MN_ExPat

Well said Doc.

Heresy!!!!

I’m in Ft. Myers for a PG tourney with my son this week. Kind of bummed we will miss most of the players as they won’t report until our last day here. He was at Jet Blue Park today, not quite as nice as the Twins complex, but still pretty cool.

Georgia does as well (sort of). A lot of HS teams will play together as showcase or travel clubs during the summer and fall. That's what my son's team does, whole team plays as a travel team (And they are pretty darn good to boot. They get a lot of wide eyes at tourneys). There is a very good reason so many players come out of Georgia and Florida

I can't help but feel that some current MLB owners view the minors as competition to their product rather than the resource and bloodline that MiLB is. Although, current established/veteran players and the Union really aren't publicly supporting the minor league players much (at least that I've seen, so I readily admit that I may have missed some headlines). In this facet they are doing little (publicly) to help those who follow them. Do they have to do this or are they required morally? No, but it would make the game a better place if they did.

Here's the Twins next great pitcher . 15.3 K/9 this spring before the season got cancelled.

Great story Matt. I'd have to say I'm with the early majority here as well on Torii. Great player, and the type every team needs and loves to have on the roster (the guy who just makes folks better around him). Would I vote him for the HOF? Probably not... but that doesn't mean a negative to me though or take away from who we was as a player to me. Twins HOFer and definitely ready for induction into the Hall of the Very Good . Donaldson... he's made a very strong case for himself thus far, but time will tell so here's hoping to many more (Thunder) Bombas from the "Bringer of Rain".

I'm with Tom on this one. Crew still has star power, but... I think at the end of the day they just don't have enough horses in the stable to forge their own destiny and will rely on a lot of luck and things to break just right. Can't say I'm bummed about Pittsburgh myself, but With Shelton there, it would be nice to see some "moral" victories for them .

I guess I just want to see baseball being played again. In many ways I don't really care how they play it (division formats or league setup that is) or where, I just want to watch baseball again. It will probably not be the same if there is no minor league ball, but I understand (if only a logical level) as to the logistics involved getting them off the ground may be too difficult at the moment to pull off. Until my son and his HS teammates are allowed to retake the field (really hoping the rumors of summer ball in GA starting up again soon are true because in my mind there is little better than seeing HS and college kids play their hearts out ) I'll have to hold on to the possible reality that we will see our beloved Twins soon

Great story idea Nick. It really is awesome to hear from and be reminded who some of "our" writers at TD are. It's one of those things that I think truly connects this site and Twins fans much more so than many other teams. Thank you again for all you guys do.

I find your lack of faith.... disturbing.

I've been thinking this point over a good bit over the last few days. I think John and Nick both make very good points, and I actual agree with both of them (I know... weird right?). I LOVE baseball. Probably to the point of obsession according to my wife and daughter. I truly want to see MLB back on the field this year, but I understand (even though it would break my heart) if it can't be for a multitude of reasons. I've never deserted baseball (never will), but I found my passion waning as the Twins sunk into a bit of a morass at the end of the first decade of the 2000's. No, the thing that rekindled my obsession was my son and the ability to share the game with him. What I truly miss and want to see more than any other (baseball thing) is my son and his teammates on the diamond. He has truly embraced the game and it has turned a passion into a true joy (it also helps that he has a true knack for the game and had taken a huge step forward this year again ). This is what I miss the most. To me and my thinking, there is little more pure about baseball than HS and College players love of the game. So while I would love to see MLB and our Twins charge out of the dugout and take the field this year... what I miss the most and pray we will see soon (as long as we can safely do so) is my son and his friends/teammates getting to be boys again and being able to play the single greatest game God has ever granted upon the face of the earth. Take care everyone

I'm torn either way personally. I love baseball and want to see it played, but I may not be to crazy about the fundamental changes for this "season" (although that isn't a deal breaker for me personally). Ultimately, I truly just want to see my son and his HS team play. My head knows the reasons for shutting down his season, and I support them... but, my heart had a very hard time watching what was shaping up to be a breakout season cut short (.7 ERA / .7 WHIP / 15.39 K/9 / 17:1 K:BB Ratio - you get the picture). He may get to play summer ball (we shall see how things pan out), but in the mean time... even a warped version of our National Pastime may be better than nothing .

Great write up Matthew. You're right, that is a fun little exercise, thank you.

Braves guy must have been a newer guy or backup. Traditionally they were always really fun to listen to.