The Twins’ search for bullpen help continues
Posted on January 5th, 2009 – 4:04 PMBy La Velle
This report has the Twins as one of three teams in the running for Japanese starter Kenshin Kawakami.
I looked into this and, `in the running,’ might be a little strong. The Twins have spoken to Kawakami’s agent but signing him is not as high of a priority as finding bullpen help or an upgrade at third base. (For instance, what if the rumors a month ago that the Twins’ interest in Michael Young are true, or if J.J. Hardy is put into play? That certainly would require a starter as part of the package). Indications were that the Twins aren’t negotiating with Kawakami at the moment.
Kawakami could move to the front burner if the Twins need to deal one of their starters to improve third base or the bullpen. The Twins have good reports on Kawakami and feel he’ll be successful in the majors, but they also know that they have potential in-house replacements in Boof Bonser and Philip Humber. And some believe Brian Duensing is ready for a shot.
That leads me to their bullpen search. They are interested in righthander Brandon Lyon but indications are that he wants to be paid like a set-up/closer hybrid. They have sniffed around other relievers, too. They’ve tried to keep up with Takashi Saito’s rehab from his elbow injury. They’ve kicked around Guillermo Mota’s name in internal discussions. Trevor Hoffman? No need for a 83 mph fastball. Jason Isringhausen? Is he healthy? Juan Rincon? Just kidding.
It has some people at Kirby Puckett Place wondering if the best way to improve their bullpen is from within rather than give a spot to an aging veteran whose is not longer top notch. Remember, this is an organization has gone that route in the past - Tony Batista, Juan Castro, Livan Hernandez come to mind - instead of giving prospects like Jason Bartlett and others a chance.
Someone mentioned to me earlier in the offseason that prospects like Anthony Swarzak and Brian Duensing could be candidates to help out the bullpen. I don’t think that would solve the Twins’ eight-inning problems. But Rob Delaney could - and he will be watched intently during spring training. I expect Delaney, who was promoted to Class AA New Britain during last season, to debut sometime in 2009 anyway.
And there’s the case of Anthony Slama, who put up sick numbers at Class A Fort Myers and should have been moved to New Britain last year but was caught in a logjam. Could he move quickly in 2009?
There’s still like 150 free agents out there. And there’s still time for trades to be made. But the Twins have talked with agents and clubs about players and haven’t liked what they have heard. So with just over six weeks to go before camp opens, the Twins are looking at other options. Looking to the farm system may not be the best solution but they might not have a choice.
125 Responses to "The Twins’ search for bullpen help continues"
First!
I was hoping for news on the Pohlad death rumor…
Whats the matter with Mr Pohlad?
How about the trifecta:
–Perkins/Duensing/Delaney/Slama to the Brewers for Hardy
–Twins sign Kawakami
–Twins sign Lyon
Reusse just called into AM1500 and reported that Carl has kicked it.
Apparently the family is still arranging the release.
I can’t find any wiff of it online.
Why do we need more BP help I thought we just signed Dickey. Seems good enough
La Velle makes a great point about the veterans out there not being great, especially when pitching depth is one of the Twins organizational strengths. I think it would be highly funny if the same people that complained (and rightly so) about the Livan, Batista, Lamb, et al. signings complain this time around that the Twins DIDN’T sign an over-the-hill player. BS is actively out there looking, he’s just not going to make a move for the sake of making a move.
Why don’t the Twins go after MR John Grabow
CP Last of the big spenders dies at 93. RIP. You will be missed
If Pohlad has passed on, it is a somber day. Whatever we might think of the man as a person and an owner, the fact remains he has a family who will no doubt miss him.
It is also worth mentioning that it is on his watch the Twins captured their only championships, as well as the fact that he kept the Twins here for 25 years, as well as presiding over the events that ensured they stay put for at least the next 30, when there were several times it appeared the Twins were as good as gone.
Was he the best owner in sports history? Not by a long shot, but the same answer applies to this question as well; was he the worst owner in sports history?
You hit it right on the head Dan G, couldn’t agree with you more.
If Pohlads family is anything like CP then be on the lookout for a HUUUUUUUGE court battle over who gets what from CP’s will
cryonics company???
my condolences to the family and friends…
I’m with Seth, condolences to the family.
Carl was a great Minnesotan. People forget that, unlike so many other billionaires, he never became a snowbird and claimed residency in Florida to dodge state income taxes. Please don’t let this wrongly devolve into a “he was cheap” diatribe like it happening elsewhere! Amen, Dan G.
Thanks to Carl, and my condolences to the family….win it for Carl this year…that would be a nice tribute…
On behalf of all Twins fans, Carl, thanks for keeping the Twins in Minnesota!
