Technically, Gardy was not fired. Much like Tom Kelly before him, Ron Gardenhire was asked to take a different position with the Twins to make room for another manager. Gardy would still like to manage, so the Twins granted him his release.
There's a difference.
Either way, much like I said a couple of days ago, the Twins need better starting pitching. The manager won't make much of a difference before that happens. Maybe that will happen next year. Nolasco might be better. Pelfrey may find his arm finally healed. Or they could bring up somebody or they could acquire someone new. Or we'll have to sit through several more seasons of losing baseball until we achieve baseball's holy grail: An above average starting rotation.
In baseball, you're only as good as your starters. The Twins simply do not have enough of them.
It would be a great time to go with a larger bullpen rotation and skip the starters entirely, but baseball isn't ready to embrace that idea yet. The Twins will find another traditional manager. They will do traditional things. And we will continue losing until the year when a good starting rotation finally comes together again. Since all the other teams are looking for (or seeking to maintain) that goal, it could be awhile.
Instead of embracing change after 4 horrible seasons, they will keep trying the traditional way. And we'll simply wait until the we have the right hand dealt to us.
Four aces.
A good manager would try something different and be backed by the organization.
The words "good" and "traditional" may no longer go together in the modern era. So we may have an awfully long wait since all of the candidates mentioned so far are traditional baseball people. One of the primary reasons Gardy was unsuccessful was that he too was traditional. Baseball is changing. Those teams who don't see the need to change when circumstances dictate that change, will continue making the same traditional mistakes.
Who knows, we may be dealt four aces next season. But anyone who plays cards knows the odds aren't in our favor. That we MAY have a couple of aces right now certainly helps the odds.
One last note, since I mentioned Tom Kelly, Tom had a stroke late last week. As I've personally found out, that could mean a lot of different things. The effects left by a stroke are wide-ranging. He'll be in my prayers.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Twins Lose
I'm just acknowledging the end of the season. The playoffs start today and there are a substantial number of small or medium market teams in the mix. That's good for baseball.
A year without the Yankees and Boston IS a very good thing. Ratings will be in the sewer, but it's still a good thing.
A year without the Yankees and Boston IS a very good thing. Ratings will be in the sewer, but it's still a good thing.
Ponder Leads Vikings to Two Late Scores in Vikings Win!
What a game! It truly was"Teddy Time" as the Vikings looked sharp from start to finish. Well, except when Ponder took the reigns at the end of the fourth quarter. For the brief time he was the in there, the Vikings quickly reverted to looking like last year's team, going nowhere and settling for two field goals, including a beautiful 55 yard masterpiece by Blair Walsh to seal the win.
Bridgewater was fantastic. No turnovers while throwing for over over 300 yards, he looked poised in there. Scrambling when he had to but usually just finding and hitting the open reciever, he even had a nifty touchdown run.
And it wasn't just Bridgewater. Great kickoff returns and punt returns often led to superb field position to start drives. The TANDEM of Mckinnon and Asiata at running back produced over 200 yards rushing on nearly 40 carries, taking the pressure off Teddy's passing game. The cool thing? Neither back danced behind the line of scrimmage waiting for a better block leading to multiple negative yardage plays. They went FORWARD every time.
I've always maintained that a multiple back offense leads to greater team success than one predictable runner with the ball. We saw that yesterday. I think the Vikes can build on that in future games.
And the defense played their hearts out. I don't mind that they got burned a couple of times. They were without their field general in Chad Greenway, and they are young and inexperienced. But they kept pressuring Ryan over and over again. Eventually they cracked him. That's no little feat.
Vikes/Packers Thursday. Teddy has a sprained ankle. The suspense is building...
Bridgewater was fantastic. No turnovers while throwing for over over 300 yards, he looked poised in there. Scrambling when he had to but usually just finding and hitting the open reciever, he even had a nifty touchdown run.
And it wasn't just Bridgewater. Great kickoff returns and punt returns often led to superb field position to start drives. The TANDEM of Mckinnon and Asiata at running back produced over 200 yards rushing on nearly 40 carries, taking the pressure off Teddy's passing game. The cool thing? Neither back danced behind the line of scrimmage waiting for a better block leading to multiple negative yardage plays. They went FORWARD every time.
I've always maintained that a multiple back offense leads to greater team success than one predictable runner with the ball. We saw that yesterday. I think the Vikes can build on that in future games.
And the defense played their hearts out. I don't mind that they got burned a couple of times. They were without their field general in Chad Greenway, and they are young and inexperienced. But they kept pressuring Ryan over and over again. Eventually they cracked him. That's no little feat.
Vikes/Packers Thursday. Teddy has a sprained ankle. The suspense is building...
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Minnesota Football
The Vikes take the field today down several starters against the Falcon's high-powered offensive attack. I don't have high hopes for this one, but I should be able to watch most of it. If it's close, I will. Bridgewater gets his first start. Here's hoping his receiver corps remembers how to catch passes.
Th Gopher football team is starting to look pretty good. They're 4-1 now after beating Michigan Saturday. Normally that would get me excited, but Michigan is looking terrible so far this year. That the game was AT Michigan makes it a bigger deal. The final was 30-12.
Th Gopher football team is starting to look pretty good. They're 4-1 now after beating Michigan Saturday. Normally that would get me excited, but Michigan is looking terrible so far this year. That the game was AT Michigan makes it a bigger deal. The final was 30-12.
Twins Kick Tigers 12-3
The Twins have averaged 7 runs a game against the Tigers this season. Last night they scored 12 including a 6 RBI night by Eduardo Escabar. Dozier blasted another home run, too.
Rocky Nolasco finally recorded another win for the Twins, his first since July 1st!
The Royals lost last night so they are still a full game back with one to play.
The Twins still hope to play spoiler with Gibson going for his fourteenth win.
Stat of the day: The Twins lead all of baseball in runs scored since August 1st.
Rocky Nolasco finally recorded another win for the Twins, his first since July 1st!
The Royals lost last night so they are still a full game back with one to play.
The Twins still hope to play spoiler with Gibson going for his fourteenth win.
Stat of the day: The Twins lead all of baseball in runs scored since August 1st.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Greenway OUT
He played with a broken left hand for most of the season, but now he has a broken rib, and the team has decided it's time that Chad Greenway takes a game or two off to heal. He's played in 90 straight games as a linebacker for the Vikings. That figure alone is amazing.
He's been the team's leading tackler for nearly all of those games.
Boy, are we going to miss him this Sunday against the offense of the Falcons.
He's been the team's leading tackler for nearly all of those games.
Boy, are we going to miss him this Sunday against the offense of the Falcons.
Spoiler?
The Royals made the playoffs last night, but only the "sudden death" version that wild card teams make. They'd prefer to win two more games and for the Twins to beat Detroit a couple of more times to give them the division title.
I'd like to see that as well.
IF Detroit and the Royals tie for the division title, I think they'll have a one game play-off to see who wins the division, the loser will then have a one-game playoff in the wild card game.
