Simmons to Bring Defense, Leadership to Twins

[Seth Stohs]

On Sunday morning, the Minnesota Twins officially announced the signing of shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Soon after, Simmons (along with Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli) talked to the media.It quickly became evident that there was a strong interest from both the Twins and Simmons throughout the offseason.

 

Derek Falvey pointed out, “One of the things that became clear to us in conversations with his agent and his representation was how much he had interest in Minnesota and how much this felt like a good fit for him from the outside looking in so once we heard that, had some conversations, this was clear that we could potentially find a good path forward. We’re thrilled to welcome Andrelton to our team here in Minnesota.”

 

Simmons felt the Twins interest right away which is obviously important. “I guess just kind of I was seeing who was interested in me. That’s No. 1. You’ve got to be honest. You can’t go play with somebody that doesn’t show appreciation for what you do. I think the Twins showed that.”

 

Beyond that, Simmons believes that Minnesota provides a place where he can win. “They also are a team that the last couple years have shown that they belong in the conversation of the best of the best teams because they’ve been consistently winning their division, competing for a playoff spot. They’ve been a team that whenever they came into town the last couple years I’ve been playing in Anaheim, they gave us some headaches so I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that right now.”

 

Simmons is 31-years-old and was born in Curacao. Asked how many languages he speaks, Simmons said, “Four-and-a-half. I haven’t been practicing French. Unless we get some French players and have some conversations, I still have a lot to remember on the French.”

 

Baseball players young and old likely have watched YouTube videos of Simmons making great plays at shortstop. Kids dream of becoming the next Andrelton Simmons with the glove. Simmons grew up watching the great shortstops of the game, but it likely comes as no surprise who his favorite player was, fellow Curacao native Andruw Jones.

 

“I have to say, growing up, Andruw Jones was the big name. Even though he wasn’t a shortstop, but his defense and what he brought to the table. Everybody was aware of how great he was. I think that’s one of the inspirations.”

 

But there were shortstops he looked up to as well.

 

“I had guys like Derek Jeter. I liked the way he went about his business and he was so good at it. He was another person. Then I had Omar Vizquel who I grew up watching. Seemed like he never made a mistake. Guys like that kind of help, be somebody, like an idol, or a couple of idols I had growing up. People I learned a lot from. I try to pay a lot of attention to guys who I think are really good at what they do. Those are some of the guys that I try to pick every little detail that I can that can benefit me.”

 

Baldelli was excited to see the Twins bring in Simmons. With the goal of getting better each year and winning a World Series, bringing in a player with Simmons background is important. First, his defense will make the team better, but he may also bring additional value to the team.

 

“We are talking about honestly one of the most cerebral ballplayers in the game and I think there’s a ton he’s going to be able to bring to the table and both lead by example but also probably show us a few things too. Myself included. I’m looking forward to watching him go out there, not just during the games, but even before the games and all the conversations that go along with it.”

 

Simmons knows his role as a leader on the defense. “I know what I bring to the table. When I'm on the field, I bring awareness. I try to, I wouldn't say educate, but keep everybody on their toes, making sure everybody knows what the next play should be. Where we should get the out or 'watch out for this runner, he's trying to steal. Make sure every base is covered.”

 

But Baldelli knows that it is going to help his already-strong pitching staff too.

 

“We have one of the best, I think, pitching staffs as a whole in the American League, and for us to be able to compliment that group with basically one of the greatest defenders of our generation, and to be able to put Andrelton at the shortstop position, which also allows us to really solidify everything going on in the rest of our infield as well. It doesn’t just add to our defense. I think it’s going to add to the way our pitchers throw the ball and go about their business, and I just think that the ability to help ourselves on that side of the ball in such a dynamic way was something that we couldn’t resist.”

 

Simmons on Shifting

 

When the Twins signed Josh Donaldson a year ago, he was asked about the shift and if he liked it. He said at that time that he wasn’t a big fan of it, but that he would do what the team asked. The Twins do a lot of shifting, so Simmons was asked for his thoughts on shifting in baseball.

 

“For me, growing up before the shift became a big thing, I always went on what I saw. It’s an educated decision on what you feel like is going to happen, where the ball is gonna be hit. As more data was put into figuring out where guys are gonna hit baseballs, I always enjoy that input on positioning. Like, what information do you have on this guy, on where he hits the ball. It’s always a good thing to know it.” He continued, noting that he enjoys the conversation on the reports. “I enjoy when I can have a discussion, if it’s something like I don’t feel like this guy is gonna hit the ball here, in certain situations this guy might try to ... there’s maybe sometimes my own way of processing things. I like to discuss, with either the manager or the defensive coordinator, and try to understand why, and share my own input. Try to come up with the best decision for where to position. I like the idea of shifting, but I always like to understand how and why.”

 

Baldelli on Polanco, Arraez Reactions to Simmons Signing

 

One crucial piece to this equation is how Jorge Polanco and Luis Arraez might react to the news that their roles will change.

 

Rocco Baldelli said that he has talked to both players before and since the deal.

 

"Any time we’re going to be adding or potentially making a change with any of our players, one thing we like to do is just make sure that the players who are going to be affected by it are involved in the discussion and in a timely manner. We like to be the ones to explain what’s going on and not let our players hear it elsewhere. So I was able to get a hold of Polo and Luis, who I gave a call to as well, when we came into an agreement with Andrelton."

