Happy Thanksgiving everyone. As you read this, you will probably be getting ready to go out for a festive Thanksgiving get together. I hope so. I hope this hasn't found you too late.
Thanksgiving is always the first major holiday after an election, and as such, is often a minefield when dealing with family who are a little too open with their beliefs with the harbor family can bring, but at the same time, maybe spoiling for conflict. Many people opt to talk about sports when in a pickle like this. Why do you think they play football on Thanksgiving, anyway?
But if football is not your thing, you may be tempted to turn to the Twins. This is a thorny spot as well, especially given the last 12 months or so of Twins headlines. If you absolutely must talk Twins, be sure to steer the talk away from these topics.
Payroll - This has always been a touchy spot for a Twins fanbase that has been groomed to accept a low payroll. Big market teams are bad for spending money, but players taking a big pay day are the worst! We all know this is true, but uncle Randy probably doesn't share this opinion. Randy still holds grudges against Joe Mauer. Besides, railing against the billionaire owners, or talk about income inequality skirts the line with politics a little too closely.
Ownership - You aren't buying the team, are you? And sure, the Pohlads are selling, but it will take some time, and right now, one of the most talked about names is Glen Taylor. I would rather not think about the Timberwolves or Alex Rodriguez right now.
Injuries - Randy again will chime in about how soft today's players are. Back in his day, a pitcher would go 9 innings every time out, and wouldn't even lose any speed off his 78mph heater. They pitched until their arm fell off, usually around age 28, and then became a disillusioned appliance salesman. Like a real man! And then Randy will go take a nap after eating a third piece of pie. Like a real man.
Prospects - Unless you are talking to someone you know to be deeply into baseball, you never know what you are going to get with prospect talk. The worst about this are the people who don't view prospects as real people, and treat every MLB player as though they should emerge on the field as a fully realized all star. They will not be able to relate to you about Do-Young Park's article on Travis Adams. Travis Adams went on a journey, both physically and spiritually, but he isn't an Ace yet.
Target Field - Nothing wrong with the stadium at all, but going down this path might lead to planning to go to a game together. If you think Randy is rough over the holidays, imagine him 2 9 dollar beers in and screaming at Matt Wallner to dive for literally every ball hit in the outfield that finds grass.
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