2010 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

The 2010 baseball hall of fame vote is coming up in a few weeks so i'd thought i'd share who would be on my ballot. You could vote up to ten players.

Andre Dawson(OF)-.279 AVG, 438 HR 1591 RBI. Had he not been playing the first 11 years of his career on the artificial turf in Montreal, he would undoubtedly be a 500 home run hitter. He was a force for the duration of his career that was plagued with injuries. He deserves a hall of fame plaque.
Bert Blyleven(SP)-287-250, 3.31 ERA, 3,701 K. If anyone on the ballot deserves to be in the hall, its Bert. Besides the before mentioned stats, he had 242 complete games and 60 shutouts. So take the 685 games he pitched and that shows one-third of his games he went the whole 9. That’s just invaluable. And he did it with one of the nastiest curveballs in the modern era. Bert should be enshrined in 2010.
Jack Morris(SP)-254-186, 3.90 ERA, 2,478 K. Morris was one of the best big game pitchers in the history of baseball. To back that he won the World Series four times and in ‘91 he pitched a 10 inning shutout of the Atlanta Braves. His stats might not look good on paper, but don’t forget he pitched in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox and was overshadowed by Roger Clemens during his best seasons. He is hall worthy.
Lee Smith(CP)-478 SV, 3.03 ERA, 1251 K. Had he played more for a couple of teams rather than 7 teams, Lee Smith would be in the Hall of Fame already. Don’t forget saves didn’t become a major league stat until 1969, and Smith was the all time leader just until 2007 when Trevor Hoffman surpassed him. He was a dominant closer with great stuff and he gave teams that fear that when he came into the game, it was over. He has to be regarded as on of the best ever and should be rewarded for it.
Roberto Alomar(2B)-.300 AVG, 210 HR, 1134 RBI, 474 SB. His numbers aren’t that appealing, but he plays at a position (second base) where offense takes a back seat. But he excelled at offense and played great defense while playing for some great teams. He was a twelve time all star, a ten time gold glove award winner, and a four time silver slugger winner. As I stated before, his numbers aren’t appealing, but the awards case this guy has does. He will get in at some point.
Barry Larkin (SS)-.295 AVG, 195 HR, 2,340 H, 379 SB. Another guy with not the best of numbers but just his presence in the Reds lineup everyday made him a force. He was a twelve time all star selection, a nine time silver slugger winner, a three time gold glove winner, and the 1995 NL MVP winner. And for the final eight seasons of his major League career, he was the Reds captain. He is a should be hall of famer but it mights be a few ballots before it happens.
Edgar Martinez (DH)-.312 AVG, 309 HR, 1261 RBI. He was one of the first true Designated Hitters in baseball history. He was a feared hitter for the Seattle Mariners while batting behind another hall of famer, Ken Griffey Jr. He was always good for a .320 average with 25 home runs and 100 RBI each season during his a seven year stretch. The turn off for his hall of fame plaque is he was a designated hitter. Had he not played on the Kingdome’s Astroturf it might of prolonged his career by five seasons where his numbers would truly be better. He still is deserving of a spot in Cooperstown.

Twins Offseason Blog-12/9

I haven't blogged in a while so I thought i would get cracking again and talk about the Twins while the MLB Winter meetings wrap up tomorrow.

• I first want to touch on the move that took place two days after the World Series ended. The Twins and Brewers swapped CF Carlos Gomez for SS J.J. Hardy. Personally I think this move is great for both sides, as the Brewers needed a new centerfielder after they decided to let Mike Cameron go and it was clear that Gomez wanted more playing time after the four outfielder log jam the Twins had this past season left Gomez on the bench more often then not. Now he will get to play everyday in Miller Park and personally i think more playing time was what he needed to make him a better hitter so he could be learning everyday. The Twins getting Hardy in return fills a hole that is left by Orlando Cabrera, who filled in admirably after being acquired at the July 31st trade deadline. Hardy had a down season hitting .229 with 11 HR and 43 RBI in just 115 games. It became clear the Brewers and Hardy would part ways when he was sent down to AAA to make room for stud prospect SS Alciedes Escobar. In the two season prior to '09 Hardy averaged .280 with 25 HR and 77 RBI and averaged a on base precantage of .333. Not great average and on base numbers, but he would be the most solid option at shortstop since Cristian Guzman left after the '04 season. And now that there won't be a logjam in the outfield for playing time the Twins are putting their faith in the fact that Delmon Young will live up to his potential. If he fails to improve in 2010 look for the Twins to move him and acquire another left fielder.
• Secondly, I have been following the Winter meetings this past week with great attention and the Twins have been linked to trying to acquire 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff from San Diego. The Twins have reportedly offered Glen Perkins in exchange, but the Padres want more and the Twins will not offer more. Personally I thought the Twins weren't looking for a longer term guy at third to acquire this offseason with star prospect Danny Valencia waiting in the wings. So that made me wonder if he is actually ready for the big leagues. All reports say he needs at least to have another half season at AAA before attempting to give him the hot corner job and it looked like the Twins would bring in a temporary fill in just for 2010 to man third. Joe Crede has expressed interest in returning but it won't be until January at least that teams begin to check his rehabbing from back surgery. Maybe they know something about Valencia we don't know. As for Kouzmanoff i think he is a decent offensive third baseman with decent defensive skills who could be a good factor in the lineup for the next few years as he enters his prime years. It is a cause for concern to see that his average (.275, .260, .255), slugging percentage (.457, .433, .420), and OPS (.786, .732, .722) have decreased over the last three seasons. The only stat he has increased is hir RBI totals going from 74 to 84 to 88 in three seasons. It will be interesting to see how the Twins play this one out.
  
