Twins

With the trade deadline approaching and the Twins firmly in the mix, much talk has surrounded the need for bullpen upgrades, and rightfully so. Recently we looked at some potentially available relievers that could help that unit.

However, if the Twins want to address their greatest weakness, both now and going forward, they're going to have to make a bolder and more aggressive move.

Last week I wrote about the admittedly farfetched possibility of prospects Gilberto Celestino or Royce Lewis filling in for an injured Byron Buxton. The idea was that these two prospects give the Twins the best chance of replacing Buxton’s defense while their offense limitations would be covered by the rest of the lineup. That got me to thinking about what we can realistically expect from current prospects, should they get the call.

After a rough string of injuries to open the season, the Minnesota Twins have needed to dip into their depth. They may have unearthed a player who is ready to contribute.

It's been a long journey, full of ups and downs for Alex Wimmers. However, on Thursday afternoon, he finally got the call he had long been waiting for. "Alex Wimmers, you're heading to the big leagues! Congratulations!"

Following the Twins loss to the Tigers on Thursday afternoon at Target Field, they announced that Jose Berrios and Tyler Duffey had been optioned to Rochester. The club announced that lefty Andrew Albers was called up and another pitcher would be promoted before Friday's game. Twins Daily has learned that player is Alex Wimmers.

In June of 2010, the Minnesota Twins selected the two-time Big 10 Pitcher of the Year with the 21st overall pick out of Ohio State. There was reason to believe, and many scouts around baseball concurred, that he could be a quick-riser, nearly MLB ready.

He began his professional career later that summer by allowing one run in 15.2 innings (5 BB, 23 K) for the Ft. Myers Miracle. He headed into that 2011 season with an opportunity to move quickly, as Kyle Gibson had in 2010. But that's when things went off track.

Happy Opening Day! We might be jumping the gun a bit, but we want to kick off a VERY special giveaway in honor of the Home Opener for Twins fans. You can win two passes to mingle with Logan Morrison at Utepils Brewing, courtesy of Twins Daily and Fan HQ.

The event is this Sunday (April 8^th) from 6:00-7:00 PM. Only 99 tickets are available for this intimate gathering in which Morrison will be your host, mingling, signing autographs, posing for photos and partying with YOU and other Twins fans. For a chance to win a pair of event admissions, sign up here. The drawing happens at noon on Friday, and you can greatly increase your chances of winning by sharing the giveaway with friends, as you’ll see below.

The Winter Meltdown is sold out, but Fan HQ can still set you up and for FREE! Just enter the Fan HQ Giveaway here. These tickets were $40 each, and include Kent Hrbek as our special guest, two free 612 Brew craft beers, a free pint glass, drink specials and tasting tables from Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey and Gray Duck Vodka, an autographed Kent Hrbek raffle prize and yet more. This is going to be the best Winter Meltdown yet.

The Winter Meltdown sold out of $40 tickets, but Fan HQ can still set you up, and for FREE! Just enter the Fan HQ Giveaway here and you can win four free tickets to our big winter event. You'll be in town anyway for Twins Fest, so just walk over to Brother's Bar & Grill on Saturday (1/26) at 5 and join us, Michael Cuddyer, ....