Disappointed but not defeated

Awesome Home Run Michael, it was Amazing! All of the fans I have talked to since the game all strongly believe that we will get it back and come back to win it! Have no worries Twins, your fans are behind you 100%. Can't wait to see you on Sunday when you come home to win it!
~Maura from Saint Paul

Although it was a tough game, you have the right attitude about it. The team may be down, but in no way, shape, or form are you guys out. I think I speak for most fans when I say just be the team you have been all year. We don't need heroes or stars, we just need the Twins. This team is meant to be in the playoffs, it's simply time to prove why. Keep on keepin' on and good luck in Game 3. -A. Baker

Mike,
That was a SHOT that you hit this afternoon, and I have to admit that it was a bit of a downer when Torii misplayed that Mark Kotsay hit. I think that you did all that you could to get that ball back in. You guys are a bunch of fighters, and I know that you guys have what it takes to take 2 out in Cali and win it in front of your fans. Baseball is a cruel sport, but its how you bounce back from a loss is what defines you.

Felix

http://pinstipepride.mlblogs.com

Hey Cuddy,
Great homer today! I just want to say to you and the whole team to not get down! You guys have been the comeback kids all year, and I know that this state is behind you 110%! Go out and git 'r done in Oakland, and we will see you back at the dome for game five!!! Do it for Kirby! :) God bless you all, and go get 'em!

all you guys have to do is want it more. it's coming down to who wants to win more. just know that you have all of minnesota supporting you guys.

make us proud!

p.s.- is justin single???

Go get em' Cuddy!!! You guys can pull it off!

Your the man, Cuddy! Go out to Oakland and take 'em down at thier home grass! If any team can come back from behind, I know its the Minnesota Twins!!!

#1 UW-Stout Twins Fan

Mike,
Very clutch (as always) with that solo shot! Tough loss but it seems like you have got your heads in the right place. You guys have been resilient all year long and I have faith that you'll be able to show that again. Everything this team has accomplished already has made it my favorite Twins team of all-time, and I know that if ever there was a team that can dig out of this hole, it's this one. Go out and get 'em this weekend and we'll see you at the Dome on Sunday. Give a shout out to Torii for me.

-Damon

Hey Michael,
You guys sure don't like to do things the easy way but you sure make baseball fun as **** to watch. There is no doubt in my mind that this Twins team can come back and win not only this series but the whole thing. You have heart and that is definately something special. Even my husband who is a loyal Yankees has put away his Yankee apparel this season to route for the Twins!

Sweet homer Cuddy! I know you guys can come back twice as hard and pull off winning these next games. Good Luck to you all! Say hi to Lew for me, k?

Mike - I just wanted to let you know that even though the last two games haven't gone your way - they are some of the most exciting Twins games I have attended. Watching you play is AWESOME. You always try to rally and you know how to make a game exciting - whether its your triple yesterday or your home run today - both brought the crowd to their feet. Thanks for taking the time to write this Blog too. You are a great ball player, you are dedicated to your fans and you are a great humanitarian. You always look like you are having fun, no matter what the circumstances. Keep your head up! I know the Twins can do it! The team has great chemistry and it will show in the end.

If any team can come back from 0-2 to win a 5 game series it's this Twins team. The fans have faith in you, we know you can sweep the last 3 and beat this A's team! We love you guys regardless. Now go out there and give 'em ****!

Hey Michael,
I just wanted to say that I think you guys played awesome today and it was a tough loss, but all the Twins fans are behind you guys 100% because you guys are the best baseball team around, hands down...I believe that you guys will bounce back and take the A's by surprise! Awesome homers by you and Justin today!!! I was just thrilled to see you guys be able to do that, I will be cheering ya on the whole way! I love the Twins!!!

Also, Thanks for taking the time to write this for us as fans it means alot to hear what the players are thinking and feeling...it means the world to me! Thanks :) Good Luck!

