Article: 2018 Twins Super (Bowl) Predictions

[Seth Stohs]

Minneapolis is the home to Super Bowl LII. OK, that’s enough about football… But, lots of baseball fans and baseball players are a fan of football, and millions upon millions will be watching the game on Sunday. As we have done the last few years, we have collected the predictions of many current, former and future Twins players.

 

At this point, 85 players and other Twins personnel have sent in their predictions. We have predictions from 2017 draft picks, minor league veterans and several major leaguers including Denard Span, Danny Valencia, Mike Trombley, LaTroy Hawkins and more. So check out the predictions below if only for a walk down memory lane. There are some names that you’ll remember from the past.

 

But first, here’s my prediction. That Eagles defense is legit. I predict three field goals for the Patriots, and a couple of second half touchdowns. The Patriots defense is not as good, but the Eagles will also be held to two field goals, but I think they’ll score three touchdowns. Eagles 27, Patriots 23. MVP - Jay Ajayi.Let’s get to the predictions you came to see, those of the Twins players and personnel from the past, the present and the future. Prospects, big leaguers and suspects, enjoy these predictions.

 

 

Taylor Grzelakowski (Catcher signed in 2017, played in GCL) - 27-14 Patriots!

 

Hector Lujan (RHP was the closer for Kernels in 2017) - The Eagles win without a doubt. The final score is gonna be 31-17.

 

Tyler Watson (LHP acquired from Nationals in Brandon Kintzler trade) - The Patriots are gonna win 31-17.

 

Sean Miller (infielder spent 2017 with Ft. Myers, then played in the Arizona Fall League) - Well this is a tough one! You can’t go against Tom Brady. I’m going to have to say the Patriots win 34-24.

 

Joe Rosenstein (RHP signed in 2017, played in GCL) - I think it’s gonna be 34-30 Eagles with Nick Foles as MVP!

 

Alex Perez (infielder split 2017 between Ft. Myers and Chattanooga) - I believe the Patriots will go back to back and beat the Eagles 24-17. Tom Brady wins again and hopefully rides off into the sunset and retires. Dolphin fans would much appreciate this…

 

Bryan Sammons (Twins 8th round pick in 2017, pitched in E-Town and Cedar Rapids) - 28-24 Eagles. I think Nick Foles will step up and the Eagles defense will do what it's been doing all season.

 

Jared Finkel (RHP was 2017 draft pick and pitched in Elizabethton) - 35-27 Patriots, I’m a huge Giants fan and I want Eli to be the only QB to take down Brady in the Super Bowl.

 

Zack Jones (RHP was Twins 4th round pick in 2012) - Eagles 31-28

 

Trey Cabbage (3B/OF split 2017 between Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids) - I don’t really have a preference, but I think the Pats will pull it out 27-17

 

Ethan Mildren (former Twins RHP prospect) - As a Steeler guy, it's tough to pick one of these teams, but I'll say 24-20 Eagles

 

Casey Scoggins (former Twins OF prospect) - Eagles win 27-24. Tom Brady has an “off” game. Eagles fans climb light poles and celebrate into next season.

 

Akil Baddoo (OF was 2nd round pick in 2017, split season between GCL and E-Town. Twins Daily Short-Season Minor League Hitter of the Year) - 21-17 Eagles.

 

Jonathan Rodriguez (1B helped Chattanooga to share of Southern League title, recently signed with Marlins) - 27-17 Patriots winning.

 

AJ Achter (RHP spent parts of 2014-2015 with Twins, Angels in 2016. He was just named the pitching coach for Eastern Michigan U) - I'll go Patriots 21-13.

 

Patrick McGuff (RHP spent much of 2017 in Cedar Rapids bullpen) - Gotta go Patriots 34-17.

 

Ryan O’Rourke (LHP dominated LHH for the Twins in 2015 and 2016 and missed 2017 with Tommy John surgery. Signed with the Baltimore Orioles) - Patriots 28 Eagles 3.

 

Shane Carrier (OF split 2017 between Cedar Rapids and Elizabethton) - I’ve got the Patriots winning 23-20.