 

He continued, "So I talked to Polo that night, and really the way that discussion went was very, very straightforward, where we explained that we were signing Andrelton, how it would affect Polo. And frankly, Polo, he stepped up almost immediately as a teammate, as a competitor. He said, ‘I want to be the best second baseman I can be.’ If that’s what best for the team, I want to do what’s best for the team. I want to win. He said, ‘You know that,’ and you know that’s who he is as a person. And Polo proved that he can play a major league shortstop and do it well. Is that always easy for guys to take, when you’ve proven you can do something? No, but it really shows his character, it shows who he is, and frankly any time we do need him to play shortstop, he said on the phone, ‘Anytime you need me to play, I will be there to play.’"

 

Regarding Arraez, Baldelli noted, "And Luis echoed the same sentiment: “Whatever you need me to do, I’m going to be ready. Anytime I’m in the lineup, wherever I’m playing, I’m happy. You know that. I’m going to be ready to go.’ So it makes things easier on the staff and on the organization when you have guys with that kind of character who are willing to do anything to win.”

 

Royce Lewis on the Addition of Simmons

 

In an interview during the Twins Virtual Twins Fest, Royce Lewis was asked by Cory Provus for his thoughts on the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons.

 

Lewis responded by saying, “I thought it was an amazing move. He’s a great defensive shortstop. I mean, for me personally, I can’t wait to learn from the guy.” Lewis continued, “It’ll be really interesting to learn. Hopefully I won’t bother him too much by asking him too many questions about the defense, but he can swing it too and he’s a great addition to the team.”

 

On Sunday, Baldelli was asked about Lewis’s response to the signing.

 

“Yeah, this is also something you can kind of pat Royce on the back about too. Royce is obviously a tremendously talented young man but also a guy that knows he still wants to learn. He still wants to get better. That’s his goal every day when he shows up to the ballpark. I think this is a great opportunity for the guys on our Major league team but also our young players too.”

 

In addition, Baldelli discussed the organization’s belief in Lewis, his ability to play shortstop, and he hinted that Lewis and his development was possibly another reason to bring Simmons in. Certainly Lewis is the reason that the Twins wanted a one-year deal with the Gold Glover.

 

I know Major League Spring Training is actually a really important time for a lot of young players. Not to just get out there and be in the big league clubhouse but actually watch the way that other guys go about their business and watch what they do. Royce is a guy that is such a talent that I think he could play several positions at the Major league level and do it well. But I do believe he has the ability to play a very good shortstop and that’s what we want him to continue to keep working at. He’s going to get exactly where we want him to be. This is another kind of tool and another opportunity for him to improve his game.”

 

Simba on Simba

 

Simmons was asked about the origins of his nickname, “Simba.”

 

“It started in Atlanta in the minor leagues my first year in Danville, Virginia. Paul Runge was the manager and I don’t know why, but Day 1 I think he just made the decision. He was just like, ‘yeah, I’m not going to call him Andrelton or Simmons, I’m just gonna call him Simba.’ I guess everybody kept hearing that when he kept saying Simba over and over again. I guess it just stuck. I don’t mind it. I like the movie. I like the character. So no harm done. I enjoy the name right now, honestly.”

 

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[Out State Twin]

Nice, the improved defense will help our pitching and offense. Now we need the get FSN back on HULU.

[rdehring]

Thanks, Seth. Exciting addition that makes the Twins much better in 2021. 

 

Now, let's hope we get a full 154-game season in. With a start around May 1, expect all teams should be able to get vaccinations prior to opening day, probably the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which requires only 1 shot. That should help the COVID cases and schedule disruptions.

[Out State Twin]

Curious to see how Simbas signing dictates the FO in SP, RP & infield moving forward this season.

[Trov]

His answer about shifting is great.  I hope he does push back on some of the shifts and challenge the assumptions.  I am a fan of shifting generally, but feel the Twins at times shifted when it was not the best decision and got burned on it.  Look at Astros in playoffs.  You know the Astros knew the Twins would shift a ton, and work on hitting against.  

[h2oface]

Great Article. Thanks.

[Boswell]

Who is listening to Simba on the field in the picture? Looks like Rocco in an Angels’ uniform!

[Doctor Gast]

Great article! Hats off to the FO, they saw the need found the solution and they let Simmons know that we're interested and sold the Twins.

I'm excited about the addition of Simmons. Not only his talent but also the knowledge that he brings. I've felt the need for our SS prospects to get all the preparations that they need. I was concerned about Lewis being adequately trained at SS but now I'm not. Simmons has a lot to give and Lewis is hungry to learn. Lewis can pass that knowledge along.

The fact that all the FAs that was linked to the Twins they didn't sign (hopefully Cruz is the exception) and those they did, weren't. Gives me some hope that they might be considering some FAs that aren't still linked to the Twins.

Simmons will also inspire the rest of the defense to achieve an higher level

[IndianaTwin]

Wonderful article on Simmons opening up about dealing with depression:  https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/02/andrelton-simmons-opens-up-about-depression-and-thoughts-of-suicide/?fbclid=IwAR0aRh1Kke4nVsVKxO43cnuMFl-gIGBm4x_S5CP785JK1hxs6OvqcSzUfjk