The pitching was very good again last night except for the awful sixth. The Twins, who scored just two runs (also again), needed some more.
As this season starts to fade, it's always nice to read about potential futures.
I've caught a couple of articles on recent undrafted signee, Brandon Paulson, the last couple days, and I smile at the possibilities.
The kid is 24-years old and has a 100+ mph fastball. He's more wild than Nolan Ryan was at the same age but lately he's seems to have discovered how to pitch with more control. Earlier this month he was pitching for the Heraldsburg Prune Packers (yeah, I know it isn't the Yankees) and he was striking out everybody he faced. Literally everybody. The only problem is that his ERA is high because he walks about as many as he strikes out.
The good news is that he is 6 foot 6 and 240 pounds of solid muscle. And he's a fitness fanatic with a vertical leap of 40 inches. He's athletically gifted in many ways. And he's got great mechanics. The Twins offered him $250,000 and he snatched it up. He's raw talented skill who needs someone to help him get better at what he does.
Hopefully the Twins can be that someone. An arm that strong would be a terrible thing to waste.
It would be nice if the next big thing were finally a Twin this time...
You always dream of next year. That's what keeps you going when the current seaon turns out so horribly.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Twins Win
Gibson was great. Perkins picked up another save but blew the shutout. And Gardy got tossed for arguing yet another instant replay that didn't go his way.
Yep, this seems right.
Yep, this seems right.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Boston and Minnesota
I have to admit I feel less sorry for myself when I look at the Red Sox and where they are at right now. They are 11 games out of first and 10 games below .500 at the bottom of their division.
Virtually identical to the Twins.
Their fans expected so much more this season than our fans. And now with 2/3 of the season gone they are forced to make some major moves to get ready for next season. We never had any real hope. They did.
Worse? Look at Texas. They are currently 23.5 games back and 22 full games below .500. Do you think any of their fans saw that coming? Even HOUSTON is ahead of them in the division standings.
We have it bad in Minnesota, but other teams have it a whole lot worse.
Virtually identical to the Twins.
Their fans expected so much more this season than our fans. And now with 2/3 of the season gone they are forced to make some major moves to get ready for next season. We never had any real hope. They did.
Worse? Look at Texas. They are currently 23.5 games back and 22 full games below .500. Do you think any of their fans saw that coming? Even HOUSTON is ahead of them in the division standings.
We have it bad in Minnesota, but other teams have it a whole lot worse.
Sterling And The NBA
In a weird turn of events, a Superior Court judge has ruled that Donald Sterling's estranged wife had the authority to sell the Clippers even though Donald is the key trustee of the holding company which owns the Clippers.
Why? Is it because he is racist?
No, the surprising answer is because two doctors, who she hired, tell us he has Alzheimer's, and she got a really, really good deal for the team from former Microsoft Head, Steve Ballmer.
Sterling can no longer legally delay the sale.
This sounds like a plot from a good conspiracy TV show.
And there's probably more twists and turns coming.
Stay tuned.
Why? Is it because he is racist?
No, the surprising answer is because two doctors, who she hired, tell us he has Alzheimer's, and she got a really, really good deal for the team from former Microsoft Head, Steve Ballmer.
Sterling can no longer legally delay the sale.
This sounds like a plot from a good conspiracy TV show.
And there's probably more twists and turns coming.
Stay tuned.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Vikings Notes
Rumors are that the Vikes will be using Peterson more out of the backfield as a receiver this year, thus getting him the ball when he is already in the open field. I hope so, that's been one of my major complaints the last several years.
The Vikes are so high on tight end Kyle Rudolph that they gave him a 5-year extension. I think that's a great move as well.
Wide receiver Adam Theilen is turning heads at camp, as he and rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater have already developed a nice rapport.
At this point the Vikes are planning on going with 3 QBs on their main roster, but word is they are looking to get something for Ponder in trade before the season starts.
It's nice writing about something other than the Twins.
I'm getting excited about football again.
The Vikes are so high on tight end Kyle Rudolph that they gave him a 5-year extension. I think that's a great move as well.
Wide receiver Adam Theilen is turning heads at camp, as he and rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater have already developed a nice rapport.
At this point the Vikes are planning on going with 3 QBs on their main roster, but word is they are looking to get something for Ponder in trade before the season starts.
