Boofda

We're Moving!

2006-09-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Boofda is moving over to Typepad.com. Come on over and check out the new look. You can use two addresses:
http://boofda.typepad.com/boofda/
or
www.boofda.com

T-Jack jacks his knee.

2006-09-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Tavaris Jackson suffered some cartilage damage to his knee in practice on Thursday. He'll have surgery to repair it and Chili expects him to be out a month. Now the Vikes need to name someone the third string QB in case (god forbid) both B.J. and Brooks go down in the game.
Maybe Longwell?

MVP?

2006-09-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Buster Olney runs down the reasons why Santana shouldn't be MVP. The main reason being that Cy Young should be good enough. Hopefully the voters will take notice to Justin Morneau's numbers and give it to him.

Why haven't more people noticed that Morneau has driven in more runs (125) than any Twin in history whose name wasn't Killebrew? Why haven't more people noticed that, since June 8, Morneau has hit .374, and knocked in as many runs as Ryan Howard (87 -- tied for the most in baseball)?
That, to us, is what an MVP front-runner looks like. And there isn't an ounce of disrespect to the always-spectacular, always-mesmerizing Johan Santana when we tell you what he looks like: The Cy Young shoo-in that he is. Period.

Torii Hunter's huge blast in the 8th inning last night made Gardy lose his damn mind.

"I haven't been that amped up all season," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I was screaming at how hard Torii hit it, screaming at what a huge home run it was for us, and at the same time I was running around the dugout, screaming, 'Andy, Andy, get somebody up.' "
Pitching coach Rick Anderson's response was: "Who?"
Gardenhire was now in his office, waving his arms in imitation of himself, and said: "I told Andy, 'Somebody. Anybody. Crain. Yeah, get up Crain.' "

Pat Neshek gives his thoughts on his first Fenway Park games in the Majors and meets Peter Gammons.

When I was walking to the clubhouse I noticed that two guys were fixing up the roof of the concourse. It appeared that a giant piece of concrete gave out and fell to the ground. I walked under the guys and they told me to hurry up and go by because they didn't trust this spot. I found myself wondering if this place was safe or not. As I got nearer to the clubhouse I had to ask direction in order to find the clubhouse door because it was very confusing. Eventually I found a small white fenced in cage that was the entrance to the clubhouse. Inside was the smallest clubhouse in the league...smaller than most minor league clubhouses. The lockers were straight out of the old days, about a foot and a half wide, 6 feet tall with no space in between teammates. With all the September call ups, the clubhouse staff ran out of lockers and had to pair up a couple guys in one locker. I also heard stories that on the other side in the home clubhouse they had to buy wooden stroll out lockers and place them in the center of the clubhouse for all the new guys that came up in September.

News 9/21

2006-09-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

For a little over an hour last night the Twins were tied for first place with Detroit. It was the first time Detroit hadn't held first place alone since May 21.

The Vikings and Twins will be fighting over the Dome if the Twins do win the AL and the ALDS goes 5 games.

Johan Santana has been playing through a bunch of pain over the second half. He also thinks Morneau should be the MVP.

Best wishes go to Wayne Hattaway, the retired clubhouse attendant and lucky charm that still travels with the team, was diagnosed with cancer of the chest this past week and will undergo surgery on Sept. 28

City Pages hearts the Twins

2006-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

City Pages talks about the Twins "weirdest season ever".
Top 10 moments that Shook the Dome, even though a number of these moments didn't take place at the dome. I'm gonna hold on to this list. I have a feeling I'll have fun reading these 10 years from now. It's been a great year to be a first time season ticket holder.

Long time Twins Fan Thomas Hodne talks about the Twins season and his experiences in baseball. If you've ever sat in Section 120 behind homeplate, you've seen this guy. He looks like a crazy Santa, he hasn't missed a game in 25 years, he hates Tom Kelly and he says the Twins are going to the World Series.

This team feels much better than either in 1987 or 1991. I was down there in spring training this March, and things weren't working out. But Gardy was juggling, and was trying to make the pieces fit. And Terry Ryan is sharp. Some of the players then weren't with this team, and those two could tell that. Every player is with this team now, and with each other. That's the biggest change that occurred. They're the best team in the major leagues. Not based on experience or big names, but as far as what they've done to pull themselves out of where they were.
They'll win enough games to take Detroit and they'll win the division. And then onto the Series. It isn't easy, but I think they've got the talent and the coaches. They work closely together, and that's what makes the talent meaningful. More than that, it takes stamina and spirit to win the World Series. And this team has both. They won't quit. The spirit is really something to hold on to.

Magic Number 8

2006-09-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

Tommy John Surgery may still be an option for Liriano. Second opinions are a bitch.

Peter Gammons returns to ESPN tonight and will be reporting from Fenway Park during the Twins - Red Sox game.

Justin Morneau had his first 5-5 game last night, furthur padding his MVP stats.

Twins are now just half a game out of first place. Their magic number is down to 8.

Boof vs Schilling tonight.

Sometimes the bear eats you.

2006-09-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

La Velle E. Neal III does a pretty good human interest piece on Cuddy today. We learn how The Bear developed his love for his fiance and magic. It turns out that Cuddy is also an idea man and has an idea for a bar.

A bar named Fuel that would be designed with a gas station motif. A full-service area would sell cocktails. But a self-serve area would allow people to pour themselves beer from a tap shaped like a gas pump. "I just got mad when I'd go up and just wanted a beer and had to wait for 10 people to get mixed drinks," he said.

I've been trying to find the "We're Gonna Win Twins" song that they play at the dome, I haven't had any luck finding the old version, but here is a newer version that's really groovy.

Notes 9/19

2006-09-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

Gleeman analyzes who to root for this week. Tigers or Sox?

Check out Pat Neshek's recap of rookie dress up day last week.

Torii Hunter: Better than Johnny Damon, but worth as much money?

Vikings defensive end Erasmus James tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Sunday against Carolina and will undergo season-ending surgery.
What it's like to be a Viking Cheerleader.

Two weeks in to this Vikings season and we have yet to see the Purple Pants.

The Twins start a series with Boston in Fenway tonight. Garza vs Wakefield. If the Twins go 7-6 for the remainder of the season, the White Sox will have to run the table and win every game left to make the playoffs.

Notes 9/14

2006-09-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

The A's avoided a three-game sweep with a 1-0 victory at the Metrodome. The Twins haven't swept a first-place team during the month of September since 1989, when they won three games against the Blue Jays at the Metrodome.

The Twins have been shut out 13 times this season, one short of the club record set in 1990.

The Twins are setting up their scouting of potential postseason opponents, which will begin late next week.
Former Twins manager Tom Kelly will dive into the Yankees, along with Larry Corrigan, a special assistant to Twins General Manager Terry Ryan.
The pitching rotation is still up in the air. Boof may be the #2 starter behind Johan. Either Garza or Guerrier will make the start on sunday against Cleveland.

Is Tommy John surgery the solution to Liriano's elbow?

Done for the Season

2006-09-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

"I felt a little pop, and then it really hurt"

Saints fight Cats, Cat chokes Cop.

2006-09-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

The Saint Paul Saints lost the American Association league championship last night to the Fort Worth Cats. Oh well, it's independant baseball. The bigger news is that after the game members of both teams went to the Half Time Rec in St. Paul to have some drinks. Apparently things got out of hand and a fight broke out between the teams. According to the Strib the "Police said 20 to 30 people were throwing punches in the bar when officers arrived about 12:15 a.m."
When police arrived on the scene the Saints were apparently saints and stopped fighting although one of the Cats players continued fighting and started choking St.Paul police officer, Cy Dargay. Poice spokesman Tom Walsh said the player, identified as Cats outfielder Kris Zacuto, had such a strong hold on the officer that he lifted him off the ground. He officers had to use batons on the player's arms and pepper spray to free Officer Dargay.

"Even after police had Zacuto off Dargay, the man continued to resist arrest, Walsh said. Police sprayed Zacuto with pepper spray and used batons to get him under control, Walsh said. When police had Zacuto handcuffed, he refused to walk to a squad car and officers had to drag him, Walsh said."

A number of other players were dragged to Detox and spent the night.
The officer that Zacuto was choking was actually scheduled to retire from the force today. What a great last night.

You don't mess with Chris Zacuto.

