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This is all so silly. We *know* players play through things all the time without telling their teams. It drives us nuts sometimes when we hear about it after they struggle (although sometimes I suspect it's used as an excuse in those cases, rather than being a direct cause). It seems especially likely that players might withhold a condition when it appears to have no impact on performance. Dyson said it first started bothering him after the all-star break in Colorado. His stats with the Giants, beginning with that Colorado series right up to the trade: 7 G, 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K How many MLB players would report a condition if those are the results they are getting while playing through it? And what incentive would Dyson have to lie to cover for the Giants, then or now? Some of these accusations make zero sense. That said, I understand if the Twins want to double-check the record, just to make sure -- player transactions are worth millions of dollars to them. But I'm doubtful they come up with anything meaningful, I'm highly doubtful that there was any shenanigans on the part of the Giants, and frankly it's not that big of a deal -- as good as his minor league season was, Davis didn't figure much into the Twins present or future plans.

There was only one solid hit. The other three were soft contact. His pitches had good movement and more importantly he was hitting the catcher's target. That has been a big problem for him lately. I would give him two more two inning relief appearances and then decide his playoff roster fate. Multi inning relievers are a must in the playoffs. He might be able to fill that role.

Is Randy Dobnak this years' Les Streaker? Where did Dobnak come from? ( I mean I know but still) is he for real or is this a scott diamond year?

GO TWINS!!!!!!!

And they will be turned down. Short of malfeasance by the Giants being uncovered, such a transaction would open a huge can of worms for the league going forward. Players go to a new team under what I once heard (regarding a used car I bought) called a Texas Guarantee : if Dyson breaks in half after the transaction is complete, we get to keep both pieces.

Yep. I don't want any lefty facing the Yankees but if I have to choose between Smeltzer and Perez, I choose Smeltzer every time.

Two words... Devin. Smeltzer.

On Opening Day, the Minnesota Twins defeated Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians 2-0 at Target Field. In this thoroughly impressive silencing of the reigning four-time division champs, the Twins began to make a statement. Six months later, they've finished it. For the first time since 2010, the Twins are division champs. It's been quite a ride.On October 6th, 2010, a 29-year-old Rocco Baldelli went 0-for-3 against Texas as DH for the Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS. This is noteworthy both because they were the final at-bats of Baldelli's major-league career, and also because – about 1,000 miles north of Tampa on that same day – the Twins were opening a series against the Yankees. Of course, Minnesota was swept by New York (again). And they haven't won the AL Central or returned to the ALDS since. That is to say, they hadn't. Until now. Nine years later, Baldelli is rookie manager for the upstart club that ended Cleveland's division dynasty and shocked the baseball world. His team's 52nd road win of the year in Detroit (!), combined with a Cleveland loss to the White Sox, shaved the Magic Number down to zero. Not so long ago, Minnesota was a league-wide punchline when it came to power hitting and power pitching. But here in the instantly legendary year of 2019, they have broken the franchise record for strikeouts and the major-league record for home runs. And in the process they've restored their long-forfeited status among MLB's premier class. Baldelli coming in as a 37-year-old with zero managerial experience, and overseeing one of the best finishes in Twins history (with a division clinch on his BIRTHDAY, no less) is an amazing story easily lost in the shuffle of a season absolutely brimming with them. And it's not over. With 98 wins in the books, this is already the second-winningest team in Twins history and they have four games left to match the record of 102 from 1965. Then, it's time to bring one of the most powerful and imposing lineups in MLB history into New York, as clear yet capable underdogs. Their first-round foes will be all too familiar, but this Minnesota squad is not. With power throughout the lineup and a deep, daunting bullpen, the Twins are not to be discounted. You know we'll be covering it all exhaustively from every angle at Twins Daily. For the first time in this site's history, the Minnesota Twins are preparing for a postseason series. We can't wait to share the journey with all of you. But for now, soak it in. Pour a glass of champagne. After nearly a decade in the dumps, the Twins have retaken the American League Central. Click here to view the article

Watching a good baseball team is a hell of a lot more fun than the despair we've watched over the last 9 years... Only the beginning! Why not us? Why not now!!

WHAT A SEASON! I predicated 80+ wins with a shot at 92-93 if a few things broke right. I am happy as can be that I was both right and wrong! This has been one of the most fun and fantastic season's I have ever experienced as a lifelong fan of my beloved Twins! I want 100 wins! I want the Bomba record! Yes, OF COURSE I want the magic to continue and win at least one series if not "the whole damn thing". But in full honesty, right now, no matter what happens, I am pleased and happy and just GLOWING in the season OUR Twins have had. No matter what happens, never let us forget what a tremendous season and ride this team has taken us on!

It is so nice not to be discussing who the Twins will take with the 3rd overall pick in next June's draft.