 

Alex Meyer (former Twins pitcher traded to Angels. Recovering from shoulder surgery) - I’ll go with the Pats 31-20!

 

Brent Rooker (OF was 2017 draft pick and hit 18 homers between E-Town and Ft. Myers) - 31-23 Pats. Eagles will lead 17-10 at halftime, Brady throws 3 TD’s in the 2nd half.

 

Travis Harrison (former OF prospect of Twins) - I have the Patriots winning 24 17. Tom Brady is the best of all time. As a Cowboy fan, I can't stand the Eagles.

 

Trevor May (RHP for Twins 2014-2016. Missed 2017 with Tommy John. Will return in 2018) - 27-17 Pats.

 

David Banuelos (Catcher acquired from Mariners for international slot money) - I’m going to say Eagles are going to win 24-21.

 

Travis Blankenhorn (2B/3B prospect spent 2017 with Cedar Rapids) - 28-24 Patriots. I want the Eagles to win, but I can’t bet against the goat Tom Brady.

 

Zack Granite (Twins OF made his MLB debut in 2017) - 27-17 Pats.

 

Dick Bremer (The TV voice of Twins Baseball for Fox Sports North) - With a moderate degree of certainty, I'm predicting the Patriots will win 24-10. With absolute certainty, I'm predicting that I will ignore the halftime show for the 52nd consecutive year.

 

Landon Leach (RHP was Twins 2nd round pick in 2017, pitched in GCL) - I’m predicting 28-24 victory for New England Patriots.

 

Trey Vavra (former Twins prospect) - I’m out of the loop but here’s a guess, 35-31 Patriots?

 

Alex Robles (infielder was Twins 2017 draft pick after hitting and pitching in college) - Although I’m hoping the Eagles prove me wrong, I’m gonna go Patriots over Eagles 31-24.

 

Mat Batts (former Twins LHP prospect) - Patriots 30-17

 

Todd Van Steensel (RHP pitched for Chattanooga in 2017) - Patriots 31, Eagles 17 - I don’t know much about football, but I know Brady wins Super Bowls when he isn’t playing the Giants.

 

Kevin Garcia (catcher played mostly in 2017, a little in AA) - Not going to lie, I think Brady is unstoppable in the playoffs. Now, the Eagles defense has been doing a great job but without their starting QB, I have to take the Patriots. 24-20 Patriots.

 

Taylor Rogers (Twins LH Relief Pitcher 2016, 2017) - Since it’s not the broncos let’s go Patriots by 3. 27-24

 

Luke Bard (Twins RHP prospect, Angels Rule 5 pick) - 24-27 Eagles!

 

Randy Dobnak (signed in 2017, RHP pitched for Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids) - 35-24 Patriots. The GOAT Tom Brady will once again be on top, connecting with Gronk for 2 TDs. The Eagles may score first, but the Patriots will tear through the defense mostly during the 2nd half!

 

Andrew Bechtold (2017 draft pick played in Elizabethton) - 27-17 Eagles!! Nick Foles leads Philadelphia to its first super bowl in franchise history, eagles defenses shuts down the great Tom Brady who after the game considers retirement from the beat down he just received by the Eagles D line, Doug Peterson wins coach of the year. Eagles fans flood the streets of Philly all week for the biggest party in US history, go birds baby!!!

 

Logan Darnell (Twins LHP, debuted in 2014)- Eagles -28 O’Rourke/Pats-20 - I think between the regulated footballs, no spy cameras, and even officiating, we have a backup QB take his team to a Super Bowl win, much like the college football championship!

 

Virgil Vasquez (RHP pitched for Tigers, Pirates, then pitched in Twins system in 2013, 2014, about to start his 3rd season as GCL pitching coach) - Low scoring first half, both teams come out firing second half. Foles struggles to throw tough passes and ends up throwing a pick, costing the Eagles the game. End score Patriots 27-21 Eagles. Brady = G.O.A.T.