Objects In Mirror

2006-09-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Twins are now just two games behind the Tigers for the AL Central and 1 1/2 games ahead of the White Sox after this weekend. Winning 3 out of 4 against the Tigers is pretty awesome. I was honestly expecting a 2-2 split. Barring a total collapse over the next month Johan sealed his Cy Young award.

Liriano pitched 4 scoreless innings on Saturday night in his latest rehab start. He walked one, struck out 4 and didn't give up a hit. He get's his first start back on Wednesday afternoon against the A's at the dome. His pitch count will be limited to 60.

Matt Guerrier will get his first start of the season on Tuesday against the A's. He's replacing Scott Baker in the rotation.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said this week that he's holding "tryouts" to see who would occupy the third and probably final spot in the postseason rotation behind all-stars Johan Santana and Francisco Liriano, provided he stays healthy. Rookie Boof Bonser is the front-runner after another solid outing Saturday.

Things are looking up again. With Liriano's awesome 4 innings in Rochester on Saturday, here's hoping he can go back to the July Liriano and if the Twins can keep hitting and we can slip in to the playoffs.

Buster Olney writes on his ESPN Insider blog that Johan Santana is deserving of the MVP.

The Minnesota Twins are 81-59, the wildcard entrant if the playoffs started today. They are 22 games over .500.

Johan Santana has made 30 starts this year, and in those games, the Twins are 25-5. He's 17-5 himself, and Minnesota has won every game in which Santana got a no-decision; if he hasn't won, he's given them a chance to win.

Let's review. When Santana starts, the Twins are 20 games over .500. When anybody else starts, they are 56-54, basically a .500 team.

When Santana starts, the Twins are as unbeatable as the '27 Yankees. When anybody else starts, they are a non-playoff team.

But he also says if the Twins don't make the playoffs he probably wouldn't vote for him.

The Twins are 3-1 when he has started against the White Sox, 3-1 when he has started against Detroit. His record in the second half of the season is 8-0; the Twins are 11-0 in his starts since the All-Star break. Francisco Liriano went down and since then, Santana has hoisted the rotation onto his shoulders. He's got four starts left, in all likelihood, and it's conceivable that the Twins will have a perfect record in the games he starts in the second half.

Without Santana pitching as well as he has, the Twins aren't even part of the playoff conversation.

If the Twins don't make the playoffs, I wouldn't vote for Santana; there are good candidates -- no slam-dunk candidates -- with other teams. Jermaine Dye with the White Sox, the Yankees' Derek Jeter, Travis Hafner and David Ortiz. Justin Morneau has had an incredible season, getting a huge hit in the Twins' high-pressure victory last night. You can make a good case for Joe Mauer.

Pitching Matchups for this weekend

2006-09-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight - 7:10
RHP Scott Baker (4-7, 6.55 ERA) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (15-7, 3.27)

Friday, 7:10
RHP Matt Garza (1-4, 5.88) vs. LHP Wilfredo Ledezma (2-2, 2.38)

Saturday, 6:10
RHP Boof Bonser (4-5, 4.83) vs. LHP Nate Robertson (12-11, 3.93)

Sunday, 1:10
LHP Johan Santana (17-5, 2.84) vs. RHP Jeremy Bonderman (11-7, 4.02)

Every one of these games is going to be playoff caliber baseball. I'm almost glad I'm going to Dylan tonight so I don't have to deal with the stress of watching Baker pitch.

Swear at me Bert.

2006-09-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

In case anyone missed it. Here's the incident from Sunday's game where Bert Blyleven swears on live TV. I don't see what the fucking problem is.

Not Guilty

2006-08-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Jeff Reardon was found not guilty by reason of insanity for robbing a jewelry store in Florida last winter. In the robbery Reardon had no gun, and his penmanship was so awful that the store clerk told him she had trouble comprehending it. She would later say she thought the bearded robber was a deaf mute. He turned himself in later with $170 from the store.
Here's wishing Reardon the best of luck in getting his life back together after the loss of his son. Hopefully he'll be back in the dome next year for the 20th anniversary celebration of the 1987 World Series.

News 8-25-06

2006-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Francisco Liriano backed up from 60 to 90 feet on Thursday, making 25 throws as he attempts to come back from shoulder and elbow problems this season. The Star Tribune reported that Liriano needs a few more days of pain-free throwing before trying off a mound.

Looks like Thome will miss all three games of the Twins/Sox series this weekend. It must be a pretty bad hamstring injury if he's going to sit these games out. How long would it have taken him to injure that hammy on the dome turf?

The testing for Amphetamines this year doesn't seem to have had as much of an effect on gameplay as some people thought. Teams have just added espresso machines and using supplements from GNC.
"Sugar-free Red Bull," said Minnesota Twins designated hitter Rondell White, when asked what players were using for an energy boost this year. Maybe the cause of Rock's poor hitting this year can be tied to his coffee not being "leaded" anymore.

The Twins signed Dennys Reyes to a 2 year contract extension today. Reyes, 29, is 4-0, 0.96 (37.1 ip, 4 er), allowing 24 hits with 7 walks and 36 strikeouts in 43 appearances (all in relief) this season. He has an opponents' batting-average-against of .185 (24-13), first-batters-faced are batting .143 (6-42) and he has stranded 31 of 36 (86%) inherited runners, the fourth best percentage in the Major Leagues.

Willie Eyre has been lights out with a 1.76 ERA over the last month. Turns out it may be a cause of his ADHD medication.

"We all know the issue with the medicine he takes," Gardenhire said. "He's kind of had to play with that to get it even and that has probably helped him."

Eyre takes medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which was diagnosed a couple of years ago. Eyre said he's recently increased the dosage he takes daily. His brother, Cubs lefthander Scott Eyre, takes the same medication.

Updates 8/24

2006-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Matt Garza got his first Major League win last night in Baltimore. Six innings, one unearned run, one walk and one strikeout. Garza lowered his ERA more than five runs to 6.59.

Boof vs Anna Benson's husband tonight.

Liriano could be limited to pitching out of the bullpen.

Gardenhire said Liriano, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 7 because of mild soreness in his elbow and weakness in his shoulder, would have to build up to throw around 80 pitches before being considered ready for the rotation. If there's any sort of setback, Liriano likely will be shut down for the season.

Rondell White came off the DL today. Josh Rabe was sent down to Rochester, but will most likely be recalled in 10 days when the rosters expand.

News and Notes

2006-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

Liriano played catch tuesday before the game.

Liriano said he felt fine on Tuesday and plans on playing catch every day. The Twins are focused on getting Liriano's arm stretched out and feeling strong before he starts throwing bullpen sessions or pitching from a mound. Once the bullpen sessions begin, then the team will begin to think about how they can use him for the remainder of the season, Gardenhire said.

The Twins broke attendance records at the dome over the last 10 game homestand.

The New Ballpark Commissionwants you to keep your ideas for the new stadium coming.

Ballpark Ideas of the Week – 1.) A giant, old scoreboard. The kind where someone has to manually change the numbers. 2.) A Skyway Café above/behind center field. People could eat and watch the game. 3.) An underground viewing area behind the backstop. Open during batting practice, then covered during the game.

Twins update 8-18

2006-08-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Francisco Liriano said that his shoulder is starting to feel stronger. The pitcher is expected to have his medical examination on Sunday, and Liriano's next step in his rehab will be determined by the results of the exam.

The Twins have drawn crowds of 40,000-plus seven times this season. It's the most crowds of that number since 1992, when they had 17. It sounds like after this weekend the Twins will be at 10.

Scott Baker threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just four hits, as Triple-A Rochester beat Syracuse, 5-0, on Wednesday.

Not much to say here. Huge series this weekend.
Garcia vs Boof tonight.
Garland vs Bradke on Saturday.
Vazquez vs Johan on Sunday.

Make sure you go to Acme tonight after the game and laugh at JJ doing his stand up.

The phone's ringing dude.

2006-08-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

JJ and I went to the Vikings game last night and it was a blast. Sitting behind the Vikings bench we were not only entertained by T-Jack's first plays as a Viking, but by all the people who have jobs in the NFL. I would like to officially throw my name in the ring for the job that has you sitting on a crate waiting for a phone to ring. I'm not completely sure what that guy's whole job description is, but I have the feeling he's not very good at it. During the game last night the phone from upstairs rang twice. The first time he missed it and the kids that hand out Gatorade had to answer it. The second time thankfully he was there because the coaches must have had some important notes for O'Sullivan.
So Mr. Wilf and Childress, I'm free on sundays and I won't wander around and miss calls from the booth. Give me a chance. Note the guy in the yellow security jacket, his job was to watch the table with the phones for the guy who's waiting for the phone calls. I want that job.

