MLB Notes: Minnesota to show off outdoor ballpark
With the All-Star Game coming to the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Twins see it as a way to distract from another tough season.
In some ways, it’s a referendum on the success of outdoor baseball in the chilly north country and the first chance 5-year-old Target Field has had to take center stage.
The Twins’ new urban jewel of a ballpark opened in 2010 but has hosted only one postseason series. So team officials are looking forward to putting the ballpark – and yes, the weather – on display.
“One of the greatest things about All-Star week is it’s going to be a showcase for the nation that this isn’t necessarily the ice box 12 months of the year that people think it is,” Twins President Dave St. Peter said. “That we have maybe arguably the best weather in the country for three or four months out of the year. That’s what will be on display on Tuesday.”
“We believe as long as this baseball team is competitive, which we haven’t been the last three years, outdoor baseball will not only survive, but it will thrive in Minnesota.”
The Twins spent 28 seasons at the Metrodome. So when the Twins secured public funding for a new ballpark and declined to design it with a retractable roof, concern came from far and wide.
The Twins moved inside in 1982 to a ballpark designed more for football than baseball. And while it sure was nice to step inside on a chilly October evening, trudging in under the big white roof on one of those precious, sunny June nights was as demoralizing as an April snowstorm.
“Minnesota in the summer is the most beautiful place in the world,” former Twins pitcher Frank Viola said. “Why do I want to go indoors when it’s 80 degrees and sunny out?”
Segura leaves team after son’s death
Milwaukee shortstop Jean Segura is returning home to the Dominican Republic after the death of his 9-month old son.
The team broke the news to Segura on Friday. He was placed on the bereavement list Saturday.
Segura’s mother attended Friday’s game and told several of the wives of Brewers players, who then told Segura.
Clearing the bases
Miami right-hander Henderson Alvarez will replace Washington’s Jordan Zimmermann on the National League’s roster for Tuesday’s All-Star game. Zimmermann left Friday night’s start against Philadelphia after 3 1/3 innings because of a right biceps injury. … The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Nolan Reimold on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf and recalled outfielder Anthony Gose from Triple-A Buffalo. Reimold was hurt running the bases in Friday night’s game with the Rays.