• My final point will be to say that even though its snowing, Target Field looks better than ever with just 124 days remaining until the stadium opens. Last week the final seat was installed and the cover was put over the field for the winter. Cant wait to see how it looks on Opening Day!

WIN TWINS!!

Final Regular Season Game at the Metrodome...Maybe.

Today i will update this to what I see on this great day in Twins history. Here's what's going on:

12:45-Getting ready for gametime. They are introducing the full lineups today. Kent Hrbek is sitting in the suite right above us. I'm trying to get a picture. White Sox need to get it going. They are down 3-0.

12:05-We are in out seats now. We all had a dome dog. For me it was my final dome dog. It was as magnificant as the first one I had. More to come.

11:15-Walked in the Dome. Recieved a certificate as to proof that we attended this game. They were also handing out old homer hankies to wave today so expect to see that frequently. We all bought programs and scorecards to do today. We are in our season ticket holder club filling them out. It's packed in here already.

10:30-Took pictures at Target Field. Ron Coomer went by and said good morning to us as he must of been doing a video for the broadcast. The meter we parked at was a quarter for .50 cents. I hope they will be there next year.

State Fair Blog: The last day. :(

5:00-We are now leaving. We said our goodbyes for now. Hopefully Team Legendary can return next year.

2:00-Closing time. Second shift is here. We are going into the fair before we adjourn permantly.

10:15-Monica came back from the biff cleaning her phone and we found out she dropped it in the biff. Lucky for her it had just been cleaned. But still that's gross. Our gate is broken so hopefully the carpenters can fix it.

9:00-Heading over to the barricade for the last time. We filled out our time cards earlier. Just finished playing a little 500 with the football. It ended with Alyson getting her ring finger jammed. We have now gone to the crossword puzzle for the day.

6:30-Today is the last day for team legendary and the 2009 Minnesota State Fair. As usual we are just sitting outside the shack behind the swine barn reading the morning newspaper.

State Fair Blog: Day 13, Fair Day 11

2:05-Second shift is here. Tomorrow is the last day for Team Legendary and the 2009 Minnesota State Fair. :(

12:50-So dominos pizza has been coming through our gate cause they are giving free samples in the fair. So each time they go by they wave, but this time the guy gave us a pizza. And we couldn't believe it cause one of them saw us eating the other pizza. What a good day.

12:40-Yesterdays attendance was 207,075. The total attendance for the fair is 1,477,249. The fair needs 285,727 people in the last two days to break the single fair record for all 12 days combined. We had pizza from checkerboard pizza for lunch. It was very good. We had pepperoni and green peppers. Gene just brought us some pickle flavored sunflower seeds to try. They were good as well. My battery is kinda low thanks to Monica so I might not get another post in.

8:50-Got to ride with Gene on his golf cart for a bit. It got interesting when he was trying to read a daily schedule while drive through traffic. When sitting gown here by the swine barn you hear alot of people talking. And most of them make a joke when looking at the swine barn. It usually goes along the lines of," Should rename it H1N1 barn." That joke is older than Larry King. I'm about to yell at the next person that I hear say it.

8:00-Sorry for being late today. Had to read my Sunday sports page. Heard yesterday was really packed. I'll post when I get the numbers from the Coliseum office.

State Fair Blog: Day 12, Fair Day 10

11:00-I went up to Axel's and had a nachomamadog. It was very tasty. And it was a reasonable 4 dollars. It was quite crowded up in the fair so I expect another attendance hike today.

9:50-Theres been alot of pedestrian traffic down here at the Canfield gate. Anytime there is thar usually means the fair will be packed. I hate the double strollers that come through here. They take up the whole sidewalk. I'm deciding what fair food I'm gonna eat today. I'll probably go in soon so I can listen to the Gopher football season opener vs Syracuse.

6:40-Today is retro day so everyone on team legendary is wearing throwback shirts. Alyson is wearing the lime green one from 2004, Monica is wearing the light blue one from 2006, and I am wearing the tan one from 2007. It's a bit chilly out this morning but once the sun gets over the barn it should be a nice day.

State Fair Blog: Day 11, Fair Day 9

12:55-So we were a little bored so we had a can of 7up that a bee went into so we put some milk in there to drown it then we put the plastic cup over the pop can and smashed it with my foot. The milk went flying out and hit Alyson on the leg. Monica got it on video so I'll have it on facebook eventually.

