USNMCPO

I love baseball. I sucked at playing the game but enjoyed it anyway. I love watching the Twins (former season ticket owner). As time passes, I think about my years when MLB wasn't available to me and the times went to MiLB games. MiLB is being killed by MLB (greedy owners?). I can drive down to Fargo and catch a game there or listen to it on 740 the Fan. That may be a lot better idea than watching the slow train wreck that MLB is becoming.

I read the article in the Athletic that featured a conversation with several ball players including Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins. First a little background, I am a 70 year old white guy. I retired fro the US Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer. For those who don't know that is an E-9 or the highest rank for an enlisted person other than the head enlisted person of the service who works directly for the head of each service. After retirement I work as a General Manager/ District Manager for a large restaurant chain. I lived with and worked for and with people of all races most of my adult life. To get back to what I started, I learned from the article that I did not know exactly what "white privilege" meant. I could not understand how I was privileged as I had worked tirelessly for everything I have. What i learned was that I have never had to fear that just driving down the street I didn't have to fear that I would be pulled over because of my race. I didn't have to fear that I would be treated differently (ie. worse) because of my race. I learned that that is not the case for black people. I guess I am privileged and I hope that someday, everyone will be privileged in the same way. If this offends anyone, sorry. Deal with it. I am old but still able to learn and hope I can continue to do just that.

Nick, I am assuming that you wrote this article with the absolutely best intentions and that is not wrong. There is something rotten in America (and the world) that must change. You and the other owners have stated your position and have every right to do so. You also, as a group, decry the politics discussed. The problem I see is that you made it political. It is impossible to deny that our country is divided along political lines, yet you quote and thus elevate CNN and presenter Cuomo as a beacon of wisdom. Are you not aware of the enmity that they engender among more conservative citizens? If so, please educate yourself on a broader spectrum of our society. What do you think the reactions would have been had you quoted Rush Limbaugh? Cuomo has about the same kind of credibility on the right as Limbaugh has on the left. Again, please do not decry things as political, when you introduced politics into it.

What???! MLB putting the proverbial thumb on the scale to help their preferred teams? Unpossible!!!

With the uncertainty of the minor leagues I would go for someone who has at least had some advanced development for this year.

MLB already reduced his suspension from 80 games to 60. I doubt they will bend any further.

Wow, looking at the two lineups, what a difference. NYY lineup is full of HOF players at or near their prime.

How about another area? What if Buxton never gains (regains?) the ability to hit? From all accounts Lewis played very well in CF in the AFL. Is partial seasons of a poor hitting yet outstanding fielding Buxton worth more than a potential ++ hitting and + fielding Lewis? I would prefer Lewis at SS but would not be against using him at another position like CF. His speed and arm plus hitting are a very intriguing combo.

I, for one, am amazed and very appreciative that TD has so many creative and diligent writers during this time of world trouble. Thank you all! And please keep it going.

Watching the replay of that 2009 game 163, the thing that stuck out to me was that the Twins had nowhere near enough talent to be in that position. Maybe some of the players just had not developed yet but wow. Tolbert? Punto? Harris? And the pitching staff?

I sure hope Donaldson doesn't have a slow start (assuming there is a start). Nice job on this by the way.

I think Dick Bremer has been a very steady and overall good play by play announcer for the Twins. If only he had a better pairing of color commenters over the years. Bert was fine, but his shtick got old a loooooong time ago.

I like what you are saying and see it as a real possibility. I also, however, see that MLB has the ability to screw up almost anything. Time will tell.

And don't be that guy that buys a years worth of toilet paper because you are the first to get to the TP aisle.

Nope, the Mets were stupid enough to sign this contract, they can live with it. If I were them, I would ask his agent to make a presentation every year to remind them of how foolish they were.

My biggest concern with Garver is the concussion bugaboo. The Twins have some history there.

I like the idea of thinking outside the box. I hope Rocco looks at each of his starter candidates and with the help of analytics determines what is the best approach for each. Optimizing potential is every managers job in every profession. Besides that, Bert would hate it so I kind of like it.

2 points for using ephemeral

Ground balls may be an issue for the Twins infield.

I think we will see a better defensive performance by Rosario this year. He injured his ankle in June and was obviously not healthy the rest of the year. He just couldn't get to the balls in play that he normally would. I believe that also led to the perception that he just wasn't trying as hard on defense. Of course he probably will still make the bonehead throws to the wrong base that we all know and "love".

I am 70 years old. I don't have a huge number of years to see another Twins championship. I was in the military and deployed in 87 and 91 so didn't see either of those live. This is the best team the Twins have had in a very long time. Let's do this thing Twins!

"Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain" by the Cascades.

I am a little concerned that I haven't seen any comments from the Twins or media that they are monitoring Sano's fitness like they did last year. I hope that he has matured to the point that it is no longer a thing.

I like the idea of engaging in discussion. Neither Ryu or Darvish are sure fire slam dunks but conversely, both could be. It is best to have a hand in multiple possibilities rather than running out of chairs when the music stops.

Stuff like this is why the off-season is fun. Thanks