KFAN Rube Chat

Twins commentary has suddenly become on the old local Twins radio station, now that the team has left that frequency? Amazing courage under no pressure....

Because nobody on the staff at KFAN has never lobbed softball questions at Childress or other Vikings' during the station's tenure as the radio home of the purple. And you, and all your fraudulant-self, have never moderated your tone when a guest, like say Joel Maturi is kind enough to appear on your program?  Give me a break.

In all your spare time, not that you are only a blogger and a bloviating blowhard and not a full-time journalist, maybe you might want to squeeze in a few business courses over at the U or your local community college and learn the finer points of product differentiation.  

Not everyone desires to listen to or read the product you produce. It's really OK to cultivate a different style of programming. Perhaps one faux raving lunatic,  blowhard is enough for this market? You filled a niche. Great. And maybe it's not your or my cup 'o tea, but I fail to see how taking a shot in your blog is good professional decorum.  I'm not sure why you even care?

And on a lighter note...

It's true that KFAN is a little biased towards the Minnesota Vikings, but they do advertise themselves as "Your Vikings Radio Network".  Paul Allen is like a walking conflict of interest--part blowhard, part Clear Channel, part Winter Park spokesman.  But my favorite time to listen to that program (back when my schedule allowed me to) was on Mondays after a Vikings loss.  P.A.'s a homer a lot of the time, but I think he's a fan first and foremost, and his frustration with the local squad overrides his homerism often enough to offer "balance."  Anyway, it's easy for KFAN callers and guys like Common (who doesn't have guests, or really talk to any important sports figures for that matter) to expect on-air personalities to savage people all the time, but I think the average KFAN listener understands that you take a more respectful tone with a person when you're interviewing them one-on-one than you would in a Sunday Sermon, for example.

I'll admit that Torii almost started making sense when he was breaking down the economics of Black players vs. Latino players.  But to constantly fixate on vast racial conspiracies compromises his credibility and obscures the larger point, which is that there simply isn't as much interest amongst black players in playing baseball.  Saying that economics is the whole reason why blacks don't play ball anymore is like saying "9/11 is the SOLE reason the airline companies are struggling financially" (It's ONE of the reasons, but their are much greater ones)  And apparently, Torii must think that white HS and college kids are too ignorant to negotiate huge signing bonuses too, otherwise, why wasn't he complaining about how "whites were being forced" out of the game as well?  Economics matters, but it works both ways: If you can play, someone will pay you to do it, REGARDLESS of your race or ethnicity.  Torii's a good guy, but he needs to quit acting like the $10 million dollar martyr.

Black players won't be 'gone from baseball in 10 years', but it's very possible that black 'role players' will be.  Obviously, the most talented of the most talented is going to get taken early and paid, no matter what their race is.  But lets say you've got a great, black, American athlete who is just graduated from high school.  He's got talent in baseball, but is not a sure thing.  So he gets drafted in the 25th round and offered 7500 bucks to sign to ride a minor league bus for 5 years, with only a slim chance of ever making the majors.  Or he's got an offer on the table to play football or basketball at a major college.  Which  would you choose?  I think it's pretty obvious.  

Now take a young kid from the Dominican Republic or Venuzeala. He has similar talent to the American kid. Potential, but no sure thing.  A scout sees him and offers him the same 7500 bucks for a chance to go to America and get a shot, no matter how slim, of playing major league baseball.  Or he can be a poor farmer living in poverty.  Which would you choose?  I think it's pretty obvious.  

Love the great 'quick hits' today, Dan!

The lead item has to be the observation that 'CCO suddenly is going harder on the Twins.  This actually started towards the end of last season, after the Good Neighbor lost the bidding war and pretty much told us it was all Pohlad's fault.  Then you began hearing things from Mike Max that you didn't think possible--questioning the way the man at the top spends his money.  Ironic, in a sense, since it was the Good Neighbor that went cheap in its hopes of retaining the Twins.

Full disclosure requires the observation that the FAN has mercilessly ripped the Wolves during the '06-'07 season.  Barreiro isn't part of this scheme, because he would rip the Wolves with our without KFAN's partnership...but let's just say others among the FAN lineup, including one who may have actually called the team's games, were singing a slightly different tune this year.  Granted you could argue the Wolves were more rippable this year than ever, but don't tell me this McHale disaster only came to fruition this year--it's been going on forever and we know it.

Can't wait for the 4:40 ode to Hank...at this point Selig would be the ultimate fraud if he decided to turn the record-breaking homerun into a celebration...his silence on the issue (combined with Hank's stance) speaks volumes.  I know he's been ripped a lot for it as being someone unwilling to take a stand, but I, for one, think he's on the right track with this one; so long as he doesn't pull another All-Star game tie by doing a 180 on the bit when the day comes.  