Carl Pohlad is gone. Kudos to the man for all the wonderful things he did for the state, and the community… for two world series championships… and my condolences to his family.
However I am happy after all the threats, the lies, and the failures… that he will not be there to see the opening of the new stadium. That may seem mean, but it seems pretty just.
That being said, I do think he was a godo man outside of the Twins, and his wife was an angel.
(Although the “Charlotte Twins” would have made for a nice trio, with the Dallas Stars, the Los Angeles Lakers.)
Condolences to the Pohlad Family
More crazy trade proposals on this blog.
Four player Trifecta…..
T (cont. from last thread),
It’s been reported more than once that the Cubs wanted a LH OF bat for Derosa. I know Cuddy isnt that, but Kubel is.
If Carl died then do I have to keep paying for the stadium out of my taxes
Carl Pohlad’s illness could be part of the reason that the Twins have basically stood pat. One must wonder who will own the Twins in the future, whether the team will stay in the family? My condolences to the Pohlad family.
Condolences to the Pohlads.
Carl kept the team here when the Griffiths might not have.
Carl gave out the first $6 million dollar contract. He kept Puckett a life long Twin.
Carl did what was needed to bring 2 WS championships here. Something we can only dream about for the Vikings, Wild, or Timberwolves.
Carl was an important, wealthy Minnesotan who didnt retire into the woodworks, but stayed active for our community well into his silver years.
For these and other things, I’d like to thank him.
I gave up calling Carl cheap once he signed Puckett to what was, albeit only for a week or two, the richest contract ever offerd to an outfielder. The guy came through now and then, and in a big way.
The Twins are still kickin’!
Yes, too bad he won’t see the Twins play in the new stadium. Condolences to his family.
danimals -
The Cubs moved DeRosa to free up salary so that they could sign Milton Bradley. I don’t think they wanted Kubel.
“Carl did what was needed to bring 2 WS championships here. Something we can only dream about for the Vikings, Wild, or Timberwolves.”
Man, that would be amazing to see the Vikes win the World Series.
“Carl did what was needed to bring 2 WS championships here. Something we can only dream about for the Vikings, Wild, or Timberwolves.”
Man, that would be amazing to see the Vikings win the world series.
Cuddyer has no trade value until he can show that he can stay healthy.
Kubel has no trade value as an everyday outfielder.
The Cubs were looking for an LH everday OF and the Twins didn’t have any available.
“However I am happy after all the threats, the lies, and the failures… that he will not be there to see the opening of the new stadium. That may seem mean, but it seems pretty just.”
Stop by the wake. Maybe you can tell his family that. That is if they arent already reading this that is. Nice job @sshole.
Lavelle- dont ever say the twins dont have any choice…they have the same choices with the same list of free agents as any other club in baseball, its just that they have a problem in loosening up the purse strings, so please dont make it sound the the poor old twins dont have any choices but to pick from the farm….and as much as i selfishly want certain players brought in and signed (wiggy for one) its the players themselves who deserve to get that new teammate or two that will put them over the top or at least give them a solid fighting chance to go head to head with anyone in their way…..i will never feel sorry for the twins, a big fan since ‘60-61 but no sympathy from here…..spend and spend wisely–no more washed up has beens like batista, boone and you know the rest….again condolences to the Pohlad family
mj1 -
“dont ever say the twins dont have any choice…they have the same choices with the same list of free agents as any other club in baseball, its just that they have a problem in loosening up the purse strings”
“spend and spend wisely”
Couldn’t it be that they ARE spending wisely? That they don’t see giving Blake a 3rd year as wise? That Wigginton at ‘Blake-type’ money is unwise? That Burrell at 2 years, $16 million is not a good investment?
Re: Kawakami: His fastball sits at about 85mph and occasionally reaches 90. Great slow 65 mph curve and change up. Not sure about how much an upgrade he would be.
Condolences to the Pohlads.
It just seems so pointless to read somebody hoping for another person death (Ryan with, “Pohlad death rumor”). It’s just a game and just a business. You and I may not agree with Mr. Pohlad all the time but, I certainly don’t wish for his death. In fact he has done alot to enhance the game of baseball in Minnesota. These blogs get so negative after awhile, I wonder why anybody reads them. I know, everybody is an expert…everybody knows it all.
Does anyone have an idea as to what infielder the Twins might be interested in/who could really help? And don’t say Wiggy. If the Twins wanted him they could have gotten rights to him for 2 baseballs and a resin bag, as the Astros weren’t going to offer him arbitration anyway.
Any thoughts? (please limit your answer to $12 million/year or less)
Just adding my condolences to the Pohlad family.
