News and Notes from TwinsFest Weekend

[Cody Christie]

The calendar turns to February this week, which means pitchers and catchers are close to reporting to spring training. TwinsFest allows fans to refocus on the Twins and increases the excitement for the 2023 campaign.

Image courtesy of Unsplash/Klemens Kopfle

 

There is plenty to get excited about with the 2023 Twins. It has been a memorable off-season with the club signing the biggest free deal in franchise history and trading for multiple key players. Fans gathered at multiple events over the last week, including the Winter Caravan, Diamond Awards, TwinsFest Live, and TwinsFest. Here is a rundown of news and notes that trickled out from these events. 

Jose Miranda in the "Best Shape of His Life"
Miranda knew he had to make some changes this winter after feeling worn down at the conclusion of his rookie campaign. He dropped over 10 pounds thanks to his diet and workout routine changes. Minnesota is handing off the starting third base job to Miranda after trading Gio Urshela to the Angels. Over the last week, Miranda made it clear that the players have two focuses this year, stay healthy, and the team will win. What are your expectations for Miranda in 2023? 

Twins Shortstop Prospects Excited to Work with Correa
Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee are the Twins' top two prospects, and they both play shortstop. It could be easy to look at the big-league roster and see that Correa is now blocking their path for the next six years. However, both players are excited about the chance to work with Correa, and both prospects had long-term defensive questions. Lee is likely headed to third base at the big-league level, and Lewis can shift to second base or the outfield. It's certainly exciting to think about all three players fitting into the infield at some point in the near future. How long before all three players are on Minnesota's big-league roster?

Joe Mauer Elected to the Twins Hall of Fame
Mauer already has his number retired by the Twins, so it was a no-brainer for this honor to be announced. He will become the 38th member of the Twins Hall of Fame, and the team will honor him in August. Next year, Mauer will also be on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. Many believe he is headed to Cooperstown, but there is some question about whether or not he makes it on the first ballot. The BWAA will vote next December and January, so the Twins hope he can carry some momentum into the election. Do you think Mauer is a first-ballot Hall of Famer?

Twins Announce Upgraded Ballpark Features
Earlier in the winter, the Twins announced that the Target Field scoreboards would be replaced with newer and bigger models. Other branding is also being updated throughout the facility as part of the team's updated logo. Part of the rebrand is adding the "Win! Twins!" logo used in the 1970s and '80s. There will also be a light-up TC medallion added to one of the park's digital columns. What are your thoughts on these additions? 

The countdown is on to spring training. What stood out to you from TwinsFest weekend? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

 

 

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[D.C Twins]

We've officially entered the 'In Best Shape of His Life' season, so real baseball is just around the corner! 

[D.C Twins]

I'm still waiting for a spring report that reads something like...

" (fill in the blank journeyman veteran) put on a few pounds over the winter because he added a glass of wine to nightly dinners and now enjoys desert a few extra times a week. But, he still feels confident that he can ride his experience to a couple more one-year contracts to pad his retirement account" 

[stringer bell]

Most of the time, the “best shape” line is just words. Sometimes players do look different. José Abreu is one example. Arraez looked less puffy last year and maybe Miranda will this year. 

[Shaitan]

Has anybody formally announced that Miranda will play 3B primarily? Or is that just an assumption we're all making?