I'm a little disturbed by the recent news of school incidents - two students bringing weapons to ROCORI Middle School in the past week, other reported incidents of threats, and recent suicides makes me think that being a teenager isn't quite what it was when I was in high school.
With the rise of social media and smartphones, bullies have more tools to use against their pawns, which I think makes it even worse for their victims in a much shorter period of time. I never quite understood why bullying was tolerated - I know I was bullied at times in school, and myself and the group of friends I hung around bullied some kids back in the day too. I'm not proud of those things, but it was something we grew out of. Besides, you never know - the person you bullied in school could one day be your boss at work!
The thing that disturbed me about the recent ROCORI incidents is that bullying has been and still is sometimes ignored by parents and school staff. I really think that the bullies' parents and school teachers and administrators need to get more involved and curtail or even stop bullying before it starts. It's just tragic to me that kids feel so lousy about themselves that they feel a need to strike back or hurt themselves or others. It's getting to a point where schools almost have to have metal detectors installed, but by instilling the proper ethics in kids, maybe schools can get to the point where kids never have to worry about their safety while going to get their education.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Unraveling?
Although I took the title for this blog entry from the first single off Sevendust's latest album Cold Day Memory, it's a moniker that could aptly fit the 2011 Minnesota Twins right now. With a last-place 6-12 record and league worsts in runs scored and home runs, it's not looking too good for the Twinkies right now!
Without the services of Mauer and new 2B Nishioka (both on the DL) and Morneau and Young currently batting the flu and other ailments, the everyday lineup has at times looked like they might have a tough time beating an amateur baseball team. Mauer's continued injuries makes me think that a corner infield or outfield spot is in his future.
With so many millionaire Twins struggling, I do admit that I feel kinda sorry for Joe Nathan. I think he rushed back from last year's Tommy John surgery before his arm strength was back to normal. It took some courage for him to admit that he wasn't at full strength and to voluntarily take himself out of the closer's role for now.
It is a long season, and I'm hoping for a stronger team than the one they're currently fielding by the time I get to a couple of games at Target Field this summer. With a payroll of over $100 million, and record crowds at the new ballpark, I think more than a few people share this same sentiment.
Without the services of Mauer and new 2B Nishioka (both on the DL) and Morneau and Young currently batting the flu and other ailments, the everyday lineup has at times looked like they might have a tough time beating an amateur baseball team. Mauer's continued injuries makes me think that a corner infield or outfield spot is in his future.
With so many millionaire Twins struggling, I do admit that I feel kinda sorry for Joe Nathan. I think he rushed back from last year's Tommy John surgery before his arm strength was back to normal. It took some courage for him to admit that he wasn't at full strength and to voluntarily take himself out of the closer's role for now.
It is a long season, and I'm hoping for a stronger team than the one they're currently fielding by the time I get to a couple of games at Target Field this summer. With a payroll of over $100 million, and record crowds at the new ballpark, I think more than a few people share this same sentiment.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Giving Back
It's been a while since I've updated this blog, but on my furlough week from work I've had time to catch up on some things that I don't normally get to do, and updating this blog is one such thing. When thinking of what to write about, I started thinking about the meetings I've been involved in lately as part of the Cold Spring Friends of the Library, as we've met with local city council officers and members of the local DNR, Soil & Water Conservation District, Historical Society and Cold Spring Granite about the possibilities of grants towards a multipurpose building that would include a new library in town. I've been involved in this group for a few years now, and the main reason I do it is because it just feels good to give back to your community.
I've been using this library system since I started reading at age 3, and since my mom was already a member of the Friends group, it just seemed natural for me to get involved. I'm the one the group relies on to spread the word in local media outlets about our fund-raising projects, which I'm glad to do and help with as well. Our library has the 2nd highest circulation in the GRRL system, but is sorely in need of additional space for patrons and resource materials. We've been looking at possibilities of relocating into either a new or existing building, so it's exciting to finally pursue these grant opportunities that make our goal a lot closer to reality than we have been.
At a previous job, I was able to volunteer my time & talents to spreading the word about some great arts events all around us in Central Minnesota. When that opportunity ended, I still felt the need to volunteer, so I'm glad I got involved as a Friend of the Cold Spring Library. I would strongly recommend volunteering for anyone and everyone - just find a group that you enjoy and find out what it takes to volunteer or be a member. I'm sure you'll find the experiences very rewarding, plus you can feel good knowing you're helping your community.