That means the team that wins THAT game will have to pitch their THIRD best starter in the regular play-offs against a rested division winner. I've always said that system seems incredibly unfair to to the wild card team. Especially since, in some cases, that team may have a better record than some division winners.
All the teams that make the playoffs should be on equal footing. Home field advantage being the only exception.
You know what I hate? It's baseball season and ESPN has today's soccer matches listed on their main web page scoreboard instead of last night's baseball scores. They could have easily had today's college football match-ups listed too. Why soccer? Those European team can't possibly be as interesting to their regular readers, can they? Idiots.
The Twins bats came to life last night. Dozier hit his 22nd dinger of the season and Arcia got number 20. When was the last time TWO Twins had at least 20 home runs in a season?
Stat for stat, the Twins have the thirteenth best batting average in baseball. That means there are 17 teams WORSE than the Twins. They are SIXTH in runs scored. Offensively, it has been a pretty good season. Considering the hodgepodge of players we've had, some would say we had a great season on offense.
Defensively the Twins are 12th in fielding percentage. That stat surprised me. Our outfield alone is so suspect. But the infield has improved dramatically this season, especially Trevor Plouffe. Plouffe has been solid at the plate and in the field this season. If you ignore the homerun totals, you could argue this has been his best season as a Twin.
So WHY are we so bad? We finished 29th out of 30 teams in ERA. You can't win with a pitching staff that gives up that many runs.
What's the most important thing in baseball? Pitching.
What's the second most important? Pitching.
The teams with the best pitching win the most playoff games. They also have the best records.
The Twins need pitching.
I don't know if Gardy will be around again next season, but with or without him, the Twins won't be winners until we get better pitching.
I'd like to see that as well.
IF Detroit and the Royals tie for the division title, I think they'll have a one game play-off to see who wins the division, the loser will then have a one-game playoff in the wild card game.
That means the team that wins THAT game will have to pitch their THIRD best starter in the regular play-offs against a rested division winner. I've always said that system seems incredibly unfair to to the wild card team. Especially since, in some cases, that team may have a better record than some division winners.
All the teams that make the playoffs should be on equal footing. Home field advantage being the only exception.
You know what I hate? It's baseball season and ESPN has today's soccer matches listed on their main web page scoreboard instead of last night's baseball scores. They could have easily had today's college football match-ups listed too. Why soccer? Those European team can't possibly be as interesting to their regular readers, can they? Idiots.
The Twins bats came to life last night. Dozier hit his 22nd dinger of the season and Arcia got number 20. When was the last time TWO Twins had at least 20 home runs in a season?
Stat for stat, the Twins have the thirteenth best batting average in baseball. That means there are 17 teams WORSE than the Twins. They are SIXTH in runs scored. Offensively, it has been a pretty good season. Considering the hodgepodge of players we've had, some would say we had a great season on offense.
Defensively the Twins are 12th in fielding percentage. That stat surprised me. Our outfield alone is so suspect. But the infield has improved dramatically this season, especially Trevor Plouffe. Plouffe has been solid at the plate and in the field this season. If you ignore the homerun totals, you could argue this has been his best season as a Twin.
So WHY are we so bad? We finished 29th out of 30 teams in ERA. You can't win with a pitching staff that gives up that many runs.
What's the most important thing in baseball? Pitching.
What's the second most important? Pitching.
The teams with the best pitching win the most playoff games. They also have the best records.
The Twins need pitching.
I don't know if Gardy will be around again next season, but with or without him, the Twins won't be winners until we get better pitching.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Adrian Peterson, Matt Cassel, and Brandon Fusco
"Who are three Viking's offensive starters who are out for the rest of the season in Minnesota, Alex?"
Yep, it's becoming a season filled with jeopardy in Minnesota.
As hopeful as I still am about the Vikings having a good season, it's not going to take much more to take away my optimism. I like Teddy Bridgwater, but knowing Cassel will not be available any more this season, even in case of emergency, tempers some of my remaining excitement.
Brandon Fusco going down to a torn pectoral muscle after just signing a multi-year $25 million deal hurts even more.
Good teams can take a hit or two, but that's already three for us this season, and when you have a record of 1-2 (and you aren't the Packers) you start losing hope.
The Vikings are off to a rough start and it's not just their record. Injuries can kill even the best of teams. And I never said we were one of best to begin with.
Did I mention it's the Falcons this Sunday? They scored 56 points against Tampa Bay last Thursday night. They're rested and rolling...
Wow, a season can go to pot fast...
Yep, it's becoming a season filled with jeopardy in Minnesota.
As hopeful as I still am about the Vikings having a good season, it's not going to take much more to take away my optimism. I like Teddy Bridgwater, but knowing Cassel will not be available any more this season, even in case of emergency, tempers some of my remaining excitement.
Brandon Fusco going down to a torn pectoral muscle after just signing a multi-year $25 million deal hurts even more.
Good teams can take a hit or two, but that's already three for us this season, and when you have a record of 1-2 (and you aren't the Packers) you start losing hope.
The Vikings are off to a rough start and it's not just their record. Injuries can kill even the best of teams. And I never said we were one of best to begin with.
Did I mention it's the Falcons this Sunday? They scored 56 points against Tampa Bay last Thursday night. They're rested and rolling...
Wow, a season can go to pot fast...
Hughes is the Man...Again
The Twins may have lost another tough game last night, this time to division leading Detroit, but the Twins showed they have a winning pitcher. Officially Phil Hughes has pitched 209 2/3 innings for the Twins this season. He needs 210 to reach a half-million dollar incentive clause in his contract.
That's right, he needs to pitch just ONE MORE OUT to get an additional $500,000, and the Twins told him they will give him that opportunity, probably on Sunday after a few days of rest...AND...
...he turned them down.
He said it wasn't worth an injury just to collect that extra money. He's happy with his season and his 3 -year deal with the Twins and he's simply not going to risk that for one more out this season.
He went on to explain that if the Twins were in a pennant race with the playoffs at stake, he would gladly be the starting pitcher on Sunday. But since that's not the case, he's happy to call it a season.
Hughes is the man in Minnesota.
Speaking of "The Man, " Derek Jeter played his last game at Yankee stadium last night. He had two hits, three RBI, including the walk-off, game-winning hit.
Of course he did. He's Derek Jeter. On a team so rich in superstar traditions and history, it's amazing what he accomplished in his long career. He will be counted among the Yankee's greatest.
In a league with no loyalty to teams or teammates, Derek Jeter stood out. The Yankees, and baseball, will miss him.
That's right, he needs to pitch just ONE MORE OUT to get an additional $500,000, and the Twins told him they will give him that opportunity, probably on Sunday after a few days of rest...AND...
...he turned them down.
He said it wasn't worth an injury just to collect that extra money. He's happy with his season and his 3 -year deal with the Twins and he's simply not going to risk that for one more out this season.