Love, Kati

Hey Cuddyer Buddy,

Dude you and your teammates have rallied off 20-22 games in the middle of the year...Two in Oakland ain't no thang man...Make the Vikings move their game to Monday night

I got yelled at in Math Class today by my teacher because we were watching the game and when I saw your ball lift off I screamed "YEAH" big shot big fella

I'm getting your jersey when I get the cash

Smell Dem RBI

Just wanted to congratulate you guys on a well played game today. I wish the A's and Twins weren't playing each other in the first round since I have a lot of respect for the Twins and wanted to see us meet in the ALCS. That shot you hit was a blast and definitely was money. Here's to another good game on Friday. I'll be in Berkeley cheering for the A's, but if any Twins fans go up to the Bear's Layer, I'm sure they will be welcomed with some good company and beer to watch the game.

I listened to as much of the game on my lunch break today as I could, and hearing you and Justin get back to back home runs just before I had to go back to work was pretty thrilling - one of my favorites out of many great Twins memories this year! Losing game one didn't seem like a big deal, and even now I've got a lot of hope for game three and four and five...you've all shown how well you can keep playing even when the odds begin to look against you. It's truly been a great season as a Twins fan! :)

~Amanda

There is no doubt that the Twins still have the ability to win this series. We're out here in Idaho --- rooting for the best team in baseball.

Your season is over hommie! Have a good offseason, better luck next year!

Michael,
Way to go on your HR today! You guy's played a great game today, my boss couldnt get me away from the radio...I had a bad feeling about yesterday's game, but was so unbelieveably excited about today's game, I thought for sure you and Boof would make some magic happen....stay positive, and good luck in Oakland....P.S. Thanks for the great season (even though I lost my voice every game I went to!)

hey cuddy, dont bother going to oakland, you are gonna get blown out in game 3. GO A'S!

michael, you guys are hittn the ball hard alot, but most of the time right at the guys. nice year by the way. i was at the game with zito and santana ,it was hard for the fans really to get in the game and syche out oakland, i just wanted to say no matter what happens. YOU HAD AN AWSOME YEAR!!!

Michael-
I just want to commend you and all the guys on a great season. I'm so proud of you guys- you are all great role models and you can really see the "heart" in your team. I had the privelege of being at the Game on Sunday when we won the division, and it was one of the most exciting things I've ever been apart of. You guys are fighters, and I know you guys won't be giving up in Oakland either. It's not over till the last out! No matter what happens, us fans in Minnesota are so proud that you are a big part our Twins team, and you've had an unforgettable season.

-Andrea

Big Mike! nice bomb today, we are not done. We have watched you come back from much worse before. We all look forward to a good road trip and getting back to the homerdome for Johan. You guys are not worried, we are not worried. Twins in '06

Micheal-
Congrats on an excellent game, but as for the fans who think they're going to see Johan on Sunday...The only thing Johan might be pitching is a tent on a long over-due vacation...

Cuddy ~ Thanks for the hit and the homerun I asked for. I actually just asked for a hit but I'll take the homer too. I was at the game and it was so awesome when you guys hit the homeruns. I was sad to see a loss, but I was so pumped to be at my first playoff game. Go to Oakland and show em that we're in this!! I know you guys will do great. It has been a wonderful season and I smell it coming back to the dome. Good luck and get me another hit!!

Hey Cuddy, its Torri. Good pop out there. Could see it sailin' all the way from the clubhouse. Once again, I screwed up. I knew couldn't catch that ball, but I was gonna go for it anyway. And once again, I got the final call from the GUARDIAN behind the plate. I felt really sick after the game. I went out to eat with Redmond, but ya know, man, I just coun't get that feeling away

To you Michael and all of your teammates--Thank you for making me love baseball again. The past season has truly been magical--you guys are awesome--I am proud to say I was in the Dome on Sunday when you guys clinched the ALC Title--it is something I will always remember and it's because you guys are such an extraordinary team! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and from the bottom of the heart of all of Minnesota! You guys deserve to win and you will--We're behind you all the way baby! Go get 'em!

Frustrating loss.

