Last night, several friends and I braved the sub-zero temps of a Minnesota December day to hang out and enjoy live music at Niesen's in Savage, MN. My last rock show of 2016 was the AntiChrist-mas get-together featuring MN rockers Backwater, My Zero, Via and local favorites Blue Felix.
I got to the show before the first band Backwater started, thankful that the road were very good considering the previous night's snowfall. Backwater was a kind of "screamo" metal band that I don't think I've ever heard before, but I thought they did a good job of warming up the crowd just starting to trickle in on a chilly evening.
Next up were the relatively new group My Zero. You can hear progressive rock influences like Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails in their songs, and it was great to hear them in concert again after several months. I made a point to pick up a copy of their three-song EP at the merch table after the show.
The final opener was VIA, a great local band that I last saw open for Breaking Benjamin at the Myth in Maplewood a couple months back. They always put on a great show, and it was fun seeing the crowd gather closer to the stage to enjoy their set.
This was my first time seeing Blue Felix since their show at First Avenue's 7th Street Entry this spring, and it was awesome seeing the all-ages crowd grooving to the music and singing along with every word to every song. One of my best friends was struck in the forehead by a drumstick tossed during their set, but she was just fine (and still has the drumstick). The group invited audience members to join them onstage for their final number "Middle Finger Up," a fan favorite (and a fun selfie moment for me).
I was home before midnight, glad I was able to have one last get-together with friends before the holidays. Next column will probably be a walkthrough of my year in concerts. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Sunday Night in St. Cloud
Even though I live 20 minutes away, I don't go enjoy live music in St. Cloud, MN very often. I used to experience a lot of local bands when I worked downtown, but I find myself trekking to the Cities more often lately. I went to my first show at the Red Carpet since February on Sunday night to see Sin7, September Mourning, my friends in Sin7 and a lot more great local bands.
I made my way through the snowy streets in time to see the first opener, a rapping trio, begin the evening's music. I didn't know much about the first handful of bands, but I appreciated their energy. They didn't even have merch tables, but it was good seeing the growing crowd gathering to show their support.
Brainerd metalers Kobaloi used my friends in Sin7's drum kit, and I enjoyed how the lead singer joined the crowd a few times to wake them up on a sleepy Sunday evening. It also made my friends' setup a lot easier!
I hadn't heard Sin7 in a few months, but they always bring their trademark energy and stage presence to their sets. They also had a special guest Chad Hanks from American Head Charge join them on guitar. They ran through a quick half-dozen songs before it was time to help them remove their gear for the next band to take the stage.
Sunday was my first time seeing concept rock band September Mourning (they have an EP, a full-length record and a couple of comic books), but I liked what I saw. More of a theatric rock band, they did well in entertaining the audience-they never stopped rocking from the first note to the last. I made a point to buy their album Volume II after the show and had a nice chat and photo op with lead singer Emily Lazar after the show.
After six songs, it was soon time for headliners Hed PE to take to the tiny Red Carpet stage. This was my first time seeing them in a year (my last show at POV's in Spring Lake Park, MN). They brought their trademark rock/funk/reggae rhythms to the Carpet and kept everyone bouncing for over an hour. It was nice to chat with their drummer for a bit after the set too.
I hung around afterwards long enough to chat with some friends and band members before calling it a night. My last show of 2016 will be the Blue Felix show at Niesen's in Savage on Saturday, then it'll be time for a couple of year-end wrapups. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
I made my way through the snowy streets in time to see the first opener, a rapping trio, begin the evening's music. I didn't know much about the first handful of bands, but I appreciated their energy. They didn't even have merch tables, but it was good seeing the growing crowd gathering to show their support.
Brainerd metalers Kobaloi used my friends in Sin7's drum kit, and I enjoyed how the lead singer joined the crowd a few times to wake them up on a sleepy Sunday evening. It also made my friends' setup a lot easier!
I hadn't heard Sin7 in a few months, but they always bring their trademark energy and stage presence to their sets. They also had a special guest Chad Hanks from American Head Charge join them on guitar. They ran through a quick half-dozen songs before it was time to help them remove their gear for the next band to take the stage.
Sunday was my first time seeing concept rock band September Mourning (they have an EP, a full-length record and a couple of comic books), but I liked what I saw. More of a theatric rock band, they did well in entertaining the audience-they never stopped rocking from the first note to the last. I made a point to buy their album Volume II after the show and had a nice chat and photo op with lead singer Emily Lazar after the show.
