You betcha Minnesota Signed Thom-Eh.

Minnesota signs another aging veteran as Jim Thome agrees to a 1 year deal.

Pieces are in place?

Well, it certainly hedges the Twins bets that Delmon Young's bat will heat up and stay consistent. The low price tag of the deal makes it a no brainer. Thome will be making less than 1/2 of Nick Punto's salary.

Thome, who provides a solid bat against right handed pitching, also relieves the Twins right handed pitching of having to face him. Thome who is 12th on the all-time home run list (564) has hit 57 of those round-trippers off of Minnesota pitching, most of any other team in his career.

Some fans are scoffing at signing another aging player at the end of their career. But most of them will admit this isn't the Rondell White's, or Brett Boone's that have played that role for the Twins in recent history. And Unlike those previous players, (White and Boone), Thome has continued to produce after the MLB's crackdown on steroids.

The Twins are obviously excited about bringing Thome to Target field at a reasonable price. They've already implemented a Thome ticket deal, for 8 bucks you get a seat, the only catch is you have to move 1 section over when Thome comes to bat.

Despite this good signing, it only leads Twins fans to ask, when are we going to get to the one that really matters? When are we going to sign Mauer? The speculation continues to be an announcement at Twins-Fest. We'll just have to wait and see if they'll roll the stone away and announce he will be siteth in the right dugout Target Field almighty after this season.

The "Mission Miami" turns to "Target: Home Field Advantage"

I had the opportunity to attend the Twins Winter Caravan last night. Aside from the Video promo, left over dome dogs, and canned questions to 'B' list Twins Players, the Caravan served a more valuable purpose. As a hope re-filling station.

Attendees, before arriving, likely pulled out and dusted off their favorite Twins clothing as they tucked their Vikings wear to the back of the closet for a 6 month hibernation. Perhaps their Favre Jerseys for good.

Conversations about football, fumbles, Favre and F-Bombs, turned to baseball, Bert, and blue skies. The hot dogs, chips and pop filled their stomaches, while talk of outdoor baseball re-filled their hopes.

Like an amusement park, we've just gotten off an up and down roller coaster, feel a little sick to our stomach, but run to get in line for the next one. I'm not sure if this 2010 Twins ride will have more ups than downs, but if the Vikings have taught us anything, its just to enjoy the ride.

Twins Water Park, No Splashing!

With my focus now set on Target Field and the Twins (in that order) I can't help but wonder why the Twins, year after year continue to NOT sign a big name free agent. The state invests tax payer $ into a building to make the Twins more revenue. They can at least make an effort to improve the product. Honestly, I challenge anyone to name a big name Free agent that they have wooed away from another team?

Perhaps they don't realize that even if the lakes are frozen, you CAN still make a big free agent splash. At least stop dicking around with Mauer and get him signed....NOW.