A great run comes to an end
Seeing our season come to an end hurts right now, there is no doubt about that. But when we get time to reflect, I think everyone will see that it was a pretty amazing ballclub.No other team in Major League history accomplished what we did, coming back from three games down with four to play and winning a division title. So that's pretty special. We had a lot of good years from a lot of good players this year -- Joe Nathan with the single-season save record for the Twins and Joe Mauer winning another batting title. There were some great performances by some players which accumulated into a great team performance at the end of the year.
It's been an incredible ride over the past couple weeks, and I think maybe in the next couple days, it will hit us a little bit and we'll finally just be able to catch our breath. Although I know all of us were hoping that it would come at a later time.Despite getting down 0-2 in the series, we felt good heading into tonight's game. Unfortunately, the breaks didn't go our way and we made some mistakes. When you do that with a team like that, when they have extra outs to play with and mistakes pile up, they take advantage. They did that tonight.
The one thing that made the Yankees so tough was that every time we scored throughout these three games, they either tied it or went ahead right after. They answered every time. Not one time did we go out and shut them down the inning after we scored. Those are momentum-shifters. We build up some momentum, they score right back and, boom, the momentum shifts to them and confidence starts to build for them. That's what happened again today.
It's frustrating to end the season not having beat the Yankees in 10 contests we had with them this year. I don't know how many games that were separated by one run or two runs, but we were right there with at least four or five of them. Not to be able to get over that hump and cross the finish line was tough. But you've got to take your cap off to them. They played well. They came up with some big hits in some big situations, and unfortunately we didn't.
It's tough to have to know that the season is over now, but I'm really, really proud of this team, I'm proud of the way we responded to all the adversities that we had. It's a special group of guys that we had to accomplish and pull off what we did.
This year will rank up there as one of the best, right along with 2006. Knowing where we came from and the adversities -- losing arguably one of your best hitters in Justin Morneau and losing three starting pitchers, it's tough. There were a lot of adversities that we had to overcom, lot of big deficits, and to do that is pretty cool.
There is a lot to be excited about for the Minnesota Twins for 2010. Of course, the new ballpark, Target Field, is a big one. And going into next season, we'll have everybody healthy and recharged. So while it's disappointing now, it's a fun prospect to look at what we'll have next year.
you guys had an excellent year.. you have many things to be proud of.. have a nice and safe offseason
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Michael, what a hard/sad way to end such an amazing season. I got to be able to be there Tuesday night screaming away my voice and again tonight. It still amazes me how you guys came back and gave us more reasons to keep baseball in the Dome. You did say it best with "so while is's disappointing now, it's a fun prospect to look at what we'll have next year." There are times when everything works perfectly and there times when it doesn't. The Minnesota Twins can look back at 2009 and say, wow look at what we did. 2010 brings a year of firsts and a year of greats as you put it, "we'll have everybody healthy and recharaged." You have been my favorite Twins player since you were called up! ! ! ! (Just please don't tell Joe Nathan that :) as he has been giving you a run for your money in my #1 spot this season.) I wish you a wonderful and relaxing time off with family and friends. I look forward to all that lies ahead in 2010. The 2009 Twins will always be champions in my heart!
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Michael,
What a beautifully written post. Thanks for a great season and an end that Minnesotans can be proud of. Please let Nick Punto know that he is appreciated. We know he gives 100+% every game and last night was no exception. You are all champions!
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Michael,
Thanks again. You had a great game last night and although we didn't come out on the winning end, the team was one that made me proud to be a Twins fan. I am proud of the players and "Twins" style of playing. As someone else stated, what a class act! Let's gear up for 2010 and bring it on. Let's also root for Torii and the Angels >^..^< Sincityjbird@yahoo.com
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Michael,
Congratulations to you and the rest of the team. We had an amazing farewell to the Metrodome. I was able to be there for game 163 and I won't forget it. You guys are awesome!! Have a wonderful time off, keep healthy, and we'll see you at Target Field in 2010.
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Mr. Cuddyer,
Dodger fan here. Very nice post. You guys had a great run there and well you should be very proud of how you played. Build from what you accomplished this year.
Congratulations.
Emma
http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/
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You guys had one heck of a season! You came back in style and brought one last American League Central Division Championship to the Dome. Yes, it's not the way any one wanted the season to end, but like you said, we have so much to look forward to next year. We all will be celebrating the new ballpark and the 50th season of the Twins!! Thanks for all the great Metrodome memories!!!!
Congrats on a great season and the championship and I look forward to cheering on the Twins next season!!!!
