MileHighTwinsFan

The chief criticism in the article is that baseball has become a largely regional game - I would contend that it has always been a regional game and that is a good thing. Certainly national ratings for baseball games and particularly the playoffs are down - but I would argue that this is a function of the entertainment options available to consumers. At baseball's ratings peak, viewers had perhaps two other choices for television on a given night, the World Series and whatever was on the other networks. Now baseball competes with dozens of television options to include sports like college and pro football- that are on almost every night in the fall. If we look back before television and the migration of teams to the West Coast, during what many would call the golden era, the game was strictly regional, focused east of the Mississippi and primarily along the eastern seaboard. While radios might have been flipped on to the World Series, you likely had little connection to any team other than your local team during the regular season. You certainly weren't hearing Dodgers vs. Giants games in Kansas City. With the unbalanced schedule, division rivalries are strong. Now with the added value of winning your division title, I would suspect they will only get stronger. As a fan, I find myself watching or listening to games between the Tigers and Royals or among the other teams in the AL Central, that was simply not possible during my childhood. With interleague play, I can now see teams and players that, as a young person, I could only read about in the paper or get to know through my baseball cards. While you can complain all you want about 4 hour games - I would not trade the excitement I witnessed in KC this week when the Royals made two dramatic comebacks (much to my disappointment, but also admiration) to win games critical to their playoff hopes. Baseball has a cycle to it that is unique - the possibilities of the spring, the constancy of the game during the summer months and the thrill of pennant chases in the fall provides a narrative arc that no other game can replicate. Baseball is still the best game for radio - with a pace that has allowed generations of fans to work on their cars, do the dishes or sit out on their porch on a gorgeous summer evening to enjoy. A visit to the ballpark is more interesting than ever. With new and creative food and drink options, family friendly entertainment between innings, a wider range of teams visiting home parks and the unbeatable ticket prices - there is still no better sports entertainment option available for cash strapped families. NFL football may be our national game - but it also a television based game. A vast minority of football fans ever step foot into an NFL stadium. I would venture to say that a much higher percentage of baseball fans make multiple trips to a ballpark every summer. For the serious fan, the explosion of coverage of the minor leagues and the prospects that will eventually don our favorite team's uniform provides even an even deeper bond to our teams. New statistical analysis and better color commentary from announcers allows a fan to deepen their knowledge and appreciation for the game like never before. I won't invoke the Mark Twain cliche, but as far as I am concerned - baseball is alive and well.

One only need to have watched the Royals in this past series to see what a game changer speed can be for a competitive baseball team. The Royals have the capacity to generate runs in a flash and to kill an opposing team's rally with their speed. In close games, like those in this series, where a run will make the difference - the team that can drag a bunt or easily steal to get someone in scoring position has a decided advantage. It is also amazing to see how athleticism creates a swagger and confidence for teams like the Royals that are making a run for the playoffs. The Royals clearly looked like a team that is destined for the playoffs. While Schaefer may not be a long term answer, it is easy to see how someone with his defensive skills and athleticism can positively impact a line-up that has the right combination of power and speed. Schaefer's performance last night at both the plate and in left was key to the victory. In fact, speed and the ability to manufacture runs is often the best way to beat a team with a strong pitching staff like the Royals. Great to see him performing well. Let's hope it continues.

The guy is basically filling Fuld's spot in the order. My sense was that the spot was Rosario's if he stepped up to claim it, but he hasn't, so Schaefer it is.

The key down the stretch will be the pitching of Nolasco, May and to a lesser extent Milone. If we don't see strong performances from those three - we are looking at a similar end to the season as last year. On the positive side, Santana, Vargas, Arcia and a healthy Mauer provide reasons for optimism in the line-up. The team is going to score runs down the stretch, the question is whether our pitchers will give this line-up a chance to use their new power to win games in the late innings rather than simply provide pyrotechnics in games where the outcome is no longer in doubt.

