophants. “Go online for five minutes,” said the source. “People will go out of their way to praise billionaires who are clearly dumber than a bag of hair. The Pohlads have even more money than them! We just have to say that the media is being unfair, and these bozos will start talking about how good our trade deadline was." When asked if a straight answer to the payroll question would be considered, the source laughed so hard he coughed up blood. Our reporter turned away to call 911, and when they looked back, the interviewee was gone. Image license here. -
When asked if a straight answer to the payroll question would be considered, the source laughed so hard he coughed up blood. Image courtesy of Unsplash/Money Knack Today marks the one-week anniversary of the Minnesota Twins’ official elimination from 2024 playoff contention. It also marks a turning point in ownership’s response to questions about the team’s 2025 payroll. “They’re going on offense,” said a source familiar with ownership’s thinking. “When Joe Pohlad gave those perfectly fine answers to (Aaron) Gleeman in The Athletic, it made everyone even madder for some reason. These commoners don’t understand that we don’t have to answer their questions, much less accurately. It’s disappointing.” This agitated response to Pohlad’s non-answer has caused the team to explore other avenues to avoid truthful answers. Per multiple sources, these are the options they’re considering: Remind everyone that they almost contracted the entire franchise 20+ years ago. “Fun little pastime you have here, would be a shame if something happened to it,” said the front office source. “Can’t complain about payroll if there isn’t one. Just something to think about before your next SELL THE TEAM post.” Buy The Athletic. “Everyone is still pretty mad that Gleeman kept asking follow-up questions to Joe,” said the source. “And if there’s one thing the Pohlads know how to do, it’s how to buy a media organization and make it go away. They spent $28 million on Go96 and sold it to a church. Here’s a follow-up question for Aaron: Your boss Joe Pohlad wants to see you in his office. Bring your laptop and any other company equipment.” The art of distraction. “When a reporter brings up payroll, we point out the window and say, ‘Look at that,’” said the source. “The reporter looks, sees nothing, turns back, and we’re not there anymore. Stealth, baby.” Words that mean nothing. “We’re going to a webinar next week about business jargon,” said the source. “If we can get all our guys to say ‘circle back,’ ‘pencil out,’ ‘core competencies,’ ‘mindful right-size,’ ‘headcount efficacy,’ and ‘managed spend,’ the media won’t know what hit them. Drop a ‘nimble’ or ‘macro topline’ on them and they’ll just go work at Starbucks. We're gonna thread the needle here.” An army of sycophants. “Go online for five minutes,” said the source. “People will go out of their way to praise billionaires who are clearly dumber than a bag of hair. The Pohlads have even more money than them! We just have to say that the media is being unfair, and these bozos will start talking about how good our trade deadline was." When asked if a straight answer to the payroll question would be considered, the source laughed so hard he coughed up blood. Our reporter turned away to call 911, and when they looked back, the interviewee was gone. Image license here. View full article
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With the employee discount and manufacturer’s rebate, the total outlay for this fiscally responsible celebration is $10.99. Image courtesy of ABInbev With the season in the balance, the Minnesota Twins are hoping to avert an all-time collapse and slip back into one of the final two Wild Card slots this weekend. And while no one wants to jinx anything, team officials need to make sure the team has something to celebrate with if they clinch. Just not champagne. “Have you priced out champagne lately?” asked a front office source. “It’s nuts! We can’t cut payroll and then go out and spend $200, $300 on bubbly that might not even get used. Thank goodness for Laramie.” The Laramie in question is intern Laramie Dotson, 22, of Ham Lake. In addition to his summer internship with the franchise, he works weekends at Liquor Boy in St. Louis Park. “That warm case of Busch Light Draft in the trunk of Laramie’s mom’s Honda Civic is ready when our boys right the ship and return to the American League playoffs,” said the source. With Laramie’s employee discount and the manufacturer’s rebate, the total outlay for this fiscally responsible celebration is $10.99. “We told him to submit an expense report, but between you and me, we have a way to comp him without all this paperwork,” said the source. “And it all starts in the toilet.” “You wouldn’t believe how much pocket change ends up in the men’s urinals,” said a source close to Target Field’s custodial division. “Obviously, paper money goes to the Pohlad family. But all those urine-drenched pennies add up, too.” When asked if they would put the beers on ice, the source responded with a laugh. “Ice? Whatever you say, Rockefeller. We’re not made of money.” The source went on to note that while the Pohlads have a cottage in Switzerland made from gold bars, it’s not technically currency--just like this immensely talented Twins team is not technically good. View full article
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With the season in the balance, the Minnesota Twins are hoping to avert an all-time collapse and slip back into one of the final two Wild Card slots this weekend. And while no one wants to jinx anything, team officials need to make sure the team has something to celebrate with if they clinch. Just not champagne. “Have you priced out champagne lately?” asked a front office source. “It’s nuts! We can’t cut payroll and then go out and spend $200, $300 on bubbly that might not even get used. Thank goodness for Laramie.” The Laramie in question is intern Laramie Dotson, 22, of Ham Lake. In addition to his summer internship with the franchise, he works weekends at Liquor Boy in St. Louis Park. “That warm case of Busch Light Draft in the trunk of Laramie’s mom’s Honda Civic is ready when our boys right the ship and return to the American League playoffs,” said the source. With Laramie’s employee discount and the manufacturer’s rebate, the total outlay for this fiscally responsible celebration is $10.99. “We told him to submit an expense report, but between you and me, we have a way to comp him without all this paperwork,” said the source. “And it all starts in the toilet.” “You wouldn’t believe how much pocket change ends up in the men’s urinals,” said a source close to Target Field’s custodial division. “Obviously, paper money goes to the Pohlad family. But all those urine-drenched pennies add up, too.” When asked if they would put the beers on ice, the source responded with a laugh. “Ice? Whatever you say, Rockefeller. We’re not made of money.” The source went on to note that while the Pohlads have a cottage in Switzerland made from gold bars, it’s not technically currency--just like this immensely talented Twins team is not technically good.
