All Twins fans-

DO contact these commissioners. I understand that all emails, phone calls, or letters are counted. I also heard that the women on the County board are the ones who are not likely to support the deal. I hate that. I have heard that a recent telephone poll showed a bit over 50% of Hennepin Co. residents do NOT support the itty bitty tax being proposed to get "the damn ball park" built. What I do not think a lot of folks get is the $ and jobs that baseball brings to our fair city and county. My partner told me that when out of town players play games here they also pay a tax to the state of MN. And for those of us who enjoy baseball as part of our leisure...well we'd cry a river if the Twins left. And then most everyone would feel awful if there was no major league baseball here and we sure as heck aren't going to follow a Chicago team. And then we'd do the same bit that happened when the North Stars were sold. SAD and mad and eventually a stadium full of money was spent to restore hockey here in MN--way more $ than if the team was never sold in the first place.

Write your state senator and house member and the Gov. as well. These politicians keep track of numbers of consituents who, let's say it together: call, write, or email their views.
hereendith my unpaid support statement.

I just emailed my commissioner:

Dear Commissioner Koblick,

I would like to urge you to vote for the Twins' stadium bill. As a resident of Orono, I'm more than willing to pay more in sales tax in order to help fund an outdoor stadium for the Twins. I think that the stadium will provide a lot to the community, both in terms of increased revenue and in terms of fostering a greater sense of community and providing a quality activity for both families and friends that the Metrodome cannot provide. Minnesota has amazing weather in the summer and it's a shame that Minnesotans cannot enjoy it while watching their Twins play.

Thank you for your time,

Everyone should make sure to have their voice heard. A new stadium would be amazing.

Just saw this over at Twins Territory--one of the bloggers there set up a petition to stop the playing of "Proud to be an American" at Twins Games.

Here's the URL if you want to sign it.

http://www.petitiononline.com/mntwins/petition.html

On the Sports Show, Reusse just had a good idea for a new stadium campaign.

You put a photo of Corky "Corky" Miller on a poster with the caption saying, "This tax is lower than my career batting average."

I have one thing to say....

If you build it, they will come.

Please email your commissioner today, it will only take a few moments and it may be our last chance. Thank you everyone for you help and I'll buy you a beer in the bleachers in 2009!

But I'm from Tippecanoe County! That's in Indiana! Who can I contact?!

I wonder how much support those little post cards garnered at today's game, played in 70-degree indoor weather, while it frickin' SNOWED outside! In MAY! I wan't a new stadium, but I want one with a roof. A retractable roof! And I want an oompa-loompa NOW, Daddy!

Pink Mini-skirt Lady was right where she belongs in Section 127 at the game today. Her manner of dress was less entertaining, but there were still some antics. I've updated my web site.

do the Hennepin County Commisioners care what people in Anoka County have to say?

I just sent an email to my commissioner…hope it passes.

But my biggest fear right now is it passes Hennepin County but never gets heard by the legislature because they are too busy doing nothing.

It looks like my commissioner submitted the proposal, so I guess he's on board.

Sent an email to my Commissioner, Peter McLaughlin, who has said he's ready to support it even though it will "cost him votes" - I let him know that this is one vote he WON'T lose and that, in fact, I am behind him more than ever.

To the people living outside of Hennepin County--I would think that your opinion matters too. You could say how important the Twins are to you. You could say that you travel to see Twins games and you spend money in Hennepin County when you do that. If the Twins left Minnesota, it would affect EVERYONE, not just Hennepin County residents. And maybe you should call the women commissioners, since they're the ones that need the most convincing.

I contacted my Commissioner Gail Dorfman last week. No reply yet. If you don't live in Hennepin County I suggest you contact your state rep and Senator. This will ultimately be decided at the state level.

Convincing your friends and neighbors will be a big help too.

I've contacted Ms. Dorfman.

Thanks, BG, for making that so easy.

I've contacted Gail Dorfman, many times, she's probably sick of me at this point.

And Meghan, *sniff* that brought a little tear to my eye. Did anyone else watch Field of Dreams last night? I'm not much of a cryer, but I cried through the whole thing. That movie gets me EVERY time!

I do not live in Hennepin, but I did not let that mild barrier keep me from informing each commissioner why they should support our ballpark.

Can't wait until '09!!

I live in Ramsey County, but emailed each of the commissioners on this matter. I suggest everyone do the same. Just copy and paste, it's quick and easy.

This thing has to fly this time.

I think it's volume that counts. They aren't going to look up your address, so just don't mention where you're from (unless you are from Hennepin County.)