I think much of the criticism comes from classic Minnesota myopia. Here in Denver we are experiencing our third year with the two franchise players (Tulowitzki and Gonzales) missing significant time. Other clubs can point to similar troubles (Hamilton with the Angels, Longoria with the Rays). Here in Denver I don't hear anything near the criticism of these players that I hear on Mauer. Surely Denver fans are disappointed these guys aren't on the field, but they don't question their toughness. I do think Minnesotans' concern is rooted in the high expectations we have had of Joe and the lack of appreciation we have for his unique talent. Do we need to remind people that he is the only catcher to have 3 batting titles? Minnesotans need to stop wringing their hands about Joe not being on the field and enjoy him when he is on the field.

You have to be optimistic about the future of the Twins staff. Hughes and Gibson provide the foundation for a competitive rotation in 2015. A strong finish from Nolasco will offer further stability going in to next year. Finally, having Milone, Meyer, May and Pelfrey competing for the last two spots next year provides multiple opportunities to come out of Ft. Meyers with a competitive rotation.

Hard to write Rosario off yet. I would suspect he will see lots of time down the stretch and will play fall and/or winter ball to make up for lost time this year. Goal for him should be to start at AAA next year with the opportunity to make the club after the start of the season.

A.J. just got DFA'd in Boston - No question the Twins won the Free Agent catcher sweepstakes. When will the extension talks begin with Suzuki? Seems like we need to lock him in for another 2 years. In one short month, shortstop has become our deepest infield position in the system with Santana, Polanco and Gordon all playing impressively. Great to have options and potential trade chips that could bring great returns.

At the risk of making a very poor analogy - I wonder why a team with such a huge investment in a player would not be acutely attuned to his physical conditioning. Like a NASCAR team that wants a car to be operating at peak efficiency, shouldn't the team be constantly checking on their investment in Nolasco? Beyond basic mechanics - shouldn't the team be regularly checking elbows, shoulders and forearms to make sure they are able to perform? I know the analogy breaks down when you consider that for a car all that might be needed is a turn of a wrench or the replacement of a part, but it seems like monitoring and treatment is warranted on all players. This should be particularly the case for a player who will be counted on for 4 years. The last thing we want is an injury that costs the team a full season or more.

Excited to see Buxton back, but really excited about Berrios promotion. Any chance we see him in September if he performs well in NB?

Super frustrating to not see him succeed. On the other hand, the Twins fans need to keep the long view. We have him for three more years and we have to assume, given his track record, his problems are correctable. To me, we need to keep throwing him out there and let him work on his issues, continue to acclimate himself to the AL and hopefully show success by the end of the year - giving him something to build on for 2015. If Meyer or May were available, I might think differently. But I don't think bringing up Darnell or Johnson are the answers at this point.

Kent Hrbek?

He may want to consider his options - taking the assignment would have closed off other possibilities. I would expect he would wait to see if other options emerge. Not sure the Twins would readily accept him back if nothing panned out.

I have always seen Hicks' problem as one of maturity. In hindsight it appears giving up on switch hitting was an reactive response to criticism and an attempt to appease his detractors. It appears now that he simply handed the Twins the excuse they needed to send him down - to build his skills as a right handed hitter against right handed pitching. Santana's play has removed the desperation the Twins have about centerfield. The Twins are making a legitimate playoff push - no more time for projects on the roster. I think we have seen the last of Aaron Hicks for 2014.

Love the move - hope they can get him in the lineup during this road trip - my fear is that they will be out of the running by the end of it. Worst case is that Morales could be a trade chip at the deadline.

Along with Cuddyer, Morneau and Mauer - he was part of a fearsome line-up that brought us some great memories. Baseball is a cruel sport, our efforts to reclaim past glory are often never to be. Thanks Jason and best of luck in what comes next for you.

The single was more impressive than the home run. Despite being out front, he was able to keep his hands back and make solid contact. It also appears like he is recognizing the breaking ball better and laying off it. I will take the sacrifice flies, scorching doubles, homers and the strikeouts. I think they need to move Mauer back to the three hole and have Willingham and Arcia protect him. Plouffe has been great, but he does not protect Mauer like the other two could. Seems to me it should be Santana, Dozier, Mauer, Willingham, Arcia, Plouffe.