It's nice writing about something other than the Twins.
I'm getting excited about football again.
Perkins Picks Up Save Number 25
It's tough to get excited about a team that wins one once in a while. Pino pitched well, and the Twins rallied late, both of which are good things, but even a team mired in last place does win occasionally.
I'm happy they didn't lose but my excitement level is at zero.
I'm happy they didn't lose but my excitement level is at zero.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Favorite Things
The Twins are not currently on the list.
I like the English language, though. I came across this sentence last week and really enjoy its nuances. It's complete. It makes sense, and it uses the same word four times in a row.
"All the faith he had had had had no affect on the way he lived his life."
What else do I like?
My iPad. The more I see what it can do, and how easily it does those things, the more amazed I am that people settle for poor, cheap substitutes. I've been a comic book fan my whole life and have been fortunate enough to be published several times by a variety of publishers.
But READING comics on an iPad increases the pleasure of the experience immensely. You can read it panel by panel with each panel enlarged to fill the screen automatically. If you want to see the page layout as a whole, a simple couple of touches in the middle of the screen shows you the whole page.
Lately graphic novels and collections have been made available on the iPad so that you can read entire year-long story lines in a single package, some of them discounted as much as 80% off their printed hardcover counterparts. I've read beautiful 350-450 page comics for as little as $3 to $5. In high definition and beautiful RGB color.
Better yet? They really don't take up much space. 15 hardcover, 400-page books take up a lot of space on my bookshelf. They take up about 6 GB of space on my 64 GB device. And if I need the space, I can throw them away and reload them any time I want. My library is always at my fingertips.
Reading regular books is a good experience. Comic book fans drool over their iPad experience.
I like the English language, though. I came across this sentence last week and really enjoy its nuances. It's complete. It makes sense, and it uses the same word four times in a row.
"All the faith he had had had had no affect on the way he lived his life."
What else do I like?
My iPad. The more I see what it can do, and how easily it does those things, the more amazed I am that people settle for poor, cheap substitutes. I've been a comic book fan my whole life and have been fortunate enough to be published several times by a variety of publishers.
But READING comics on an iPad increases the pleasure of the experience immensely. You can read it panel by panel with each panel enlarged to fill the screen automatically. If you want to see the page layout as a whole, a simple couple of touches in the middle of the screen shows you the whole page.
Lately graphic novels and collections have been made available on the iPad so that you can read entire year-long story lines in a single package, some of them discounted as much as 80% off their printed hardcover counterparts. I've read beautiful 350-450 page comics for as little as $3 to $5. In high definition and beautiful RGB color.
Better yet? They really don't take up much space. 15 hardcover, 400-page books take up a lot of space on my bookshelf. They take up about 6 GB of space on my 64 GB device. And if I need the space, I can throw them away and reload them any time I want. My library is always at my fingertips.
Reading regular books is a good experience. Comic book fans drool over their iPad experience.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Twins Lose
Again.
Kyle Gibson has an ailing back. Hughes ankle is day to day. And our hitting and pitching (what's left of it) is not something I'd write home about.
That's why I write it here.
I used to wonder why everybody isn't a sports' fan.
Now I wonder why I am.
quotes of the day:
Hunting and fishing are not sports. To be a sport both sides have to know they're involved in a competition.
Hunting and fishing are to sports as stalking and serial murders are to dating relationships.
Kyle Gibson has an ailing back. Hughes ankle is day to day. And our hitting and pitching (what's left of it) is not something I'd write home about.
That's why I write it here.
I used to wonder why everybody isn't a sports' fan.
Now I wonder why I am.
quotes of the day:
Hunting and fishing are not sports. To be a sport both sides have to know they're involved in a competition.
Hunting and fishing are to sports as stalking and serial murders are to dating relationships.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Vikings Open Camp Today!
At least it's something other than bad Twins news.
They did, however, suspend a special team's coach for homophobic remarks he made last season.
Minnesota sports teams. Winners all.
They did, however, suspend a special team's coach for homophobic remarks he made last season.
Minnesota sports teams. Winners all.
Twins Notes
Kendrys Morales was traded to Seattle, rejoining his old team. We got a relief pitcher for him.
Hughes took one in the ankle early in last night's game and had to leave.
The Twins lost but at least avoided a shutout.
