Vanimal46

It may not happen until next season when the sources causing the toxic clubhouse are gone. Would you be okay letting an entire season go by watching stop-gap players?

LaMonte Wade is certainly making a lot of noise in CR. He's on my radar now of prospects to follow going forward. Would be nice to develop another OF for the future.

Happy Thursday! Today is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day! I love cheesecake in general. Whether it has blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries on top, I will eat it. No questions asked. Today is also National Red Nose Day! A day to wear red noses, come up with fun and wacky fundraisers to help support children in the poorest communities in the world.

CC to scottz: "Did we win yet?"

That may be too advanced to do. I was thinking more along the lines of water aerobics... Or the Exercise Block.

sigh.... also, back to a 3 man bench for the Twins.

http://cdn.randomfunnypicture.com/pictures/1869Redneck_Birthday_Cake.jpg

The dumpster diving continues to reward TR and the Twins!!

Vargas is going to be hitting 50 HRs a season for the Doosan Bears beginning next season.

What's the veteran minimum? $500k? If so, they'd have to eat $23 million of the remaining salary.

Good for Jay, He seems to be handling the transition to starter very well so far. We say this every week, but what exactly does LeBlanc have to do to get the call to Fort Myers?

Here's some goodies for a Wednesday! Today is National Wine Day! I've been on quite the wine kick lately. Trying to do things classy instead of beer all the time. What's your wine of choice? Today is also National Brown-Bag-It Day! A day where you're supposed to bring in your lunch to save some money. More than often I don't time these days well, but today I brought in a lunch! Buffalo chicken salad in case you're wondering. Today is also National Missing Children's Day. I can't imagine anything worse for a parent than to lose their children.... Finally, today is National Senior Health & Fitness Day! Can someone make sure Chief gets his exercise for the day?

If Walker indeed gets the call-up, I'm setting the over/under k% at 53.5% Any takers?

Let's get more real and admit something to the group you've never said before. I'll go first. The first concert I ever went to was Destiny's Child: Survivor tour. Loved every second of it.

I think we can all use a laugh for the day. Here's one that made me laugh.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X26FuAlnnWY

He's sticking around the rest of this season. Book it. Maybe, just maybe, the next GM in charge eats the contract and lets him loose in the off-season.

I'm not sure what to talk about without things to talk about.

*checks waiver wire in fantasy league* *sees Rich Hill is already on a team* Dang it. He's gone completely under the radar this year. Good for him.

Thank god, you're back. Somebody hacked your account this afternoon and changed your avatar!

I don't even recognize you anymore with the Phil Brickma avatar....

Background: The team needs someone who comes from an organization with sustained success, knows how to build a culture, and preferably has worked with a constrained budget before. I'd like to go young with the next hire. Target organizations: St Louis, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Oakland Scouting and drafting: Still going to be crucial for this organization. Unless there's new ownership, there will always be a constraint on budget. The most likely way for them to acquire an ace type pitcher or power hitter is through the draft or international signings. I would want the next GM to be more aggressive with international signings. Advanced Stats: Not really in my wheelhouse. I'd want the next GM to scout out a team of people to handle this department and get it up to speed. Player Development: Another CRUCIAL part of the success in this organization. Currently I think it's backwards that most players spend more time in the lower levels than the upper levels. I'd like the next GM to create a philosophy of getting players through the lower levels quicker, and spend more time in AA and AAA to prepare them for the major leagues. On-Field Staff: Has to buy in to the philosophy and culture that the new GM creates. Right now it doesn't appear that TR and PM mesh in what they're trying to do. The current 40 man is littered with young players, and PM doesn't appear to trust or use the young players. Trades: They need to have free reign on making decisions for who to trade for and whom to trade away. Epstein did a great job with the Cubs trading away vets for upside players. The next GM should have the ability to do the same. Free Agency: Boom or bust. Go after 1 impact player if it fits the team perfectly instead of hedging your bets with 2-3 mid level players. Miscellaneous: Clear out some of the people in the organization from the old regime to bring in new people who fit the culture. "Success" at this point is getting this organization healthier by shedding old contracts and actually going through the youth movement.

The Americans is a show I've been meaning to get into. I see full seasons are available on Amazon Video too. I'll have to dive in and check it out!

He'd also have a great reason to wear the pearl necklace again. It looks great with the long hair!

In this time of year, I sure do. I've been told to jump on the Game of Thrones bandwagon but have yet to watch 1 episode. I have 2 more months until Mr. Robot is back on USA Network. There's not much else out there to watch right now.

If you do punch out your neighbor's car window, it's common courtesy to leave a note. "Thought you could use a pick me up on a Monday. Have fun watching the 11-30 something Twins! Love, Pardon My Dinger"