In Minneapolis, Jim Souhan wrote Twins officials have “worried” that Minneapolis' reputation as a “place where violent crime is commonplace is keeping outstate and out-of-state fans away.” Souhan: “If you don't want to go to a Twins game because of their hitting approach, that's understandable. If you don't want to go to a Twins game because you fear for your life, you are ignoring the experiences of a lot of people who live and play here.” For a Twins game, you can “park in a ramp, walk into the stadium and never venture into downtown” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/2).
NOT YOUR PAPI'S RED SOX: In Boston, Dan Shaughnessy wrote the Red Sox have “become the Minnesota Twins.” Shaughnessy: “Middle-market team. Middle-market payroll. Little star power. Forever .500 or worse.” Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom’s anonymous roster “didn’t register a blip in All-Star fan voting” (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/30).
FRESH FACE: In Cleveland, Terry Pluto wrote the Guardians’ new deal with Marathon Oil for a uniform patch “doesn’t bother me.” Pluto: “I like it a little better than the Guardian baseball logo with wings” (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 7/1).