I live in St. Paul. I sent this to the Hennepin County Commissioners this morning.

Dear Hennepin County Commissioners,

As a woman, a dedicated voter and an avid baseball fan. I am writing today to implore you to, please, vote in favor of a new Minnesota Twins baseball stadium. It has been too long since the Twins had a respectable venue to play in. The metrodome was poorly built and was in no way ever geared to be a baseball park. The Twins have shown their dedication to our state and have performed well in recent years winning the AL Central title three years running. The economic benefits that a new ballpark will have on our state are overwhelming. The benefits far out shadow the teeny-tiny tax that is being proposed. I'll gladly give you my 3 cents per $20 for the new ballpark! In fact, I'd gladly give you $1 per every $20 to see a new stadium with a retractable roof. Let the metrodome be a lesson to you that cheap construction will only cause long-term grief. Let's get this new Twins stadium built and do it right!!

Once again, as a female voter and baseball fan. I beg to you to, please, please vote in favor of a new Twins Baseball Stadium.

Thank you,

Dear residents of Hennepin County,
Please contact your commissioner. I don't live in the county or even in Minnesota, but I love Twins baseball. As long as the Twins are playing in Minneapolis, I will come at least once a summer and spend some money. This decision doesn't just affect residents of Hennepin County or Minnesota. This decision affects Twins fans everywhere. Please contact your commissioner and tell them you want this ballpark. Thank you.

ndtf

This is unrelated....
What????
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20050502&content_id=1035703&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

I just sent this to Bat-Girl, not good news:http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20050502&content_id=1035703&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Whod've thunk that Juan was bulking up with roids?
Maybe it was ephedrine for a cold?
Not goood.

No - no - no - I refuse to believe it -
Say it so Boo =(

I still love ya - regardless

much love
Wonder Woman

No - no - no - I refuse to believe it -
Say it aint so Boo =(

I still love ya - regardless

much love
Wonder Woman

sorry for the double post - I meant to hit preview to edit something - but hit post instead!

Yeah, I sent BG the same link... I'm stunned. I mean, of all the players that could be on the juice, he is one of the LAST ones i'd suspect (ok, i'd never suspect rivas, that's for darn sure).

Say it ain't so, boo. Say it ain't so. I mean, tell me it was just andro, and that you didn't know it was in the supplement you totally just bought at GNC. We all make mistakes, especially Luis and Lyle, so I'm prepared to forgive you, but please just tell me it wasn't on purpose?

It could just be marijuana, I guess, but according to the WCCO story, the team confirmed it was performance-enhancing drugs, so that rules that out.

Do we call someone up for a pos roids test, or do we go short-staffed?

Someone will get called up

Actually, Luis would be at the top of my list for positive tests, as they've struggled and would probably want that extra edge. Maybe Luis would figure drugs would give him more time to play cards. I was thinking Kyle, too, but his issue seems to be his head, so unless ADHD drugs are performance enhancers, maybe not.

Oh. My. God.

I don't want to believe it. But I can't avoid believing it.

Oh, Boo. No.

General manager Terry Ryan acknowledged that he was notified about Rincon's positive test and said right-hander Scott Baker, one of the organization's top prospects, would be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to fill the roster spot. Ryan declined to comment further.

According to this link (click my name), Scott Baker will be called up. This is a sad day for Twins fans.

This is not good news. And not something good to hear right before a four-hour law school final. :-(

This solidifies my opposition to Bud's extreme sentences for first-timers. 50 days? Coming after years of no penalties? I don't know how long these things stay in your bloodstream or how easy it is to get OTC stuff at GNC that are banned.

Oh man. This is a shocker. I'd been thinking that our Twins aren't like that. They don't need steriods. I remember someone posted last winter that the only Twin who fit the steroid-user profile was Bobby Kielty, and he's long gone. I thought all our guys were above it--another way the Twins take the high moral ground. I guess that was naive. Well, at least Scott Baker has been looking good.

Pepper-
I know how you're feeling. I always thought that it was another reason to cheer for the Twins. These guys become good the old fashioned way. Hard work and dedication. I don't want to believe this. Why Boo, why?

And now news that Joe Mauer is also experimenting with a performance enhancer - luckily not a banned substance. I thought it was interesting, though.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3559064?GT1=6444

Oh, Boo, no....

There goes the moral high ground. For a really long time.

Let's wait a while and see what, if any, explanation he has for this. It should be pretty obvious by his comments or lack thereof whether he is truly guilty.