After six songs, it was soon time for headliners Hed PE to take to the tiny Red Carpet stage. This was my first time seeing them in a year (my last show at POV's in Spring Lake Park, MN). They brought their trademark rock/funk/reggae rhythms to the Carpet and kept everyone bouncing for over an hour. It was nice to chat with their drummer for a bit after the set too.
I hung around afterwards long enough to chat with some friends and band members before calling it a night. My last show of 2016 will be the Blue Felix show at Niesen's in Savage on Saturday, then it'll be time for a couple of year-end wrapups. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, November 27, 2016
A Night Out with Seasons After and Company
I drove home early this foggy Minnesota morning after my most recent concert roadtrip last night to Every Buddy's Bar in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The small bar was hosting several Upper Midwest bands highlighted by national recording artists Flaw. However, Flaw had to drop out of the headlining spot due to mechanical issues with their tour bus. Not to worry, I thought, when I read the email a few days ago. I was going there to see my friends in Seasons After who took over the vacated headlining slot. I ended up having more fun than imagined!
I got to the venue shortly before 7 pm last night, in time to catch up with a good friend of mine. Minutes later we were in the Seasons After tour bus hanging out with our friends. Guitarist Chris Dawson showed us a draft of the music video for the song "Fighter," the first single from their recently released album Manifesto. I won't disclose any details about the video, but I was pleasantly surprised, and am looking forward to its public release.
Wisconsin metalers Cathercize started the show just after my buddy and I visited with our friends in Seasons After, and we got back in time to catch the tail end of their set. They did a good job of warming up the sparse crowd for the next opener, old-school rockers Truth Before Treason. I thought they did the best job of all three openers in keeping the bar patrons fully entertained. It was also good to talk with a few members of both bands during the show.
Shortly before the final opener Beyond Threshold's set, Seasons After frontman Tony Housh, who had been napping in the band's tour bus during our visit, entered the venue and made a beeline to my friends and I to catch up. My friend compared the new album to Sevendust's signature album Animosity, and I have to agree that it is a defining album in their young career.
Shortly before 11 pm, our friends in Seasons After took to the stage to perform their extended set. I hadn't seen them play live since last year, so I welcomed the opportunity to cheer them on from the front row. The only disappointment was that the small crowd of about 50-60 people dwindled to about half that size before Seasons After's set. I knew the draw was probably going to be less without Flaw (patrons were also refunded $7 per ticket because of that), but they were missing the best part of the show!
It was great to hear songs from the new album as well as some familiar classics, and see their new bassist and drummer in action for the first time. After my friends wrapped their set with their classic cover of "Cry Little Sister," my friends and I milled around for a bit, bought merch, and even helped the guys in Seasons After load up their bus before calling it a night. If you haven't caught these guys live yet or listened to their music, I strongly suggest that you do so immediately!
Well, that's all for now-a few shows for me in December before end of the year music reviews. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
I got to the venue shortly before 7 pm last night, in time to catch up with a good friend of mine. Minutes later we were in the Seasons After tour bus hanging out with our friends. Guitarist Chris Dawson showed us a draft of the music video for the song "Fighter," the first single from their recently released album Manifesto. I won't disclose any details about the video, but I was pleasantly surprised, and am looking forward to its public release.
Wisconsin metalers Cathercize started the show just after my buddy and I visited with our friends in Seasons After, and we got back in time to catch the tail end of their set. They did a good job of warming up the sparse crowd for the next opener, old-school rockers Truth Before Treason. I thought they did the best job of all three openers in keeping the bar patrons fully entertained. It was also good to talk with a few members of both bands during the show.
Shortly before the final opener Beyond Threshold's set, Seasons After frontman Tony Housh, who had been napping in the band's tour bus during our visit, entered the venue and made a beeline to my friends and I to catch up. My friend compared the new album to Sevendust's signature album Animosity, and I have to agree that it is a defining album in their young career.
Shortly before 11 pm, our friends in Seasons After took to the stage to perform their extended set. I hadn't seen them play live since last year, so I welcomed the opportunity to cheer them on from the front row. The only disappointment was that the small crowd of about 50-60 people dwindled to about half that size before Seasons After's set. I knew the draw was probably going to be less without Flaw (patrons were also refunded $7 per ticket because of that), but they were missing the best part of the show!
It was great to hear songs from the new album as well as some familiar classics, and see their new bassist and drummer in action for the first time. After my friends wrapped their set with their classic cover of "Cry Little Sister," my friends and I milled around for a bit, bought merch, and even helped the guys in Seasons After load up their bus before calling it a night. If you haven't caught these guys live yet or listened to their music, I strongly suggest that you do so immediately!
