Souhan: Twins and Vikings heading in opposite directions

One of the most popular sentiments during a Minnesota summer, beyond the worship of Sweet Martha’s cookies at the State Fair, is the following:

“Please, Twins, be interesting at least until the Vikings monopolize our attention.”

On Thursday, the Twins conducted the largest fire sale in franchise history, as the NFL was beginning its preseason schedule with the Hall of Fame game. Never before has the transition from Twins season to Vikings season been so dramatic.

Today, for those who refuse to acknowledge that the Minnesota Lynx are the best franchise in town, there are two major storylines in local sports.

There are also, I believe, two major misconceptions attached to these stories.

The Twins’ trades fell into three categories, and none of those categories is titled “Clear the way for the new owner.”

The Twins wouldn’t allow someone who hasn’t cut a check to make personnel decisions. And anyone writing a check for close to $2 billion wouldn’t be asking them to trade young, affordable standouts like Jhoan Duran and Louie Varland to save a few bucks. Only Carlos Correa’s megadeal would even be of concern to a new owner.

The second kind of trade was the routine dump-expiring-contracts deal. Harrison Bader, Ty France, Danny Coulombe and Chris Paddack fit into this category.

The third kind of trade is what should offend Twins fans. Duran is a young, affordable, All-Star caliber closer having an excellent season. Willi Castro, another free agent this offseason, is one of the Twins’ best players and could have been signed to a long-term deal. Griffin Jax and Varland are dynamic young arms who make little money and are under team control for years.

There isn’t a new owner calling the Pohlads and saying, “Please get rid of some of our best young, affordable players.”

Jax and Varland might fit into another subtle subcategory. Jax showed up manager Rocco Baldelli twice in recent weeks, questioning his judgment. Varland fought to remain a starter when the Twins wanted him in the bullpen, before he finally relented.

As for McCarthy, what fans need to realize is, in the immortal words of Allen Iverson, “We’re talking about practice.”

The NFL has created a fan base that craves every smidgen of information it can muster, and reporters who cover the league are obligated to reveal what they see, and what Vikings reporters have seen is McCarthy throwing interceptions.

Which should be expected.

McCarthy is rusty, after a year spent rehabilitating. He’s been without Justin Jefferson and has played without star tackle Christian Darrisaw, and he’s facing an excellent defense that excels at confusing young quarterbacks.

Defenses tend to be far ahead of offenses at the beginning of camp, because defenses rely on athletic ability and aggression, and offenses require precision and timing.

You don’t want McCarthy playing conservatively in camp. He won’t learn anything from that. You don’t want him imitating Christian Ponder, who took one look at his first receiver, then panicked and ran.

Sam Darnold had two lousy games in the middle of the 2024 season — against the Jets and Jags.

After his weak play against the Jets (passer rating: 50.3) he posted three straight games with ratings of 100 or better.

After his weak play against Jacksonville (passer rating: 48.2) he posted four straight games with ratings of 100 or better.

The Vikings can coach a quarterback out of his mistakes. McCarthy should be fine.