Article: Rundown: Target Field Security, Offseason Expectations and More

[Tom Froemming]

Target Field is undergoing yet another fairly major update this offseason, the focus being around Gate 34. Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune relayed an update on the project and noted that there will be added security measures. Though no specifics were reported, Olson wrote that all of MLB is moving slowly toward full NFL-level security.Reading between the lines, that more than likely means there are going to be bag restrictions at Target Field in the future. Here’s a link to the NFL’s current bag policy, which is basically any bag that’s big enough to fit more than just your cell phone needs to be clear. This is obviously a hindrance in particular to women, families and persons with disabilities.

 

The way it is right now, all bags are hand checked by security and all fans pass through metal detectors. I don’t see how restricting bag size and forcing people to use clear bags is going to improve security at all. If there’s a traffic issue, maybe they should just designate certain gates for people bringing in bags in order to keep things moving quickly elsewhere. I guess I don’t have the perfect solution, but then again, there doesn’t really seem to be a problem to fix in the first place.

 

Also from the STrib, some 49-year-old knucklehead who got banned from Target Field for being an annoying rube is trying to worm his way back in. The Twins took action because “he had violated the Twins’ code of conduct for guests by his overly aggressive behavior in chasing down the balls. The Twins allege incidents have included physical altercations and approaching families and asking to trade their game-used souvenir.”

 

The most surprising thing to me about this story is that he was only banned for a year. But the real kicker is this turd plans on violating the ban and showing up to the stadium next season.

 

Really dude?

 

I’ve got nothing against memorabilia collectors, I’ve got a bit of the stuff myself, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about things. Being obnoxious and ruining the experience for other fans is most definitely the wrong way. There’s some really great reporting by Randy Furst in that article linked above, the whole thing’s worth a read.

 

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette shared a lot of interesting details surrounding the Twins’ hiring of new pitching coach Wes Johnson. A particular item of note is that the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels had expressed some level of interest in Johnson and that the Twins’ offer is well north of $350,000 per year for multiple seasons.

 

Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press was first to break the news that Joe Mauer’s wife Maddie delivered their third child, Charles Joseph, Wednesday evening. Congratulations to the Mauer family. I assume the Twins have already assigned a local scout to track Charles' development.

 

Over at Twinkie Town, Andrew Bryzgornia highlighted seven names as potential Mauer replacements at first base. There was also a poll included asking readers who their preference would be. I was surprised by the results.

 

Cliff Corcoran of The Athletic listed the five favorites in each league for the 2019 Rookie of the Year awards. No Twins cracked the top five in the AL, but guess who he listed as contender … Willians Astudillo! Yes, his rookie eligibility is still intact.

 

Dave Schoenfield wrote a fun piece at ESPN that projected a blockbuster offseason move for each team. He had the Twins signing Josh Donaldson, Daniel Murphy and Nathan Eovaldi. Not sure if that quite busts my block. Those would certainly be major upgrades, but that’s closer to the type of offseason additions I am expecting the Twins to make, not a blockbuster offseason.

 

Last week, the staff over at USA Today shared their predictions on where the big free agents would sign. Six of their writers gave their best guesses on five of the top talents available: Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Patrick Corbin, Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel. Nobody predicted the Twins would sign any of those players.

 

Richard Justice of MLB.com shared his seven teams most likely to make big free agent signing this offseason. The Twins were not included, but the White Sox were. Also at MLB.com, David Adler hinted at the three potential fits for a Zack Greinke trade. The Twins were not on this list, either.

 

There’s been a lot of buzz about how much money the Twins have coming off the books, but the national media certainly doesn’t seem to be buying them as potential major players on the free agent or trade markets. Expect there to be backlash from some of your friendly local columnist, talk radio hosts and casual fans (read: Vikings fans who are aware baseball exist) if the Twins fail to make significant investments. Now that Mauer’s contract is off the books, they have a lot more ammo.

 

The guys over at 1500ESPN had a good conversation on a number of topics, but they touched on offseason expectations. Derek Wetmore basically asks why not the Twins? Why can’t they sign a Manny Machado or someone like that? Co-host Jake Depue walked him back from that stance a little bit, pointing to the team's lack of activity at the top of the market as reason to doubt their ability to make a huge splash.

 

There's validity to both Wetmore's sort of "why not us" stance and Depue's maybe more realistic response, so it made for a good conversation between the two. That discussion came somewhere around the 25-minute mark, then rolled into some speculation on other free agents and trade options. The whole thing is worth a listen. That outlet does an excellent job of covering the team.

 

Wetmore also wrote a piece about the potential of both Jorge Polanco and Miguel Sano switching positions in 2019. He shared some interesting quotes from Derek Falvey from an interview he did on the 1500ESPN airwaves.

