BrentMpls

The U of M is run horribly

Love both the show and the books. My disappointment with the show is the apparent lack of budget. The tourney in the first season held for the Hand of the King looked like it was setup in someones backyard and had 30 people there tops. In the book it was a monumental spectacle. The list goes on. Some changes make sense to keep the character (actor) cost down, but other stuff just seems really bizarre. The battle of blackwater was also pretty lackluster compared to the book. My problem with the books is who knows when the next one will come out... or if it will finish. It doesn't help that Martin himself says stuff like "...hopefully it will have an end"

Not the best run since the Pominville pickup... hopefully they can get back on track soon

I'd be surprised if we paid him what he will want though.

Didn't there used to be a link to someones blog posts under their avatar of their forum posts? (under their total post count number)

I agree with you, but I think if anything there will be more and more of the trend to pitch less. On 1500 this morning Souhan was interviewing Jason Roenicke (who pitched 3 innings last night), and talked about the 'hybrid' or 'piggyback' system that Jason just came from (Colorado experimented with and St. Louis used in their minor league system) where rather than have a pitcher go to the new magic number of 100 pitches, the pitcher is only expected to go for 4-5 innings tops and then pull in relievers. /sarcasm So in that sense, the Twins have been very progressive. /sarcasm You can find the Roenicke interview here: Sunday SportsTalk | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities ? Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) I miss the days of having your starter carry the game and no pitch count. But I think this trend of pitching less with more people more often is becoming the norm, especially when you don't have a Verlander type guy on the team. It also is great for the advertising opportunities so I doubt you'll ever see the front office complain. Pretty soon all games will be yankee-like in duration and not just because of delay tactics.

Hi spideyo! Your responses suggest you must work at Target Field in some capacity, is that right? Good to know on the Surly stand, but if it was that popular to require keg rooms rather than the kegs they wheeled out to the stands, it seems like that change should have been communicated in some way, doesn't it? At least keep the easy to identify Surly sign out? Or better yet make it available at multiple locations? I can't say that I'm 100% clear where it is available at this point, as there are multiple MN Beer locations, stands themselves if I recall. Anyway, handled poorly. Multiple Star Tribune writers could not find Surly as well, I know I'm not alone in this. I'm not sure that making what was for the first 3 years a public space to watch the game from the main gate into a group-rent only option a good idea, but it is what it is. The Budweiser deck is only available for a handful of Thursday games to the public, if this is the same, that is even MORE disappointing. But the main thing here is the loss of standing room to watch the game. I doubt my complaints will be heard, as it would take thousands of others to do the same for it to be noticed, but good suggestion. spideyo, I certainly did appreciate them, as I mentioned they were most welcome. I also pointed out the flaws and how they are a token gesture at best. And while I understand they are not designed for 35 degree games, that is what we get in Minnesota and designing them for that purpose would also be most welcome. As I also mentioned above, this wont be an issue in a month, but for when it is needed, like opening day, they aren't that effective (but yes, better than not having them). I've been to every opening day at TF, and have been up in the stands freezing away, it aint fun. I really doubt Tony is aware or gives a hoot about it, but please do. My comments was more about how I've tried most of the food options there at least once, and the cuban is something I've had multipel times as I felt it was good and almost worth the price, at least in comparison. But after having multiple cold gross versions of it where it isn't made in front of me, rather pre-made, wrapped, and waiting, I wont be going back. As others have pointed out, some sections are actually TOO loud, and many who go to the game for the game find the music annoying. But where I was, just a section or two away from the state fair stand in left/center field there was NO PA. Not quite, not muffled, just nothing. Like there is no speakers (or turned off as you suggested).

Oh believe me, I know in some sections it is annoyingly loud! I just find it that in others, its a 'silent' ballpark so-to-speak, as you don't hear ANY PA system, which while great to avoid the music, sucks as you don't hear the who's up to bat and whatnot. Which can be especially challenging just left of centerfield where you can't see the scoreboard either - and of course is pretty far away from the plate! Very much agree I'm not sure who you are addressing, I certainly never advocated for speakers to be turned up, just pointing out that some sections don't have speakers at all, quite or loud. I also haven't forgotten that it isn't just the PA announcer, but also the music, which I too find annoying. Your suggestion to find another section isn't helpful.

