Twins News from a Variety of Sources

[stringer bell]

While in my car, I listened to much of espn-1500's coverage of TwinsFest.  Reusse, Gladden and Co. interviewed several current Twins concluding with an "interview" of Torii Hunter--"here's the mic, Torii, do your thing".  Most takes were optimistic, of course, but talking baseball and baseball news on a warm, sunny January day made my travels enjoyable and entertaining.

 

I attended the Twins Meltdown last night and talked baseball with a couple of new friends, but mostly listened to John, Nick and Aaron Gleeman interview Dave St. Peter and Jacque Jones.  Again, optimism reigned, tempered by a bit of defensiveness from the Twins President. 

 

Here are some tidbits from what I heard about the Twins yesterday:  Torii Hunter doesn't play center field.  Brian Duensing signed, keeping the Twins streak of avoiding arbitration alive.  The Twins are a middle-market team, their will be some progress made on blackouts, perhaps as soon as this year.  Jacque Jones stays in touch daily with Hunter, Matt Lawton, LaTroy Hawkins, and Eddie Guardado.  Season ticket sales are down, but considering all the factors, the Twins are well-supported.  Changes to the amateur draft have worked well, it remains to be seen what will be effective as far as international signings.  Terry Ryan isn't ready to name Danny Santana as the everyday shortstop, he likes the offense and thinks the acquisitions will improve the pitching staff. 

 

Here is my take:  Financially, the Twins are taking a hit with lower attendance, but overall it hasn't stopped them from spending (what has?).  Both Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones really like and respect LaTroy Hawkins (future Twins Coach?).  On the field, the Twins are hoping, no one knows if prospects will reach their potential, if guys who turned in solid years last year can duplicate that or improve, or if disappointments last year perform at career norms.  If all of those things come together in the positive, Paul Molitor will have a successful first year as a manager.  If not, with the new strength of the AL Central, the Twins could find themselves looking up at everyone again this year. 

 

No one had a real answer as to why Molitor will be more successful than Gardenhire, but having someone new at the helm might help. 

 

Thanks to the hosts of Twins Meltdown.  It is always nice to see other Twins fans and talk about my favorite sports team. 

[stringer bell]

From the PP:  Tommy Milone had a "neck procedure".  Much like Nolasco, perhaps Milone was limited by a nagging injury, which might account for his poor performance for the Twins. 

[JB_Iowa]

From the PP:  Tommy Milone had a "neck procedure".  Much like Nolasco, perhaps Milone was limited by a nagging injury, which might account for his poor performance for the Twins. 

 

Milone had a benign tumor taken off his neck -- and had to pay the 4 figure deductible himself because the surgery was considered elective (Berardino Tweet).  

 

Story:

 http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2015/01/24/twinsights-neck-procedure-improves-tommy-milones-2015-outlook/

 

 

Even though it wasn't considered necessary, it obviously affected how he was feeling -- even if just an annoyance.

 

Maybe he's back on track.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think there's something to be said for stale voices, and that Gardy and staff definitely had been there too long.  My beef with Gardy has always been that he doesn't put the team in the best position to win games due to silly beliefs... that and his treatment of younger players.  If Molitor is open to some of the newer defensive concepts and can avoid things like play 2nd bat second, etc., I think that will help.  How many wins that's worth, no one knows.  Hopefully, he can manage a clubhouse and develop rookies.  That, I think, is going to be his biggest job.  I'm not sure Gardy was well suited for that.

[jokin]

Terry Ryan isn't ready to name Danny Santana as the everyday shortstop,

 

 

 

I think Terry and Molitor ought to get on the same page...  Molitor endorsed Santana's position on the baseball field as "Shortstop.":  And I doubt Santana is going to be on the roster to be the utility guy.  Do these guys really intend to continue the fallback option on putting Santana back into CF when the other two options go bust again, with basically little support from the corner guys- including Arcia, an already proven bad OFer, trying to learn a new position?  It sure seems that's what Ryan is inferring.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I think Terry and Molitor ought to get on the same page...  Molitor endorsed Santana's position on the baseball field as "Shortstop.":  And I doubt Santana is going to be on the roster to be the utility guy.  Do these guys really intend to continue the fallback option on putting Santana back into CF when the other two options go bust again, with basically little support from the corner guys- including Arcia, an already proven bad OFer, trying to learn a new position?  It sure seems that's what Ryan is inferring.

and even more so, Ryan hasn't addressed CF thus far. Also hasn't addressed OF defense at all yet IMO, but in sure Ryan would disagree

[stringer bell]

I hope this isn't hijacking the thread.  There are many scenarios in which Santana gets at least some center field time:  1)  All candidates for center field are deemed unqualified.  2)  Santana deemed unacceptable defensively at shortstop.  3)  Escobar forces himself into the lineup as a regular.  4)  Injuries force the manager to move Santana back to center. 