Well, that's all for now-a few shows for me in December before end of the year music reviews. Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Another Rock & Roll Weekend
Woke up a little while ago with a sore throat from a nagging head cold and a few aches and pains from standing a bit the last few days, but very happy to have had fun with great friends the last several days. I went to three rock shows in the Cities over the last three days. Each one of them was enjoyable and memorable in their own way.
Thursday night, I drove to the Park (formerly known as GB Leighton's Pickle Park) in Fridley to see the return of Twin Cities natives Throw the Fight. I got there in time to chat with some good friends that I had last seen at the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood weeks earlier and hear the pop/rock sounds of Nashville natives the Nearly Deads.
My friend from Illinois that I'd been hanging out with the week earlier arrived in time for the show, and we caught up on her concert experiences from the last few days before the second opener, Valora, took to the stage. Valora's singer is probably best known for her appearance on the remix of the Breaking Benjamin song "Blow Me Away." Their group was flashy but not very impressive. They played "Blow Me Away," it was the second-to-last song on the setlist I acquired.
This was my first time seeing Throw the Fight live that I can recall, and they ran through about a dozen tracks in a little over half an hour. It wasn't a great crowd and the performances were just okay, but I didn't mind. It was great catching up with friends and helped me get pumped up for the next night's music at the Park.
Friday night I returned to the Park with friends for a food and toy drive benefit that we were organizing. It was the first time for us to host an event like this, and there were some things to be learned, but overall it went very well. We raised enough money in donations for about 2700 meals at Second Harvest and had some generous food and toy donations.
On stage were our friends in Aeous, Piranha and Sin7. It was great to see Piranha for the first time in a long time, and actually meet my social media friend Tracy Rademacher in person before she went on stage for their set.
Last night, I drove with my Illinois friend to Mill City Nights in downtown Minneapolis for the CD release show for my friends in Gabriel and the Apocalypse. We got there just in time to see our friends in Sin City Escape. This was my first time seeing them since their show at the Coliseum in Hastings this summer. They put on a great set, and it was fun catching up with them afterwards.
Next up were local favorites Smiling Politely. I've seen them a handful of times over the last few years. My friend and I were lucky enough to catch guitar picks from their frontman during their set. Smiling Politely was followed by local rockers Antistar, who put on a short but energetic set.
The last opening act was the return of local legends, metallers Black Flood Diesel. I didn't know much about this band except that they had a good reputation back in the day. Their heavy sounds really got the growing crowd into the show.
Finally, it was time for Gabriel and the Apocalypse, fresh off a multi-state tour, to rock their hometown fans! They always put on a great stage show! The only concern I had was for a friend who fell after a stage dive during their set, but the band was observant, interrupting their set for medical professionals to tend to him. Once everything was ok, the show resumed and the crowd was eagerly wanting more music well after the one-song encore.
My friend and I left the show talking a lot about music and all the bands we had seen recently. It was a lot of music in the last two weeks! I wished her well as she left today for more musical adventures on her way home.
Don't know what my next show will be, but I'm sure it'll be another great night of music with great friends. Until then, have a great weekend everyone-Skol Vikings!
Thursday night, I drove to the Park (formerly known as GB Leighton's Pickle Park) in Fridley to see the return of Twin Cities natives Throw the Fight. I got there in time to chat with some good friends that I had last seen at the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood weeks earlier and hear the pop/rock sounds of Nashville natives the Nearly Deads.
My friend from Illinois that I'd been hanging out with the week earlier arrived in time for the show, and we caught up on her concert experiences from the last few days before the second opener, Valora, took to the stage. Valora's singer is probably best known for her appearance on the remix of the Breaking Benjamin song "Blow Me Away." Their group was flashy but not very impressive. They played "Blow Me Away," it was the second-to-last song on the setlist I acquired.
This was my first time seeing Throw the Fight live that I can recall, and they ran through about a dozen tracks in a little over half an hour. It wasn't a great crowd and the performances were just okay, but I didn't mind. It was great catching up with friends and helped me get pumped up for the next night's music at the Park.
Friday night I returned to the Park with friends for a food and toy drive benefit that we were organizing. It was the first time for us to host an event like this, and there were some things to be learned, but overall it went very well. We raised enough money in donations for about 2700 meals at Second Harvest and had some generous food and toy donations.