I like Rortvedt; hope he can end up hitting enough to make it. The defensive tools are there, i think. But Jeffers may already have passed him in the organizational rankings because of his bat. That said, it's nice to have to prospects moving up in the catching ranks again; it was pretty empty there for a while! Chalmers is really interesting. If he can keep the BBs to a manageable number, he could rise really quickly. There's no question he's got the stuff, but whether he can control it enough to be a real starter will be his question until he proves it. If he gets that bb/9 in around 3.5 he's going to be scary. If he's hanging around 6, it won't matter how nasty the stuff is, because no one will bother swinging at it until he grooves one. nice start in the AFL, glad to see him getting some work there.

Makes sense to move Lewis around, as Polanco is going to stay in the line-up and Arraez looks like the second baseman. Lewis is still likely a year away, at which point Cron's contract expires, and they could move Sano to first and Lewis plays third. Or, if Buxton can't get past his chronic injury issues, he could be in the outfield.

Please note that I have added an update to the end of this story and detailed the changes to a specific paragraph that was not explicitly state in La Velle E. Neal's report. It might be a distinction without a difference, but it's important in situations like this to be as accurate as possible.

Really starting to get hyped about Dobnak. I hope he's in the starting rotation in 2020. This kid can pitch!

Way to finish the season strong, overcoming injuries. I’m excited Rosario is getting hot again.

The Twins are going to wear this TBD guy out...

This will be the easiest non-tender decision in the off-season.

The Twins are doing what they should do, and look to see if anything was wrong on the Giants side of the trade. If the shoe were on the other foot, and the Giants had been on the receiving end, they would be doing the same. It would be negligent on the part of all parties involved not to make sure everything was done in the proper manner.

werent they up 4-1 when he left the game?

Ceiling: Perennial All-Star Floor: Jim Hoey or less Guys like that keep getting chances, because every organization figures, what if you could cut down the walks? But the guy isn't walking batters on purpose, so it's a major project. Chalmers is a guy to watch, no question.

Gibson wasn't great last night, but his velocity was up 2 MPH from the most recent set back from his illness. If he gets one more outing where he's still sitting 94-95, I'd be much more amenable to giving him one of the bullpen spots. There's more to pitching than velocity obviously, but without any medical information to go on, I think it's probably the closest thing we can use to measure whether he's back to reasonable health.

If I'm the Twins, I'm discussing this with the League Office. If Rocco can detect that Odo is warming up a little weird and pulls him for precautionary reasons, how is it the Giants staff didn't have any idea Dyson was pitching for weeks with discomfort? I'm not buying it. I want compensation.

Can I just say I love that we are talking about postseason rosters! I agree with most of this roster proposal, but I have a couple possible changes. I am concerned that Garver's hip flares up again at some point. I wouldn't want to IL him and lose him for the next series--especially if he were able to pinch hit but not catch. Why not add Astudillo as insurance? So that would leave Perez out for this first series, but maybe he could added be added if we advance. Similarly I think Smeltzer finds his way onto a roster, but maybe not the ALDS?

nice win. Odorizzi looks like he's in good form to start in the playoffs. I was surprised to see Gibson get the call with the game still very much in doubt considering how he's been struggling lately, but maybe he can be a long guy who can give you 2-3 innings in a bullpen game? Looks like Cleveland is going to try and run off a big win streak to end the season, so the twins are just going to have to do it on their own. 2 more wins gets the division and makes them the 2nd winningest team in franchise history. Very good chance at hitting 100 wins. I freely admit, I did not have this team anywhere near that number. I thought they were more likely to hit 85 or so and if a few things broke right they could maybe pop 90 and contend for the division. Thrilled to have been wrong, because this is one of the most fun twins teams I've ever watched.

It has been relatively high, but I'm not sure the total number or percentage. In my previews I have noted whom made their MLB debut the following season after being in the AFL for the Twins, and it averages about two guys per year. Last year it was only Andrew Vasquez, and this year there was Devin Smeltzer (and Jaylin Davis if you want to count him). In 2017 there were 3, and 2016 there was Taylor Rogers. They've altered the rules somewhat on what players are able to be sent, so that number is going down now. It used to be you needed an exemption to send more than one player from single-A levels so most guys were already at double-A or triple-A, but the Twins have 3 from the lower levels this year, and had at least that many last year as well.

4 hits (and 2 of them doubles and an earned run in the 8th, inheriting a 3 run lead and twice bringing up the tying run to the plate), in 2 innings.... with 4 strikeouts and no walks. Not my kind of "quite good", and probably not even good, necessarily. But in this case, to see how he might do out of the pen, or to get more used to it....certainly it did the trick and was OK. You gotta love 4Ks. I could do without 4 hits in 2....... but nothing got out of hand.

Carol, to address some of your concerns, I clarified in the story what we know about the Twins investigation into this matter. I think it's worth pointing out though, that there is nothing in Neal's story that suggests the Twins are moving on. Maybe they are. But all that is being reported is that they have investigated and not found anything yet.

Wade has really looked good lately -- at the plate, in the field and on the bases. Cave needed to bounce back tonight, and generally to keep Wade from taking his roster spot in the ALDS.

In mid-season trades, the teams exchange medical reports. Trades aren't contingent on a medical exam, unless there is a known problem.

