[nolemmings]

1. I never claimed to be a better Twins fan than anyone, nor is it close to correct to suggest I never criticize the team. I've called Nick Punto every vulgar name known to man (repeating most just last Sunday), and have blasted everyone in the organization at one time or another.

2. You've got about 5 years on me, that's it, as I started with the Twins in '66. Yes, I regularly read the Twin Cities papers online, and yes I follow the minor league system. Nope, don't regularly read Baseball America. Don't need to. Want a true confession? I can't tell you what 16 year old kid in South Florida is the next Albert Pujols or what Dominican scout has the most signees in MLB. Want another confession? I couldn't care less, nor does that make me less informed about the team, and no, you couldn't tell me things about the team that I can't fathom, unless of course you want to dwell on those under 18 year olds that you may feel the need to scout.

3. Seems to me you will never be happy. There is not a team on the planet--any sport--that couldn't use improvement or could avoid criticism. That being said, it is a complete turn off to constantly hear whining about things that are irrelevant or that will never change. The Twins will never be in the AL East, or West. They will never outspend the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels, ever. Read that as NEVER, NUNCA, JAMAIS. Still, that awful AL Central has represented the league in the World Series two of the past four years, i.e. more recently than the Yankees.

The Twins will not always get Nathan, Liriano and Bonser for AJ Pierzinski in every trade. And while I wish they could and sometimes delude myself into thinking they should, I don't ask that heads roll when things don't work out. The Twins are one of the most stable and consistent franchises in all of MLB--they are known for it, and it plays a large part in their success. There is simply no need to completely gut management or portions of the team every year because they can't seem to get out of the first round, oftentimes playing an extremely formidable opponent.

4. I see, it's just the "good" lefties we can't hit. You know, like the guys at the top that all teams have trouble hitting. Guess what? I'm betting they couldn't hit Koufax either, and that Steve Carlton would give them fits occasionally. Guess what else? Let's get those tough right handed batters just for such occasion, so we can sit Mauer, Span, Kubel and Morneau.

This grows tiresome, and I am done. So you root your way, and I'll root mine, and we'll both look forward to next season, me with an eye toward stability and you with one for change. GO TWINS.