This is the last thing I expected to hear. It has the makings of a huge problem for this team.

I don't understand how anybody could test positive. They know they are going to be tested, and I've read that anybody who's juicing and has a brain can get stuff that isn't detectable. That makes me wonder if maybe this is a mistake. I hope it's a mistake.

Giamatti was right - this game *is* designed to break your heart.

(I'm going to believe that this was a positive test for "chocolatey goof-balls" until it's conclusively proven otherwise.)

Boo? Seriously? Of all the gin-joints in all the world... Boo?

I am suffering from a broken heart right now.

Say it ain't so...PLEASE!

"(I'm going to believe that this was a positive test for "chocolatey goof-balls" until it's conclusively proven otherwise.)"
Same here, kw

Dear ChiSoxRox fan -

You might remember some of your own teams history of cheating -

Sorry batgirl - I could not bite my tongue on this one -

*standing ovation for Wonder Woman*

Hooray for Wonder Woman!

Yay*3 WW. Yeah, I guess we're all in store for a summer of gramatically-challenged strawmen from Bitch Sox country. I hope that "Shoeless Joe" guy comes back and gloats, so that the irony cycle can truly become complete.

+m

I take comfort in knowing that it's only a matter of time before the Bitch Sox are hit with a few 10-day suspensions of their own.

AMEN WONDER WOMAN!!!!!!!!!

*applauds*

Thank you, BatGirl or whomever deleted that hateful post from the Bitchsox fan. The knife is already deep enough. No need to twist it.

amr,

Everyone knows the testing policy and what substances are banned. I would think that the players would consult the team trainer or other team personnel on anything he may take. And if I were a manager, I would demand my players consult with the trainer before taking anything.

I'd love to see Konerko get tested. Or Jeter. Or A-Rod. Or Nixon.

But that will never happen. Bud Selig, tarnish the names of one of the Holy Teams of Baseball? Of course not. He'd destroy the results himself.

But a silly, stupid, short-sighted reliever for a low-budget midwestern team that, after all, was supposed to get contraced -- well, there's the perfect sacrificial lamb for the reputation of baseball.

*miserable*

Just a note on the Staduim...

District 5 Randy Johnson will be voting for the staduim. This is the reply I got from his office:

Commissioner Johnson is supporting the proposal.The vote will be taken at the Board Meeting on May 3. The meeting is open to the public. The item will come up at 2:15 and we are taking testimony from the public. The bd.
room is on A-2400 Government Center. Thanks, Judy

If anyone can attend and give testimony I would appreciate it! Judy said that most of the people who talk are against this! It will be good to hear from a few people who support this!

It also makes me mad the female commissioners are the sticklers. As a woman who has a BA in Economics, an MBA in Finance and is hoping be a mother this year it is sad to think that our women in office can't see the bigger benefits a ballpark brings to the ecomony and to the families of MN!

Amber

oooo, tempting to go to the GC since I work for hennepin county... so close... *runs to check vacation schedule*

According to Fox Sports, Boo's planning to file a grievance. Maybe there was some kind of goofy mistake? http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/3586714

Alright, I need to defend my Sox for a minute here.

If you watch the press carefully, you'll see that the Sox are among the most outspoken when it comes to the juicing controversy. Two years ago, the entire Sox team wanted to not take their Spring Training drug tests...by doing so, they'd all be marked as positives and skew the results higher, which was their way of saying they wanted tougher penalties.

There's no way Konerko is juiced, by the way. He's got the body of a sportswriter, not an athlete.

Frank Thomas once said "all anyone needs to do to prove I'm not on steroids is take a look at my 300-lb sisters."

I'm not going to lower myself as some others of my ilk (groan) have by waving my finger or calling you guys cheaters. I hope Juan Rincon gets the help he needs.

Bitch Sox Pride,

Ilk

I'm having a hard time believing that Rincon knowingly used a performance enhancer. Call me naive, but our players just don't seem the type. In case you're interested, MLB's drug testing policy can be found here http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/sports/mlbdrugpolicy05.pdf

Even though it would hurt us right now, I'm still totally in favor of Bud's tougher system. The list of banned substances and supplements has been sent to every team and every player. Maybe they'll read what the League sends them if the penalties are that harsh.

It hurts, and it completely changes the makeup of a team, and thus can seriously impact a pennant race, but this is one area where we must be hardliners. The game is too important.