Ashley :)
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Great run to the post season. Admittedly, I counted you out when down so many behind the Tigers with only a couple of months left in the season. But, you proved me wrong and we're all better for it. Yes, you could have beaten the Yankees but it would have taken another sustained effort like the one that gave you the opportunity to meet them in the playoffs. And, speaking personally, I think the run took some of the gas out of your collective tanks. Despite a few gaffes, it was a fun series to watch. The double play on Matsui at first base was one of those moments. And, did I get this right, were you 2-2 against the Sandman? Sweet.
Next year will be a new start and, of course, the Yankees will still be the Yankees but, hopefully, the Twins can make some good moves during the offseason. Tough part about that is that it takes real money and some luck - that the acquisition will perform as expected. No one knows. Have a great winter and we'll see you next year.
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Michael-
Thanks for your eloquence and outstanding attitude on and off the field. You are an MLB player I'm proud to have my children watch. I was fortunate enough to bring them to game 163, because I wanted them to experience the thrill of an enormous accomplishment and victory in the dome, as I was able to witness in 1987. As as I predicted, you and the Twins did not disappoint!! This season was amazing, and my family and I look forward to Target Field and 2010! The biggest bummer is that I can't watch you and the Twins for 6 months!!
Enjoy the well deserved time off~
A fan forever :)
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Michael,
How you can so eloquently put into words what all of us are thinking is amazing. Thank you so much for being willing to do that at such a difficult time. We will all think of the incredible things the Minnesota Twins did during the regular season and even during the postseason series with the Yankees. You all played those games with your whole heart and soul, and that's all we can ask for. Outstanding plays were made at one point or another by each player on the field for the Twins. Whether it was an amazing catch, an awesome throw, or a great hit, everyone did their part. You win and lose as a team, and supporting your teammates in good times and in bad times is what it is all about. However, the Minnesota Twins are more than a team; they are a family. I am so proud of all the Minnesota Twins have done this year, and I'm happy to call myself a Minnesota Twins fan!
Kim~
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You guys were so much fun to watch all season! You worked hard and didn't give up.
Last night's game was a heart breaker. Please let Punto know that I admire how he stood up and answered questions about last night's base running mistake. He's a great asset to the team! You guys all seem to put your heart into the game and that's what makes me cheer for you! I love to watch you win, I hate to see you lose, but I really just love to watch you play!
I'm looking forward to the Home Opener 2010!!
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Hey Cuddy,
Disappointing to watch, but well played games nonetheless. We're all still proud here in Minnesota to root for such a determined team and can't wait to watch you all play ball in 2010...hope you're ready for the snow! (It's snowing here today, so I guess we all have to be prepared next year!)
Good luck, and hope you all can enjoy a nice relaxing offseason.
Jenny
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First, I just want to say that the things you all have accomplished this season are amazing - having to fight through so much to get through it all with the success you guys had. It was fun to watch, and a memorable season at that. I call Minnesota home, but am currently in Texas - must say that a majority down here were cheering you all on. You all are a class act, and it makes supporting you so much more enjoyable regardless of tough losses or an end to the season. Congratulations on a great year!
Second... a couple years ago a strength & speed coach had us doing a "strength" drill and it dawned on me this past August that I have you to thank for those. Cuddyer's. Not so fun. Actually, rather painful.
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This just seems fitting today. Thanks for a great season.
It is not the critic who counts,
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena;
whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood;
who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again;
who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course;
who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly;
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory or defeat.
The Man in the Arena
By Theodore Roosevelt
University of Paris, Sorbonne
April 23, 1910
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Michael,
Thank you for the great season. It didn't end the way we wanted; but the Minnesota Twins are with out a doubt one of the guttiest team ever! The way you, Punto, and really everyone on the team stepped up when Justin went down is something to be very proud of. Enjoy the off season and please reflect on what you guys actually accomplished. I see this team transforming from the little engine that could to a powerhouse in 2010! Every time you swing a bat, or run a sprint in the off season remind yourself of how good you are Michael. You as a player, and the team you are on. You guys have just scratched the surface. I'm sure you expect, and we as fans expect even more success next year.
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Michael,
It was such an amazing year that the Minnesota Twins battled. I was one of the lucky fans to have been able to be at the game last night, and I think it was the one of the best ones I have been to. I loved seeing the teams attitude, as you guys went out with a purpose and didn't count yourself out. Many had said you guys were done, yet those few who had faith said "it's the Minnesota Twins who have come this far...have faith and see what they can do!" I would like to thank the Twins for giving the fans a chance to see the "real" way the baseball is meant to be played.
Have a well-deserved rest over the off-season and I will be looking forward to see you play in the Spring! 2010--a new beginning!!
