Ticket King College is Going to Turkey!

It is time to break the news:  I will be traveling this January (2nd-26th) to Turkey for a UST J-term study abroad. I will miss all of you and miss this blog, but I promise that I will be back!

I will write when I get back, but in the meantime, check out these other great blogs that I follow:

Ticket King St. Paul

Ticket King Minneapolis

White Sox and Twins Lose Rivalry History

With the Twins losing Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel to free agency, going to the Rockies and the Diamondbacks, respectively, there has ben a lot of discussion about the Twins and White Sox rivalry losing a lot of history.

We've lost Thome (who used to be a White Sox/sock?), Cuddyer and Kubel. They lost Ozzie Guillen, who always had plenty to say before during and after a Twins White Sox game.

Below are the Twins roster changes from last year's Opening Day:

Delmon Young: traded to Detroit last August, only to go on and be more awesome than he ever was with the Twins.
Jim Thome: traded to Cleveland last August, signed with the Phillies.
Joe Nathan: signed with Texas (which I think fits him perfectly, though it makes me sad).
Jose Mijares: Non-tendered.
Kevin Slowey: Traded to the Rockies.
Michael Cuddyer: Signed by the Rockies.
Jason Kubel: Signed by Arizona.

We've lost a lot of history, it's true - especially with Cuddy and Kubel. Kubel hit 22 of his 104 career home runs against the White Sox pitching staff. Cuddy played in 145 Twins Sox games, where he hit .356 off Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Jake Peavy.

I cannot handle having another terrible season. I HATE HATE HATE losing to the Sox. The Twins need to get their act together and get some free agents aboard.

Jared Allen Hates New Orleans... and it is Funny.

"There's two cities like I don't go out to eat or don't do anything. It's Detroit and New Orleans. New Orleans looks like I'm driving through a third-world country every time I get off the plane, I'm like, 'Oh, flak jacket.' I'm trying to get down. I'm like, 'Ah, crap, I can't carry my gun here. This sucks," said Allen of New Orleans.

I found a forum thread discussing Allen's comments from the point of view of New Orleans fans.

"Have you ever visited North Minneapolis, midtown or the Phillips neighborhoods?"
- This guy has a good point. North Minneapolis is like Bucharest at 4am.

"Hey Jared Allen ! How does it feel to play for a Third World Team?"
- Sad.

"Why doesn't he just say, ""I try to avoid black towns"?"
- Ok. Too far.

I think Allen's comments are hilarious. Who dat.

Gophers Basketball Still Unranked in AP Top 25

The Minnesota Gophers remain unranked in the Associated Press Top 25, though the ranking does have a new No. 1.

The Syracuse Orangeman, 10-0, moved up from No. 3 and took over the Alpha position after the Kentucky Wildcats and Ohio State Buckeyes lost.

In the meantime, the Golden Gophers have won four straight since Trevor Mbakwe, the Gophers star, was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Minnesota is 10-1 overall, but failed to receive even a single vote in either the AP or ESPN/USA Today top 25 polls. In all, 97 voters are polled between the two polls.

Ragnar, the Lost Minnesota Viking

With another Vikings loss, I thought this blog post should be dedicated to where the Vikings organization went wrong.

Do you remember Ragnar, the mascot Viking that is the first to emerge from the tunnel before every home game? Yes, he is still part of the organization and he still drums up Vikings fans at every home game.

Something has changed though. During every halftime, Ragnar used to 'mock' the cheerleaders by copying their provocative dances with his less-than-eloquent dance moves. This no longer happens. It hasn't happened all year.

Why?

Did the cheerleaders get upset that Vikings fans enjoyed his performance more than theirs? Did the Vikings have to cut his performance because his star-like dance moves were no longer in the budget? Or... what?

All I know is if the Vikings plan on winning a game here and there instead of never, we need to get back to the basics. Bring back Ragnar's performance. Who knows... maybe the Vikings will win a game.

Ponderisms: Did You Know?

Only hours after being drafted by the Vikings in April, Ponder arrived at Winter Park to meet his new coaches. To celebrate the successes Ponder has experienced this year as a Vikings, I've brought together some interesting Ponder facts.

Ponder is only the sixth Vikings rookie quarterback to start a game in team history!

Ponder set a franchise record for rookies with a pair of touchdown passes in his first outing!

Ponder's 72-yard completion to wide receiver Michael Jenkins on 10/23 set a Vikings record for the longest pass play by a rookie, breaking the mark of 71 yards held by Fran Tarkenton.

I can't wait to see what Ponder brings the Vikings next year!

Christian Ponder Turnovers

Bah. Well that was a hard game to watch for any Vikings fans. When the Vikings were ahead then behind then ahead and ended up behind 35-32 for the final, it is tough to watch. Even harder to watch? Christian Ponder throw two picks for 10 points and a fumble that ended a short field goal attempt.

Christian Ponder agrees. He hates the rollercoaster ride that is being a rookie. He was recently quoted, "It's hard to look Jared Allen in the eyes and tell him I had two picks and a fumble and I cost us the game."

No matter what the circumstance, I would bet its hard to look Allen in the eyes - he is one intimidating guy. However, Allen was actually one of the players to support Ponder saying he would learn from his mistakes and learn to get better.

Right on. We have the rest of the season for that to happen, because next season is Skol Season.

Finalized Deals: Minnesota Twins

To the disappointment of many Minnesota fans, the Twins found their closer in singing Matt Capps to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million that includes a $6 million option for 2013 with a $250,000 buyout.

Capps blew nine saves in 25 chances last year and held a 4.25 ERA. The Twins lost Joe Nathan to the Texas Rangers. The Twins remain confident he'll bounce back next year after dealing with forearm issues throughout the season.

Minnesota dealt Slowey to the Rockies for a player to be named. On a side note, I saw the Rockies at Coors Field this summer and they have quite a few talented players (despite their record) so I hope we get a good one. The way the Twins have been working in the offseason, chances are we won't though.