But we just need to go out there on Friday and actually hit the ball and get some runs. Can't win a game with no hits. Obviously.

Good luck. Have fun. Don't always hit at the first thing. Something the Twins have always done is make the pitchers work. Y'all haven't been doing that these last two games.

Where are the Twins from June, July, August, and September? Smell the RBI's. Steal bases. Get on base. :-)

I'll be cheering for y'all in South Carolina. Let's get Radke a win!

The frustrating part, watching as a fan, is seeing so many of the guys swinging at bad pitches. The A's figured out very early in game 1 that they don't need to throw strikes to get batters to strike out and ground out, one after another. In fact, I thought that Zito, and especially Loaiza, were both pitching quite poorly. Loaiza was having control troubles, but it didn't matter because guys were swinging at whatever he threw. I think the team needs to get back to what they did so well all year long. Be patient at the plate, but at the same time be aggressive when the pitch is in the strike zone.

Go get 'em on Friday, Michael!

Hey Cuddy! Great game, I really enjoy watching you and I do not miss a game. I know you guys will come back strong and win this this. The whole state of South Dakota is behind ya!

Hey Cuddy! Thanks for the great season. I really enjoyed how the team has played with grit all year long. I'll be pulling for you at the game on Friday in Oakland. I hope you can break out of the early game scoring slump that started against KC. Give Torri a hug for all of us!

Hey, good game. All I have to say is that I still believe in you guys.

Thanks, and good luck!

Michael,
I was at the game today, I was right by where Justin hit that homer. Wow, I was excited so was the other 55,700 people. You and Justin played great. Unfortunatley, Torii tried to make a play and just missed it. I respect him for trying to make a play. We are still behind you and you can come back. Its not over till were eliminated.

Wow.... Michael Cuddyer...

I just wanted to let you know that you had a great season, and I love your attitude!

Regardless of how the playoffs go, it took a lot for the Twins to come back 12.5 games and win the division. It shows how resilient you are, and I'm very proud of you all.

It was a LOT of fun following Twins baseball this season...

And I do still have faith in you guys to beat the A's.

Good luck, and take care.

♥

[P.S. -- Tell Johan I love him.]

Michael, Keep up the fight, it ain't over til the fat lady sings and I haven't heard her sing yet. You're an awesome team that probably shouldn't even be where you are, but you beat the odds.

Michael,
great homer today, keep up the great work, it's been an awesome season, but it ain't over yet. bring the game back to the dome on sunday!

Michael~
I was so excited when you hit your home run (after you did I was like alright Justin lets get another one...haha)and then Morneau came up and hit one!! I was so excited. It's too bad about Torii missing the ball...but it happens, it's baseball anything can happen. That's why I am glad you guys are going to Oakland with your heads up and no doubt in your mind, because you guys are an amazing team!! Good luck in Oakland...every Twins fan will be cheering big time, including me!!

Michael,

Even though the team lost today, I still have a lot of faith that you guys can come back to win the next 3 games! You guys did an outstanding job by clenching the Division! I didn't get to see the whole game today [due to a certain teacher not letting us watch very much of the end of the game, so I missed yours and Justin's HRS :( ]but I still think you guys did a pretty good job! I was very happy when we got to check the score and I had seen that it was tied up! Keep on working hard, i'll be rootin for ya!

Cuddy,
Congratulations on winning the division. I know there are some who say you backed into it. But look at it this way: You guys won 96 games. That's quite a feat considering the way the season started. I have confidence that you guys can still get it done. You've been resilient all year. I was really impressed by your interviews on TV where you said that you were disappointed but not defeated. Keep that attitude no matter what. Please tell Torii that he's still the best centerfielder in the game and to not think that he needs to take responsibility for losing Wednesday's game because of one play. You win as a team and you lose as a team. The Twins are still the best! Good luck in Oakland and bring this back to Minnesota on Sunday so you can win this thing before the home fans. We're all still behind you!!!!! Your Twin's fan from North Central Minnesota.