Other beer options are available, but the ones you would see every 6 feet from a live normally roaming vender that was stationary creating a 'wall' of sorts along the opposite side of the corridor were the large $11 cans. I've never seen a beer for $6 at TF. Your comment implies that $11 beers are rare, when they were def the norm and front and center opening day. That was a joke on the 3/2, more of a knock on the quality of it. It isn't strong beer like Surly, its just the typical Miller, Bud, etc gar-bage in a slightly larger can. It was everywhere! Surly wasn't just hard to find because of where you parked! It occurred to me that maybe the specialty MN Beer stands might be selling it, but I didn't feel like digging through the lines to find out. All I knew is the trusty Surly cart, that raised prices twice last year, was missing. Perhaps because it was so cold? Perhaps because they couldn't get their act together before the opener? (they were 'late' last year after "running out" a few times). Perhaps the cart is just gone and they didn't want to pay for it this year. Who knows? I don't mind the name change of the Captain's deck, that was just marketing for Captain Morgan. I'm sure it will change again once they find another sponsor that doesn't mind a 90+ losing game per season team. I very much agree about the prices of Surly compared to the other swill that is easier to find. If I'm going to drop roughly $10 on a beer, I'd much rather have it be one of quality, like a Surly. Very much agree with you about the chicken basket. Kinda sad. The regular ol' Twins dog for $4 isn't too bad either. As far as the AZ things goes... I do love that TF has a billion food options. I never liked that at the Dome, to me its like buy a hotdog and watch the game. I never understood people that bought mini pizzas and other oddities that were available the last few years there. But TF is different, you can walk around and still see the game. While I still go for the product on the fields (shudder), it is fun to have this great atmosphere to wander around in. That said I have always found that the expensive stuff that costs $10-15 a pop isn't worth it. Its not that I'm unwilling to pay the outrageous prices, because I'm a sucker, its more so that they never knock my socks off. I'd rather pay half the price and get something better at a place a block or two away from TF. And some places, like Tony O's, can make something that is tasty and somewhat worth the price, but then they often ruin that by pre-making the sandwiches and letting them sit there and get cold. Gross. But I digress... As stated above, that was mostly a joke (it may be 3/2 for all I know, and yes 3/2 does exist). It was more a comment on seeing crap $11 cans as far as the eye can see, but no Surly cart. I agree part of the appeal of a ballpark like TF is the great sight lines which is why taking away one of the best really bums me out. Yup, I very much agree. But I point it out because they will still get advertised and mentioned as if they are some great commodity when in fact they are barley a token gesture. If they had it across all the lower level sections, and heck really on levels 2 (why doesn't the metropolitan club have them outside?!?!) and 3 for the less financially endowed fans, it would be worth bragging about.

-Renovation on the main plaza as you walk in from gate 34. They removed the standing room area with the shelves you could stand up to with this new "great clips" section that has stools and a table rail, similar to the area up in the Budweiser deck. There is a mini roof above this area that creates some protection from the elements - but I don't know that this is something most would want on a typical summer day. Overall I see this as a very negative change, removing decent standing room, especially in a area that was fun to hangout in in the 9th and then make a quick exit. -Andrew Zimmern's burger stand (along the 3rd base line somewhere) sells burgers for... wait for it... $13. Yowch. -I saw new mac n cheese options, as well as mac's fish and chips. I didn't check prices, but I can't say this stuff really grabs me. Mac's fish and chips is fun, but I doubt I'll get it at the ballpark. -The Surly Beer stand was missing. If I'm going to shell out $10 for a beer, I'd rather make mine Surly. -I saw a lot of $11 canned 3/2 beer. Yowch. -No doubt hand in hand with the plaza renovation was the moving of the FSN broadcast team (Smalley, Coom-Dawg, etc) to left-center field area, not too far from the state fair stand in center. -I've noticed this in the past, but I find it odd 4 years in that there are still a lot of dead spots for the PA system. I was watching most of the game in center field (just left of it) and you could not hear the public address announcer at all. Not because of noise of muffled quality, but because there wasn't any speakers in the area! And with the tv's being as far out as they were it was hard to know who was coming up to bat sometimes. -STH discount card worked. First year they mail out an actual plastic card since Target Field came about, and it has your # on it for the first time as well. It only works at some areas and on some items, but the safe choice of $4 'Twins Dogs' were discounted - although now you walk around with a pocket full of change to save a few cents. -Metropolitan club was extremely overcrowded. It seems like this place could use a redesign, its a neat perk but unless you want to drop the $35 (or did it go up this year?) on the buffet you are only about 10 seats in the whole place. Not enough! -Heat lamps were most welcome on floor 1, but are little more than a token gesture. Many sections don't have them, they are only about 2 feet wide and encourage the shoving game on bitter cold days like the opener. S'all I got !