10:30-So my lanyard that I switched with Nancy on Tuesday broke today when the connecting pieces broke off so I am now using my lanyard and badge from last year. The cookies are still there. We have eaten enough to close the bucket. I'm getting sick of them already.

9:15-Monica has returned with cookies and we have commenced with the eating them.

6:40-The lots are even fuller today with the new animals coming in last night. Could barely find a place to park. Today is sweets day so that means we are getting a bucket of Sweet Martha's cookies. Tomorrow is retro day, where we wear old shirts, and Sunday will be team photo day.

State Fair Blog: Day 10, Fair Day 8

1:20-Its changeover day at 2 so it's pretty quiet down here. Hitler paid us a visit a d said sone things to Gene and left. The big bosses are down here now so i'm hiding. I might get out early since the party happens at 2

10:30-Another slow day. Had a omlete from Hansens for breakfast. Pretty good. Came with hashbrowns and a donut. Just sitting in my car listening to the Love Civenant on KFAN. Nancy is out with us today. I believe this is her last work day. Might have more later.

6:15-Lots B&C are packed with the rodeo people trailers. Lot A is pretty packed with campers now. So it should be a laid back day. I still have a bitter taste in my mouth from yesterdays Twins game. I really hope they can get back on the horse after that.

State Fair Blog: Day 9, Fair Day 7

10:50-Rodeo people are coming in now. Hitler got out in the street to yell at bikers and I was tempted to yell back and say go back into Berlin. Having another Steichens sandwich today. They are good.

9:00-Conflict is everywhere for team legendary today. Monica and Alyson are arguing over their cat and it doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. The High School Rodeo will be rolling in around 10 so I should have some more updates then I did yesterday. It looks like it will be another nice day.

State Fair Blog: Work Day 8, Fair Day 6

Sorry I never got back to this today. Nothing big happened so i didnt see the need to post.

8:25-My genius self decided to lock the doors to my car as I got out and upon shutting it I realized my keys were still in there. So the mechanic came down and took all of 20 seconds to open it back up. So it's good now. Nothing to be worried about.

7:20-Nancy is here today for Alyson, who had a work thing. It's still pretty cold in the morning. It looks like it will be another slow day.

State Fair Blog: Day 7, Fair Day 5

2:40-Sorry, forgot to blog when i left. It was a pretty dead day today. Just alot of trailers coming in and out of the barns as they unload. Had a sandwich from Steichens which was very good. Tomorrow Nancy will be there as Alyson will be gone again.

8:40-The lot was empty so Gene took advantage of that by leveling the dirt in the back part of lot b so that when it rains it's less muddy. He's on top of things today

6:25-Another cold morning here. The new animals are coming in now. It's gonna be a slow day so updates might be on the lighter side today.

State Fair Blog: Work Day 6, Fair Day 4

10:30-So after a long day at the fair I have finally come home. Zach and Liz came and hung out at the fair with me. Had some oig lickers, cheese curds, tired a deep fried oreo, and a chocolate malt. Walked around a good chunk of the fair today as well. Tomorrow the new animals come in. Hopefully the cops are less of jerks then they were today.

1:25-In a previous blog post I noted a site that leaked the Wilf's third jersey. They were right. Amidst chants of "Boogey!" Derek Boogaard unveiled the new green wild jersey. The crowd filled the street and limited the passer byers to just one lane as we watched another big wild moment this summer. New Wild clothing with the jersey design on it was going faster than Marian Gaborik hit the injury list in a season. Personally I love this jersey. It is designed after the 2004 Western All Stars Jersey which was played here and this will again be a big hit. I will get a picture of the jersey and the bat later on today. I'll post once more as we leave.

12:00-The day has been quiet. It will pick up at 2 o'clock when the animals changeover. I am heading in to see the wild unveil their third jersey at 12:30. I'll have another post when I return.

9:30-So upon coming down to the gate arm, Alyson was picking up some trash and we came across a cardboard box that had a injured bat, which was named Bart. We tried to help him, but he kept trying to fly away so we gave up. He ended up under a pickup truck where he remains now. We always joke about seeing bats but we never thought we'd see one.


8:40-We have not yet got our daily newspaper so Alyson is in the fair trying to get one. Everyone is pounding the coffee this morning due to the cold and tiredness. We have decided that at some point today everyone gets a 30 minute nap. Attendance this year is up. Thursday had 114,439 people come out here, a 10,465 Person increase from 2008 and Friday had 124,991, which was a 38,463 person increase from 08. Yesterdays attendance does not come out until noon. Mrs Hitler is out on her golf cart. I'm ready to take her on today if the situation calls for it.

6:15-Team Legendary is here physically this morning, but mentally...not so much. Everyone had a late night yesterday so we are very tired. It's colder this morning because your breath can becseen now.