Cuddy, you guys are so capable of the classic "come back" but you have to dig as deep as you ever have to win this winnable series. No catch up ball, just Twins ball. No nervous flailing at fluttering balls, just patient at-bats resulting in solid wood-on-ball contact. Focus throughout, fight the resignation, stir the pot in that dugout and, although each player may appear to be playing at the top of his game, you all have to one-up yourselves and play at a higher level still. This is the playoffs, you're down two games with three left. Think of it like this: Who led the Majors in come-from-behind victories this year ? How many times did you guys sweep a series this year AND against whom AND against what insurmountable baseball odds ???!!!
Play hard ball. Win this for Kirby, for Torii, for your fans, .. win it for yourself, Cuddy. You can do this.

You guys played a great game today. My sister and I were sitting in our apartment (skipping class) to watch you guys play and when you and Morneau hit those homers we were freaking out. Those were amazing, so great job! Plus, I agree with what you said about Torii, he made the decision he thought best. I hope you guys play a great game 3 and come out on top! And the U of M Marching Band is behind you guys 100%! =)

That was a great homer today! Keep up the team morale. You have the support of all your fans behind you! It's been a great year and I can't thank you enough for all you guys have accomplished this year. Can't wait until y'all come back to the dome on Sunday to finish off the A's!

Somber in the clubhouse??? Gall damned it, that's not the team yall have been since you found your identity, not my Twins, that was the washed up vets at the end of their careers we let go. The playoffs are nothing, just an extension of the regular season. Love it while you're there, hang loose, and have fun. You're the funnest team to watch and I won't ever give up on ya and the way it sounds either will the rest of the fans!!! Lets bring this series home and I'LL SEE YA AT THE DOME!!! NO WORRIES!

You guys are great. My supervisor is a Cleveland Indians fan but has put away all his Cleveland stuff and is cheering for you. I helped him along with giving him a kleenex box with the Twins logo on it as I left in July. Go get em on Friday. I'm playing in my own tournament in Orlando, FL but I'll still be cheering for you all. You definitely have a bunch of support from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. We love you all!!!!

One thing I really admire about this years Twins team is that nobody ever gives up. They play as hard and flawlessly as they can until the last pitch, despite what the scoreboard says. Back in June sports writers, critics, ESPN, and a lot of other people wrote off the Twins saying it was a lost season. They said the Twins would be lucky to finish the season above 500. And postseason hopes were completely givin up on. But the Twins defied the odds, and showed everybody that nothings impossible. The Twins like to come back and win things from behind. They've proven that all season. Sure, the Twins must win the next three games in this series, and all the critics are saying it's unlikely. Unlikely as it may be, if there is any team in Major League Baseball right now that can pull it off, it's the Minnesota Twins. I truely believe that. Lets see some Twins Magic. Go Twins

Nobody thinks any differently about the Twins based on the last 2 games. You guys are still a deep, quality ballclub that was the class of the Majors. The only game that matters is Friday's. Go out and do what you have done this past season and everything will work out fine.
I'm a "die hard" Twins fan from California. I have even traveled to Minnesota to see the Twins play in the playoffs. No matter what happens I and all the other Twins fans will always be there. Go get em' in Oakland.

I love this team, this has been a fantastic year. It breaks my heart when you guys lose, but it always does. Way to keep positive Michael, you guys have been through tougher times than this. That home run of yours and Justin's subsequent shot were the highlight of an otherwise frustrating game. If they show that missed catch of Torii's one more time I think I'll scream. He said he had it, so it didn't work out, big deal! That's baseball. God bless you guys, I absolutely adore ALL of you. GO TWINS!!!!

CUDDY!
Cuddy's Buddy here dropping by to say you are the man! My hand hurts still at 12:47pm from all the high fives i got after your homer today! That sign brings on the hurt...litterally some days! I'll take that hurt for the team anyday!

