Sporting News

Friends, Minnesotans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
I come to bury the Twins, not to praise them;
The evil that starting rotations do early in the season lives after them,
The good is oft interred with old pennant hopes,
So let it be with the Twins...

Sorry. When the Twins couldn't complete the sweep of Detroit yesterday, admittedly a very difficult task, instead of hitting the road one game behind the Tigers they are three games back today. They have three in Chicago, then three at KC, then four in Detroit, before ending the season back home with three against KC again. Now, it's possible that they will pick back up on their winning streak, they had won six in a row to get back into the hunt, and I hope they do. I'd like to see one more AL Central pennant to bring to the new ballpark next year. If they pull that off it will truly be an accomplishment based on what they have done so far this season. Which is why I temper my expectations.

On the plus side, the Twins are the best in the division as far as intra-division play at 35-24. Countering that is their record on the road, a dismal 31-40. And while the six-game winning streak was fun, before yesterday's loss it merely brought them to 10-7 for the month of September. That is hardly an inspiring record.

Go for it boys, I'll be rooting for you. I really don't think you have a prayer, but hey, prove me wrong.

The Vikes started slow again yesterday and let me indulge in bitching about my Vikes pet peeve, an offense that does several three and out series in a row and leaves the defense tired and scrambling. Detroit couldn't take advantage enough of that though, and when the Vikings offense finally got their act together Detroit was toast.

This is a good Vikings team. I'm a little concerned about rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt, but some patience is in order. All accounts that I've read say that he is working hard at all aspects of the game and so maybe he just needs some time to grow into the job. The dude is a monster at 6-8, 343 lbs. officially. If, when, he gets adjusted to the NFL, he's going to be a force.

On the FFL front, I cruised to victory this weekend. I think I was up like 25-0 yesterday by the time most of the early games had finished the first quarter. All of my starters scored with the exception of Brandon Marshall and it looks like I will have the high score for the week. Not that I think I have the greatest team in the world, but it's a better start than last year.

Comments

[Rob]

They picked up a half last night. I think they need to get within two games of the Tigers before they get to Detroit. They don't want to go there needing a 4-game sweep. 3-1 is tough enough on the road. Unfortunately for the Twins, some of those other upcoming games are against teams (Read Kansas City) that are enjoying their spoiler roles a bit too much.

Anxious to see how the Vikes handle the 49ers this week. On paper, it looks like the home team has the edge but the 49ers are playing very well right now. A hot team is difficult even at home. Our guys down here are looking OK so far. They're giving #9 a lot of help. The running game works, the defense and special teams are giving him short fields, and the receivers are holding on to the ball. If that continues, we're going to have some fun on the bayou.

[Dave E.]

It was a nice win for the Twins last night. Nice to see Blackburn pitch two good games in a row. KC is playing very well right now. That's going to be a tough series, but now it's just one game at a time.

Yeah, the 49ers are going to be a good test. The Vikes can't afford to start slow like they have the last two games. If SF can get the crowd out of it early it could be a long game. I like the Saints this year. As long as Brees keeps throwing to Colston. :)

[Rob]

I have Colston in one league, too, but I'd want that to happen anyway. :) Percy Harvin is doing OK for me, too.

[Kate P]

Nice job in the FFL! I can't get a handle on the teams and am doing horribly so far in the "office pool." Seriously, worst showing since I joined, no thanks to the Eagles (and am kicking myself b/c I didn't want to pick the Cowgirls and did anyway).

I don't think I'll be able to concentrate on football until baseball is done, though.

[Dave E.]

Rob-I don't think Harvin will equal the rookie season that Randy Moss had, but he's going to do well if he stays healthy and keeps his nose clean.

Kate-I do better with FFL than picking office pools. That's why I don't gamble. Can't blame you for the Cowboys pick. I was shocked that the Giants won.