Minnesota Twins Talk

I found this on MLB.com by Mark Feinsand. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-roster-transaction-rules-for-2020-season Provides some insight on the upcoming season that I had not seen before.

According to LaVelle Neal of the Star Tribune, Twins coaches Bob McClure (bullpen) and Bill Evers (bench) will not coach in 2020. https://www.startribune.com/twins-coaches-bob-mcclure-68-and-bill-evers-66-sidelined-for-season/571529672/ Because of COVID concerns, teams will be cautious (or should be). These two coaches are both in their 60s, making them more at-risk to the virus. The article notes that Pete Maki, the Twins minor league pitching coordinator, will take over as the bullpen coach. McClure (68) and Evers (66) will remain on the payroll and could be called upon in an advisory role of some sorts.

Let me be clear, I don't want a 60 game season. I want 82 games and normal playoffs for something approaching a "normal" season. Unfortunately, barring both sides of this stalemate pulling their heads out, this appears to be what 2020 is going to give us for baseball. I am also greatly lamenting a lost milb season as I greatly enjoy watching the growth and development within the system, and watching and projecting the future of Twins baseball. For a moment, I want to forget what we don't have, or are missing out on, and I want to dismiss the potential disappointment and fandom horror of what 2022 could be and concentrate on the now, and 2021. Am I crazy? Am I too for…

With a total of 60 players, the Twins will have 30, then 32 and 34 theoretically, players off playing somewhere like CHS field. Of these, some will be on the 40-man roster, and twenty will be on the taxi-squad. I'm guessing the taxi squad will consist of a mixture of minor league signings and important prospects. Whom do you project to be on that 20-man taxi squad? Also, how does the taxi squad fit with the rules of the 40-man roster? I've seen that asked but not answered. If the Twins need a player from the taxi squad for five days, how is the roster affected? I would guess Larnach, Kirilloff, Balazovic, Lewis, for example, would make the taxi squad simply to have …

https://www.skornorth.com/2020/05/zulgad-you-cant-be-serious-is-mlb-really-going-to-make-return-about-dollars-and-cents/ The owners have made their proposal to the players. The players association will now have to vote. The owners want to introduce a form of revenue sharing and a sort of salary cap. The players won't (and shouldn't) like that. Millionaires fighting against billionaires will be the story for many, but should the players just give in at this point? How might that play out when the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires? There are plenty of reasons for the players to be nervous about getting back on the field that are related to the pan…

Jeff Passan of ESPN provided the most comprehensive breakdown of the MLB owners' latest proposal on Twitter. I discussed that offer, how it relates to the Twins and an option on how to attempt to bridge the gap between the owners and players. Passan did such a great job at relaying how it all relates to the league, but that's not how we usually talk about salaries in baseball. The actual details of this offer only guarantees players 50% of their prorated salaries, but through postseason shares and other bonuses it ends up equating to 75% of the prorated amount. Included in this video is a breakdown of how all this would relate to the Twins' payroll, just using that …

Baseball means a lot to us in a number of different ways. When I say the word, “baseball,” you might think back to your mom or dad driving you to your little league games or you might even think of driving your own kids there. You might even think of brats on the grill at home with all of your buddies and clamoring inside the house once the FSN theme kicks in and you hear the voice of Dick Bremer bellow throughout the house inviting you to another edition of Twins baseball. For me, baseball has meant so much more than a game and now more than ever, I and the rest of us need it back. Picture yourself being a young pup saddling up for a weekend tournament and getting dres…

From the Washington Post: They separated MLB history into three periods based on the number of rounds of post-season play. In the 25 years of two rounds (LCS and WS), the 1987 Twins were the least likely to prevail. I knew that they were big underdogs, but didn't remember that they actually had a negative run differential during the season. Amazing!

https://theathletic.com/1841542/2020/05/28/players-association-plans-to-propose-longer-season-insist-on-full-prorated-salaries/?source=freedailyemail The players have rejected the owners last proposal, the players have proposed a longer season & asking for harder proof of owner`s hardship declaration. I agree w/ both, hope they both step up & we have a season soon. What do you think?

If a season started today, the Rangers and Astros would potentially be able to fill their stadiums to 50% capacity. If Minnesota had that same policy (impossible as it may be), would you attend the game?

https://www.startribune.com/i-still-have-the-contract-joe-theismann-was-twins-final-pick-in-the-1971-amateur-draft/571120592/ Phil Miller chatted with former Twins draft pick, and NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion Quarterback Joe Thiesmann. With their 39th (and final) pick in the 1971 MLB draft, the Twins took the shortstop from Notre Dame. Theisman says he considered signing for $500 and has that contract somewhere... but he went back to Notre Dame, had a big season and went full-time to football.

