Congrats Rick!

Congrats Rick! You only missed 08/08/08 by two days!

Truman! What a coincidence!... We drove right past Harry's house in Independence on the way back from KC yesterday. Congratulations!

Where's the TC on his hat???
Congrats!

Hey congrats Rick! Just like my new little girl, he'll be the perfect age to start bringing him to baseball games in 2010!

Wow, the limestone on the wall over the plaza is going in. It's going to look awesome...

I envy you Rick. My g/f hates baseball - maybe that's why we're not married...yet. Sigh.
Moving on...

Drove by the site yesterday. The limestone looks even better in person than it does in the pictures.

Congrats Rick!

Looks like Truman is calling for the change-up.

Congrats!

Congrats Rick!

And Bobby Kielty??? Are you frickin kidding me???? Can he pitch middle relief????? We've been scoring runs just fine lately, it's the middle relievers who have stunk up the joint. Try again Billy!

Great family, but I want to see more stadium pics. C'mon dude! ha ha

Congrats Rick! Nice work!

:-)

hey all my best to you and your family, Rick!

Congrats Rick! Does Truman know how to hang a webcam?

^^^
I'm sure he knows more about it than the Twins do!

Nice work rick! now get back out there and snap some pics of the ballpark with Truman straped to your stomach on one of those front pack thingys....

congrats, rick! love the name 'truman.'

The name Truman is awesome. Congrats man.

Stone going up in view of webcam. and congrats rick

no offense to anyone but I think Truman is a funny name, not a bad name just a funny name.

Love the website keep up the good work!

Truth,
One never opines on what someone names their child. Its a personal matter and a sensitive issue. That said, after that inning, I propose you change Truman's name to Delmon.

I love the name, congratulations Rick! Thanks so much for all the work you've done!

However, I would have to voice my opinion, if someone chose to name their baby Xavier Nady.

Rick,
Definately not a weird name. A very good/strong/out-of-the-ordinary name. I've got three boys: Derek (after Boston Bruin Derek Sanderson), Dylan (after Bob) and Devin (just because I liked it). Truman's a great lookin' kid and I'm sure you'll educate him on the beauty of baseball. These are good days indeed!

Thanks again to Matt Guerrier, you are simply worthless! If he were 25 lbs heavier and wore glasses I would swear he was Ron Davis.

Truman was practicing the three-seamer. Maybe he can teach some of that to Guerrier.

Congrats!

matty, matty, matty. what is wrong with you buddy?! just like to serve up those homers don't you. do i smell another juan rincon cooking? i hope not, but i think guerrier may have lost "it" kind of like rincon did last year.

I couldn't agree more Kevin, love the comment, I needed a good chuckle this morning!

Remember this little ditty....

"There he was, just a walkin' to the mound, singin' Trade Ron Davis, Trade-a-Ron, Trade-a-Ron...."

I think I'd rather have Rincon than Guerrier, at least he made me laugh because he looked like Napoleon from Bill and Ted's Excelent Adventure.

now im wishing we had latroy

Click on my link for a pretty cool animation of the Northstar ballpark station

Bring back Travis Miller, Eddie Guardado, Hector Carrasco, Bob Wells...

Whoa, that animation is cool! Thank you Jon.

thanks for the link jon. i am getting really excited about the rail and have a feeling that it's really going to get rolling along 5th street based on how much of the road has been torn up.

Jon,
Thank you so much for reminding me of that "Trade-A-Ron" tune. He actually lives out here in Scottsdale. I once saw him at a Giants spring training game about 10 yrs ago and I was so tempted to spit on him. I still have nightmares of 1984. And here Boston gave up a huge lead last night and Dick Bremer just had to reminded me of the 10-0 lead given up thanks mostly to Ron Davis. I'll never forget that stupid golf cart they used to bring the pitcher out. Whenever it was Ron Davis on the cart the entire crowd would groan and boo.

jon - thanks for the link to the northstar station animation. i really like it because unless i am mistaken it looks like both the HERC facility and mary jo copeland's compound are both gone in the "future state" perspectives. whether that actually means anything in the long-run, who knows, but i still like it!

Mr Betaband,

We are not going anywear! so stop trying to push us out... come on down and i will wash your feet....

i appreciate the offer, but no thanks mary jo. i would prefer to not have to deal with the drug dealers who stand out in front of your facility all the time and that you continue to do nothing about.

your little "compound" will be going bye-bye soon enough. go scream at some more people in mpls city hall while you are at it.

:-)

here i sit in a box under this goober st peters desk. i have been down here for over 2 months now.. I hope what i overheard today is not true. dsp wants to stall on me going up on the Ford center and give me to his neice for christmas to use for someing called "facebook"....i need to get out of here.. help

Congrats Rick!

Lonely is so upset he can't even spell his own name.

don't worry "loanly" 2nd webcam. we are sending out a search & rescue team to find you. kev from az will be heading it up.

hold tight my friend! hold tight!