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"Like smart baseball fans, we have our eyes on the prize: Further payroll cuts to maximize profits." Image courtesy of Unsplash/Alina Kacharho NASSAU--With a battered team struggling to regain its mojo and a fanbase in full panic mode, it’s fair to assume that Twins ownership might be stressed, too. You’d assume wrong. “This is, frankly, the best season we’ve had in years,” said a source close to the Pohlads, speaking from the family's weekday yacht just off the coast of the Bahamas. “It’s a bottom-line business, and our bottom line is terrific. We’re in the black and that matters a heck of a lot more than any pennant race. Real fans get that.” The Pohlads have owned the Twins for four decades, and in that time, fans have seen two World Series titles and only tried to contract the team out of existence once. “We right-sized our business in the offseason and are reaping the benefits every day,” said the source. “Playoffs are fine if you’re just a casual fan, but the diehards? They know that solvency is the real championship.” The Twins' month-long skid has dragged them down into a tie with the surging Detroit Tigers, thanks to a lethal combination of injuries, an overworked bullpen, and an ineffective offense. The source was asked if people are overreacting to the current situation. “I understand that their tiny, working-class brains might not fathom it, and that’s OK. They spend all day in a factory doing whatever people do inside of them, then they go home to their hovels and vent. If they had tried harder in school, they’d have a better grasp of the nuances.” When asked if this might be a case of the Pohlads being out of touch, the source scoffed. “The little people, the rabble, are some of our best sources of income. The ownership group loves them and pays many of them a competitive wage for lawn and pool maintenance. Would it be nice if they showed a little more gratitude to their betters? Of course.” The source also reiterated that the team hopes to keep their streak of financial prudence going in the offseason. “Frankly, if they don’t make the playoffs, that’s less money spent on travel and keeping Target Field open. Like smart baseball fans, we have our eyes on the prize: Further payroll cuts to maximize profits.” View full article
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NASSAU--With a battered team struggling to regain its mojo and a fanbase in full panic mode, it’s fair to assume that Twins ownership might be stressed, too. You’d assume wrong. “This is, frankly, the best season we’ve had in years,” said a source close to the Pohlads, speaking from the family's weekday yacht just off the coast of the Bahamas. “It’s a bottom-line business, and our bottom line is terrific. We’re in the black and that matters a heck of a lot more than any pennant race. Real fans get that.” The Pohlads have owned the Twins for four decades, and in that time, fans have seen two World Series titles and only tried to contract the team out of existence once. “We right-sized our business in the offseason and are reaping the benefits every day,” said the source. “Playoffs are fine if you’re just a casual fan, but the diehards? They know that solvency is the real championship.” The Twins' month-long skid has dragged them down into a tie with the surging Detroit Tigers, thanks to a lethal combination of injuries, an overworked bullpen, and an ineffective offense. The source was asked if people are overreacting to the current situation. “I understand that their tiny, working-class brains might not fathom it, and that’s OK. They spend all day in a factory doing whatever people do inside of them, then they go home to their hovels and vent. If they had tried harder in school, they’d have a better grasp of the nuances.” When asked if this might be a case of the Pohlads being out of touch, the source scoffed. “The little people, the rabble, are some of our best sources of income. The ownership group loves them and pays many of them a competitive wage for lawn and pool maintenance. Would it be nice if they showed a little more gratitude to their betters? Of course.” The source also reiterated that the team hopes to keep their streak of financial prudence going in the offseason. “Frankly, if they don’t make the playoffs, that’s less money spent on travel and keeping Target Field open. Like smart baseball fans, we have our eyes on the prize: Further payroll cuts to maximize profits.”
