Twins

News came out late Friday afternoon that the Twins have reached an agreement with free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez. The veteran will be 34-years-old before the calendar changes.

Jon Heyman reported the agreement - which, of course is pending a physical - and later said it was a $2.5 million deal with incentives that could make him another $2.5 million.

For basically all of his 16-year MLB career, when Fernando Rodney has come into pitch it has caused fans of whichever team he is pitcher for to hold their breath. Between his mid-90’s fastball with sink and his changeup that is widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the game, Rodney has always had tremendous stuff. The problem with Rodney has always been his knack for giving too many free passes that clog the bases in high-leverage situations.

After inking Blake Parker to a one-year deal worth just north of $3 million, the Minnesota Twins 2019 projected payroll looks to be somewhere near $97 million. In 2018 Derek Falvey and Thad Levine fielded a team that cost $129.56 million as of Opening Day. Right now, there’s projected to be $30 million shy of that number, and if that isn’t cause for concern, it should be. Knowing that, it’s time to figure out how the money gets spent.

As the Twins get ready to finish up the four game series against the Blue Jays, Michael Pineda will take the mound for what will be his fourth start of the season. The early returns of his two-year contract have looked good so far as he was another cheap, low-risk signing by the Twins new management during the 2018 offseason. As we’ve seen how shaky our bullpen can be, much of the Twins success this year will rely on their starters and specifically could depend on what version of Pineda they get.

We are Minnesotans. So we will apologize for a lot, but we will NOT apologize for the revelry inspired by being the 2019 AL Central Division Champions. We will start, of course, with our own Parker Hageman’s Starship-inspired montage.

Hot stove season is in full swing and that means rumors are swirling around everywhere. Jon Heyman said the Marlins are looking to acquire a left-handed outfielder, and the Twins need starting pitching. These teams should make a deal this offseason.

Kenta Maeda touched down in Fort Myers today and met with the media for the first time as a member of the Minnesota Twins. While Maeda noted that he is excited about his new club and new teammates, he made clear that he is most excited to finally have a clear and defined role with the Minnesota Twins.

Commonly referred to as the greatest Series ever played, the 1991 World Series was full of great moments. From extra inning games, to walk-off hits, to controversial calls, to complete game shutouts, the ‘91 Series was no short on drama. There were ten moments, though, that stood above the rest.

In the rubber match of this three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota will turn to Opening Day starter Jose Berrios. He’s had a poor 2020 to say the least thus far and turning things around as the calendar is quickly turning to September would be a big boost for Rocco Baldelli’s club. This could be circled as his most important start of the season.

The Minnesota Twins have seven (or maybe eight) players eligible for arbitration this offseason.

Beyond the usual uncertainty around how much each player will earn next year, given the ability to submit their own salary figures, there are at least two pivotal decisions to be made on longtime fixtures in the lineup and bullpen.

Corey Kluber may have ended up in Pinstripes, but there are more decorated free agent starters the Twins could help return to form.

In 2020 the Twins struggled in many facets of their game but still found themselves atop the AL Central on the final day of the season. In 2021 however, one overall improvement may just bring them their third consecutive title.