The Lockout Diaries: Week 4

[Nick Nelson]

Dear journal,

It's been 28 days since darkness fell upon the world of baseball. As the start of a new year bears down, this feels like a good time to reflect, and to look forward. 

A big theme for me in the past year, and especially the past week, has been gratitude. 

During the Christmas holiday, I was able to spend time with numerous family members and close friends — in person. Maybe not as many as I would under "normal" circumstances but it was a seismic improvement over 2020, when these interactions largely took place through a computer screen.

I wasn't going to take that for granted. I doubt I ever will again. One of the few silver linings to emerge from this awful pandemic is a renewed sense of perspective and awareness. You don't know what you've got til it's gone.

As I look back on the 2021 Twins season, I'm struck by the same feelings. Around the All-Star break, I wrote up a post reflecting on the best and worst first half ever. It sort of summarizes my sentiments on the season as a whole.

In terms of the product on the field, it sucked. The team was incredibly disappointing, and managed to effectively eliminate itself from contention by Memorial Day. There were heartbreaking defeats, devastating injuries, and seemingly endless setbacks. 

At the same time, to even HAVE a product on the field, and to be able to watch it live, in-person, surrounded by my baseball-loving brethren, was reinvigorating. I went to more games at Target Field than in any season before. I savored each moment in the ballpark, even as my favorite team spiraled before my eyes.

A road trip to Kansas City with the wife in early June probably best epitomized my experience as a Twins fan in 2021. The six-hour cruise down I35 is one of our favorite summer traditions, and another that went conspicuously amiss in 2020. 

Arriving in time for a series opener between the Royals and Twins, we strolled into Kauffman Stadium on a gorgeous Friday night. After grabbing a couple of local beers, we found our way to our seats with the first inning already underway. Once we sat down, Matt Shoemaker had already given up three runs. By the end of the inning, that total would be nine.

Like the Twins season as a whole, this game was really never competitive. In fact, it was at times kind of embarrassing (particularly while in hostile territory!). But you know what? I still enjoyed the hell out of it. The surrounding fans were never mean-spirited or contentious. We were all just happy to be back at the ballpark.

While I very much want the Twins to get back to playing better baseball next year, the more immediate concern is whether (and when) they'll be playing baseball at all. Which brings us back to this whole lockout business. 

Things remain stagnant on the CBA front, as expected. Negotiations are understandably set aside during the Christmas and New Year's stretch. But once we've rung in 2022, the vibe will quickly change. 

Suddenly, the scheduled start of spring training is only six weeks away, with dozens of free agents unsigned, and Minnesota among many teams whose needs are largely unaddressed. 

Going forward, dear journal, I suspect these missives will grow more urgent and less forgiving. But for the time being, I'll happily put my energy toward celebrating the end of a weird year, and embracing my deep gratitude for everything it brought back.

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[roger]

Thanks, Nick.  Looks like you had nice seats in KC, win or lose is a great city to visit.

What are your thoughts on the timing of when they get serious?  Will they sit down to serious negotiations before February?  What is your estimate on a new CBA before the opening of spring training?  Opening Day?  I put it at 25% probable for spring training and 50/50 for opening day.

[MN_ExPat]

I agree Nick.  While this last year's team underperformed and underwhelmed, it was still baseball, and I will always take even bad baseball over none at all.

 

[theBOMisthebomb]

While I am not a fan of Dick Bremer in the booth, he did make statements about being back at the ballpark that have stuck in my brain. Basically, Dick's message was that he will never again take for granted the privilege of attending (in his case, announcing) a major league baseball game. I also attended my most games ever at Target Field in 2021 and made baseball road trips to watch the Twins. I savored every moment. 

[RJA]

Nice thoughts, Nick. I am frustrated with the lockout and the FO, and I do miss the offseason ritual of rumors and hoped for deals, and will miss baseball if it is delayed.  What I have done the past 4-5 years is take in minor league games in the Twins system, spring training and the AFL, and found that I enjoy those experiences as much as the MLB games.  Luckily, at least that will continue this summer no matter what happens with the negotiations.