 

Zach Featherstone (2016 draft pick as hitter, transitioned to the mound in 2017) - I’m going 31-23 Patriots. You just can’t bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. It’s hard to go against the best.

 

Mike Trombley (RHP worked 365 games for the Twins between 1992 and 1999, and briefly in 2012) - I’m a New England guy. Pats roll 31-17.

 

Robbie Incmikoski (former Fox Sports North sideline reporter, now with ROOT Sports in Pittsburgh) - I'm gonna take the Eagles, 24-21. That was the score of Super Bowl 39 when the Pats beat Philly. Plus, Tom Brady gets there pretty much every year anyways....and it's time to parade down Broad Street!

 

LaTroy Hawkins (RHP for Twins from 1995-2003 before pitching for 11 other teams until 2015. Twins Special Assistant to Baseball Operations) - 27-21 Patriots.

 

Lewis Thorpe (Australian LHP returned to the mound in 2017 after Tommy John surgery) - Patriots by 14.

 

Jacob Pearson (2017 draft pick by Angels, acquired by Twins for international slot money) - Patriots 34-30.

 

Cody Stashak (Twins RHP prospect split 2017 between Ft. Myers and Chattanooga) - 24-17 Eagles. Eagles fan so I’m going with them.

 

DJ Baxendale (Twins RHP prospect split 2017 between Rochester and Chattanooga) - Brady is gonna need another finger! Go Pats! 27-21.

 

Steve Singleton (Twins infield prospect 2006-11, hitting coach for Ft. Myers) - Eagles 32, Patriots 31.

 

David Hurlbut (Twins LHP prospect 2011-2017. Spent 2017 in Rochester. Signed with Texas)- Patriots over Eagles 24-20.

 

Tyler Wells (Twins RHP prospect, spent 2017 in Cedar Rapids) - 17-24 Patriots!

 

Aaron Slegers (Twins RHP prospect since 2013, debuted in 2017) - Pats by 7.

 

Joe Cronin (Twins infield prospect spent 2nd half in Cedar Rapids, with one game in Ft. Myers) - Pats 27 Eagles 21. Go Pats.

 

Michael Quesada (former Twins catching prospect is now a scout for Twins)- 20-17 Patriots.

 

Dallas Gallant (Twins RHP prospect 2010-2015) - I’m saying the score is going to be 31-21 Patriots.

 

Cory Provus (Twins radio voice) - 28-17, Pats.

 

Danny Valencia (former Twins infielder from 2010-2012. Six teams since then.) - Tom Brady is my guy!! They are winning 28-21.

 

Bryan Haar (former Twins infielder 2012-2015) - I am predicting/hoping the Eagles win 34-24.

 

Keaton Steele (Twins RHP prospect, split 2017 between Ft. Myers and Chattanooga)- 30-24 Pats.

 

Gregg Olson (14 year reliever, Olson pitched in 11 games in 1997) - Patriots 28-24.

 

Kolton Kendrick (Twins 1B prospect played for Elizabethton in 2017) - 24-17 and I don’t know, this is a tough one between the Patriots and Philly, but I think I’m going with Patriots.

 

Dave St. Peter (Twins President) - 35-21 Pats. Way too much Brady & Gronk.

 

Tanner Vavra (former Twins infield prospect) - You can put me down for Philly 27-21 I want to see a new champ.

 

Callan Pearce (Twins RHP prospect missed 2017 with arm injury) - My predictions for this years Super Bowl is -> Patriots 43 - 28 Eagles. This is nothing new for Tom Brady.

 

Brandon Lopez (Twins infield prospect split 2017 between Cedar Rapids and Ft. Myers) - I’m going to go with 21-17 Pats.

 

Dalton Hicks (Twins 1B prospect, 2012-2016) - I'm riding with the Goat! #31-21 #goodguys #Patriots

 

Chris Colabello (Twins 1B/DH in parts of 2013 and 2014) - Pats 31-27.

 

Matt Fox (pitched one game for Twins in 2010) - 31-27 Patriots - I’d like to take the Eagles in this contest, as I am extremely tired of the Patriots winning ways, but after watching “Tom vs. Time” and witnessing how obnoxious Eagles fans are, Go Pats!