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While it’s important to monitor the Twins’ efforts to escape their worst slump of the season, hold on to their Wild Card spot, and hopefully be healthy enough to matter in the playoffs, it’s critical not to lose sight of another, equally important, goal: Remind fans of the godless Chicago White Sox that their team is a real stinkeroo. Although it’s easy to continue sending screenshots of the AL Central standings to these woebegone freaks, there are other ways to maximize their misery in the gloaming of the 2024 campaign: Go to the nearest prison and talk to them. White Sox fans don’t get a lot of visitors, as their families have long since disowned them for stealing from the elderly and infirm. Just remind them that the prison of fandom is one they can escape, unlike the penitentiary. Gather all the loose change from your car and/or purse. Tally it up and show them how many White Sox tickets you can buy on the secondary market. That $4.59 in pennies, dimes, and nickels will get you four upper deck tickets for the Angels game at Guaranteed Rate Field, plus change, before fees. Offer to match that amount and donate it to one of the charities they haven’t scammed yet (this could take some time, carve out an hour or two this weekend). Search internet and physical media archives. There were quite a few stories about the emerging White Sox dynasty in the late 2010s. Print them out. Make copies. Do whatever one does with a microfiche. Remind them of when they had hope. Remind them of when they thought Dad was coming back from going out for some cigarettes. Remind them. Make an offseason plan. There won’t be any daily reminders of the futility of their existence if the White Sox aren’t playing. It’s up to you. Texts. The US Mail. WhatsApp. Public access television. Instagram Reels. There’ve never been more outlets to bully and harangue the sicko White Sox fans in your life. They may not be playing in October, but they will be checking notifications. If Cameos are still a thing, see how much it costs to have one of the lesser Baldwins record a video reciting the final score of each White Sox loss this year. With some dedication and attention to craft, you can really pulverize what's left of their souls, if they have them, which they don't. Image license here.
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There are two weeks left in the season. Focus on landing your cheap shots and unsubtle jabs before Game 162. Image courtesy of Flickr/Jen Gallardo (Fans Without Outstanding Warrants Day at Guaranteed Rate Field) While it’s important to monitor the Twins’ efforts to escape their worst slump of the season, hold on to their Wild Card spot, and hopefully be healthy enough to matter in the playoffs, it’s critical not to lose sight of another, equally important, goal: Remind fans of the godless Chicago White Sox that their team is a real stinkeroo. Although it’s easy to continue sending screenshots of the AL Central standings to these woebegone freaks, there are other ways to maximize their misery in the gloaming of the 2024 campaign: Go to the nearest prison and talk to them. White Sox fans don’t get a lot of visitors, as their families have long since disowned them for stealing from the elderly and infirm. Just remind them that the prison of fandom is one they can escape, unlike the penitentiary. Gather all the loose change from your car and/or purse. Tally it up and show them how many White Sox tickets you can buy on the secondary market. That $4.59 in pennies, dimes, and nickels will get you four upper deck tickets for the Angels game at Guaranteed Rate Field, plus change, before fees. Offer to match that amount and donate it to one of the charities they haven’t scammed yet (this could take some time, carve out an hour or two this weekend). Search internet and physical media archives. There were quite a few stories about the emerging White Sox dynasty in the late 2010s. Print them out. Make copies. Do whatever one does with a microfiche. Remind them of when they had hope. Remind them of when they thought Dad was coming back from going out for some cigarettes. Remind them. Make an offseason plan. There won’t be any daily reminders of the futility of their existence if the White Sox aren’t playing. It’s up to you. Texts. The US Mail. WhatsApp. Public access television. Instagram Reels. There’ve never been more outlets to bully and harangue the sicko White Sox fans in your life. They may not be playing in October, but they will be checking notifications. If Cameos are still a thing, see how much it costs to have one of the lesser Baldwins record a video reciting the final score of each White Sox loss this year. With some dedication and attention to craft, you can really pulverize what's left of their souls, if they have them, which they don't. Image license here. View full article