The Twins also selected right-handed pitcher Marty Popham from the Indians organization and lost right-handed pitcher Shooter Hunt to the Cardinals organization in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

Arden Hills Stadium Site One of Many to Be Reviewed

The Vikings, without sure means of funding a stadium, will be meeting with Minneapolis city leaders in the next couple of days to narrow their list of potential stadium sites. This happens even though the Vikings continue to assert its preference for Arden Hills.

Until now, the Vikings have religiously avoided talks with Minneapolis policy-makers because of their Arden Hills preference.

This meeting sounds like it will largely accomplish nothing. The likeliness of the two sides narrowing down the list to one or two sites seems very unlikely, especially with the lack of sure-funding collected.

Nonetheless, I'll keep you updated regarding any developments. In the meantime, enjoy the weekend and some Vikings football! SKOL!

Minnesota Vikings Host Tim Tebow

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 is the verse and Tim Tebow is the messenger... after Jesus, of course. This verse, or perhaps another, will be in Minneapolis this weekend as the Minnesota Vikings host the Denver Broncos.

Tim Tebow has swept the nation similar to Twilight and reality cooking shows featuring cupcake bake-offs and restaurant hunters in search of that diamond in the rough. Some hate him. Some love him. One thing is for sure though - Tim Tebow loves Jesus.

It isn't new for athletes to be faithful or to find good luck charms in inanimate objects, but it seems that Tebow's faith is as exceptional as turning water into wine. The Broncos, now 5-1 under Tebow and 6-5 overall, seem to take comfort in Tebow's sermons.

Do you?

NBA Lockout Hits Another Industry

The NBA lockout has struck again. We've all read, I've even written, about the stories of all the individuals (besides players and owners) turned upside down by the NBA lockout - arena workers, team support staff, the media...

We've forgotten the escorts. They're people too, you know.

There appears to be a 30% decline in the industry, where there are clients who charge $400-4,000 an hour depending on the... woman.

Can we all just say this lockout has gone too far?

AP, No Hurry

Running back Adrian Peterson will be walking around in a boot, and not a snow boot, through this Thursday. Coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson will try to do some work in practice on Friday to determine his playing status for Sunday's game in Atlanta.

My opinion, and likely everyone else's as well, no hurry, AP. Minnesota's record of 2-8 puts the pressure off of a quick return.

An MRI test on Monday revealed a "Grade 1-type" of sprain and "a little bit of ligament damage," according to Frazier. The injury isn't serious, but like I said, there is no hurry.

Toby Gerhart and WR Percy Harvin should take this opportunity to step up their involvement and effectiveness on the field. Harvin has already shown he can be a dangerous threat out of the backfield, but should really take this time to utilize his powerful running and deceptive moves.

Sunday's game held other disappointing news as well. Jared Allen's franchise-record streak of 11 consecutive games with a sack ended Sunday.

Pro Bowl: Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson

Jared Allen and Adrian Peterson should, without a doubt, be voted into the Pro Bowl this year.

In 2010, Allen failed to make the Pro Bowl after three consecutive appearances. He had led the team in 11 sacks that was good for 10th in the league.

Allen has received a lot of flak for his year off from the Bowl, resulting in a new vengeance in 2011. He is currently leading the league with 11.5 sacks and is on pace for a record-setting season. Allen needs 11 more sacks in nine games to tie Michael Strahan's 22.5 single-season record.

Allen also has an interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Adrian Peterson has made the Pro Bowl every year since he has been in the league (since 2007). There is no reason that Peterson isn't going to continue his run of consecutive Pro Bowls.

Support the Vikings as they pursue Pro Bowl bids - vote Vikings and vote often.

"Stadium plans for NFL's Minnesota Twins hit new delay" - Reuters

Go to this link:  http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03112011/2/stadium-plans-nfl-minnesota-twins-hit-new-delay.html  for a better view.

The Minnesota Vikings have no shot of getting a new stadium if people think we're voting on another new Twins Stadium.

Minnesota Twins Claim Pitchers off Waivers

The Minnesota Twins are attempting to fill the myriad of holes in the team this offseason, starting with pitching staff. The organization claimed left-hander Matt Maloney from the Cincinnati Reds and Jeff Gray from the Seattle Mariners, both off waivers.

Maloney is a 27-year-old that went 0-3 with a 9.16 ERA in eight appearances for the Reds last year. He spent the majority of the season in Triple A, going 7-1 with a 2.99 ERA in 14 appearances, 13 of which were starts.

Gray is a 29-year-old that went 0-0 with a 2.70 ERA in six appearances for the Chicago White Sox before Seattle claimed him in May. There he went 0-1 with a 4.89 ERA in 24 appearances for the Mariners.

There was a release from the Twins stating that both aren't expected to immediately contribute to the club.

This seems strange to me. The Twins drowned last year. We don't need a piece of wood to float on... we need a ship. If we don't start picking up players that can be counted on to contribute immediately, then we're already sunk for next year.

Get your act together, Twins. We need something better than what you've given us so far this offseason.

Would You Look at That...

If you know me at all or read my blog at all, you'll know why I find this picture of a gunman with a Yankee friend is interesting. Marinate on it.

Picture on cnn.com

My Target Field Experience

If you recall (and if you don't, its below...) my last post was a foreshadow of my Game 1 adventure at Target Field. Last night was the actual adventure.

The night got off to a rough start as I walked in and they didn't have my name on the list or have a nametag for me. I'm willing to help a guy out, but come on. First you don't have season tickets for me, then you don't have my nametag? Lucky my Type A personality was ready for anything, resulting in me bringing my confirmation email and my Twins Account #.

If that hadn't worked, then my hostile personality would've kicked in and had a meltdown. Fortunately for the gentleman at the table, the confirmation email did the trick.

