Article: Summer In The Air: Winter Meltdown Recap

[Nick Nelson]

On Saturday, Twins Daily held its fourth Winter Meltdown, an annual post-TwinsFest gathering of local baseball fanatics in Downtown Minneapolis.

 

Thanks to tremendous support from our readers and sponsors, as well as the Minnesota Twins themselves, this year's event was without question our biggest and best yet.Before the official start time of 4:30 PM, dozens had already streamed into the basement of Brother's Bar and Grill, which proved to be a fittingly spacious and gracious venue for a crowd that ultimately came close to 300.

 

That so many people would make the trip – some from just a few blocks away at Target Field, others from much further – for this baseball geek-out festival in the wake of 103 losses and a conspicuously quiet offseason is a true testament to the resilient loyalty and hopefulness of Twins fans.

 

Of course, there was beer. So that helps.

 

Tasty taps from 612 Brew were flowing as hardball enthusiasts revved up their engines over chatter, photo sessions and raffle prizes provided by AME Sports.

 

On the main stage, emcee and local comic David Sitrick led the crowd through a series of Q&As and panels.

 

First, Parker Hageman and I took the stage along with Twins Director of Baseball Research Jack Goin for a discussion of the growing use of analytics within his organization and baseball at large. Among the topics broached were changes under the new regime, appealing aspects of newly acquired catcher Jason Castro, and Jack's advice for aspiring statheads looking to break into the industry.

 

Next, John Bonnes and Seth Stohs stepped in for an interview with former Twins reliever, and new front office assistant, LaTroy Hawkins. In candid fashion, Hawk recalled memories from his lengthy major-league career. He had some choice words for one particular umpire, as well as an ex-teammate (whom he only disliked as an opponent... I'm sure you can guess who it is).

 

Finally, the Twins Daily crew was joined on-stage by Aaron Gleeman to answer audience-submitted questions, which ranged from the 2017 outlook to the appropriate number of cats for a household.

 

Good news: if you missed out, you can listen to the entire show on this week's edition of the Gleeman and the Geek podcast.

 

The event was casual and easygoing. Hawkins and Goin were good sports, participating in lighthearted game show style segments after their talks, and both hung around to rub shoulders afterwards. Jack and I went deep on a discussion of the all-time greatest hip-hop artists (he's got love for the oldies). Beat writers like Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press, Phil Miller and La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune, Derek Wetmore of 1500ESPN, and Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com were on hand, and they were all happy to talk Twins with anyone in attendance. Attendees who stayed at the bar until the end of the event and beyond might have spotted and said hello to prospects Stephen Gonsalves and Mitch Garver.

 

When we first concocted this event several years ago, our vision was ambitious, but I don't think we ever could have imagined something of this magnitude. At least I didn't. Each Winter Meltdown has been better than the last, and it's beginning to truly feel like the kick-off celebration Minnesota baseball fans deserve. For that, all credit goes to the people that made WM4 happen: Brothers, 612 Brew, AME Sports, the Twins, and especially all of you who came out.

 

Our only regret is that we couldn't host more of you. Tickets sold out fast, and once they were gone it was a bummer having to turn away people who wanted to join. Fortunately, we've got plenty more fun events in the works, and you better believe we'll be raising our sights next year when the Meltdown turns 5.

 

We'll sign off with some of our favorite tweets using the #TDMeltdown hashtag. Again, thank you to everyone who helped make this a special evening. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Steve Lein]

Was great to see everyone briefly at the end! I had other obligations that kept me away for most of the night, but is always a fun time and definitely was cool to chat with Stephen Gonsalves.

 

Interesting nugget from that conversation: When I asked if his pitching arm was sore from signing autographs, he said it was fine as he signs right-handed. Definitely a smart guy, hope to see him up at Target Field soon!

[USAFChief]

"Guessing what was in JDGoin's mom's basement."

 

OOOOHHHHHHHHH, I KNOW this one...

 

J. D. Goin!

[Squirrel]

"Guessing what was in JDGoin's mom's basement."

 

OOOOHHHHHHHHH, I KNOW this one...

 

J. D. Goin!

Or, Psycho reference here, JD Goin's mom!

[Brock Beauchamp]

This was, in my opinion, our best event yet. Not only was the crowd huge (with lots of local writers and journalists in the mix, thanks for making an appearance) but Jack Goin was a fantastic guest and LaTroy killed it up there.

 

It was the perfect mix of guests, in my opinion. Goin gave us statheads analytic insight into the front office and LaTroy was hilarious with his on-field stories from his long career.

 

His AJ Piersynski bit almost had me in tears.

[Parker Hageman]

It was the perfect mix of guests, in my opinion. Goin gave us statheads analytic insight into the front office and LaTroy was hilarious with his on-field stories from his long career.

 

His AJ Piersynski bit almost had me in tears.

 

 

I also enjoyed when Hawkins said he would punch a certain umpire in the throat if he saw him again. 

[pbrezeasap]

Were Eric B & Rakim on your & Jack Goin's list of all-time greatest hip-hop artists?

 

Hopefully I can plan a trip up for Twinsfest and Meltdown one of these years, sound like a good time.

[Vanimal46]

I'm disappointed there are no pictures of Chief.... We all know he has a flip phone and no Twitter, so someone else had to do it for him

In all seriousness, thank you to John and Aaron for recording the session so out of towners like me could listen to the show. LaTroy sounds like a guy I'd love to have a beer with if given the chance. 

[Squirrel]

I'm disappointed there are no pictures of Chief.... We all know he has a flip phone and no Twitter, so someone else had to do it for him

 

In all seriousness, thank you to John and Aaron for recording the session so out of towners like me could listen to the show. LaTroy sounds like a guy I'd love to have a beer with if given the chance.