Darn right you had some hustle to grab that ball after torii today! That's my guy! Make sure that the boys don't loose hope! You are the heart of the team, everyone can brag that Torii is a capt'n, but you are the heart and Redmond and Punto are the fire! You boys come back to us on Sunday! We have had your back ALL SEASON, we will have it no matter how long this ride lasts. LETS GET FIRED UP CUDDY! Have a good day off!

hey, it's always frustrating to lose, but this next game? you've got nothin' to lose. go out there and get some runs! you guys have proven that you can do it, now show the A's that it's not over til it's OVER!
play like ya'll mean business! :) good luck!

The first major league game I went to was Jack Kralick's no hitter. Been a Twins fan ever since. I have appreciated the way the team plays the game most of the year.

When Gardy was interviewed in the dugout during game 1 of the series, he said the team has been aggressive all year, and would continue to play that way. I think he was using the wrong word. I think he meant to say "assertive." Aggressive people try too hard to do too much. They do not play within themselves, and they become impatient.

There is a fine line between being aggressive, and being assertive. When you were playing your best ball, most of the team was a lot more patient than you have been the last two games. With all the hype, all the energy in the dome, and the clubhouse, it's not hard to see how one could be so affected. When 1/16th of an inch is the difference between a pop up and a home run, and a split second can change the release point on a pitch, and be the difference between a strike, and a wild pitch, it doesn't take much to throw one's timing off.

Forget being aggressive and focus on being assertive. Forget thinking about what might happen, and focus on what you want to happen. The game won't go to the people who are too aggressive, and who try too hard to do too much, it will go to the team having fun, and playing loose, who believe in themselves, and their abilities. Playing in Oakland might be a good thing, as the energy at the Metrodome, seems to have caused you to stop playing WITHIN yourselves. Good luck, good skills, and have fun. gburt

this team has been a come from behind team all year. They can do it again. 52 come from behin wins. came back from 12.5 games behind detroit to win the division. down 2 games to 0. we'll just come back again. we're used to it. if not, there is always next year. with more experience they'll win 120 games.

To Michael and the rest of MY Twins--- Someone had posted that all Twins fans are behind you 100% and that everyone still believes we can win this thing, he's right. I've been a Minnesota Twins fan since the day I was born and will continue to be one until the day I die. We Twins fans have not counted you out all year not in May, August or October. If you can do what you've done all year- we can still win this thing. Everyone is behind you. Go get em. Let's play ball... Minnesota Twins style!

The two homeruns had my section (210) up and screaming our heads off. I was clapping so hard I probably pulled a muscle and I screamed so loud that people should believe that I really was out sick. No matter what; this has been and still is one amazing season!

Just remember the wise golden rule...."It ain't over til its over folks"
Time to focus back to the basics and have fun, give it the best run as you guys can.

Anything is possible in October, so lets stay positive and viligant! Its baseball gotta have fun and smile!

Michael-

You guys have the right attitude. Fight through it. Even though you guys are 1-3 at Oakland, Oakland was 1-5 coming into the dome. They came to play. I know we can bring it to them too. The fans are behind you guys all the way. Tell Torii to keep his head up. 5-time Gold Glover's you can't doubt their decisions. I can't tell you anything you don't already know, so go out there and play ball the way you know how. I'll be cheering you all on all the way.

Lisa

What a game! I let my kids skip school for a "history lesson" in section 117. the crowd was so ready for back-to-back home-runs. It was an awesome game, the A's are a great team but the Twins are better. I have no doubt we can pull this off. We are behind you guys 100%!!!!!!

Hey Cuddy,

You guys can do it! Live for the fight when its all that you got!

The losses are tough, but so are the Twins! This is the way you've played ball all year and winning in the clutch is the teams specialty! The back to back homers were awesome and exciting today. Way to go!! Just keep playing ball the way you guys have all year and show everyone what the MN Twins are made of!!

Pass along to Torii that his true fans never questioned his play - he is still our hero! Those that booed him should be ashamed!!!!