The Twins have cancelled their Chuck Knoblach Hall of Fame induction because he was arrested for beating up his ex-wife.
The hits just keep on comin'.
Hughes took one in the ankle early in last night's game and had to leave.
The Twins lost but at least avoided a shutout.
The Twins have cancelled their Chuck Knoblach Hall of Fame induction because he was arrested for beating up his ex-wife.
The hits just keep on comin'.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Swarzak Proves He Still Has Starter's Blood In Him
More than anyone Anthony Swarzack shows me why the Twins might not be too bad if they went with a rotation of mostly relievers pitching longer stints less often. Yesterday afternoon Swarzack looked great through 5 and then it was just mop up duty for the rest of the pen.
Arcia looked good with his blast as well.
A good day for the Twins who took the series. The White Sox this weekend.
Arcia looked good with his blast as well.
A good day for the Twins who took the series. The White Sox this weekend.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Twins Win
Johnson, Susuki, Willingham, Plouffe, and Perkins all had the night we needed.
Willingham is expected to be traded soon, so it was nice to see one final game-winning blast from him.
Willingham is expected to be traded soon, so it was nice to see one final game-winning blast from him.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
Wiggins
One of the reasons LeBron chose to go back to Cleveland is that they drafted the 19-year old guard at number one in the draft. The kid is said to be very good.
Cleveland planned on keeping him a long time...
...but now his name is back on the table with the Wolves in their attempt to trade Kevin Love.
I find the trade possibilities now open to the Wolves more interesting than the actual Wolves themselves.
Through all of this, the Wolves actually may have a chance at being in a blockbuster trade that will actually benefit them!
Golden State is also still in the mix. With TWO teams competing for the Love prize, the chances of something good are much better.
At the same time, we're talking about a Minnesota sports franchise. That keeps me grounded. I never let my expectations get any higher than Minnesota history suggests I should.
Cleveland planned on keeping him a long time...
...but now his name is back on the table with the Wolves in their attempt to trade Kevin Love.
I find the trade possibilities now open to the Wolves more interesting than the actual Wolves themselves.
Through all of this, the Wolves actually may have a chance at being in a blockbuster trade that will actually benefit them!
Golden State is also still in the mix. With TWO teams competing for the Love prize, the chances of something good are much better.
At the same time, we're talking about a Minnesota sports franchise. That keeps me grounded. I never let my expectations get any higher than Minnesota history suggests I should.
California Divided
There's been much debate about the possibility of dividing California into 6 smaller states because one is way too big to effectively mange.
Might I suggest a compromise? Divide it into 4 states. That would bring the total states to 53. And 53 states would be a prime number.
Why is that important?
Because that would be...
...indivisible...
just like the pledge of allegiance tells us.
Thank you, I'll be here all week.
Might I suggest a compromise? Divide it into 4 states. That would bring the total states to 53. And 53 states would be a prime number.
Why is that important?
Because that would be...
...indivisible...
just like the pledge of allegiance tells us.
Thank you, I'll be here all week.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Super Hero
I like the show America Ninja Warrior. The endurance, strength, and pure athleticism is unmatched in any normal sport you see or participate in. It's a really cool version of the obstacle races they use to have on the old Superstars competition (or more recently American Gladiators.) It's better than the cross-fit or strongman competitions as well. It's more than strength. It's more than endurance.
Those who win are among the best true athletes on Earth. Recently the first ever woman to compete successfully on the show finished the course. This is the closest you'll find to a comic book super-heroine. The video is almost eight minutes long, but it is amaxing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZFuw7a13E&app=desktop
Those who win are among the best true athletes on Earth. Recently the first ever woman to compete successfully on the show finished the course. This is the closest you'll find to a comic book super-heroine. The video is almost eight minutes long, but it is amaxing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfZFuw7a13E&app=desktop
Heads Up Plays
Great defense is worth watching. This is two variations of the same play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i91Knpc4l9c&app=desktop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i91Knpc4l9c&app=desktop
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Perkins Picks Up Save In Another A.L. Win
I thought I was beyond the "big deal" feel of this baseball game.
Nope.
As I watched the American League jump out to an early lead, I was mesmerized like a 10 year-old kid again. Guys like Jeter with 3,400 major league hits, still performing as one of the best. Trout and Cabrera both showing why they are better than than anyone else in the game. The surprise of seeing former Twin Pat Neshek doing well again and pitching for the National League, knowing his proud brother is working on the ground crew at Target Field.