Sympathies to the Pohlads as well.
PeteD and SweetOne:
My Kubel/Cubs comment is related in part to the following:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/twins-rumors-ly.html
Maybe Lavelle was wrong, maybe you guys work for the Cubs - I dont know either way. But… whatever guys. Twins are showing little imagination. I think they did last year, but not this year. Maybe they think they have what it take this, and I hope they are right!
Pointless says: “Man, that would be amazing to see the Vikes win the World Series.”
Your name says it all?? but it was kind of funny, even though it’s at my expense. 
Thanks Carl
He kept the Twins here for 25 years and for another 30 years into the future. For that I thank him. My sincerest condolences to the Pohlad family.
Marv:
Wigginton…That’s your answer.
The Twins were high on him for 2 years, now, he apparently sucks.
Pete D:
I think the Burrell/Rays signing was a great deal for them. He has been solid for many years and fills a direct hole in their lineup.
The veterans out there aren’t that great now but this misses the point that the Twins passed on some very viable, cheap options at the beginning of the offseason. Jeremy Affeldt, Bob Howry, etc. The FO can say they can’t find a match (which is a tired old excuse that they use every year) but I have a hard time believing they’ve tried very hard.
Marv,
I think Kouzmanoff would be a great fit (his defense is said to be improving and he’s supposed to have a great work ethic) but we’d have to be willing to give up some players. The Friars need pitching and I think it would be worth it to give up Perkins and a couple prospects to get him.
However I am happy after all the threats, the lies, and the failures… that he will not be there to see the opening of the new stadium. That may seem mean, but it seems pretty just.
Thank you BC for proving once and for all that you truly are one of the worst people I have ever had the displeasure of hearing/reading.
I sincerely hope that after all of the hatred, venom, and general coldness you displayed towards Carl Pohald and his family, that you die horrifically in a car accident.
Preferably while on the way to a family function, so that those who are waiting for you to arrive will be left wondering where you are until they get the news of your passing.
I believe it’s only just.
Again the Twins decided no to adding power. Burrell would of been perfect
and as of, dh..40 Hrs and trade worthless Young. Burrell will get 8 mil
a yr for 2 yrs..easily affordable for the Twins who were promised by Pohlad,,you ok and build a new Twins stadium and I will invest $25 mil to payroll to be more competive and be a winner.
Please tell me the Pohlads sons are not reneging here???
There is still Dunn available, lets sign him and Atkins for 3B and Hardy for SS…three key young players with power. Thant sign Street for releif and we are set to make our run for all the marbles.
But PohLADS DONT LIE, CHEAT, FAIL AND
SCREW US WHO GAVE YOU A STADIUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One must wonder who will own the Twins in the future, whether the team will stay in the family?
That was one of the first things I began wondering myself. It was clear that his sons had taken over day to day operations in the past year (if not longer). One really does have to wonder if his family will have any desire to keep the team now that their father is no longer alive.
It’s quite possible that had there been no stadium on the way, today may have been the beginning of the Twins move out of Minnesota.
RIP Carl
T,
You were pretty hard on BC. Sometimes he’s got a tendency to talk before he thinks. I’m sure after reflection he wishes he could undo his post. I’m sure your statement to him was hyperbole to drive your point home. He’ a smart dude. I’m betting he gets it.
I’m sure after reflection he wishes he could undo his post.
Considering how many times he’s actually made that statement about wishing Pohlad never makes it…I sincerely doubt it.
“Sometimes he’s got a tendency to talk before he thinks.”
You must know him personally. This is a blog, not a bar. You dont talk, you type and things dont come out on accident. When youre running off at the mouth there is no submit comment button like there is here. He wrote what he wrote because he believes it. Ive seen him in other blogs and he’s got the poor man’s working class hero chip settled firmly on his sholder.
Man, the Twins Front Office sounds like an overprotective father for their teenage daughter. No guy (relief pitcher) is good enough for their little girl.
Strange times. I mean, here you have a team that arguably missed out on the playoffs soley due to a horrendous bullpen down the stretch, and not one move (I’m not even going to count Guardado) thus far to help it out.
The Indians were unafraid of a guy like Joe Smith. And hell, even the Rays, who already had a pretty formidable pen added a solid Joe Nelson.
Picky, picky, picky.
BC,
You have even surpassed the previously low standards you have earned with your diatribes.
I respect your freedom of speech, Thankfully that right which you possess DOES NOT require me to respect you.
Regards (a salutation, not a personal comment),
God bless Mr. Pohlad and his family. Now is not the time to engage in any disparaging remarks … towards the deceased or at each other. I think we should all get a pass on that for at least a day.
