Target Field

So, the Twins, aside from making me throw my TV through the window, today unveiled the name for their new ballpark: Target Field.

Now, it's obviously not perfect. I would have preferred some non-corporate name like Puckett Park or Killebrew Field or something like that. But it's the 21st century, so I'll be realistic. In light of these circumstances, I actually think Target Field is a pretty good name. I mean, Target is a Minnesota company and seems to do a lot of good work in terms of philanthropy and all that jazz. Additionally, it doesn't have the seedy/creepy/weird vibe of Wal-Mart, K-Mart, or other comparable retailers. I mean, Target, in comparison with other department stores, is kind of like a bottle of fine French wine standing in a field of Franzia. Plus their grocery wing sells delicious salsa.

Some other names I heard bandied about were Best Buy Ballpark and Land O' Lakes Field. I'll go on the record and say that dual name parks in MLB are not a good idea. The former Pac Bell Park in San Francisco? Forgettable. The former Minute Maid Park in Houston or wherever? Not a good idea. Seriously, we should maybe thank Target. Best Buy Ballpark sounds like some sort of juvenile tongue twister while Land O' Lakes Field had revenge of the technologically savvy and idiotic written all over it. LOL Field? No thanks. Target Field is concise, somewhat corporately ambiguous, and I'm sure there are many promotional opportunities. I will almost bet money there will be a giant Target target hanging in right field with the words "JUSTIN MORNEAU HIT IT HERE!"

If you're ever downtown, go check out Target Field under construction. I had the good fortune to catch a nice glimpse of it beyond a line of riot police at the Rage concert a few weeks ago. And I must say, it looks fantastic. If I have to sell an organ to go to the first game, so be it.