Wings series on PBS

[Dorky Dave]

Does anyone know when the PBS series that focused on following the Wings last year will start?

I am looking forward to seeing all of the off field stuff that goes on with the day to day operation of the ballclub. With spring training in full swing now is the time for this program to start.

Ted might know this one !!

[Charlie]

I would think Around opening day of MLB... And I am certain the great PR department at the Red Wings will let us know.

[Buffalo Super Fan]

Do you guys know if Buffalo PBS is going to get this and also is there any Buffalo vs Rochester game footage in the Wings series? Let's Go Buffalo

[twig]

From the REd Wings site:

MINOR LEAGUE REALITY TV SERIES
On Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 8 p.m., WXXI-TV (DT21.1/cable1011 and 11) presents a sneak peek at Minor League, a CAMPBELL MEDIA production in association with WXXI.

The Minor League preview show will give viewers a taste of what the series will be like. The series Producer, John Campbell, will be in WXXI's studio to discuss the project, as well as members of the Red Wings Front Office staff. The preview show will repeat on Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m.

[Dorky Dave]

Thanks for the update Twig I will try my best to catch this show on Thursday

[Dorky Dave]

Well overall I was impressed from what I seen last night. This show looks like it will give quite a bit of insight to the day to day opperations for the Wings.

Other than the endless begging of support for WXXI I thought the show was very good.

Did anyone else catch it ?

[insagt1]

I missed it Dave---any highlights you want to share? I too hate the lengthy crusade for money on WXXI, but I guess they need it to stay in business....and its a pretty neat channel overall. But that sort of thing, like endless 2 minute minors, totally ruins the flow of a show.

I remember as a kid, that:1) when the new TV season started in September, our favorite shows were on EVERY WEEK, with only a small break around Xmas, for all those specials---and they didn't end till late May. Today, you get 20 new episodes---and shows go away for weeks at a time. 2) Commercials lasted between 30 and 60 seconds and it was back to the show. Now you get these awful 5 minute breaks. And on a show like AMerican Idol--if it airs for 120 minutes, you get long commercials after every performance...leaving about one hour of substance and one hour of commercials.

While I'm ranting, watching NFL football is getting painful too. Commercials after TD, Xtra Point, Kickoff, and seemingly every punt. Everytime I hear that lead-in music, I want to puke.

[Dorky Dave]

Overall the show did a good job talking a bit about Mr. Silver as it gave him a nice tribute. You got to see how Stan C handled the players off the field. Some interesting comments from Naomi and Dan Mason also. I have a feeling we will see some of the history of how the Wings are marketed to the city and I think I for one will find that interesting along with the human interest storylines about the lives of the players.

[insagt1]

who is mildly concerned that the Twins aren't doing much for us this year so far?
who here thinks the Twins aren't going to re=sign Mauer...because at the end of the day, even with Joe--its all about the money?
who thinks that if the Wings have another non-playoff season that perhaps the honeymoon years with Minnesota may be over?
who here (whether you love or loathe them) think the Wings would flourish in every way with an affiliation with the Yankees?

my brief responses:
I'm very concerned that the Twins aren't looking after us very well so far. Other teams in our division appear to be getting stronger. I'm not sure where we are.

I am beginning to think that the Twins won't re-sign Mauer. With every passing day its looking like he only wants to go to the highest bidder...and that won't be the Twins. If thats true, I will lose respect for Joe...because once you get to $20M per year, how the hell much more does one person need?

Wings really need to have a playoff calibre team this year. I don't think we're close.

Which leads to the fact that an affiliation with the Yankees would energize this town. Its a Yankee town. I personally hate the Yankees but totally understand what value an affiliation with them would bring to this city. I'd totally be in favor of it, and I would still never become a Yankee fan.

[Charlie]

Its too bad... You put the taxpayer through absolute hell the last decade with this Stadium crap, you finally get a home-grown player that is the perfect face of you franchise... And you let this contract negotiation drag out.

Yikes.

Even the Mets have stepped up and gotten Buffalo some decent bats and arms that really don't fit into any type of callup scenario (unless they experience the injuries they have the last 2 years)

[sleddog]

As a Yankee hater from way back (runs in the family) even I am forced to agree with you, Ted. A NYS / Thruway connection combined with the popularity of the Yanks locally, would probably increase attendance 20 to 25%.
The Wings, however, would need to hang on to their identity. No name chages!!! They are part of Rochester history.

[Charlie]

I don't think you'll ever see it happen... The Yankees have some type of ownership involved with S/WB, right?

[dih]

O.K., 2 cents from someone who is NOT a Yankee hater. As far as I know, NY is perfectly happy with Wilkes-Barre Scranton and can't see why they would want to change. Insagt, I still believe that Mauer will stay with the Twins, unless he does a total 180 on previous things he has said. It will cost the Twins to keep him but I think it will cost the Twins a lot more to let him go. It's only spring training. Don't get so down on your Twins. I believe they will still be competitive after figuring out their new field. Charlie, your comment about the Mets cracked me up about supplying decent bats and arms for Buffalo that wouldn't figure in the Mets club unless disaster strikes. Well, perhaps the Mets should put players in Buffalo that can actually help them out when (and not if) disaster strikes again. We all saw how well that worked for them last year. I could go on but this is a long enough post for me.

[twig]

As a Yankee hater (runs in my family, too!) I might be forced to give up my Red Wings so as not to be surrounded by Yankee loving douche bags.

[insagt1]

Originally Posted by twig

As a Yankee hater (runs in my family, too!) I might be forced to give up my Red Wings so as not to be surrounded by Yankee loving douche bags.

sometimes you have to make personal sacrifices!!! If the Yanks came in I believe history and tradition would dictate we stay Red Wings. And I doubt Yanks would have a problem with that. the Clippers in Columbus never became the Yankees, and King Geo loves Columbus.
I am concerned about Mauer because nothing is happening and nothing postive is being said except rumblings that he has rejected $21-22M...and if thats the case, he doesn't want to stay in Minnesota that bad...you get to a point where if its $22 or $24 or $25M---is that really that much of a difference? How much is enough? Or is it ego? Or greedy agents? Or honestly does Joe like the idea of getting to a WS in 2010 and the Yanks would be that team.
Once the season starts, if he isn't signed, it will be one huge distraction and at that point, I believe the Twins will be looking to trade him by the deadline because there is no way they re-sign him then. I am no longer optimistic.

I think the TWins are still a solid ballclub...but I'm also unimpressed with the way they have treated us recently. Last year they let us play for nearly a whole week with absolutely no extra position players. I want to continue to like them....but I'm nervous that they have much bigger headaches now than the IL Red Wings.

But, dih---I'll try to remain optimistic