Waiting outside the dome last night, we also spoted Boof, Garza and Tyner trying to get in to the Twins offices. Later on they were on the scoreboard during the game. Standing on the Raiders sideline. I only have one suggestion for Boof, get rid of the goatee and go back to the moustache. Please?

Twins news

2006-08-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Killebrew wants Morneau to join the 40 home run club.

Vote for Morneau to win the Hank Aaron Award.

Liriano will have a throwing session today.

(the session) will consist of light tosses from 60 feet, with a chance he'll back out to 90 feet. Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson said the session will last for just a few minutes as they check to see whether there's any pain in Liriano's elbow. Liriano is in the middle of a shoulder and elbow strengthening program in an effort to return to the lineup. He's out indefinitely, but the club quietly is hoping he will return at the end of the month.

La Velle E. Neal III, breaks down all the Replacements and call-ups that have helped the Twins continue winning this year.

"I'll be honest: It's kind of a unique situation," Twins catcher Mike Redmond said. "All the years I was in Florida, no one ever came up to the big leagues. We might bring up a pitcher here or there if someone got injured, or a position player to sit on the bench. They never played.

Mornozi

2006-08-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

G.R. takes back all the mean things he said about Morneau early in the season.

Aaron Gleeman breaks down the Twins history of 30 HR hitters and throws out this little tidbit that I didn't know was possible.

In the entire history of baseball, a .320-40-140 season has taken place only 38 times, including just 10 times over the past 50 years. In other words, not only is he about to re-write the Twins record book, Morneau has a chance to place himself in some pretty rarefied air well beyond the team's power-starved history.

Morneau is also on pace to hit 145 RBI's, which would be the most in Twins history.

If you're watching the Vikings preseason game on TV, watch for JJ and myself sitting 3 rows behind the Vikings bench. 40 yard line. Looks like T-Jack will be getting plenty of snaps tonight.

Childress said Sunday that Jackson will play the final portion of the second quarter and all of the third as the Vikings open the preseason against Oakland at the Metrodome. Jackson will be the third of the Vikings' four quarterbacks to see action. J.T. O'Sullivan will handle the fourth quarter.
O'Sullivan was listed ahead of Jackson on the first depth chart issued by the Vikings, but this appears to be an indication that has changed.

News and notes 8/9/06

2006-08-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's official. Liriano was placed on the DL retroactive to August 8. Boof get's another shot. He'll be in Detroit tonight.

Matt Garza is just the new guy.

Don't forget tomorrow is Singles Night at the dome and Joe Mauer sideburn night.
Get there early.

The Twins have a number of appearances scheduled for the next couple of weeks. Among the highlights are these:

Mike Redmond will be at the Rock Bottom brewery on Thursday August 17 for the "Catcher in the Rye" promotion. Anyone have any idea what this is? I will for sure be there though.

Also on the 17th, Cuddy hosts his Baseball Unplugged with Matt Guerrier and Joe Nathan at Brits Pub from 7-9pm. Hopefully i'll be able to hit both.

Update

2006-08-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Matt Garza was recalled and will join the Twins in Detroit tonight. Mike Smith was sent down to make room. So much for Radke's back up tonight. Maybe if Neshek has to come in they'll let him pitch more than 2 innings.

Ouch

2006-08-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

This isn't what was supposed to happen. The Twins lose big again to the Tigers and now Francisco Liriano is out indefinately.

In a quiet postgame clubhouse, Liriano, 22, seemed on the verge of tears, and his voice crackled as he described the pain, pointing to the inside of the elbow this time, beneath the muscle and possibly in the joint.

Not good news for Liriano's ROY bid and the Twins wild card chances. Here's hoping he's back soon.

The Twins are still sticking with Mike Smith to start on Friday. Although Gardy and Ryan are set to talk about the Twins pitching problems this morning. Matt Garza is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday in Rochester. Let's hope that Mike Smith mullet has some special powers in it.

Bradke goes tonight against Nate "Stupid Glasses" Robertson. Eric Gagne called, he wants his steez back.

Joe Nathan was named DHL Deliver Man of the Month of July.

Nathan was a perfect 9-for-9 in save opportunities in July, and allowed just one earned run in 12 games en route to amassing a 0.75 ERA for the month. The Twins closer struck out 19 batters over 12 innings as he helped the Twins to close out the month with a stellar 18-8 record.

2 ROM's = ROY?

2006-08-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Francisco Liriano has been named the American League Rookie of the Month for July. This is Liriano's second consecutive A.L. Rookie of the Month Award.

Justin Morneau is a candidate for this year's Hank Aaron Award.

Since 1999, the 25th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, Major League Baseball has recognized the best offensive performer from each league with the Hank Aaron Award, presented by Century 21. Past recipients include Barry Bonds (three times), Alex Rodriguez (three times), Manny Ramirez (twice), Albert Pujols, Todd Helton, Sammy Sosa and Carlos Delgado. Last year's winners, selected in balloting during the regular season's final month on MLB.com, were Boston's David Ortiz and Atlanta's Andruw Jones.

Vote for Justin.

Boof made his return to the dome today, after pitching 4 innings and giving up 7 runs (4 earned) and 5 K's.
Hopefully his next start will be better.

News and Notes 8/1

2006-08-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Torii came back from the 15-day disabled list and had three hits, including a three-run homer, and drove in four runs. It's good to have Torii back in CF.
The Twins are on pace to score 827 runs, their most since 1996. Who saw that coming in May?

Gardy missed last nights game with a case of the flu.

The Twins don't regret not getting Soriano.

Terry Ryan is still taking his time with Matt Garza.

"He's not part of the equation right now," Ryan said. "If he ends up dominating the [International] League like he did in A-ball and Double-A, we'll move him up."

Lew Ford took batting practice for the first time since going on the disabled list before Monday's game with the Rangers.

KSTP & The Twins officially announce the broadcasts will change to KSTP 1500 starting next year.

Under the deal with KSTP, the Twins will take their rights in-house. That means the franchise will sell and keep advertising revenue from the game broadcasts. It also will handle the production. In addition, KSTP will pay the Twins around $1 million per season.

Trade

2006-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

Terry Ryan continues his relationship with Wayne Krivsky and trades Kyle Lohse for right-handed pitcher Zach Ward.
Ward, 22, went 7-0 with a 2.29 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 20 appearances -- 18 starts -- this season with the Class A Dayton Dragons of the Midwest League. Ward was the Reds' third-round selection in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
I don't even think we need to get in to Kyle's stats. See ya later sideburns.

The open spot in the roster will probably be used when Torii comes off the DL tomorrow.

Redmond & His Extensions

2006-07-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Twins agreed to terms with backup catcher Mike Redmond on a two-year extension Thursday, with a club option for 2009.
Redmond is hitting .333 with eight doubles and 14 RBI in 29 games this season, most of the time playing in a day game after a night game.

Redmen & Their Wifes - Athens, GA 11-3-2004

News & Notes 7/27

2006-07-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

10000Takes is not a fan of the Billy Martin Bobblehead give away this saturday.

What kid in their right mind would want a Billy Martin Bobblehead. No kid knows who he is (since all bobbleheads look the same; smart parents will tell their kids it's Kent Hrbek), and no kid wants a bobblehead of a manager.

I know a few dudes that will be waiting in line when the doors open on Saturday.

Pat Neshek wants to make a website about Wayne Hattaway, the Twins Clubhouse all around guy, so people can actually learn who the hell this guy and his moustache are. Also a good City Pages article from 2002 on Wayne's contributions. Maybe next year the Twins can do a Wayne bobblehead.

Bat Girl reenacts Neshek's delivery.

Rick Aguilera will be signing autographs at the Dome before the game tomorrow night.
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Sunroom for season ticket holders
6:15 - 6:45 on the Plaza for general public.
Anyone want to go down early tomorrow night?

2006-07-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

The Twins moved in to a tie with Chicago after a sweep yesterday.
From Elias Sports Bureau:

The Twins pulled into a second-place tie with the White Sox in the AL Central after completing a three-game sweep at Chicago. It was only the third time since the franchise relocated to Minnesota in 1961 that the Twins swept a road series of at least three games from the defending World Series champion. Minnesota did it twice in 1973, with a pair of three-game sweeps at Oakland (one in April, to begin the season, and the other in late September).

