Minnesota Twins Talk

I play golf with someone named Scanlon. When he learned I was from Minnesota he asked if I knew where Scanlon Minnesota was. So happens My grandmother lived there, it's a small town outside of Cloquet. Happens I was returning to Hibbing last fall and I brought him back a few souvenirs from Scanlon. He was thrilled. It's the only town large or small named "Scanlon" in the U. S. Well, today I got home from golf and my wife handed me a package from Mr. Scanlon. A baseball autographed by Harmon Killebrew. My friend had a small interest in a minor league team and Killebrew came to a benefit they had for some children charity. He had him sign baseballs and just rememb…

http://m.startribune.com/infielder-ehire-adrianza-looking-for-elusive-job-security-with-twins/414563133/?section=sports%2Ftwins Phil Miller wrote a nice article on Ehire Adrianza. The article discussed his two uncomfortable weeks when he was DFAd by the Giants and the Brewers and then coming to the Twins. Miller also got quotes from Paul Molitor and Gene Glynn about his defense. While he certainly isn't guaranteed a big league job, he's certainly going to open eyes with his glove.

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/22/minnesota-twins-miguel-sano-working-to-put-down-roots-at-third/ Miguel Sano says he lost 15 pounds this offseason and is now at 271 pounds. Last year at spring training, he was working to learn the outfield. This year, with Trevor Plouffe no longer manning the hot corner, the position is his. He'll have to prove it's the right spot for him, but he and Gene Glynn will put in the work and believe that he can do it.

http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/216729810/twins-chargois-changes-grip-of-slider/ Rhett Bollinger wrote that JT Chargois is working on his slider grip with Glen Perkins and Neil Allen. The really interesting thing about the article is that the major league baseballs and minor league baseballs are different. I think most of us knew that, but this described how that can affect a pitcher. Frankly, it almost doesn't seem right that the ball (a pretty important part of the game) is different between the top levels. Could that explain why so many (most) pitchers struggle with the jump from the minors to the big leagues? Anyway, Chargois is a huge key to the future …

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/24/michael-cuddyer-making-an-impact-in-first-camp-as-twins-instructor/ In this Mike Berardino article, he writes that Michael Cuddyer is already making an impact in his first Twins camp since being named a special assistant to baseball operations. He (and Torii and LaTroy) won't be there all camp, but they'll be there a significant amount. And they're there to share knowledge they gained in their careers. Interesting comments from Zack Granite about advice Cuddyer gave him. Also Robbie Grossman talked about special spring training advisers from his time in Cleveland and Houston too.

http://nypost.com/2017/02/23/coach-responsible-for-grooming-mets-rotation-wants-mlb-shot/ Frank Viola is credited for helping that vaunted group of starting pitchers in the Mets system. The AAA Las Vegas pitching coach has helped the likes of Noah Syndergaard, Jacob DeGrom, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler. I know he was a candidate when the Twins hired Neil Allen a couple of years ago. He's applied for a couple other MLB pitching coach jobs. He would love that opportunity.

http://www.startribune.com/don-t-count-ben-paulsen-out-of-twins-dh-first-base-mix/414765683/?utm_campaign=buffer&utm_content=buffer45c0c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com#1 Phill Miller writes that Ben Paulsen, who has spent parts of the last three years with the Rockies, is one to watch for the Twins 1B/DH spot. Joe Mauer will be the primary 1B but Kennys Vargas, Byungho Park and maybe Paulsen fit into the competition. Though he's played behind some very good 1B in his career, he had just a limited opportunity to be a starter.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2017/02/24/the-30-mlb-power-rankings-spring-training We start at #23 but ahead of the White Sox. Nothing earth shattering but they conclude with "What we can say with more certainty: This could, on many nights, be a fun team to watch."

http://www.1500espn.com/twins-2/2017/02/joe-mauer-best-chance-im-field/ 1500 ESPN's Derek Wetmore chatted with Twins 1B Joe Mauer today about several topics including whether or not he can accept a lesser, part-time role starting in 2017. Earlier in the week, 1500 ESPN's Judd Zulgad wrote that limiting Mauer;'s play might be better for the now and for the future. I tweeted many times that I feel he should play 2 out of 3 games at first base and get some DH tie in there as well. I think we can all agree that playing less will help him stay healthy. I also think that with his on-base skills, he should be hitting 1st or 2nd (I'd bat him after Buxton (so will B…

Yes, I know that the Cubs just won the WS, but teams can always stand to improve their rosters. After looking at all the different teams out there, I was intrigued by the fit that Dozier would be for the Cubs and the pieces they have to offer the Twins. Dozier makes the Cubs stronger by improving there everyday 2B situation. Zobrist would still serve as the super-utility guy spelling Dozier vs some RHP and Schwarber in LF vs some LHP. The package I would want form the Cubs would be Baez, to play SS for us, so that we can move Polanco to 2B. Then, maybe some form of Clfton RHP, and maybe Happ 2B/LF...but not likely to get him along with the first two. They have othe…

Today it was announced that Wayne Krivsky, 63 years old, former Reds' GM was demoted from "Special Assistant to the GM" to "Scout." I expect a resignation soon.