He went on to explain that if the Twins were in a pennant race with the playoffs at stake, he would gladly be the starting pitcher on Sunday. But since that's not the case, he's happy to call it a season.
Hughes is the man in Minnesota.
Speaking of "The Man, " Derek Jeter played his last game at Yankee stadium last night. He had two hits, three RBI, including the walk-off, game-winning hit.
Of course he did. He's Derek Jeter. On a team so rich in superstar traditions and history, it's amazing what he accomplished in his long career. He will be counted among the Yankee's greatest.
In a league with no loyalty to teams or teammates, Derek Jeter stood out. The Yankees, and baseball, will miss him.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Hughes Is the Man!
Hughes was great last night. He was great this season.
He needed 210 innings pitched to earn a half a million dollar bonus this year, though. He only got 209 because of a rain delay. IF the Twins were smart, they would give him the bonus anyway. With the money they wasted on Nolasco and Pelfrey this year, it would be a nice gesture on their part.
Hughes had the best strikeouts to walk ration in all of baseball HISTORY this year, too, breaking Brett Saberhagen's 1994 record. Only 16 walks, the entire season. WOW! That's just TWO games for Liriano or Deduno.
It's interesting to note that the Twins had almost 30,000 paid attendance last night for their last home game BUT there were less than 10,000 that actually showed up. Fans have lost interest. The 2.2 million season attendance is the worst they have had since they moved to Target Field.
He needed 210 innings pitched to earn a half a million dollar bonus this year, though. He only got 209 because of a rain delay. IF the Twins were smart, they would give him the bonus anyway. With the money they wasted on Nolasco and Pelfrey this year, it would be a nice gesture on their part.
Hughes had the best strikeouts to walk ration in all of baseball HISTORY this year, too, breaking Brett Saberhagen's 1994 record. Only 16 walks, the entire season. WOW! That's just TWO games for Liriano or Deduno.
It's interesting to note that the Twins had almost 30,000 paid attendance last night for their last home game BUT there were less than 10,000 that actually showed up. Fans have lost interest. The 2.2 million season attendance is the worst they have had since they moved to Target Field.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Twins Get Their 67th Victory of the Season
It might not seem like much, but 67 wins is their highest total since 2010. And there is still a week or so left to play. At the beginning of the season I was hoping for 72 wins. 70 or more is still a possibility.
Hughes has been the ace this year, but Kyle Gibson, as of late, has been a pleasant surprise. At 13-11, he's given the Twins a second reliable starter. Last year we had none. The Twins have a few more pieces of the puzzle in place this year than last. You build a winner one piece at a time. I'm not optimistic yet, but I am encouraged. Even Hicks' on-base percentage is fantastic despite the low batting average. Hopefully that kind of patience at the plate will eventually be rewarded.
Speaking of Hughes, he goes for win number 16 tonight.
Hughes has been the ace this year, but Kyle Gibson, as of late, has been a pleasant surprise. At 13-11, he's given the Twins a second reliable starter. Last year we had none. The Twins have a few more pieces of the puzzle in place this year than last. You build a winner one piece at a time. I'm not optimistic yet, but I am encouraged. Even Hicks' on-base percentage is fantastic despite the low batting average. Hopefully that kind of patience at the plate will eventually be rewarded.
Speaking of Hughes, he goes for win number 16 tonight.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Twins Score Two Again, Lose Again
There aren't many teams in baseball that are worse than the Twins. Arizona is one of them, but that that still didn't prevent them from beating the Twins last night. Who knows, if they beat the Twins a couple of more times, they won't even be considered worse than us any more.
Long season. Winding Down.
Thankfully.
Long season. Winding Down.
Thankfully.
Monday, September 22, 2014
NFL
The best game yesterday? The Broncos coming back in the last minute to score 8 points and send their game to overtime. And then Wilson and Seattle spoiled it by driving the field and scoring a TD without allowing Manning back on the field.
All I can think is that I'm in for a long season of disappointment again, At least I have Bridgewater to look forward to. His receivers better start catching his passes, though, no quarterback can have a sustained drive if his receivers have hands of stone.
All I can think is that I'm in for a long season of disappointment again, At least I have Bridgewater to look forward to. His receivers better start catching his passes, though, no quarterback can have a sustained drive if his receivers have hands of stone.
Minnesota Sports
You know how people sometimes insult each other by saying, "no offense but..." and then go on to offend them by saying awful things about them?
With the Twins AND Vikings of late, I'm just going to say, "no offense."
And leave it at that..
With the Twins AND Vikings of late, I'm just going to say, "no offense."
And leave it at that..
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Quick Notes
Twins got kicked last night.
The Ravens let the fans trade in their Ray Rice jerseys yesterday. Over 7,000 fans took them up on their offer.
College football is as boring as college basketball now that the games don't matter. Anyone that says otherwise is an idiot who doesn't pay attention.
The American Ninja Warrior show last night was the best sporting event I saw all week.
The Vikings try once more to prove to themselves and the fans that they can win without AD AP against New Orleans today. No predictions.
I'll probably miss the first half.
The Ravens let the fans trade in their Ray Rice jerseys yesterday. Over 7,000 fans took them up on their offer.
College football is as boring as college basketball now that the games don't matter. Anyone that says otherwise is an idiot who doesn't pay attention.
The American Ninja Warrior show last night was the best sporting event I saw all week.
The Vikings try once more to prove to themselves and the fans that they can win without AD AP against New Orleans today. No predictions.
I'll probably miss the first half.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
It's Less About Performance
I haven't spent much time talking about on field performance lately. It's not entirely my fault, though. Between the Twins, Vikings, the Wild, the Wolves, and Gopher football there hasn't been a lot of good things to talk about,
Even the Minnesota Lynx this year acted as if they suddenly realized that they played in Minnesota and decided (accordingly) to start playing poorly in crunch time.
And even though college football is a shell of its once glorious self with a play-off system now determining the National Championship to the detriment of every single regular season game, I was looking forward to Clemson vs. Florida State today.
Except now Jameis Winston, the Florida State quarterback and Heismann winner, has been suspended from today's game for vulgar activities this week in the student union at Florida State. The man is constantly in trouble. He's like the prototype now of guys the NFL won't even want to touch because of his ongoing troubles.
I mean why even draft a player who will bring embarrassment to your team and who will force you to cut him anyway? Why waste a top pick on someone who is just going to screw your team over? He may be the best quarterback in college today, but you realize he's not mature enough to make the transition to pro.
The bad players are starting to make it impossible for me to enjoy sports.
At least the Twins won last night. Guys like Hughes, Vargas, Santana, and Arcia keep me hopeful.
Until the next scandal...
Even the Minnesota Lynx this year acted as if they suddenly realized that they played in Minnesota and decided (accordingly) to start playing poorly in crunch time.
And even though college football is a shell of its once glorious self with a play-off system now determining the National Championship to the detriment of every single regular season game, I was looking forward to Clemson vs. Florida State today.