It's still magic. THIS is the game, more so than even World Series games, that portrays baseball in its best light. And OUR Glen Perkins picked up the save on OUR home field.
These guys are the best of the best, and to see them all on the same field still gives me goose bumps.
And technically this is just an exhibition game. The world can have its World Cup.
Baseball rules.
Nope.
As I watched the American League jump out to an early lead, I was mesmerized like a 10 year-old kid again. Guys like Jeter with 3,400 major league hits, still performing as one of the best. Trout and Cabrera both showing why they are better than than anyone else in the game. The surprise of seeing former Twin Pat Neshek doing well again and pitching for the National League, knowing his proud brother is working on the ground crew at Target Field.
It's still magic. THIS is the game, more so than even World Series games, that portrays baseball in its best light. And OUR Glen Perkins picked up the save on OUR home field.
These guys are the best of the best, and to see them all on the same field still gives me goose bumps.
And technically this is just an exhibition game. The world can have its World Cup.
Baseball rules.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
26.5 million
The number of people who watched the final game of the World Cup in the U.S.
The snooze fest was tied 0-0 for 2 hours.
I admit I was one of them near the end.
I also realize that there is a cultural aspect to this "sport" that a guy like me will never appreciate.
Kind of like playing bagpipes in a skirt.
You need a certain heritage to see why it's interesting.
The snooze fest was tied 0-0 for 2 hours.
I admit I was one of them near the end.
I also realize that there is a cultural aspect to this "sport" that a guy like me will never appreciate.
Kind of like playing bagpipes in a skirt.
You need a certain heritage to see why it's interesting.
Cespedes
I tried watching the derby last night, but I finally gave up. Between rain delays and an extra bracket to establish finalists, I just gave up. What I did see was awfully pathetic, but Yoenis Cespedes was pretty good in the highlight reel this morning.
His last blast in the final round was his best.
MAYBE it's time to just stop the derby. Last night it was like watching soccer. At least fans had plenty of time to explore Target Field.
I watched the finale of 24 instead. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed my use of time more.
His last blast in the final round was his best.
MAYBE it's time to just stop the derby. Last night it was like watching soccer. At least fans had plenty of time to explore Target Field.
I watched the finale of 24 instead. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed my use of time more.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Twins Win In Blowout
I like typing this particular headline. The Twins have won 5 of 6 going into the All-Star break and their bats are showing great improvement in that time.
Dozier's TWO home runs looked pretty good going into The Derby, but then everyone was swinging a hot bat yesterday.
Compare that to the World Cup Final yesterday.
A typical game runs about 80 minutes. Yesterday there was NO SCORE for two hours as they played endlessly into extra time. And then, when you saw that Germany scored you thought, at least the ending was dramatic."
But you would be wrong.
Even with 50% extra time already in, you discover that a soccer game DOES NOT end in sudden death. They STILL give the other team extra time to score, thereby robbing every single fan the moment of sudden victory.
You wait until the refs say the game is done.
...and then it is.
There is absolutely nothing compelling about soccer.
Nothing.
And so much to loathe.
I'll say it again, you have to be crazy to be a soccer fan.
And they are rioting in the losing country today.
It figures. They won't quit until the refs tell them to.
Dozier's TWO home runs looked pretty good going into The Derby, but then everyone was swinging a hot bat yesterday.
Compare that to the World Cup Final yesterday.
A typical game runs about 80 minutes. Yesterday there was NO SCORE for two hours as they played endlessly into extra time. And then, when you saw that Germany scored you thought, at least the ending was dramatic."
But you would be wrong.
Even with 50% extra time already in, you discover that a soccer game DOES NOT end in sudden death. They STILL give the other team extra time to score, thereby robbing every single fan the moment of sudden victory.
You wait until the refs say the game is done.
...and then it is.
There is absolutely nothing compelling about soccer.
Nothing.
And so much to loathe.
I'll say it again, you have to be crazy to be a soccer fan.
And they are rioting in the losing country today.
