The Minnesota Twins took their first (somewhat) significant step toward shoring up their depleted bullpen, signing former Twin Taylor Rogers to a 1-year, $2-million deal on Thursday. With the annual TwinsFest celebration happening this weekend, some in team leadership are concerned that things might get out of hand.
“There’s definitely some worry that the fans might go overboard in their revelry, like Woodstock ’99,” said a source close to the Pohlad ownership group. “We signed a reliever they’ve heard of. And he used to be one of us. They might become feral.
“Do we need extra security? Taylor Rogers Fever is a real phenomenon.”
While no longer the All-Star he once was, Rogers likely slides into a setup role, and he could close. It’s unknown if he will appear at TwinsFest for media appearances, autograph signings, or meet-and-greets.
The team doesn’t want to take any chances.
“Put simply, the fans need to understand that just because we’ve finally done exactly what they’ve wanted, it’s no reason to be boisterous or rowdy,” said another source familiar with the Pohlads’ thinking. “If they run roughshod over Target Field or attempt to hoist TC Bear on their shoulders, it could end in tragedy. TC Bear’s struggles with anxiety and personal space are well-documented.”
TwinsFest takes place on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, at Target Field. The only previous example of unruly behavior at the long-running festival was at the adjacent 2022 Winter Meltdown, when the now-shuttered Pourhouse was unable to satisfy Star Tribune journalist Phil Miller’s request for a decent, full-flavored hazy IPA. His shirtless tirade was deemed “colorful” and “remarkably profane, even for a sportswriter” by witnesses.
“After the Miller incident, we simply can’t take chances,” said the source. “We know the (Winter) Meltdown audience is mostly freaks, baseball perverts, and communists, but what if that seeps into the family-oriented TwinsFest? We’re on high alert.”
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