BrentMpls

Little effect if any would be my guess. I think the new 1 game playoff has a much greater impact if the Twins end up making some moves.

Yes they should try to trade him. -He is not reliable. Showing glimmers of good wont make up for the melt downs. -Twins can't afford to offer him a deal for fear he may accept it. Unless the Pohlads raise the payroll paying Liriano will make next years budget almost filled up before any other acquisitions might be made, as things currently stand.

Will the chicken help him keep his balance, reducing the chance of falling over?

Thats correct, he said a lot of weird things around this time. Like saying how the average joe just doesn't know what its like to have to play baseball everyday. http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/96499719.html Another time he said how much harder he has it than a first basemen because he has to run out to right field every inning rather than only first base. But shadows from trees - those are what truly frightened the man.

I agree it was a significant loss, and I dislike how the media (radio in particular) dismisses it as a issue only the lowliest of fans get worked up about, yet bring up the issue themselves almost weekly. Cuddyer was supposedly the biggest instigator according to the local media due to being afraid of the shadows, as ludicrous as that sounds: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/114860269.html Dave St. Peter would go on the radio and claim opposing teams complained as much as the hometown roster, but when interviewed two of the biggest bomb droppers at Target Field, Thome and Batista, both said they never noticed them. Bautista even gave a slight jab when asked how he likes them removed when he hit several bombs in 2011 against us at home. Personally, while I think it takes away some of the charm of the ballpark (and there are plenty other ballparks with stuff in their batters eye), the bigger issue is the raising of the batters eye. Center Field there right across from the State Fair stand used to be one of my favorite places to stand and watch the game. Now with the eye raised I can barley see over it, and I'm 6'3"! It was fun to see TC Bear playing around in the trees (there is a door he could pop out of) down there throwing free shirts to kids or waving. And heck the trees just looked nice. But due to Cuddy and others complaining they are gone, never to return. And now so is Cuddy.

Liriano is think is a strong possibility, but I wouldn't be shocked if he stays. Span is another possibility, but I don't think there will be enough value for him.

Well to be fair there is a winner of the 2008 Home Run Derby saying the ballpark's dimensions are ridiculous: http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/targetfield/107374393.html What I think fans find frustrating, at least I know its true with me, is when the media slants things or emphasizes only certain aspects of things. Just tonight 7/15/2012 Tom Kelly and Dick Bremer were having a discussion about the concrete settling. In 2012, year 3 of the ballpark. And that is if you think that argument has any weight on day 3 of the ballpark. Silly denial from official sources leads to fan frustration.

The fact is opposing teams didn't have any trouble hitting home runs at Target Field in 2010 and 2011. Other than Thome the Twins just didn't have any "real" power hitters. This year is pretty fun because Willinghammer and Plouffe there it is are neck and neck and sometimes our other guys can doink one out of there so it seems a bit more alive. While I don't have a strong opinion on if Target Field is a definite pitchers or hitters park, I think it is safe to say it's not quite as forgiving as the Dome, which has turned out to be a problem for our two highest paid players.

This past All Star Game was pretty special to me, and sure wasn't because of the American League's performance. I've been a season ticket holder in years past and now for the past 3 years since the gates opened at Target Field. I have a list of complaints. As a season ticket holder in addition to getting tickets there are supposed to be perks, and service and communication should be a given - but that is a separate post perhaps for another day. This post is about me being wowed by a STH perk, my first "Sweet Spot" benefit. I was invited to come on down to Target Field and hang out in the Champions Club and watch the 2012 All Star Game. A place graced by the presence of the likes of the late Dark Star, or when people like Rudy Giuliani come to town to watch the Yankees. A place that I wasn't even allowed to check out during the STH "open house" that was held a few weeks before opening day. The elusive Champions Club. We got to park where the players park: [ATTACH=CONFIG]1561[/ATTACH] The special entrance: [ATTACH=CONFIG]1562[/ATTACH] And right as you walk in Black Jack is there to greet you: [ATTACH=CONFIG]1563[/ATTACH] We were given programs, entered into a raffle, and allowed to stroll the interior, which much like the rest of the ballpark is full of cool photos, history and memorabilia of the team, including miniatures of the various players honored outside the gates of Target Field, both World Series Trophies, and much more. We were fed a great meal, and enjoyed a fun lecture from Mr. Clyde Doepner the curator for the Twins (for more on Clyde http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URvKMb79gCc ) [ATTACH=CONFIG]1564[/ATTACH] I got to ask him the last question - "What item have you acquired over the years has meant the most to you personally?" to which he responded Killebrew's Hall of Fame speech. As comfy as the interior was, the exterior was equally amazing. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1565[/ATTACH] We were treated to a pre-recorded thank you from Joe Mauer, and could watch the game from outside on the big scoreboard or inside on one of the many TV's. I've got a lot of pictures, but hopefully this gave you a general feel. Other than the game being crummy, it was a fantastic time and a great experience. Other than the true behind the scenes stuff for employees only, I think I've been all the various clubs and cool areas now, and may never see this one again. I feel very lucky to have taken part. Until next time sports fans...