If most of what you have paid attention to regarding the Twins and Timberwolves the past several years is a constant rebuilding project revolving around youth, the last few days might have caused a recalibration of expectations.
Between them, the two neighboring franchises added players with a combined age of 81. In more recent years, that number would have been good for three (possibly four) players.
In this case, there were just two: Jamal Crawford, a 37-year-old bench scorer for the Wolves and Bartolo Colon, the 44-year-old pitcher for the Twins.
Neither of the two figures to be a savior for their respective teams, but you could see each filling a surprisingly vital role: Colon as a fifth starter on a pitching-desperate team and Crawford as a dependable wing scorer who might keep Tom Thibodeau from playing Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler 48 minutes a game.
The immediate reaction when news emerged that both players were Minnesota-bound — particularly with Colon — was some version of: "Wait, he's how old? Can he still play?"
The second question is a valid one for any new acquisition, and I suppose it is rightfully linked to the first one. Athletic skills deteriorate with age at a swifter rate than, say, typing skills.
But it is also wise here to caution against ageism with these veteran athletes. Not only is it a cheap putdown — though one still practiced freely in society — but also it forgets the recent contributions of many local players in the twilight of their careers.
The best Vikings quarterback of the past decade? It doesn't take long to arrive at Brett Favre, who turned 40 in the midst of the 2009 season.
