Taste The Rainbow

I have to laugh for just a second. For something that started off just as a joke and a dare between a few of us in the blog community last season, it has turned into a big deal this season. Most of you will be able to guess what I'm talking about by the title of today's blog, but last night after Cuddy's 3 run blast to left field, I got 5 text messages from friends all saying the same thing: "Skittles!". I do feel bad because I'm not even sure the exact number in the Skittle count and I'm sure that even if he did end up in the negatives at the end of the season, I'm sure I'll give him something anyway (maybe).

My mom has even been joking with it saying "Forget M&M's it's all about the Skittles". I'm glad everyone is having a good time with this whole thing. Seems to make the season a little more fun :)

I will admit last nights game combined with the game from Sunday pretty much made me go "Joe who?" Wilson Ramos is on fire right now. I realize it's only been two games, but to be on point like he has in only two starts is not something you see every day. I understand Joe is still our number one guy and I do still have a soft spot for Drew (meeting him only seemed to help that a little). I'm starting to wonder why they didn't bring Ramos up with the team out of camp? Even Justin said he seemed to be on point during spring training.

There are just some things this team does that I will never begin to understand.

Also I would like to wish Kevin Slowey a very happy 26th birthday :)

Tonight we welcome back Nick Blackburn (1-1) from the bereavement list as he faces Dontrelle Willis (1-1) and the Detroit Tigers.

And So It Begins

First and foremost I want to wish everyone that reads this a very Happy Easter (if you celebrate it that is).

Secondly, baseball season has begun. The Spank-mes and Boston play tonight (not that we really care about either of those teams in Twins Territory) but tomorrow night our boys take the field in LA for the first official game of the season. Won't lie, it sucks that we have to play at 9 at night for the first 4 games, but I will suck it up and "take one for the team".

But before the season actually starts Betsy (For The Love Of The Game) and I were lucky enough to get tickets for yesterdays exhibition game from a co-worker of my dads. We had beautiful seats and it was a gorgeous day for outside baseball. It was a little chilly sitting down the first base side (where we were) and we sat with sweatshirts on for a good part of the day while a few people we knew that were on the third base side were talking about getting sunburned.

The layout of the field reminds me a lot of Kauffman after last season going to two games down there. It's nice to see how open it is and to me it looks like there really isn't a bad seat in the house, but time will tell since I have seats to different games in different areas of the stadium. The layout is so pretty as you will see from a few of my pictures.

Sneak Peak

As for the game, it was a good game yesterday. There is nothing better then seeing the guys win the first game I was at in a new stadium. Being able to see Kevin finally pitch was the second highlight of my day :) Seeing Joe and Cuddy get a home run was the third highlight of my day. Yes I suppose it is fair to say that Cuddy's skittle count has begun for the season. I would have liked to have seen Pat Neshek pitch, but knowing he pitching Friday night I knew the chances of seeing him would be slim.

Now onto the pictures:

This is the spot where Betsy and I played "tourist" a few months back

The bull pen backpack this season is Chewy from Stars Wars

I was excited that my first game in Target Field was Kevin pitching

Everyone was having a good time with Dinkelman lol

One of my favorite views from the walk around

Yes we had to "stalk" the bullpen

Harmon Killebrew statue

Be sure to check out Betsy's blog at For The Love Of The Game for more pictures and recap of the game.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

Last night, sitting in those blue seats of the Metrodome for the very last time, it didn't seem real that the place a generation has grew up with was closing it's doors for it's last Major League Game. I know I have no room to talk, as last season was my first year actually attending a major league baseball game in person, but after how many games I've been to this season, the Dome has pretty much become my home away from home.

I had friends from out of state texting me last night after the game was over, telling me they were pulling for our beloved Twins in hopes of defeating the Yankees at least once and that we, as Twins fans, should hold our heads high because of what the team accomplished in the last month. That we had nothing to hang our heads over.

Three weeks ago, if you would have told me that the guys would have to play game 163, again, and actually make it to the post season, I would have laughed at you because I was one of many that counted them out. But the drive and determination of this team reminded me, you never give up on your team because they will come back and surprise you in ways you never thought possibly.

Fans in Twins Territory, along with the whole team, have nothing to be ashamed of this season. Our team played some amazing games this season, especially these last 3 against the Evil Empire. They didn't just roll over and let the Yankees walk all over them, they made them fight for it, which I am super proud of. We had some major players go down early this season with injuries, even later this season, and the rest of the team stepped up and took over where the "leaders" left off.