I've been using this library system since I started reading at age 3, and since my mom was already a member of the Friends group, it just seemed natural for me to get involved. I'm the one the group relies on to spread the word in local media outlets about our fund-raising projects, which I'm glad to do and help with as well. Our library has the 2nd highest circulation in the GRRL system, but is sorely in need of additional space for patrons and resource materials. We've been looking at possibilities of relocating into either a new or existing building, so it's exciting to finally pursue these grant opportunities that make our goal a lot closer to reality than we have been.
At a previous job, I was able to volunteer my time & talents to spreading the word about some great arts events all around us in Central Minnesota. When that opportunity ended, I still felt the need to volunteer, so I'm glad I got involved as a Friend of the Cold Spring Library. I would strongly recommend volunteering for anyone and everyone - just find a group that you enjoy and find out what it takes to volunteer or be a member. I'm sure you'll find the experiences very rewarding, plus you can feel good knowing you're helping your community.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Twins Winter Caravan: A Sure Sign of Spring!
It sure has been a long, trying winter for most of us. Sure, in Minnesota we haven't had as much snow as the East Coast, but with a few sub-zero spells and only a few days above freezing, it's been enough to make some of us yearn for spring. One sure sign for me that spring isn't too far away was the Twins Winter Caravan's stop at the Paramount Theatre in downtown St. Cloud last Wednesday.
I hadn't been to the caravan before, but when I heard that former pitching ace Jack Morris was attending, I found my old scorecard/program from a game I attended at the Metrodome in April 1991 that turned out to be Morris' 200th career major-league victory before going. After a brief ballgame-style meal of hot-dogs, chips and water, the 400 or so in attendance were ushered into the theater as a rebroadcast of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series played on the big screen.
Midway through the game on the screen, Twins broadcaster Kris Atteberry began the show. After a highlight film narrated by Twins TV broadcaster Dick Bremer, Attebery began announcing the evening's guests, which included front-office staff Dave St. Peter (who I'd also seen at the Phillips Eye Institute benefit in the Legends Club at Target Field that my cousin Libby sang at back in November) and Dave Anthony, as well as the Twins' minor league player of the year, OF Joe Benson, and their minor-league pitcher of the year Kyle Gibson, and of course current Twins broadcaster Jack Morris.
I enjoyed the Q&A session, as some of the younger members of the audience asked some good questions, like asking Morris how hard he can run and who was his best teammate. The evening finished with an autograph session, and after I finally got Morris to sign my program from his 200th win, I realized that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in about 3 weeks, so the caravan was a sure sign that spring's not so far away after all!
I hadn't been to the caravan before, but when I heard that former pitching ace Jack Morris was attending, I found my old scorecard/program from a game I attended at the Metrodome in April 1991 that turned out to be Morris' 200th career major-league victory before going. After a brief ballgame-style meal of hot-dogs, chips and water, the 400 or so in attendance were ushered into the theater as a rebroadcast of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series played on the big screen.
Midway through the game on the screen, Twins broadcaster Kris Atteberry began the show. After a highlight film narrated by Twins TV broadcaster Dick Bremer, Attebery began announcing the evening's guests, which included front-office staff Dave St. Peter (who I'd also seen at the Phillips Eye Institute benefit in the Legends Club at Target Field that my cousin Libby sang at back in November) and Dave Anthony, as well as the Twins' minor league player of the year, OF Joe Benson, and their minor-league pitcher of the year Kyle Gibson, and of course current Twins broadcaster Jack Morris.
I enjoyed the Q&A session, as some of the younger members of the audience asked some good questions, like asking Morris how hard he can run and who was his best teammate. The evening finished with an autograph session, and after I finally got Morris to sign my program from his 200th win, I realized that pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in about 3 weeks, so the caravan was a sure sign that spring's not so far away after all!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
2010 - The Year in Review
Can't believe it's almost time to usher in a New Year already - where did 2010 go? Before I go out and try to finish my Christmas Shopping on a busy Saturday, I thought I'd catch up on blogging and reflect on the year so far.