kieran paid to have that named the 2 gingers bar last year. If you can get a window spot that bar is ok, but like most key locations you have to make that your goal and get there early to nab one. It is also very hot in there, which is not fun once things warm up outside

I have season tickets and stand at most of the games. I find it to be a more enjoyable experience and outside of big days (like opening) you can leave and find another spot. The problem with SR is that only some of the standing spots have a ledge of sorts that you can put food, drink, programs, etc on. Maybe are just a guard rail, which stinks. If you trike out on the lower level after walking the whole floor, often times you'll have better luck on floors 2 or 3, but most games you'll be able to find a place just fine.

Should be plenty of pictures online from the general area of your tix or close enough to get a general idea of what it will look like. I love sitting in what is called the Grandstand area (to your immediate right as you walk in from the main gate (34). As far as places to go beforehand I would avoid what used to be Smalley's (and before that Champs), I think now called "The Alley". Huberts on the other side up to gate 34 isn't much better. Keirran's, Glueks, and O'Donnovans are all decent. The problem with downtown Minneapolis, despite how much people poke fun at St. Paul, is that outside of a small radius there isn't a lot of life downtown. You can walk clear from the Dome to Target Field and not pass another soul until you get within a couple blocks. You have bars from 5th street to 7th between Hennepin Ave and 1st Ave - most of which I would say you should avoid or are ok but will be packed, even with what will be a lackluster season. There is some life on Nicollete if you are willing to walk up a bit to the Local or Brits, but I don't go down that way on gameday. Lyons and the other places near Murray's on that little chunk of 6th street are nice, but again usually packed. In my experience one of the better places is The Depot - a bar First Avenue opened a couple years ago that will open up its garage doors in the summer - carries a decent beer selection and all kinds of fun food (Diamond Dog is amazing - bacon wrapped dog, deep fried and in a pretzel bun). Much better food for lesser prices than anything in Target Field. Again - this can be packed, but tends to not be the first on peoples list like The Alley or Keirrans.

I had the app a couple years ago and was very disappointed that I couldn't watch my own team on it. For $20/year you can stream the radio of the games, which is what KTWN just told me to do since I can't pickup reception for the game on a radio less than a mile from the ballpark. If you want to watch the games it blocks out your local team. You can spoof that on a computer illegally, but I didn't bother with that. Not worth the money unless you want to watch teams outside your local area.

Figured it out - the website isn't clear that you can't stream the game online. I can barley pickup the station downtown Minneapolis less than a mile from Target Field using a regular ol' radio. 1500 was much higher quality than this on AM.

So does 96 not broadcast this? I'm getting questionable music and not play by play!

Gagne

Playing around and wrestling sounds even more dangerous than knuckle pushups

Not seeing the dominant team I think many of us hoped for and expected. Still early enough to turn things around but the danger light is flashing. Do you think they will make the playoffs?

Jack Morris will be broadcasting with the Blue Jays this season. Sad to see him go.

Still excited? ESPN Home Run Tracker :: Player and Field Detail ESPN Home Run Tracker :: Player and Field Detail

For those interested here is the link: Judd & Dubay | 1500 ESPN Twin Cities ? Minnesota Sports News & Opinion (Twins, Vikings, Wolves, Wild, Gophers) Hour 2 from 1/30 When asked if you guys knew if the ballpark was be tough for lefties to hit out of the park (TR wasn't involved in that was he?... anyway) TR says: "Well this ballpark hasn't settled in I don't think ... I don't know about concrete settling in .. I wasn't a part of this thing all that much but we set out to make it fair..." I just couldn't believe that I actually heard the stadium settling/concete being used as a possible excuse for poor performance, and by Terry Ryan of all people. Too true

Saying, but not saying, that concrete settling may be a reason left field is tougher to hit out of. Also said they are still evaluating moving in the fences. 1500 1/30 with Judd. Concrete settling is some of the craziest excuse for poor hitting out there. Can't believe he just implied it, still, here in 2013.

What I got out of it is that its a pretty darn good renewal percentage giving 2 years of suck and more to come. I think its more complex than either of those questions. The basic gist I posted elsewhere, but I feel they needed to stimulate the fanbase by getting a big name, or at least some guys worth talking about and they didn't. Now they are pocketing 20 million+. But none of this has much of anything to do wandering around Twinsfest

It will be interesting to see what happens with his contract ending after this season.