On stage were our friends in Aeous, Piranha and Sin7. It was great to see Piranha for the first time in a long time, and actually meet my social media friend Tracy Rademacher in person before she went on stage for their set.
Sin7 closed out the music on stage with a killer set. Our group leader is their frontman, and he led his band like he led our group to another successful show. I'm very proud of everyone who participated and came out to show their support, even though the crowd could have been bigger.
I was busy with my station at the raffle table most of the night, but still enjoyed the music and getting to see everyone. I even walked away with a signed cymbal from Sin7 at the end of the night, one of the items from the silent auction that was given to me by one of my best friends and fellow group member.
Next up were local favorites Smiling Politely. I've seen them a handful of times over the last few years. My friend and I were lucky enough to catch guitar picks from their frontman during their set. Smiling Politely was followed by local rockers Antistar, who put on a short but energetic set.
The last opening act was the return of local legends, metallers Black Flood Diesel. I didn't know much about this band except that they had a good reputation back in the day. Their heavy sounds really got the growing crowd into the show.
Finally, it was time for Gabriel and the Apocalypse, fresh off a multi-state tour, to rock their hometown fans! They always put on a great stage show! The only concern I had was for a friend who fell after a stage dive during their set, but the band was observant, interrupting their set for medical professionals to tend to him. Once everything was ok, the show resumed and the crowd was eagerly wanting more music well after the one-song encore.
My friend and I left the show talking a lot about music and all the bands we had seen recently. It was a lot of music in the last two weeks! I wished her well as she left today for more musical adventures on her way home.
Don't know what my next show will be, but I'm sure it'll be another great night of music with great friends. Until then, have a great weekend everyone-Skol Vikings!
Friday, October 28, 2016
Unexpected Fun
Taking some time to reflect this morning, hard to believe it's already Friday! This week has just flown right by! I was anticipating a quiet week, but my plans changed on Monday when I heard that a friend from out of state was coming to visit. She asked if I was interested in attending a show in my neighboring state of Wisconsin on Wednesday and I said I did. We ended up having a lot of fun and it was a great chance for us to get to know each other better.
The first show was headlined by the masked metal band Mushroomhead at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN on a rainy Tuesday. My friend got to my house in the afternoon, and I drove us to the show. We got there in time to see the last couple of songs from a local band and a new band called Raven Black from Los Angeles. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I grew to enjoy their songs during their set. I bought their debut EP "Seven Sins" at the merch table afterwards and had some nice chats with them.
The next band was the Cleveland natives UnSaid Fate. I hadn't seen them since their show with Mushroomhead at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN last fall. Even though their bassist was absent (he was "detained" by the authorities), they still put on a great show. I also got to catch up with their singer Jackie LaPonza after the set. She was just as nice as ever, very friendly and we exchanged laughs, stories, and a couple of hugs.
Next up were national act Sunflower Dead. I'd heard their songs plenty of times before, but this was my first time seeing them live. They put on a great set, and I made sure to congratulate them after the show. The guys in the band were very humble, and insisted on posing for a photo with us too!
My friend and I had purchased the Mushroomhead package before their set, and were lined up to meet the band in the dressing room. We got individual and group pictures before their performance. It was a very cool experience, and our picture was also featured on their social media sites.
After a very quick set change, Saving Abel took to the stage. This was my first time seeing them with new frontman Scotty Austin, and he really had a great stage presence. He had good rapport with the audience and the crowd appreciated his enthusiasm and the band's support of the military.
Following the show, my friend and I were able to chat with both bands. All the musicians I talked to were very friendly. I've been Facebook friends with Saving Abel's lead guitarist Scott Bartlett and finally had a chance to talk with him in person. Very cool dude, but then their entire band is amazing! Very down to earth and appreciative people.
I drove my friend and I home last night after a good night's sleep and a good lunch. I wasn't expecting to go to any shows at all this week, but I'm sure glad I did. I had a lot of fun, heard some great music, made some new friends and got to know some current friends better.
Well, that's all for now-staying quiet until a few shows next week. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
The first show was headlined by the masked metal band Mushroomhead at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN on a rainy Tuesday. My friend got to my house in the afternoon, and I drove us to the show. We got there in time to see the last couple of songs from a local band and a new band called Raven Black from Los Angeles. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I grew to enjoy their songs during their set. I bought their debut EP "Seven Sins" at the merch table afterwards and had some nice chats with them.