As previously promised, I found the first casino offering season O/U. Twins: 70.5 wins 3rd in the AL Central. Thoughts

Travis Aune and myself have started a podcast. I wanted to post the link here on twinsdaily in case anyone wants to give it a try. Travis is a podcast veteran, and me, well, I have done 3 episodes in my life, and all 3 are in the past 3 weeks with this podcast. We have had some fun guests lined up so far, and it has been a good experience getting to talk sports with some great people to think point, and I look forward to this podcast continuing for some time going forward. Most of our podcasts so far have been Minnesota Twins related, but we have some other guests and topics lined up into March and April already, which are exciting! We are typically at 9 pm (central) …

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/21/minnesota-twins-reliever-ryan-orourke-and-his-nervous-stomach/ In today's notes article from Mike Berardino, the lead story is the stomach of Ryan O'Rourke. Earlier in the morning, Twins Director of Communications was posting some obscure facts about a variety of Twins players. It included the following: Berardino asked the left-hander about it... It's true, and it goes back to even his college days and the minor leagues. Also in the article, there are some more notes including notes on the "crossfire" of Justin Haley, and bullpen information/updates on Glen Perkins and Mason Melotakis.

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/21/korn-ferry-exec-jed-hughes-says-derek-falvey-has-the-right-stuff/ Berardino talked to Korn Ferry executive Jed Hughes about their decision to recommend Derek Falvey to the Twins. There are a lot of great quotes that explain what the Twins were looking for, what Falvey brought to the table and much more. .... And a lot more...

Hey everyone, If you go to KernelNation.com you can signup to win a pair of 20-game Twins Season ticket packaages. Just type in the keyword "research" before the end of Friday, 2/24. And you can get FIVE more entries if you tweet the stock phrase they have after you signup. The keyword changes every week (there are five) so I'll use this thread to post the new keyword every week. Winner is announced at the end of March. Good luck! John

http://www.fanragsports.com/mlb/twins/relaxed-buxton-aims-carry-strong-2016-finish-2017-twins/ Buxton admitted that he has read articles on himself, from when he was a teenager, to being a top prospect, to being a "bust" according to some last year. But he says he's going to just keep playing and having fun. He's also hoping to use his strong finish to 2016 and bring it with him into 2017.

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/19/minnesota-twins-pitcher-jose-berrios-can-feel-his-command-improving/ Jose Berrios says that he can feel his fastball command improving. It's something he focused on throughout the offseason and it's a focus of spring training with Neil Allen so far. He's also preparing to pitch for Puerto Rico in the WBC. The article also includes notes about Jason Castro's study work with the pitchers. Mason Melotakis update. Good to see Brian Navarreto and AJ Murray get pulled over from minor league side to catch some bullpens.

Damn, I love the guys we have slotted to play the OF for us this year. Not to ignore Sano or Dozier, I hope they do more than well. I think they will. Buxton, Rosario, Kepler - That is a fun group. This year is the year the Twins have a bonanza effort from the OF. It is breakout from the get-go and no prisoners will be taken! Rosario - .283BA, 22HR. 21SB, .320OBP Buxton - .291BA, 16HR. 38SB, .360OBP Kepler - .253BA, 23HR, 11SB, .340OBP That is not too shabby and I WILL this to happen. Thoughts?

The Twins have not been a good team for many years now, which finally resulted in a front office change this year signaling a new direction. I am convinced that one of the primary contributing factors to the Twins futility is their lack of STRATEGIC preparation and review. I hardly ever recall a player or coaching saying something to the effect of "well, we know Sale likes to throw back door sliders when he's behind in the count so I was sitting on that" or "we went back to the video and figured out I needed to be closer to the plate." Ironically, that last one applies to a situation with Chris Colabello where it took a phone call from a heartsick Rod Carew to tell him to…

So, as part of some of the projects we do with Call To The Pen, I was assigned to put together the Twins all-time 25-man roster. I'm thinking along these lines for candidates: C - Joe Mauer, Earl Battey 1B - Harmon Killebrew, Joe Judge, Kent Hrbek 2B - Rod Carew, Buddy Myer 3B - Eddie Yost SS - Joe Cronin, Zoilo Versalles LF - Goose Goslin CF - Kirby Puckett, Clyde Milan RF - Sam Rice, Tony Oliva, Bob Allison SP - Walter Johnson, Bert Blyleven, Brad Radke, Johan Santana, Jim Kaat Bullpen - Joe Nathan, Rick Aguilera, Camilo Pascual, Dutch Leonard Any thoughts?