We (Mara and I) got to the Legends Club just in time to see Dave St. Peter get grilled about the growing payroll and the receding wins. His answers were very political, which is absolutely what I expected, but still interesting to hear. It was kind of like Occupy Target Field - fans giving their opinions on The Man. There were other interesting questions, but one that particularly peeked my interest was a question about 2nd base.

St. Peter THREW Nishioka under the bus. Hardcore. It was brutal. He basically said Nishi would have to earn his spot on the team during Spring Training (duh), but that they fully expect Casilla to be playing at 2nd and will be looking for a fresh player at shortstop. So... basically this guy is willing to go out and break a leg for the Twins (literally) and we won't even grant him support as he attempts to transition. Sure, it was a rough year for him and for everyone. He played terrible and couldn't make simple catches or execute easy throws, but does that mean we give up on him?

If so, then we should have given up on the whole team a while ago.

Dave also talked a bit about moving Justin Morneau off the field and solely into a DH role. Sucks.

Anyway, back to my experience. It was great. The night really turned around after the nametag incident. There was a free ballpark food buffet and beers were only $4.50. The view was amazing with the centerfield screen lit up with Game 1. It was like an oasis in the blacked-out stadium with the Minneapolis skyline to the right. How poetic.

Towards the end of the night we went on a tour of Target Field. Let me tell you... that Champions Club is no joke. It is pretty sweet. When we were just outside the Club, our tour guide told us a story about how when the Yankees are in town, Yankee fans will fly in and purchase Champ Club tickets because they think they are such a deal. Kind of irked me because the tickets are expensive, it doesn't matter what some Yank thinks.

As the tour progressed, we got to see the underground batting cages as well as the Twins clubhouse. Interesting fact: Mauer and Morneau have the two biggest 'cubbies' (or lockers) in the whole place. They are easily twice the size of everyone else's. What is that about? The less you play the more you get? Sounds like something Michelle Bachmann would say.

Anyway, the whole experience was a lot of fun. My only disappointment of the night hinged on a bet that I made with Mara regarding the outcome of the game and the series as a whole. I put $50 on the Rangers winning it all and a beer on the Rangers winning Game 1. At least I still have the $50 to look forward to.

If I remember, I'll post some pictures of the tour and such at a later date.

Game 1 World Series at Target Field

Though I didn't get to have Twins season tickets this past year (huge disappointment), I guess being in the On Deck Circle does have a few perks.

I will be taking advantage of one of those perks this Wednesday as I head to Target Field to watch Game 1 of the World Series in the Delta SKY360 Legends Club!

I get to watch the big game from the comfort of the Legends Club on HD TV screens throughout the club and also on the giant HD scoreboard in center field. The Twins will be giving away prizes such as framed autographed prints and game-used items! Not only that, but there will be a complimentary ballpark fare buffet, a discounted cash bar, and mini-tours of Target Field including the Champions Club and the Twins Clubhouse!!!!

I AM SO EXCITED!

I will let you know how it goes when I'm back to blogging on Wednesday.

GO RANGERS! Which reminds me... I have to get a hat...

New Vikings Stadium Debacle

Ruhroh. This is a bad year for Vikings fans. Not only did we win only our first game this past weekend, but it looks like there seems to be even more contention arising over new stadium plans... in a recession.

The Vikings owner, Zygi Wilf, wants to push full-steam ahead on a new stadium while the state is still (understandably) reluctant to move so quickly.

Wilf was armed with a new report that removed some of the doubts about their project as the Vikings pushed their project even harder yesterday. They are still wanting to build a new $1 billion stadium in Arden hills and have legislators take a vote to approve the plan.

Meanwhile, fresh concerns have emerged as well as underlying rallies for a the consideration of a new stadium in Minneapolis instead of the northern suburb.

Govenor Mark Dayton said on record, "I am will to support a stadium in either Arden Hills or Minneapolis, as long as the project's financing is clearly defined and agreed upon." He went on to say the state needed certainties about whether or not there would be a stadium and where it would and would not be located.

With time running out for a special legislative session before the end of the year, it is important that a state funding plan be in place within the next several of weeks. I guess we will know more soon enough.

The New Girl

I LOVE the new Fox show titled, New Girl.

Zooey Deschanel, the main character, is hilarious! And the sister of another favorite actress of mine, Emily Deschanel of Bones. The sister-duos are extremely talented on set and both possess a delightfully kooky, yet sweet chemistry with their respective co-stars.

In life, I think both Zooey (Jess on New Girl) and Emily (Temperance) would be my reliable friends in life because I can't get enough of their awkward and comedic lifestyle. Everyday would be my new favorite.

Here is a quick and insufficient show break-down:

New Girl is a show about good-hearted, but screwed-up, young singles. (Oh heyyy my life.) Three guys, all attractive in their own respects, have an apartment. They are seeking a fourth person to split the rent. They post an ad for such on Craigslist. Enter: Zooey Deschanel (Jess).

The guys are unsure... followed by more uncertainty.

Then she informs them her friends and soon-to-be ex-roommates are models. Absent is any hesitation, and Jess moves in.

Connect the dots between three brosephs and the charming Deschanel and you can see where this awesome comedy is headed. However, as in most respects, it's the journey that matters; you can count on this one to be hilarious and, I'm guessing, sprinkled with romance.

If you haven't seen New Girl yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.

Now, don't cry yet, but the New Girl will be off the air soon... Temporarily, that is. Even though the show has been picked up for a full season, it'll be removed from the wavelengths for a while to make room for The X Factor episodes and the MLB playoffs/World Series coverage. I only approve of this decision because 1) I love baseball and 2) you should respect your elders, of which baseball most certainly is.

The Minnesota Twins Say They'll Rally Come 2012

The Minnesota Twins sent out an email to season ticket holders this past weekend.