I think the perfect example in this, and yes call me bias if you want, was Cuddy. He was the team cheerleader and to watch him take over at first with Justin going down was amazing. He has stepped it up so much this season and I felt so bad for him at the beginning of the season when everyone I talked to would give him crap wondering when he would cave again or get injured and find himself back in Triple A. But he stepped it up and tried to carry this team the later part of the season.

This team has so much to be proud of this season. We've got Joe Mauer with his third batting title, the team brought one last division title to the Dome and a million more memories for everyone to remember for the rest of our lives. I know I will never forget the atmosphere in that Dome for game 163.

Now it's time for us to move to Target Field and make some new memories and enjoy a new ballpark that a whole new generation can get to call home.

It Ain't Over Till It's Over

It's only a matter of time...

To be quite honest, I'm not even really sure where to start the post for this weekends do-or-die series, other than with this. I spent the entire weekend being nice to the Chicago White Sox, even saying thank you when they would do something to help us. I even made the promise that if they swept Detroit, I would never say anything bad about AJ again. So since they didn't sweep the Tigers, I have something I need to get off my chest...

AJ... you suck.

Ah, I feel better now :)

As it was originally planned for the weekend I was only supposed to be attending Sunday's game with Betsy, but as we both watched Friday nights game and knew we were still in this fight we decided to attend Saturday's game as well and boy am I glad I was there. That was a make me sick to my stomach game but it was worth it. I'm not sure who lit the fire under these guys asses, but I'm glad whoever it was did it. It seems to be working and I just pray that it carries over till Tuesday's game.

I think Friday nights game was an amazing way to start off the weekend. As I was watching with my mom during the first inning, she happened to make that comment that Delmon Young reminded her of Kirby Puckett, with a quick glance I could see what she was talking about. So with the bases loaded, I made the comment "channel your inner Kirby, Delmon." and amazingly he must have because the next thing I knew that ball was in the seats giving Delmon his first grand slam.

I did feel bad for Delmon though, he was interviewed after the game was over and was asked if his dad was there to see his grand slam, he responded with, yes his dad was there, but he wished his mom could have been there to see it. Believe me Delmon, she was watching :)

I was just in awe watching these guys this weekend, fighting till the end, knowing what was on the line. Back to Saturday's game... those guys do have a way of stressing us out till the very end. But once again, our rock star Cuddy showed everyone he can make big swings happen when they are needed the most. To see the excitement on his face and the rest of the teams face watching the replay online kinda gave me chills cause you can see how much these guys want this.

Also, Nick Blackburn pitched a beautiful game against Zack Grienke. I'll admit I was worried facing Grienke during a do or die weekend, but again these guys checked fear at the door and wowed a few critics that said we couldn't/wouldn't. Amazing job Blackie :)

Yesterdays game was a mixture of emotions for me. I was excited with knowing what could happen, but at the same time I was kinda sad because I knew there was a chance we could be walking out of the Dome for the last time. Apparently the guys aren't ready to say goodbye to that bubble just yet and we have to play game 163 again, which thankfully this time around I will actually get to be there with Betsy and Krystal. There was no way in hell I wasn't going to be at that game tomorrow so we used every available resource to try and get tickets.

All I could think during the earlier parts of yesterday's game was, "save some runs for Tuesday!". I spent a good portion of the game scoreboard watching until the final score was posted for the Tiger/Sox game, then I focused more on our game. But when Kansas seemed to start rallying, I was glad we had those extra runs, as I'm sure Carl was thinking the same thing.

The post-game ceremony to close out the Dome was really good. Most of the team from the '87 and '91 World Series were there along with most of the All-Metrodome Team, the only ones missing were Torii, Johan, Chuck and of course Kirby. They did a wonderful tribute for Kirby along with having Kirby Jr. take down the last number in the Countdown to Outdoor Baseball over in the home run porch.

But I think Kent Hrbek said it best when he said in his speech, "We've got to come back here on Tuesday and drink some more beer!" And actually, I may just have to have one Tuesday night.

Detroit's sending Rick Porcello to the mound while we're sending Timmy. I've got faith and a whole lot of prayers. Go after it guys, we'll all be there to cheer you on. You've all made it this far, just keep plugging along.