It figures. They won't quit until the refs tell them to.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Twins Win In Blowout
Looking at his current 5-11 record, you'd never know that Kevin Correia has been one of the better starters for the Twins for the last two months. In his previous six starts he has had an ERA of 2.45. Yesterday he only gave up ONE earned run in six good innings.
The reason for the poor record is that he was getting less than two runs per game run support in that time. Yesterday was a different story. The Twins scored early and often going on to win 9-3. The only threat Colorado had was in the ninth, long after the game had already been decided.
Kendrys Morales is starting to get key hits again. Dozier has been lost at the plate for the better part of a month got an RBI too. Sadly, both are hitting in the .230 range, which is one of the reasons the Twins haven't been seeing many runs lately.
Another major reason is that Willingham (.211) is starting to resemble Aaron Hicks, and if rumors are true, the Twins are trying to trade him as soon as possible. Good riddance.
Have you seen the other averages?
Plouffe .239
Arcia .222
Fryer .182
Hicks and his .200 batting average is starting to look average for the Twins instead of poor...
The Twins pitching has been much better than the offense lately. Tom Brunansky hasn't shown me much as a hitting coach so far. ALL the Twins are far worse than they used to be.
I predicted that at the beginning of the season, if you'll remember, I asked at the beginning of the season why we would promote Bruno to the majors as hitting instructor when the major complaint of our recent call-ups from Triple A ball was that none had seemed to learn how to hit?
The Twins collective average this year? .246
The reason for the poor record is that he was getting less than two runs per game run support in that time. Yesterday was a different story. The Twins scored early and often going on to win 9-3. The only threat Colorado had was in the ninth, long after the game had already been decided.
Kendrys Morales is starting to get key hits again. Dozier has been lost at the plate for the better part of a month got an RBI too. Sadly, both are hitting in the .230 range, which is one of the reasons the Twins haven't been seeing many runs lately.
Another major reason is that Willingham (.211) is starting to resemble Aaron Hicks, and if rumors are true, the Twins are trying to trade him as soon as possible. Good riddance.
Have you seen the other averages?
Plouffe .239
Arcia .222
Fryer .182
Hicks and his .200 batting average is starting to look average for the Twins instead of poor...
The Twins pitching has been much better than the offense lately. Tom Brunansky hasn't shown me much as a hitting coach so far. ALL the Twins are far worse than they used to be.
I predicted that at the beginning of the season, if you'll remember, I asked at the beginning of the season why we would promote Bruno to the majors as hitting instructor when the major complaint of our recent call-ups from Triple A ball was that none had seemed to learn how to hit?
The Twins collective average this year? .246
Saturday, July 12, 2014
LeBron Chooses Cavs
He says he's doing this because it's home. They also had the number one pick in the draft and already have a couple of really good young players.
There is now speculation brewing of Kevin Love going there in a trade involving draft picks and one or two of those young players.
Cleveland is currently the odds on favorite at 4-1 to win the NBA championship this season.
I can see why Love looks forward to this trade.
Minnesota loses again.
There is now speculation brewing of Kevin Love going there in a trade involving draft picks and one or two of those young players.
Cleveland is currently the odds on favorite at 4-1 to win the NBA championship this season.
I can see why Love looks forward to this trade.
Minnesota loses again.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Twins Win Third Straight
Yohan Pino looked good again last night picking up his first major league win. Perkins got his 22nd save of the season. As good as Pino's looked though, the Twins are sending him back to the minors so that they can call up Friday's starter Kris Johnson as the roster shuffling continues.
I think everybody expects Yohan back soon, they just needed a fresh arm for Friday's game. Kendrys Morales provided the big hit again in last night's victory, a 2-run double in the fifth.
10 1/2 back, they're 5-5 lately and still 7 below .500 on the season.
"Treading water is still better than drowning."
Bradd Mielke
I think everybody expects Yohan back soon, they just needed a fresh arm for Friday's game. Kendrys Morales provided the big hit again in last night's victory, a 2-run double in the fifth.
10 1/2 back, they're 5-5 lately and still 7 below .500 on the season.
"Treading water is still better than drowning."
Bradd Mielke
Baseball News
Mashiro Tanaka, the amazing Japanese import for the Yankees, has a partially torn elbow ligament. He should be back in six weeks or so. IF the rest doesn't heal it, Tommy John surgery is the next step.
It's hard to work an arm that hard for so long without consequences.