The Northstar page still mentions nothing about operating after Twins games. The schedule only lists one trip north during rush hour. It does though, still mention possible special event service. I think they are leaving it ambiguous like that for a reason. To see how people are using it.

My theory, is that they will have one return train north after games, on game days. Probably at around 10:30? I have no facts on this, just theory. It only makes sense, if people from the North who use Northstar to commute to work, and want to take in a game, to have the option of taking the Northstar home after games as well.

Rick,

Please do not put your family before us... we need you more that them... we need a new thread now!

I think Metro Transit / Council majorly underestimates the demand for passenger railways in the Metro area. At least Northstar and the University line to St. Paul, I definitely think, are steps in the right direction (in the far too distant future). I understand it taking time to plan the network of rails and to lineup all the funding needed (personally I think they're spending WAY too much time on the planning part, spending too much time and money on studies...build the rails and they will come!), but seeing how they are skimping on the train schedules seems to indicate they are thinking WAY TOO SMALL...

But, like I said, they're obviously taking steps in the right direction (they're building the Northstar)...suppose it will just be a matter of time till they'll see how great the demand really is when it's overflowing out of the ballpark stations after games...

If the city wants to be "green" it'll need to majorly start shifting it's focus away from highways and back to railways.....why has Union Depot not been used for rail in so long??? Because of cars, I guess...which are obviously pretty green...

I saw a green car today. Actually it was kind of blueish green with metalic flake in it.

CheapCheap,

The planning process is defined by the federal government. There's not much anyone can do about it at the state level. Some of this process is a good thing as it ensure proper review of the project is done. Other parts are not so good, such as public participation where most of the official hearings, etc. are little more than show.

That said, this governor has been particularly nasty to transit. He's dragged his feet on everything and the Met Council, being composed of his appointees, goes right along. We need regime change for anything to really happen around transit.

The previous Councils developed a comprehensive plan that is really quite a good start. You can see a nice map of the plan at http://www.tlcminnesota.org/Events/2008/Legislature/Twin Cities Transitways 2020 (Added Central Stops).pdf

Last year's transportation bill included a 1/4 cent metro sales tax to fund that plan. It's not enough to build it out in a reasonable timeframe (2020) but it's a start. Keep telling your legislators this is a priority@

Union Depot is scheduled to reopen as a transit hub sometime after the Central Corridor opens (2014). The Postal Service has to move out first.

Quick question - How are we paying for the transit? Oh right - DEBT. Stupid governor...

david - thanks for the link. great info in that pdf. i like the vision they have laid out for both current & future transit projects throughout the metro and outlying burbs.

Rick,

Thanks for the info regarding Northstar. I'm pleased to hear that at least it is on MetroTransit's radar screen to use that line after some Twins games.

I agree that after they see the popularity of it, for the limited scheduled nights, then they will look into making it more constant. "Northstar Nights" will be a huge promo, I like the sound of it. I can break out my old Mike Modano jersey and hop on the train.

I also think that many people for the northern suburbs would use the train on the weekends just to come to downtown and the MOA. I realize that BNSF controls those tracks, but I think its in the state's best interest to begin utilizing the vast amount of existing tracks for passenger trains. It makes way too much sense, and is the best way to make Downtown MPLS and St. Paul vibrant urban centers.

I just walked by the park...WOW - the steel in left field is going up really quick!

It's been 6 weeks since the last DSP blog update...In another 6 weeks, the 2008 regular season will be done.

Is DSP still in existance? No blog updates in 6 weeks, 2nd webcam has not been seen...someone better check the welfare of DSP in his office!

SUMMER SON
(For a Ballpark Baby)

Crossing back
to your distance
takes hard dreaming
and the unshedding
of too many skins
rubbed red by those
whose aim was
always

Your eyes wait on
blue, true skies,
the strong, long arc,
the unconnected toss
from what never was
to what never will
yet is green
in passing

We will see them
tense and run and aim
with bats and banks,
knowing we might blink
or squeeze our eyes
until they drip
the honey of
lived days

For now sleep safe
in the reach of home,
from which your days
will urge you
to the many corners,
and to which
may you ever
return

DSP is to busy leaking to the local media that the twins put claims on ibanez and washburn... but were unable to get him... this has been talked about alot in the last few days and i dont see any reason why the front office should pat themselfs on the back for "attempting " to get a play.. off waviers no less... there will be no 2nd web cam... the twins will makes us give them our visa numbers and pay 14.99 a month to view the one we have now...

I feel for you Truman, This is a cold world we live in wait til you see what a beer will cost you at best buy park when you are 21.

Whoa, Maz..
Why so negative? Truman will never have to watch a game in the Metrodome. That's a great thing! I wouldn't give up any of our starters for Ibanez or Washburn (which is what Seattle was asking, according to Reusse). The Twins are a game out of first place. This from a team expected to be in the basement. These are good days!