The next band was the Cleveland natives UnSaid Fate. I hadn't seen them since their show with Mushroomhead at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN last fall. Even though their bassist was absent (he was "detained" by the authorities), they still put on a great show. I also got to catch up with their singer Jackie LaPonza after the set. She was just as nice as ever, very friendly and we exchanged laughs, stories, and a couple of hugs.
Next up were national act Sunflower Dead. I'd heard their songs plenty of times before, but this was my first time seeing them live. They put on a great set, and I made sure to congratulate them after the show. The guys in the band were very humble, and insisted on posing for a photo with us too!
My friend and I had purchased the Mushroomhead package before their set, and were lined up to meet the band in the dressing room. We got individual and group pictures before their performance. It was a very cool experience, and our picture was also featured on their social media sites.
Mushroomhead's headlining set was impressive as always: I said that it's just not the same unless you're splashed with water from their drums that sit on the corners of the stage. I first heard of the band with their song "Sun Doesn't Rise" from the Freddy vs. Jason movie soundtrack and it was great to hear that song live again with a few classics and newer hits. Jackie LaPonza also joined the group onstage for a few songs.
My friend and I chatted with a few friends before calling it a night and heading back to my house. We were in for a long travel day to Stevens Point, WI the next day to see Another Lost Year and Saving Abel at Live on Main.
I found us a good deal on a hotel room and downloaded driving directions on Wednesday morning, and we were soon off on another rainy day. The hotel was better than expected, complete with a pool and hot tub that were perfect for relaxing in the next morning. We got to Live on Main in time to see several songs from Another Lost Year. This was my first time seeing them live, and I have to say they did a good job of keeping the crowd involved.
Following the show, my friend and I were able to chat with both bands. All the musicians I talked to were very friendly. I've been Facebook friends with Saving Abel's lead guitarist Scott Bartlett and finally had a chance to talk with him in person. Very cool dude, but then their entire band is amazing! Very down to earth and appreciative people.
I drove my friend and I home last night after a good night's sleep and a good lunch. I wasn't expecting to go to any shows at all this week, but I'm sure glad I did. I had a lot of fun, heard some great music, made some new friends and got to know some current friends better.
Well, that's all for now-staying quiet until a few shows next week. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Monday, October 24, 2016
Live Music Therapy with VIA and Breaking Benjamin
I gotta admit, last week was rather challenging! It wasn't dealing with frustrations, but the week got better as it went on. A great stress reliever for me is music, and I went to my first concert of the month on Saturday night at the Myth in Maplewood, MN to see local favorites Via and Breaking Benjamin.
I got to Maplewood early enough to browse the nearest Half Price Books store for a few vintage CDs, grab a bite to eat and wander the Maplewood Mall. I decided to park there, knowing the line at the Myth would be rather large. I never stand in the line, however. Instead, I walked as close to the front doors as possible before the show.
Shortly before 7 pm, the doors opened and I found my spot along the front rail. This was my fifth Breaking Benjamin show in a little over a year, and my first time seeing them front and center. About an hour later, my friends in Via kicked off the show with a half-dozen originals, including the song "Red Room," that they had just released a lyric video for. I've seen them plenty of times before, and they always put on a good set.
Just before 9 p.m. Breaking Benjamin took to the stage with their classic song "So Cold." Their set hasn't changed much during any of their shows that I've seen, but they have a great stage presence, and it's nice to see guitarist Keith Wallen and bassist Aaron Bruch take turns on lead vocals sometimes.
I was a little disappointed to see one of the pit security guards hand a Breaking Benjamin guitar pick to a skinny, annoying blonde who had pushed her way to my left in the front row before the set, but I would later be rewarded. After the song "Give Me a Sign," another security guard who I'd been chatting with before the show started gave me my first Breaking Ben guitar pick! Sometimes it pays to be nice, I guess!
Breaking Ben played for about 80 minutes, playing most of their hits and closing with the encore song "The Diary of Jane." Afterwards, I hung out with some friends (because I knew with a full house there was no way I was leaving anytime soon), and got to chat with the guys in Via and bought a CD for them to sign. I could have done a meet & greet with Breaking Benjamin, but I'd already met frontman Ben Burnley at Rockfest in Cadott, WI on my birthday this summer, and I had my BB guitar pick, so I was satisfied.
Next on the concert calendar: Mushroomhead and friends at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
I got to Maplewood early enough to browse the nearest Half Price Books store for a few vintage CDs, grab a bite to eat and wander the Maplewood Mall. I decided to park there, knowing the line at the Myth would be rather large. I never stand in the line, however. Instead, I walked as close to the front doors as possible before the show.
