Mindful Ramblings
Seriously, think about it.
Published on March 21, 2004 By Unfairman In Entertainment
I've been a fan of baseball for the past few years now. I had a minor interest in the sport as a kid, but I was one of the multitude who lost interest after the Player's Strike of a decade ago. At that point in my life, the only strike I understood occured when a batter whiffed a fastball.

My interest peaked again a few years ago, when my homestate Minnesota Twins became real contenders. I know, I know...you think I'm a bandwagoner. At that point, I admit, I was. But then I got a look at this team of young men...they were playing the game the way it was meant to be played. The knew their fundamentals...their defense was a tight weave of guys who played together, as a team, as opposed to a bunch of individual overpayed superstars that happened to be on the field at the same time. Sure, they didn't have a lot of heavy hitters, but if you put up one run and your opponent puts up zero, you still win the ball game.

Anyway, this small budget team has again recaputred the heart of this fan. For those of you who don't follow Minnesota politics, the issue of building a new stadium for the Twins has been a recurring theme for at least 5 years. The asshole owner of the Twins is too cheap to poney up the dough, and a large part of the taxpayers don't want to give up their money to build the boys a new stadium, which is understandable. My solution? Have Carl "Cheapskate" Pohlad sell the Twins...to the state.

Here's my reasoning: Anyone who knows football knows the Packers fans are about the most dedicated fans in sports. The reason is because the city of Green Bay owns the Packers. They can never leave, the fans will never feel abandoned. They feel it's okay to put emotional currency in their team. They're safe.

I realize that buying the Twins would be a big headache. The state would have to come up with the initial offer, and likely build a stadium, but look at the profits they could rake in! It might take a few years, but I really think the state would benefit financially for a while. If the team can build a loyal fanbase, they'd fill the seats, which brings in money. The team could get a bigger budget, brining in some new talent (or rather, they wouldn't have to let the good talent go), which would lead to more money fo the state. They'd have to create a few jobs to head up the administration.

Whattaya you guys think?

Comments
on Mar 22, 2004
I think that the Packers are owned by a city. I think that there are economic benefits of having the host city own a team.

I couldn't imagine the cries each time the TWins sign a free-agent, or extend a contract. People who are against government spending would gripe to no end. If it is hard to get a stadium, imagine what it would be like to get the payroll above 56 million!

As far as I see it, why not help the team make a new stadium. At least there will be one government expenditure that will affect my life. At least some of the common-good money will benefit my favorite summertime television viewing.

The more pressing concern however is to get Victory Sports Network on Dish Network.
on Mar 22, 2004
I also live in MN and would love if a city or our state where to buy the twins. Although I agree with Jamie, people wouldn't go for it even if it would eventually bring revenue for the city or state. People don't want to pay the expense to get it up and running.

Its too bad, because I would like to know the Twins were here to stay. I have a lot of memories of watching the twins with my dad from the time I was a toddler.
on Mar 22, 2004
Yeah, I realize that you guys are right, and that it's not going to happen, but it would be a great idea, huh? Here's to wishful thinking.
on Mar 22, 2004
Well it would be especially dumb if they sold the team and kept the name....Like when we lost the Lakers.....I love that part in Baseketball when they talk about all the teams moving "The Jazz moved to Utah where they don't allow music." Chris, as a sidenote I'm pretty sure after the Packers fiasco they made it illegal for NFL rules to have a community owned team because of how much money it prevents otherwise rich bastards from making. Not to say that the Packers team doesn't make a ton of money.