 

Grant Balfour (Twins RHP from 2001-2006, also pitched for Rays and A’s) - I got the Patriots winning this one 31-24!

 

Trevor Hildenberger (Twins RHP debuted in 2017 and was team’s Top Rookie) - Patriots 28-24 - I got no other guesses except the Patriots will win again. (sigh*)

 

Clark Beeker (Twins prospecet pitched mostly in Cedar Rapids in 2017) - Patriots- 27, Eagles- 20 - Brady/Belichick go down as the best to ever do it.

 

Angel Morales (Twins OF prospect 2007-2013) - I’ll say Patriots 32-27.

 

Steven Blevins (Twins RHP prospect 2008-2010) - Patriots 31-21.

 

Ryley Widell (Twins LHP prospect and 2017 draft pick, pitched at E-Town) - 24-17 Patriots - The Eagles D will come off strong in the two quarters. However, the Pats will come out strong after halftime to get the win.

 

Alex Kirilloff (Twins top pick in 2016, missed 2017 with Tommy John) - Patriots 38 - Eagles 31!

 

Denard Span (Twins top pick in 2002, OF played for Twins from 2008-2012, Nationals, Giants since) - Eagles 28-24.

 

Tommy Watkins (Twins minor leaguer 1998-2009, hit .357 in nine games for Twins in 2007. Hitting coach in minors, managed Cedar Rapids in 2017. Will manage Chattanooga in 2018) - I’m pulling for the Eagles because of family (Jaylen Watkins) so I’m gonna say it’s an upset Eagles win 24-20.

 

Caleb Hamilton (Twins 2016 draft pick, moved to catcher in 2017, but he can play all over the diamond.) - 28-21 Eagles. All aboard the Nick Foles train!

 

Dan Osterbrock (former Twins LHP prospect, 2008-2011) - Patriots 31 Eagles 21 with Tom Brady winning the MVP.

 

Christian Cavaness (Twins OF prospect spent 2017 in Cedar Rapids) - Patriots 28, Eagles 17. The red zone defenses for both teams is what will be the difference maker.

 

Nick Anderson (Minnesotan is a RHP prospect who split 2017 between Ft. Myers and Chattanooga) - My prediction is 34-17 in favor of the Patriots! “Brady is too good!”

 

Charlie Barnes (2017 draft pick, the LHP pitched for Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids) - 31-24 patriots, Tom Brady pulls it out in the 4th quarter

 

Jeff Manship (RHP for the Twins, 2009-2012) - I predict the Patriots to win by a score of 24-17. Hopefully I'm wrong and the Eagles win.

 

Pat Dean (LHP for 19 games for the Twins in 2016 after being a 3rd round pick in 2010. Pitched in Korea in 2017, will again in 2018) - I'm taking the Pats with a score of 23-17.

 

Chris Mazza (former RHP in Twins system, currently with Marlins, heading to his first MLB spring training) - Eagles 24, Patriots 20.

 

Jake Reed (Twins RH RP prospect, split 2017 between Chattanooga and Rochester) - EAGLES!!!!!

 

UPDATE - Patriots 64, Eagles 21.

 

(This page will be updated through the kickoff of Sunday's game. Check back often. And, let us know below who you think will win on Sunday.)

 

 

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[mikelink45]

In 1960, the year before the Twins came to town Philadelphia (10-2) won the championship in a wonderful game with the Green Bay Packers (8-4).    The QB for the Philadelphia team was HOF Norm Van Brocklin, who in 1961 would be the first coach of the brand new Minnesota Vikings.  The Eagles won 17 - 13 (it would exciting to see that score repeated).  

 

It was a great game with Bart Starr, Hornung, Taylor, Nitschke and other future HOF players on the Packers and the last two way player - Chuck Bednarik joining Norm on the Eagles.

 

In the Vikings first year - 1961 - the Packers began an amazing streak winning five straight NFL championships (the Super bowl started with the last two of those wins). 