Another very impressive donation from the Twins ownership, the family and its foundation. Bill Pohlad is the president of the Pohlad Family Foundation... He was also a producer on the award-winning movie 12 Years a Slave. Here is the press release: The Pohlad Family Announces $25 Million Commitment to Racial Justice in the Twin Cities MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the murder of George Floyd and the deeply ingrained systemic racism in our country, the Pohlad Family announced today that it is committing $25 million to racial justice, bringing to bear resources of the Pohlad Family Foundation, Pohlad family members, and Pohlad Compani…

Doug Glanville of The Athletic hosted a panel of fellow former African American baseball players that included Torii Hunter and LaTroy Hawkins. Here's a link. This unlocked, so you don't need a subscription to view it. Both a video stream and a transcription of the article are included.

This was Sept. 11, 1984. The Twins and Royals entered this game tied for first place in the AL West. Twins won 5-1, Tom Brunansky hit his 30th homer and Frank Viola struck out nine in a complete game. Hrbek was the runner up in AL MVP voting that year. The entire game is available on YouTube (not my channel) here: https://youtu.be/imsBN7XKB_c Came across this looking for some video of Tim Teufel, oddly enough.

From The Athletic regarding projected draft picks 27. Minnesota Twins: Clayton Beeter, RHP, Texas Tech Beeter might have worked his way into the first half of the round had the season continued, but as it is, some teams’ models have his hammer curveball as the best pitch in the draft, which puts him in the mix for an analytics-focused team like the Twins. Amazing National Media recognizes Twins as a tech savvy team. Apparently we've come a long way quick

https://www.startribune.com/can-baseball-keep-catchers-safe-at-home-in-an-outbreak/570451492/ Patrick Reusse asks a legit question during this time... The key to any return of baseball is being able to keep the players safe. He talked to catchers such as Dan and Eli Wilson, Mike Redmond and others, including Joe Mauer who said,

Yahoo: https://sports.yahoo.com/twins-outfielder-max-kepler-apologizes-for-controversial-photo-amid-george-floyd-protests-230841299.html Max Kepler apologized for posting a photo of himself wearing a Blue Lives Matter mask. In his apology, he said, To be completely fair to Kepler, I wouldn't have known what the blue line meant. Knowing Kepler, I fully believe that he didn't know what the mask meant and certainly wouldn't have posted a photo with it if he did. Not really Twins news at this point, but I just don't want to hide from posting topics just because they aren't positive, or in this case aren't really even baseball related. It's obviously just really un…

Hey all, We're hosting a free virtual Q&A session with Devin Smeltzer this coming Wednesday at 6 PM! Hit this link to register to attend, receive the link to join the Q&A, and submit your questions for Smeltzer! https://bit.ly/2XdXBH0

I went down to Target Field with the family this weekend (got some Glam Doll donuts and played on the grass by the LRT station for my birthday, we really miss baseball...) and I noticed a few things that hadn't been publicized before (as far as I know). 1. Large banners have been placed outside for the Senators pennants (2 AL and 1 WS) 2. "The Catch" seems to have a new Corporate-overload name PS sorry for the rotation of the photos, cant figure out how to have them correct when they attach

Thank You We were fortunate enough again to have another news outlet cover our "Virtual," Twins and yesterday it was WCCO. Thank you for the continued support. WCCO Article Catch-up The game of the season yesterday went the way of Minnesota behind a late rally against Chapman in the 9th sparked by Adrianza getting HBP, an infield single by Buxton, and then finally a game-tying 3-Run Bomba from Kepler. If game was any indication, this should be a phenomenal game two. Pre-game 6:50pmCT Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 34-21 2. Indians 31-26 3. Royals 27-29 4. White Sox 25-31 5. Tigers 21-34 Starting Pitchers Minnesota: Jose …

Thank You We were fortunate enough again to have another news outlet cover our "Virtual," Twins and yesterday it was WCCO. Thank you for the continued support. WCCO Article Catch-up It's time. Love it or hate it (mostly hate it for us Twins fans), it is time to go to war against the Evil Empire. The Twins had their first off day since May 7th on Memorial Day and are now fully rested and poised to battle the best team in the American League. Pre-game 6:50pmCT, Moment of Silence at 7:05 for George Floyd Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 33-21 2. Indians 30-26 3. Royals 27-28 4. White Sox 24-31 5. Tigers 20-34 Starting Pitcher…

Saw this lovely article today by one of the country's best sports writers. It sounds like 1924 rivaled 1991 for excitement! https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/22/1924-senators-had-big-train-instead-baby-shark-similar-ring/

Chuck Garifen of NBC Sports Chicago: https://twitter.com/ChuckGarfien/status/1264556883584651264?s=20