 

Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that the Phillies placed first baseman Justin Bour on waivers. Bour has reached 20 home runs three times in his career, but his extreme platoon splits make him more of a part-time player. The 30-year-old has hit .269/.354/.499 (.853) against right-handers but just .220/.303/.335 (.639) against same-sided pitching. Tyler Austin mashes lefties, so an Austin-Bour platoon would make a ton of sense. The big question is can the Twins manage to carry two players who are only able to play first base? That’s a difficult thing to do in the days of three-man benches.

 

Click here to view the article

[Squirrel]

 

Target Field is undergoing yet another fairly major update this offseason, the focus being around Gate 34. Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune relayed an update on the project and noted that there will be added security measures. Though no specifics were reported, Olson wrote that all of MLB is moving slowly toward full NFL-level security.Reading between the lines, that more than likely means there are going to be bag restrictions at Target Field in the future. Here’s a link to the NFL’s current bag policy, which is basically any bag that’s big enough to fit more than just your cell phone needs to be clear. This is obviously a hindrance in particular to women, families and persons with disabilities.

The way it is right now, all bags are hand checked by security and all fans pass through metal detectors. I don’t see how restricting bag size and forcing people to use clear bags is going to improve security at all. If there’s a traffic issue, maybe they should just designate certain gates for people bringing in bags in order to keep things moving quickly elsewhere. I guess I don’t have the perfect solution, but then again, there doesn’t really seem to be a problem to fix in the first place.

I don't think it's a problem they are trying to fix. If you read the NFL bag policy, after they give you all the specs of acceptability, there was this line:

 

'Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags will be available through club merchandise outlets'

 

And I think your solution regarding traffic into the stadium was a good solution ... no bags to check, go into this line; bag to check, go into that one. I've been to plenty of places that do this and it works fine.

[Ben Noble]

 

If there’s a traffic issue, maybe they should just designate certain gates for people bringing in bags in order to keep things moving quickly elsewhere. 

 

 

And I think your solution regarding traffic into the stadium was a good solution ... no bags to check, go into this line; bag to check, go into that one. I've been to plenty of places that do this and it works fine.

 

Target Field already does have designated lines for people without bags to check, at least at Gate 34, and has for as long as I can remember. They're not particularly well marked, but there's two of them to the far right as you're facing the gate. Let's call them express lines.

 

I think what slows things down is that there are far, far more lines that do check bags than there are express lines, and I'd guess maybe one in six people that go through the express lines still have bags to check. Target Field personnel don't often ask them to exit the express lines, and a collective moan always goes up when the line grinds to a halt for a bag check.

 

Tom's idea of entire express gates is fantastic. It would also really help if Target Field personnel did a better job of directing people with bags away from the express lines before they even get in line, because I totally get not wanting to kick someone to the back of a line after they've made it all the way up to the front.

[Squirrel]

 

Target Field already does have designated lines for people without bags to check, at least at Gate 34, and has for as long as I can remember. They're not particularly well marked, but there's two of them to the far right as you're facing the gate. Let's call them express lines.

 

I think what slows things down is that there are far, far more lines that do check bags than there are express lines, and I'd guess maybe one in six people that go through the express lines still have bags to check. Target Field personnel don't often ask them to exit the express lines, and a collective moan always goes up when the line grinds to a halt for a bag check.

 

Tom's idea of entire express gates is fantastic. It would also really help if Target Field personnel did a better job of directing people with bags away from the express lines before they even get in line, because I totally get not wanting to kick someone to the back of a line after they've made it all the way up to the front.

It's funny ... I have a very small purse ... clutch size ... and half the time it gets checked, half the time it doesn't at various venues and sometimes at the same venue. At the White Sox stadium it all gets put through a detector. You take it all off, put it in the bin at the side as you walk through the metal detector and pick up your stuff at the side. It's really quite efficient whether or not you have a bag.

[ashbury]

Over at Twinkie Town, Andrew Bryzgornia highlighted seven names as potential Mauer replacements at first base. There was also a poll included asking readers who their preference would be. I was surprised by the results.

You are surprised that 68% want someone other than Tyler Austin?

[Tom Froemming]

 

You are surprised that 68% want someone other than Tyler Austin?

I was surprised Austin led the vote with 34%. Among the options presented, I'd definitely rather have Carlos Santana and would probably lean toward Bour or Adams over him as well.

[ashbury]

I was surprised Austin led the vote with 34%. Among the options presented, I'd definitely rather have Carlos Santana and would probably lean toward Bour or Adams over him as well.

This is a time when ranked-choice voting would be interesting. It could be that Austin wouldn't be the leader after the multiple rounds of re-allocating votes.

