Leaderboard

There's too much negative in the world and around the 4-straight bad seasons with the Twins. I think it's good to remember that these are all people and the overwhelming majority are really, really good people. These are four examples, but there are many.

This article made me feel good. It's great to hear that Twins' prospects are so active in helping their communities.

The recent success of Kennys Vargas had me wondering about the other Twins slugger we were supposed to see this year. So I checked in with Jon Paley, one of the producers of Ballplayer:Pelotero which documented the struggles Twins prospect Miguel Sano faced when signing with a major league team.“Sano's update is going as planned,” said Paley. “We were filming with him down in Fort Myers a few weeks ago and he seems very comfortable throwing and taking his first couple swings in the cage. Everything is looking good for him to make a full recovery for next season.” And if you think Twins fans are anxious for his return, you should try talking to Paley. Paley was midway through a second documentary about Sano called The MIguel Sano Story, which details Sano’s rise through the minor leagues. The problem is it is supposed to end when he makes the majors. “Miguel's injury pushed back the timeline for the documentary,” Paley confessed. “We are committed to following wherever his story goes, so when he got sidelined for the season it meant a whole new storyline for us.” So the documentary filmmakers have followed the story. “We have been filming with Miguel throughout his surgery and rehabilitation,” says Paley. “Our next shoot will take us down to the [Dominican Republic] this November to film the birth of Miguel's first child. After that, we hope to see you all again at spring training.” So how far are we from seeing the sequel? Despite the delay, they’ve been working on other aspects of the film. “We have already started editing the film but it is a long process,” Paley revealed, “especially since we have 5 times as much footage this time around. Once we've got the film together we will start looking at the best ways to get it out there, in theaters, online, and in fans' hands.” In the meantime, you can help make the film a reality by visiting their relaunched website MiguelSanoStory.com. You can also get the latest information on their progress. “We encourage fans of the film to sign up for our mailing list to stay in touch with all the developments on the film and follow Miguel's progress as he works his way towards his big league debut.” At the site you can also find videos, photos, articles and outtakes from the film, as well as shop for #powerbanana t-shirts, and other cool swag from the project. It won’t be until spring that we see Miguel back in action. It likely won’t be until summer that we see him at Target Field. And it will be later still that we get the inside story of his minor league journey. Hang in there, Twins fans, and in the meantime, check out MiguelSanoStory.com for updates and a lot more fun stuff. Click here to view the article