I got to have some fun times this year, trekking to Walker, MN for concerts by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and his solo band in May and to see popular rock bands Hinder and Saving Abel in September, which made a good beginning to my week-long vacation too. I was also fortunate enough to attend three Twins games at the brand-new Target Field this summer - I'll have to go back for more games next year so I can actually see the Twins win at the new ballpark! My old car gave me plenty of problems last winter, so buying a new one in January helped me get around, especially when I went to see Star Wars in Concert in July at the Xcel Energy Center and round out my concert season for the year at First Avenue in Minneapolis last month to see Sevendust, 10 Years, and My Darkest Days.
I also got to enjoy some quality time with family and friends this year, attending my cousin Jay's wedding in Tofte in August and my high school 20th reunion in Richmond that same month. Those get-togethers are always fun! I also caught up with my godparents in September as I saw them for the first time in 8 years when they drove to Richmond for Jay's family reception. I also got to see some friends and family in concert this year, as my friend Aaron and his band the Slack played at the ol' Side Bar in Cold Spring, and my cousin Libby and her jazz/pop/R&B accompaniment played a private fundraiser in the Legends Club in Target Field last month.
Unfortunately, I also said goodbye to some family and friends this year too - my old classmate Duane who lost a long battle with a brain tumor, my friend Aaron's mom (we were neighbors when I was very little), my great-aunt Liesl in Vienna, my uncle Bill's dad "Red" (who made it to the ripe old age of 103) and my Aunt Helen who bravely fought a tough but swift battle with terminal liver disease.
I've also had a tough time at times this year with a family member's struggle to battle with addiction, and work has been busy and stressful at times this year too. I try to make the best of it, and I think that the good times I've had this year has helped balance out the bad.
Well, that's all I have for now, so take care and happy holidays, everyone!!!
I got to have some fun times this year, trekking to Walker, MN for concerts by former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and his solo band in May and to see popular rock bands Hinder and Saving Abel in September, which made a good beginning to my week-long vacation too. I was also fortunate enough to attend three Twins games at the brand-new Target Field this summer - I'll have to go back for more games next year so I can actually see the Twins win at the new ballpark! My old car gave me plenty of problems last winter, so buying a new one in January helped me get around, especially when I went to see Star Wars in Concert in July at the Xcel Energy Center and round out my concert season for the year at First Avenue in Minneapolis last month to see Sevendust, 10 Years, and My Darkest Days.
I also got to enjoy some quality time with family and friends this year, attending my cousin Jay's wedding in Tofte in August and my high school 20th reunion in Richmond that same month. Those get-togethers are always fun! I also caught up with my godparents in September as I saw them for the first time in 8 years when they drove to Richmond for Jay's family reception. I also got to see some friends and family in concert this year, as my friend Aaron and his band the Slack played at the ol' Side Bar in Cold Spring, and my cousin Libby and her jazz/pop/R&B accompaniment played a private fundraiser in the Legends Club in Target Field last month.
Unfortunately, I also said goodbye to some family and friends this year too - my old classmate Duane who lost a long battle with a brain tumor, my friend Aaron's mom (we were neighbors when I was very little), my great-aunt Liesl in Vienna, my uncle Bill's dad "Red" (who made it to the ripe old age of 103) and my Aunt Helen who bravely fought a tough but swift battle with terminal liver disease.
I've also had a tough time at times this year with a family member's struggle to battle with addiction, and work has been busy and stressful at times this year too. I try to make the best of it, and I think that the good times I've had this year has helped balance out the bad.
Well, that's all I have for now, so take care and happy holidays, everyone!!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Aaron's Twin Cities Weekend: Happy, Sad, Happy
When I got home from work on the Friday night before Halloween, I found out that my Aunt Helen who was just diagnosed with terminal liver disease in September was getting worse - the pain medications she was on weren't helping much with the pain she was experiencing, so I figured she didn't have a lot of time left. Early the next morning, the call came in that Helen had passed away peacefully at home. Needless to say, my family and I weren't in the holiday mood, as we sat by the phone waiting to hear when the services in St. Paul would be.
Finally on Sunday night, we found out that Helen's funeral was going to be at St. Bernard's Church in St. Paul the following Saturday morning, the same church that my mom, Helen and their other sisters and brothers attended, walking across the street from their home on Woodbridge Street many years ago. I had already planned to attend the Sevendust concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis the night before, and my cousin Libby invited me to her singing gig in the Legends Club inside Target Field that Saturday night, so I knew it would be an eventful and emotional weekend.
