Kermit-astic, RV, Morph and Gil Peoria Pride Jim Thome Sploogefest

[J. Walter Weatherman]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4762/news;_ylt=AlFCoz4BModsVqlIbdfvdM6FCLcF

Jul 24 Thome is in the Twins' starting lineup Sunday, one day after sitting in deference to Jason Kubel, the Star Tribune's La Velle E. Neal III reports.

Recommendation: Even at 87 years old, Thome is still among the Twins' better hitters.

[R-V]

I bet he ate sliced pizza from Little Caesar's instead of strips from Agatucci's while he was in town.

Wednesday's visit marked Ricketts first visit to Peoria but the chairman had heard nothing but positives about the Chiefs. Peoria's player development contract with the Cubs expires after next season, but it will probably be extended.

"I think the Chiefs have a good relationship with the Cubs," Ricketts said. "I don't know the terms of the deal, but I consider them a great partner."

Contracts with minor league affiliates must fall under Todd's column on the Chart of Responsibilities.

Chiefs manager Casey Kopitzke played in the Cubs system when the Tribune Co. owned the team. The night-and-day difference is apparent because of Ricketts' interest in learning the about how the organization works.

"Without a doubt," Kopitzke said. "One of the feelings you get is that there is somebody that has a plan and a message. It's really neat to have him here with us."

The plan: retain Oneiri Fleita at all costs.

While Ricketts was fairly expansive in talking about the farm system, questions expressly about the status of general manager Jim Hendry and the recently passed trade deadline were deemed off limits. He turned guarded when asked about any possible changes for next season

"I don't know just yet," Ricketts said. "It's something we'll decide at the right time."

I'll leave it to Yeti to tell us what this means for Hendry's future.

[Saul Goodman]

I bet he ate sliced pizza from Little Caesar's instead of strips from Agatucci's while he was in town.

Wednesday's visit marked Ricketts first visit to Peoria but the chairman had heard nothing but positives about the Chiefs. Peoria's player development contract with the Cubs expires after next season, but it will probably be extended.

"I think the Chiefs have a good relationship with the Cubs," Ricketts said. "I don't know the terms of the deal, but I consider them a great partner."

Contracts with minor league affiliates must fall under Todd's column on the Chart of Responsibilities.

Genius businessmen like Tom don't have time for boring contracts. Also it's cute how Kopitzke sucks up to the boss. We finally have the answer why they haven't won the World Series in so many years: no message.

[Saul Goodman]

DPD.  JI
JIM THOME hits #600.