Yes, mj1, the Twins always have a choice. But when a choice is to overpay someone who can’t do the job, they are saying that’s not much of a choice.
JER HENNEN,
I would agree the FO should be loading up with power hitters. EXCEPT, The White Sox hit 124 more HR’s than the Twins, YET scored 28 LESS runs.
HR’s are nice, YET Runs scored in a game is what wins.
In the playoff game, while a HR was the only run scored, it was pitching that closed the deal.
Regards,
Dragon: The key is to find that balance of heavy hitters and OBP guys. It’s why Mauer is such a valuable hitter ahead of Morneau.
JER HENNEN,
Sign Dunn, fine, I am sure Between Mauer, Morneau, Liriano, Baker & Slowey, we can get Atkins and JJ Hardy.
By getting rid of ALL that dross, I AM sure a World Series will follow in October.
Regards,
LaVelle…Have you head ANYTHING about Wigginton? Just wondering what you currently think of him as a possibility now that his price has likely come down. I mean, he can’t possibly be expecting the Blake/+ money at this point now that a few of the most obvious teams interested in him are off the table and we are already rolling through January….Right?
And I guess I should apologize in advance if I’m beating a dead horse there…
Given recent developements, I’m starting to think there have been other priorites for the Twins ownership of late.
I think this isn’t the day to complain about the Pohlad family.
T,
Personally I’ll take a hitter (gap hitter would be particularly nice) OVER a power bat. Sometimes you can get both (Morneau), BUT as with the agruement of the Twins high RISP average, for 4 or 5 years the Twins have hit 8-12% above their Batting Average, each year, whether that BA was .256 or .279.
The Twins DO NOT have a problem scoring runs, With a number of pups getting a year older, hopefully that will continue. I think many forget the Twins were the YOUNGEST team in baseball last year.
Regards,
[…] Twins Insider – […]
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems the Twins have a lot of games where the opposing pitcher has a fantastic carreer like day against them. It seems like all the air goes out of their balloon on these days. Anyone agree with this? Anyone know of any stats comparing teams on this? I know that the higher you go in baseball the more psychological the game becomes, but my opinion is the Twins have too great of incidence of this.
BC BEN and some of you are popping the champagne corks,Pohlad has past on.BC Beneke,he will be met by Ronald Reagan.We have some real sick puppies on this blog!
Carl and Eloise will have the best seats in the house when the new stadium opens, along with Kirby, Bob and Herb. My condolences to the Pohlad family, and many thanks for keeping MLB in Minnesota for my kids and grandkids.
T: your rant on BC would have been more effective if you didn’t wish his death. You lost a ton of credibility there.
My condolences to the pohlad family. Not a time to dog the man people. Show some class.
You don’t have to praise a man at his death, but to say anything negative just shows how low class you are. Either say nothing or offer your condolences and move on if you didn’t like the man.
If you don’t have something respectful to say keep your mouth shut. I had the priveledge of watching a game from his suite and he loved the twins and loved the game. He was a great man and has brought BOTH of Minnesota’s sports championships to the state.
T: that was bad, but I understand when its pertaining to BC. He is an idiot.
mike wants wins,
I suspect that that T was expecting Karma.
BC, If I remember correctly, has often wished this day. I DO NOT remember you calling him out, I presume you didn’t read those diatribes.
Regards,
Congratulations to Carl on a great run.
I guess we know what’ll be adorning the Twins’ jersey sleeves this season.
T: your rant on BC would have been more effective if you didn’t wish his death. You lost a ton of credibility there.
The difference being if I found out something bad happened to him tomorrow I’d be one of the first to come here and post an apology.
jkucenic - That’s funny. You mean, ‘now that they actually have to put up the money’ they’re not interested in Wigginton. Hmmm.. Looks that way.
Patrick - Kouzmanoff looks good. He has hit well at all levels & has power. We may have to give up a lot for him He and Brandon Wood look like two future big bats at 3B, but I susoect they’d both be expensive (clear out those extra pitchers).
Baseball is just a game. Carl Pohlad’s contribution to the community is much more than keeping the Twins at the Cities and bringing 2 world championships. Last year his foundation gave more than $20 million dollars to the community mainly targeted at education and disadvantaged youth programs. One of their cornerstone current projects is a multi-million dollar revitalization of North Minneapolis.
Sorry folks, but if you ask me, I’d rather have Carl give that $20 million a year to the community when it really makes a difference for disadvantaged people than add it to the Twins payroll. Straight and simple.
He will be missed by a lot of people and I hope that his family continues the great philanthropic work their father established in the Cities.
If you want more information about that side of Carl Pohlad, you should look at the web sites of the Carl and Eloise Pohand Foundation and the Twins Community Fund.
