None of the above? They are all terrible in their own unique ways.  I am glad they seem to be phasing out Bert, but I don't think they've found a good permanent solution yet

I've liked what LaTroy has brought to broadcasts - particularly his unwillingness to simply tow the "conventional wisdom" line that Dick likes to tout. (Favorite moment with LaTroy was last weekend, when Dick asked who he thought the home run leader was. Dick was a bit taken back by LaTroy firmly stating it's Bonds - and continually alluded to the fact he thought it should be Maris. LaTroy, without missing a beat responds "If you're looking for someone to agree with you, you're talking to the wrong guy". I like that LaTroy brings a newer "era" of perspective to the booth.) 

 

Torii was fun for a bit - but he doesn't really add anything of substance. 

 

If Smalley could learn how to speak concisely, he'd be the clear winner. He's provided some interesting insight during games, but gets a bit too carried away at times. 

 

Jack Morris is apparently contractually obligated to take one shot at analytics per inning. Hard pass. 

Edited September 5, 20179 yr by iTwins

 

None of the above? They are all terrible in their own unique ways.  I am glad they seem to be phasing out Bert, but I don't think they've found a good permanent solution yet

Morneau was very good and they need to get him in the booth permanently.

 

Worst speaker of the bunch by a large margin, but still Smalley.  Most informative and he actually seems to be able to communicate something he sees to the viewer.  Bert's been mailing in the same performance for years now, Morris doesn't really add anything special, and Torii is a little too jokey/jolly.  I'm curious about LaTroy, I liked him in the only game I watched with him though it was obvious he was very new to the whole thing, but he has potential.

Homerun on Bert, with that uppercut swing.

Bear in mind that it can take years for a former ballplayer to become a decent commentator. Took Dan Gladden a long time, and I bet he took classes. Of the guys mentioned, I like Hawkins, then Morris, then Smalley. None of them is great, like Jim Kaat. Smalley might get better over time. Morris will just be him, and LaTroy might get better with time. 

 

Golden opportunity for...Eddie Rosario!

 

Morneau was very good and they need to get him in the booth permanently.

 

I missed that game(s) so I can't comment, but I can't imagine he's any worse than the options in the poll

Really need a "none of the above" option. The least horrible of the above is Smalley. The Twins need a new color commentator really badly and Hunter and Hawkins are not even close to being good. Hunter tends to speak over everything including the play by play action and Hawkins just sounds pretty irrelevant. Someone should tell those guys that there is a game on and their job is to comment on that (with passable English enunciation preferably, we don't want anything or anyone to be axed, for example) and not on the "good old days" of their playing careers.

 

I know that it comes with the position, but Dick Bremer and all of the above, are Homers (with capital H). It would be refreshing if they criticized some of the decisions on the field, for example.

 

Yeah, the Twins booth needs an infusion of new blood and their former players (including the new ones) are not it...

None of the above! Time for a search. Bremer needs replaced, too.

 

How about Jim Kaat!

 

None of the above! Time for a search. Bremer needs replaced, too.

How about Jim Kaat!

Jim Kaat is 78 years old. As good as he was in his broadcasting career I doubt he'd want to jump into a full time gig here.

 

...

So within that time, I need something to stimulate my brain (please don't take a rip at the hanging curve ball I've left here).  ...

Great line...

Smalley talks to much, I get that. But I find him intelligent and enjoy his comments and insight. I get he needs to reign it in a bit, but I enjoy him.

 

Always loved Torrii and find him engaging and fun, but I feel he's too much a talker at times and not zeroed in on the game itself and what his job is.

 

Morris is rather deadpan but he's also smart and pretty straight forward and doesn't get cute. I like that.

 

I've only heard Hawkins a couple times so can't say much. When I did, I thought he sounded reserved.

 

Never heard Morneau or Cuddyer but would like to.

 

I think they all bring something different to the table. Some need to talk more, some less. But it has so to take time to hone this set of skills. Seems to me Smalley is the most natural in the role. What the heck ever happened to Larkin? I remember enjoying listening to him in the past.

Edited September 7, 20179 yr by DocBauer