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The fall is supposed to be a grand time for sports fans, as baseball’s pennant races heat up, football kicks off, the MLS and WNBA determine their champions, and the NHL and NBA start ramping up. For Brady Becker, that’s easier said than done. “I am absolutely losing my mind about the Twins right now, but there’s a Vikings game on Sunday,” said Becker. “I can’t be in two places at once. Decisions need to be made. I need to let Ed Ingram make my life completely miserable.” The local uncle let friends and family know in a Facebook post on Thursday that he would be turning his attention to agonizing about the Minnesota Vikings full-time with Sunday’s season opener versus the New York Giants. “The Twins are wracked by injuries and inconsistent play, and it’s ruining my life, my performance at work, and relationships with the people I love most,” said the 45-year-old Dakota County employee. “The innumerable flaws of the Vikings, from a shaky interior line all the way to the punter, need that attention.” The Castle Rock Township native says he’ll use Friday and Saturday to ratchet down his baseball angst for the “seething self-hatred” of being a professional football fan in Minnesota. “The Twins are the bane of my existence right now, but as sure as the days get shorter and nights get longer, the autumn wind demands that I focus all my agitation and misery on NFL Sundays.” Becker says he’s already taped and mudded some fresh drywall in his unattached garage that is “just right for punching, kicking, and headbutting if the situation demands it.” With the Twins still in excellent shape for a playoff spot despite the last two weeks, Becker is confident he’s making the decision at the right time. “The fact is, they (the Twins) played some really good baseball this summer. Even as the errors and 8-run innings crush my spirit, a small part of me knows that they’re in line for a Wild Card berth. My all-consuming rage needs a singular focus. “I know the Twins are scuffling right now, but it’s time for me to let Sam Darnold ruin my life.” Image license here.
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"I know the Twins are scuffling right now, but it’s time for me to let Sam Darnold ruin my life." Image courtesy of Unsplash/Ernst Gunther Krause The fall is supposed to be a grand time for sports fans, as baseball’s pennant races heat up, football kicks off, the MLS and WNBA determine their champions, and the NHL and NBA start ramping up. For Brady Becker, that’s easier said than done. “I am absolutely losing my mind about the Twins right now, but there’s a Vikings game on Sunday,” said Becker. “I can’t be in two places at once. Decisions need to be made. I need to let Ed Ingram make my life completely miserable.” The local uncle let friends and family know in a Facebook post on Thursday that he would be turning his attention to agonizing about the Minnesota Vikings full-time with Sunday’s season opener versus the New York Giants. “The Twins are wracked by injuries and inconsistent play, and it’s ruining my life, my performance at work, and relationships with the people I love most,” said the 45-year-old Dakota County employee. “The innumerable flaws of the Vikings, from a shaky interior line all the way to the punter, need that attention.” The Castle Rock Township native says he’ll use Friday and Saturday to ratchet down his baseball angst for the “seething self-hatred” of being a professional football fan in Minnesota. “The Twins are the bane of my existence right now, but as sure as the days get shorter and nights get longer, the autumn wind demands that I focus all my agitation and misery on NFL Sundays.” Becker says he’s already taped and mudded some fresh drywall in his unattached garage that is “just right for punching, kicking, and headbutting if the situation demands it.” With the Twins still in excellent shape for a playoff spot despite the last two weeks, Becker is confident he’s making the decision at the right time. “The fact is, they (the Twins) played some really good baseball this summer. Even as the errors and 8-run innings crush my spirit, a small part of me knows that they’re in line for a Wild Card berth. My all-consuming rage needs a singular focus. “I know the Twins are scuffling right now, but it’s time for me to let Sam Darnold ruin my life.” Image license here. View full article
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Pain and Sadness Welcomed Like Old Friends in Twins Territory
RandBalls Stu posted an article in Just For Fun
The Minnesota Twins have lost eight of their last 10. They are without 40% of their starting rotation for the rest of the regular season, their bullpen is stretched perilously thin, and every position player your kid likes is hurt. Even Royce Lewis is slumping struggling. The team’s self-enforced payroll restrictions and the failure of almost all the marginal offseason acquisitions to land make this swoon even more painful. Yet, for some Twins fans, this nauseating stretch of play provides a certain sense of…well, calm isn’t the right word. Or is it? “There’s just something about watching the Twins go up against a good team and lose in the most disheartening fashion,” said Ryan Revier, 41, of Monticello. “They’re not getting clobbered, they’re blowing leads in the late innings. They’re not getting no-hit, they’re loading the bases and not scoring. That’s what me and my friends grew up watching. “We don’t see each other that much anymore, but being able to text the group chat about how you want to throw up when (Twins third base coach) Tommy Watkins sends a runner home? And everyone chimes in about (former Twins third base coach) Scotty Ullger sending Jason Kubel to his doom? Those are memories you can’t replace, man.” “My grandparents had season tickets and would take us to a bunch of games,” said Pam Longstreth, 54, of Woodbury. “That was back in the ‘80s, before the World Series, when we had Ron Davis. He’d blow a game, we’d drive home from the Metrodome, and Grandpa Earl