Stan Cliburn says that Matt Garza is ready to go after seeing him pitch 3 games in Rochester. TK says "hold your horses".

"No doubt about it. Because of the maturity factor," said Cliburn, who played in the majors in 1980 and is in his 18th year managing in the minors. "I know he's young. I know this kid is just drafted last year. He's moved his way through the system from A-ball to Double-A, now he's in Triple-A.

Garza, who was drafted out of Fresno State, was promoted from Class AA New Britain to Class AAA Rochester on July 13, and he is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA with the Red Wings with 21 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Friday night starts the 3 game series with Detroit.
Liriano gets the start vs Miner.

2006-07-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it..

2006-07-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

The ESPN's frame by frame breakdown of Mauer's Swing.

Busom Buddies

2006-07-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Joe Mauer does the Q&A with the Strib.

Q When you're trying to keep a low profile, is dating a former Miss USA (Chelsea Cooley) the best way to go about it?

A Yeah, we tried to, but everything you do is kind of out there. Hey, she's bigger than I am. She has a lot of stuff going on. We're just hanging out. We didn't meet that long ago. ... I think most guys, with their personal life, would prefer to keep it personal. She's a friend of mine, and I'm starting to get to know her a little bit.

Q Do you still live with Justin Morneau?

A Yeah.

Q Have you ever thought about getting your own place?

A Well, it is my place. He's living with me.

Q Has he ever thought about getting his own place?

A I don't know, he might have. But we get along really well. We're opposites. We both like to have fun, but I'm a little more quiet and he's more outgoing. He gets me to go out a little more, and I get him to stay in a little more. It works out.

Q Is there any cooking that goes on there?

A Mostly takeout. A lot of Jimmy John's, Davanni's or Cossetta's. After games we try to sneak into Bellanotte before the kitchen closes.

Justin Morneau also does the Q&A thing with the PiPress. But it's no where near as interesting. It's baseball all the time.

BS You and Joe Mauer are roommates. He has the best batting average in baseball. You're among the league leaders in home runs and RBIs. What are you guys eating or drinking?

JM It's a lot of sleep. We don't have any kids or wives there, so it's just baseball all the time.

BS Baseball all the time? Isn't Joe dating Miss USA?

JM She's not there.

BS Have you asked Joe to introduce you to Miss USA's first or second runner-up?

JM That's not really baseball stuff.

You can tell that Morneau has NO interest in anything but playing ball. That's something that seems to be missing in the game. Dudes that just play ball and don't want to talk about who his roommate is banging.

Boof continues to struggle in Rochester but gets the win last night.

Bonser (4-4) pitched five shutout innings but was on the ropes early and often. He walked the bases loaded in the first, left two runners on in the second and stranded three more in the third. He walked five and hit a batter, and 37 of his 87 pitches were balls. But he got the job done when needed, including a strikeout of contact hitter Luis Figueroa to end the second. It was Figueroa's first strikeout in 72 at-bats and his 16th all season.

MVP

2006-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

That Guy

2006-07-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

I know these are not the guys that were at the dome last night, but they are kinda the same. I had some real issues with these guys. At first glance they always seem good times, but that won't last long. Soon they will stand the entire game, try to start the wave at the wrong time, even draw people into their false impression of good times.

I don' think its right to throw anything at guys that behave like this, but they need to be spoken too. I think the goatsee taunt is about as far as it should go, and that should only go on for a few seconds.

I don't know, I know they were having a good time and all but man...

You're with me sideburns.

2006-07-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

From the Twins press release:

The Minnesota Twins, in partnership with Mall of America, today announced that Thursday, August 10 (Twins versus Blue Jays; 7:10 p.m.) will be "Joe Mauer Sideburn Night" in honor of the Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher.

To celebrate Mall of America's 14th birthday, the first 10,000 fans through the gates will receive replica Joe Mauer's sideburns. The synthetic-hair sideburns have double-sided tape that will allow fans to share Mauer's trademark look, which also was highlighted in a recent Twins Territory television commercial.

I don't even know what to say about this. When I think Mall of America, I think sideburns.

Bloggin'

2006-07-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pat Neshek has been writing a bunch on his blog about getting the call up from Rochester.

Last night I got into my first game at the Metrodome. I was pretty pumped to get the call in a close 4-3 game. My arm felt excellent and I knew if I had my location on I would be fine. When I got to the mound for the first time I really wasn't nervous and was focused more on getting the guys out and preserving the lead. The dome mound was in excellent shape and just like in Texas the plate felt really close. The one thing I noticed just a little bit was the crowd right above the plate. There aren't too many ballparks that have a solid background right behind the plate. A lot of places have seating right behind home and this can act as camouflage when trying to find the catcher. Not here though, all I could see was the dark blue background and first couple rows of seats.

His site is pretty cool and you get the chance to learn alot about him.
He's a big autograph collector and has pictures of all his baseball cards. Neshek seem's like a pretty nice guy, he'll trade cards for his autograph with fans and has a list of everyone that's sent him letters and cards. He spent a bunch of time perfecting his signature.

In all it's an interesting and dorky look in to a rookies life with a MLB team.

News & Notes

2006-07-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Torii seems to think he'll be back on July 31.

"I'm convinced," Hunter said. "I've been playing for three months on this thing, so give me 15 days, I'm straight."

Shannon Stewart may have played his last game of the season as well as his last as a Twin.

The recent tear to Stewart's left plantar fascia appears to be worse than the one earlier this season, which caused him to miss 33 games. Stewart admitted that even he does not know if he will be able to make it back to playing this season.

"I'm at the point right now that I'm frustrated, and I know the team is probably frustrated," Stewart said.

The Strib revisits and analyzes the Twins failure to sign Travis Lee in 1996.

The Twins look to win their fifth straight game tonight and Rondell looks to continue hitting the ball. Three RBI's last night? Everyone's contributing at the right time.

TONIGHT
Scott Kazmir 10-6 3.26

vs
Francisco Liriano 10-2 2.12

DL grows.

2006-07-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Twins lose Shannon Stewart and Torii Hunter to the 15 day DL. Both have foot problems.
Nick Punto and Jason (Rob) Tyner started in the outfield on Sunday and the duo combined to go 4-for-7 in a 5-2 victory over Cleveland. Rondell White was called up from Rochester and went 2-3 with a home run. With that win the Twins climbed within 6 1/2 games behind the White Sox for second place in the Central and the Wild Card lead.

Jim Souhan think the Twins will not be able to trade Torii now.

1) The Twins have no immediate replacement. Jason Tyner has given the Twins three days of clutch, fundamentally sound play, but manager Ron Gardenhire thinks of him more as a corner outfielder than a center fielder.

2) The Twins haven't exactly climbed into contention, but they're too close to trade away a valuable player, even one who might be in physical decline.

3)The Twins can't sell off one of their most popular players for prospects while in contention right after having a new stadium approved. They can't afford the public relations hit.

Before the injury, the Twins' choices seemed to be trading Hunter before July 31 or signing him to a long-term deal.

Now they could look behind Door No. 3 -- picking up Hunter's option for $12 million in 2007.

Mauer and Morneau once again compared to Mantle and Maris.

Boofda.
Boof Bonser, the pitcher the Twins recently sent back to Rochester, lost his second start since returning to the minor leagues, giving up five runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings in a 6-3 loss to Ottawa.

News..

2006-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lew Ford was placed on the 15 day DL last night after he strained his right external oblique muscle during a fifth inning at-bat. Jason Tyner was called up from Rochester to replace Lew in the line up.

Jason Kubel sat out most of the game with soreness in both of his knees.

Kubel has had issues with soreness in his surgically repaired left knee all season, but in the past month he has been having problems with his right knee, as well.

The Twins still have yet to name a starter for Sunday's game, but it appears that Carlos Silva will indeed get the nod. Tonight Brad Radke will try to get his second half off to a great start as he faces Indians right-hander Paul Byrd.

Dave St. Peter continued his tour of ball parks and visited PNC park for the All Star game on Tuesday. Some of his thoughts on the park:

The sightlines within PNC Park are outstanding, as are the views of the Pittsburgh skyline. I couldn’t help but think how PNC’s orientation to downtown Pittsburgh is similar to the opportunity we have with our site in relation to downtown Minneapolis. The major difference is the Allegheny River sits between PNC Park and downtown Pittsburgh, while Interstate 394 stands between the Twins-Hennepin County ballpark site and downtown Minneapolis.