State Fair Blog: Work Day 5, Fair Day 3

2:00-We played some games cause the day wad a slow one. No interactions with Mrs. Hitler today (yay!!!). Didn't go in for food today, but Alyson had a fry bread taco which is apparently good. I might try that tomorrow. Tomorrow the Wild unveil their third jersey here at 12:30 so I will go in for that and I will have updates as well. Second shift is here so Team Legendary will adjourn until 6 AM tomorrow. Later.

11:45-So our gate arm has been getting stuck lately so our good friends, the carpenters, paid us a visit earlier and we told them about our problem. They just came and fixed it for us now. All they did was put 20 screws in the base and it was fixed. They make it look so easy. We are now going to play some games that Monica is making up so I might have to go for a walk now.

10:20-We totaled the scores from yesterdays crossword puzzle and Alyson defeated Monica 4-3. I finished last with 0 correct answers. Let's play this like golf, lowest score wins.

9:30-We have moved to the barricade now. There is slot of shade down here so it's cold still. We are working on our team competition: the crossword puzzle challenge. It's quite hard today. Monica won the crossword challenge on Thursday by 4 points.

7:20-Mrs. Hitler is on the move mow. She glared over towards me and suddenly I felt darkness come over to this side of Canfield. We are all bundled up due to the cold and all the farmers look at us like we are crazy. The sun is making it's way up over the swine barn so hopefully we can get some heat. The Team Legendary logo is here today and we all love it. I'll upload a picture of it later or you can check it out under the state fair album on my facebook. Our water cooler isn't here today and it might not come because there is a shortage of water coolers here. Gene is on the run trying to get one for us. Hopefully he does. Alyson and Monica had the question of the day when they asked if both male and female cows have udders? Gene replied with do both male and female people have udders and hopefully you wouldn't pull on the wrong cow. Haha

6:30-Good Morning. It's so freaking cold this morning. Everyone is all bundled up except the farmers who are still wearing shirts and shorts. Alyson is back today. No injury for me yet today. Mrs Hitler has not yet appeared this morning (thank god). This should be a interesting day.

State Fair Blog: Work Day 4, Fair day 2

2:00-Second shift has arrived. Alyson should be back tomorrow for team legendary. I am off to Canterbury tonight for some horse racing and some gambling. See ya tomorrow!

1:00-The official SUV of Biffs just went by. On the side it was marked with a yellow piece of paper and colored in black sharpie spelled out Biffs. The paper was duck taped to the side. God what fun here.

11:15-Went up in the fair for my break and I ran into Eric Eskola. Eric is a close friend of my fathers as they worked in the media buisness together. Eric can be heard on WCCO radio 830 every weekday morning from 6-9 as the main political analysist. We talked for a bit before hr had to leave. I then went to another favorite place of mine on the fairgrounds, the u of m building, which is located on dan patch ave. I then went up to the SPAM stand and tried a SPAM breakfast sandwhich, that consisted of grilled spam, eggs, and a bun. That was pretty damn good. I am picky about the SPAM I eat and I love grilled SPAM which made it all the better. I would definitely reccomend checking out the SPAM shack.

9:30-Rain finally let up and the sun came out. I heard it's supposed to rain again around noon today. The news of the day so far came from Nancy today as Emmy used the potty today. Pretty soon I'm gonna go in the fair and get some food. It's not that busy anymore.

7:30-The rain is here. We have all retreated to our cars until it dies down. It looks like there's a accident by the transit way because the emt's are out there. I guess last night a decision was made that involved the trailer lot across from us where they have to open up another gate and Gene was a part of that decision and him and the people across the street and a argument with him and they aren't on speaking terms anymore. I don't like the lady. She gets more cranky every year. It'd be a better place without her.

6:30-Got here and ripped my thumb nail opening the cooler a little bit so I have a owie now. Please note in your team legendary program today, scratch Alyson and write in Nancy Hochschild. Alyson had a work thing today so she is unable to work the fair today. Cows are starting to head up to the barn now. Got to drive the #7 golf cart this morning to move it out of the way. That was fun. We need a golf cart!

State Fair Blog: Work Day 3, Fair Day 1

2:00-Second shift is here now so our day is over. The girls are going to be out here all night for tonights concert but I forget who it us. As for me, I am off to home now. The Twins have today off so I will catch some early sleep tonight. Later!

1:00-Went into the fair. Usually I get a footlong hot dog but a long line and $4 for one wasn't working for me so I had a taco from taco king. Best taco I ever had. Then I eat some other favorite foods of mine. A fudge puppie and a deep fried 3 mousketeers bar. Then I checked out the new fan central building which used to be modern living. The Vikings, Wild, and T-Wolves are among the teams in there. It's a pretty meat place so of course I reccomend going there. Also on my way through the fair I walked past my favorite radio show host, Paul Allen, who can be heard on KFAN 1130 from 9-12 every morning. It was a shame I didn't recognize him till he walked past me.

9:30-Moved over to the barricade now. Everyone that needs to be here today seems to be here cause it's kinda dead now.

7:00-So yesterday Team Legendary was saying how we could use a golf cart. Then this morning this guy comes whipping through here and I'm like wow your reckless as he pulls up I realize it's my friend Derrick. He is lot captain of the Robin lot and he gets a golf cart to sit in. I should be captain of Lot A, B, and C.