The race to watch is for the second wild card. Twins are 2.5 GB and none of the teams in front of us are without flaws. The question is going to be whether the Twins are buyers or sellers. It is very easy to see how this team could trade for a center fielder and a DH/corner outfielder and be in this race to the finish. Conversely, with so many teams in the hunt - the selling price for one of our relievers, Willingham or Corriea could be way above normal value. Either way, I see the Twins being very active at the trade deadline.

Patience will be key to Twins fans. May will get his shot, it is just a matter of when. I would suspect that Corriea will pitch just well enough that he will be attractive to a team competing for a Wild Card and in need of an extra arm. Frankly a team with a better outfield should help his numbers.

Entertaining. Yes, I chuckled out loud when Soria fumbled Santana's nubber, but that was preceded by me seething at Santana's play in center that should have resulted in an insurance run for the Rangers. Clearly the Rangers lost last night's game, the Twins did not win it. Having said that, when you have a starting pitcher and a bull pen that keeps you close, these types of wins happen. To me the priority has to be getting May, Meyer, Johnson and Darnell their shots. I have to believe that at least one of them will end up being a significant improvement over Correia and possibly Gibson. Second, we need to find a capable backup/replacement for Hicks. Hopefully Fuld will return soon (what's up with him anyway). I would be surprised if they don't give Hicks every opportunity to succeed this season, he is too valuable in the outfield to be sent down. His catch last night was equal to him hitting home run.

I have always thought that Hicks' challenges were about maturity. Does he have what it takes to act and play like a major leaguer. The back story would be important to understand. Is this a grown up move by Hicks to truly change his approach or is it a short sighted, knee jerk reaction to increasing criticism about his performance - mostly to appease his detractors. If it is the former - then I am optimistic about his potential to grow from the change. If it is the latter - his days in Minnesota and in baseball are numbered. I fear that the switch will only increase - not decrease the pressure on the young man. On the other hand the switch could simplify things for him - allowing him a singular focus on becoming a big league right handed hitter. Only time will tell.

As a transplanted Twins fan now residing in Denver, I looking forward to the Twins 3 game series on July 11-13. If you are thinking about a road trip to see the Twins this summer, this may be the series to catch. With Morneau, Cuddyer (now back from the DL) and Latroy Hawkins in top form this year - this series would be a great way to reconnect with your old Twins favorites. If you do make the trip, I highly recommend buying the Rooftop tickets. For the $14.00 price of admission, you can settle in at the Rooftop bar or take advantage of general admission seating in sections 310-314, which is located in the right field corner. A great vantage point for watching Cuddy in right, Morneau at first and to take in a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains. Included in the admission charge is a $6.00 voucher for concessions, which should just about cover the cost for one of Colorado's great craft beers. Should be a great weekend at Coors Field - I hope to see my fellow Twins Daily fans in the stands.

To me this is all about maturity - not work ethic. We often forget that these players are still young and somewhat immature adults. They have had success on their own terms for most of their lives. Receiving and internalizing critical feedback is not always part of their DNA. I see this a bit like the Hunter/Morneau wake up call where a young talented player who the team is expecting big things from gets called out. I am sure they have tried many other strategies to get him on track - sending a very public message may be the next step in the maturity process. I think this is all interesting in light of Parmelee's success now that he is up with the big club. Parmelee getting passed through waivers, not getting picked up and finding himself back in Rochester had to be a wake up call. If he succeeds, it will be because he finally gained the requisite maturity to act and play like a major leaguer. I expect that the goal is the same for Hicks.

Disappointed that Arcia was optioned to AAA. Kubel clearly needs a break and Arcia would be a better, if less than ideal option, in CF.

I actually think there is a potential lesson learned to be had from Parmelee's success that will result in Hicks getting sent down. Parmelee may finally have achieved the maturity and seasoning he needed to be successful (with all sample size caveats noted). Hicks is clearly not there yet - and AAA may be necessary for him to work on those things that are keeping him from being successful at the major league level. Of course Hicks going down presents a CF problem - Fuld may need to be the full time guy with an occasional start for Arcia, once he returns. Not ideal, but maybe necessary and clearly plausible given who they have thrown out there of late.