The Roberto Clemente Bridge spans the Allegheny River and is highly visible in virtually all seating areas. This bridge serves as inspiration to Minnesota ballpark designers as we consider options surrounding the construction of a pedestrian bridge aimed at connecting downtown Minneapolis to the Twins-Hennepin County ballpark site.

Pittsburgh’s very-own Primanti Brothers Sandwiches are the signature food item at PNC Park. These are so good, we may have to find a way to bring Primanti Brothers to Minnesota.

The second half begins.

2006-07-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

It's do or die time now at the dome. Starting with tonight's game against Cleveland, 20 of the Twins' next 27 games and 32 of their next 46 will come against division foes. Including nine against the White Sox and six against Detroit.
By the end of the month the Twins will either be right in the mix or long gone. Let's get it going.

Cleveland comes to the dome for a 4 day series.

Tonight: Cliff Lee, 8-6 4.76 VS Fransisco Liriano, 10-1 1.83 7:10 CT

Friday: Brad Radke, 7-7, 5.1 vs. Paul Byrd, 6-6, 4.31 7:10 p.m. CT

Saturday: Johan Santana, 9-5, 2.95 vs. C.C. Sabathia, 7-4, 3.51 6:10 p.m. CT

Sunday: Carlos Silva, 4-9, 7.00 vs. (Jeremy Sowers, 1-2, 7.47 1:10 p.m. CT

Remember to bring your knitting supplies to the game tonight for 'Stitch & Pitch'

Thankfully we have the dome to keep 70 degrees and sunny. It's looking to be in the 100's this weekend.

At the break

2006-07-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Twins release Ruben Sierra on Monday and recall Scott Baker from Rochester. Since being optioned to Rochester on June 1, Baker has gone 3-2, 2.92 (49.1 ip, 16 er) with 18 walks and 41 strikeouts in seven starts for the Red Wings.

There's still no word on where he'll be in the rotation with Santana and Liriano pitching in the All Star game tonight and Silva going in for medical consultation on his sore back.

Forget Ryan Howard, TC the bear wins the Mascot Home Run Derby.

David St.Peter updated his Ballpark Update blog. Apparently they're very open to suggestions. A group went to St. Louis last week and toured the new Busch and met with officials. Over the next month, Twins officials will also visit Pittsburgh’s PNC Park (for the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game) in addition to Cleveland’s Jacobs Field, Philadelphia’s Citizen’s Bank Park, San Diego’s PETCO Park and San Francisco’s AT&T Park.
Expect reports on the blog after each visit.

Keep the New Ballpark Suggestions coming. Thanks to everyone who has already sent in their thoughts. To date we have received 1,000+ plus ideas – all of which are reviewed by our internal new ballpark team. Who knows? Perhaps your idea will be incorporated into the new facility.

Has anyone sent in any suggestions for the new park? What are they forgetting?

Liriano asked to All Star game!

2006-07-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Francisco Liriano will take the roster spot of injured Jose Contreras in Tuesday's All-Star Game. He joins the Twins' two Major League stat leaders, Johan Santana (strikeouts) and Joe Mauer (batting average).
Congrats Francisco!

Bye Boof.

2006-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

You have until 5pm today to vote Liriano in to the All Star game. As of this morning he was in second place behind A.J.Pierzynski. Word is that A.J's wife voted for Liriano.
Vote as often as possible.

Twins drop 2 in a row to Kansas City. Why couldn't Radke pitch the 6th with only 82 pitches?

Boof was optioned back to Rochester. The Twins plan to recall right-handed reliever Pat Neshek from Triple-A Rochester before Friday night's game at Texas.

Neshek was 6-2 with a 1.95 ERA and 14 saves in 33 appearances for the Red Wings this season. He will replace No. 5 starter Boof Bonser, who was demoted after a rough outing against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Thanks to On The DL for the link to J.D."Real Deal" Durbin's myspace page. Some things we learn about J.D:

Can honestly say that I have never read a book from cover to cover.

His URL is: titsandassforme

His first baby was his Denali, but his boy is his dog Hoss.

He likes spring break and tanning.
He loves his dad and his big bro.

News

2006-06-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Press reports that Johan Santana has World Cup fever:

Twins ace Johan Santana is enjoying his second sports passion as much as baseball these days, as he monitors the Internet for World Cup soccer updates and — as he did Saturday afternoon — shows off some impressive moves kicking around a soccer ball in the outfield.

Venezuela's national team has never overcome South American powers such as Argentina and Brazil to qualify for a World Cup. But that hasn't stopped Santana from closely following the tournament, to the point of trying to collect jerseys from all 32 teams in this year's field. (He's up to about 15, he said.)

"A lot of people don't know what that means to the world,'' he said of the World Cup. "It's a beautiful competition. You see everybody standing for their country. Even when you don't have a team in the World Cup, you still stand. For me, you stand for everybody.''

I wonder if he has a Dutch jersey yet.

Center fielder Brandon Roberts made his Twins organization debut last night for Class A Fort Myers.

The Twins ended the Tony Batista experience and released him.

"We were hoping Tony would be able to hit a few more home runs," manager Ron Gardenhire said last week. "He's been wonderful here, a quality person, just what we thought when we brought him over. It's just that we're not getting the production we need."

2006-06-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

I didn't get it on Youtube yet but here's JJ at his first Twins game the other night after Justin Morneau hit a game winning HR.

500

2006-06-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

Twins sweep the Pirates.

What a great weekend.

The Astros are next.

Liriano vs Clemens on thursday.

News

2006-06-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Twins Sweep Boston.

Liriano vs a bunch of Pirates tonight. Arrrgh.

Santana likes to prepare for games with his PSP.

Ruben has been activated from the DL. Welcome back!

Twins Trade Castro

2006-06-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

The Twins traded Juan Castro to Cincinatti today for Minor League outfielder Brandon Roberts.
From the Twins Press Release:

Roberts, 21, was batting .267 (66-247) with five doubles, one triple, one homer, 15 rbi and 23 stolen bases in 60 games with the Sarasota Reds (A, Florida State League) this season.

The 6-0, 185-pounder was originally drafted by the Reds in the seventh round of the June, 2005 free agent draft. In 2005, his first professional season, Roberts batted .318 (87-274) with nine doubles, six triples, four homers, 36 rbi and 32 stolen bases, while being selected to the Pioneer League Year-End All-Star team.

The Twins will be playing one man short tonight, no news as to who will be the 25th man on the roster tomorrow.

Safe at home.

2006-06-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Two dudes ran on the field last night, one got caught early, the other made it all the way around the bases and slid head first in to home right in front of David Ortiz.
MLB and the broadcasters usually don't show this stuff, but this was way to funny for them no to show.

UPDATE
The two guys from a Minneapolis suburbs are being charged with disorderly conduct and could be charged with more. By the way, how are you still a bat boy at 25 years old Nate Reese?

2006-06-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Wakefield vs Silva tonight.

News

2006-06-14T13:18:00.000-07:00

In case anyone missed it, the Twins beat the Red Sox in 12 innings last night with Jason Kubel's walk off Grand Slam. Not only was it his first home run, it was his first Grand Slam, his first walk off hit

and his first Major League gatorade bath.

KG was at the game again last night and JJ once again got a hand shake.

Bye bye Twista.
The Twins send Tony Batista down to AAA and recall Jason Bartlett who will replace Castro as shortstop.
Third base will now more than likely be platooned by Juan Castro,Nick Punto, L-Rod & T-Tiffee.

Jim Souhan get's all gushy over the lost Twins Season.

Vote For Joe

2006-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Vote Joe Mauer in to the All Star Game. He needs the Votes.

Oops I broke my face.

2006-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe you need one of these JJ.
Just don't forget eye protection.

Player of the Week

2006-06-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

Joe Mauer was named American League's Bank Of America Player of the Week yesterday. Joe hit .625 (15-for-24) with five doubles, four RBIs and two stolen bases.

Mauer is reportedly the third Major League player to ever reach base four times in five consecutive games. But the mark is considered unofficial by the Elias Sports Bureau because no official record exists for consecutive games reaching base four times.

Hopefully he can keep up the hot hitting with the Red Sox in town.

