Congratulations to Darin Mastroianni

For anyone that knows and understands the business of baseball, this is a good thing, way to go D!

Best of luck!

Thanks 20dad and TPM - Hopefully 2012 will be a little less frustrating for D than 2011 was.

ITS

sit back relax and grab another bag of seeds


give me a call today if you get the chance

ITS I am buying the seeds and suds when he comes to fenway--- it will be great to see my " adoppted son again"

Very exciting... I am so looking forward to seeing Darin play in person!

Julie

its, I would be guessing that DFA news was pretty welcome in your house.
More solid evidence that in Milb, players are competing for 30 teams, not one.
Congratulations to Darin on opening this door and having his play create this opportunity.

Infielddad,

To answer your question - Yes - we were thrilled and really appreciative that Toronto did what they did.
They did waste a year of his - but it is business. Just the way it goes. You can either suck it up and keep going or quit.

It is fascinating once you are immersed in it.

We knew D was dead in Toronto last spring. He went into spring training - after his best year (including All Star season in AA and hitting .360 in Venezuela in the off season) and he got 16 at bats in MLB spring training. That was that - he was a dead man. End of story.

Then he got put on the 40-man - in his case - a death knell. Just controlling him - someone who has value but not in their plans - so they keep control until they can deal for value.

In 2011 - he went AAA - AA then AAA then AA then AAA then 1 day in MLB then AAA. Basically a nightmare - barely could remember where his car was parked.

Regardless - we are glad that they finally let him go so he could pursue other opportunities.

And the roller coaster ride continues - and so far - we havent puked yet. - And neither has he.

quote:

Originally posted by itsinthegame:
They did waste a year of his - but it is business. Just the way it goes. You can either suck it up and keep going or quit.

It is fascinating once you are immersed in it.

I hear ya, people just don't realize, it's a business and it's a pretty tough one at that.

quote:

And the roller coaster ride continues - and so far - we havent puked yet. - And neither has he.

Good quote! I can honestly imagine either D or you getting motion sickness after all the ups and downs. But I think he is in a good place this season!!!

Julie

quote:

Originally posted by itsinthegame:
Infielddad,

To answer your question - Yes - we were thrilled and really appreciative that Toronto did what they did.
They did waste a year of his - but it is business. Just the way it goes. You can either suck it up and keep going or quit.

We knew D was dead in Toronto last spring. He went into spring training - after his best year (including All Star season in AA and hitting .360 in Venezuela in the off season) and he got 16 at bats in MLB spring training. That was that - he was a dead man. End of story.

Then he got put on the 40-man - in his case - a death knell. Just controlling him - someone who has value but not in their plans - so they keep control until they can deal for value.

In 2011 - he went AAA - AA then AAA then AA then AAA then 1 day in MLB then AAA. Basically a nightmare - barely could remember where his car was parked.

Regardless - we are glad that they finally let him go so he could pursue other opportunities.

And the roller coaster ride continues - and so far - we havent puked yet. - And neither has he.

WOW, it is hard to understand this. I always suspected such things and wondered how they play out.

My son is at home right now packing and getting ready to head out to his first spring training camp. So much hope and anticipation! Then you read what your son has expereinced and realize probably happens to some players every year. It is a mighty good thing that "you" (we) develop a love and committment for the game to get through such experiences.

On the same team too, by the way. I will certainly be watching and CHEERING for the twins and your son Darren this year!!

Good luck!!

Thanks Al MA - and wishing your son the best as well!

Still peek in occasionally, its............

Best wishes for D.

It's a long, long road...........

FO - as always - thanks for the good thoughts!!!

Its,

Been forever and a day since I've posted, but I couldn't resist when I found out Darren made it to the bigs (and is doing quite well). Home run off of one of Josh's buddies (Hochevar).

Major League KUDO's!! Just what we need, more paisan's in the show!! Whooo Hoooo!!

Darin continues to give me and my fellow Twins fans a lot to cheer about!

So far in tonight's game he has 3 hits (1 HR) and 3 RBIs against Detroit. Batting average now .299! This young man can hit, and he can fly.



Julie

P.S. As I finish typing this, our announcer is screaming about Darin's fantastic diving catch to rob Prince Fielder of a line drive hit to RF with 2 runners on, 0 outs. He can play a little defense, too.

Love watching Darin's post-game interview. The announcers commented several times on it being a career night for Darin with his combination of offense and defense. As always, Darin is calm and modest, focusing on helping the team win in whatever role is asked of him, and playing "today and tomorrow", not thinking too far ahead.


Julie

P.S. From Gardy's post game comments:
"We love him." "When they sent him up here from AAA they told us he was their most exciting baseball player, and I agree 100%."

Congrats!!!

He's a fine young ball player, and his catch was actually featured on sportscenter's top 10 plays last night!