I’ve never been to TwinsFest, and I’m not a big autograph hound, but a chance to get together with other internet/twitter/blogger Twins fans at the dome to drink beer and talk baseball seemed to good to pass up, so I’m leaving warm sunny Seattle (I know, you’re shocked, but sometimes the sun does come out here in Seattle) to head to Minnesota to visit with family and friends, but mostly to talk baseball with people who know far more about the game than me. I’m excited, did I mention that yet?

Twins related news and notes from the minor leagues

If you haven’t stopped over to Twins Daily to read about the meet-up Saturday night, I encourage you to take a look, and there will be free beer until the keg runs dry, and what’s better than baseball talk and FREE BEER?

Whether you’re a TwinsFest veteran or a newbie like myself, check out K-Bro’s Baseball Blog for a list of 10 things to do and see while you’re visiting the dome. I also encourage you to print out a copy of the schedule and map to keep handy while you’re walking around the dome relieving old memories and making new ones.

If you’re a regular reader here on the Pond you know that I have an affinity for the minor league guys, prospects and minor league veterans alike.  I forsee myself posting up near autograph station 6to get my copy of Seth Stoh’s prospect handbook signed by the prospects who will be around, and BONUS all those guys are signing for free, no wristband lottery required! I’m especially excited to get a chance to see so many of the Twins top prospects in one place over the weekend since I will not be able to get down to spring training this year. I’m looking forward to seeing what Oswaldo Arcia, Miguel Sano, Kyle Gibson and so many of the Twins top prospects look like in person, up close and personal. New Twins minor leaguers Ryan Pressly, Trevor May and Alex Meyer will also be on hand, so feast your eyes on the new guys in the system as well.

The hardest part of this trip for me was deciding which jerseys I would be bringing along for the weekend.  Friday I’ll be sporting my throw back powder blue Kirby Puckett jersey (and a name tag with my Twitter handle (@BaseballPirate), Saturday I’ll be immitating Corey Koskie and Sunday Mike Redmond; if you see me walking around please say hello, I really look forward to talking baseball with anyone and everyone around. It should be a lot of fun.  I hope to see many of you there.

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