Another thing that a lot of people do not know and will probably get lost with all the focus in baseball is that Carl Pohlad served his country for 3 years in WWII, was wounded badly and received a purple heart.
This is a day about a man who will be greatly missed by the community and his multiple gifts to the community should be remunerated and celebrated and (yes) be seen as an example and not about a baseball owner passing away…
thrylos,
Nice Post,
Regards,
I am sorry for the Pohldad families loss.
Otherwise, lets not forget that if not for a lawsuit by the operators of the metrodome, Mr. Pohldad, in conspiracy with Mr. Selig, would in fact have CONTRACTED the Twins.
Nicely said, thrylos.
Ok, back after a nice day of work… to some wonderful comments…
First of all. I am never happy that someone dies, or that his or her family has to suffer that grieving. I lost a very close personal friend over the last few days, and wouldn’t wish that suffering on anyone.
However I stand by my words. After the crap that he and his family pulled in the 90’s threatening to move the team, demanding a stadium (not asking), threatening to contract the team, and pushing a state in the RED into a new stadium… and once that stadium was agreed to… cutting payroll.
I will not retract that it’s just that he will not see the 350 million dollar stadium completed.
You want to get religious about it… think about Moses… he got to lead the people of Isreal to the promised land, but was not allowed to enter for his sins… On a baseball level… I think this is fair.
As for wishing my death… T… that surprises me. We may disagree on a lot of things, but I have never wished the death of another blogger, commentor, or anything outside of the actual baseball organization.
As for the other people who decided to make this personal against me… Thank you… I’m turning it up a notch or two. All I’ve ever wanted was this team to win, and to compete. I want to see real major league talent on this team, and not retreads, and never-was kinds of players like Tony Batista and Nick Punto respectively.
The fact that I’m honest about my opinions, and passionate in my beliefs bothers you. Too freaking bad kids because after today’s comments… I do feel that I’ve earned every right to turn this up, and start making things personal against others on here.
I thank you for the freedom
To BC & RJTWIN,
It would be nice to think that the operators of the Metrodome did their thing out of civic duty. Rather, on behalf of the taxpayers they wanted to continue the financial rape of the Twins, burdened with the worst sports lease in history maybe.
Of course, some of those taxpayers, after riding the gravy train for years are complaining about the new stadium. Talk about insatiable GREED!
BC, don’t come and cry about being taken to task for oft stated views. There has NEVER been a hint of charity in your comments.
I will be generous. I originally thought it was a lack of class, but maybe you just don’t have even a minimal concept of class.
Regards,
BC. B.,
I give you that you are consistent with your opinions. That’s ultra cool in my book.
On the other hand, man, it’s a hugely bad carma to celebrate someone’s death; I don’t care if that person is Saddam Husein, Adolf Hitler or Osama Bin Ladden.
And despite whether or not Carl would open his wallet for the Twins lately, he opened it plenty for the community and especially the little people in the community who did not have a voice: disadvantaged youth. Even this year with all the financial instability he gave $4 mil out of his own pocket to revitalize North Minneapolis.
What Carl did as a citizen should mean more than what Carl did not do (lately) as a baseball owner.
BIG picture…
dragon-I basically agree with your 6:26 post that HR’s only do not win games.Having said that it seems to me that the Twins almost have to play a perfect game to win.A HR every so often would cover a lot of ills!
LEN3 and others: It is my opinion that BC.Beneke should be banned from any future postings for his crass comments today. He should be ashamed of himself.
All one really needs to know about BC the egomaniac Beneke is that there are 19 forms of “I,” “me” and “my” in his recent 310-word post — more than once every 17 words. Which, actually, is probably less than the rate in his usual tripe …
GENO,
HR’s are nice. YET, IMHO, particularly if the team gets behind, if often seems that a/the HR is a rally killer (they to start all over again). Yes, needing to get a few hits strung together seems daunting, yet it seems to do something to the psyche of the Twins, AND seems to demoralize the opponents.
Maybe just a different perspective.
Regards,
BC Beneke-You are definately a legend in your own mind.Take some time off and write the book you have been threatening to write.Pick on the general public with your book and give us on this blog a break!
twinsfansam,
While I agree with the sentiment of your post, as I stated above, I respect even more the rights of free speech. BC exercised his, I personally find them, at best, in extremely poor taste, but defend his right to express them.
That’s why I and others have taken him to task, our similar right.
I completely agree with your last sentence, Don’t hold your breath.