The email summarized what every Twins fan agonized through this past season; the email summarized everything that we already knew. The Twins were terrible this year and could claim few positive events: Liriano's no-no, Revere's 'web gem' of a catch as highlighted by ESPN, Thome's 600 HR, Blyleven's HOF recognition and Nathan's 255th record save. Yes, all were incredible, but we would be lying to ourselves if we said it wasn't easier to focus on the 99 losses.

To be frank, the email upset me in a pissed-off kind of way. It was too soon. I'm still too mad and too disappointed. Some would say I'm overly competitive and some would say I need to learn to let go. I'm not saying those people are right because I consider my competitiveness and keen memory to be assets, but perhaps I should be focusing on next year.

Unfortunately, the injuries were too much and the losses too heartbreaking. I was disappointed beyond words, making this post tough to formulate. Our sights were high heading in and so blocked by the end, it seemed as though the whole organization was drowning.

Twins fans deserve better. We deserve the commitment during the offseason in order to prevent injuries. We deserve honesty from players about their conditions. We deserve more than disappointment. We deserve Division Champs.

The Twins will rally? They damn well better.

Boston Red Sox Epic Collapse, Tampa Bay Rolls

I can't beat this: A Running Diary of Game 162. It is just too funny.

Please just consider this post my support for the Tampa Bay Rays as it relates to the wild card. The post season? I like the Rays and Texas.

Jose Reyes is a Coward

Jose Reyes. Synonymous with cheater.

Reyes was pulled from, what could be, his final game as a Met after going 1-1 on a bunt single. Reyes requested to be pulled if such a situation arose because it would give him the best shot at the NL batting title, which he was later crowned.

Pulling Reyes came on the 70th anniversary of Ted Williams' decision to play in a double header on the final day of the regular season in 1941. On that date, his average was .39955 and would have been rounded up to .400; he played. "If I'm going to be a .400 hitter, I'm going to be a .400 hitter all the way," Williams was quoted.

Williams then went 6-for-8 in the double header to up his average to .406.

Reyes is a coward.

Apparently CJ Wilson of the Rangers agreed by tweeting, "Seriously people -- taking out a star player to preserve his batting average lead... weak! I hope ryan braun goes 5-for-5 and wins the title now."

Unfortunately Braun went 0-for-4 to finish at .332 for Milwaukee.

A word of advice to Reyes: No one will respect you for your actions, not even your fans. You say you won the title for your fans, but really, they came to watch you play, not to watch you sit as a backhanded way to win a trophy. In the end, you decided it was truly all about yourself. Big mistake. At the finish line you turned from a hometown hero to one big chicken that doesn't play for the team or for the fans, but for himself. No one respects that, no matter how many awards you have. Feel like a winner? You shouldn't, you loser.

Ozzie Guillen Manager of the Florida Marlins

Alright Chicago. Let me tell you this: Ozzie Guillen is one crazy SOB, but he also wins games. He is temperamental and difficult to play for. He is also the only Chicago manager in the last 90 years to lead a Chicago team to a World Series title.

Out of the eight seasons as the White Sox manager, the team has held a winning record five times. Just once during those same eight seasons have the Sox lost more than 90 games.

Sure, the Sox sucked this year. So did the whole AL Central with the exception of Justin Verlander. Stuff happens. The Twins are closing in on 100 wins? You think your season is bad?

Guillen was probably one big fat migraine. The new manager probably will be less of one, but that comes at a price. The new manager is certain to be less colorful and will be lucky if he can lead the White Sox to as many wins as Guillen did.

Guillen will be taking a job with the Florida Marlins after being released from his White Sox contract.

Actually, there has been a lot of relocation to Florida... just see the AL Wildcard.

Minnesota Twins and 99 Losses

Here it is. The Minnesota Twins have two options: win their final two games of the year or reach 100 and/or 101 losses.

I should've warned you this wouldn't be pretty.

Right now the Twins, coming off a 7-3 loss against Kansas City, are sitting (or laying down) at 61-99 which is just one loss short of a coma.

The Twins have only ever had a 100-loss season in Minnesota, which took place in 1962. They came to Minnesota in 1961.

The other day I received an email from the Twins organization regarding my 2012 season ticket deposit as an On Deck Circle member. Sure, I love the Twins enough to try for season tickets again. In fact, this season was so terrible I know that next year can only be an improvement. Look at that... optimism. I never do that.

It would be nice if they lowered the prices for next year... but I guess not everyone is a poor college student. Just poor blue-color workers.

Minnesota Twins are Bumming Me Out

The Minnesota Twins are facing a 12-game losing streak if they don't win today.

The score is tied 2-2 in the bottom of the 7th and the Minnesota Twins look to be flirting with a win.

Kevin Slowey knows that feeling. The Twins went into the Mariners game with a ten game losing streak that they looked to end as Kevin Slowey started off hot. He threw a 1-2-3 first. He threw a 1-2-3 second. He threw a 1-2-3 third, and after pitching around an error and throwing a 2-3-4 fourth, he threw a 1-2-3 fifth. Five innings and the Mariners were without a hit.

The Mariners began the sixth with two outs under their belt quickly. Then came Ichiro who snapped Slowey's bid for a no-no with an infield single. After that, the score deficit was cut in half. Four pitches later, the game was tied. Then the game was over with the Twins on the bottom. Again.

The Twins are still bumming me out. I was hoping AL Central, AL Champs, World Series Champs... I was all in. Season ticket deposit and everything. Now I'm broke and without a winning team.

Next year? You better believe it.

Twins Approach 100 Losses

Ron Gardenhire: 'No one ever wants to see 100 losses.' No kidding.

The Twins are slowly crawling to the end of their disastrous season. If Gardenhire had been told during spring training that his team would be closing in on 100 losses, he would have asked what we were smoking.