Michael,
All of the comments that have been posted should show you one thing-

No matter how you guys do on Friday (though we'd like to see you win!), you're still OUR team. That's something that a lot of teams in baseball don't have, fans that will support you even if you don't win everything. We have stuck by you thus far, and you can guarantee that we're there for you all the way til the end! Make us proud, guys!

Oh, and to those that actually BOOED Torii Hunter--Shame! The man cannot be perfect all the time! He's amazing, and one mistake does not take that away.

Good luck!!!

I have been watching the Twins since I was a child in 1970. Went to game 7 in 1987. Moved to West Coast in 1989 and still follow the team. Travel each summer to a visitors ballpark as well. 2002 was a fun season and 2006 was magical. This team is a class act and knows the meaning of "teamwork". I know it is a tough road ahead, but I have a feeling you guys are going to pull it off! I mean that is what you did all year. Cinderella, get ready for the ball!

Cuddy, I'm 52 and I believe I've glimpsed heaven. My wife and I drove up from the Chicago area to Minneapolis to watch the Twins hammer the White Sox, then watch Kansas City beat Detroit on the Metrodome big screens, then HIGH FIVE all you guys as you came around the rail. Wild Card, shmild card has been our catchphrase all year long and what a fun year to watch our Twins when we could, or watch the gameday updates online. Keep your head up, Mike. Two games down is nothing and you guys have the ability, savvy and the fan backing to come all the way back. Win, lose or draw, this is a great team. Love you guys.

I've been a Twins fan since since 1961. I've seen some exciting seasons, but this has been one of the best. Just seeing this team get to the post season has been a tremendous satisfaction to me; anything else is gravy. Great job, Michael, on your homerun. Too bad about Torii's play, but I agree we cannot judge him. I've been thrilled by similarly aggressive plays he has made in the past. I've known there was a risk of judgment error there. When I applauded all those other fabulous plays, I accepted that risk, and I'm not going to whine about one miss. I'm going to enjoy the fabuluos plays that follow. Great job, guys, hang in there!

With any other team in the league, I would be somewhat nervous about the 0-2 post-season start. But not when it's the MINNESOTA TWINS we're talking about! You guys are so strong as a team, and have so much talent and heart it's unbelievable. Your fans believe in you completely!! Good luck on Friday!

Cuddy~
Nice shot in the game yesterday! Sometimes things just don't work out and it's definitely NOT Torii's fault! Don't let him take the blame on this one! I know you guys are going to go into Oakland and take two and come back here with Johan on Sunday. Just go out there, have fun and play the game you've been playing all year! Best of luck in Oakland and see you back home on Sunday!

Cuddy, You guys have had to prove yourselves to somebody all year long, whether it was to the fans, the media, your opponents, or even the organization. Well, we believe in you!! Now it's time to prove it to yourselves. You deserve it! You play baseball the way it should be played, with fundamentals and lots of heart. You're not a 2 or 3 man team. Everyone on the roster has done his job, and done it well, when asked and that's what makes a great team! Oh, and I can't forget, it also helps to have the best coach in the majors leading the way! You guys play your best baseball when you have smiles on your faces, so go out to California and have a blast! We're behind you 150% and will be cheering you on. We'll see you back at the Dome on Sunday!

Your fans from North Dakota

I think you guys ned to be more aggressive at the plate they give good pitches right the beginning of the count and you stand there and don't swing every team in baseball knows that you stand there and take pitches so they throw them and you don't swing at them. Luis castillo was one of them in yesterday's game, swing the **** bat. That's is all i have to say swing away and the hits will come. make the pichters work but when you are giving them the strikes it is too easy for them especially with oakland's good pichter score on them early and you will win the game.

To Michael Cuddyer and our team - play your HEARTS out.

Have a pre-game bonfire and make a team cheer that you guys will shout until it's heard back here in Minnesota.

Wear your rally caps in the dugout from the second inning on. (I saw the Royals dugout with rally caps on sunday, they wanted it.)

Sit in your lucky spot.

Have a team get together and make "COME BACK KIDS" tee shirts.