6:45-Upon reading the sports page this morning, I saw that Jake Mauer will no longer be doing his $2 cheat sheets at Canterbury Park anymore. He is done after this weekend, so I just might trek out there now to get one more before he is done. And just now as I'm typing this, the water cooler guy brought our water cooler back and it's been refilled. Yay!! Apologies to second and third shift guys for blaming you.

6:20-Good morning. I am very tired today, thanks to my father for that. I have had a extra strength 5 hour energy and I'm working on coffee as well. Cows are across the street so it's boring here this morning. The water cooler in our shack was stolen so Alyson is freaking out cause she drinks water 24/7. Suspects include the second and third shift guys for losing it.

State Fair Blog: Work Day 2

2:00-Second shift has arrived so we are out of here. Tomorrow is Day one of the fair and Team Legendary will have it's photo day. The blog will have more chatter tomorrow as I will have food and everything else to write about. I'm off to the Twins game tonight to watch the beloved team go for the sweep against Baltimore. Bye now!

1:49-Soft moment here when I dark blue dynasty without the cover for the trunk lock went by. Made me a bit weepy, not gonna lie.

1:28-Just noticed that Gene's golf cart number is #7.

1:20-Just went up and got a turkey sandwich from the turkey booth. Oh man was that good.

12:48-The fair hasn't evenbegun yet and we have been asked today if we do stamps here. Wow.

11:27-Animals still coming in. Breakfast was good. I had a biscuit sausage thing. Bought tickets for the Gopher Hockey vs North Dakota weekend in mid January so I'm quite broke now. Monica decided she was too good for team legendary and went and had lunch with some other dude. Every team has a rotten apple.

8:50-Bossman Gene has taken out his safari hat so it's pretty sunny out. Today is Gopher Day for team legendary so we all have Hopher attire on to impress the worlds biggest gopher fan that camps here. The animals are in their respective barns now so it has quieted down. Today is also McDonalda Breakfast day so I am going to get that. Everyone is having a biscuit with whatever they are having thanks to Alysons dramatic biscuit saying from 07.

6:50-Oh great, they decided to let the animals in early. Moo!

6:05-Got here this morning to see all the animal trailers lined up down Como Ave. Actually saw the third shift guy and talked with him. I never saw him at all last year. Yesterday we found two old oranges in the shack here and we threw one away and kept one as good luck. Bill (Third Shift Guy) said he left that orange in there from last year. Haha. It's clear skies this morning but a bit of a chill. Animals come in at 7. The rest of team legendary is here now. So more updates to come.

State Fair Blog Work Day 1

2:30-After getting relieved at 2:00, team legendary decided to go stroll around the fair. We checked out the souvenir shop again and then just drove around the whole place. We then adjourned until tomorrow. Check back tomorrow as the animals come visit Team Legendary for the first time in '09.

1:15-Crazy Carney came and talked with us about the rides here, dating LeeAnn Rimes, and how big Joe Mauer's house is. Then we went for a stroll around the barns.

12:23-Twins Territory truck went by. It had Mauer, Morneau, and Nathan in each side. I waved at it while wearing my twins apparel hoping to get something free, but they kept going. :(

12:13-For some unknown reason, my father showed up. Still trying to figure out what got him away from the computer?

11:21-Me and Monica went up and checked out the state fair gift shop. I found out employees get 15% off so that made me happy. Then we went and got lunch at Nelsons. I had the best sandwhich ever. Campers come in at 12. Might not get back till the days done

8:30-We have voted and our team name is now Team Legendary.

7:40-it's slightly drizzling so we are all sitting outside in the mud doing our daily crossword puzzle. Just got my car stickers for me and my mother ;). Hopefully the rain will let up.

6:55-The rain finally let up. We can talk to each other again. Talked with the boss as well.

6:20-Its just a downpour now and the radio is my friend now cause the team can't talk.

6:05-Team competition is all here and it pouring pretty good now so we are sitting in our cars.

5:50-I have arrived and it's been raining on and off.

Twins Blog-8/10

All year they have fluttered around .500. If your the Minnesota Twins, the time is now. Tomorrow they open up a six game homestand which brings Kansas City and Cleveland to town. These two teams are the AL Central's bottomfeeders and they give the Twins a glorious chance to get on the right foot and get their season to where they need to be. They have acquired Carl Pavano to jump start the rotation and so far after the three game series against Detroit, Pavano shut out the Tigers and the other starters gave up 18 runs. The starters are the teams biggest problem. They give up a 2 or 3 runs in an inning and they just give up and let 6 across. This is a problem that is trying to be addressed, but it is not showing results. If the Twins are to turn it around this year, their pitchers must start going 6 innings in one start not two. Their offense can put up the runs, they just need to prevent other teams from scoring runs. But back to the point. The Twins play 27 out of 51 games at home. And most against teams that have .500 or worse records. That gives us a fighting chance. A prayer. A shot in the dark. Because right now, we need one.