All that being said, I'll wait to condemn Boo until we know the details. I'm hoping Stacy's right and that it's just a test for chocolatey goof-balls. I'm almost positive that this was an accident, and that Boo didn't know he was taking something that contained a banned substance. If this really was unintentional, then I hope Boo fights it tooth and nail and prevails. But, in the extremely unlikely event that he intentionally used something that he knew was illegal, then he deserves whatever punishment MLB sees fit to give. I'm still really sad, though.

Don't know if you saw it, Ilk, but the reason some of us are spitting mad at the moment was that a very, *very* nasty post by a BitchSox fan was deleted, and we were reacting in a rather knee-jerk way. At least I was.

It's always good when the more respectable ones of your type speak for the group. Your defense of the Sox is noted.

If a player used knowingly, I have to think it would be a really dumb move to file a grievance--the hearing just keeps your name and the associated scandal in the news and in the fans' minds longer. So the fact that he's coming out right away and saying he's filing a greivance gives me hope that this is all just a horrible mistake.

Hopefully Boo was only caught eating Frankenberry for breakfast the other day...

Carrie, do you think that there's a conspiracy against the Twins? Why wouldn't MLB nail someone on the team they control, the Nationals? And how would a test on any other player relate to Boo?

Wonder Woman - 1919 was not cheating. It was just bad baseball. The Sox threw the series, and supposedly they haven't gained the "moral high ground" since. There's no legacy of cheating on the South Side--there's a legacy of losing.

Similarly, one person testing positive is not an indictment of an organization. Really, this is a non story--It's a mistake. I feel bad for Boo, but the fact is that this changes nothing. Boo testing positive is not damning to any of the people around him--major league baseball is American (Except Toronto). There is no guilt by association.

Nor does this affect in any way the baseball being played on the field. At this point, this could be a test for anything, or a false positive.

Less hyperbole, everyone.

Didn't see it, but I think trolling someone else's board is utterly classless.

I moderate at flyingsock.com, and trolls there are treated harshly. There's no reason BG shouldn't do the same over here. If I catch anyone from my boards trolling here, they get banned over there as well.

Ilk

Actually, is anyone sure this is a test for a banned substance? If I remember the Olympics history, you can find banned substances in just about anything. He may yet beat this...

No, I don't think there's a plot against the Twins. I am, however, a fairly dedicated black helicopters conspiracy theorist, so in a moment of extremely depressing news, I fell back on my instincts.

I do, however, hold that if Derek Jeter were to test positive, Bud Selig would move hell and high water to keep it out of the papers. That was what I intended the jist of my post to be.

*calmer*

Ilk - Agreed. Thanks for the reasonable response. Your input here is always welcome as far as I'm concerned.

Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this. My knee-jerk reaction though, is that if Rincon really *is* juiced, I'd rather he be cut from the team entirely rather than let him come back. I'd rather lose the division with a clean team than win it with a questionable one. I may change my mind later, but that's how I feel at the moment. Losing him would hurt, and I love Boo as much as anyone, but for me there's no room for cheaters on my favorite team.

The jury's still out, and I won't presume him innocent or guilty until there are more facts.

Yup. You're right about Jeter, Carrie. I could see Selig protecting a high profile player that he liked. You know, not Barry, but maybe...thinking...
still thinking...
Well, Jeter or AROD are fine examples. No one else pops to mind. Maybe Kerry Wood or Prior. or Sosa. Definately Sosa. Hey, that could be covered up right now.

IMO, ignorance is no excuse. The only way a policy works is if it's incumbent on the players to know what they put into their bodies. You're not sure about something - guess what - YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE IT!

Allowing the "ignorance" excuse basically allows you to take anything you want unless someone provide video of you sticking the needle in your rear.

The only valid grievance is if there's an error in testing. If it's in your body, it's your responsibility.

And it's true that Selig's got no Love for the Twins. Man. This does stink, though. I feel bad for Boo, no way he should be cut...he's given a lot to the team the past few seasons, so it would be bad of the Twins to cut him loose. They ought to stand with him, not hang him out to dry.

Where's the JUICE!!!??? I suspect this is another "GNC supplement" situation. Is this all we're going to get from the MLB testing? Non-impact guys and relief pitchers???? As a fan, I'm much more concerned about guys sticking each other in the butt with needles. I'm not as concerned about products that EVEN I CAN BUY over the counter. I can't imagine why Bud would want 50 games for all first offenses if this is all testing is going to find. If you're gonna knock a guy out for 50 games, there better be some JUICE involved!!!

Signed, Non-Gloating Sox Fan

ILK - What kind of help do think Boo needs??