Shortly before 7 pm, the doors opened and I found my spot along the front rail. This was my fifth Breaking Benjamin show in a little over a year, and my first time seeing them front and center. About an hour later, my friends in Via kicked off the show with a half-dozen originals, including the song "Red Room," that they had just released a lyric video for. I've seen them plenty of times before, and they always put on a good set.
Just before 9 p.m. Breaking Benjamin took to the stage with their classic song "So Cold." Their set hasn't changed much during any of their shows that I've seen, but they have a great stage presence, and it's nice to see guitarist Keith Wallen and bassist Aaron Bruch take turns on lead vocals sometimes.
I was a little disappointed to see one of the pit security guards hand a Breaking Benjamin guitar pick to a skinny, annoying blonde who had pushed her way to my left in the front row before the set, but I would later be rewarded. After the song "Give Me a Sign," another security guard who I'd been chatting with before the show started gave me my first Breaking Ben guitar pick! Sometimes it pays to be nice, I guess!
Breaking Ben played for about 80 minutes, playing most of their hits and closing with the encore song "The Diary of Jane." Afterwards, I hung out with some friends (because I knew with a full house there was no way I was leaving anytime soon), and got to chat with the guys in Via and bought a CD for them to sign. I could have done a meet & greet with Breaking Benjamin, but I'd already met frontman Ben Burnley at Rockfest in Cadott, WI on my birthday this summer, and I had my BB guitar pick, so I was satisfied.
Next on the concert calendar: Mushroomhead and friends at Opinion Brewing in Newport, MN. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
Monday, October 3, 2016
Worst. Twins Team. Ever!
Well, thankfully, the Minnesota Twins' 2016 campaign has come to an end. The team limped to a 53-109 won-lost record, one game worse than the 1982 team and the worst franchise record since the team moved to Minnesota in 1961.
While the team's offense was potent featuring 200 home runs, the obvious downfall was the pitching, spotlighted by the starting staff's 37-71 record and earned run average of 5.40, worst in the majors. This is a need that the front office will clearly need to address in the offseason.
There were some flashes of promise, highlighted by second baseman Brian Dozier's career year (.260 average, with career highs of 42 HRs and 99 runs batted in), and the late season emergence at the plate of young stars Miguel Sano (.236, 25 HR, 66 RBI), Byron Buxton (.225, 10 HR, 38 RBI) and Max Kepler (.235, 17 HR, 63 RBI).
However, the struggles of the pitching staff and some veterans like third baseman Trevor Plouffe (.260 average, 12 HR and 47 RBI in 84 games) and first baseman Joe Mauer (.261, 11 HR and 49 RBI for the former AL batting champion) and a lack of steady defense were just some of the reasons for diehard fans to stay away this season.
I haven't been to a Twins game in a couple of years, but I've followed the team for about 30 years, and this year's team was one of the most difficult to watch. The potential is there, but there are pieces of the puzzle that need to be filled. It'd also be nice to see some veteran leadership in the dugout to help teach and support the core of young players. Hopefully the team can make positive improvements in 2017.
Well, that's all for now until the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood in a few weeks. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
While the team's offense was potent featuring 200 home runs, the obvious downfall was the pitching, spotlighted by the starting staff's 37-71 record and earned run average of 5.40, worst in the majors. This is a need that the front office will clearly need to address in the offseason.
There were some flashes of promise, highlighted by second baseman Brian Dozier's career year (.260 average, with career highs of 42 HRs and 99 runs batted in), and the late season emergence at the plate of young stars Miguel Sano (.236, 25 HR, 66 RBI), Byron Buxton (.225, 10 HR, 38 RBI) and Max Kepler (.235, 17 HR, 63 RBI).
However, the struggles of the pitching staff and some veterans like third baseman Trevor Plouffe (.260 average, 12 HR and 47 RBI in 84 games) and first baseman Joe Mauer (.261, 11 HR and 49 RBI for the former AL batting champion) and a lack of steady defense were just some of the reasons for diehard fans to stay away this season.
I haven't been to a Twins game in a couple of years, but I've followed the team for about 30 years, and this year's team was one of the most difficult to watch. The potential is there, but there are pieces of the puzzle that need to be filled. It'd also be nice to see some veteran leadership in the dugout to help teach and support the core of young players. Hopefully the team can make positive improvements in 2017.
Well, that's all for now until the Breaking Benjamin show at the Myth in Maplewood in a few weeks. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
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