One Step At A Time

Ok as much as it pains me to say it is, thank you to Ozzie and those damn White Sox for beating Detroit last night. I never thought the day would come that I'd actually have to cheer for those damn Sox but if it means a playoff trip for the Twins then that's what I'll do. To me cheering for the Sox is like cheering for the Yankees, I just can't do it. But since it's for the love of our Twins, I'll do it and just bit my tongue lol

Once again Cuddy showed us all what a rock star he really is. He has a thing about the K and hitting home runs there. Cuddy has been a beast lately and I love it! He has really stepped it up lately and it trying so hard to carry this team and remind the guys that we're still in this. We still stand a chance.


I won't lie, I wish I was down there for this series again. It's a beautiful ballpark. I can't wait for the series down there next season, cause plans are already made so I can go down again next season to see my best friend and see some more outdoor baseball at the K.

We can taste it guys. It's within our grasps. If there was ever a time to prove the critics wrong it's now. As Gardy would say, one game at a time, but right now we need every game we can. Which also means we need Detroit to lose every game they can.

Hey Chicago, we know you hate us (or at least hate our bubble), but maybe, just maybe you'll help us out a little and beat Detroit again. And maybe, if you're lucky, if the situation is ever reversed we'll be willing to help you out (that's a pretty big maybe though).

Tonight we have Timmy on the mound. You guys know what you have to do. Go out there and get it done.

You Got To Fight

Tonight's game seemed to come down to who's bats were swinging better. Thankfully it came down to the fact that our bats were swinging better. It was a fight to the end and Chicago wasn't going to roll over and play dead, although at time I wish they would, but I don't get that lucky when it comes to stuff like this.

The Twins needed this win tonight, especially with Cleveland failing us and losing to Detroit 3-1. It should not have come down to us hoping, wishing, and/or praying that another team in the division would beat whoever is leading, but that seems to be the case with the Twins. They wait until the last few weeks and then get that second or third wind and make the push for the play offs. Hopefully this year we won't have to have a tie breaker game or else we're going to be in trouble since the NFL has already said they won't move the Packer/Viking game that night.

I felt bad for Jeff Manship tonight, he just wasn't on top of it tonight and it cost him what should have been his game. Part of me wonders if he's really ready to be a major league starter. I could see him possibly making the team as a relief pitcher next season, but as Gardy normally goes, I'm pretty sure he has no faith in Manny. I have faith in him, I would love to see him get one more try at his first major league win, but I doubt he will :(

When the ugly, ugly Sux took the lead, I figured I might want to turn the game off. I was in a bad mood for most of the game. I turned it off for about five minutes and happened to walk in the living room in enough time to see Cuddy be the rock star that he is. Maybe he ate some of my Skittles I gave him before the game ;-) Like I told Betsy, I think Cuddy needs the same kind of contract as Jeter with the Yankees. I could see Cuddy staying a Twin for his whole career, in all seriousness I hope that really happens. I can't see him playing any place else.


I was also in the living room long enough to see an instant replay, that is see Matty T get his second home run of the season in about the same spot as his first home run about 4 months ago. I think maybe he was talking to Cuddy before the game or something. He's got a lot of talent and hopefully he will make the team out of spring training next season and will actually get another chance at it.

Between Cuddy and Matty T, OC and Kubes also decided to help with the HR's tonight. I thought the guys did a good job tonight. The bull pen went out there and did a pretty decent job, Matty G... home runs are not acceptable though, ok? And yet again, I turned Joe Nathan off when he came into pitch the 9th. As much as I want to be able to watch him pitch again this season, if this works I'm just going to run with it. I wanna see this team in the play offs so I'll deal with it.

Tomorrow we have Brian going against Buehrle. One game at a time... as the old saying goes, "Slow and steady wins the race". This race is yours to be won guys.

Giving Everybody That Rock On Sign...

I was all set to kick back and watch football tonight when the Twins were down 3-0 in the seventh inning, at that point I had already missed a good chunk of the game because of a season premiere of one of my regularly watched shows, but I happened to turn the game on in just enough time to watch Cuddy be a rock star and crank out home run number 25 on the season and 100 for his career. I couldn't help but laugh though when he was giving everyone high fives, at the look on Gardy's face when Mike slapped his hand.

I'm going to wait to see what he does tomorrow and Wed before I figure out if he's worthy of getting Skittle on Wed. night at Unplugged.

It's kinda disappointing though because after that great come from behind win, we get the news that not only have we lost Joe Crede for the rest of the season (which as much as I hate to admit it, I almost saw it coming after going 0-4 yesterday), we've now lost Justin Morneau for the remainder of the season. He apparently has a stress fracture in his back. It's just weird to think that the game on Friday was the last time we got to see Justin play in the Dome in person.