Twins Blog-8/2

Friday, the Twins finally made their first upgrade at the trade deadline since the Shannon Stewart trade of 2003, when they acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera from Oakland for minor league infielder Tyler Ladendorf. This was a much needed move. They addressed a key problem for this team by getting a middle infielder that can hit as well as play gold glove caliber defense. Obviously I would of liked to see them maybe acquire a relief pitcher to give another decent arm down there, but the asking price for some was just to much so I won't complain. Maybe the Twins can use the waiver wire to address that issue later. But back to Cabrera who is a career .280 hitter and has won a gold glove at shortstop, which fits in with the Twins way of pitching and defense. He wasn't the best upgrade for us, but after Freddy Sanchez was traded to San Francisco, Cabrera became the only option. I didn't really see the Twins getting Sanchez either as the Pirates repordedly wanted either 3B Danny Valencia or OF Aaron Hicks, two of the Twins best prospects. But never the less i am happy to see Cabrera here and he has come in and said his only goals while here are to make the playoffs and play every day, which is fine seeing that anyone besides Brendan Harris that can play short has problems hitting above .200. Meanwhile i'll be happy to see the Twins no longer have to play the Angels anymore as they have just beaten us around good this weekend and last weekend in Anaheim. They play the pirhana baseball that the Twins have done so well. The Twins have the Indians and Tigers on the road this next week. It will not be easy as the Indians have a bunch of young guys looking to make a name for themselves after the tribe dismantled their team at the deadline, and the Tigers continue to lead the central with great pitching. The twins have to win at least three games on this six game trip. It is too late in the season to have another bad road trip, you have to play at least .500 baseball on the road.

MLB Trade Deadline Blog

I havent been on here in a while, and seeing today is the MLB trade deadline, I am glued to my television and computer for updates. So I will do the same and offer up my opinions as the trades come down. I'll update this with any trade that comes across my vision this afternoon. Deadline is at 3 P.M. Central time.

Wrapup-This was a unique trade deadline as we saw some teams just strip down to young prospects, the Red Sox offer up desperation as they chase the Yankees in the AL East, and the Yankees stay relatively quiet. This years winner at the deadline is the Phillies. They got Cliff Lee from Cleveland and the Phils did not even have to give up the same prospects they were offering Toronto for Roy Halladay. Lee makes the Phillies a contender for the National League with the Dodgers now. The losers are the fans of the Indians and Pirates. Both teams just stripped down and traded away most, or all if your the Pirates, their star players. Granted in three-four years both teams could be back in it again if these prospects fan out. You can't help but feel sorry for the fans that remain for those teams as you can only wonder the agony they must be going through.

3:36-MLB Network now reporting that the White Sox and Padres have completed a deal that will send Jake Peavy to the south side for pitchers Clayton Richard, Adam Russell, Aaron Poreda, and Dexter Carter. Peavy has been injured since June with a ankle injury and in May rejected a similar deal with the Sox, but given the Padres state of being he decided to move elsewhere.

3:12-FoxSports Ken Rosenthal reports that the Marlins have acquired 1B Nick Johnson from Washington for Minor League left hander Aaron Thompspn.

3:00-Deadline is here. There were Heath Bell Rumors out there still so it might not break until after. Final Thoughts coming up after all the deals are out there and done.

2:51-Yankees acquire 3B Jerry Hairston from the Reds pending a physical.
Braves trade 1B Casey Kotchman to the Red Sox for 1B Adam Laroche
Nationals trade RP Joe Beimel to the Rockies for two minor league players

2:43-MLB network now reporting that the Blue Jays and Reds are working a deal involving...3B Scott Rolen going from Toronto to Cincinnati. Not sure as to who the Reds would give up.

2:41-ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Twins are talking with Oakland and San Diego respectively and trying to get either reliever Michael Wuertz (OAK) or Heath Bell (SD). He says the Twins are working hard to land one or the other before the 3 P.M. deadline.

2:35-MLB Network reports that Victor Martinez to the Red Sox is done. In return the Indians will recieve pitchers Justin masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price. Coincidentally, tomorrow is Victor martinez bobblehead day in Cleveleland. Correction: Victor Martinez bobblehead demolition day.

2:00-One hour left. Now hearing that the Dodgers are talking with the Padres for Heath Bell and/or Adrian Gonzalez. Potential blockbuster happening. Man I live for this.

1:43-It appears the Victor Martinez to the Red Sox is in the final stages of completion. The Indians are going to recieve pitchers Justin Masterson and 2007 first round pick, Nick Hagadone.

1:13-USA Today baseball writer Bob Nightengale writes that the Red Sox are on the verge of acquiring Red Sox C Victor Martinez. Unclear as to who would go to Cleveland. More to come.

12:56-Also involved in the Cabrera to the Twins deal is the Athletics are sending cash. LA Times is reporting that the Angels are calling up utility man Sean Rodriguez and catcher Bobby Wilson adding fuel to the fire that the Angels are making a trade. They have been in serious talks this morning for Padres closer Heath Bell.