The amazing scoreless innings streak by Dodger Clayton Kershaw came to end last night when the Padres scored off him in the sixth inning. The streak lasted 41 innings, so he missed former Dodger's great, Orel Hershiser's streak of 59 straight. Kershaw still won the game 2-1. Former Twins knuckleballer R.A. Dickey had a streak of 44 for the Mets in 2012.
Justin Morneau WILL be in the home run hitting contest at Target Field next week. Go Justin!
It's hard to work an arm that hard for so long without consequences.
The amazing scoreless innings streak by Dodger Clayton Kershaw came to end last night when the Padres scored off him in the sixth inning. The streak lasted 41 innings, so he missed former Dodger's great, Orel Hershiser's streak of 59 straight. Kershaw still won the game 2-1. Former Twins knuckleballer R.A. Dickey had a streak of 44 for the Mets in 2012.
Justin Morneau WILL be in the home run hitting contest at Target Field next week. Go Justin!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Happy Stat of the Week
Justin is still putting up great numbers this year. IF he is selected for the All-Star game (he's one of 5 finalists for the last spot) he said he will compete in the home run contest at Target Field.
Go Justin!
Go Justin!
Blowout!
Finally, the Twins bats came to life last night. It was even early enough in the game for me to see some of those runs.
And Kyle Gibson is finally looking good on the road.
Great game.
More please.
And Kyle Gibson is finally looking good on the road.
Great game.
More please.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Unbelievable World Cup
That's right, Germany scored SEVEN goals. In a "sport" where one or none is your most likely contribution, seven is truly amazing.
I don't know who was/is in the other semi-final game and I don't care. I don't know when the finals game is either, but my mug is pretty sweet.
Hughes Solid, Wins 2-0
Fuld hit a two run homer. Hughes had no walks and pitched into the eighth.
Perkins picked up his 21st save.
Same plot and story as the last game, but this time the good guys won.
Perkins picked up his 21st save.
Same plot and story as the last game, but this time the good guys won.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Correia Solid, Loses 2-0
There were NINE total hits in the game, we had 4 of them.
Instead of talking about another Twins loss, I thought I'd speak of recycled plots on movies and TV shows.
Last weekend we finally got to see the latest Jack Ryan movie, Shadow Recruit. I truly enjoy the Tom Clancy novels that inspired the character, but was in no hurry to see it because of the tepid reviews.
Spoiler alert: I do discuss the ending so if you don't want to know it, stop reading. It's not much of a spoiler though, because he does something heroic at the end to spoil the villain's success. That's what ALWAYS happens in these movies.
It's just that this particular ending has been used A LOT lately.
There's a bomb. The hero can't diffuse it. He's forced to bring it to an area where no one will get hurt by the time it explodes. Everybody then thinks he's dead (for a while.) If you saw the latest Batman movie, you saw Batman do this. If you saw the latest Avenger's movie, you saw Iron Man do this.
If you saw Iron Giant years ago, you saw a version of this.
In this particular movie, Jack Ryan discovers an ambulance parked below the tunnels of Wall Street containing a bomb big enough to destroy the world's economy. Up until that point, it was a pretty good action thriller. He ends up speeding through the streets of New York heading for the bay in a race against time.
Now you might say, "Well, that's a pretty original way of using the exploding bomb gimmick."
But you would be wrong.
You see, as soon as the movie was over, we switched to an episode of Criminal Minds (in syndication on A&E) that we had never seen before. The agent discovers an ambulance in the bowels of the hospital with a bomb in it powerful enough to level the hospital and everyone in it. We later find out that the President was having "secret" surgery there.
At the end, he's speeding through the streets of New York heading for an isolated area of Central Park so that the bomb can explode with minimal damage.
It LITERALLY was the exact same plot, and we really did watch the show immediately after the movie was over. Coincidence?
Nope. I just think that this gimmick is used more often than any writer is willing to admit. And sometimes it blows up in the viewers faces.
Especially viewers who admittedly watch far too much television.
In my defense, I can't watch the Twins much anymore. It's just too painful.
Lately, they've been recycling the same tired plot too often as well.
Instead of talking about another Twins loss, I thought I'd speak of recycled plots on movies and TV shows.
Last weekend we finally got to see the latest Jack Ryan movie, Shadow Recruit. I truly enjoy the Tom Clancy novels that inspired the character, but was in no hurry to see it because of the tepid reviews.