Back to Crede, I would love to see the Twins take a chance on him for next season. Yeah this season has been a struggle, but we all knew this going in, when the doctors all said playing on the artifcial turf was going to be tough on his back. But with us going to Target Field next season and playing on real grass, I think he could prove a lot of people wrong next season. Believe me, I never thought I would see the day I would be defending Crede, but I want him here next season. I wanna see what he can do when we move outside. If it doesn't work out, then fine, get rid of him at the end of next season. But I think the Twins fans have taken a liking to our 3rd basemaen.

Apparently Nathan and I have not completely made up yet. We seem to do really well until he goes for that third out and then it gets rocky. I mute the TV and stop watching and that third out comes seconds later. This little issue needs to be fixed.

It was a great come back win tonight by the guys. With Detroit winning, we had to win this game in order to stay in this race. It's not over yet, but we have to keep winning guys. Or else our off season is going to start really quick.

Half Full or Half Empty

So this series could have ended a whole lot worse than it did today. Today's game was a close one and besides the four walks he gave up, I thought Timmy did a good job. It could have went either way and the cards just didn't fall our way... again. That seems to be happening a lot these last few games. It all comes down to the same thing, blown chances, missed saves, pitchers that don't know what they are supposed to do or bats that just aren't swinging.

In last nights game though, Cuddy, once again, proved what a rock star he is and got a pinch hit double! Time and time again he amazes me with what he can do, now if he can just keep doing that and get some more home runs, he'll get his Skittle count back up there, lol. I also thought Pavano did a good job out pitching Doc, even if Doc did go all 9 innings, our guy still came up with the win. It was also nice to see Justin finally get out of his home run slump and knock number 30 out of the park along with racking up his 100th RBI.

I would also like to give mad props to Kansas City for helping us out a little with walking all over Detroit since Tampa Bay couldn't help us :( It's nice to know someone might be willing to help us out when we can't seem to help ourselves. Next on the docket for Detroit... Toronto. Wanna help us a little guys?


I'm guessing Nathan and I are still fighting. Last night when he pitched I turned the game off in hopes that he'd have a 1-2-3 inning, seeing how the last time I listened/watched him pitch the whole game came unraveled in one inning. Hopefully he gets over this soon, I know I'm over it, I would like to be able to watch him pitch again before the end of the season! Betsy said it's because I "turn him off" that we're still fighting, I beg to differ :-)

It's time to come home guys. Betsy and I will be there tomorrow night to cheer you on in hopes of a win :)

It's Going To Be A Heartache Tonight

I heard the song on my radio after the game and figured it'd be appropriate for any White Sox fans after tonight's game, in all reality I was really thinking of the Sux fans that Betsy and I had to sit by tonight. The old lady kept giving us dirty looks every time we would do our "Anti-AJ" cheers. It actually made them more fun :)

Betsy and I also had the chance to meet up with Topper tonight before the game started. It was great to get to meet another reader of my blog and a fellow blogger :) Everyone make sure to check out his blog! Also everyone make sure to check out Betsy's blog when she posts it for more adventures from tonight before the game :-)

I had all intentions of coming home after tonight's game and going on and on about how amazing Jeff Manship pitched tonight and how proud I was of him for doing such a great job. For being his first major league game as a starter, he went out there and to me looked like he was made for that position. To have 4 shut out innings is pretty impressive. Good job Jeff!

All I have to say is this about Michael Cuddyer, he is a freakin' rock star! Cuddy's 2 home runs (bringing his Skittle count so far to 5, I'm buying him like the 5 pound bag to take to Unplugged in two weeks, Betsy dared me to do it so I will) were one of the major highlights of the night. I don't care who wants to say he needs to be gone, I will fully admit right now, the day Michael Cuddyer is no longer a Twin, I will probably cry lol He is by far my favorite player.

Now laugh if you will, but during the bottom of the 9th with two on and two out, Betsy and I were basically yelling for them to bring in Jose, aka, the White Sux Killer! Can I just say, now, for the record, I want him here full time next season. He's incredible and amazing and I really wanna meet him in person. He is earning so many brownie points this season with what he's been able to do again the Sux and other teams too as a pinch hitter. I think a few people left the game tonight with a new appreciation of Mr. Morales, although most of us already know what he's capable of. Way to go out there and get us another fantastic walk-off win!!

Way to keep us all on our toes again tonight guys... you have a way of bringing us all to the edge of our seats!