12:51-If you read further in Lavelle's blog he writes that someone in the Twins organization told him they are "wheeling and dealing" today. Could that mean more to come?

12:25-Orlando Cabrera to the Twins is done. Lavelle E. Neal is reporting that the Twins will send infield prospect Tyler Ladendorf in return. That makes me quite happy. Even though Cabrera is not a significant upgrade he is still a decent one due the Twins middle infielders inability to hit.

12:16-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the Brewers have brought back reliever Claudio Vargas from the Dodgers for minor league utility man Vinny Rottino. Vargas has a 1.64 ERA this year in just eight relief appearances with LA.

12:00-Three hours to go. No trades since the Washburn to Detroit trade. Lots of rumors out there. Lots of them around San Diego regarding closer Heath Bell who the Angels and Marlins are interested in and Adrian Gonzalez is getting alot of attention from the Red Sox. Personally I don't know where he would fit in their lineup. Hopefully there will be more to come.

11:34-Just read Lavelle E. Neal's blog on the Star tribune Website and he believes that the Twins and A's aren't close to a deal involving SS Orlando Cabrera coming to the Twins. The A's are reportedly asking too much for Cabrera, but A's GM Billy Beane might lower his asking price as the time ticks down.

11:32-Around a half hour ago the Tigers acquired P Jarrod Washburn from Seattle for two minor league pitchers. Not good news for the Twins and the White Sox who have yet to make a significant move. The Tigers lead the AL Central by 2 games over MIN and 2.5 over CWS.

Follow the Monkey-Opening Day 2009

This is for Joan, who requested a action figure or something of the type to follow me all day for opening day.

Watching the game

Inside the Dome

Outside the dome again

Monkey likes the Twins in '09

Outside the dome

Heading Downtown

Grumpy and the monkey

Monkey at 6 A.M. breakfast on the plaza

Baseball Picks

I fell behind and didnt have time for the rest. So i'll just give a short and sweet version.

AL Central: Twins
AL East: Red Sox
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Indians

NL Central: Cubs
NL East: Phillies
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Rockies

World Series: Red Sox over Dodgers

Baseball Preview-NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies (2008 World Champions)-Somehow, this team got better after being the best in 2008. They added RBI beast Raul Ibanez to man left field this season, but dont get your hopes to high on him as he ages big time. They have 5 quality starters and they have a lineup that is solid from 1-8. They should be a favorite to win again in 2009, but i think they will fall short in Ocober this year. They put up a fight but fall short to the Dodgers.
   
2. New York Mets-Even with the additions of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to the bullpen, the Mets still have holes in the 'pen that will hurt them. They can't pitch these guys every day, so the Mets are limtied with options after Putz and K-Rod. They have a solid offense and their rotation looks to be solid. But when push comes to shove, the Mets only know how to choke when it counts the most. They miss the division and Wild Card.
   
3. Atlanta Braves-The Braves came out and added SP Derek Lowe to a rotation that is still suffering since the Maddux-Smoltz-Glavine era ended. They posess some good young pitchers and good young hitters and are a team of the future in this division. But they too like the teams below them, will fall short of the big guns above them. Look for the Braves to be a Wild Card contender until September.
   
4. Florida Marlins-Another team with young stars and a bright future. But there are some holes and some players who have to prove themselves. They are lead by sluggers Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla who lead the fish attack, but they continue to lack the starting pitching to contend in this division. They put up a fight but not even close enough to the big shooters.
   
5. Washington Nationals-There is too much pop at the top of this division for Washington to succeed this season. They have many young players, many of whom, have to still prove their MLB worthiness. They did land Adam Dunn in the offseason to add some home runs and some strikeouts to the lineups. Bottom line is they have a young core, but talent and experience are lacking big time.
   

Baseball Preview-AL West

Here is the second installment today. Here is how i think the AL West will Break down. The teams are picked in order of finish.

1. Los Angeles Angels-Even with the loss of Mark Texiera and Francisco Rodriguez, this team is still the best in this division. They still have quality starting pitching and they will be a good hitting team. There is no question that this is the team to beat in the West in 09 and it will be very hard for the three other teams too.
   
2. Oakland Athletics-With the addition of Matt Holiday the A's look like they can make some noise in the west. But they have a young starting rotation and the Angels will be ready to pounce on their young pitchers. But they have a strong lineup that can put up some runs and they will make some noise but not a force in this division. They come in second by a wide margin.
   
3. Texas Rangers-This team will most definitely put up some runs. But they still need to prove they can pitch. Losing Milton Bradley did not help their cause toward getting a better finish this year either. The Rangers need some young pitchers to step up for them to have a shot at the Angels this year. They still fall short in third.
   
4. Seattle Mariners-I really dont know what to think about this team. They just kinda threw some veterans in there and see how they turn out. They brought back fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. to put a few more people in the seats, but i don't really expect much from Seattle this year, except maybe play spoiler at the end. No love for the Mariners. Last Place.
   