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/21/dave-winfield-shares-some-wisdom-with-minnesota-twins-byron-buxton/ Dave Winfield was in the Twins camp today in his role as senior advisor to Tony Clark, chief officer of the player's union. But Berardino talked to former Gopher athlete and short-time Twins player about chatting with Byron Buxton. Buxton maybe even learned a few things.

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/20/minnesota-twins-kyle-gibson-changes-delivery-to-keep-shoulder-healthy/ Mike Berardino talked to RHP Kyle Gibson about his new warm-up technique and his altered delivery. After missing 6 weeks of last season with a shoulder injury, Gibson has been focused on his shoulder health this offseason. Here is some video: The story is fairly extensive and quite detailed, but very interesting... here's one bit:

Mike Berardino wrote a terrific article, with several quotes from Twins scouting director Sean Johnson, on how the Twins will use analytics as they prepare for an obviously very important June draft. "Assist" does appear to be the correct word. Scouting will obviously still play the largest part of the work, but now that there are analytical systems (such as Trackman or Pitch FX) in more college programs and such, that data can verify what the scouts see. Does this information/article kind of align with what you thought that the draft plan would be under Falvey and Levine? How different do you think things will be under Sean Johnson (with the information he has…

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/20/craig-breslow-passes-first-test-facing-batters-for-minnesota-twins/ Mike Berardino witnessed Craig Breslow's first live BP and said it was a success. He faced Joe Mauer and Miguel Sano. Both were impressed with his new arm angle. Jason Castro caught him too. And Mauer compared it to what he saw from Breslow a decade ago. In other news in the article... Paul Molitor full acknowledged the mistake of Jorge Polanco not playing any shortstop in the minor leagues last year. Berardino also had a fun story on Aaron Slegers throwing to Brian Dozier in live BP with Torii Hunter observing. First pitch Dozier hit a long home run. Second …

Minnesota's handling of Jorge Polanco has long been a source of puzzlement for fans. The infielder, a shaky defender at shortstop who needs all the reps there he can get, spent zero time at the position in Triple-A last year before being called up to the Twins. Asked about this perplexing decision-making, Paul Molitor's response was shockingly candid. La Velle wrote about it on the Star Tribune's Twins Insider blog: http://www.startribune.com/molitor-admits-polanco-development-should-have-been-handled-differently/414282553/ "I wish I had a better explanation for you," Molitor said. "But I think myself, a lot of other people, realized we didn't handle it the right wa…

http://m.twins.mlb.com/news/article/216518032/dream-comes-true-for-twins-coach-jeff-smith/ Jeff Smith was drafted by the Twins in 1995. He got all the way up to AAA for the Twins as a catcher before retiring. He became a coach in the GCL in 2005 and has coached in Beloit, Ft. Myers, New Britain and then back in Ft. Myers before being named the Twins 1B coach this season. His knowledge of catching was one reason he got the job. His familiarity with so many of the young Twins prospects is another.

Garald Schifman of FanGraphs wrote an article today asking if Brian Dozier's power is repeatable... It leads to the question of why, being owed just $15 million over the next two years, he's still a Twins player. Yes, the Twins asked for a ton (as they should) and the plethora of quality second basemen in baseball right now. There are fancy things like exit velocity and true distance and charts and stuff too. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/is-brian-doziers-power-repeatable/

Derek Wetmore at 1500 ESPN wrote today about the spring training battles he sees. He sees the rotation as almost set with Santana, Hughes, Santiago and Gibson. But he predicts the 5th spot will go to Trevor May over Jose Berrios. And he thinks it's the right call: I agree with him on the four locks. Who do you want for the fifth spot?

http://www.twincities.com/2017/02/19/minnesota-twins-slugger-kennys-vargas-took-hitting-lessons-from-manny-ramirez/ Mike Berardino talked to Kennys Vargas and learned that he spent a full week learning hitting with Manny Ramirez. The two went out to eat and talked about a lot of things on and off the field.