Want to know how Joe keeps up his training and is able to this so well? I'm sure you can learn a thing or two from his Quickswing Training Aid.

Make sure to visit and sign up at the new Boofda Forum.

Pitching

2006-06-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night
Schilling
9-2 3.81 ERA

VS

Santana
6-4 3.14 ERA

Wegmans

2006-06-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Buck, lets get that YouTube clip of us going crazy as the twins moved 11.5 out on Friday night.

Mauer reads.

Tomorrow, Johan plays Curt. Lets sweep the Sox.

I spoke to my dad this morning, Rocheter is known as the "flower city" we have lilacs and we have lots of Flour. Anyway, we are also pretty clever there. I guess they are wearing a hat this year on the road that is like the TC on the twins hat but its an FC. I put an order in with my dad.

Lets see if he comes through with this one.

Oh and Nate, this is what we can yell "Wegmans"

Draft news.

2006-06-06T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Twins took Chris Parmelee from Chino Hills HS in the First round of the Draft today. An outfielder/1B apparently he can hit. From Baseball America:

Considered one of the draft's safer bets among hitters with good plate discipline and a sound swing

. Chris Parmelee is a 6'1, 200 pound first baseman and pitcher from Chino Hills, CA. One of the top power hitters in the class of 2006, Chris has the bat speed and contact ability to hit with power to all fields. This season Chris batted .412 with 28 hits, 24 RBI's and 11 home runs. On the defensive side, Chris has great agility, a strong arm and soft hands when playing first base. On the mound this season Chris recorded five wins and 50 strikeouts. He was a First Team All-District selection for Chino Hills. Could this be the power hitter the Twins want when the new stadium opens?

In the second round the Twins selected another outfielder, William Benson from Joliet Catholic Academy. From the MLB scouting report:

he has a power-speed combination that excites scouts. He's raw, but projectable.

You're with me Bert.

2006-06-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Twins optioned Scott Baker AAA Rochester today. Looks like we'll be seeing Silva back in the line up this week. They recalled Terry Tiffee. Anyone want to bet on who the next pitcher in rotaion sent down will be? Boof? Bradke?

The first results of the annual fan voting for All-Stars has been released, and despite being the Major League's batting leader, Twins catcher Joe Mauer's name was nowhere in sight. In fact, the only Twin to show up among the leaders was Torii Hunter, who placed 12th among outfielders. Vote at the game and online!

J.D. Durbin turned in another impressive performance for the Rochester Red Wings on Tuesday night, giving up only three hits and no runs over eight innings. Unfortunately for Durbin, the game was scoreless when he left, and the Red Wings eventually won, 5-0. For the season, Durbin is 3-1 with a 2.54 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings of work.

Looks like Roger Clemens will pitch his first game back with Houston against the Twins on June 22. I'd love to watch this game, but i'll be too busy yelling at A.J. and watching Albert touch em all in Chicago.

Francisco Liriano pitched another stellar game last not, not giving up a hit in 5+ innings. In three starts he's given up only seven hits and one run in 16 innings, and has an ERA of 0.56 as a starter. Which leads me to this rule.

Things not to say to a buddy when his favorite pitcher has a no-hitter going in the 5th:
1.Santana has a no hitter going? Wow.
2. Did you see Liriano has a No-hitter going?
3. Anything involving no's and hits.

Things you can say:
1. Dude, turn on the game.
2. Good game so far.
3. Nothing at all.

I know Liriano's pitch count was up there and the Twins coaches were just waiting for him to give up something so they could take him out, but come on. Don't mention the no hitter.

I totally missed Blyleven asking Ace from American Idol if he "got lucky with Paula Abdul" Did anyone hear this? It's gotta be on youtube somewhere.
Thanks to Deadspin and World of B.

Get em while they're hot.

2006-05-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Boofda Store

Warning

2006-05-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

Do not sit in this guy's seats at the dome in Section 120 row 13. He will call security to have you kicked out even though there are plenty of seats all around the section and you've sat in them for the first 6 innings of the game. You will think he's joking, but he's not. He likes his seat.
If he wasn't such a big snitch, you'd be able to see Paul Westerberg sitting 5 rows in front of you.

Boof Facts

2006-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Just to clear up any arguments, from Minor League News:

John P. Bonser had his name legally changed to Boof Bonser in high school.

Updates - Free Hot Dogs on Friday!

2006-05-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

We've changed our name from Domed Dreams to Boofda.com today. Hopefully this will stick. In anticipation of the BOOFDA shirts showing up for Boof's first start at the Dome.

Ron Gardenhire was ejected in the fifth inning of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Indians. I wish I had gone to this game today. I love it anytime Gardy get's mad enough to throw his hat.

Gardenhire raced out of the dugout to argue the call and kicked dirt over second base and threw his hat before Hernandez tossed him from the game. Gardenhire continued to argue for several minutes before stomping back to the dugout and leaving his hat near second base. Hernandez picked up the hat and started to stuff it in his back pocket before Gardenhire returned to retrieve it. Hernandez tossed the hat to him to end the confrontation.

Tim Pawlenty will sign the Twins stadium bill before Minnesota's game against the Seattle Mariners on Friday night at the Metrodome. Game time has been pushed back from 7:05 to 7:30 to celebrate the beginning of the end of the dome.

Former Twins greats Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew and Tony Oliva will attend the ceremonies. Twins owner Carl Pohlad and Jerry Bell, the president of Twins Sports Inc. who was the team's point man on the stadium drive, also will be on hand.

For the first time ever they Twins will be giving away FREE hot dogs and soft drinks.
This should be a pretty awesome night for any Twins fan. Free Dogs, New Stadium, and Liriano vs Felix Hernandez. The future.

Boofda

2006-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

These were ordered today.
Hopefully they'll be here for Boof's first home start.

Breaking News - Finally!

2006-05-17T13:26:00.001-07:00

The Twins are changing up the rotation, sending Silva to the bullpen and placing my man Francisco Liriano in the 3rd slot.
Now Lohse is being optioned down to Rochester and the Twins are bringing up Boof Bonser.

From the Twins Media Department:

Minneapolis, MN– The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have optioned righthanded pitcher Kyle Lohse to Rochester (AAA, International League). In eight starts this season, Lohse was 2-4, 8.92 (38.1 ip, 38 er), allowing 57 hits with 19 walks and 24 strikeouts.

To replace Lohse on the 25-man roster, the Twins have recalled righthanded pitcher Boof Bonser from Rochester. In eight starts with the Red Wings, Bonser was 3-2, 2.01 (49.1 ip, 11 er), allowing 33 hits with 20 walks and 47 strikeouts. Bonser will meet the team in Milwaukee on Friday and is scheduled to make his Major League debut as the starting pitcher on Sunday.

Hopefully he'll still have that moustache.

I'm still here.. Just been busy and with the less than stellar season it's been hard to get into updates. I'll start next week when I get back from NY.

Notes

2006-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Twins lost the last game of the series against the Yankees on Easter. Even though the third game was pretty lopsided the Twins swept a very talented Oakland team and took 2 of 3 from the Yankees. Finishing the first 6 games of the 9 game homestand five and one. Nothing to complain about. The Twins are now .500 and take on Anaheim starting tuesday night at the Dome.

On another note, the Twins are 5-0 when I attend with a moustache.

Before the game on friday night Gary Louris of the Jayhawks was seen outside the dome making a deal on some scalped tickets. Down the street from him Chris Mars of the Replacements was seen canoodling with his wife Sally.
The Twins are 1-0 when Sid Hartman wears a pink polo shirt to the games.

Ruben Sierra makes his debut with the Twins tomorrow night taking Jason Kubel's spot on the roster. Kubel goes back down to AAA Rochester.

In Wolves news, Fred Hoiberg retired from basketball today. It's sad to see him go.
Lil Dice has more coverage.

Twins win Home opener.

2006-04-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Brad Radke got through the first inning without giving up a homerun last night and the Twins beat Oakland 7-6 in the home opener. The game featured an extended tribute to Kirby Puckett before hand. Jack Morris gave a touching speech that went on a bit to long. I think that his may have had something to do with Radke not giving up any dingers in the first. First pitch was supposed to be 7:18, but it didn't get underway until after 7:30 meaning that Radke had an extra 15 minutes to warm up thus pitching kind of a simulated first inning. Hopefully the Twins saw this and just warm him up a little earlier than usual when he goes against the Yankees this saturday.