Regards,
Everyone likes a home run if it is hit by their team. But a real rally is more demoralizing for the other team. Hit, steal, take an extra base, score on a ground out/sac fly/bloop single. You’re more likely to get that with guys with high OBP’s. Adam Dunn is an impact player, but I don’t know if a batting average that low would do very much for the Twins the way they are built.
BC:
I’m sorry to see that even when given an opportunity to redeem yourself, you choose instead to remain just as petty and hateful as ever.
As far as my response to your comments, you have repeatedly come into this blog and others plugging your different works, your businesses, your different endeavors, etc. So as far as I’m concerned, you’ve done everything in your power to try and assert yourself as some kind of “celebrity”, even if it is limited to the confines of your own imagination.
If you honestly feel that a man’s death is just simply because he was able to build a stadium you didn’t want, then you have officially lost whatever last inkling of respectability and credibility you had here at the Strib.
I can only hope that after reading your first comment, and your follow up (including your pledge to “turn it up”) I can safely conclude that you have decided to cross the fine line between rabble rouser and troll.
I can also only hope that the operators of the Strib blogs will recognize your threats to disrupt the flow of the blogs and remove you before you embarass yourself.
Always admired Carl and was most grateful to him for setting the Twins on the right course. He will be missed.
BC,
poor comments, poor defense. You feeling entitled to a say in the baseball operations of the Twins b/c of stadium financing is like saying I deserve a free meal b/c of farm subsidies. Even if you were right about that, it’s sad to hear those kind of comments on the day of CP’s death. It’s a good thing noone will have to take it seriously…
I’ve called BC on his attitude on more than one occasion. I kind of expect it from him. From T, I expect more, because we usually get more.
BC, your posts today were disappointing to say the least. Who knew we would read a comparison between Mr. Pohlad and Moses? As you consider Mr. Pohlad’s passing I would urge to consider these Bible verses; “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2Cor. 1:3-4). Now is a time to respect to Mr. Pohlad and his family and to offer words of comfort. At times like this my Mom used to tell me, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all”! Do better BC.
BC is an idiot.
Ok, let’s get a few things straight.
I wanted the new stadium… I didn’t like how the Twins went about trying to get a new stadium. Big difference.
I also didn’t like how they promised to increase payroll, and from the moment they got the new stadium they cut payroll… so I call them liars… so far I don’t see where I am wrong, but I am sure that can be pointed out.
I also am never going to be a fan of big business being subsidized in general… and for the twins to have pulled the crap that they did in the 90’s and early 00’s, only to have the price go up and up, and the salaries, and talent level not be supplimented… I said I didn’t want him to see the inside of the new stadium.
I look at that as a Karma issue just as you brought it down that it was a Karma issue that I was celebrating his death.
I was in fact DOING THE EXACT OPPOSITE! I said that was the only good thing that came out of it… he was a GOOD MAN, and he did a lot for the state, and the community… I believe that was in my statements as well, but did not get commented on. Did it?
He was 93 years old, he lived his life, and he did a lot of wonderful things with it, and with his money for the people of this state. AT no point did I deny that, nor did I avoid that part of it.
I said however, I am glad he won’t get to see the inside of that stadium. You can come after me all you want, but I am not going to back down, I am not going to change who I am, and for you people to think you know who I am, or how I am away from this site (which is where I do all of my venting)… damn the lot of you.
As for me coming across as something I’m not, or think of myself in any sort of way… I am just a husband, a father, and a business owner… I am a writer that has had some things published, and a lot more that hasn’t… at no point in time do I think of myself as anything more than who I am. But I also don’t sell myself short either. So again…
T - if you want to appologize to me for wishing me dead… I will gladly accept it because you are better than that. WE don’t agree on much, and I can respect your anger, and frustration, but for you to wish death on me… you went overboard… you have to be better than that.
Had it been Geno or Danimals that said it… I would probably have laughed it off.
Mike… I have to admit that was about as classy a way to slam me as possible… I appreciate you not dropping to a low level.
But I would expect that the positive be put with the negative. I don’t like Bill Smith or most of the moves he’s done, but I do give him credit for Breslow, and for signing Morneau. I admitted my mistake on signing Nathan, and I apologized 100% for Denard Span proving me wrong. When I am in the wrong… I will admit it…
Today you people read what you wanted to read as you wanted to read it. Certainly not how I wrote it, or how I meant it. This is one of the few problems with writing on any level. The readers (the audience) don’t always see eye to eye with the intent of the writer… in this case… previous bias was used as a weapon.
You went way too far. And I will state again… for the millionth time… I have never wished ill will towards any of you people personally.
That being said… I am not leaving… not now, not ever… as I have not done anything to go against the rules of the blog… the paper has no right to stop me from sharing my opinion.
But if the personal attacks keep up… I will not hold back.