MikeQ - "1919 was not cheating" - ok - if you say so

MK- "Hopefully Boo was only caught eating Frankenberry for breakfast the other day..."
Thanks for the funny

Infield - I'll see you at the game tomorrow night =)

WW

First, I can't say I'm entirely surprised by the Rincon suspension. When a guy less than 6 feet tall can top 95 mph, there is a chance he may have had some help. What I do not like about the policy is that we don't know what he tested positive for. Is it steroids? HGH? Some other performance enhancer? Is it the old "I go tot from the trainer/healthfood store" story? Did someone slip him a "special brownie"? Did he recently attend a Dave Matthews concert?

Second, here is the email I sent to my commish last week:

Dear Madam Commissioner,

There are myriad pressing, complex issues facing Hennepin County: crime, drugs, commercial redevelopment, taxes, finances, security, environmental protection. But I beseech you to not overlook the value that professional baseball brings not just to Minneapolis, or Hennepin County, but to the entire state of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest in general. I believe that a small investment of time by you and your fellow commissioners will reap great benefits. And after one simple vote, you may resume the truly important business at hand.

Admittedly, I have only reviewed the basics of the latest stadium proposal from the general data that has been released to the public. But from what I have seen, there is nothing to not like about this plan. The sales tax will not affect groceries or clothes. Even the price of a dinner out will only be increased by a few pennies. An imported sportscar will cost a few hundred dollars more. And honestly, if you are in the market for a $50,000 car, will you even take the time to consider buying it in St Paul or Mankato or Duluth to save a few hundred dollars?

What is the risk to Hennepin County? Perhaps a select few shoppers will stage a message-driven protest to shop elsewhere. Meanwhile the overwhelming majority will continue to live and purchase as they always had, without noticing a difference. That is until the spring of 2008 when the Twins open their season in the sort of home they deserve.

Look beyond the jobs and the increased lodging and restaurant revenue a Warehouse District stadium will undoubtedly bring. Look at the cultural value of having a "big league" community. Consider the pride of fielding a winning team that can also compete economically in the modern sports marketplace. Contemplate the families enjoying a beautiful sport at a majestic new ballpark -- with real grass, under a wide open sky. This is an example where I honestly believe that "if you build it, they will come."

Thank you for your time and consideration.

ILK - What kind of help do think Boo needs??

Well, if he is addicted to the juice or some other substance, then here's hoping he gets cleaned up.

Beautiful letter, Double A.

well-said, double-A. I salute you.

Dearest double-a

Fabulous - thank you =)

WW

Ilk, I've been meaning to ask, "Did you enjoy your stay in the Twin Cities?" I'm guessing, after the outcome of that series, that you did.

Now, I have to say that with all the grief that we give the ChiSox here, that Ilk's taken it all with good humor. Same for YankeeFan and the grief we give the Yankees. I'm just glad that we have opposing voices and that, for the most part, the posters here can support their teams, and disagree in a civil manner.

I just e-mailed Commissioner Koblick. I can only hope that she can see her way to vote for the proposal. I mean, where were all these naysayers when we gave money to the Guthrie?

Ilk, I've been meaning to ask, "Did you enjoy your stay in the Twin Cities?" I'm guessing, after the outcome of that series, that you did.

I did.

My liver didn't. : )

I think we had agreed to have a beer when you were in town. Unfortunately, after the opener, I was laid up for 8 days with some really nasty bug. Oddly, I thought about that beer in between ... other activities ... while I was laid up. Next time. Or maybe if I get down to Chicago this summer.

I'll probably be up in September for the Sox series. Let's hook up for sure.

If you make it down here, beer's on me.

I did meet a couple Batlings at Hubert's, but I'll be damned if I can remember their names. I was, well, pretty freakin' drunk.

Ilk--I really appreciate a good chuckle when I'm in a grim mood, and the Frank Thomas-300-pound-sisters quote was perfect timing. Thanks.

Baseball's real problem is Bud Selig and steriods. If you want to rid baseball of Bud Selig and put Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame where he should be, check out my blog at:

http:/www.baseballinvestigation.myblogsite.com/blog

Thank you. LTP

LTP-
I tried to check it out, but I got an error message.

My friend happens to be dating Gail Dorfman's daughter... I'll try to get some inside scoop.

I sure hope they decide to go forward with the staduim, but just out of curiosity, how many jobs do you think the construction ALONE would create in Hennepin County? How much material bought from (we hope) Minnesota companies would be used? The answer to both is A LOT.