would go sit in the garage and stare at nothing. No beer, no cigarette, no transistor radio, didn’t even have a light on. Just staring. I did that after the last Steven Okert game. Grandpa’s been gone 25 years this November, but it felt like he was right there.” While all the fans we spoke with said they’d prefer it if the team turned things around in a hurry, there was a definite sense of connection with past generations. “You know how the Timberwolves made that great playoff run this spring and no one around here really knew how to act,” said James Bates, 49, of Nevis. “We were all kind of floaty and out of sorts. When a Minnesota team is playing really well, then starts losing in the most agonizing, frustrating way possible, that grounds us. Our birthright is suffering. My stomach hurts all the time now, just like my dad’s did. Not a stabbing pain, just an ache that never goes away. There you are, old friend. There you are.” The Twins return to action against the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend. It is expected that someone new will be hurt before Friday’s first pitch. Image license here. -
‘It reminds me of when my Grandpa Earl would sit in the garage and stare at nothing.’ Image courtesy of Unsplash/Richard Stachmann The Minnesota Twins have lost eight of their last 10. They are without 40% of their starting rotation for the rest of the regular season, their bullpen is stretched perilously thin, and every position player your kid likes is hurt. Even Royce Lewis is slumping struggling. The team’s self-enforced payroll restrictions and the failure of almost all the marginal offseason acquisitions to land make this swoon even more painful. Yet, for some Twins fans, this nauseating stretch of play provides a certain sense of…well, calm isn’t the right word. Or is it? “There’s just something about watching the Twins go up against a good team and lose in the most disheartening fashion,” said Ryan Revier, 41, of Monticello. “They’re not getting clobbered, they’re blowing leads in the late innings. They’re not getting no-hit, they’re loading the bases and not scoring. That’s what me and my friends grew up watching. “We don’t see each other that much anymore, but being able to text the group chat about how you want to throw up when (Twins third base coach) Tommy Watkins sends a runner home? And everyone chimes in about (former Twins third base coach) Scotty Ullger sending Jason Kubel to his doom? Those are memories you can’t replace, man.” “My grandparents had season tickets and would take us to a bunch of games,” said Pam Longstreth, 54, of Woodbury. “That was back in the ‘80s, before the World Series, when we had Ron Davis. He’d blow a game, we’d drive home from the Metrodome, and Grandpa Earl would go sit in the garage and stare at nothing. No beer, no cigarette, no transistor radio, didn’t even have a light on. Just staring. I did that after the last Steven Okert game. Grandpa’s been gone 25 years this November, but it felt like he was right there.” While all the fans we spoke with said they’d prefer it if the team turned things around in a hurry, there was a definite sense of connection with past generations. “You know how the Timberwolves made that great playoff run this spring and no one around here really knew how to act,” said James Bates, 49, of Nevis. “We were all kind of floaty and out of sorts. When a Minnesota team is playing really well, then starts losing in the most agonizing, frustrating way possible, that grounds us. Our birthright is suffering. My stomach hurts all the time now, just like my dad’s did. Not a stabbing pain, just an ache that never goes away. There you are, old friend. There you are.” The Twins return to action against the Toronto Blue Jays this weekend. It is expected that someone new will be hurt before Friday’s first pitch. Image license here. View full article
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Hey guys, Joe Mauer here. Just wanted to take a little time to chat with you all about the Minnesota State Fair. I’ve been going to the Fair since I was a little kid, and I love it! It’s a pretty big deal and it's super fun. That said, you do have to watch yourself sometimes. I’m talking, of course, about the All-You-Can-Drink Milk. You all know I’m a pretty big fan of the Big White. Give me a cold glass of 2% every day of the week and twice on Sunday, brother. And you’re telling me there’s an unlimited supply of it at the Fair? Where do I sign up? Mom told me when she was a kid, it was all-you-can-drink for a dime! Can you even imagine? So when I was a kid, I thought I could step up to the plate (get it? lmbo) and drink milk all day long. I used my allowance money and bellied up. Those first few glasses were everything you could want. Cold. White. 2%. No skim, no whole (I wasn’t even 21 yet), just the good stuff. What harm could a few more do? But then my brother wanted to go on the Giant Slide, so I did. After six glasses of milk. On a 90-degree day. I don’t want to be gross, but my stomach was not happy. I think my barf got to the bottom of the slide before I even did. Mom was so steamed. We went straight home. No more milk for me that day. Even since then, I’ve set up some simple guidelines to follow. Maybe you can use these, too: *All-You-Can-Drink is More Than You Think. *Don’t Turn the Giant Slide Into a Giant Mess. *My Brother Jake Is a Turkey Sometimes. Anyway, hope you guys have fun at the Fair. Check ya later. Image license here.
