Cup of Coffee

January 2, 2020: Relativity

20 Comments

One fun thing to consider is, say you’re walking back to your seat after a bathroom trip on a bullet train. If that train is going, let’s assume at least 150mph, that means you’re walking 153mph. Take that, Usain!

20 thoughts on “January 2, 2020: Relativity”

    1. Interesting stuff. As a former journalist I go back and forth about the legitimacy of blogs as journalism.

      1. I like the aspect of transparency with these services (police, fire), but it seems like there is a built-in factor of "cover-your-buddy" in all of it. Military 'esprit de corps' etc.

  2. Good morning! Since I realize not a lot of citizens may have seen my LTE last night with a suggested new feature, please take a look and let me know any thoughts you have. (And thanks for your support, CH!)

    1. Not sure I'd have enough to write a whole post on, but I'd be definitely active int he comments

    1. I appreciated Gleeman's take on The Athletic. Basically, "since they failed to do better, which is frustrating to both us fans and the front office, these were at least intelligent signings. And also, they should go sign a big name still, for at least some position."

      1. Yeah, it's not so much that these are bad signings as a feeling of "Is that all there is?" If what we have is what we go into the season with, then either a couple of guys are going to have to take a substantial step forward or Rocco's going to have to get creative with openers, bullpen games, etc. Which could work,possibly, but it also means that Rochester-to-Minnesota shuttle is probably going to get even more of a workout than it has in the last few years.

    2. I feel fine with the rotation in the regular season, honestly. The depth will be great, and I don't think these signings should prevent them from making a trade before or during the season. I think they need a better pitcher to truly make a run in the playoffs.

      I'm fine with the signings but I'm still waiting for that other shoe to drop...

    3. I don't see how they're much worse than they were a year ago. The lineup is pretty much the same with Arraez playing full time for the entire year and Garver being the primary catcher and Sano presumably healthy from the start. The bullpen should be good if not great and much better than when it started a year ago since they'll have a full year of Romo and have added Clippard plus the experience the rookies got and the experience Duffey got with his new repertoire and role. If the Twins weather the early months missing Pineda and Hill, then Hill and Bailey should more than adequately replace Gibson and Perez. As for the division, I feel like the Indians took a step back and might end up trading Lindor at the trade deadline if the Twins can build a lead. The White Sox are the only team in the division to definitely improve, but I don't see them getting 20+ games better, so 90+ wins could easily be enough to win the division. If the Twins can land Donaldson or trade for Arrenado or Kris Bryant, then they could possibly put themselves in position to host a first-round series since the AL East and West are much improved so it won't be as much a cakewalk for the Astros and Yankees.

  4. A few trends as I read through off season articles and comment sections:

    The ChiSox are the class of the division already. Just ask any White Sox fan. Their rotation is amazing!! Please... they will be better, but not 30 wins better.

    Cleveland is being under estimated and overlooked. I still think they win 87 to 93 wins.

    Lots of people assume the Twins offense is due to regress. Yes, a few guys have had career years but we had 2/3 of a season for Sano, 1/2 a season of Buck. If MLB deadens the ball, our power numbers will regress, but so will the rest of the league. Along with a slick fielding 3rd Baseman that pushes Sano to first, I would like to see a lefty mashing 2nd Baseman to platoon with Arraez. We will score lots of runs regardless of other moves. I feel pretty good on bullpen. Would have loved to seen an impact starter signed, but honestly I think after Stras and Cole there was no one who would have been placed above our top 2 in the rotation. Could be wrong on Wheeler but jury is out if he will take a big step forward. I don't think he will.

    As currently constructed, my over under on this team for 2020 is 93 wins. Barring major injury, the floor is 89. Cieling if all goes as expected 97.

    1. I think the White Sox will improve and the Indians will drop off a bit.

      I agree on your pitching opinions. Other than the big two free agent pitchers, the others just didn't move the needle. I really like the Rich Hill signing. 10-15 starts from a guy like that are better than 25-30 starts from a lesser pitcher.

  5. Looking at the Gophers schedule next year for football. It looks even easier than this year. They don't play Ohio State or Penn State. Their first Big Ten game is home against Iowa and they play at Wisconsin in early October. The Badgers don't play Ohio State or Penn State as well, so that early October game could decide the division title once again. The only real difference in schedule for the two teams is Wisconsin plays Indiana and the Gophers play Michigan State. Based on their records this season, advantage Gophers, but traditionally, Michigan State has been the better team.

    1. Since they plan football seasons so far out in advance, I looked way ahead. In '22, the Gophers' final 2 games are Penn St. and Wisconsin. In '23, it's Ohio St. and Wisconsin.

    2. That's a really weak non-conference schedule next year, even for the Gophers: Florida Atlantic, Tennessee Tech, and BYU. Woof.

Comments are closed.