BC is an idiot.
steve H…
You didn’t even read what I wrote… did you? So join the lynch-mob after you know what you are talking about.
mmmhmmm
explain how so?
“”Looking to the farm system may not be the best solution but they might not have a choice”"
(back to baseball)
Don’t have a choice, LaVelle? Of course they have a choice.
Not as many as they had a couple months ago, but they still have choices.
Werbelik…
you are one of the few people I wouldn’t want to offend on here. I respect you. I do believe that again you are taking the negative without the positive at all, and taking it to a further degree.
I said my condolences to his family, and I also stated some very nice things…
I just think that it’s karma biting him in the butt so to speak for how he handled the new stadium deal from day one… that now that it’s almost finished he won’t be here to be in it.
If you think less of me for that… I understand… however… I would appreciate you not joining the lynch-mob mentality on here.
Too much to ask?
Stay classy BC Beneke.
USAChief…
for what it’s worth I agree with you. With all the players they have in the minor leagues that can be used for trade… they do have options. For as much money as the team is worth… they have options there as well.
The Twins refuse to use their options, or are unable to see them as options to use?
RyanW…
Did you read anything I wrote? Probably not…
Today you people read what you wanted to read as you wanted to read it.
Too bad today isn’t the only day you’ve written that, BC. I am not the only one who has noticed it, and I am not the only one who has called you out on it in the past.
You can act like a martyr all you want, but the truth is you have voiced a desire to see Pohlad pass on prior to the completion of the new stadium on multiple occasions.
And then, once news of his passing is released, the first thing you write is that you feel it’s “just” and “fair” that a man should die simply because you disagree with how he ran a baseball team.
Think about that. A baseball team. A family is now without their father, and that’s what you offer up?
And maybe I went over the top, but I’m not the only person who’s been disgusted by your comments following this news. You can pick me out of the group, but you’ve lost a lot of people’s respect tonight.
“I just think that it’s karma biting him in the butt…”
How bad can his Karma be? He lived until age 93, was a billionaire and watched a team he owns win two World Series.
I’ll take some of that Karma. RIP Carl.
BC, I read it all. It was self-important blathering as normal… with cheap shots at a man who died today intertwined…
completely classless
T…
I am not here for everyone’s respect though I am not trying to be the bad guy.
I made no secret that I did not want him to see the stadium completed.
I also did send my condolences to his family, and I did pay tribute to the fact that he was a good man, and good to the community.
I would have preferred that the team be sold to another family, but as it stands I am not happy that he died, nor that his family is grieving… I know first hand what it’s like to lose a mother, a grandmother, grandfather, a child, a best friend, and having to ID the body in once case, and give the eulogies in a couple of others.
So it was not the first thing out of my mouth… the first thing I said was that I was sorry for him and for his family. You can quote part of what I said, or you can read it all…
I should have waited. What I wanted to do is say something nice to defuse some of the comments that I figured would come my way because of my feelings on the stadium… I did a piss poor job, and poured water on sulfur.
But don’t think at all that I don’t feel for his family.
This is a baseball blog, and my personal feelings towards anyone aside… I didn’t want him to see the inside of that stadium. That is so minor compared to the fact as you said… his family is grieving…
Your comment about wanting me dead however… that was as bad as anything I have ever said, and tomorrow I will not hold it against you because when people are angry they say things that are ridiculous. Hell, I do it all the time.
My credibilty? I am opinionated, and I’m ok with the results of my opinion… I’m not asking to be your friend T. Nor anyone else here. But your wishing my death didn’t do a lot for your credibility either.
In fact it made my daughter cry.
RyanW…
there was no cheap shot taken at all.
I didn’t want him in the stadium… everyone knew that.
Had I said something else I would have been called a hypocrite.
But I also gave my condolences to his family of which neither you nor anyone else gave any comment to.
My self important blather… I hadn’t planned on making anohter comment until someone wished me, and hoped me dead for my comments. Followed by 10 other comments that were very hate filled towards me. ME
I stated an opinion on the owner of the Twins, and sent my condolences… and I was not the one that turned this blog into attack BC Beneke blog…
Mike was right… I said some things in the past, and today that weren’t kind… But I never went after another blogger or commentor… I haven’t and I will always try not to.
I vent on the Twins and the Wolves.
So please realize I don’t care what you think about me… I never did, never will… I would have liked to have been liked, but I won’t change my mind just to fit in. That’s not what the freedom of speech is about.
Just adding my condolences to the Pohlad family
That being said… I am not leaving… not now, not ever… as I have not done anything to go against the rules of the blog… the paper has no right to stop me from sharing my opinion.