Except now Jameis Winston, the Florida State quarterback and Heismann winner, has been suspended from today's game for vulgar activities this week in the student union at Florida State. The man is constantly in trouble. He's like the prototype now of guys the NFL won't even want to touch because of his ongoing troubles.
I mean why even draft a player who will bring embarrassment to your team and who will force you to cut him anyway? Why waste a top pick on someone who is just going to screw your team over? He may be the best quarterback in college today, but you realize he's not mature enough to make the transition to pro.
The bad players are starting to make it impossible for me to enjoy sports.
At least the Twins won last night. Guys like Hughes, Vargas, Santana, and Arcia keep me hopeful.
Until the next scandal...
Friday, September 19, 2014
Jerome Simpson
Remember how yesterday I said that NFL teams could no longer afford the luxury of keeping around problem players?
Wide receiver Jerome Simpson was cut yesterday afternoon by the Vikings proving my point. Marijuana, an open bottle, driving with an improper license. BOOM! Gone.
It's a whole new league.
Wide receiver Jerome Simpson was cut yesterday afternoon by the Vikings proving my point. Marijuana, an open bottle, driving with an improper license. BOOM! Gone.
It's a whole new league.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Twins Beat Division Leading Tigers Twice In a Row
The Twins haven't been doing much as of late, so I thought this was a good time to bring up their success of the last two nights.
Their pitching has been good. They have some good young hitters. They put a crimp in the Tiger's run at the division title.
What more could you ask for?
Their pitching has been good. They have some good young hitters. They put a crimp in the Tiger's run at the division title.
What more could you ask for?
The Hits Just Keep On Coming
Sponsors of the NFL have recently emphasized that they are starting to see a pattern of thug-like activity among the players. It's not just Rice and Peterson. It's clearly others.
To assuage those sponsors the Vikings have decided to put Adrian on their exempt list until his massive legal matters have settled. The Vikings have agreed to pay him this year. But next year's even larger salary is not guaranteed. It's very possible we have seen the last of Adrian Peterson in Vikings purple and yellow. The case could last for well over a year.
Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers was also put on the exempt list yesterday because of his domestic violence charge.
Again, any of these case by themselves may not have been a big deal. But the spotlight on the league has shown light on the bigger issue of domestic violence being in the NFL. It is a pattern, and sponsors are going to grow more wary of it.
And last night, Jonathon Dwyer, running back for the Cardinals was deactivated as well. He was charged with beating up his girlfriend and their 18-month old child.
NONE of this is going away soon. Now that women are coming forward on this matter, others will soon follow. It could very well be an epidemic of this sort of violence in the NFL. And the thugs will be dealt with.
For now, the Vikings will have to center their game plans on who they DO have and not on who they they wish they had available. And the league and their players will have to see that the handwriting is clearly on the wall. If remaining players have secrets in their domestic closets, they will come out. And the player's association will be forced to change their stance on protecting their members at all costs. Like most unions, they'll discover that public perception is way more important than their antiquated belief, that some people and their actions aren't worth protecting.
As for me, I'm looking forward to an Adrian Peterson-less season for the Vikings. I've always maintained that a good two or three back system brings you better results than having the bulk of your offense dependent on one player. I'm more than content for the Vikings to develop that system.
To assuage those sponsors the Vikings have decided to put Adrian on their exempt list until his massive legal matters have settled. The Vikings have agreed to pay him this year. But next year's even larger salary is not guaranteed. It's very possible we have seen the last of Adrian Peterson in Vikings purple and yellow. The case could last for well over a year.
Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers was also put on the exempt list yesterday because of his domestic violence charge.
Again, any of these case by themselves may not have been a big deal. But the spotlight on the league has shown light on the bigger issue of domestic violence being in the NFL. It is a pattern, and sponsors are going to grow more wary of it.
And last night, Jonathon Dwyer, running back for the Cardinals was deactivated as well. He was charged with beating up his girlfriend and their 18-month old child.
NONE of this is going away soon. Now that women are coming forward on this matter, others will soon follow. It could very well be an epidemic of this sort of violence in the NFL. And the thugs will be dealt with.
For now, the Vikings will have to center their game plans on who they DO have and not on who they they wish they had available. And the league and their players will have to see that the handwriting is clearly on the wall. If remaining players have secrets in their domestic closets, they will come out. And the player's association will be forced to change their stance on protecting their members at all costs. Like most unions, they'll discover that public perception is way more important than their antiquated belief, that some people and their actions aren't worth protecting.
As for me, I'm looking forward to an Adrian Peterson-less season for the Vikings. I've always maintained that a good two or three back system brings you better results than having the bulk of your offense dependent on one player. I'm more than content for the Vikings to develop that system.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Public Relations Nightmare
Remember in yesterday's blog I wrote that it was possible for one man to bring down an entire organization? Even I didn't foresee the coming storm in all of its potential magnitude. Yes, Adrian Perterson lost all of his sponsors yesterday, including Under Armor and Wheaties and a whole host of others, costing him millions and millions of dollars. Money which he will never get back no matter how all of this works out.
Vikings charity work was cancelled yesterday by the CHARITIES they were supposed to help because they no longer want the stink of the Vikings on them. The Vikings have become pariahs to the Minnesota community at large. Governor Dayton has demanded that the Vikings suspend Peterson until all of this is settled, stating publicly that the whole Vikings organization has become an embarrassment to the state for reinstating Peterson.
And more Vikings sponsors are pulling THEIR corporate financial support of the Vikings. Revenue, millions of dollars, has simply got up and left the Vikings organization. The Vikings are no longer allowed to sell Peterson's jersey as the NFL demanded it be pulled from every store selling it. One of the top selling jerseys of the past several years is no longer available. The gigantic revenue stream of that one jersey is lost, probably forever.
But it seems that is just the tip of the ever increasing iceberg.
National sponsors of the the NFL, not just the Vikings, are becoming very nervous. They've written long corporate letters to the NFL demanding that they fix this public relations disaster problem NOW.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of the official beer of the NFL, issued a strong statement expressing its displeasure over how the league has responded to its players being connected to incidents of domestic violence and child abuse. They give the NFL $200 million a year.
Campbell Soup, Pepsi, Visa ,and McDonald's, are all ready to vastly curtail their NFL their ad spending. The figures talked about, billions of dollars, is mind-blowing. These threats are taken very seriously. The very league itself is now in danger of collapse. There simply won't be enough money for teams to pay their bills if that happens.
The quote that sent chills down the spine of every NFL owner? From Budweiser, "We are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code."
Ray Rice started it, but Adrian Peterson has now cemented in the sponsors minds that the NFL IS NO LONGER SOMETHING THEY WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH.
Worse? NFL players and the players association are demanding the Rice suspension be lifted. This union is so out of touch with the reality of the situation that their actions are going to produce even more repercussions from the government, the public at large, and sponsors.
