twins/mlb

Sorry Patrick, I don't buy that, and yes I was around back then too. The Twins of that era continually fought their owner and revenue issues, they refused to pay players the going rate, medical technology has advanced considerably in the last two decades, and the players in question are at least half a decade younger. The 2011 Twins have a lot more in common with the 2010 Red Sox, who were evicerated by injuries and immediately returned to contention this year in the toughest division in baseball.

I basically agree with you Mr. Reusse. But I wouldnt short change Parmalee or Benson or Revere. Ploufe isnt bad, and they got guys like Dozier and later Sano, Rosario and Arcia waiting in the wings. What the Twins are lacking is pitching--especially starting pitching. It is no where to be found throughout the system.

The new Kansas City Royals/Pittsburgh Pirates.

And yet there's no chance whatsoever that they'll make the needed changes necessary to get on the right track. Bill Smith will be back... Gardenhire and his entire coaching staff will be back... the trainers and entire scouting department will be back. They might fire a few more minor league managers though (except for Joe Mauer's brother, of course). Let them know how you feel about it. The team's email can be found here: http://mlb.mlb.com/help/email.jsp?c_id=min&primarySubject=Other&secondarySubject=None&dest=fanfeedback@twins.mlb.com.

I somewhat agree. Parmalee and Benson are looking good, but I'm not sold on Parmalee based on his minor league track record. The high upside minor leaguers are at least 2 years away. IF M&M get healthy, we keep Cuddy or Kubel, 2 of (Slowey, Baker, Liriano) bounce back, we sign some bullpen help we might limp along at .500 for the next 2-3 years before the next wave of talent starts to contribute - Gibson, Hicks, Rosario, Sano, Arcia, Dozier, Gutierrez, our 2nd overall pick from the upcoming draft. I don't see us being horrible like the late 90's, Target Field will provide the payroll to at least be around .500. We didn't have that with the dome.

You are right, Patrick. Bill Smith is the architect of this slide. Until he is replaced it will continue. Unfortunately Pohlad is like his father - record be damned as long as he is making money. Twins will follow the Twolves down the path to lousy play with no leadership from the top.

I think it POSSIBLE the Twins have a slide like Reusse predicts. It may even be probable. But it is far from a certainty as Reusse asserts. These Twins have a few advantages the '93 version did not have. In particular, the club has revenue-generating Target Field. They also have the hope that 2 former MVPs will return to some semblance of form. On the other hand, this version also has Bill Smith, the GM who thought it was a great idea to field a team with Nishioka/Capps/Butera in lieu of one with Hardy/Crain(or even Guerrier)/Ramos. It may be a wash.

This is a team with terrible pitching. We lack even one first rate starter. Up the middle we may stink even worse. After this season I have no faith in what were our stars. I can't get myself to watch even a couple of innings. It's disgraceful and it is an insult to the fans. But Patrick is right. This will not be turning around any time soon. It's a very bad situation.

Reusse's stating the obvious of course, but the big difference is that the Kelly regime had EARNED time to fix matters with 2 world championships. Gardy and his clowns have done nothing their entire careers but underachieve badly. What's the point of rebuilding with this bunch if its just gonna end up being the same garbage we've seen? The franchise needs major changes at the top.

I was just thinking tonight that Joe Benson reminds me a little of Marty Cordova. Wear good shoes, Benson... ;-)