A discussion of the greatest players in Minnesota Twins history is certain to prominently include Harmon Killebrew. In the batter’s box, he was an imposing figure, capable of altering a game at any time. His name appears at or near the top of most statistical categories in Twins history. However, he was also known as a genuinely compassionate man, respectful and helpful. Recently, the Twins announced the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service, given to one Twins minor leaguer at each of the four four-season affiliates. Each affiliate’s GM nominated a recipient who exemplifies Killebrew through his work in the community.Twins Daily would like to congratulate the 2014 Harmon Killebrew Award winners: Rochester Red Wings – Logan DarnellNew Britain Rock Cats – Tony ThomasFt. Myers Miracle – Tim ShibuyaCedar Rapids Kernels – Tanner VavraTwins Minor League Director Brad Steil said, “In partnership with our minor league affiliates, we encourage our players to be active in their community and emphasize the importance of having a positive impact in society beyond the playing field. In the minor leagues, our players take part in all kinds of activities, including school reading programs, hospital visits, working with disabled youth and youth baseball clinics. These experiences help our players understand responsibility, compassion and giving back. Ultimately it helps them mature and grow as people.” Here is a little bit more on each of the winners. LOGAN DARNELL It was an exciting year for the left-hander whom the Twins drafted in the sixth round in 2010 out of the University of Kentucky. Following the 2013 season, the Twins added him to their 40 man roster. He went to big league camp in February before heading to Rochester to start the season. On May 2, Logan Darnell was promoted to the Minnesota Twins and four days later he made his debut with three perfect innings out of the bullpen. It was his lone appearance during his two-week stint with the Twins before heading back to Rochester where he remained until he was a September call-up. With the Red Wings, he went 7-6 with a 3.60 ERA. However, he also was important to the community of Rochester which is why he was the winner of the award. Recently Logan Darnell told Twins Daily, “It’s a great honor to get (the Killebrew Award). After baseball, it’s things like this that I’ll remember more than any athletic awards.” Minor league players are encouraged to participate in various activities in the community during their seasons. Darnell said that he “did a lot of camps, and whatever they asked us to do.” However, he certainly had a project that he was very proud of supporting. “My favorite was working with an organization called Mary Cariola which is a school for kids that were born with disabilities. It is a great thing they do at that school. It makes you realize that sports aren’t everything, and you can make their day just by showing up.” (Learn more about the Mary Cariola Children’s Center on their website or on Twitter.) TONY THOMAS 28-year-old Tony Thomas signed a minor league contract with the Twins shortly before spring training. He was the Cubs third round pick in 2007 and stayed with them through the 2010 season. He spent 2011 through 2013 with the Red Sox organization where he primarily played for AAA Pawtucket. He was sent to AA New Britain where he was an Eastern League All-Star in 2014. He did a little bit of everything for the Rock Cats. He played 53 games at second base, 33 games at shortstop and three games at third base. He also played 27 games in left field and 12 games in right field. At the plate, he hit .241/.302/.411 (.712) with 29 doubles, six triples and 12 home runs. Thomas was quite active in various community activities in New Britain. He said, “I have been to the Children’s Hospital. I have done a few baseball camps and clinics in our stadium and offsite, going to Little Leagues. Also, I went to the public library to read to kids.” Though Thomas was new to the Twins organization and never met Killebrew, he understands fully the meaning of this award. “To win any award named after a Hall of Famer is an honor in itself. To win one named after Harmon Killebrew in the Twins organization is unbelievable. The man took pride in what he did, and it showed in his performance on and off the field. It makes me proud to be in the Minnesota Twins organization.” TIM SHIBUYA Tim Shibuya was the Twins 23rd round pick in 2011. He began this season in Ft. Myers where he went 7-4 with a 3.64 ERA. He made 28 appearances, including 10 starts. He was willing to pitch in a variety of roles for Doug Mientkiewicz’s Miracle staff. His season ended prematurely with an arm injury, but his work in the community continued. The Miracle have an event every year that players really enjoy. They host an annual special needs camp. Shibuya noted, “The entire Miracle team worked a special needs camp with the Dave Clark Foundation. About 30 kids came out for this camp and we were all blown away by the kids and their families. It was a great experience, one none of us will forget about anytime soon. ” Shibuya involved himself in other functions as well. “I was lucky enough to be able to visit Buckingham Exceptional Student Center and spend time with students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. We played T-ball with them, and it was so inspiring to see their excitement being outside and enjoying baseball. Some students struggled sitting up on their own power so we laid down in the grass or in their classrooms and hung out with them and enjoyed being in their company. ” Shibuya is not one to take his job for granted and understands his role in positively effecting young kids lives. “I spoke with a few foster kids and their legal guardians and showed them around our temporary home of Jet Blue Park. Hearing their stories and understanding their situation makes you realize how special of a job we have. The strength and maturity of these kids is amazing considering how much they have gone through.” Though Shibuya never had the chance to meet Killebrew, he is honored to win this award. “To win an award like this is a great honor, especially when it is named after someone like Mr. Killebrew. There is a reason the community award is named after such a legendary figure. When you hear his name you think about humility, class, professionalism and character.” TANNER VAVRA Tanner Vavra was the Twins 30th round pick in 2013 out of Valparaiso University. He starred in the Northwoods League during his collegiate years as well. With Cedar Rapids this year, he played in 81 games and hit .258/.345/.326 (.671) with 16 extra base hits. Vavra is a baseball guy from a baseball family. His father, Joe, is the Twins third base coach. His brother, Trey, was a Twins draft choice in 2014 and one of the better hitters for Elizabethton this year. Vavra knows baseball, but he also understands the role of being involved in the community and embraced that in Cedar Rapids. Vavra noted, “I try to do anything and everything I can in the community. Here in Cedar Rapids, they do a great job of helping out and getting in the community. I was happy to have the opportunity to get out and volunteer.” Though Vavra isn’t certain if he ever met Killebrew, he knows about his greatness. “I have heard his countless stories and attitude toward this great game of baseball and how he gave back to the communities around the country.” He continued, “It’s an honor to have received this award, and a privilege to have given back to the Cedar Rapids community.” ----- One thing you would learn if you follow the Minnesota Twins organization from the big league level to rookie ball is that there are a lot of really good people, a lot of guys that are very happy to volunteer in the community. Darnell said, “There are a lot of guys on the Rochester team that went out and helped too. (It was a) great group of guys there that care for the community. There are a lot of guys with a gift of serving others and guys that like to have fun!” Congratulations to Logan Darnell, Tony Thomas, Tim Shibuya and Tanner Vavra, the deserving 2014 Killebrew Award winners for community service. Click here to view the article