Teams that are in the chase at the deadline, as the Giants were, don't usually trade away one of their better relievers for prospects. I know from reading posts from Giants fans that many were shocked to see Dyson traded....I think the Giants suspected something was amiss.

I’d say Stashak is more a lock than Graterol. I’d also say Smeltzer is more likely than Perez or Gibson, neither of whom has looked good for weeks.

Gibson was good. Quite good.

The article didn't say anything about 'the Twins investigating Giants'. You make that sound like there is an official ongoing investigation when the article you linked said this: "The situation led to discussions between the Twins and Giants to determine what they knew about Dyson’s condition before the deal was made. The Twins have been unable to find any evidence that the Giants had knowledge of an injury. So Dyson and the Twins are bracing for surgery — and the possibility that Dyson, who’s arbitration-eligible for next season, won’t return to the mound until the middle of the 2020 season." So, how is this some major REPORT? It doesn't sound like there is anything more than they made inquiries and found nothing intentional on the Giants' part and are moving on.

Weren't the Giants trying to compete at the deadline? If they knew Dyson wasn't going to contribute so they decided to flip him. If it can be proven, the Twins should get 1 of their prospects back.

A lotta steam in favor of Thorpe in these comments. I gotta say -- I don't get it. Thorpe in 4 September appearances: 8.35 ERA with 16 hits and 7 BB in 12 IP. Opponents hitting .327/.404/.531. Granted, Perez has also been bad in September, but not quite as bad, and he has the LHB advantage, more experience, etc. I get that people are really down on Perez but I'm not sure we're recognizing how poorly Thorpe's pitched since his first handful of outings.

Houston and New York are about as right-handed as you can get, I don’t think I’d save a LOOGY spot for Perez.

LHB vs Taylor Rogers: .277/.338/.338 LHB vs Devin Smeltzer: .316/.395/.474 LHB vs Martin Perez: .233/.292/.301 That alone makes the case for his usefulness. He's their best weapon against Gregorius or Brantley or Alvarez. But, I'd be mortified if he started a game.

Great achievement. I could not be more proud. We should enjoy this magical season, we as a community deserve this. The fact that the last two months we were devoid of solid starting pitching makes this sweeter. I am not optimistic about our playoff match ups, but I would be crazy not to have a lot of hope, as this team has proven me wrong all year. I'm always a proud twins fan, but this year has been special for a loyal fan base that deserves this. Bring on the yankees.

MLB channel has good coverage. Was able to see some of the coverage. They ended their segment following Romo running around the field at Tiger Stadium. Lol.

The Giants have launched a counter-investigation in which they will no doubt look at those flight logs for any records of turbulence. In response, the Twins should interview the flight attendants and ask if Dyson disclosed any discomfort to them during the flight. In the meantime, the two organizations should split custody of Jaylin Davis. We'll get to the bottom of this yet!

Nice, now the cat is out of the bag, or the Squirrel as it were.

Yankees or Houston...like choosing between the firing squad and lethel injection! Houston's pitching is matchless. Yankees hitting is scary especially against us. Either team is probably going to be odds on to sweep us. So who would give us the best shot? Forgetting history, it would be NY. We might be able to outslug them 16-15. Houston has 3 starters that could shut us down quickly and they aren't too shabby on offense either. Starting on the road for us is a huge advantage, crazy as that seems. Twins have played miserably against the Yankees for a pretty long time, but maybe, if they get healthy, you never know. I'd take my chances with them.

Sano has never played more than 116 games in a season. Why does Sano magically get assumed for "consistently playing 140+ games", but Buxton has to actually do it back to back first? As far as durability goes, they're basically a wash at this point.

Bring on the Yankees. I'm ready to get the monkey off our back...

I don't know how one can say that Jeffers has passed Rortvedt. Wasn't Rortvedt moved up to AA well before Jeffers? And he hit well there until he started battling the injuries. If I recall, Jeffers made the move around the time Rortvedt was battling his injuries before missing the later part of the season? I don't know which will end up being the better Twin, but suspect both will eventually play in the major leagues. The future for either with the Twins appears to be as Garver's backup, playing about +40% of the time. Although either could fill that role by 2021, expect you are right and Rortvedt's bat will have to improve, whereas, Jeffers will need to improve his D.

It is interesting to see the Gibson posts, it is the biggest attention grabber of the night even though Astudillo, Rosario, and Odorizzi were the reasons we won. Gibson's call was a surprise and he did nothing to impress me. He gave up four hits and a run in two innings against the worst lineup in baseball. It does not matter if they were soft hits - the Tigers do not hit the ball hard. It was shaky at best and I do not want him facing the Yankees like this.

Yesterday was Tuesday, September 24. It was the 157th game of the year putting the Twins 97% of the way through the season. The Twins hit 0 home runs for a season total of 297 home runs. The Twins are now 2 home runs behind the Yankees for the new MLB single-season home run record. The Twins have five games left and the Yankees have four games remaining. The Twins magic number is now 2.

Speed doesn't age as well as power. Over their careers? Likely Sano. Over the next five years? Toss up for me.

Career win probability added: Sano: 4.45 Buxton: -2.27 I'd take door number 1.