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An op-ed from Hall of Famer Joe Mauer about the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Image courtesy of Flickr/yuan2003 Hey guys, Joe Mauer here. Just wanted to take a little time to chat with you all about the Minnesota State Fair. I’ve been going to the Fair since I was a little kid, and I love it! It’s a pretty big deal and it's super fun. That said, you do have to watch yourself sometimes. I’m talking, of course, about the All-You-Can-Drink Milk. You all know I’m a pretty big fan of the Big White. Give me a cold glass of 2% every day of the week and twice on Sunday, brother. And you’re telling me there’s an unlimited supply of it at the Fair? Where do I sign up? Mom told me when she was a kid, it was all-you-can-drink for a dime! Can you even imagine? So when I was a kid, I thought I could step up to the plate (get it? lmbo) and drink milk all day long. I used my allowance money and bellied up. Those first few glasses were everything you could want. Cold. White. 2%. No skim, no whole (I wasn’t even 21 yet), just the good stuff. What harm could a few more do? But then my brother wanted to go on the Giant Slide, so I did. After six glasses of milk. On a 90-degree day. I don’t want to be gross, but my stomach was not happy. I think my barf got to the bottom of the slide before I even did. Mom was so steamed. We went straight home. No more milk for me that day. Even since then, I’ve set up some simple guidelines to follow. Maybe you can use these, too: *All-You-Can-Drink is More Than You Think. *Don’t Turn the Giant Slide Into a Giant Mess. *My Brother Jake Is a Turkey Sometimes. Anyway, hope you guys have fun at the Fair. Check ya later. Image license here. View full article
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Authorities say a gang of mischievous youths are responsible for the savory crime. Image courtesy of Unsplash/Evangelos Mpikakis One of the selling points for Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey was his role in creating Cleveland’s seemingly endless supply of young, inexpensive, high-quality starting pitchers. The hope? That Falvey could replicate the pipeline of affordable, team-controlled excellence in Minnesota. With a rash of second-half injuries threatening the team’s rotation and playoff chances in a competitive American League, this week was the time for the Twins to turn its version on. What emerged instead was a flood of what team sources are calling “scrumptious and creamy” ranch dressing. The Twins' pitching pipeline, built to transport starters and relievers between Target Field and the team’s Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul, soaked players and staff in the tangy white goo when the pipeline was opened on Wednesday morning. “We called up Louie Varland to pitch versus K.C. that afternoon,” said a front office source. “We heard a rumbling in the pipe around 7 am and opened the hatch to take a look-see. There was Louie, followed immediately by what we estimate were thousands and thousands of gallons of delicious, high-viscosity ranch dressing.” Authorities say a gang of mischievous youths are responsible for the savory crime. “Stealing Kias and Hyundais is old news,” said a police source, referring to a string of car robberies inspired by TikTok videos. “The kids these days just want to do pranks with dipping sauces now. They go to Costco and restaurant supply stores to get their sick kicks. Rosedale’s food court is still closed because somebody filled it with honey mustard. Everything is sticky.” The pipeline was constructed by the Pohlad family with scrap metal from one of their many business interests. It’s used to save money on Green Line fees, rideshare costs, and gasoline. “We’ll be asking all Twins fans to stop by Target Field on Friday with celery, baby carrots, crudites, flats, and drummies to help us get rid of the remaining fluid,” said a Twins PR source with knowledge of the team’s thinking. “It’s still about hip deep in the clubhouse.” This story also took an unfortunate turn on Wednesday evening, when pitcher Josh Winder was accidentally eaten by his Saints teammates after being sent back to St. Paul for Varland. “He was delicious,” said a Saints clubhouse source. “He’ll be missed.” Team historians say this is the most ranch dressing to flood the Twins clubhouse since Kent Hrbek’s ill-fated Cold Tub Full o’ Ranch promotion in 1993. Image license here. View full article
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Twins Pitching Pipeline Filled with Scrumptious Ranch Dressing
RandBalls Stu posted an article in Just For Fun