Betsy being a "tourist" we weren't loitering at all :)

I wasn't photo stalking Jeff Manship at all ;-)

The White Sux Killer!

See? Not at all!

There were a couple of the White Sux players that "got Denarded"

The man of the hour!! Yay Cuddy!!!

It's JGG, the Jolly Green Giant!

The easy distraction... I mean Joe Nathan

He's Back

I didn't say what I was thinking in last nights post due to my lovely superstition, but I guess I could have said it because it really didn't matter this time around. Blackie just wasn't on top of it tonight... again. Our bats were lacking, but we had some beautiful plays from our defense. My nephews reasoning for Blackburn sucking so bad, "He must be drunk." This is coming from a 8 year old, mind you. Perhaps he could have used a few drinks to calm his nerves or something.

As much as I don't wanna say it, you have Frankie who's pitching sucked ended up on the DL, same with Glen... my friend asked me tonight what kind of excuse the Twins were going to use to put Blackburn on the DL. I don't think they can afford to put him on the DL. Who the hell is left in Rochester that can come up? Dickey could come back, but that would make sense and we all know the Twins GM isn't smart. I just wish this team could capitalize every once and awhile. Tonight would have been the prime opportunity to gain some ground on Detroit and be above Chicago, but no, we let it slip right through our fingers.

Our biggest downfall tonight and who I blame the entire game on, just because I can and I want to... the home plate umpire just so happened to be Todd Tichenor. For those that don't know or don't remember (which I'm sure everyone does) he is the idiot that kicked both Gardy and Red Dog out of the game against Boston one inning and than kicked Varitek and Francona out an inning later.

Just for those that need a little reminder of what the idiot looks like.

Tonight's game was just bullshit with him behind home plate and apparently last night at 1st base as well. Tonight was more missed calls and then he kicked OC out for slamming his bat on the ground. I'm sorry, I didn't know it was a crime to show some emotion after a MISSED call. I've watched quite a few games that I've seen players slam their batting helmets on the ground or throw their bats and I haven't seen them get kicked out. I wanna know what the Twins did to Tichenor that he hates us so freaking much.

I'm giving Alexi props for his amazing plays tonight out in the field. That flip to OC was amazing! Number 1 Web Gem for sure on that one. Great job Alexi. This is the Alexi Casilla I have missed lately. It's nice to see him getting back to his old self and showing us all what we saw last season when we needed it the most. His bats been moving pretty good lately too, which is always a plus.

Biggest props of the night though have to go to Cuddy. He has been such an asset to the team this season. Filling in at 1st, making amazing plays in right and then filling in at 2nd tonight with OC being ejected. He's an all around amazing player and the Twins are really lucky that we have him here for a few more years. Since he has put those injuries aside from last season he's turned into the Cuddy I have always loved.

A couple last minute items: Joe Crede get better! I wanna see you play more this year and I wanna see you in Eden Prairie on Saturday :)

Lastly, every one make sure you check out Besty's blog for our adventures from Tuesday night's game. It's complete with pictures!

A Fantastic Weekend

So my fun filled weekend in Kansas with our beloved Twins (and my best friend) is coming to a close as I am making the nine hour car ride back to Minnesota in about 6 hours. It was nice getting to see them play ball like they are supposed to play, although I was a little worried about Saturday's game only because our pitching staff seemed to be coming apart at the seems, but all in all it was a fantastic weekend filled with outdoor baseball.

Believe me folks, for those that have never been to Kauffman Stadium, I suggest if you want to take a vacation to watch our boys play ball, I suggest Kansas City. It was a beautiful weekend for outdoor baseball and if Target Field is half as good at Kauffman is we'll be in for a treat when our new stadium opens up next season.

The view from our seats both Saturday and Sunday were amazing, the people were super friendly (not rude at all considering we swept their team) and the Twins fans that showed up were unreal! Lot's of cheers for Mauer at every at bat and those of us that were there on Sunday gave Cuddy a nice standing ovation for his home runs (I owe him 3 bags of skittles after my two games).

I know a lot of fans were saying Cuddy couldn't play first, but I think he did an amazing job filling in for Justin during his absence. Between his fielding and his homeruns... it was almost like Justin was there instead of back home in Minneapolis trying to get better.

It was a great weekend filled with good friends, good baseball and all around, it was just what the doctor ordered (sorry my team beat your team D)

Now onto pictures :-) These are from Day 1:


Day 2:


Hope everyone enjoyed!