A letter from Art from Fort Myers:

Some thoughts on a strange day at Hammond Stadium...

 Bummer:  Game delayed a due to rain.  What's going on here?

 Good:  Patti Creem presents a nice check to local charities on behalf of the Twins.

 Sad:  A moment of silence is observed for Bob Casey.

 Sad:  The Red Lake victims are acknowledged by the lowered outfield flags.

 Bad:  Reds 2B Ryan Freel, leading off the game, hits a screaming, and I mean screaming, line drive over my head.  Two rows  behind me, and one seat over, a young girl, probably 6-8 years old, is seated between her parents.  The ball apparently struck her flush on the right side of the face with a sickening thud.  Gasps.  Silence.  Then, after an interminable pause, the joyous sound of a child crying.  Parents, you know what I'm talking about.  If they're OK enough to cry, the odds have improved to the point where you are no longer required to fear the absolute worst.  It did not appear she was cut, and hopefully the only residue from the event will be a bit of a headache.  No news in the paper this morning, so we're hoping for the best.  Our prayers are with her.


 Sad (In a different way):  Through 5 innings the Twins have mustered the sum total of 2 hits (Rivas & Ojeda) and are losing 1-0. 

Both hits were singles... drag bunts down the 1st base line.  They were accomplished only through the utilization of  Gardie's all-time favorite maneuver, the head-first slide.  I wish my vantage point allowed a view his reaction.  Also, due to the lack of action to that point, I decided to enjoy a bag of peanuts at a ball game for the first time in more than 20 years.  Hence, no pictures.




Bad: Luis Rivas gets an error. They play this guy for his defense?

 Good ( and funny):  Newmie explaining to fans wearing caps and/or shirts from other teams why they are not going to be getting a baseball from him, no matter how hard they beg or cajole.  I swear, if he had no hands, he would be mute.  Hilarious.

 Good:  Twins rally for a touchdown in the 6th.  Jacque homers for three after looking really bad on the two previous pitches. 

Mauer and Morneau get back-to-back hits off left-hander Kent Mercker.  Those two guys in the middle of the lineup hitting lefties is definitely a good sign.  Rivas triples. 

You don't get to see many triples in spring training, as everyone seems to pull up at 2nd unless the outfielder falls down, or something.  Luis was hustling all the way.  Lyle was no where to be found and Kyle was OK.




Good:  Twins 7, Reds 1

 Great:  El Presidente on Thurs.  More then.

Posted by Batgirl at March 29, 2005 06:51 PM