The Marketing of The Letter "J"

I think, this season, the Twins are going to introduce a new marketing campaign.  They have already issued the new Twins commercial (Minnie and Paul) that left out Twins players, so what makes anyone think, they are going to be on the same level as previous years?  This year, my friend (Deanna) thinks that they need to market all of their campaigns around all the Twins players that have a first name that begins with a "J".  Did you know that 10 players of the 25 man roster have a first name that starts with a "J" (I am including Joe Nathan because he's still "technically" on the 25 man roster).  

Can anyone say, JJ Hardy, double the pleasure, double the fun. (being that he has 2 J's in his name and is beautiful)??

Deanna also had the genius idea to write the Twins' front office if they focused the roster more on J named players.  Here's what the letter might look like: "Dear Minnesota Twins Front Office, While I appreciate the obvious benefits of all things “J”, I am concerned about you leaving yourself open to lawsuits from the other letters of the alphabet and your lack of being an Equal Opportunity Employer.  To rectify this, I would suggest bringing to the team the likes of… (and this is where she ran into a problem...the only players she could come up with were Jason Bartlett, Josh Hamilton and other players that at least had a J to their name.)"   
Note to self: If/when having children...if ever considering the child to be a professional baseball player...name them J names to ensure a baseball career.

Ridiculous you say? I say, yes, this is all just a bit of ridiculous fun, but hey, that's what I like to do and do best.  Plus, it's Friday and only 17 Days until Home Opener at Target Field.  I'm still working on securing tickets to home opener without paying significantly about face value.  If anyone has a hook up for me, I would appreciate it.  If not...I do have a plan.  I can't share my plan yet...but if it works, maybe I'll share it after Opener has come and gone.

In case you are looking for some different but equal ridiculous fun.  Go see the Joe Mauer "Salary Crunch" on ESPN's website.  It's sure to make you feel like you don't make enough money...and also is sure to make you want to marry Joe Mauer (even the men out there) just to share his salary.  If Joe Mauer would like to share just 1/4 of a years' salary with me, I wouldn't object.  It'd still probably be more than I'll ever make in my lifetime.  For the record, Joe wouldn't even have to hit 1 home run, and would have to play close to .2 games...and no, NOT 2 GAMES...POINT 2 (this is what Joe would have to do to make my yearly salary.)...Does this mean he would play 2 innings? Or is it less than that?  I guess either way...it's just sad.  

Alright...ridiculous fun is over for the day.  In case you missed it, here's the info again about the next TwinsCentric Blogger Meet Up.

TwinsCentric Viewing Party

APRIL 10, 12:05 p.m. 

Twins vs. Chicago White Sox (in Chicago) 

Major’s in Blaine

*There will be drawings for several great prizes, including Twins 2010 Annuals, Major’s gift certificates, Twins/Target Field tickets and more.

All Is Fair In Love and War

Over the years of being a Twins fan, I've learned one thing: Never get too attached to a player on the team. Don't get me wrong, I've had my favorites over the year, and I have my favorite player now as well (and a few backups now too), but I know that the Twins could ultimately trade them away in order to "better" the team.  It's like the line from The Godfather III movie: "It's not personal. It's business."

Believe me, when your favorite player is offered up for trade (even when you think they'd be the least likely candidate), it's hard to not take it personal and to see the (possible) good in the situation.  Eventually, you (like any dating relationships that end) will move on.  You need to move on.

I am somewhat indifferent to the Twins signing Joe Mauer to a 8-year, $184 million contract. I think there are both positives and negatives about this deal.  What if Joe gets hurt next year? (I know, it's not something I'm hoping for either!), What if Joe's knees won't let him play more than 3 more years?  He is guaranteed his salary (which eats up a lot of the Twins' payroll.)  He also has a no-trade clause, so for at least the next 8 years, ladies, you can get attached!

What will this mean for the Twins a few years from now when Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and others (who will deem large salaries as well)?  Well, quite frankly, I don't know.  I don't think anyone does know.  We could see both Morneau and Cuddyer signed longer than their current contracts take them (especially since we don't know that there would necessarily be anyone ready to replace them.)  There are some good candidates waiting in the wings in the Twins' farm system (Ben Revere, Aaron Hicks, etc.), but just because they look "promising" doesn't mean they will be guarantees.  Look at what a "promising" future the Twins' had thought Delmon Young would have...so far, it hasn't been the case.  He's left us all feeling a little empty at the end of the day, and also a little frustrated.

Well I'm happy for Joe Mauer to sign, so the Twins and the fans don't lose focus on the current season, I'm sad to see that Joe Nathan will not be able to play this season.  He'll miss out on a lot of things: the new ballpark, a great team to work with, etc.  I feel bad for him, I honestly do. I think this year, Joe Nathan should work with Bert and Dick and commentate the games.  He was quite entertaining to watch on Sunday, when the Twins were on WFTC.  Hey, he could be the "on-the-field" commentator, like Robby or Marney...I know I would rather look at him, than the other couple options! (no offense to either Robby or Marney).

Also on another note...there will be another Twins Centric blogger meet up/viewing party.  I stopped by the last one (at the end of the game) and it was fun! It's always great to meet fellow bloggers out there in the Twins world!

Here are the details:

TwinsCentric Viewing Party

APRIL 10, 12:05 p.m. 

Twins vs. Chicago White Sox (in Chicago) 

Major’s in Blaine

*There will be drawings for several great prizes, including Twins 2010 Annuals, Major’s gift certificates, Twins/Target Field tickets and more.

No Stand Up and Shout, Let's Sit Down and Cry

I for one am a very big fan of Mr. Stand Up and Shout, Joe Nathan.  He's fun to watch when he pitches for several reasons.
1. He motorboats the air.
2. He plays a very crowd revving song, "Stand Up and Shout" when he comes out to pitch.
3. It almost always means the Twins are wining the game.
4. He's pretty to look at.
5. I COULD GO ON.

I was sad to see this morning's announcement that Joe Nathan could be out for the season with an elbow injury that could cause him to have Tommy John surgery.  We all remember what happened to Pat Neshek (first when he didn't get surgery and then when he finally did.)...it's been nearly 2 years since Twins fans have been graced with the wonderful sidearm pitcher named Neshek.  Too long, if you ask me.  While I want everyone to be good and healthy and ready to win, I am sad when they do get hurt and are out for extended periods of time.

I think the big question of this ordeal is, IF Joe Nathan is out for the season, who will be the Twins' closer for the ignaurgal season at Target Field?  The rumors are that Jon Rauch would step into that role, which would make me want to vomit and leave games early (so that I didn't have to watch that d-bag pitch).  I am putting in my vote for Matty Guerrier.  I think he's perfectly capable of handling this job, plus he's been with the Twins for quite a few years as well, so he's put in his time.
I don't think the Twins should go after a free-agent closer just for (most likely) one year.  It would eat up a lot of the payroll, because I think someone else would cost a boatload of money, but I also don't think that anyone within a decent price range, would be worth it.

So here's to you, Joe Nathan.  I hope you get well VERY soon and I hope so very much to see you at the Opening of Target Field!  It would be a very bland season if you were watching from the sidelines...

Be sure and check out the other Twins blogs I have listed as well! I know these posts come few and far between, but it's still "technically" the off-season...Spring Training has only just begun recently! I can't wait for the new regular season to begin!