Twins Video
Plouffe steadily worked his way up the Minnesota Twins farm system as a shortstop. He reached the big leagues in May of 2010.
Shortstop wasn't for him. He struggled with the throws that season. He also outgrew the position. When given an opportunity as the team's third baseman, he took off with a power-filled month.
Overall, he played 723 games in a Twins uniform. He hit .247/.308/.420 (.707) with 18 doubles, 96 home runs and 357 RBI.
He turned himself from a spotty third baseman to an above average defender. Plouffe works very hard.
Most likely the Twins attempted to trade the veteran. A decision needed to be made. Would they tender him a contract in arbitration, or non-tender him. Essentially they made their decision today, allowing Plouffe to become a free agent earlier in the process.
The move makes room for Miguel Sano to take over at third base, or at least be able to take it over. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out.
Today is also noteworthy as the Twins need to add players to their 40-man roster or risk losing them in free agency. They were at 36 players. This move puts them at 35 with more day left.
On a more personal level, before my writing days, I went to Twins Fest with a three-year old little girl, my daughter (in case you were wondering). We were "Down on the Farm" an area where minor leaguers signed autographs for free. We walked through the line, and my daughter asked if he would sign a ball for her. He talked to her, smiled, and said that he would sign for her if she would sign for him. He handed the three-year-old a Sharpie and told her to write her name on the plastic white paper in front of him. It became a series of lines on the table, but it was great.
Plouffe became a father a little over a year ago and often talked about what it has done. He's always been charismatic, and he was always very friendly to me going back a decade.
So, yes, I get this move. I fully understand it. At the same time, I'm sure I'm not the only one with good stories about Plouffe. For what it's worth, I hope he catches on elsewhere and establishes himself again!
As Derek Falvey told season-ticket holders in their call-in last night, this is something we're going to have to get used to as Twins fans. His job is to not get too attached... but as fans, always get attached!
In addition, Phil Miller reporting that Adam Brett Walker was claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers. He grew up in Milwaukee, and went to Milwaukee Lutheran before going to Jacksonville University. He was the Twins 3rd round pick in 2012.
MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
— Latest Twins coverage from our writers
— Recent Twins discussion in our forums
— Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email
— Become a Twins Daily Caretaker
Recommended Comments
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.