Spoiler alert: I do discuss the ending so if you don't want to know it, stop reading. It's not much of a spoiler though, because he does something heroic at the end to spoil the villain's success. That's what ALWAYS happens in these movies.
It's just that this particular ending has been used A LOT lately.
There's a bomb. The hero can't diffuse it. He's forced to bring it to an area where no one will get hurt by the time it explodes. Everybody then thinks he's dead (for a while.) If you saw the latest Batman movie, you saw Batman do this. If you saw the latest Avenger's movie, you saw Iron Man do this.
If you saw Iron Giant years ago, you saw a version of this.
In this particular movie, Jack Ryan discovers an ambulance parked below the tunnels of Wall Street containing a bomb big enough to destroy the world's economy. Up until that point, it was a pretty good action thriller. He ends up speeding through the streets of New York heading for the bay in a race against time.
Now you might say, "Well, that's a pretty original way of using the exploding bomb gimmick."
But you would be wrong.
You see, as soon as the movie was over, we switched to an episode of Criminal Minds (in syndication on A&E) that we had never seen before. The agent discovers an ambulance in the bowels of the hospital with a bomb in it powerful enough to level the hospital and everyone in it. We later find out that the President was having "secret" surgery there.
At the end, he's speeding through the streets of New York heading for an isolated area of Central Park so that the bomb can explode with minimal damage.
It LITERALLY was the exact same plot, and we really did watch the show immediately after the movie was over. Coincidence?
Nope. I just think that this gimmick is used more often than any writer is willing to admit. And sometimes it blows up in the viewers faces.
Especially viewers who admittedly watch far too much television.
In my defense, I can't watch the Twins much anymore. It's just too painful.
Lately, they've been recycling the same tired plot too often as well.
Monday, July 7, 2014
When Is A Comeback Not A Comeback?
The Twins were down 9-0 after 3 1/2 innings yesterday. They lost 9-7.
In answer to the riddle in the headline: When it's not all the way back.
heavy sigh
In answer to the riddle in the headline: When it's not all the way back.
heavy sigh
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Twins
As I write this at about 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Twins are already down 6-0 in the third.
I'd rather talk about YESTERDAY'S 2-1 win in 11 innings. It was a fun game and Yohan was great in his 6 innings. The problem is that the bullpen, though pitching nearly 15 innings of shutout ball already this weekend against the Yankees, is pitching too much. And that means the starters are faltering again.
Skip to the post game show. It was great seeing the segment on Sleepy Eye and the historic Babe Ruth visit 93 years ago. Babe hit two homers in that exhibition and we paid him $1000 for that appearance. Barnstorming was very popular back then and no one know for sure why Babe picked such a small town for such an exhibition. But how cool was it for local amatuers to be Ruth's teammates for the day? Ruth even pitched a couple of innings.
I always knew of the visit, but it was fun seeing locals talk about it. Great segment following a great game.
And then there's the Twins already going to the bullpen and it's only the third inning today.
I'm so glad the thrill of baseball has so much to do with its incredible past. Because the present isn't nearly as enjoyable.
I'd rather talk about YESTERDAY'S 2-1 win in 11 innings. It was a fun game and Yohan was great in his 6 innings. The problem is that the bullpen, though pitching nearly 15 innings of shutout ball already this weekend against the Yankees, is pitching too much. And that means the starters are faltering again.
Skip to the post game show. It was great seeing the segment on Sleepy Eye and the historic Babe Ruth visit 93 years ago. Babe hit two homers in that exhibition and we paid him $1000 for that appearance. Barnstorming was very popular back then and no one know for sure why Babe picked such a small town for such an exhibition. But how cool was it for local amatuers to be Ruth's teammates for the day? Ruth even pitched a couple of innings.
I always knew of the visit, but it was fun seeing locals talk about it. Great segment following a great game.
And then there's the Twins already going to the bullpen and it's only the third inning today.
I'm so glad the thrill of baseball has so much to do with its incredible past. Because the present isn't nearly as enjoyable.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Twins
The season is now past the midway point. The Twins are on pace for a 74-88 record. My guess is that they will get worse as the the season continues so that they have far more losses than projected.