The Minnesota Twins only have one team in history to reach triple-digit-losses.

Another quote from Gardy, "You have to cope with them (injuries) the best you can. We haven't done a very good job of coping with all the injuries. I read earlier in the season where the Twins didn't have a Plan B. Plan B to replace the whole lineup? I don't think too many teams have that."

Touché.

Minnesota Twins and the M&M Boys

The September Twins have been downright awful, going 2-14 in the month.

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau (formerly paired in joyous conversation as the M&M Boys) have combined to play only 151 games due to various lingering injuries. Both are out for the rest of the season with pneumonia and concussion symptoms, respectively. Further, both had the worst offensive seasons of their respective careers.

Only three regular Twins players have played in at least 100 games: Michael Cuddyer, Danny Valencia and Ben Revere.

Our bullpen is ranked dead last in the AL in ERA. The Twins are 7 losses away from 100 losses on the year.

Seriously? I am a dedicated Twins fan. I go to games even now when they lose. I still tune in when I have the chance, but I think I should be allowed a bit of frustration here. Seriously, Twins?

Our offseason focus has to start with where Mauer and Morneau fit in. There have been rumors that Morneau might be pushed into a purely offensive position at DH because of his lingering concussion symptoms. Which... tell me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that really mean his career is over? Last I knew his concussion symptoms were affecting more of his batting than his fielding.

If that change were to happen, would that move Mauer out from behind the plate and into the first-base position?

Can we consider these boys our franchise players anymore? I certainly would like to think so. They both seem like genuine guys, but I can't quite say whether or not I believe in them.

I guess I'll find out in 2012. Yes, that's right. I still plan on going to opening day. I'm still hoping my season ticket deposit will translate into actual season tickets. And, I'm still hoping on a 2012 division championship. Let's just call it a late graduation present.

See you next year Twins.

The Minnesota Vikings Blew the Second Half

Thanks to my buddy Samantha, I was at the Vikings game on Sunday. No thanks to the coaching staff, the Vikings lost that game.

Heading into halftime, the Vikings had a great lead of 17-0. The Vikings were then outscored 24-3 in the second-half.

I firmly believe that the second half is controlled more by the coaching staff. In the first half you have a game plan already in place and the talent is in the position where it is their responsibility to carry the team towards a win. When that is executed, the team should be ahead. The Vikings were.

During halftime, the coaches review film as to what happened in the first half - what we did, what they did. From there, the coaches should be determining what will work in the next half. The Buccaneers did that. The Vikings did not.

The Bucs figured out what the Vikings were doing in the first half and formulated a plan to counteract the Vikings in the second half. The Vikings didn't change their game plan and it cost them the 'W'.

I'm disappointed in Leslie Frazier. We need to have a better plan if there is any hope at salvaging our season. I think he is a strong coach that is working with an immature team, but that's where the coach-player contact has to strengthen during halftime.

In other great news, Tyrell Johnson was arrested on suspicion of DWI.



Serena Williams is a Hot Head

As long as today's theme is 'tennis'...

Serena Williams was fined in her US Open championship game against Samantha Stosur for yelling at the chair umpire. (From what I can tell, a chair umpire is similar to a home plate umpire or the football official in white = head hauncho.) The chair umpire made a rare call at a unique time, prompting the outburst by Williams.

Williams has for some time suggested tennis has a Serena-problem as the association has fined and penalized her in the past. Seems like an appropriate suggestion from a hot head known for her obscenity-laced meltdowns.

While there were much larger fines in the past, the USTA only fined Williams $2,000 for berating this particular chair umpire.

In high school, I once yelled at a volleyball referee about a bad call (yes, it was actually a bad call) regarding a block-touch off my hit. After the game I apologized out of fear I would meet that referee again and there would be a bad vibe between the team and the refereeing authorities. I guess you could say I had ulterior motives for my apologizing, but I think the following holds true regardless: Serena Williams has some big cahoonas.

She screams at officials, avoids playing at venues that 'disrespect' her and throws tantrums over calls all unapologetically. I wish I had those kind of guts...

Or is it disrespect?

Novak Djokovic Beats Rafael Nadal in US Open Tennis

I am easily caught up in exhilarating and high-stakes sports.

Enter: US Open and Djokovic v Nadal

WOW! I've always been a fan of Andy Roddick... American and such, but when I saw the matches of Federer-Djokovic and Murray-Nadal, I became entranced by the talent of the No. 1 and No. 2 players of the world, Djokovic and Nadal  respectively.

These men sure know how to play.

Nadal has the whole exotic and erotic thing happening with his Nike-sponsored appearance and, not only is he swoon-worthy, but holds the game to back it up. Nadal's got game. In the championship, he had my support from the beginning because of his play to the crowd and overall challenge of beating the No. 1 player in the world that has had an unbelievable year. I don't think you can quite call it a 'Cinderella Story,' but the general principle applies.

Djokovic on the other hand has a brooding appearance that is so cocky its attractive. Meh, I know. Stereotypical girl loving the guy she can't have (which is implying I can have Nadal... what do you say Rafael?). Coupled with his good looks and attitude, Djokovic sports a serve that, while I was watching, topped out at 132mph. My Buick protests at 80mph (and doesn't have cup holders). So do the police.

Like the US Soccer and Women's World Cup, I'm sad that the US Open is over and have began another active search of sporting events I can follow.

There are always the Vikings...

Nyjer Morgan and Chris Carpenter Smack Down

Video

You win a couple games here and there and you start to get cocky. This video is hilarious... especially when you see the 'pen empty out in right field even though the fighting is already dispersing between the Brewers and the Cardinals. The almost-brawl started between Nyjer Morgan and Chris Carpenter.

Morgan asserted that Carpenter shouted curse words at him from the mound and, well... we all saw Morgan throw out a big FU to Carpenter. Then Morgan threw his dip at the pitcher. Mature. Albert Pujols charged and the benches cleared.

