Under the new CBA, do you envision more guys turning down baseball and giving it “a shot” in other sports? And why don’t the Twins give more money to a guy like Decker in a later round and Blake Dean a year or two ago in round 10 to convince them to sign? Is it now too late for that.?… (it was nice to get Malinowski signed)

I found your blog a year or so ago and have enjoyed it. I am actually from Omaha, NE but am a Twins fan because my grandparents live in MN and I was actually staying with them at age 7 during the ’91 WS.

I’ve been listening to your podcast now too and my opinion on the one or two-part is if they go over 1:15 or so you should break them up. I have to listen to your 90 minute ones in two sessions anyway.

QUESTION FOR PODCAST (I don’t have Twitter…I know, so 2005 of me): What do you think of Brian Duensing’s future? Reliever or starter, etc?

As you know, Duensing is from Omaha and played his college ball at Nebraska, and his college career has actually paralleled his majors career. From what I remember, he first flourished as a long reliever mostly on Sundays bailing out the always poor no.3 starters before being finally given a starting role when our ace went down and some success there. He then had TJ surgery and missed most of 2 yrs but then in ’05 started only part of the year as Joba Chamberlain was our ace. He actually wasn’t successful enough as a started and ended being a long reliever, a role in which he was very good. I guess I said all that to say that the major league Duensing repeated that cycle but without the injury. He initially had success as a starter but now struggled in 2011. I think he’ll be better as a reliever in the 6th/7th innings especially getting out lefties. Thoughts?

Will lose more then 90 games?
The Closer will be a in house candidate?
The 1st baseman in June will be Justin Morneau?
Joe Mauer catches 82 or more games?
Scott Baker throws at least 100 innings?
Ben Revere steals 40 plus bases?
Denard Span gets 250 plus at bats, for the Twins?
Drew Butera is the everyday catcher for the Red Wings?
Nishioka is the star utility player for the Red Wings?
Trevor Plouffe hits 20 plus homers?
G&G groupie count reaches 5?
100 plus Beers consumed by Geek in 2012 during podcasts?
Gleeman explores the reaches of the eastern suburbs for one podcast?
Under 15 players called up from Rochester, pre Sept call ups?
Position of greatest need in the organization, starting pitcher,relief pitcher, shortstop, catcher, or something else.

Obligatory Mauer slam,

I am watching League of their Own right now. Dottie Henson was a helluva catcher. Tall, Great arm, called a good game, durable, power, hits for average, works the count and looks good in a skirt. Reminds me of Mauer except for the parts about power and durable.

That was total fail by the local media.