Chief wasn't there, but my sister, Karyn was and thought the event was pretty awesome. She said she was a bit distracted by LaTroy Hawkins sitting at her table that she sort of missed what Jack Goin said. She took that photo of LaTroy reminiscing with longtime fans.

[Pardon My Dinger]

Damn. I was in bed with flu. I'm never getting a good-for-nothin' flu shot ever again. 

[Vanimal46]

 

Damn. I was in bed with flu. I'm never getting a good-for-nothin' flu shot ever again. 

I was wondering why there was a severe lack of cats at the meltdown.... 

[Squirrel]

Damn. I was in bed with flu. I'm never getting a good-for-nothin' flu shot ever again.

Lol, my sister, Karyn, thought she recognized you from the pub crawl and went up to a total stranger and asked, 'Are you Dinger?'

[USAFChief]

 

Lol, my sister, Karyn, thought she recognized you from the pub crawl and went up to a total stranger and asked, 'Are you Dinger?'

Pray tell...what was the response?

[USAFChief]

 

I'm disappointed there are no pictures of Chief.... We all know he has a flip phone  

 

wrong-oh, mr smarty pants.  No flip phone here.

[Vanimal46]

 

 

wrong-oh, mr smarty pants.  No flip phone here.

That's one (miss)step away from this: 

http://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2013/06/25/100843172-Untitled-1.1910x1000.jpg

[Squirrel]

Pray tell...what was the response?

The guy just said 'No, I'm Dave'

[Pardon My Dinger]

The guy just said 'No, I'm Dave'

Ha! Classic Dinger...

[Seth Stohs]

If anyone wants a taste of the atmosphere, I did a couple of Twitter/Periscope Live recordings.

 

First, Jeremy and I kind of walked around the Brothers Basement to capture the atmosphere. You and see if he recognize anybody...

 

 

 

I also recorded the first segment that included some Gleeman and the Geek as well as the Goin interview...

 

 

 

[Don't Feed the Greed Guy]

Great event! 

 

I enjoyed visiting with Phil Miller--very approachable guy. Also Stephen Gonsalves and Zach Granite (upstairs with other prospects).

 

We discussed having a Draft Party at the Twins Daily table at the Diamond Awards.

 

The draft is set for Monday, June 12. What a great opportunity for draft nerds to gather at a local Twin Cites bar to hear the Twins first pick, and then enjoy some baseball chatter over beers as the clock moves toward picks #35 (competitive balance pick) and #37 (first pick of the 2nd round).

 

Last year, teams were given four minutes between first-round picks, and one minute during the competitive balance phase (#31 through #36). That means two hours, at the most, between pick #1 and picks #35 & 37. 

 

The time of the 2017 draft hasn't been released, but last year the MLB Network began broadcasting at 6 p.m.ET, with the first pick on the clock at 7:01 p.m.ET.

 

Mock Draft prizes for most correct picks, and least correct..?

 

Could be fun! I'd drive down from Walker for sure!

 

Only criticism of the event--minor criticism--was the lack of tables--eating space. I think if there was seating in front of the stage, some of the folks who ate early might have been willing to move closer to the stage, and give up table or bar space to those who were waiting for a place to eat. The bar might also see this as a way to increase their income.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Damn, looks fantastic. One of these years.

[Cory Engelhardt]

 

Great event! 

 

I enjoyed visiting with Phil Miller--very approachable guy. Also Stephen Gonsalves and Zach Granite (upstairs with other prospects).

 

We discussed having a Draft Party at the Twins Daily table at the Diamond Awards.

 

The draft is set for Monday, June 12. What a great opportunity for draft nerds to gather at a local Twin Cites bar to hear the Twins first pick, and then enjoy some baseball chatter over beers as the clock moves toward picks #35 (competitive balance pick) and #37 (first pick of the 2nd round).

 

Last year, teams were given four minutes between first-round picks, and one minute during the competitive balance phase (#31 through #36). That means two hours, at the most, between pick #1 and picks #35 & 37. 

 

The time of the 2017 draft hasn't been released, but last year the MLB Network began broadcasting at 6 p.m.ET, with the first pick on the clock at 7:01 p.m.ET.

 

Mock Draft prizes for most correct picks, and least correct..?

 

Could be fun! I'd drive down from Walker for sure!

 

Only criticism of the event--minor criticism--was the lack of tables--eating space. I think if there was seating in front of the stage, some of the folks who ate early might have been willing to move closer to the stage, and give up table or bar space to those who were waiting for a place to eat. The bar might also see this as a way to increase their income.

 

I missed this one because of having young kids at home. But the draft party, if that comes to fruition, I would be ALL for that. Sounds like a GREAT idea!

[goulik]

Had a great time. Brought my friend Norm Peterson who quickly became a crowd favorite just for the sake of his name (and winning at rock paper scissors). His interest in TD took a sharp uptick. Thanks for making him feel welcomed!

 

Jack really is just an every day geek like most of us (except he likes the Packers, BOOO!!) He was approachable after his time on stage and Great choice of guests

 

LaTroy was awesome. Too cool for most of us to hang out with in the real world but for a night we were with the cool guy. (Boy did the ladies heads follow him everywhere he went...)

 

And, Bonnes, you married over your head, good for you! (Trust me, I out kicked my coverage as well!) Tell the Mrs. I enjoyed chatting with her between waves of people coming in the door.

[John Bonnes]

Seth's quote about "equal parts inspirational and intimidating" rings true. My gawd, what an event. I'll remember that one for a long time. THANK YOU everyone who helped and showed up.