Last nights game was my first opportunity to use my Season Tickets. This is my first year as a season ticket holder and I'm so happy. I set a goal for myself to be a season ticket holder by the time I was 30 years old. I beat that by a year and a half.

The Twins play Oakland again tonight Carlos Silva vs Esteban Loaiza.

Twins Come Alive

2006-04-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

It may have been the lack of Geddy Lee, but the Twins bats came alive last night in the rout of the Blue Jays 13-4.
Brad Radke went back into form last night giving up two homeruns in the first inning. After that he seemed to settle down. I sat last night trying to figure out what's wrong with Radke that he gives up so many first inning homers. Makes no sense.

Francisco Liriano got to see action for the first time this year pitching the 7th & 8th innings giving up two hits and striking out three. If Scott Baker truly is a better pitcher than Liriano, I can't wait to see him pitch this saturday against the Indians.

Everyone got into the game last night Torii had a night that he will hopefully be having alot more this season, 4 for 5 with a grandslam. As of now he's second in the AL with 6 RBI's. The only Twin in the starting line up without a hit was Tony Batista who was 0 for 3 with a walk. He walked!

The Twins play the rubber game against the Blue Jays tonight at 6:07. Carlos Silva vs Gustavo Chacin.

Today is Bert Blyleven's Birthday. If you watched the game last night you had a hard time not knowing that as that was all Dick and Bert wanted to talk about. There was a whole lot of talk about Bert getting really drunk and walking to Clevelend or something like that.
By the way. Only 6 more days until we have to deal with Bert circling people again. The past 3 years I keep thinking that when a new season starts people will forget about their longing to be circled on television and stop making signs, but no, they remember. They always remember.

Living in The Limelight.

2006-04-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Twins started the season last night and ended there quest for a perfect season losing 6-3 to the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays honored Kirby Puckett last night before the game with a video montage. I don't know whether of not this was before of after the Blue Man Group performed. The bartender at Gameworks was having a hard time changing channels so we missed everything before the first pitch.

Seeing the new 34 patch on the sleeves of the uniforms was cool. At first I was disapointed with them, but after a good look I think it's the best tribute to Puckett. A simple reminder of him all season. On another note, Puckett's children will be onhand to throw out the first pitch at the Home Opener on April 11.
Besides the patch tribute, the Twins will have a 34 painted on the turf in center field, but it will apparetnly only stay there for the first home stand. That on top of the tributes to be painted on the turf - one between home plate and first base and the other between third and home.

The team as a whole didn't look TOO bad last night and I'm not worried about Santana's performance at all. It will take a month for him to get the velocity up and to get in a groove.

The highlight of the night had to be Geddy Lee from Rush sitting behind home plate and watching the game. After doing some research it turns out Lee lives in Toronto and is a huge baseball fan. He's even talked about buying a Minor League team. The dudes at Batters Box even have a Blue Jays drinking game, in the Comments someone mentions taking a drink if Geddy Lee is sitting behind home plate. Something to look for when the Jays are on TV I guess.

Opening Day

2006-04-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Baseball is here! Last night my friends and I attempted to watch the White Sox / Indians game but after the 4 hour Rain Delay we just played Home Run Derby on the new MLB 06. I left undefeated. Here I am with the trophy I won.

The Twins Finalized their 25 Man Opening Day Roster by cutting all the T's out of the lineup sending Terry Tiffee and Jason Tyner down to the Minors. Ruben Sierra will start the season in Rochester as well. Jason Kubel will probably get the start against Toronto on Tuesday. With Castro and Cuddyer starting on Opening Day, the Twins bench would include Mike Redmond, Luis Rodriguez, Punto, Ford, and Kubel.

Francisco Liriano's DUI charge will likely not affect his playing time with the Twins.

"I feel like I made a mistake and I'll pay for it," Liriano said. "I'm responsible for what I did. I'm really sorry for what happened. I made a big mistake."

Twins general manager Terry Ryan, manager Ron Gardenhire, and Liriano met with the media on Friday morning to talk about the incident. Ryan said that Liriano's status on the team will not be affected and there are no plans to fine or suspend the pitcher, but rather to let the law take its course.

So today is Opening Day. I'm having a hard time concentrating on work will all the checks on my 2 fantasy teams, listening to games on XM radio and going to lunch to watch the Red Sox - Rangers game. Hopefully I'll get something done today.

Don't Stop Now

2006-03-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

Francisco Liriano was picked up in Florida last night on DUI charges.

A breath test registered Liriano's blood alcohol level at .133, according to Angelo Bitsis, public information officer for the Cape Coral Police Department. Florida defines drunken driving as anything at .08 or over.

Jason Bartlett will start the season in AAA Rochester. Juan Castro won the starting Shortstop position and will open the season there on Tuesday.
Only 2 More days til baseball that counts!

Last nights Pollard show was so fun. I had been looking forward to this for such a long time, and even though I saw two shows in Austin I was psyched for the 3+ hour show at First Ave. I wasn't disapointed. 2 Encores of mainly GBV classics, Don't Stop Now, Game of Pricks..It was amazing. I also got my Miller Light Guitar signed by Bob after the show.

Numbers

2006-03-28T10:28:00.000-08:00

2 Days until Robert Pollard at First Ave.

5 Days until Opening Night of the 2006 MLB season.

14 Days until the first Twins home game.

The Twins are still undecided on what to do with Liriano. Why can't we trade Lohse for some good hitting?

Juan Castro made his first start for the Minnesota Twins since hurting his right wrist while playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. He went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Monday in a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

"I wouldn't even call it an injury," Castro said of the bruised hamate bone, which has healed. "It's good to be back. I'm ready to go."

The Twins released their promotions schedule recently, some of the upcoming give aways this year include a Kent Hrbek bronze statue, Torii Hunter Gold Glove bobblehead, Jack Morris bobblehead and a Carlos Silva growth poster.

I'm buying my Season Tickets today. This will be a first for me, but I'm not going to quit trying to scam better tickets. So if you know anybody..you know who to send them to.

News and Notes

2006-03-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

Francisco Liriano pitched for the first time this spring in a Twins uniform against the Cincinnati Reds. In one hitless inning of work he struck out two. It's still unclear whether or not Liriano will be in the Twins bullpen to start the season or in AAA Rochester.

Gardenhire: "There's no doubt in my mind that he can come out of the bullpen and get left-handed hitters out. The question is going to be, what's best for him, and what's best for our ballclub? We'll just have to let it play itself out."

Ruben Sierra will probably start the season on the DL.

Juan Rincon threw a bullpen session Wednesday afternoon, and will throw to live hitters on Friday.

The Twins won the Mayor's Cup this year beating the Red Sox 4-3 on Thursday night. Kyle Lohse pitched a remarkable 5 shut-out innings. I hope Kyle can finally have a season that makes me believe in him.

In other sporting news. Colin Cowherd is a Douche Bag and Mamba wants to be Jewish.

I'm back, Ruben's Gone.

2006-03-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, with Kirby's death and my trip to SXSW in Texas I haven't had much time or energy to update this here blog.
But now I'm back. The season is right around the corner and I couldn't be more excited.

My first of two Fantasy Leagues held our draft on sunday. I'm feeling pretty good about my line up so far. I'll post more on that later this week.

Some News & Injury Notes:

Ruben Sierra is out for at least a week with a strained quadricep. I'm feeling really good about ol' Ruben this year.

Michael Cuddyer went down in the 7th Inning in yesterday's game versus the Phillies. Quite honestly, I feel better with Lew Ford out in Right Field anyways. Stay Down Cuddy!

- Pitcher Dave Gassner will not throw for a month because of bone spurs in his elbow.

- Relief pitcher Juan Rincon, coming off elbow surgery, threw for eight minutes Monday. Gardenhire said Rincon threw all his pitches and threw well.

Jim Souhan stirs the pot with "Torii's the next to go" rumors. I'd be happy to spend that 12 million a year on someone that can actually perform up to their expectations.
I'm sick of waiting for Torii to have that break out year.

Something nonbaseball releated. Here's a picture of Nate and I with Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices before his day party show at SXSW.

News and Notes

2006-03-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Twins will be holding a memorial service / tribute on Sunday evening at the Metrodome. Doors open at 6pm and the Service begins at 7pm.

The other #34 David Ortiz hit two home runs for the Dominican Republic in the first round of the World Baseball Classic. I've heard Papi mention Kirby as one of his favorite players and a huge influence in his playing style.

