Bill Rigney

[TABLE=width: 100%] 2012 Minnesota Twins American League 66 96 .407 22.0 [/TD][TD]2,776,354 2011 Minnesota Twins American League 63 99 .389 32.0 5 3,168,107 2010 Minnesota Twins American League 94 68 .580 - 1 3,223,640 2009 Minnesota Twins American League 87 76 .534 - 1 2,416,237 2008 Minnesota Twins American League 88 75 .540 1.0 2 2,302,431 2007 Minnesota Twins American League 79 83 .488 17.0 3 2,296,347 2006 Minnesota Twins American League 96 66 .593 - 1 2,285,018 2005 Minnesota Twins American League 83 79 .512 16.0 3 2,034,243 2004 Minnesota Twins American League 92 70 .568 - 1 1,911,490 2003 Minnesota Twins American League 90 72 .556 - 1 1,946,011 2002 Minnesota Twins American League 94 67 .584 - 1 1,924,473 2001 Minnesota Twins American League 85 77 .525 6.0 2 1,782,926 [/TABLE]

Brock - yes, it should be an expectation as a fan, but certainly not as a taxpayer. Do you really think TR or the Pohlads look at Target Field and feel a responsibility to sign free agents as a "thank you" to taxpayers? Multi-million dollar businesses don't get that way by being sentimental. We wanted MLB in the Twin Cities, regardless of how competitive the team would be. Had the Twins left town, we would've clamored for the Padres or the Royals or an expansion team to come here, regardless of how good the team was likely to be or how much they would spend on payroll. It's a business that we wanted here. The more they win, the more money they make. They owe us nothing.

I think TR needs to purge the team of all Bill Smith's mistakes. If that includes Joe's insane contract, so be it. By the same token, I think Joe knows he's got it made here with forgiving fans and rarely critical media. I can't imagine him signing off on a trade to a major market where fans whip Eveready 9-volts at you from the stands.

I keep hearing how the team lacks fire. Is this because Gardy is a "player's manager" who nobody fears? Or is it because the roster lacks an emotional leader who will get in your face when necessary? I keep waiting for a Twins player to take a bat to a Gatorade bucket after yet another loss, but I can't imagine who on this team might have that much emotion. It sure ain't Joe or Justin... And, am I wrong in blaming Bill Smith for leaving the minor league cupboard bare? I've never seen the Twins with so few prospects.