And that the 37,000 July 4th attendance from yesterday against the Yankees will be a distant memory by season's end.
The end of an era in Minnesota.
Just a note: Today's post-game show after the game will feature Sleepy Eye Minnesota hosting Babe Ruth at a game in the Sleepy Eye Ball Park back in the day. I saw John Mielke in a quick preview during yesterday's broadcast, I can't give you an exact time, but somewhere between 3:30 and 6:00 tonight on FSN is a good estimate.
Go Sleepy Eye!
And that the 37,000 July 4th attendance from yesterday against the Yankees will be a distant memory by season's end.
The end of an era in Minnesota.
Just a note: Today's post-game show after the game will feature Sleepy Eye Minnesota hosting Babe Ruth at a game in the Sleepy Eye Ball Park back in the day. I saw John Mielke in a quick preview during yesterday's broadcast, I can't give you an exact time, but somewhere between 3:30 and 6:00 tonight on FSN is a good estimate.
Go Sleepy Eye!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Twins Stink Up The Joint
Willingham and Morales in particular.
I don't think I'll be watching much from now on.
I don't think I'll be watching much from now on.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
World Cup Ratings
The last two U.S. games of the The World Cup averaged higher viewership than the latest NBA Finals games or World Series games.
Yet I know no one who watched either for more than a few minutes other than me. (The last half of the Portugal game was fun until the ending. It won't cause me to watch more soccer in the future, that's for sure. I skipped the Belgian game entirely because of the ending of the Portugal game.)
The times? They are a changin'.
The future? NFL Football and...
...the world's version of football.
Yet I know no one who watched either for more than a few minutes other than me. (The last half of the Portugal game was fun until the ending. It won't cause me to watch more soccer in the future, that's for sure. I skipped the Belgian game entirely because of the ending of the Portugal game.)
The times? They are a changin'.
The future? NFL Football and...
...the world's version of football.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Fake Sport Better Than REAL
With the U.S. again having a disappointing time of it in "extra time" and the Twins 6 games below .500, the WWE has decided to revamp their story lines for the upcoming Summer Slam event. Chris Jericho is back! A.J. is back and woman's champ once more. And with that news, most WWE fans think her husband, C.M. Punk, will be coming back again very soon as well.
With Brock Lesnar projected to be coming back to face Cena for the championship, and the Usos and Wyatts on a roll, it makes it much easier to cope with Daniel Bryan's lingering neck problems.
Throw in the major push of Ceasaro and you have a very interesting Slummer Slam shaping up.
And as a friend from the local grocery store has pointed out, all you gotta do is BO lieve.
(You'll get that last one if you watch regularly.)
Yes! Yes! Yes!
With Brock Lesnar projected to be coming back to face Cena for the championship, and the Usos and Wyatts on a roll, it makes it much easier to cope with Daniel Bryan's lingering neck problems.
Throw in the major push of Ceasaro and you have a very interesting Slummer Slam shaping up.
And as a friend from the local grocery store has pointed out, all you gotta do is BO lieve.
(You'll get that last one if you watch regularly.)
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Twins Bats Come Alive, Mauer Hurt
Ricky Nolasco was good last night, but the pitching for the Twins has been pretty good lately even with the losses.
The problem, as we all know has been opposing pitching being much better and our hitting has been practically nonexistent.
At least for one night, that changed. 15 hits produced 10 runs. Throw in a couple of KC errors and you have the recipe for a blowout.
Sadly Joe Mauer, who has actually been one of the few bright spots in the line up as of late (Mauer?! I KNOW, who would have thunk it?) strained an oblique last night after hitting a two run double in the fourth. As the recently returned Trevor Plouffe will tell you, those things take a while to heal properly.
Twins are gradually sinking in the central, but at least the White Sox are behind us again.
The problem, as we all know has been opposing pitching being much better and our hitting has been practically nonexistent.
At least for one night, that changed. 15 hits produced 10 runs. Throw in a couple of KC errors and you have the recipe for a blowout.
Sadly Joe Mauer, who has actually been one of the few bright spots in the line up as of late (Mauer?! I KNOW, who would have thunk it?) strained an oblique last night after hitting a two run double in the fourth. As the recently returned Trevor Plouffe will tell you, those things take a while to heal properly.
Twins are gradually sinking in the central, but at least the White Sox are behind us again.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
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