After a busy week at work (which included a 4-hour stint as an usher at the Taste of Home Cooking Show at the St. Cloud Civic Center on Thursday night), I took last Friday off, and drove to the hotel in Bloomington where I'd be staying the next couple of nights. After taking some time to unpack, unwind, and have a quick snack, I left for downtown Minneapolis. I got to the parking ramp, getting out on the street by the Rod Carew statue outside Target Field.
I walked to my right, finding First Avenue just a few blocks away. I was waiting for traffic outside O'Donovan's Pub when I noticed a guy in dreadlocks and sporting a nose ring waiting to cross the street. Holy cows, I thought to myself, hey, that's Lajon from Sevendust! When he and a roadie crossed the road, I said hello. Lajon immediately walked up to me, said hello, and hoped I'd have a fun time at the show. I'd met the band a few years ago during their acoustic show at the Pantages Theatre just a few blocks from First Avenue, so I was pleased but not surprised by LJ's friendliness.
After a hearty supper at the nearby Hard Rock Cafe, I went back to First Avenue standing in line waiting for the doors to open. A little after 7pm, the doors finally opened, and I followed the crowd's rush to the stage. Remembering the advice of a friend who was just at First Avenue for a show a few weeks earlier, I perused the merchandise table and bought a Sevendust meet & greet lanyard, then found a stool on the top floor with a perfect view of the evening's action.
The show was sponsored by rock station 93X, as the concert was also the finals for their 2010 X-Girls competition. I got to see 11 lovely ladies take the stage (in my opinion, I thought last year's X-Girl was the best of the bunch) before the first band, My Darkest Days, took the stage. The band played a quick five-song set, ending with their radio hit "Porn Star Dancing" although they were a bit crowded in by the X-Girls who were grinding to the song.
After a set break, and the girls parading on stage in bikinis, the second opening act, 10 Years, took the stage. I was surprised how short lead singer Jesse Hasek was, and as he took the stage wearing his grey striped hoodie and ballcap, he reminded me of actor/Robot Chicken co-creator Seth Green. The band played seven songs from their last 3 albums, ending with their current single "Shoot It Out," but not before Hasek took a dive and surfed the crowd.
After another set break, the new X-Girl champion (Tayeler) was crowned, and then Sevendust hit the stage, with a blistering version of the song "Splinter," the first track from their new album Cold Day Memory. The band continued the heavy mood with hits "Denial," "Enemy" and "Waffle," "Suffocate," and other hits along with songs "Strong Arm Broken" and the new single "Forever" from the new CD.
In the middle of the set, the band brought the tempo down a notch, as guitarist Clint Lowery and frontman Lajon Witherspoon took out stools and an acoustic guitar to play the song "Xmas Day." This was then followed by a Sevendust favorite of mine "Angel's Song." I play this song off their great album Animosity every time someone I know has passed away, because the very first Sevendust concert I attended was the night that Lajon's brother was killed. Although the band could've understandably cancelled or postponed the show, they decided to go on, an abbreviated effort yet memorable nonetheless. As Clint and LJ sang this song at 1st Ave., I said a silent prayer to my Aunt Helen.
It was then time for Sevendust to start rocking again, as they transitioned from the acoustic "Angel's Son" to another favorite of mine, the throbbing, pulsing song "Black" from their self-titled debut. The energy continued at a fevered pace, as the band wound its way through the songs "Unraveling," Driven," "Pieces" and "Praise" before finishing the concert with the encore song "Face to Face."
About a half-hour after the show, I was talking with some people I'd met waiting in line for the doors to open. Everyone was excited about the show, talking animatedly until the band members showed up for the meet and greet. I enjoyed getting to talk with each one individually - I talked with guitarist John Connolly about concert venues, drummer Morgan Rose about baseball and how his beloved New York Yankees keep beating my Minnesota Twins in the playoffs, I thanked Clint Lowery for playing "Angel's Son," said hello again to Lajon who had remembered me from our brief meeting before the show. I was also humbled by bassist Vince Hornsby who insisted on hugging and sincerely thanking every fan in the room for attending the show. I can't think of too many other bands who are this accomodating, accessible and incredibly friendly to their fans, so this was a great night that I won't soon forget.