Bahhaha. I just re-watched the video and it is still funny.

Nyjer Morgan



Ticket King Minneapolis

Today I am doing some Ticket King work from Minneapolis! This office is designed/set up differently than the one in Minneapolis and I have to say I like it. The Minneapolis office is set up in a family style atmosphere with a modern vibe. The place is outfitted with Ikea-type furniture and fixtures. Love it!

A funny story... this morning when I was walking from the parking ramp to Ticket King, I had an encounter with a strange creature. A man donning a dress and flats (which were actually semi-cute) walked by me, carrying two very large garbage bags filled with aluminum cans. As he passed by me, he turned and asked, "Is today Saturday or Sunday? Amid all the excitement of last night, I lost track."

Umm... ok. Clearly he had to say something to me because I was avoiding eye contact at all cost, but really? You knew what day it is. You knew when you rolled out of your leather upholstered bed with a flower down comforter that you were going to pull on that dress no matter how much your biceps protested and that it was Saturday.

Now in St. Paul, a much more family-oriented and old-style city, I can't say that would have happened, especially since my walk to the office is about 20 paces.

Minneapolis is great, but so is St. Paul!

Twins Injury Updates

Even our draft picks are injured.

Kyle Gibson, the Twins' first-round draft pick back in '09 will undergo Tommy John surgery, putting him out completely for the 2012 season.

Justin Morneau has a headache coupled with homerun celibacy.
Denard Span also has a headache.
Joe Mauer has a neck ache, weak legs, sore shoulder, the plague and the rhino virus.
Scott Baker has elbow soreness.
Nick Blackburn has an entrapped right forearm nerve.
Alexi Casilla has a right hamstring strain. Again.
Francisco Liriano slept wrong on his left shoulder and strained it.

Great.

I tell you what; I think the Twins need to formulate an Excel spreadsheet of all our injuries just to keep track of them. What's that you say? They already have? Gosh... all my good ideas are just a day too late and a dollar too short.

Twins spring training 2012.

John Boehner Hates Football

Thanks to John Boehner's request of Obama to reschedule his speech on jobs and the economy, President Obama will now deliver his speech just before (and probably during) the NFL Opener.

I know how you feel John.

Reason? Boehner didn't want the President's speech to upstage the Republican presidential debate. First Sarah Palin and now this?!

I'm glad the Republicans continue to ruin America out of the sake of discrediting the Dems and that the Democrats, in this case President Obama, are satisfied with bending over backwards to accomodate them.

Both parties are at fault here.

With the economy in the crapper and the unemployment rate high, the one thing Americans have to hang on to are is their favorite sports team. (Unless you are a Minnesota sports fan, teams let you down less frequently than the government.)
I guess we won't have to see our hate rivals, the Green Bay Packers play the team that beat Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings to go on to the Super Bowl in 2009, the New Orleans Saints.

Word is that the White House is aware of the conflict and is speaking with the NFL to try to resolve the issue.

The President's speech is set to start a half hour earlier than the Packers Saints game.

Ozzie Guillen Has a Blog

Oh my goodness. Ozzie Guillen has a blog: http://ozzie.mlblogs.com/

I really like the flag of Venezuela in the right corner.

I can't believe anyone endorsed this.

Check out a snippet of a recent Ozzie post, "Well you never know, or “never say never,” like that Bieber kid says (haha)." 

Wow. This is going to be too much fun. I can't believe I just discovered the blog today when it appears the blog has been around for a while. I'm disappointed in both my investigative skills for not finding the blog sooner and the mainstream media for not highlighting this cyber gem in a more apparent way.

My only complaint is that the blog obviously has some sort of spell check / grammar check or editor in place because readers are exposed to error-free writing by Ozzie Guillen. Which... is contradictory in and of itself.

Hope Solo on Dancing with the Stars

Hope Solo was recently in the news for the women's soccer World Cup in Germany. Even more recently, the USA goal keeper was in the media limelight for a picture of her nearly naked in a fountain as part of a clothes-less spread in ESPN's 2011 "Body Issue".

In the name of women's soccer, here it is.



The picture features Solo cavorting around in a robe with an unidentified female. Her twitter account (which I follow, embarrassingly) had this to say of the photo, "Being naked outside is very liberating....at least I hope it will be @ESPN and @ESPNMAG!!! GAMETIME BABY! Ball up!".

Ugh whatever.

Now, Hope Solo is a contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. I believe fans of the show simply refer to it as 'DWTS' which makes sense because not only is it easier to say, it is easier to type. And that's a good thing because everyone I know is either speaking about or writing about DWTS. Wow, look at how easy that was.

Back to the story at hand. Hope Solo DWTS. After I heard the news that the greatest goal keeper in the world was closeting the cleats and slipping on stilettos, I logged on the ol' Twitter and found out why.

Solo's spin on it? She is participating in naked photo shoots and dancing on a stupid show all in the name of women's soccer.

Stupid me. I should have known. Hope Solo is doing everything she can in the name of women's soccer and has discovered that the best way to promote women's soccer isn't by being the best keeper in the world. It's by being super hot. Duh.

A Dash of Distress

I am so tired of seeing headlines regarding the Kardashian wedding.

Not only are the news sites (even sites like CNN.com)  featuring Kim Kardashian in a white dress in an attempt to fool people in to thinking they have snatched up the exclusive photos, but the wedding is actually going to be televised. The mind numbing special is going to be aired over the course of 2 nights. Sit down for this: Lucky fans will get to enjoy a 4 hour pre-wedding special, plus! get to "Follow the bride, groom and entire Kardashian clan every step of the way..." when it airs on October 9 and 10.

If only the American public had access to a show that allowed us to keep up with the Kardashians... What an idea.

Top Ten Signs Twins are Having a Bad Season

I'm feeling a bit negative today; tomorrow might (but probably won't) be a better day.