Actually, as a private entity, they have every right to stop you from sharing your opinion. Freedom of speech does not apply here, they can do whatever they want.
I send my sympathy to the Pohlad family as well.
“So please realize I don’t care what you think about me…”
RyanW: Apparently, BC doesn’t care what you think about him, so he wrote 150+ words just to you how little he cares.
My condolences to the Pohlad family.
You’re classless BC (and yes, I read your post).
“What I wanted to do is say something nice to defuse some of the comments that I figured would come my way because of my feelings on the stadium”
BC, I think the above statement summarizes my criticism of your post(s). Saying something nice to give you cover for your statements about CP not seeing the stadium is inappropriate, and was to me disappointing.
“If you think less of me for that… I understand… however… I would appreciate you not joining the lynch-mob mentality on here.”
I simply stated my concern with your comments, offered an alternative way to approach the subject and in no way joined a lynch-mob mentality.
“Followed by 10 other comments that were very hate filled towards me. ME”
I don’t hate you or anyone else. There’s a difference between being angry at or disappointed in someone and hating them. That’s why I challenge the word hate being thrown around loosely. Words matter to me, and I think there are many ways to express ones anger and frustration without hating someone. My challenge to you BC is to find ways to criticize those with whom you disagree without the hateful rhetoric I’ve seen you use in the pass on people such as Carl Pohlad, Kevin McHale, Nick Punto and others including politicians. Finding a better way will affect the type of responses you get on this blog, and perhaps make them more readable for you and more importantly, your daughter.
Add me to the list of those wishing BC would just go away. Yes, he adds some interesting comments once in a while, but he’s CLEARLY someone I would never choose to be a friend, golf buddy, whatever. He’s toxic. He lowers the bar when he comments. BC, I do not wish anything bad for you, but I also believe you’ve earned everything you’ve got coming.
BC,
“Had I said something else I would have been called a hypocrite.”
I thought you didn’t care what you are called.
And you are wrong.
People, who don’t “pile on” someone who has just passed on, are not called hypocrites.
They are just called forgiving human beings.
I guess you just don’t want to be called that either…..if you cared.
Your daughter’s crying is a tragedy.
Pohlad’s children/grandchildren (hypothetical) crying when you posted your hope that he would “never see the stadium” is an absolute parallel tragedy.
And one that you never considered or cared about.
Did you explain to your daughter that you posted your hope that he would “never see the stadium” and what that means? (in regards to reaping what you sow)
There is no hatred in what I have written. If you are able to say that about your future posts, you may regain much of what you have lost, including happiness without self-righteousness.
Folks,
BC Beneke sent me a long email last night to explain why he felt compelled to write the things he wrote on this blog.
While I think it’s in poor taste to show pleasure about someone’s death, he didn’t rip CP as bad as he could have. At the time, I told him I wasn’t going to ban him but to back off the intensity of his posts about this subject.
But I didn’t realize he posted this last night:
That being said… I am not leaving… not now, not ever… as I have not done anything to go against the rules of the blog… the paper has no right to stop me from sharing my opinion.
Read this and understand this clearly. This is my blog. I have the power to erase, remove bad language and BAN anyone I feel has crossed the line. And, yes BC, I have every right to ban you if I want to. And if you or anyone else crosses the line, I will do so.
For example of what can tick me off, go to Joe C.’s last post before he took time off to be with his pregnant wife. A couple of those posters deserve to be banned - and I will look into making that happen.
And if I want someone off this blog, believe me, it will happen….
Why didn’t the Twins try to sign Joe Nelson as an 8th inning guy? He signed a 1 year deal for $1.3MM with Tampa. We couldn’t have done a little better? Sad
LEN3, thanks for your 12:15 pm post. It is time to clean up the blogs - expect more from the bloggers. None of us (except perhaps the mentioned offender) wants to wade through all the griping and whining that frequently shows up here. I, for one, encourage you to be a tough cop - and keep up the great postings!
[…] Braves are still in the mix for the righthander, and the Minnesota Star-Tribune reports that the Twins’ reaction to the report was similar to the Cardinals’ – that it was “a little […]
RIP Mr.P. Maybe you and another Mr.P. can share a laugh together again. Many miss you both:
My (very short) tribute to Carl Pohlad:
I would’nt give up starters too quickly. I’m sure the Twins would like to have Garza back for example. Also we have a solid farm system; we might as well harvest from it. We had some nice prospect suprise last year (Tlobert & Buscher come to mind ) as compared to the veterans we had picked up. The Twins are the best Professional organization in Minnesota and maybe inpro sports (Small market organization) because they don’t take silly risks. if teams are asking too much why give em too much? let some other sucker pay that price.