Take Torii on your shoulders -literally- and tell him that he is the best centerfielder in the american league and ain't nothing gonna stop him.

Give your bullpen two homer hankies each to wave for good luck.

Have five guys follow Radke around and make sure he doesn't use his right hand/arm before friday.

Laugh, have fun, and smile. Make a statement. Show the world.

For no team has greater fans, and no fans have a greater team.

We believe.

Love, Megan.

Cuddy- Everyone I talk to about the game isn't in the least bit pessimestic about playing Friday in Oakland. I know you guys can pull it off! THIS IS OUR YEAR!! KIRBY IS WATCHIN OVER YOU GUYS! YOU CAN DO IT!! GO TWINS!!

hey cuddy!
i left a comment on here yesterday about all my friends and just about everyone in my school wanting to watch teh game...yesterday was just the same...all we did 7th hour during science was put the game up on the big screen. we were all cheering and it was great. it was a loss but what can you do?? you can be just as determined to win the next one!! i think its kinna funny during my softball season beacause my friend is a pitch and we call her johan!! haha thats her name during the season. we are only 13 and comparing ourselves to the bigleaguers!! haha i've only been to one twins game...last year i think it was...you guys played detroit. we won and it was a great expirience. i live up here in a small town called roseau. i never really get to go to a twins game but i hope some day i will meet you!! and yoru teammates...well i have to go and finish my homework. tell everyone that more people than they think are cheering them on!!

Nice game you guys. Just tough luck is all. You guys can get er done in Oakland, then come back and show ur fans how you can really play. Next time though, save that homer for when there's a few ppl on base, it would have helped I think, but ur the pro, so I'll keep my mouth shut! Thanks for the fun times this year! Keep em up!

Cuddyer! This team is absolutely amazing. I must say it was hard seeing that play develop with Torii, but he's done so much for us, that's not going make me think any less of him. Torii is still the man no matter what I don't want to ever see him ever on another team, he is aboslutely perfect for this franchise and team. NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE YOUR GUYS BACK. This season has been a treat to watch, and this is probably my favorite Twins team of all time. Just keep playing your butt's off. Everyone in Minnesota still has your guys back. We will never give up on you guys. You guys have already done crazier things, so this is by no means even close to impossible. It most likely works to our advantage knowing our year. Good luck tomorrow and we'll be all watching and cheering for you ~Dane

Keep the faith, man. You guys have been amazing all season and look what you've accomplished not only from June on, but just in the month of August alone. It's only two games. You can do it.

Cuddy,
OK. They took two from us in the dome - but you know what? Twins Territory is a state of mind. So let's go take 2 from then in their backyard and then bring it on back to finish 'em off at home on Sunday!!! With you guys all the way!!

Tara & Nico

Michael & Twins, I've written a couple times already but I just keep thinking of a song that was played at the Metrodome on Sunday before we won against Chicago:

"We've gotta hold on to what we've got

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not

We've got eachother, and thats alot

We'll give it a shot

Oh half way there

Ohh livin on a prayer

Take my hand, we'll make it I swear

Ohh living on a prayer"

Pretty much sums it up- it doesn't make a difference if we make it to the big dance or not, we've gotten this far and your fans ALWAYS have your back, and we have an awesome team. we are so proud of you. You guys truly are TWINS MAGIC! WE LOVE YOU!

The possitive attitude is amazing...Twins baseball is the best!!! Two games is nothing, the Twins won how many straight in June?! Pretty sure 3 in a row now is quite do-able!

Cuddy,

Try not to forget, in the mix of all this playoff stuff, what you guys accomplished this year and what that means to your fans, no matter the outcome of game 3.

You guys have given us a season unlike any other and for that, we all thank you. There's not a team in sports I could root for more than the Twins and watching you guys makes me proud to be a fan. You're good guys and you play a great game. Don't forget that. This season has been amazing.

Bring the bats to Oakland and kick some butt. In the playoffs, remember, one game could be HUGE in building some momentum. Don't worry about needing 3 games in a row, just get this one. I think the rest could fall into place for you guys after that.

