After nearly four months of talking about all the things the Twins don’t have, last night’s Diamond Awards showcased what they do have: Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Joe Nathan, Denard Span, Alexi Casilla, Ben Revere and Anthony Slama accepted various awards, displaying their various personalities.

Tom Kelly offered a tribute to Carl Pohlad. Kent Hrbek, who lost his father to ALS in 1982, was honored with the Kirby Puckett Alumni Community Service Award, and continued talking about the big party he wants to hold — perhaps at Target Field — when we finally find a cure for ALS.

Dick-n-Bert were the MCs. And bunch of the local baseball writers were decked out in tuxes as presenters.

More than 500 people turned out and raised $263,000 for neurology research through the Minnesota Medical Foundation.

La Velle pours a lot of effort into this, as chairman of the local chapter of the BBWAA, and he should be very proud. The organizers are tremendous. This was the fourth annual event and it gets better every year.

TwinsFest starts at 5:30 tonight at the Metrodome, so the festivities continue. Yes, there are numerous things this team hasn’t done this offseason. (According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are now close to deals with relievers Brandon Lyon and Scott Williamson.) But when you give the Twins a chance to celebrate all they do have going for them, it’s pretty impressive.

Note: The Diamond Awards is a formal affair, but I’m hearing wonderful things about the Hot Stove Banquet and Charity Auction, which will be held again at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at Harriet Island Pavilion in St. Paul. That event is in its 28th year. I’m told it’s more of a beer-and-burger affair and always a good time. Featured guests this year include Corey Koskie, MLB umpire Tim Tschida and La Velle. Our own Howard Sinker will be the host. Advance tickets are $25 for kids 16-and-under, and $30 for adults. Proceeds benefit St. Paul’s Dunning Field Little League. For more info: Call 651-227-3437 or e-mail ballparktours@qwest.net.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 am and is filed under Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.