And the players all tweeting their support of Adrian Peterson are being perceived by the sponsors as the NFL players, in general, are all as bad as Rice and Peterson. They see the players as champions of domestic violence, spousal abuse, and child beatings.
This is not going to end well. The NFL as we know it is going to become a very different creature over the next few months. Player salaries and corporate sponsorships are going to become drastically reduced, and players who don't have spotless reputations in evey area of their lives are not going to be hanging around long.
Big Brother has arrived for the NFL players, and most are not going to make the cut.
Can one player bring down a league? The scary answer is yes.
And the NFL is just starting to realize this. Team owners and league officials are going to make some very tough, quick decisions, over the next couple of days.
And Adrian Peterson is not going to like those decisons.
The Titanic has already hit the iceberg. How long they stay afloat is up to the owners, and they are all heading to the lifeboats.
Vikings charity work was cancelled yesterday by the CHARITIES they were supposed to help because they no longer want the stink of the Vikings on them. The Vikings have become pariahs to the Minnesota community at large. Governor Dayton has demanded that the Vikings suspend Peterson until all of this is settled, stating publicly that the whole Vikings organization has become an embarrassment to the state for reinstating Peterson.
And more Vikings sponsors are pulling THEIR corporate financial support of the Vikings. Revenue, millions of dollars, has simply got up and left the Vikings organization. The Vikings are no longer allowed to sell Peterson's jersey as the NFL demanded it be pulled from every store selling it. One of the top selling jerseys of the past several years is no longer available. The gigantic revenue stream of that one jersey is lost, probably forever.
But it seems that is just the tip of the ever increasing iceberg.
National sponsors of the the NFL, not just the Vikings, are becoming very nervous. They've written long corporate letters to the NFL demanding that they fix this public relations disaster problem NOW.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of the official beer of the NFL, issued a strong statement expressing its displeasure over how the league has responded to its players being connected to incidents of domestic violence and child abuse. They give the NFL $200 million a year.
Campbell Soup, Pepsi, Visa ,and McDonald's, are all ready to vastly curtail their NFL their ad spending. The figures talked about, billions of dollars, is mind-blowing. These threats are taken very seriously. The very league itself is now in danger of collapse. There simply won't be enough money for teams to pay their bills if that happens.
The quote that sent chills down the spine of every NFL owner? From Budweiser, "We are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code."
Ray Rice started it, but Adrian Peterson has now cemented in the sponsors minds that the NFL IS NO LONGER SOMETHING THEY WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH.
Worse? NFL players and the players association are demanding the Rice suspension be lifted. This union is so out of touch with the reality of the situation that their actions are going to produce even more repercussions from the government, the public at large, and sponsors.
And the players all tweeting their support of Adrian Peterson are being perceived by the sponsors as the NFL players, in general, are all as bad as Rice and Peterson. They see the players as champions of domestic violence, spousal abuse, and child beatings.
This is not going to end well. The NFL as we know it is going to become a very different creature over the next few months. Player salaries and corporate sponsorships are going to become drastically reduced, and players who don't have spotless reputations in evey area of their lives are not going to be hanging around long.
Big Brother has arrived for the NFL players, and most are not going to make the cut.
Can one player bring down a league? The scary answer is yes.
And the NFL is just starting to realize this. Team owners and league officials are going to make some very tough, quick decisions, over the next couple of days.
And Adrian Peterson is not going to like those decisons.
The Titanic has already hit the iceberg. How long they stay afloat is up to the owners, and they are all heading to the lifeboats.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
More Allegations and Sponsors Deserting
Radisson Hotels have decided they no longer want to sponsor the Minnesota Vikings.
Viking GM Rick Spielman stood in front of the Viking Radisson sign yesterday when he said that the Vikings will re-instate Peterson to their roster.
Can ONE man bring down an entire organization? I know this seems far-fetched to some, but the Vikings rely on corporate funding in many areas including their contracts with league sponsorships. IF they continue to support Peterson, who has even more abuse charges pending down in Texas (this time with yet another mother and another four-year old--who has permanent facial scars from an earlier beating that Peterson allegedly gave the boy), they may find themselves in major financial problems.
You have to wonder when Peterson states that it's his daddy's beatings that made him the "man he is today," is the right thing for a man to say who has several kids from several different women, and is currently accused of multiple counts of child abuse. Maybe, just maybe he didn't grow up to be a very good man?
Even now state legislators are talking about halting funding on the stadium until the Peterson situation is addressed properly. We're not just talking about Peterson losing corporate sponsors, we're talking about the whole Vikings organization. The construction crews and their unions are furious with the Vikings.
There's even talk of a fan boycott of the team's home games this year, and many fans are demanding refunds on tickets already purchased because they don't want to support corporate-sanctioned child abuse.
If I were Ziggy Wilf, I would bow to corporate pressure right now and FIRE Adrian Petesrson. The longer he delays, the more long-range (and extreme) the consequences will be.
Meanwhile, lawyers are busy getting ready to dump Adrian Peterson as their product spokesperson. One company is even thinking of suing Adrian Peterson for damages because he is hurting THEIR reputation. Another is seeking money from Adrian to reimburse them for the costs of the commercials he's in. That's several million dollars.
When all is said and done, Adrian may well be penniless, and the Vikings could be headed down the same rabbit hole.
I don't care what culture Adrian Peterson grew up with, you don't beat small children.
And if you're a professional sport's team, you don't have that man associated with your team.
I know as long as Peterson is a Viking, I will no longer support them.
I'm telling Adrian to take your punishment like a man and stop squirming. You know, the same thing you told your many children while you beat them.
Let's see if you practice what you preach.
Better yet, quit the team until all matters are settled. That way Ziggy and the Vikings organization won't look like the bad guys for firing you. This way you'll take all the heat for your actions, and your team and teammates won't have to take so much of the fall-out.
That's what a GOOD man would do.
Viking GM Rick Spielman stood in front of the Viking Radisson sign yesterday when he said that the Vikings will re-instate Peterson to their roster.
Can ONE man bring down an entire organization? I know this seems far-fetched to some, but the Vikings rely on corporate funding in many areas including their contracts with league sponsorships. IF they continue to support Peterson, who has even more abuse charges pending down in Texas (this time with yet another mother and another four-year old--who has permanent facial scars from an earlier beating that Peterson allegedly gave the boy), they may find themselves in major financial problems.
You have to wonder when Peterson states that it's his daddy's beatings that made him the "man he is today," is the right thing for a man to say who has several kids from several different women, and is currently accused of multiple counts of child abuse. Maybe, just maybe he didn't grow up to be a very good man?
Even now state legislators are talking about halting funding on the stadium until the Peterson situation is addressed properly. We're not just talking about Peterson losing corporate sponsors, we're talking about the whole Vikings organization. The construction crews and their unions are furious with the Vikings.
There's even talk of a fan boycott of the team's home games this year, and many fans are demanding refunds on tickets already purchased because they don't want to support corporate-sanctioned child abuse.