Thanks for the season and good luck on Friday.

GO GO GO TWINS!!!

I asked my 8 year old son if he was disappointed about the loss on Wednesday and he said "Yeah, but all they have to do now is win 3 games. It's just like sweeping a team in a regular season 3-game series." Great attitude. And we know you guys can sweep a 3-game series, like you've done before.

GO GO GO TWINS!!!

Good luck in Oakland!!! I can't wait to watch you guys pull out of this just like you did all year long. I was at the game on sunday, I felt the magic in the air. At no point that day did it cross my mind that kansas city might lose or that you guys wouldn't win. The magic is still there. I can't wait to listen to the game on Friday, and thank you all for the most exciting game i've ever been too, although i still resent my father for being able to have gone to game 6 of the 91 world series, i'm pretty sure sunday was a close second to that. Like I said it's been an absolute magical season, you guys have an angel in the outfield number 34, you cannot be beaten!!

I know the TWINS can do it, I keep telling my coworkers that. We only need 3 games and that's what we have to play. Don't lose your spirit. Your fans are behind you.

I just hope you and the rest of the gang play your very best this weekend. It's been such an amazing season and you've played so well. Go out there and take care of them, then let Johan finish them off in Minnesota. Being on the brink of elimination certainly didn't stop the Twins in 87 ot 91, and it won't stop us now. You have the biggest transplanted Minnesotan in England cheering you on. Go Twins!

"Breath out Fear, Breath in Faith"!!!! Go Twins!!! - Your biggest fans on the 'Range'!

Cuddy - awesome home run! I was screaming so loud for you and Justin when you guys hit that. Please let the whole team know that we will all be here on Friday glued to the TV watching the first of three incredible games as the Twins once again prove that they might be down but are never out! Not only do we have faith but WE BELEIVE! Thanks for a great season and a wonderful blog! Say hi to Justin and the rest of the boys for me! Love the loudest fan in the dome!

I have really enjoyed watching you guys play this season. You can sooooooo do this, 3 games is nothing. Just take it one day at a time. Have Fun and Go Twins!!! :o)

Cuddy,
Keep on fighting my man!! I know you guys can pull this of...this team will never, never quit. I want to thank you for such a great season so far. It's been a blast to watch you guys, and I know it will end with a World Series win. Your hustle and determination is sweet. Go Twins!

Smell 'em,

Newks

Hi Michael!

I have enjoyed reading your blogs. How on earth do you find the time?! I just wanted to wish you guys good luck in Oakland tomorrow. Go out there & kick some serious butt! Good luck to Radke too & the rest of the team!! You can do it!! I have total confidence in you all!!

Claudia (Major Twins Fan)

Michael,

The Twins have a great season going. Hope You and the rest of the Twins kick tail on Oakland and win the ALDS

Hey Cuddy,

Thanks to you and the rest of the team for an amazing season. I've been watching you guys since 2001 and this is the best team yet. As a fan, I feel like I know all of you and you guys have given me something to look forward to each time you play. I know this team can come back and take this series. It would fit the Twins Baseball philosophy. But then again, if Oakland is where this train stops, it was one **** of a ride.

Thanks for an amazing year!

Hi Mike,

You guys can do this. You have been a great team to watch all season. It has been one amazing year. No matter what happens, remember you guys did your best and you should be proud of what you guys accomplished this season.

Thank you for being the team that you are, I have truly enjoyed every minute of it!!!

Good Luck!!!!!!

If you hit a homerun today I'll name my baby Cuddy

Hehehe, that's a great photo of you and the Good Doctor up there, DJ Cuddles. Fantastic.

Anyway, that was such a beautiful dinger you hit on Wednesday. Sooo exciting. I know as well as anyone that Kotsay made it home, but I wanted to thank you for bustin' it over to the ball - it's so great watching this team play because you give it your all, and that's what matters. Thanks again for everything this season, Twins! See you in a couple of days!