As far as the "baseball code", we get it Dan, you don't like baseball.  I know it's inconvenient because the popularity of baseball is no longer below the dreaded NHL scale, but if you can't handle that guys are going to get beaned, and players are going to take issue, sometimes even over silly stuff, then I guess you better stick to football where a player can level another player on any given play for no apparent reason.

Finally, Chili and the crew better fix the fact that Moss and Daunte both are in need of new homes this offseason, meanwhile, our 'kick a$$ offense' hasn't been the same since they left.

I love how I'm told I can't hate the NBA but just about everyday I get a new reason to hate MLB???
Lew said:
"I know it's inconvenient because the popularity of baseball is no longer below the dreaded NHL scale..."
I would also add to that below the NBA scale as well. I guess it depends on whos ox is being gored when it comes to what sports to love and hate...

On Bonds... he may not break the record, I know he went deep lastnight, on a pathetic swing, but did anyone see him in left field??? Knees gettin a little rickety???

Awesome blog entry, Dan.

Bringing Jerry Schiting back is nothing more than comic relief from a franchise that has provided that way too often in their history. I have no idea what is even funnier. Bringing Schiting back or bringing Ed Prosofsky to be the Lynx assistant caoch. It's funny since the two coaches provide zero value to the team. The only thing good about Ed is that he gives gatorade cups to his players and as for Jerry, well all he does is say nothing which is why it's very interesting that he is back. All of what is missing is Flip coming back for his second tenure to coach the team, which could happen in a couple of years once his contract at Detroit expires. The only reason Flip is still coaching them is because Pistons owner Bill Davidson is not going to pay him to sit at home so he will coach them to be mediocre.

One interesting note about Schiting. I went to see the Wolves three years ago at the Continental Airlines Arena, where the Nets play. That was when McHale was coaching the team. I was observing Schiting and the rest of the assistant coaches. I notice the only assistant coach that seemed to be proactive was Witt when he was talking to McHale about timeouts, substitiutions, and strategies. Schiting just looked clueless. He did not say much. He was standing like a mummy out there. So that'S all you need to know about Jerry.

As for point guard, I hope they get Conley. He and Foye would make a great duo at the guard position. Why do I get the feeling Joakim Noah will be a Timberwolf on draft day especially with the way Captain Clueless (Wittman) was raving about him to Patrick Reusse the otehr day.

It's startling to see not many African-Americans in baseball, but to me, it goes in cycles.  Eventually, the sport will be back with them. I am not that concerned about the future of baseball without them.

Daunte? It's sad to see his career being deteroriated like this with his knees not holding up and him acting like a petulant child.

...but I think the average KFAN listener understands that you take a more respectful tone with a person when you're interviewing them one-on-one than you would in a Sunday Sermon, for example.


When anyone else moderates their tone they are called a fraud.  I'm just tired of the whole schtick and how easy it is to be a big tough guy behind the microphone and then a shrinking violet when the person is being interviewed.

MNSportsFanatic -

You truly are an idiot, why would you even post something on this?  If I understand you correctly, you know all about how bad a coach Jerry "Schiting" is (i'm not sure if you misspelled it like the dumb^&%@ you are or made a really poor attempt at humor) because you once watched from afar his body language?   Here's your direct quote:

"One interesting note about Schiting. I went to see the Wolves three years ago at the Continental Airlines Arena, where the Nets play. That was when McHale was coaching the team. I was observing Schiting and the rest of the assistant coaches. I notice the only assistant coach that seemed to be proactive was Witt when he was talking to McHale about timeouts, substitiutions, and strategies. Schiting just looked clueless. He did not say much. He was standing like a mummy out there. So that'S all you need to know about Jerry. "

So let me get this straight...how is that an interesting note?  Were you in the huddle listening to all of the so-called 'proactive' moves by Wittman?  Wittman's advice must've really hit the spot because we all know how well he's done as a head coach.  Are you trying to say that sichting was un-interested in a game @ continental airlines arena, where there were about 5,000 people in attendance and not one of the players gave a flying $%#&?  Good for him, i say...The fact is, you have no idea how to coach or what makes a good coach in the NBA besides seeing their body langauage.  I bet you know way more than Sichting, the Indiana State basketball hall of famer and former Celtic world champion.  You can't blame assistant coaches for being given this s***ty team by the front office, got get a life.

Larry Ano-
This is a quote from MN on APril 19th, right after the Wolves season ended, and ended in shame may I add.