If I were Ziggy Wilf, I would bow to corporate pressure right now and FIRE Adrian Petesrson. The longer he delays, the more long-range (and extreme) the consequences will be.
Meanwhile, lawyers are busy getting ready to dump Adrian Peterson as their product spokesperson. One company is even thinking of suing Adrian Peterson for damages because he is hurting THEIR reputation. Another is seeking money from Adrian to reimburse them for the costs of the commercials he's in. That's several million dollars.
When all is said and done, Adrian may well be penniless, and the Vikings could be headed down the same rabbit hole.
I don't care what culture Adrian Peterson grew up with, you don't beat small children.
And if you're a professional sport's team, you don't have that man associated with your team.
I know as long as Peterson is a Viking, I will no longer support them.
I'm telling Adrian to take your punishment like a man and stop squirming. You know, the same thing you told your many children while you beat them.
Let's see if you practice what you preach.
Better yet, quit the team until all matters are settled. That way Ziggy and the Vikings organization won't look like the bad guys for firing you. This way you'll take all the heat for your actions, and your team and teammates won't have to take so much of the fall-out.
That's what a GOOD man would do.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Twins Win!
May looked great. Perkins picked up another save, albeit shaky once more.
I think we're all just waiting for the season to end.
Though I should note, it's now officially impossible for the Twins to lose 100 games this year! Whoo Hoo!!!
I think we're all just waiting for the season to end.
Though I should note, it's now officially impossible for the Twins to lose 100 games this year! Whoo Hoo!!!
Vikings Tied Atop the NFC North
Alternate Headlines?
Packers Tied Atop the NFC North
Bears Tied Atop the NFC North
Lions Tied Atop the NFC North
The Vikes and Lions were awful yesterday. The Pack and Bears were much improvrd. The less said about the Vikings, the better.
Packers Tied Atop the NFC North
Bears Tied Atop the NFC North
Lions Tied Atop the NFC North
The Vikes and Lions were awful yesterday. The Pack and Bears were much improvrd. The less said about the Vikings, the better.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Vikings/Patriots
I was more excited about this game a couple of days ago. One idiotic criminal that the team relies on too much is taking much of the steam out of the game for me.
I never thought the Vikings needed Peterson to be successful. I just hope they can see that too.
I never thought the Vikings needed Peterson to be successful. I just hope they can see that too.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
More Scandal
I'm going to make this short and sweet.
Spanking a child in a loving home environment that includes teaching proper behavior, and no raised voices, should be an option for good parents.
Adrian Peterson, from all police reports, and two doctors opinions, BEAT his child after yelling at him. He is not a good parent.
If you don't know the difference between these two things I can't explain it to you. I'll just use this analogy: holding a child under water until he drowns is not teaching him to swim.
You cannot be a part-time dad, having children from several women, and expect to do whatever you want to do to those children when you have them in your care and call it "loving discipline". Not if it includes lacerations and bruises over much of the child's body.
Someone needs to teach this to Adrian Peterson.
While he is in jail the next 10 years or so.
I applaud the Vikings and their decision.
I honestly don't know what the normal legal punishment is in such a crime as this, but I do know that this crime should cost Adrian Peterson his job while he's serving his sentence.
I know personally that I don't want to see him rushing up the middle in a Vikings uniform ever again.
And from the sound of things, I'm not alone in that.
Spanking a child in a loving home environment that includes teaching proper behavior, and no raised voices, should be an option for good parents.
Adrian Peterson, from all police reports, and two doctors opinions, BEAT his child after yelling at him. He is not a good parent.
If you don't know the difference between these two things I can't explain it to you. I'll just use this analogy: holding a child under water until he drowns is not teaching him to swim.
You cannot be a part-time dad, having children from several women, and expect to do whatever you want to do to those children when you have them in your care and call it "loving discipline". Not if it includes lacerations and bruises over much of the child's body.
Someone needs to teach this to Adrian Peterson.
While he is in jail the next 10 years or so.
I applaud the Vikings and their decision.
I honestly don't know what the normal legal punishment is in such a crime as this, but I do know that this crime should cost Adrian Peterson his job while he's serving his sentence.
I know personally that I don't want to see him rushing up the middle in a Vikings uniform ever again.
And from the sound of things, I'm not alone in that.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Twins Lose TWO
This season is shaping up to be one of our worst of all-time.
Sadly, that's just an average year for us lately...
Sadly, that's just an average year for us lately...
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Scandals
I find it impossible to watch ESPN shows right now. Every reporter and commentator is weighing in on every scandal imaginable. The Ray Rice domestic violence incident in the elevator (that both he and his NOW wife, no longer fiance, have long since settled), the Roger Goodell "coverup" of the incident by supposedly lying about when he saw the latest tape, The National Organization of Women demanding a federal probe into not just the Rice incident but ALL violence incidents against women that has been covered up by the NFL and Goodall, and of course, the people who think everyone is overeacting to everything just because they now have the spotlight on them, has become 24-hours of nonstop blather on all the sports channels.
And then there is the NBA, the owner of the Hawks is now appearing to be racist (he "reported" himself to league officials) so that the NBA will be "forced" to make him sell his team because he saw how much money Donald Sterling got when he was forced to sell the Clippers. And then there is the real racism of the same organization when their GM and former player, Danny Ferry, got in hot water for publicly stating at a press conference that the reason they didn't select a certain player when given the opportunity to do so was because he, "had a little too much African in him." He then went on to "clarify" what that meant by that, to the abject horror of everyone watching him. What's worse is that he appeared to be reading the official organization's notes on the matter.
I'm so isolated living in Podunk, Minnesota that all of this stuff is just mind-numbing. I've always maintained that people are generally stupid, and that rule applies to everyone including myself, but it now seems that everyone is anxious to show everyone just how stupid they truly are. Be it media outlets for professionals, or social media like this one, public stupidity is now being demonstrated at an unbelievable rate.
Sadly, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. It's going to get far worse, and the people demanding "justice" the most will be the next ones to have the skeletons in their respective closets revealed.
You see, the more YOU speak, the more people will see YOU for who you truly are.
I think I'll stop talking now.
And then there is the NBA, the owner of the Hawks is now appearing to be racist (he "reported" himself to league officials) so that the NBA will be "forced" to make him sell his team because he saw how much money Donald Sterling got when he was forced to sell the Clippers. And then there is the real racism of the same organization when their GM and former player, Danny Ferry, got in hot water for publicly stating at a press conference that the reason they didn't select a certain player when given the opportunity to do so was because he, "had a little too much African in him." He then went on to "clarify" what that meant by that, to the abject horror of everyone watching him. What's worse is that he appeared to be reading the official organization's notes on the matter.
I'm so isolated living in Podunk, Minnesota that all of this stuff is just mind-numbing. I've always maintained that people are generally stupid, and that rule applies to everyone including myself, but it now seems that everyone is anxious to show everyone just how stupid they truly are. Be it media outlets for professionals, or social media like this one, public stupidity is now being demonstrated at an unbelievable rate.