One of the selling points for Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey was his role in creating Cleveland’s seemingly endless supply of young, inexpensive, high-quality starting pitchers. The hope? That Falvey could replicate the pipeline of affordable, team-controlled excellence in Minnesota. With a rash of second-half injuries threatening the team’s rotation and playoff chances in a competitive American League, this week was the time for the Twins to turn its version on. What emerged instead was a flood of what team sources are calling “scrumptious and creamy” ranch dressing. The Twins' pitching pipeline, built to transport starters and relievers between Target Field and the team’s Triple-A affiliate in St. Paul, soaked players and staff in the tangy white goo when the pipeline was opened on Wednesday morning. “We called up Louie Varland to pitch versus K.C. that afternoon,” said a front office source. “We heard a rumbling in the pipe around 7 am and opened the hatch to take a look-see. There was Louie, followed immediately by what we estimate were thousands and thousands of gallons of delicious, high-viscosity ranch dressing.” Authorities say a gang of mischievous youths are responsible for the savory crime. “Stealing Kias and Hyundais is old news,” said a police source, referring to a string of car robberies inspired by TikTok videos. “The kids these days just want to do pranks with dipping sauces now. They go to Costco and restaurant supply stores to get their sick kicks. Rosedale’s food court is still closed because somebody filled it with honey mustard. Everything is sticky.” The pipeline was constructed by the Pohlad family with scrap metal from one of their many business interests. It’s used to save money on Green Line fees, rideshare costs, and gasoline. “We’ll be asking all Twins fans to stop by Target Field on Friday with celery, baby carrots, crudites, flats, and drummies to help us get rid of the remaining fluid,” said a Twins PR source with knowledge of the team’s thinking. “It’s still about hip deep in the clubhouse.” This story also took an unfortunate turn on Wednesday evening, when pitcher Josh Winder was accidentally eaten by his Saints teammates after being sent back to St. Paul for Varland. “He was delicious,” said a Saints clubhouse source. “He’ll be missed.” Team historians say this is the most ranch dressing to flood the Twins clubhouse since Kent Hrbek’s ill-fated Cold Tub Full o’ Ranch promotion in 1993. Image license here. -
Joe Ryan’s excellent 2024 season took a major hit on Wednesday, when he immediately left Minnesota’s 8-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs in the third inning with what was termed “right triceps tightness.” Despite the dire initial reaction, team sources said it might not be as bad as it looked. And while there has been no follow-up diagnosis from the team, much less a timeline for his return, team physicians are optimistic that his good looks and guy-who’s-a-good-hang vibe will be largely unaffected by the injury. “Even if this injury were severe enough to require a season-ending surgery, his easygoing charm is still going to turn the most strong-willed person into an absolute goon,” said Dr. Yvonne Isham of Kaiser Permanente. “Those eyebrows are undefeated. My God. My God. I need to spend a minute alone, honestly.” Ryan has proven to be an essential part of the Twins rotation in 2024, both in performance and reliability. A prolonged absence would put Minnesota’s playoff hopes in jeopardy, and further highlight their offseason stinginess and trade deadline inactivity. “The key thing to focus on is, will he be able to post ‘goofy guy on his old bike’ photos to social media,” said Dr. Isham. “That’s the fundamental question. If he’s out until Labor Day, that’s bad news for the team, but he should be back to posting thirst traps in no time.” With David Festa already in the rotation for the injured Chris Paddack, the team’s options appear to be Louis Varland, Randy Dobnak, and potentially Zebby Matthews. Physicians agree that they can manage to hold the line but are incapable of replacing Ryan’s smoldering je ne sais quoi. “On the right day, any of those guys can give you 5-6 innings and let the offense do the rest,” said Dr. Adam Kovacs, chief resident at M Health Fairview’s Children’s Masonic Hospital. “But can any of them post a picture of them holding a puppy and make you want to risk it all? It’s out of the question.” The Twins hope to get more clarification on Ryan’s injury in the next few days. They return to action with a doubleheader against the division-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday.