Baseball Preview-NL West

We are four days away from opening the baseball season, so here is will i make my predictions. Today i will start with the underachieving NL West. Team will be picked in order of finish.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers-By bringing back Manny Ramirez the Dodgers solidify themselves as the team to beat in the West. If he plays like he did last year he can carry this team to the postseason again. This team is built offensively but their pitching staff has some question marks, but none the less Dodgertown will be playing once again in October behind the wonders of Manny Ramirez.
   
2. Colorado Rockies-Some would say the Rockies don't have Matt Holiday anymore so they won't do anything in 2009. You're wrong. This team has a very strong pitching staff lead by Aaron Cook, who is poised for a big year. Their bullpen is equally strong and if Colorado gets a lead it will be hard to beat them. The offense lacks a little pop w/o Holliday but they still can score. The Rockies will win the wild card over the Mets because of their pitching.
   
3. San Francisco Giants-The Giants only have one place to go. Up. They couldn't get much worse after last year. The only bright spot on this team was Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum who looks ready to defend his title. They added veteran pitcher Randy Johnson to give the young arms some mentorship, but other than that no one big new in the bay. This team is just a thrown together team and those teams scare me big time so the Giants come in thrid because they are going to play more scrappy like baseball this year, and the fact they decided to get younger.
   
4. Arizona Diamondbacks-The D-Backs one of the best one-two punch in the MLB with Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. But behind them they lack big time. Their bullpen looks to be shaky and their offense will struggle to put up runs with the loss of Orlando Hudson at second base. They are a younger team, but they need more experience. D-Back finish fourth.
   
5. San Diego Padres- With a new ownership group don't expect too much from the Friars this year except to trade their experience players for younger players for down the road. Jake Peavy will be more used as trade bait than Cy Young ace. The Padres don't have much on either side to contend with so expect them to build for the future.
   

Twins Blog-4/1

Its been a while again so i will try and collect some thought from the last couple of weeks.

• Joe Mauer has been ruled out for Opening Day with that inflammed SI joint in his back. Lately he has been slowly working back into baseball activities after his medication was increased. Please take your time with him so he can be healthy for the remainder of the season.
• Jose Morales was picked as the teams backup catcher to open up the season while Mauer recovers. And all indications are that he will get to catch at least once or twice a week behind Mike Redmond. Hey thats great. I just hope he can continue his career batting average of 1.000 in the majors (Knock on wood).
• Jason Kubel has hit the cover off the ball this spring with a .345 average while hitting three home runs and eleven rbi. He should be the cleanup hitter in Mauer's absence. Without a doubt. This guy is gonna have a break out season.
• I hate to say it, but it looks as if Matt Tolbert will start the season at AAA Rochester. With the addition of Joe Crede the Twins now have alot of infielders and with Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris having good springs he will be the odd man out. :p
• Scott Baker has struggled this spring since he was named the opening day starter. He is 1-2 with a 6.85 era while pitching 23.2 innings. He has given up a whopping 9 home runs. Please just get all of that out now, and when April 6th comes around you will be lights out.
  

Twins Spring Blog-3/2

• Joe Nathan pulled out of the World Baseball Classic after he felt discomfort in the AC joint in his throwing shoulder. He said he wanted to get better and focus on the big goal, the Twins winning the division. Thats fine with me as long as he is healthy for the season.
• The Twins lost out on top reliever Juan Cruz to Kansas City of all teams when he signed with the Royals for two years and a option for a third. I was befuddled to see him go with Kansas City and not a perennial contender. But oh well, he will be sorry.
• Joe Mauer took another big step toward returning when he put on his catchers equipment for 15 minutes and caught a Glen Perkins bullpen session. Still, just as long he is in the opening day lineup i'm happy.

Twins Spring Blog: First Game TODAY!!!

Today kicks off the Twins Grapefruit league schedule as the take on the Boston Red Sox tonight at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida. Even though these are only exhibition games and count for nothing it is still nice to see the boys of summer back in action. Here are some of my notes so far during spring.

• Boof Bonser had exploratory surgery today on his right shoulder that has been bothering him. They found a torn labrum and a torn rotator cuff and he will now be done for the season. It opens up a long relief role on the team now. I personally was excited to see Boof in this role as he did well at it for a half of season last year.
• Joe Mauer took swings off a tee yesterday for the first time all seaosn after having surgery to remove a kidney obstruction. He said he felt no pain the next day and that he will slowly work his way back and be ready for opening day. Just as long Mauer is there on opening day I have no complaints.
• 12 Twins players were on the final rosters for the World Baseball Classic which begins for March. I have no complaints that they play as long as none of them get injured in this or their will be hell to pay. I still am against this thing during spring training, but i guess i have to live with it.
  
• Joe Crede will make his spring debut on friday, as he is catching up on conditoning for signing late. I am excited for him to have signed with us and if he stays healthy he will be that right handed power bat we have needed at third base.

More spring blogs to come later. GO TWINS!!!

Minnesota Twins-Where Amazing Happens

Made this today. I think its pretty good.