Sadly, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. It's going to get far worse, and the people demanding "justice" the most will be the next ones to have the skeletons in their respective closets revealed.
You see, the more YOU speak, the more people will see YOU for who you truly are.
I think I'll stop talking now.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Twins Win!
They we're having a miserable night once again when they got 4 straight hits in the fourth including a home run by Arcia, his 16th. They only managed one more hit the rest of the game.
Trevor May looked good again on the mound.
Any win is a good win at this point.
Trevor May looked good again on the mound.
Any win is a good win at this point.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Vikings and Lions Tied Atop NFC North
The Lions look like a very good football team, but those first half penalties kept the Giants in the game. Stafford has improved.
The Giants, on the other hand looked positively awful, so it's hard to fully judge Detroit's quality of play.
It's nice to have football back.
The Giants, on the other hand looked positively awful, so it's hard to fully judge Detroit's quality of play.
It's nice to have football back.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Vikings Atop the NFC North
The Lions haven't played yet, but I don't care. This is the first Monday morning in ages where I can say the Vikings are alone atop their division.
They did as expected yesterday. They took a team hobbled by the loss of a starting quarterback and destroyed his two backups. And they added some big plays of their own on both defense and offense.
Let's not get too excited though. Peterson was carrying the ball way too much for way too little results. The passing game, though efficient, was short passes all afternoon. Coach Zimmer was aware of the Ram's heavy quarterback rush reputation and went with the conservative offense approach.
If anything THIS Vikings offense looked a lot like Childress's and Frazier's. They didn't have a lot of long sustained drives but instead relied on the big plays of individuals to win. That's not a sustainable formula for success in the NFL. We had those types of plays the last couple of seasons as well and look where it got us in the long run.
The Rams weren't a test for our new system. I'll take the huge win either way, but I think New England will give us more of an idea how good our offense and defense really is this season. And since New England lost to Miami yesterday, they'll be all the more hungry to prove it to us.
And we still don't know how well this team will play outdoors at The Bank. Next week, we'll have a better idea of who the Vikings are this year.
Let's hope Patterson continues to look like the new Harvin as well...
They did as expected yesterday. They took a team hobbled by the loss of a starting quarterback and destroyed his two backups. And they added some big plays of their own on both defense and offense.
Let's not get too excited though. Peterson was carrying the ball way too much for way too little results. The passing game, though efficient, was short passes all afternoon. Coach Zimmer was aware of the Ram's heavy quarterback rush reputation and went with the conservative offense approach.
If anything THIS Vikings offense looked a lot like Childress's and Frazier's. They didn't have a lot of long sustained drives but instead relied on the big plays of individuals to win. That's not a sustainable formula for success in the NFL. We had those types of plays the last couple of seasons as well and look where it got us in the long run.
The Rams weren't a test for our new system. I'll take the huge win either way, but I think New England will give us more of an idea how good our offense and defense really is this season. And since New England lost to Miami yesterday, they'll be all the more hungry to prove it to us.
And we still don't know how well this team will play outdoors at The Bank. Next week, we'll have a better idea of who the Vikings are this year.
Let's hope Patterson continues to look like the new Harvin as well...
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Intangibles
When the Packers were playing the Seahawks early on Thursday night, I knew they most likely were going to lose. Announcers droned on about early "momentum", but momentum isn't and never has been a real thing in sports. Circumstances change quickly in football games based on execution and preparation.
The bad teams fail to take advantage of an opportunity or do something stupid, usually early, and set the stage for the whole game. On Thursday night, the Packers did both. They dropped an easy interception that would have halted Seattle's first drive, and then a couple of plays later, ran into the Seattle's punter, extending the Seahawks first drive and basically GIVING them their first score. One game does not a season make, however. Good teams won't let those mistakes become a pattern. So I wouldn't write off the Packers just yet. Even the best teams have bad games.
Another term I hear announcers using is the word "intangibles". They'll say that the defenses or offenses are very similar but that the intangibles favor one team or the other.
I'd like to change that term to "tangibles." You can see and perceive in most football games the things that cost your team the game. When two very good teams collide, one of the determining factors, perhaps the primary factor, on determining who wins or loses is the officiating. EVERYONE could point to the one bad call that made the difference in the game if you examined the film later.
The good fans who pay attention, can see it when it happens. Much like a dropped interception or running into the punter, you sit back knowingly in your recliner, and think, that call is going to affect the outcome of the game.
But that's when two fairly even teams play. The good teams, the great teams, can overcome bad ref calls and still win, just as long as the officials aren't horribly bad all night long. Why? because they have the "tangibles" on their side. They have better play selections, a better quarterback, receivers who rarely drop catches (especially on critical third down plays), they don't fumble, they make the interception catches. Every aspect of their games are crisp and clean.
And the good teams have coaches that prepare their teams week after week to do all of these things consistently. That's why they win.
Why am I talking about this today? Because for the first time since Denny Green was coach, the Viking appear to have the tangibles. For one brief season, Favre's first, the Vikings had what they needed to win it all. Officials, who stunk up the joint, stole the Vikings Super Bowl opportunity that year. This year potentially could be better.
I'm not predicting a Super Bowl, that would just be stupid. Seattle is the team that has proven over the longest period of time that they have every aspect of their game in high gear right now. They have to be the favorites. BUT our coaching IS better than its been in years. Our quarterback situation IS better. Our receivers ARE better. And our defense is showing more promise than they have for several seasons. The Vikings are the fifth youngest team in football. They are hungry and they don't have a stink of losing on them any more. We got rid of so much of the players that were coached so badly that they didn't know how to win any more.
If we don't win this year, I'll be disappointed. Today's game will be a good test of the new coach's ability to prepare his team to win a game they SHOULD win. The primary tangible? The Rams are missing Sam Bradford, their number one quarterback.
The Vikes are basically full strength. These are the games that good teams should win.
We'll find out if the Vikings are one of those teams by 3:30 today.
The bad teams fail to take advantage of an opportunity or do something stupid, usually early, and set the stage for the whole game. On Thursday night, the Packers did both. They dropped an easy interception that would have halted Seattle's first drive, and then a couple of plays later, ran into the Seattle's punter, extending the Seahawks first drive and basically GIVING them their first score. One game does not a season make, however. Good teams won't let those mistakes become a pattern. So I wouldn't write off the Packers just yet. Even the best teams have bad games.
Another term I hear announcers using is the word "intangibles". They'll say that the defenses or offenses are very similar but that the intangibles favor one team or the other.
I'd like to change that term to "tangibles." You can see and perceive in most football games the things that cost your team the game. When two very good teams collide, one of the determining factors, perhaps the primary factor, on determining who wins or loses is the officiating. EVERYONE could point to the one bad call that made the difference in the game if you examined the film later.