BallParkPoet, I dont know much about poetry, but that was a really nice tribute to the "ballpark baby". You definately have a way with words (never one of my strong points).

article in the star tribune about the stone on the ballpark

Lafferty posted this picture I've never seen of the "Legend's Club" over at baseball-fever...

Thanks for the pic Tom! Very interesting picture! Makes you wonder where all of the other interior pictures of the concourse areas and clubs/lounges are hiding...

There was this website link on here that had virtual tours of ballparks, does anyone know what site that was and if they ever got the Twins one on there? It said it was coming soon so...

Here is what you are looking for Brandon.

It still says "coming soon!" for Minnesota Twins. That is going to be very interesting to look at when it finally is done.

^^^
Don't get your hopes up to soon on that site. The Twins park probably won't be ready for another year. Citi Field was completed on that site just a few months ago.
Regardless, it will be awesome when it's done!

Maybe the Twins should forget the 2nd webcam and use that money to buy some bullpen help...

Umm, is there another Tom on here cuz this last comment wasn't me, and I have been posting for a long time now, but this is the first time someone else has used the same name as me and the(...)that I usually do...

I refuse to believe there are two guys named Tom in the Twin Cities...

Yeah! Or in the internet!

There better not be more than one kevin in az or on the internets either.

Haha, I just think another "Tom" should pick another name to post with so it doesn't get too confusing on who is saying what, like Tom W. or something...

Who cares

I take offense to all of this

Tom - I had the same problem, so to mark your territory I suggest you become "OG Tom" (Original Gangsta). It sounds very intimidating and wards off any future imposters:)

It's not a big deal to me, I'll just switch my name and the newcomer can have it...

if you're going to switch your name, i'd suggest going with boof.

I think we need some new pics. :)

hello new tom!welcome! you can change ur name to "the new and inproved mazaratirick" if you like.. i do not mind

improved*

I'm having trouble navigating this thread.

Does the new Tom know how to hook up a webcam? If so, please apply with the Twins.

According to the Star Tribune, Dave St Peter was cited at the ballpark site yesterday giving tours to Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, along with a few other players.

Maybe he will have some time during the upcoming 14-game road trip to update the blog and/or install a 2nd webcam?

when are we gonna start seeing the stands go up? It's already been 2/3 of August, the stands were scheduled to start going up, are they behind schedule?

DicknBert mentioned during last night's broadcast that the Project Manager said they are 4 hours ahead of schedule. I don't even have my DAY mapped out to the hour, nonetheless a 2 year construction project. Maybe one of the Toms can give that guy a raise!

The Twins are frustrating me with their bullpen and with their ballpark updates we should probably expect a new update next year, afterall it is a publicly financed stadium so the taxpayer should have every right to see new updates. As with DSP come on get that blog updated, the 2nd webcam up, new or updated renderings, along with new construction pictures.

I was just down at the site at noon today. You guys will be in for a real treat with Rick's pics tonight.

I completely agree "New Guy"...I know its been very quiet on the Twins end over the last couple of months (even the front office at the trade deadline)...I do remember hearing that the Twins will be sending out information to season ticket holders in August (which is now half over)regarding seating in the new ballpark, so hopefully during the next couple of weeks we will see some more developments from the Twins' end of things. Perhaps, are they waiting to have things coincide with the state fair? Afterall, the state fair booth was where we first saw "updated" renderings last year...

Very funny!

wait... is Kevin no longer in AZ?????? what is this... i hope this trip is to intaill that webcam ....

ooh. is 5th street open for pedestrians now? It looks like it might be from the webcam. I might have to check that out tonight

Excuse me for not intruducing myself in this blog before the post. I live in Rochester, MN. I am a really big fan of stadiums and arenas so the ballpark construction is really interesting to me since the Twins wanted a new ballpark for such a long time, I can't wait til April 2010.

on the twins pregame tonight they said on thursday at 7pm on fsn the "under the lights" show will be a ballpark tour. right now my guide says that's about tim tebow but i'll record it and any other airings anyway. maybe i'll see if there is a way to get it online...

the saturday at 6pm says "a tour of the twins' new ballpark tracking the progress and showcasing new features"

hmm

I've decided to incorporate a new segment to this site. I will now be posting a new thread every Tuesday night after I am down at the site taking pics. I hope you enjoy it fellas. This will take the guess work out of when new threads will start. Stay posted on my upcoming surprising announcement! Confirmed naming rights...

What?? Naming rights.. no way!

naming rights, sweet!

No I am in Arizona. Boy am I ever in Arizona, 105 hot humid degrees today. But I acutally will be there on Friday.

hey rick - so what time does "tonight" equal? will i be pleasantly surprised if i log back in between 11-11:30PM?

:-)

New ballpark pictures will be posted as soon as dad is able to post them. I am dad's #1 priority right now whether that means feeding me, changing my diaper, playing with me, or rocking me in the chair. New ballpark pictures will be posted soon enough, just have some patience.

Truman
(future administrator of twinsballpark2050.com)