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‘Should be back to posting thirst traps in no time.’ Image courtesy of © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports Joe Ryan’s excellent 2024 season took a major hit on Wednesday, when he immediately left Minnesota’s 8-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs in the third inning with what was termed “right triceps tightness.” Despite the dire initial reaction, team sources said it might not be as bad as it looked. And while there has been no follow-up diagnosis from the team, much less a timeline for his return, team physicians are optimistic that his good looks and guy-who’s-a-good-hang vibe will be largely unaffected by the injury. “Even if this injury were severe enough to require a season-ending surgery, his easygoing charm is still going to turn the most strong-willed person into an absolute goon,” said Dr. Yvonne Isham of Kaiser Permanente. “Those eyebrows are undefeated. My God. My God. I need to spend a minute alone, honestly.” Ryan has proven to be an essential part of the Twins rotation in 2024, both in performance and reliability. A prolonged absence would put Minnesota’s playoff hopes in jeopardy, and further highlight their offseason stinginess and trade deadline inactivity. “The key thing to focus on is, will he be able to post ‘goofy guy on his old bike’ photos to social media,” said Dr. Isham. “That’s the fundamental question. If he’s out until Labor Day, that’s bad news for the team, but he should be back to posting thirst traps in no time.” With David Festa already in the rotation for the injured Chris Paddack, the team’s options appear to be Louis Varland, Randy Dobnak, and potentially Zebby Matthews. Physicians agree that they can manage to hold the line but are incapable of replacing Ryan’s smoldering je ne sais quoi. “On the right day, any of those guys can give you 5-6 innings and let the offense do the rest,” said Dr. Adam Kovacs, chief resident at M Health Fairview’s Children’s Masonic Hospital. “But can any of them post a picture of them holding a puppy and make you want to risk it all? It’s out of the question.” The Twins hope to get more clarification on Ryan’s injury in the next few days. They return to action with a doubleheader against the division-leading Cleveland Guardians on Friday. View full article
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Twins to Hang 2024 Financial Prudence Championship Banner Sunday
RandBalls Stu posted an article in Just For Fun
While much has been written about the Minnesota Twins’ relative inactivity at the trade deadline and during the 2023-24 offseason, very little has been said about the financial benefits they’re reaping. “Even with the lack of television revenue and lower attendance than we projected, the numbers are in the black,” said a source in the Twins financial department. “If we hadn’t frozen all corporate credit cards indefinitely, we’d order cake and ice cream.” The team will recognize this achievement before Sunday’s game with the godless Chicago White Sox, where they will raise a banner recognizing what they’re calling “The 2024 Financial Prudence Championship.” “We had some leftover fabric from our ‘Quilting with Coom’ promotion*, so we just had a couple interns sew up a new banner,” said the source. “Didn’t cost us a dime.” The team slashed payroll in the offseason and refused to part with the prospects and/or salary it would have taken to add a much-needed starting pitcher before the Jul. 30 trade deadline. And management is ready to celebrate this victory. “Some bloggers complain about our spending, but that’s their job,” said a front office source. “The rabble, however, they love it when we spend within our means. The teeming, unwashed masses know that you need to run your ballclub like a business. Championships are temporary; long-term financial prosperity for the deserving endures. The little people in the stands might have only gone to public school, but they understand that, and we’re so happy to celebrate with them.” The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Sunday will receive nothing. The Pohlad family, with wealth valued at $3.8 billion, is said to be ecstatic with the numbers. “Joe (Pohlad, Twins Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy & Growth) is over the moon,” said a person familiar with the Pohlads’ thinking. “He’s so happy that he’s letting all his manservants take Sundays off through September, so long as they find someone to cover their shift.” *Quilting with Coom was an ill-fated collaboration between former Twins All-Star Ron Coomer and Jo-Ann Fabrics. Due to ongoing litigation, neither party is commenting on the matter. Image license here. -
The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive nothing. Image courtesy of Unsplash/Alexander Grey While much has been written about the Minnesota Twins’ relative inactivity at the trade deadline and during the 2023-24 offseason, very little has been said about the financial benefits they’re reaping. “Even with the lack of television revenue and lower attendance than we projected, the numbers are in the black,” said a source in the Twins financial department. “If we hadn’t frozen all corporate credit cards indefinitely, we’d order cake and ice cream.” The team will recognize this achievement before Sunday’s game with the godless Chicago White Sox, where they will raise a banner recognizing what they’re calling “The 2024 Financial Prudence Championship.” “We had some leftover fabric from our ‘Quilting with Coom’ promotion*, so we just had a couple interns sew up a new banner,” said the source. “Didn’t cost us a dime.” The team slashed payroll in the offseason and refused to part with the prospects and/or salary it would have taken to add a much-needed starting pitcher before the Jul. 30 trade deadline. And management is ready to celebrate this victory. “Some bloggers complain about our spending, but that’s their job,” said a front office source. “The rabble, however, they love it when we spend within our means. The teeming, unwashed masses know that you need to run your ballclub like a business. Championships are temporary; long-term financial prosperity for the deserving endures. The little people in the stands might have only gone to public school, but they understand that, and we’re so happy to celebrate with them.” The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Sunday will receive nothing. The Pohlad family, with wealth valued at $3.8 billion, is said to be ecstatic with the numbers. “Joe (Pohlad, Twins Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy & Growth) is over the moon,” said a person familiar with the Pohlads’ thinking. “He’s so happy that he’s letting all his manservants take Sundays off through September, so long as they find someone to cover their shift.” *Quilting with Coom was an ill-fated collaboration between former Twins All-Star Ron Coomer and Jo-Ann Fabrics. Due to ongoing litigation, neither party is commenting on the matter. Image license here. View full article