The good fans who pay attention, can see it when it happens. Much like a dropped interception or running into the punter, you sit back knowingly in your recliner, and think, that call is going to affect the outcome of the game.
But that's when two fairly even teams play. The good teams, the great teams, can overcome bad ref calls and still win, just as long as the officials aren't horribly bad all night long. Why? because they have the "tangibles" on their side. They have better play selections, a better quarterback, receivers who rarely drop catches (especially on critical third down plays), they don't fumble, they make the interception catches. Every aspect of their games are crisp and clean.
And the good teams have coaches that prepare their teams week after week to do all of these things consistently. That's why they win.
Why am I talking about this today? Because for the first time since Denny Green was coach, the Viking appear to have the tangibles. For one brief season, Favre's first, the Vikings had what they needed to win it all. Officials, who stunk up the joint, stole the Vikings Super Bowl opportunity that year. This year potentially could be better.
I'm not predicting a Super Bowl, that would just be stupid. Seattle is the team that has proven over the longest period of time that they have every aspect of their game in high gear right now. They have to be the favorites. BUT our coaching IS better than its been in years. Our quarterback situation IS better. Our receivers ARE better. And our defense is showing more promise than they have for several seasons. The Vikings are the fifth youngest team in football. They are hungry and they don't have a stink of losing on them any more. We got rid of so much of the players that were coached so badly that they didn't know how to win any more.
If we don't win this year, I'll be disappointed. Today's game will be a good test of the new coach's ability to prepare his team to win a game they SHOULD win. The primary tangible? The Rams are missing Sam Bradford, their number one quarterback.
The Vikes are basically full strength. These are the games that good teams should win.
We'll find out if the Vikings are one of those teams by 3:30 today.
Another Late Inning Loss
The game was tied going into the eighth, but, as is the pattern of late, the bullpen collapsed, and a division-leading team ended up winning.
The starters as of late have been good for the Twins. It's the bullpen that's starting to look weary after a season of over-use. That and the expanded roster of new guys in relief aren't yet looking comfortable at the major league level.
Ron Washington, the manager of last-place Texas resigned a couple of days a go, realizing his team needed something else. I don't see Gardy lasting much longer either. Sometimes different is better just because it is something else.
The Twins need a lot of that.
The starters as of late have been good for the Twins. It's the bullpen that's starting to look weary after a season of over-use. That and the expanded roster of new guys in relief aren't yet looking comfortable at the major league level.
Ron Washington, the manager of last-place Texas resigned a couple of days a go, realizing his team needed something else. I don't see Gardy lasting much longer either. Sometimes different is better just because it is something else.
The Twins need a lot of that.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Perkins Falters Again
We played the best team in the American League even for eight, though. In the long run, these are the games that the better teams win. And I can't believe the number of games we're having with division leaders at the end of the season.
That's making us look even worse than we really are.
That's making us look even worse than we really are.
Seattle
Yep, the Seahawks are still the best team in football, and for those who didn't notice Percy Harvin's exploits in the Super Bowl, perhaps they noticed him LAST night.
In Minnesota, we always recognized his skills and versatility. Now EVERYBODY is going to catch on.
Green Bay made some big mistakes early and it was all down hill from there. Losing their big offensive lineman early sure didn't help.
But, more than anything, Seattle is just a very good football team. With depth.
And it's going to be difficult for any team to stop them on another Super Bowl run.
In Minnesota, we always recognized his skills and versatility. Now EVERYBODY is going to catch on.
Green Bay made some big mistakes early and it was all down hill from there. Losing their big offensive lineman early sure didn't help.
But, more than anything, Seattle is just a very good football team. With depth.
And it's going to be difficult for any team to stop them on another Super Bowl run.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Football Starts Tonight
Green Bay gets the Super Bowl champs.
Looking forward to just how good Rodgers and company are going to be this year. Seattle is everyone's favorite again this year. Should be a great match-up.
I haven't been this excited about football in years.
Looking forward to just how good Rodgers and company are going to be this year. Seattle is everyone's favorite again this year. Should be a great match-up.
I haven't been this excited about football in years.
Man Mountain Vargas Helps May to First Win
Trevor was better this time around. And the Twins ended the game with a lot of offensive fireworks.
There is no such thing as a "big win" for the Twins anymore. But Trevor May needed it. And Vargas is still looking great. He has 31 RBI in his 32 games with the Twins. That's a pretty impressive major league start.
There is no such thing as a "big win" for the Twins anymore. But Trevor May needed it. And Vargas is still looking great. He has 31 RBI in his 32 games with the Twins. That's a pretty impressive major league start.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Wrestling Heel Quote of the Day Number Two by Lana "The Ravishing Russian"
At a Nebraska show:
"Despite being in the Heartland, America has no heart. And if it did, it was made in China."
"Despite being in the Heartland, America has no heart. And if it did, it was made in China."
Wrestling Heel Quote of the Day by Bo Dallas
“If you live in Nebraska, something must have gone terribly wrong in your life.”
Quote About Viking's Defense by Ted Glover
"It's going to be a lot different than we're used to. And by 'different' what I mean is they won't sit back on their heels and look like they're trying to give away football games like clowns give away candy from a parade float anymore."
Twins Lose In 10th
Milone was awful. Again. The bullpen was great.
Until the 10th.
I'm glad I missed the ending.
Until the 10th.
I'm glad I missed the ending.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
MarQueis Gray
MarQueis Gray was a QB for the Gophers when I first started watching him. Later, he was a wide receiver, as other quarterbacks passed him on the depth charts in Minnesota. But he was super athletic enough to get drafted by the Browns and used as a tight end last season.
The Vikings claimed him off waivers Sunday to be used as primarily a blocking tight end because he knows Norv Turner's system.
That means he'll be playing again at TCF stadium.
I'm looking forward to how all of this works out.
The Vikings claimed him off waivers Sunday to be used as primarily a blocking tight end because he knows Norv Turner's system.
That means he'll be playing again at TCF stadium.
I'm looking forward to how all of this works out.
Hughes Gets 15th Win
A Twins error in the eighth almost cost the Twins a win, but Hughes gave up NO earned runs yesterday. Mauer looked great with his clutch hitting and Kennys Vargas picked up two more RBI also.
Perkins nailed down his 33rd save, shaky as it was, and the Twins managed to not get swept in Baltimore.
Hughes is the first real starter we have had since Johann Santana. His control is amazing.
In other baseball news, the Phillies staff combined for a no-hitter yesterday. Cole Hamels pooped out after six innings, but the bullpen did the necessary mop up work. Baseball, at least for one more day, was pretty cool again.
Perkins nailed down his 33rd save, shaky as it was, and the Twins managed to not get swept in Baltimore.
Hughes is the first real starter we have had since Johann Santana. His control is amazing.
In other baseball news, the Phillies staff combined for a no-hitter yesterday. Cole Hamels pooped out after six innings, but the bullpen did the necessary mop up work. Baseball, at least for one more day, was pretty cool again.
Monday, September 1, 2014
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