Top Ten signs the Twins are having a bad season...

10. Watching the game on 'mute' is the only way to get through it.

9. The team is well on its way to 90 losses.

8. We are battling with Kansas City to stay out of the cellar.

7. The Minnesota Lynx look good.

6. Luke Hughes missing his flight isn't funny, it's a disaster. (Love his accent though)

5. The team has endured more than 24 trips to the disabled list.

4. We can't win enough games to even be a playoff spoiler.

3. Fans are excited when Mauer and Morneau share the lineup for the eighth time of the year... in late July.

2. We have the worst run differential, second only to the Houston Astros.

1. Jim Thome left.

I feel ya, Charlie.

Yankees Hit 3 Grand Slams.

The Yankees hit a record-3 grand slams in one game last night.

Is this karma? What am I doing wrong? I am not one to enjoy and lap up the success of others, especially the torturous success of the Yanks.

Neither is Derek Jeter's girlfriend, I guess. The two reportedly called it quits recently. She used to date John Mayer or someone... At least Jeter has over 3,000 hits to keep him company. Even I know Jeter is an upgrade from the cooing baboon Mayer. Waiting on the World to Change? You bet I am...

I am waiting for a world where the Yankees don't hit three grand slams in a night and where the Twins actually have enough base runners on to make a grand slam feasible.

Bitter, I know.

I think this is Jeter's ex, but I didn't care enough to research so I can't be sure.

Jim Thome Full Circle

Jim Thome has come full circle as he returns to Cleveland to finish out the season with a team he hit over 300 home runs for. Thome will wear an Indians cap, as he once used to, before it appears on his Hall of Fame plaque.

I only hope the Indians, 6 1/2 games behind the Detroit Tigers, aren't too far out of the AL Central race. Thome deserves one last shot at a shiny World Series ring and it appears that the Indians are the team trying to give it to him.

Personally, he had a better shot with the Phillies, but I also estimated the Twins would win the AL Central instead of holding a personal race for last with the Kansas City Royals... so what do I know?

Good luck to Jim Thome and the Cleveland Indians. If the Twins aren't going to win the division, the Indians better (and not because I hate every other team besides the Royals). Now, back to shopping for an old-school Thome No. 25 Indians jersey... I'm looking for the cutoff version; so far the cheapest I've found on ebay is $22.

Twins Lineup to Feature 8, Not 9 Players?

For today's 12:10 game, Ron Gardenhire is scrambling to fill the lineup card.

Joe Mauer, surprise surprise, is injured with a sore neck from chasing a foul ball at a position that isn't even what we signed him for. Nishioka has a sore back, but can be on the bench, just not the field. Danny Valencia, who has been pretty rude on Twitter lately, isn't at Target Field because he had a wisdom tooth removed. Michael Cuddyer, who was surrounded by speculation of a wrist-break, is the only one who might be able to play.

That's confusing. A player with a potential break might play, but those ones who are sore can't. Ok. When I say it like that I guess it makes sense.

Looks like Gardy will be scrambling up 'till game time for a lineup. This is what it looks like right now:

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Trevor Plouffe, SS
3. Justin Morneau, 1B
4. Michael Cuddyer, RF
5. Jason Kubel, LF
6. Jim Thome, DH
7. Luke Hughes, 3B
8. Matt Tolbert, 2B
9. Drew Butera, C

At least our lineup can still host Jason Kubel and Jim Thome. And Hughes didn't have to fly here by himself.

If Cuddy's wrist is broke, let's just play with eight or ask the Orioles to contribute a player... My elementary teams used to do that sometimes. You can draw your own parallels between the Twins and my elementary teams, I don't feel the need to expressly write them.

Miguel Cabrera Has a Kid... Which is Unbelievable

Miguel Cabrera just went on paternity leave. One question: why is the domestic-abuser, booze-cruiser allowed to have children?

Oh, America... all about second chances and reformation.

Cabrera was on his way to Lakeland the night he was to report to camp for the Tigers when his vehicle broke down. Reports have him drinking DIRECTLY from a bottle of scotch while speaking to the traffic officers. Mind you, I don't trust people that don't drink - its always seemed a bit fishy to me, but this is just outrageous.

I seriously typed 'Miguel Cabrera drunk' in a popular search engine and this was on the first page. I'll accept that.

That wasn't the first time drinking has gotten Cabrera in to trouble. Back in February, police were called to the home of Miguel and Reseangel (wife) after Miguel came home from a night (and morning) of heavy drinking at 6:05am. Apparently Miguel woke up his daughter then started an argument with his wife that resulted in both having injuries. Happy Valentines day to you, too. At the time, reports asserted Miguel's blood alcohol content level at .26, more than three times the legal intoxication limit.

Now, what about those two incidents screams 'this guy would be the perfect father'... Exactly.

Alfredo Simon Beats Twins, Glad to be Out of Jail

Alfredo Simon kicked the Twins' ass last night and it was not fun to watch, but was a newsworthy performance for him.

Not so newsworthy would be his implication in the death of his cousin. I don't know how this escaped my attention, ESPN.com is one of my top 10 most-visited sites, but apparently Mr. Alfredo was arrested in his native Dominican Republic after his cousin was fatally shot on New Year's Eve. He spent two months in jail.

Alfredo bruschetta-ed it off, like any good pasta would: "Sometimes baseball players have problems and you know how the justice system is over there. They want to take advantage of you being a baseball player and they want that money." Mmmk.

No. No, I don't know how the Dominican justice system works, though I'm sure you now have some idea. However, apparently the American system has a few commonalities, such as no murder allowed, so maybe I'll be able to keep up. Weird.

And the Dominican Republic is 'down there' not 'over there'. Get a map.