 

Personally, I'm not convinced that Santana can be a regular shortstop.  I think he's earned regular time to start 2015 due to his strong offense and he played well enough in center at the end of last year.  If he hits and runs the bases like he did last year, the team will find a place for him to play.   

[jimmer]

Espinosa? I see you edited, meant Escobar.

[stringer bell]

Espinosa?

Sorry Senior Moment. Obviously I meant Escobar.

[jimmer]

Sorry Senior Moment. Obviously I meant Escobar.

I wasn't trying to nitpick, I brainfarted on who you might have meant. I'm hoping that doesn't happen, BTW. I want Santana at shortstop

[jokin]

I hope this isn't hijacking the thread.  There are many scenarios in which Santana gets at least some center field time:  1)  All candidates for center field are deemed unqualified.  2)  Santana deemed unacceptable defensively at shortstop.  3)  Escobar forces himself into the lineup as a regular.  4)  Injuries force the manager to move Santana back to center. 

 

Personally, I'm not convinced that Santana can be a regular shortstop.  I think he's earned regular time to start 2015 due to his strong offense and he played well enough in center at the end of last year.  If he hits and runs the bases like he did last year, the team will find a place for him to play.   

 

I'm not convinced either, about Santana, but they really need 2015 to find out.  As far as "being a CF" goes, despite small improvements late in the season, I think he's always going to be a SS. And with the corner OFers on the roster, that's going to inevitably lead to a pitcher's revolt.

[jokin]

I just happened to switch on KSTP this afternoon for a portion of the Alex Meyer interview.  His over-riding goal for this season is to be on the opening day roster.  And he didn't care which role the Twins have in mind: starting, relieving, one-out specialist, mop-up man- you name it.  He offered no excuses (for his height or health), or blame, for not getting called up last year- asserting it's up to him to finally get the call to the Twins. And most importantly, he says he has no current throwing issues with the shoulder.  

 

Seems pretty determined but still pretty respectful of the process and the teammates he's going to have to step over to meet his goal.  Self-effacing and down-to-earth-  It's hard not to like him after hearing him talk. 

[DaveW]

I just happened to switch on KSTP this afternoon for a portion of the Alex Meyer interview. His over-riding goal for this season is to be on the opening day roster. And he didn't care which role the Twins have in mind: starting, relieving, one-out specialist, mop-up man- you name it. He offered no excuses (for his height or health), or blame, for not getting called up last year- asserting it's up to him to finally get the call to the Twins. And most importantly, he says he has no current throwing issues with the shoulder.

 

Seems pretty determined but still pretty respectful of the process and the teammates he's going to have to step over to meet his goal. Self-effacing and down-to-earth- It's hard not to like him after hearing him talk.

The major league paycheck, per diem, private plane and 5 star hotel every night makes someone be humble like that

 

Sounds like Meyer is being advised well by the best agent in baseball Scott Boras himself.

[jokin]

The major league paycheck, per diem, private plane and 5 star hotel every night makes someone be humble like that

 

Sounds like Meyer is being advised well by the best agent in baseball Scott Boras himself.

 

I'm wondering if Scott Boras advised him to substitute-teach in the offseason for $63 a day, as well?

[nater79a]

Milone had a benign tumor taken off his neck -- and had to pay the 4 figure deductible himself because the surgery was considered elective (Berardino Tweet).  

 

Even though it wasn't considered necessary, it obviously affected how he was feeling -- even if just an annoyance.

 

 

I find it hard to believe that the insurance company found this "elective". Did the insurance company watch Milone pitch last year? If it affects your life and your livelihood it should be covered, right?

 

And what if Milone decided against this elective surgery and still didn't pitch well this year because of it? Wouldn't think the Twins would be too happy about that.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I find it hard to believe that the insurance company found this "elective". Did the insurance company watch Milone pitch last year? If it affects your life and your livelihood it should be covered, right?

 

And what if Milone decided against this elective surgery and still didn't pitch well this year because of it? Wouldn't think the Twins would be too happy about that.

Yeah, that made me wonder about the quality of MLB's medical plan. I doubt any of my former plans would have told me something like that was elective.