--Steph
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Michael,
It was such an amazing year that the Minnesota Twins battled. I was one of the lucky fans to have been able to be at the game last night, and I think it was the one of the best ones I have been to. I loved seeing the teams attitude, as you guys went out with a purpose and didn't count yourself out. Many had said you guys were done, yet those few who had faith said "it's the Minnesota Twins who have come this far...have faith and see what they can do!" I would like to thank the Twins for giving the fans a chance to see the "real" way the baseball is meant to be played.
Have a well-deserved rest over the off-season and I will be looking forward to see you play in the Spring! 2010--a new beginning!!
--Steph
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Cuddy-You guys did what 'they' said couldn't be done. You came back from 3 games down with 4 to play, and you did it without some of the key members of the team. You should be proud of your career year and proud of your teammates. I can't wait to see what you all will accomplish next year. Have a great offseason-I'll see you at spring training!
Deb
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Micheal,
Thanks so much for sharing.....I can only imagine how hard it was. But I want you to know it was stated very well!
I thought for sure this was the year the TWINS would over take the darn Yankees. Everything was against you all year long, what a better way to end it by beating them. I guess that is why they are paid the way they are!
You and the rest of the TWINS should be very proud of your season. As a die hard fan I watch this seaon thru the good, the bad and sometime the ugly! You will alway be the team that I watch!!
Enjoy your off season!
TWINS RULE,
Dana
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Game 163
That's how it's going to be remembered, isn't it? It's all we need to say. It's up there with Puckett's homer to end 1991 World Series Game 6, and Hrbek's grand slam in 1987 Game 6. Baseball just does not get any better.
Game 163
Twins have a lot to be proud about Michael. You defied expectations and gave us a great season - especially a great finish.
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Either way I thought you guys did great! I was at the last game and proud to say I was. I know you guys did what you could with the team that you had. The Yankees are a good team, and the fact that you made it that far, and fought so hard against the Yankees makes it all the more better. At least they weren't blow out games. I am excited for next year to see what you guys can do with a full team! I love this game...and I love this team..Keep us proud guys. Win or Lose i'm always a fan of this team :)
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Thank you, Michael, for such a wonderful job of expressing the feelings that we as Twins fans feel. I am so proud to say that I am a Twins fan because of the character of the members of the team. Even though most of you are not from Minnesota, you exemplify the meaning of "Minnesota Nice" in all of your dealings with the fans. I hope you, Claudia, and Kasey have a wonderful off-season. Although I will be having "baseball withdrawals" for the next few months, everyone on the team deserves a nice break to be with their families. By the way, CONGRATULATIONS on your "Clutch Player of the Month" award. It was well deserved!
Loretta P.
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You guys rock! So looking forward to the new stadium. It's so nice to have a team filled with gentlemen who support one another even when the chips are down. No huge egos like other teams. It's refreshing. Keep up the good work. We love the Twins!!!!
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Before you close up this blogspot, I too want to express my thanks to you, Michael, and all the Minnesota Twins for the fine and exciting year you had. It seems that each and every Twin, at one point or another, provided the big hit or big play or big spark that led to another Twins victory during the final weeks of the season. I love you all and wish that you all might return next year; however, I know that is not the way the game works, but I hope those who go will leave with as many fond memories of us as we have of you.
I'm 78 years old and have been a Twins/Senators fan since 1956 when I was stationed at the Pentagon and bought one of their season ticket plans. They had Harmon Killebrew, Jim Lemon, Roy Sievers, and other great players.
I'm from Sioux Falls, SD, so usually am able to see some games during the year.
Enjoy your off-season, and I look forward to seeing you again in the new ballpark. I wish you would keep this blog throughout the winter and until spring training. Perhaps Kevin Slowey will open his spot again.
Glenn
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Congratulations on an amazing season! I had the honor of being at the Dome for game 163 and it's an experience I will never forget. I have long been a fan of yours, and couldn't be prouder of that fact right now. You were the heart and soul and leader of this team all year, but never was that more evident to me than during the last few weeks of the season when you took over at 1st base. The way you stepped up your game both offensively and defensively down the stretch was truly admirable. Even though you aren't a Minnesotan by birth, the way you conduct yourself both on and off the field, make you a huge asset to our community. I hope to see you in a Twins uniform for many years to come. Have a wonderful off-season and I'll look forward to seeing you at Target Field in April.
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MR. CUDDYER,
What a great year you and TWINS had this year. Thanks for the excitement and proud moments to be a TWINS fan out here in Arizona. You especially, playing all over the field and finally taking over 1st base like you played there all your carreer. You had a great year at the plate and have earned the right to be considered among the TWINS ALL-TIME GREAT PLAYERS. Enjoy the time off, and can't wait to see you back in action in the new ballpark.
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