"Timberwolves? Screw em. I just hope this franchise continue to fail since I hate them. "

He's a fair weather fan who promotes his own blog on this blig, brags that he's some sort of writer. He just dosen't get it. He's been savaged time after time and coninues to post on this blog. He's a gluten for punishment. Go read Dans blog from last Friday, titled "Return of the Chosen One" if you want to see just what an idiot this guy is...

Dan,

The Wolves cannot take Mike Conley, Jr. Even if they have trades in mind for some of their guards, you do not take another guard in the draft.

You do not give up on Randy Foye as a point guard after one season. Especially after a season in which he was never truly given the keys to the car. Also, as Sludge pointed out, if you average out his stats per 48 minutes, his stats are very comparable to Brandon Roy. With the work ethic this kid has, you have to give him a full year of running the show to see if he can really make it as a point guard.

I think it's a bad sign when blog comments are actually longer than the blog itself. Are we really bashing Barreiro on his interviewing? Homersota.com (that should say it all) depicts our "great" media sports talking heads. The only thing wrong with Barreiro's interviews is his "...long-winded questions that he already answers within the question, but just wants the guest to agree with him"...I heard that on the Common Man progrum from an emailer...it's dead on.

Stephen,

Draft Brewer.
If gone already, draft Conley.  Move Foye to his natural position of SG.  Start Conley and Foye.  

Foye is NOT a PG.  I wish they would stop forcing it on him.  He can play some PG, but he should not be the primary ballhandler.

So, between Conley, Foye, McCants and Smith...you want to have the smallest team in the NBA? How does that solve any of the rebounding issues?

Ummm it doesn't.  Conley has the potential to be a Chris Paul type.  The Wolves could sorely use someone like him running the point rather than Foye.   McCants sucks and we should get rid of him in a salary dump along with a terrible contract, for a big man if at all possible.  It's not my fault our lineup is so mismanaged and terrible.  

I'm just saying if Brewer is gone I wouldn't pass up Conley if he is there because of the guys we already have on our team.  Here's my draft order (subject to change)

Brewer
Horford
B. Wright
Yiiiiiiiiiiii
Conley

If those guys are ALL taken (and they very well could be) then take Conley.  If any of them are still available, take em.  Makes sense to me.

(For fun, here's how I would keep going)

J. Green
Noah
J. Wright
Hawes

That's 7 guys.  At least 2 of them will be available come pick number 7.

What makes you think Conley has the potential to be a Chris Paul type one year out of high school? I do like Conley, but he has just as many question marks surrounding him as Foye does.

Is he mature enough to run the show in the NBA one year out of high school?
Is his very small stature going to cause him to take longer to adjust to the NBA game then most?
Can he even play when he doesn't have Oden to drop the ball to? LOL.

But, you are right...if any of those other guys are there, you take them.

(We should be debating this in the forums on TWolvesblog, a far better avenue btw... feel free to make a post, I'll respond and I'm sure others would as well...)

Anyhow, I've seen well over a dozen of his games last season.  I should have added that he could be a Chris Paul type with some time.  I didn't mean that he would come in right off the bat and make a huge impact, my mistake.  However, we have a decent young nucleus.  Conley with those guys could grow and gel together.  Give Conley 2 or 3 years and I think you will see the makings of a great NBA Point Guard.  Seeing as how Oden was injured the first part of the year, and then when he was back he was in foul trouble quite a bit.  Conley was a constant throughout all those times.  So yeah, I think he "can play" without having Oden on his team, lol.  And dude, he would have KG.  You can't tell me KG isn't as good an option for Conley to dish too......

I'm  in the minority but I was a huge Daunte guy when he was with the Purple, all the way to the end.

That said, he's acted like an idiot ever since the injury.

He needs to hire an agent and stop sending those ridiculous e-mails.   Unfortunately I think the fork is in him.  I don't think he's headstrong enough to bounce back from this latest mess he's found himself in.  He cares what other people think and the way he's being perceievd nationally is at an all-time low.

The Conley pick makes sense.  I would hate to see Garnett go if we do pick Conley since a rock-solid prototypical PG is exactly what he needs.  (you could make the argument it's what the whole team needs)

Sheffield is a jerk.  I'm a huge GQ guy, it's my favorite magazine and he wasted several pages of it with that uninformed, nonsensical garbage .

I'm tired of these Bondsie cheap shots.

I want Conley, but really think that he will be gone.  He attacks the paint like Tony Parker only Conley might be quicker and faster.  And if we end up with Noah, please please make him cut his mop!  

For Homers on the radio: See Green Bay, WI.  
I was a Viking fan living in Wisconsin until about 6 months ago.   The Twin Cities doesn't even compare to the blind homerism in GB, all because they own some inconsequential share of the team.