This weekend's series versus Minnesota should prove to be a good one. The Twins are trying to stay competitive in the wild-card race since their division rivals, the Chicago White Sox, have run away with the Central title.

The Twins are a good team too. They have youth (only one everyday player is over 31 - newly acquired Brett Boone and only one starter, Brad Radke is over 30). They have speed (Torii Hunter has 23 stolen bases this year and three others will be in double digits before the end of the year: Mauer, Jones and Stewart). They have power (four players already are in double digits and three others will be). They have pitching, lead by 2004 Cy Young winner Johan Santana. And they have relief (Joe Nathan had 44 saves last year and has 28 so far in 2005). All in all a well-balanced team.

Add all that up and this team should be good for a few years to come. If they can stay together. They will put up a heck of a fight against the Sox.

The Sox are a little in disarray. It must be the trade winds blowing around Fenway Park.

First you have all the regular talk about Millar, Mueller and the pitching discussions. And according to ProJo.com, Theo is looking for trade opportunities.

And a story in today's Portland Press Herald confirms that Manny wants out.

You had to be expecting this. I mean, geez, the guy needs a little break around the All Star Game or the trading deadline. A reality check. I hate hearing from a malcontent - especially one making $200-million-dollars.

Manny, believe me, the Red Sox would trade you they could. But no team is going to pay $20 million a year. So you are stuck on the championship club.

This whole business about privacy is a joke. Yes, Manny you are a celebrity living in Boston - the Ritz no less - and as such will be noticed on the street. Get over it.

If you want more privacy, move the heck out of the city. Get yourself over to Lynnfield, Mass. with all the other celebs. They don't seem to be bothered in that region. Besides there are plenty of other gated communities you could go, where the riff-raff, err, your fans, will be shuffled off. Better yet, move way out to rural USA. You make enough money to chopper your butt to the park everyday.

Don't get me wrong, I like him, but only when he's just smiling.

It would all make more sense if you were a mere online producer working long hours in front of computer, bug-eyed, needing to pay the bills.

By the way, I wouldn't be too surprised if Minnesota and the Sox make a trade this weekend, while the Twins are in town. Anyone remember how/when Doug Mientkiewicz was acquired?

E-mail this entry to a friend