The following morning, I got up slowly, realizing I had to be at St. Bernard's Church by 11 a.m. I got there early and caught up with my Aunt Marianne and Uncle Felix, and got details on the evening's show from my cousin Libby and her husband Evans. I met up with my parents and brother during the funeral mass, and enjoyed my cousin Margie's thoughtful eulogy - I thought it represented her mom perfectly, as it talked about some of Helen's favorite things in life.
The weather for the funeral at Roselawn Cemetery was wonderful, and I enjoyed catching up later with Helen's kids at the reception on Rice Street, a street I've gone down many times over the years. Although the reception area wasn't clearly marked from the street, getting there was well worth it, as I soon found myself surrounded by family and some very nice photo boards honoring Helen. As I left to go back to the hotel and freshen up for Libby's performance that night, I knew that Auntie Helen was up there in heaven smiling down at us, probably alongside her husband Jack and son Mark, with their old dog Duke resting comfortably at their feet.
I got off to a late start, but eventually found the parking area at Target Field, and was soon on the elevator up to the Legends Club. I'd found out earlier in the week that Libby was singing for the Phillips Eye Institute Benefit, and it was a very posh affair, with a silent auction and VIP seating. For most of the night I sat at the merchandise table with Libby's husband Evans, taking in the music and good conversations. I took some time to wander the spacious event area, and even walked outside to admire Target Field all lit up at night.
The next morning, I took advantage of the Daylight Savings Time extra hour of sleep, and arrived home that afternoon, tired but happy. I got to hear a lot of great music, and spend quality time with family. Although it was a sad morning on Saturday, I think we were all glad that Helen wasn't suffering anymore, and was now at peace. I think I'm going to need this weekend to recover from last weekend!
Sevendust concert setlist:
Splinter
Denial
Enemy
Strong Arm Broken
Waffle
Suffocate
Forever
Xmas Day
Angel's Son
Black
Driven
Unraveling
Pieces
Praise
Encore: Face to Face
Finally on Sunday night, we found out that Helen's funeral was going to be at St. Bernard's Church in St. Paul the following Saturday morning, the same church that my mom, Helen and their other sisters and brothers attended, walking across the street from their home on Woodbridge Street many years ago. I had already planned to attend the Sevendust concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis the night before, and my cousin Libby invited me to her singing gig in the Legends Club inside Target Field that Saturday night, so I knew it would be an eventful and emotional weekend.
After a busy week at work (which included a 4-hour stint as an usher at the Taste of Home Cooking Show at the St. Cloud Civic Center on Thursday night), I took last Friday off, and drove to the hotel in Bloomington where I'd be staying the next couple of nights. After taking some time to unpack, unwind, and have a quick snack, I left for downtown Minneapolis. I got to the parking ramp, getting out on the street by the Rod Carew statue outside Target Field.
I walked to my right, finding First Avenue just a few blocks away. I was waiting for traffic outside O'Donovan's Pub when I noticed a guy in dreadlocks and sporting a nose ring waiting to cross the street. Holy cows, I thought to myself, hey, that's Lajon from Sevendust! When he and a roadie crossed the road, I said hello. Lajon immediately walked up to me, said hello, and hoped I'd have a fun time at the show. I'd met the band a few years ago during their acoustic show at the Pantages Theatre just a few blocks from First Avenue, so I was pleased but not surprised by LJ's friendliness.
After a hearty supper at the nearby Hard Rock Cafe, I went back to First Avenue standing in line waiting for the doors to open. A little after 7pm, the doors finally opened, and I followed the crowd's rush to the stage. Remembering the advice of a friend who was just at First Avenue for a show a few weeks earlier, I perused the merchandise table and bought a Sevendust meet & greet lanyard, then found a stool on the top floor with a perfect view of the evening's action.
The show was sponsored by rock station 93X, as the concert was also the finals for their 2010 X-Girls competition. I got to see 11 lovely ladies take the stage (in my opinion, I thought last year's X-Girl was the best of the bunch) before the first band, My Darkest Days, took the stage. The band played a quick five-song set, ending with their radio hit "Porn Star Dancing" although they were a bit crowded in by the X-Girls who were grinding to the song.
