Minnesota Twins

A soft opening, a sneak peak, a glimpse of the future—whatever you call it, Target Field is now officially a baseball facility.

The brand new home of the Minnesota Twins was finally used for its main purpose Saturday, hosting its first ever baseball game—a contest between the University of Minnesota and Louisiana Tech.

The Twins opened the doors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a total of 37,757 fans paying $2 a head to get their first look at the Twins’ new digs.

Many people may consider Joe Mauer's recent contract signing the most significant news in relation to the upcoming 2010 Minnesota Twins season. Some may consider it the loss of their star closer, Joe Nathan. Personally, I think what is going to turn out to be the biggest news of the Twins season is the loss of their home-field advantage at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

What I’m Reading

• Get ready for some comic mischief and summer-hijinks – and all of it outdoors! What I’m trying to say here is that the Twins are planning on using a closer-by-committee strategy in Joe Nathan’s absence.

I e-mailed this to a lot of Twins bloggers. If you didn't get it, there's a good chance it's due to my incredibly horrid internet connection (which made me re-send it about eight times) instead of me just forgetting about you. I sent it to nearly every e-mail address that I could find from the Twins blogs on my sidebar as well as others, so don't feel bad if you didn't get it because there's a good chance that you're not alone.

2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | No. 5 | Kyle Gibson

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | October 23, 1987 (Greenfield, Indiana)

March 21, 2010: a date that will forever be considered one of the most important in Minnesota Twins history.

A time in the baseball calendar that is generally reserved for spring training updates and fantasy buzz was dominated by the news that Joe Mauer and his hometown Twins had agreed on an 8-year, $184M contract.

Just add one more layer to a season already full of history, even though it isn't even under way yet.

Last Sunday the Minnesota Twins all but assured that Joe Mauer will be wearing a Twins cap into the Hall of Fame by signing their star to a eight-year 184 million dollar contract extension.

Thank God, because seeing the St. Paul native in pinstripes might have been too much for me to handle.

Mauer’s deal is a huge commitment for the small market and thrifty Twins organization, but it shows that they, unlike many small market clubs, have their priorities straight.

Before I started playing fantasy football back in 1998 — in a four-man league, nonetheless — I played fantasy baseball. I used to be a huge baseball fan as a kid, only to find my interest in the sport fade over time.

Probably has a little something to do with all the steroids, human growth hormone, All-Star Game determining home team for the World Series, no more Cal Ripken, Jr., etc.

The Twins new shortstop, J.J. Hardy, spent his entire professional career with the Milwaukee Brewers organization, including most of the past five seasons in the majors. He was an All-star in 2007, when he had career highs in almost every offensive category, including 26 home runs and 80 runs batted in.

He had a similar season in 2008, but slumped during the 2009 season, and was eventually sent to the minors. During last offseason, he was traded to the Twins for speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez.

Originally published at the Green Valley News.