Also, get a clue. The only reason Alfredo was charged was because he and other locals fired shots in the air to ring (or shoot) in the New Year. His cousin was struck by gunfire and later died. This sounds just about as safe as Russian roulette, only in a warmer climate.

Bah. I don't know if Alfredo is guilty or not obviously, but situations like this always make me wonder about the stardom of athletes and the corruption of foreign governments, not to mention lose faith in the human race. Sometimes we suck.

Jim Thome Waivers

I know I'm selfish when I say I don't want Jim Thome to be scooped up by a playoff contender and that I want him to stay in Minnesota for the rest of his career (however long that may be). I know I'm being selfish, I get it. I realize he deserves the chance to get his ever-elusive World Series ring; he deserves it, he does. Thome has earned a place in the baseball world and that place should be higher than a team that is 55-73 and almost bottoming out the division.

I still want him.

Now, I just have to decide if my selfishness can be out-weighed by my respect for Thome.

There are rumors circulating about interests in Thome from the Phillies, Indians, White Sox and Yankees. Because teams out of contention in the American League have little freason to put in a claim, it seems likely if Thome leaves, one of the aforementioned teams will be the lucky team to pick up a great guy and player.

The Phillies? To be honest, I'm a little tired of hearing about the Phillies, but they would give Thome a good shot at the World Series. If Thome continues to play, it would be nice to have his damage-inducing bat out of the American league, but at the same time, Twins fans would see less of Thome.

Seeing as the Phillies have the best record in baseball, they would have the last shot at picking up the Big Guy anyway, but the Indians? That could happen. Travis Hafner, the DH for the Indians went on the disabled list earlier this week, opening up a spot in the Tribe's lineup. Honestly, that would be a well-versed story with a sweet ending. Thome played most of his years in Cleveland and will most likely go in to the HOF as an Indian, so I guess if he should have a shot at contention it should be with Cleveland. Not to mention, perhaps with some Thome-power, the Indians could hold off the White Sox. If the Twins can't win the AL Central, the White Sox can't either... which essentially is saying the White Sox should never win the division.

Speaking of the White Sox, their only redeeming factor is Ozzie Guillen (and the fact I happen to like their team colors). Guillen has apparently expressed interest in Thome, "I have said day in and day out that Jimmy is one of my guys in baseball." I would hate to see Thome in a White Sox uniform again (especially since I plan on wearing my 'White Sox Suck' tee to the game on September 6th, in which case if the Sox lineup has Thome in it, I'll have to tape 'Except Thome' on the back or something crafty like that). Adam Dunn has provided less-than thrilling numbers for the Sox, who are in a virtual tie with the Indians, both trailing the Tigers, and Thome could fill that position for them. Besides, I don't see the White Sox making the playoffs anyway. I would hate to see Thome in a White Sox uniform, but I can't decide if I would hate that more or less than a Yankee uni... 

With the whole Jorge Posada / Derek Jeter drama that has surged around the Yankees this year, they could be interested in upgrading at the DH spot. Thome boasts an .868 OPS with 12 home runs this season in only 230 plate appearances. Those numbers would be an upgrade at the DH position for the Bronx Bombers. While Thome's personality would fit in with the classy guys like Jeter and CC Sabathia, I don't like the idea of Thome going to New York only to be overshadowed by a fellow 600-clubber, Alex Rodriguez, and I definitely think that would happen.

I respect Jim Thome enough to let him go, but it appears that in my mind, no one is good enough to pick him up.

Top 10 back to School Items

It is that time of year again. Back to school. I am NOT excited.

Its always harder to return to the classroom when you've taken a summer class. Just imagine how hard it is to return after taking two. Well... hello my life. I am not ready to return to school.

However, to try to get in to mood, I've assembled a little back to school list. I have no money to be able to buy these things, but I thought you may enjoy them:

1. Frye 'Quincy' Boat Shoe, Yellow - $127.95

This shoe is the perfect pop of color for someone, like me, that generally wears neutrals. Not to mention, Frye shoes are extremely comfortable and long-lasting. Back to school must-have.

2. Alexis Bittar 'Sepia Dust' Dome Ring - $245

I know, I can't afford it either. However, this is my favorite ring on Nordstroms.com that meets the 'chocolate metals' trend for back to school. Chocolate metals. That is my point; they are gorgeous and will compliment that summer tan (if you have one, which I don't).

3. Daily Planner - $20

Duh. You can't run your life if you don't have a planner. Get one. Get organized.

4. Travel Mug - $10

This is the year you finally signed up for morning class. I know, it seems weird we did it every day of our high school careers, but once you get to college it's impossible to get up before ten. Don't fall in to that. Get a travel mug and fill it with...

5. Keurig Coffee Maker - $150

... your Keurig coffee favorite. Help out your budget, its already miniscule from purchasing that outrageous ring. Skip the Starbucks.

6. Zella 'Live In' Leggings -$44 - 52

I owe my boss a huge favor after she recommended these to me. They are THE most comfortable leggings I have ever worn. They are perfect for lounging, working out and/or throwing on because you just can't handle jeans today. Worth every penny.

7. Aveda Rosemary Mint Body Lotion - $21

This invigorating lotion will, not only make sure you are awake enough to go to class, but keep you from falling asleep during class. It smells amazing, buy it.

8. Umbrella - $5

Do not kid yourself. Umbrellas are not dorky. They are smart, especially when you have to walk to class outside.

9. Bare Escentuals Matte SPF 15 Foundation - $28

This foundation is amazing and doesn't take any time at all to apply. Many times I don't wear makeup to class because I am too rushed or too lazy, but if I do, this is what I wear. It is natural looking, which helps you distinguish yourself from the high school style.

10. Pentel Twist Erase Pencils - $5

When I came to college, it seemed everyone started writing in pen. I don't know why when, if you make a mistake you can't erase it and it leaks through your notes in your notebook. Buy pencils. They are just more practical.