After a set break, and the girls parading on stage in bikinis, the second opening act, 10 Years, took the stage. I was surprised how short lead singer Jesse Hasek was, and as he took the stage wearing his grey striped hoodie and ballcap, he reminded me of actor/Robot Chicken co-creator Seth Green. The band played seven songs from their last 3 albums, ending with their current single "Shoot It Out," but not before Hasek took a dive and surfed the crowd.
After another set break, the new X-Girl champion (Tayeler) was crowned, and then Sevendust hit the stage, with a blistering version of the song "Splinter," the first track from their new album Cold Day Memory. The band continued the heavy mood with hits "Denial," "Enemy" and "Waffle," "Suffocate," and other hits along with songs "Strong Arm Broken" and the new single "Forever" from the new CD.
In the middle of the set, the band brought the tempo down a notch, as guitarist Clint Lowery and frontman Lajon Witherspoon took out stools and an acoustic guitar to play the song "Xmas Day." This was then followed by a Sevendust favorite of mine "Angel's Song." I play this song off their great album Animosity every time someone I know has passed away, because the very first Sevendust concert I attended was the night that Lajon's brother was killed. Although the band could've understandably cancelled or postponed the show, they decided to go on, an abbreviated effort yet memorable nonetheless. As Clint and LJ sang this song at 1st Ave., I said a silent prayer to my Aunt Helen.
It was then time for Sevendust to start rocking again, as they transitioned from the acoustic "Angel's Son" to another favorite of mine, the throbbing, pulsing song "Black" from their self-titled debut. The energy continued at a fevered pace, as the band wound its way through the songs "Unraveling," Driven," "Pieces" and "Praise" before finishing the concert with the encore song "Face to Face."
About a half-hour after the show, I was talking with some people I'd met waiting in line for the doors to open. Everyone was excited about the show, talking animatedly until the band members showed up for the meet and greet. I enjoyed getting to talk with each one individually - I talked with guitarist John Connolly about concert venues, drummer Morgan Rose about baseball and how his beloved New York Yankees keep beating my Minnesota Twins in the playoffs, I thanked Clint Lowery for playing "Angel's Son," said hello again to Lajon who had remembered me from our brief meeting before the show. I was also humbled by bassist Vince Hornsby who insisted on hugging and sincerely thanking every fan in the room for attending the show. I can't think of too many other bands who are this accomodating, accessible and incredibly friendly to their fans, so this was a great night that I won't soon forget.
The following morning, I got up slowly, realizing I had to be at St. Bernard's Church by 11 a.m. I got there early and caught up with my Aunt Marianne and Uncle Felix, and got details on the evening's show from my cousin Libby and her husband Evans. I met up with my parents and brother during the funeral mass, and enjoyed my cousin Margie's thoughtful eulogy - I thought it represented her mom perfectly, as it talked about some of Helen's favorite things in life.
The weather for the funeral at Roselawn Cemetery was wonderful, and I enjoyed catching up later with Helen's kids at the reception on Rice Street, a street I've gone down many times over the years. Although the reception area wasn't clearly marked from the street, getting there was well worth it, as I soon found myself surrounded by family and some very nice photo boards honoring Helen. As I left to go back to the hotel and freshen up for Libby's performance that night, I knew that Auntie Helen was up there in heaven smiling down at us, probably alongside her husband Jack and son Mark, with their old dog Duke resting comfortably at their feet.
I got off to a late start, but eventually found the parking area at Target Field, and was soon on the elevator up to the Legends Club. I'd found out earlier in the week that Libby was singing for the Phillips Eye Institute Benefit, and it was a very posh affair, with a silent auction and VIP seating. For most of the night I sat at the merchandise table with Libby's husband Evans, taking in the music and good conversations. I took some time to wander the spacious event area, and even walked outside to admire Target Field all lit up at night.
The next morning, I took advantage of the Daylight Savings Time extra hour of sleep, and arrived home that afternoon, tired but happy. I got to hear a lot of great music, and spend quality time with family. Although it was a sad morning on Saturday, I think we were all glad that Helen wasn't suffering anymore, and was now at peace. I think I'm going to need this weekend to recover from last weekend!