 

The comparison might be between Lombardi and Belichek - two of the greatest coaches of all time.  Brady and Starr - both HOF quarterbacks.  It was the beginning of a dynasty for the Packers, maybe this will be the end of a dynasty for the Patriots, but I would not put any money on it.  

​Just like the Packers and Lombardi's famous adage that they know what's coming, its up to them to stop it (the famous Hornung and Taylor sweep) so it is with the Pats - they have a psychological edge that plays with the opponents minds.

 

I just hope its a good game. 

[MN_ExPat]

Is it allowed to hope for a scoreless tie?? 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Is it allowed to hope for a scoreless tie?? 

 

It is OK to hope for that... 

It's not going to happen, but it is OK to hope for it.

[Rhino and Compass]

The biggest revelation is that the Twins had a prospect named Mat Batts, and I had no idea 

[Mr. Brooks]

Seth, I get the feeling you don't like the Patriots. Two years in a row you've picked against them now.

 

This isn't the Vikings. This isn't Mike Zimmer. And this isn't Case Keenum. We made the Eagles look a lot better than they are.

 

Pats:28

Eagles:13

[Seth Stohs]

 

Seth, I get the feeling you don't like the Patriots. Two years in a row you've picked against them now.

This isn't the Vikings. This isn't Mike Zimmer. And this isn't Case Keenum. We made the Eagles look a lot better than they are.

Pats:28
Eagles:13

 

I had nothing to do with how the Vikings played two weekends ago. And yes, I am not a fan of the Patriots. But mostly I just hope for a good game.

[Kelly Vance]

Pats 31-28.

Sign Drew Brees

[Mr. Brooks]

Well, I have to admit, I underestimated the Eagles. They played an unbelievable game.

Congrats to them, but not their fans.

[Vanimal46]

I thought the game was alright. I'm a guy that enjoys a good defensive battle instead of an offensive shoot out. It bugged me a bit how often a receiver was WIDE open... I understand defensive breakdowns happen 1-2 times a game. Last night it felt like there were 10+ plays where a player was wide open for an easy first down or TD.

[ashbury]

I thought the game was alright. I'm a guy that enjoys a good defensive battle instead of an offensive shoot out. It bugged me a bit how often a receiver was WIDE open... I understand defensive breakdowns happen 1-2 times a game. Last night it felt like there were 10+ plays where a player was wide open for an easy first down or TD.

When the O-line is successful, guys eventually get open. Were there any holding calls at all? That's fine, as long as it's being called the same for both teams, but it makes for a very different game.

[ashbury]

Now we learn the Lord doesn't answer every prayer:

[Vanimal46]

When the O-line is successful, guys eventually get open. Were there any holding calls at all? That's fine, as long as it's being called the same for both teams, but it makes for a very different game.

The refs kept the flag in their pocket, that's for sure. 0 holding penalties for both teams, and 1 sack total. That's an odd combination.

[Vanimal46]

The worst part about the Super Bowl?

 

Those CGI cyborg-looking renditions of Tom Brady and Nick Foles.

[Mike Sixel]

Eagles are the anti-zimmer coaches, playing aggressively and not going for FGs and going for it on 4th down....that's one reason they are champions. They play to win. They understand the odds and the situation really well. Big fan of their coaching.

[TheLeviathan]

 

Eagles are the anti-zimmer coaches, playing aggressively and not going for FGs and going for it on 4th down....that's one reason they are champions. They play to win. They understand the odds and the situation really well. Big fan of their coaching.

 

They're good about knowing when to be aggressive.  Brazen aggressiveness is sometimes what fans clamor for, but realize later how foolish it is.  But smart, percentage-driven aggression is the best kind of coaching and Doug Pederson certainly gets that.  

[Mr. Brooks]

Eagles are the anti-zimmer coaches, playing aggressively and not going for FGs and going for it on 4th down....that's one reason they are champions. They play to win. They understand the odds and the situation really well. Big fan of their coaching.

Agree. I thought that was the difference in the game.