Twins

Over the next week, we will be handing out the Twins Daily Minnesota Twins Awards. Today, the second award is announced in our series of “Of The Year” awards. Even in a terrible season, there were some positive signs from the young players on the Twins roster.

The Twins Daily writers including minor league writers, voted for their top three rookie of the year candidates. Voting for these awards was completed with over a week left in the season so things could have definitely changed with some strong performances down the stretch. In the end, Max Kepler was the unanimous choice for the Twins Rookie of the Year.

Here is a quick reminder of our previous 2016 Twins Daily award winners:

Most Improved- Brian Dozier

In the excitement of spring training, we can often forget some of the business side of baseball. As we make projections for the Twins Opening Day roster, we often make a lot of assumptions. But there are some little-talked-about rules that could alter the thinking as we move through spring training. There are a handful of Twins players who are working under somewhat non-guaranteed contracts.

The Minnesota Twins will have their choice of every amateur player in the nation when they pick first in the MLB Draft in two weeks. Most attention has swirled around three names: collegiate stars Brendan McKay and Kyle Wright, and California high schooler Hunter Greene.

But there's another prep talent from the Golden State whose name needs to be mentioned in the discussion at 1:1. Royce Lewis offers big speed and might be the best high school hitter in the country. He would be a justifiable top pick under one condition.

They were never supposed to be here to begin with.

I find it important to remind myself of this as I absorb the massive gut punch delivered by Minnesota's rapid fall from contention in the American League Central. This team, fresh off a 103-loss season, gave us all a hell of a ride by hanging around the top of the division for the better part of four months, and even spending six weeks in first place.

This summer has been infinitely more fun than the last for baseball fans. I appreciate that. Still, watching it all come crashing down in spectacular fashion, it's hard not to feel a sense of familiar dread.

The Minnesota Twins are now well underway into creating their offseason blueprint. Coming off a season in which the greatest turnaround in MLB history took place, it’s only fair to wonder what’s next for this organization. The evaluation period for Derek Falvey and Thad Levine is over, which means it’s time for them to make their mark.

Saturday evening, Twins fans were dealt a heavy, albeit not all too surprising blow. News broke that Yu Darvish, the prize of the offseason, was signing with the Cubs and Twins Territory was left to wonder “what now?” Several voices at Twins Daily tried to answer that question this week

The Minnesota Twins have traded catcher Bobby Wilson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for catcher (and relief pitcher?), and Old Friend Chris Gimenez and a potential Player To Be Named Later.

While there were no real big stories revolving around the Twins on Tuesday, there were several little stories of interest. A couple of Twins players hit big home runs in Winter League play. The Twins made some announcements about Joe Mauer. The Twins made another minor league hire.

Hopefully you will enjoy this format from time to time, a place to discuss these types of stories. Feel free to discuss any of them and ask questions.

It's no secret, the Twins will be seeking bullpen help as the trade deadline approaches. The current group of relievers has helped get the Twins where they are, but let's face it, there is plenty of evidence that suggests upgrades are required. Who may be available? Today, we'll take a look at White Sox closer Alex Colome.

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.

Day 2 of the Winter Meetings ended with a flurry of activity, ending a busy day. However, the Twins did not consummate any moves on Tuesday. Will Day 3 bring a transaction to the Twins?

Jonathan Schoop was signed to play second base for the Minnesota Twins in 2019. I initially was concerned about his lack of on-base skills. He was all but replaced by July, and Luis Arraez emerged as a fan favorite. Now everyone’s favorite pick to win a batting title, can it happen in 2020?