Sevendust concert setlist:
Splinter
Denial
Enemy
Strong Arm Broken
Waffle
Suffocate
Forever
Xmas Day
Angel's Son
Black
Driven
Unraveling
Pieces
Praise
Encore: Face to Face
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Minnesota Twins Post-Season Analysis
Well, another Minnesota Twins season came limping to a close Saturday night after another playoff series sweep by the dreaded Yankees. Although this is the Twins' 6th playoff appearance in the last 9 years, manager Ron Gardenhire's team has lost 12 consecutive playoff appearances. With that in mind, here's what I thought about their first year at Target Field:
What I liked:
1. Target Field - what a gorgeous new ballpark - first time we've had outdoor major league baseball in Minnesota since 1981!
2. The play of rookie 3B Danny Valencia - ever since an injury to glorified utilityman Nick Punto opened the spot at third, Valencia has been a pleasant surprise, hitting and fielding very well in his rookie year. It should be interesting to see next year how he handles a full season at the hot corner.
3. The improved play of LF Delmon Young - Delmon really improved his approach at the plate and has improved his outfield play. His three-run shot against the Braves on June 13th has been the only Twins homer I've seen in person at Target Field so far.
4. The power surges of DH Jim Thome - the veteran Thome crushed some balls late in the year, including a homer off a flagpole in right field that traveled an estimated 480 feet!
What I didn't like:
1. The lack of competitive swagger in the playoffs - once again, the Twins played like a team that was happy enough just to make the playoffs, and let the Yankees dominate them mentally. The team is really lacking the confidence of say Kirby Puckett in 1991, when he encouraged his teammates to "get on his back" during game 6 of the World Series that year.
2. Pitching inconsistency -the one complaint I really have against Gardenhire is that he leaves struggling pitchers in the game too long, something I saw on TV in the playoffs and in person at the three games I attended at Target Field this year.
3. The utter lack of emotion on the field by C Joe Mauer - heading into the first year of an eight-year, $184 million contract, Mauer needs to lead by example and get his pitchers and the rest of his teammates more invested in the games. He shows almost no emotion on the field, and you need to lead with your heart sometimes during games.
Overall, the season was a success, with over 3.2 million fans in the ballpark. I'm sure I'll go to a few more games at Target Field next year. Although I do think the team needs to spend more money and get an ace starting pitcher, a quality reserve corner infielder/outfielder (in case Justin Morneau's career at first base is over due to concussion), and dump a few lightweight players (Blackburn, Slowey, Harris and Punto immediately come to mind), I think they'll have another run for the AL Central Title next year. Go Twins!
What I liked:
1. Target Field - what a gorgeous new ballpark - first time we've had outdoor major league baseball in Minnesota since 1981!
2. The play of rookie 3B Danny Valencia - ever since an injury to glorified utilityman Nick Punto opened the spot at third, Valencia has been a pleasant surprise, hitting and fielding very well in his rookie year. It should be interesting to see next year how he handles a full season at the hot corner.
3. The improved play of LF Delmon Young - Delmon really improved his approach at the plate and has improved his outfield play. His three-run shot against the Braves on June 13th has been the only Twins homer I've seen in person at Target Field so far.
4. The power surges of DH Jim Thome - the veteran Thome crushed some balls late in the year, including a homer off a flagpole in right field that traveled an estimated 480 feet!
What I didn't like:
1. The lack of competitive swagger in the playoffs - once again, the Twins played like a team that was happy enough just to make the playoffs, and let the Yankees dominate them mentally. The team is really lacking the confidence of say Kirby Puckett in 1991, when he encouraged his teammates to "get on his back" during game 6 of the World Series that year.
2. Pitching inconsistency -the one complaint I really have against Gardenhire is that he leaves struggling pitchers in the game too long, something I saw on TV in the playoffs and in person at the three games I attended at Target Field this year.
3. The utter lack of emotion on the field by C Joe Mauer - heading into the first year of an eight-year, $184 million contract, Mauer needs to lead by example and get his pitchers and the rest of his teammates more invested in the games. He shows almost no emotion on the field, and you need to lead with your heart sometimes during games.
Overall, the season was a success, with over 3.2 million fans in the ballpark. I'm sure I'll go to a few more games at Target Field next year. Although I do think the team needs to spend more money and get an ace starting pitcher, a quality reserve corner infielder/outfielder (in case Justin Morneau's career at first base is over due to concussion), and dump a few lightweight players (Blackburn, Slowey, Harris and Punto immediately come to mind), I think they'll have another run for the AL Central Title next year. Go Twins!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