Catch-up After pitcher's duels in the first two games that were split between a Twins victory (5-0) and a White Sox victory (2-1), the third game of this series was an explosion of runs as the Twins won behind four Bombas from Nelson Cruz (2), Max Kepler, and Mitch Garver. The finale will decide the series before an off day on Memorial Day. Pre-game 12:50pmCT Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 32-21 2. Indians 28-26 3. Royals 26-27 4. White Sox 22-30 5. Tigers 20-32 Starting Pitchers Chicago: Carlos Rodon 5-5, 3.83 ERA, 56.1 IP, 53 K'sMinnesota: Homer Bailey* 5-1, 1.63 ERA, 60.2 IP, 40 K's*=Homer Bailey: 1st in AL, ERA (1.63) …

Twingo Night Another home-stand means more Twingo with merch given away courtesy of SotaStick. How it works is below there will be a link to Twingo cards and you can browse all five boards and message on Twitch which one of the five boards you want to use before first pitch. Twingo Cards (Will be updated by 5:00pm) Catch-up The Twins took game one of the series behind a terrific start from the AL's leader in ERA in Homer Bailey, and yesterday the man one place behind Bailey in Lucas Giolitio led the Chi Sox to a 2-1 victory. Tonight's game will feature Dallas Keuchel squaring off for the first time against Minnesota for Chicago. Pre-game 5:45pmCT Where to watch. Virt…

Catch-up The Twins log their 6th shutout as a club, 5th at home, yesterday in a 5-0 victory capped off late by a mammoth 469ft missile by Alex Avila. Tonight the Twins and the White square off with both of their aces, Lucas Giolito and Jose Berrios, set to toot the rubber. Pre-game 6:50pmCT Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 31-20 2. Indians 27-25 3. Royals 26-25 4. White Sox 21-29 5. Tigers 19-31 Starting Pitchers Chicago: Lucas Giolito* 4-2, 1.77 ERA, 66.0 IP, 63 K'sMinnesota: Jose Berrios 5-1, 3.93 ERA, 55.0 IP, 58 K's*=Lucas Giolito: 2nd in AL, ERA (1.77) Chicago Batting Order SS Tim Anderson .254 BA, 3 HR, 15 RBI 3B Yoan …

There is no way 2020 will resemble a normal baseball season. Half the games, half the divisions, changing the rules, changing the playoff landscape, no fans, changing how umps/player/coaches interact, how can we call that another baseball season? How can we call the 2020 champ just as important as other season winners like the 2017 Astros? Since there isn't a way to redeem the season, lets make it a once in a lifetime event. I'm thinking a very short season to establish seeding, then we do a full 30 team playoff. Have all the games on a small tropical island or something, get weird with it and make the best out of what is already a lost cause. I won't take the res…

Catch-up The Twins rallied to tie the ballgame in the 9th inning with a Bomba from Kepler, but lose in extras on getaway day to the O's 4-3. Now series #2 between the Chi Sox and the Twins begins tonight during Memorial Day Weekend (Series #1: 4-1 MIN over CHI, 2-9 CHI over MIN, 6-4 MIN over Chi 6-4 in 13 innings.) Pre-game 6:50pmCT Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 30-20 2. Indians 27-24 3. Royals 26-24 4. White Sox 21-28 5. Tigers 19-30 Starting Pitchers Chicago: Reynaldo Lopez* 3-1, 3.46 ERA, 54.2 IP, 52 K'sMinnesota: Randy Dobnak** 4-0, 4.88 ERA, 27.2 IP, 16 K's*=Reynaldo Lopez: Last start against MIN 4/12/20| ND, 4.2IP, …

Catch-up If you were checking track at home, yesterday's game ended in very *Mark Buerhle-*esk action as the game only lasted 1hr and 20min. But with that pitcher's duel the Twins came out on top courtesy of the American League leader in ERA, Homer Bailey (1.63). The final game of the series tonight with the Twins going for the sweep. Pre-game 6:50pmCT Where to watch. Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 30-19 2. Indians 27-24 3. Royals 25-24 4. White Sox 21-28 5. Tigers 19-30 Starting Pitchers Baltimore: Keegan Akin 3-5, 4.81 ERA, 48.2 IP, 37 K'sMinnesota: Kenta Maeda 1-2, 3.46 ERA, 39.0 IP, 61 K'sBaltimore Batting Order 2B Andrew Velzquez .30…

Catch-up After jumping out to an early 4-0 lead on the strength of home runs from Hays,Nunez, and Davis the O's looked primed to take down the Twins in game one. But behind a 2-Bomba day from Sano and some other clutch hitting the Twins pulled away 7-5 and are looking to take the series tonight. Pre-game 6:15pmCT Where to Watch Virtual Twins Network AL Central Standings 1. Twins 29-19 2. Indians 26-24 3. Royals 24-24 4. White Sox 21-27 5. Tigers 18-30 Starting Pitchers Baltimore: Kohl Stewart 1-4, 5.49 ERA, 39.1 IP, 26 K'sMinnesota: Homer Bailey* 4-1, 1.86 ERA, 53.1 IP, 38 K's*=Homer Bailey: 2nd in AL, ERA (1.86). Baltimore Batting Order 2B Hanser Alberto .1…