Twins try to sign Jones, Kubel plays key roll

From the Seats, December 21, 2004

MINNEAPOLIS - Another 11:00 PM CST deadline glooms over the Twins. This one is a deadline to sign Jacque Jones and Louis Rivas. If not signed or Terry Ryan can tender their contracts and they will be free agents and able to sign with other clubs.

When Jason Kubel went down with his injury it made things difficult for the Twins. Do they sign Jones? If Kibel does not get injured than that answer is pretty easy, no. But with him out for the year it is a little more difficult. Jones has said he wont take much of a pay cut.

Hunter has said he is disappointed with the departure of his teammates. If they are indeed so disappointed about teammates leaving or being traded why don't they take the pay cut? If it is so important to them that the team stays together than why don't they take less? Brad Radke did it.

Hunter and others can say they are upset about it, but that doesn't mean much to me until they take action.

If Jones can be signed for less than it is a good move. If Jones is going to demand $6 million or around there than I say let him go and we can pick up other free agents.

UPDATE: Jones signs 1 year deal

From the Seats, December 20, 2004 - 11:11 PM CST

MINNEAPOLIS - Jacque Jones signs a 1 year deal with the Twins worth $5 million Monday. The Twins also signed Michael Ryan and Matt Gurrier to one year deals.

The Twins offered arbitration to Johan Santana, Carlos Silva, Kyle Lohse and J.C. Romero. Ryan has said he will try to work on a multi year deal for Santana.

My take on this, the Twins took the right step today by signing Jones. This will be good for him and the Twins. If Kubel is ready in a year I would assume we than will see the departure of Jones. But this way we keep another veteran and others have been offered arbitration.

Vikings Christmas Eve start causing problems

MINNEAPOLIS - The Vikings and football are not a very welcome topic here, I don't like the sport or the team. But the Christmas Eve game scheduled to start at 2:00 PM against Green Bay is causing some problems. Some churches have canceled afternoon services.

Here is a very, very simple solution that makes everyone happy. Tape the game and watch it Christmas day. That was tuff.