It has been a year of good and bad performances in Minnesota. Unfortunately, there has probably been more bad than good. On the positive side of things, Phil Hughes has put together the best season of his professional career, Danny Santana has done some good things as a rookie, and the duo of Kennys Vargas and Oswaldo Arcia seem to be able to mash the ball out of any park. There have been some players that haven't lived up to expectations for various parts of the year. Those players are trying to right the ship over the next couple weeks before 2014 comes to a close. Ending this year on a good note could help each of the following players to rebound in 2015. Ricky Nolasco: When the Twins signed Nolasco this off-season to the biggest free agent deal in franchise history, there was a smattering of the fan base that said, "Who?" He had been a workhorse pitcher in the National League for multiple seasons but the transition to the American League has been anything but easy. There can be a variety of excuses thrown out in relation to his play this season. He could have been pitching through some injuries and he might have had a tough time adjusting to the new league. He'll be in the rotation next year and one has to hope that his performance will improve. Joe Mauer: He's not playing catcher any more so there is supposed to be less wear and tear on his body. Even with the switch to a new position, it has been one of the worst offensive seasons on record for Mr. Mauer. His second half performance has been better than his first half performance (.695 OPS improving to .812 OPS), but it has come in half as many games. Fans will always focus on Mauer's performance because of his large contract and that's something he'll live with for the rest of his career. For 2015, the focus should be on getting back to the Mauer of old. Aaron Hicks: There's a chance Hicks could end up winning the starting center field job for the third straight season coming out of spring training next year. The Twins would obviously need to see something from him in the coming weeks. Since becoming a September call-up, he hasn't exactly blown the cover off the ball. There haven't been a ton of signs pointing towards a rebound for Hicks but there have been flashes of good things in the minors and his first round pedigree always helps. Next year could be his last chance to make a mark with the Twins. Trevor May: May's only seven starts into his MLB career so it's not too much of a stretch of the imagination to think he can improve. His outings in September have been better and that might be enough of a confidence boost to put him on a improve path moving forward. Kyle Gibson struggled last year in his first taste of the big leagues and he's turned into a much more serviceable pitcher this year. May's mission should be to follow in Gibson's footsteps for 2015. If he can fit into the middle of the rotation for the next handful of years, Twins fans would have to be happy with the result. Brian Dozier: For fans that haven't been paying attention in recent weeks, Dozier's name might be a surprise on this list. After a tremendous first half of the season where there was a chance he would make the AL All-Star squad, Dozier has fizzled in the second half. His slugging percentage has dropped almost 100 points and this can be attributed to his lack of second half home runs. He hit 18 long balls in the first half and he's only hit one since July 23rd. There are younger players coming through the Twins system in the coming years that will want a middle infield job so Dozier needs to get back to the player he was in the first half.

Seth, I agree with you and I understand the fans frustration with the losses but some of the negativity that I have heard this season is almost surprising. Great job in pointing out the good that guys in this organization. You guys always do a good job of highlighting the brighter points and trying to not dwell on the negative. One of many reasons why I'm at your site each day.

Another solid showing, Fellas!