[TCAnelle]

The NFL and now slightly modified NHL policy is discriminatory. It disproportionately affects women and hopefully MLB does not implement it. I went full code-red to my season ticket rep about the absurdity of the security theater and how clear bags won't make it faster and even if it did, they don't have to process 60K fans in two hours. The place holds half that and we haven't seen those levels except for special games. I reiterated my request for a STH lane. The information she sent back to me after she asked internally was this:

 

"Here is the response I received back as of today.

 

Given the nature of our sport and our fan base, we understand the importance of being able to bring a bag, purse, diaper bag, backpack, etc. into the ballpark.

We will likely keep encouraging people to avoid bringing bags if possible, but there are no plans to change the bag policy, require clear bags, etc. at this time"

[TCAnelle]

 

It's funny ... I have a very small purse ... clutch size ... and half the time it gets checked, half the time it doesn't at various venues and sometimes at the same venue. At the White Sox stadium it all gets put through a detector. You take it all off, put it in the bin at the side as you walk through the metal detector and pick up your stuff at the side. It's really quite efficient whether or not you have a bag.

 

Several parks I've been to have CLEAR lanes. They're super fast even with a bag. We also have the issue of how idiotic some of the searches are. Why are they unzipping my flat wallet that is too small to hold any weapon. Others have had them open pill cases and those tiny readers glasses cases. That's why it's so slow. Boston will have someone pre-checking bags prior to gate open and they put on a tag to show it was checked already so the initial rush is faster. There are ways they can improve it and still allow the same bags they always have. 

 

There's also the climate issue since we don't have a roof. I have a bag with blankets and extra stuff to stay warm. That stuff isn't going to fit in a small clear bag and I'm not interested in carrying it all loose to comply with a bag policy that isn't needed.

 

Fingers crossed my rep was given good information and we aren't going to be faced with the stupid NFL policy. I mean they had it in place and two people still got in enough stuff to hang from the ceiling and unfurl a banner. 

[DocBauer]

First and foremost, I would wish all the happiness and health and good luck to Joe and his family for their bouncing baby boy addition to their family! They will never read this, of course, but the sincere blessing is sen regardless.

 

Second, I can't help myself, my father and I joked a few weeks ago his next child had to be a boy to carry on the family's athletic contribution. Lol

 

Let's hope 18 years from now he's a chip off the old block and somehow ends up with the Twins.

 

Congrats Joe! God Bless and thank you for being you and all the memories you gave us.

[Squirrel]

 

First and foremost, I would wish all the happiness and health and good luck to Joe and his family for their bouncing baby boy addition to their family! They will never read this, of course, but the sincere blessing is sen regardless. Second, I can't help myself, my father and I joked a few weeks ago his next child had to be a boy to carry on the family's athletic contribution. Lol Let's hope 18 years from now he's a chip off the old block and somehow ends up with the Twins. Congrats Joe! God Bless and thank you for being you and all the memories you gave us.

A girl can't carry on an athletic tradition? I mean, get them both playing tennis and we could have a new generation of dominant sisters in the sport.

[DocBauer]

A girl can't carry on an athletic tradition? I mean, get them both playing tennis and we could have a new generation of dominant sisters in the sport.

Oh Carole, don't stop there!

 

They could be the next Williams sisters along with a stud FB/BB brother!

 

But just considering sports in the Midwest, how about a pair of "twin" sisters who excel at basketball or volleyball and become All Americans at UNL...sorry for my bias...while their younger brother decides to play for the Twins as a top draft choice or lead the Huskers to a national championship?

 

Sorry...lost in a daydream. Lol

[Rosterman]

I always wondered what coaches make at the major league level. Wes Johnson is getting paid a bit more than at the college job, but you would think a college job might have more stability. But a wonderful opportunity.

[70charger]

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

[old nurse]

 

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

So they should wait until there is an event to have security?

[Doctor Wu]

 

Why are we so obsessed with security theater? Useless faux-solutions to problems that have never existed.

Unfortunately, I think the sad reality in these turbulent modern times is that some sort of security is needed, even at ball games. But as you noted, most all of what is being done certainly is useless and ineffective.

[Nine of twelve]

 

This is a time when ranked-choice voting would be interesting. It could be that Austin wouldn't be the leader after the multiple rounds of re-allocating votes.

Ranked choice voting is the best. For EVERYTHING.

[Nine of twelve]

 

A girl can't carry on an athletic tradition? I mean, get them both playing tennis and we could have a new generation of dominant sisters in the sport.

All three offspring can carry it on, but regarding baseball it's very unlikely that the girls will make much of a contribution. In this day and age every MLB franchise would take any player who could contribute to its success regardless of genetic background, but people with two X chromosomes are very unlikely to succeed in baseball. It may not be fair but it's reality.

