Monday, the Financial Times quoted New York Times Media Group president Scott Heekin-Canedy saying the paper was in discussions to launch five regional editions, on the way to "ten to 15 nationally." Is the Twin Cities among the chosen?

I've been down this road before, and once again, the Magic 8-Ball's answer is, "All shall be revealed." Or, as Times spokeswoman Diane C. McNulty puts it, "It is too early to discuss any specific markets or any other particulars at this point."

Harumph. The Times already has added a couple of pages of local coverage in Chicago and San Francisco, striking deals with nonprofit news organizations in each town. If they follow that model here, there are at least a couple of possibilities. You heard from the Times folks, MinnPost capo di tutti capi Joel Kramer?

"I’ve had informal conversations with Times editors since the Times launched its first regional edition, but we’re not in any negotiations right now."

Bummer for the home team.

What about you, Minnesota Public Radio?

"MPR talks to a wide variety of current and potential partners regularly. We don't usually comment on those conversations unless there is something to announce," says spokeswoman Christina Schmitt.

Cagey, very cagey, public radio — you and the Times should get along swell.

If Heekin-Canedy goes toward the high side of his market estimate, the Twin Cities should be right on the cusp of viability. Here's a chart I ginned up last fall of Times readership outside of its home market:

1. California - 94,800
2. Florida - 68,400
3. Massachusetts - 41,600
4. Pennsylvania - 38,300
5. Texas - 29,800
6. Illinois - 29,300
7. Ohio - 19,700
8. D.C. - 19,300
9. Washington - 18,500
10. Michigan - 17,100
11. Maryland - 16,900
12. Virginia - 16,000
13. Georgia - 15,700
14. Arizona - 14,700
15. Colorado - 12,100
16. North Carolina - 11,500
17. Minnesota - 10,400

This may hurt us if the goal is to preserve existing print readers. If the goal is to increase numbers, we appear to be a target of opportunity, given our above-average literacy, income and potential advertisers. (Heekins-Canedy insists research shows the local pages, which have received mixed reviews, "are not a substitute for the local papers.")

Perhaps we'd rise a bit in the rankings if the Times finds a partner it likes. Going with MPR would be a bit unusual, since they have a broadcast megaphone and print deals with the Associated Press and the network's new Minnesota newspaper consortium. The Times could always find another organization, or hire its own reporters or freelancers; it already uses some good ones in this market.

Despite the mostly one-sided conversations, I'll keep barking up this tree.