Kevin Garnett wrote KP34 on his shoes last night in the Wolves loss to the Rockets. One of my favorite quotes.

"He was one of the very few people that I enjoyed being around, to tell you the truth, because he was just himself," said Garnett

Kirby Puckett 1960-2006

2006-03-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

Kirby was given last rights and passed on tonight.
The Trib has the obit up already.
I'll add tribute links as they pop up.
Kirby's family released this statement.

It is with great sadness that we announce that baseball legend Kirby Puckett was given last rites and passed away this afternoon. The Hall of Famer was hospitalized Sunday after suffering a stroke. Forty-five-year-old Puckett, who led the Minnesota Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, wished to be an organ donor. Medical staff at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center are currently determining if that wish can be fulfilled.

Kirby's family and friends thank his fans for their thoughts and prayers.

The family is not releasing additional information or conducting interviews at this time. They thank the media for respecting their wishes.

I'm so bummed right now. Time to hit the whiskey.

2006-03-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Kirby Puckett will be removed from life support this evening.
I don't even know what to say. If I was 12 I would be balling my eyes out. Now a days I can just think of all the happiness he brought me, my friends and Minnesota. I'll be making it a point to sit in the Kirby seat at the dome at least once this year. Without Kirby I wouldn't love baseball as much as I do.

The Twins have a Message Board to reflect on KP's life.

News

2006-03-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

Kirby Pucket has slipped into critical condition following his stroke on sunday.
Bat Girl has a tribute page.
Joe Mauer signs a 1 year contract . Arbitration here we come!
Some highlights from Spring Training this weekend.
No one got injured.
Kyle Lohse threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut -- but needed 45 pitches to do so.
Dan Gladden missed WCCO radio broadcasts on Sunday and Monday because he rushed to Arizona to be With Kirby. Everyone needs a friend like Dazzle.

Kirby Suffers Stroke.

2006-03-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

I was on my way to brunch before the Wolves game this afternoon when Nate called to let me know that Kirby Puckett had a stroke and was in surgery. Torii Hunter pulled himself out of the Red Sox/Twins game today and I too wanted to just pull out of going to the game, go home and watch my tapes of the 87 & 91 World Series.
I hope he can pull through this. He's gotten a bad rap in the past few years and I don't even want to address that at the moment. He was still one of the top athletes Minnesota and baseball in general has ever had.

Ruben aint old.

2006-02-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Twins minor league prospect Ruben Sierra stretches out with Joe Mauer. I'm having a hard time believing we'll see more than ten at-bats from the old man this year. In some interviews he says he doesn't feel his age. Even if he feels 36 he's still a washed up old man. Hopefully he will prove me wrong.

See Ya Later Sideburns

2006-02-24T14:39:00.000-08:00

In one of the new Twins Territory ads released this week, Joe Mauer gives his sideburns to a kid. I haven't bothered watching this commercial yet, I'm sure i'll be seeing it all year during every commercial break during the games.
The other commercials involve Torii Hunter at a kids birthday party, hopefully not pulling an R.Kelly , TC Bear and Gardenhire.

He's filthy

2006-02-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

The second part of Baseball America's Top 100 prospects. Liriano makes #6.

"He's filthy. We're talking three big league pitches, and everything looks easy."
--Indianapolis manager Trent Jewett

Baseball America

2006-02-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

Baseball America listed the bottom 50 of their to 100 prospects this year. 4 Twins made the bottom 50. Anthony Swarzak #100, Glen Perkins #91, Matt Moses #75, and Jason Kubel #58. Quite honestly the person on this list I am most excited about is Matt Moses, if only for the reason that he's not a pitcher.

"He has some real life off of that bat. If it's a hittable pitch in the zone, he puts the barrel on the ball, and that's not something you can teach."
--Fort Myers manager Riccardo Ingram

Hopefully he can have a good season in the minors and make the move to the majors late this year or 2007.

Hope

2006-02-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Apparently news is that legislators are "open to the idea" of a new stadium bill for the Twins.

MLB.com takes a look at the Twins pitching
Is it possible to have too much good pitching?
Radke may have a golfing buddy in Barry Bonds as he says he'll decide whether to retire after this season.

Liriano may want to reconsider

2006-02-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sports Illustrated reports that top Twins pitching prospect Francisco Liriano may be hurting his chances to move in to the 5th spot on the Twins pitching rotation if he chooses to pitch for the Dominicans in the WBC. I understand that it's a big honor to be chosen to pitch with so many of his heroes, but you have to assume he's going to be used as middle relief and not really get as many innings as he would if he'd stay in Floriday and prove to the Twins that he's worthy of that 5th spot.
Gardy says if Scott Baker wins out over Liriano he wouldn't be against sending him back to Rochester so he could get more quality minutes.
I hope he makes the right decision and I get to see me some Liriano this spring.

Viva Venezuela

2006-02-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Johan Santana is preparing to be one of Venezuela's top starters when the World Baseball Classic starts in 13 days. Not much news here, they still haven't announced the full line-ups other than Johan and Freddie Garcia will be pitching together and not against each other.

The Heckler

2006-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Robert ``the Heckler'' Szasz has a blog now. Perhaps you've heard of this guy, he picks one player each game and then heckles them all game. He's going to bring some "insight into his heckling"
You gotta love the guy for
1. Keeping it PG and being creative with the taunts &
2. Being able to go to that many Devil Rays games without killing himself.
Next week I'll list some of my favorite local heckles, as lifted from my friends.

Cambria Suites have some competition.

2006-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

One more thing to sneak into this year.
The Twins announce that they will be allowed to use the Vikings new Luxury Suites this year. I'll take the Cambria suite over a box that is at the back of left field. Although there's gotta be some free booze in there.

Rondell

2006-02-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Twins Fantasy Players for your team. I don't know why you would want anyone other than Santana and Nathan on your fantasy team, but we get a bit of honesty from the Twins website about Rondell White.

White is capable of hitting for both average and power, and will deliver some of the hardest-hit line drives you'll ever see. Unfortunately, he never seems to stay in the lineup long enough to produce any significant numbers. Because he has a recognizable name, White is likely to be grabbed in the late rounds by someone in your draft. Ideally, though, he's the kind of player who should be left on the waiver wire until he goes on one of his hot streaks.

You have to love the optimism the Twins have for this guy. Here's hoping being an every day Designated Hitter will keep him healthy enough to play at least 130 games this year.

Spring is here

2006-02-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Twins equipment truck arrived in Fort Myers today. Thanks to Brothers Paul and Tom Luxem, from Maplewood, Minn., shared driving duties. A few more of the unsung heroes of baseball. Without these dudes, who knows where the Twins would be today. Apparently the Red Sox equipment truck was caught in the Nor'easter over the weekend and they're still waiting for it to show up.

In The News

2006-02-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

The Cincinatti Reds hire Twins assistant General Manager Wayne Krivsky as new General Manager. This takes away an important player in Terry Ryans gang, but does it also give the Twins a new trading partner? Perhaps Griffey Jr. is in our future.
We're blessed with much pitching and Cincinatti is blessed with heavy hitting.
Aaron Gleeman Let's his dreams be known:

My dream scenario would involve Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns or Edwin Encarnacion, or maybe even Felipe Lopez or Wily Mo Pena. A slightly more realistic scenario is that Krivsky was the person in the Twins' front office most in favor of keeping Kyle Lohse around for another year and might be willing to swap a lesser hitter like Ryan Freel for him once Ryan is confident in Francisco Liriano being ready for the starting rotation.

Come midseason, when Tony Batista has proven himself incompetent as an everyday player, the Twins could make room for Liriano every fifth day while also grabbing Freel to replace Batista at third base. Hey, a boy can dream, right? Actually, I suppose my real dream scenario would involve Ryan deciding that he should replace Krivsky with some kid who blogs about the Twins from his bedroom.

Prospects

2006-02-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

Baseball America lists their top 10 prospects for the Twins. Not surprisingly Francisco Liriano is at the top of that list. After seeing him pitch last year for a few innings I am so excited that he's finally going to be in the rotation. It was the same excitment I had watching Santana pitch 3 years ago.

Mauer opts out.

2006-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Joe Mauer chooses to sit out of the World Baseball Classic. Probably a smart move on Joe's part. The Twins are going to need him at full strengh all season and playing with any sort of energy in "The Classic" would surely take something out of him.