He walked the bases loaded. Ugh. He is playing Suzuki right now, and not Pinto. Ugh. He, like most managers, is stuck in the past on managing to the "save" stat. ugh. He pinch runs with two outs all the time, with a runner on first. That guy is very much not likely to score. ugh. He sacrifice bunts early in games too often. He gets mad at the press for asking him strategy questions (part of his job is talking to the press). They have been worse and worse at the "little things" the longer he has been in charge. Ugh. He seems, to me, to prefer plucky veterans over unknown younger players. He appears to be unable to fire one of his coaches, even if that guy is not doing his job well (he is, after all, the manager, not some flunky). That's part of your job, holding others accountable and being able to make hard choices, not just about players, but coaches too. How long of a list do you want, about how people feel about Gardy? There are a lot of evidence and management studies out there in the world, they all say that management needs to be refreshed every 10 years or so......new voices and thoughts are needed.

I don't see Mauer as a top five problem per se, but I do wonder how many players making $20M in a season fail to ever carry their team on their back for at least some short stretch during a season. We need our best hitter to be someone who looks to hammer a pitch when runners are on base, not look to coax a damn walk. I'd re-phrase the problem as a situation where we don't have that player- yet. Maybe Arcia can grow into that, as he seems to have a fire in his belly that's been missing from all outward appearances. Or maybe we have to wait for someone like Sano or Buxton.

As I've posted in several other threads, the ability level of the roster is the determining factor in wins and losses, with everything else being periphery. I get as frustrated with Gardy as anybody (his mantra of "I want to play Santana at short" but never doing it is the latest thing to drive me nuts) but I don't believe the Twins will suddenly make a quantum leap forward from switching managers. I will say he deserves heat for his idiotic roster construction at the beginning of the year. My greatest concern about keeping him is his absolute faith in veterans at the expense of younger players who may be our future. That alone might make him the wrong person to manage us during this transition to younger players. Making changes to appeal to the fanbase is a poor way to run a franchise and should have no bearing on important decisions. Make decisions that give you the best chance to win and all the rest will take care of itself.

I was with you until the last six words.

Remember that scene in Rocky IV where Rocky goes into the mountains and trains like crazy while Ivan Drago is getting pumped up with the best Russian pharma can buy? Mauer should return to camp with a giant beard and a montage video of him running around the lakes, chopping wood, and doing one-handed pushups with his twins sitting on his back " .298, .299, .300!" There ya go Twins PR department, that first idea's free.

My one hope would be continued improvement on the part of everybody. Much has been made lately of Plouffe's arrival as a respectable MLB 3rd baseman, and Dozier's all-around game, and even Escobar's as a reasonable MLB SS - if Arcia, Hicks, Gibson see similar improvement next season, and guys like Vargas and Santana continue their current level, they could at least become a middle of the pack team and set the stage for the uber prospects' arrival.

1. Mauer put up a .729 OPS (102 OPS+) in an injury shortened 2011. His numbers are almost identical this year. He came back to put up .861 and .880 OPS's in 2012 and 2013, hopefully he can rebound similarly in the future. Good, but not great numbers. 2. I'd hope to see a FA LFer, and Hicks starting in CF, hoping one of those works out and Buxton arrives by midseason. I can live with Schafer as a 4th OFer, but ideally I'd want someone better for that role, too. I am pretty confident in predicting everyone currently in love with Schafer will be asking for a divorce if he gets regular playing time next year. It's too bad pitching staffs have grown to12 or 13...in the old days he'd have been a good 5th OFer...a guy who rarely starts but is useful off the bench. Alas...it's difficult for teams to carry 5 true OFers these days. As an aside...I don't worry much about corner OF defense. Plenty of teams have won, and won big, with questionable corner OF defense. 3. I don't see the current options as enough to form a decent starting rotation in 2015. So either sign someone better than anyone they have now, or accept that the team won't compete in 2015. I'd like to see a serious effort to sign one of Lester or Scherzer. I doubt that happens, though. 4. They'll win more...at home and on the road...when they field a better team. 5. The time is long past for new leadership in the dugout. Maybe that will help. 3.

2015 improvement 1. Sign Lester as a free agent. All good teams need a ace. Team improves because Lester is much better than the #6 pitcher and he helps protect the bullpen. 2. Young players improve. Most players are like Tori Hunter who need time to adjust to the majors. 3. Use platoons. Schafer / RHB in LF and likewise to a lesser extent at CF, SS, and 3B. 4. Sano, Buxton, Meyer, and Berrios will earn their way up sometime in 2015.