[ashbury]

but people with two X chromosomes are very unlikely to succeed in baseball.

I don't have two X chromosomes but I didn't let that didn't stop me from failing.

 

One of these days, someone will come along. It will take more persistence, to start with, but that's a trait in common with most major leaguers anyway.

 

Mo'ne Davis appears to have chosen basketball over baseball. That may be more of an obstacle to seeing someone soon in "our" sport.

 

Ranked choice voting is the best. For EVERYTHING.

Let's put that to a vote.

[70charger]

So they should wait until there is an event to have security?

This post comes bound up with innumerable unexamined assumptions, not the least of which is the ridiculous idea that this pseudo security would ever stop an incident from happening.

[Doomtints]

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

[Brandon]

If we sign a 1B to platoon with Austin that can also play 3B could work. That way we can still sign DH Cruz and 2B Dozier or Kinsler and have lots of power in the lineup.

 

Buxton

Polanco

Sano

Cruz

Rosario

Dozier

Austin / platoon

Kepler

Castro / Garver

 

Jon Jay as 4th OF

Adrianza IF

Garver C

Platoon 1B - 3B

 

Deep line up and diversified bench. And protection from slumps from Buxton and Sano.

[Brandon]

Realistically I think we sign Kinsler over Dozier but Dozier has more power for my example lineup.

[Tom Froemming]

 

The NFL and now slightly modified NHL policy is discriminatory. It disproportionately affects women and hopefully MLB does not implement it. I went full code-red to my season ticket rep about the absurdity of the security theater and how clear bags won't make it faster and even if it did, they don't have to process 60K fans in two hours. The place holds half that and we haven't seen those levels except for special games. I reiterated my request for a STH lane. The information she sent back to me after she asked internally was this:

 

"Here is the response I received back as of today.

 

Given the nature of our sport and our fan base, we understand the importance of being able to bring a bag, purse, diaper bag, backpack, etc. into the ballpark.

We will likely keep encouraging people to avoid bringing bags if possible, but there are no plans to change the bag policy, require clear bags, etc. at this time"

Thank you for sharing this. I'll take it as good news for now but the phrasing "as of today" and "at this time" makes me a little nervous.

 

I'm going to a Gopher women's hoops game for the first time, and it looks like Williams Arena has pretty strict bag restrictions. It'll be just the two of us, so luckily no need for a diaper bag, but my wife will need to downsize her regular bag for sure. I doubt she owns any clear bags, because why?

[Guest]

So, me being me, I was immediately thinking we could come up with clear bags that at least had SOME style to them. 

 

But, of course, you can't beat Amazon to these things.

 

Ah well.

[ashbury]

 

So, me being me, I was immediately thinking we could come up with clear bags that at least had SOME style to them. 

 

But, of course, you can't beat Amazon to these things.

 

Ah well.

I'm unable to decide between the fold-lock top, or ziploc, option.

[Major League Ready]

 

If we sign a 1B to platoon with Austin that can also play 3B could work. That way we can still sign DH Cruz and 2B Dozier or Kinsler and have lots of power in the lineup.

Buxton
Polanco
Sano
Cruz
Rosario
Dozier
Austin / platoon
Kepler
Castro / Garver

Jon Jay as 4th OF
Adrianza IF
Garver C
Platoon 1B - 3B

Deep line up and diversified bench. And protection from slumps from Buxton and Sano.

 

Unless I misunderstand what you are trying to advocate, you would only have 10 roster spots for pitchers, not to mention pretty suspect defense.

[Mr. Brooks]

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

I tend to agree. Most troublemakers are just looking for A target, not necessarily THE target.

If someone really wants to get into your house, they'll find a way around an angry Rottweiler. But usually any house will do, so they'll find one that doesn't have an angry Rottweiler.

[Nine of twelve]

 

I tend to agree. Most troublemakers are just looking for A target, not necessarily THE target.
If someone really wants to get into your house, they'll find a way around an angry Rottweiler. But usually any house will do, so they'll find one that doesn't have an angry Rottweiler.

We don't have a Rottweiler. We have a Flat Coated Retriever. He's an excellent watchdog but a terrible guard dog. He'd be overjoyed for a burglar to break in. He loves everyone.

[70charger]

Look up "security theater" on wikipedia. If you LOOK like you are doing things to be more secure, that itself can be a deterrent.

I think it’s you who needs to look it up on Wikipedia. The one speculative benefit you mention (complete with a “citation needed”) is absolutely overwhelmed by the listed downsides.

 

But hey, go read it for yourself if you need to: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_theater