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I think they see a LH Kyle Gibson. Took a look at his pitch percentages in comparison to pre-2018 Gibson. Like pre-2018 Gibson, his main pitch was 92 mph sinker. They both throw their changeup around 20% of the time. Additionally, they both have a breaking ball (curve for Perez, Slider for Gibson) that could be considered a swing and miss pitch if they used it in more appropriate situations. Just guessing......

I get both sides of the argument. I look at the Twins plan being that if everything goes right in 2019 (Buxton, Sano, and Kepler emerge, full season of Polanco, Prospects taking the next step), I would not be surprised if they go after next offseason's free agents and reel one in (and there are a lot of HIGH END options out there-particularly in the pitching department).

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/01/15/detroit-tigers-matt-shepard-fox-sports-detroit/2576683002/ Morris is headed to Detroit for Tigers broadcasts. He went on the Twins Caravan, so it seems like he might be sticking around to do 10-20 games. However, it looks like 80+ games are in store for him in Detroit, so who knows?

Interesting thought-I find Provus to be a storyteller on the radio, something important because he has to describe the game. Gladden to a lesser extent, provides stories as a former player. Bremer, imo, serves to be a storyteller in a different way. On TV, I think it ends up being a conversation. I think he needs to be spurring a conversation with whoever is analyzing the game. The analyst's job is to describe what a player is thinking or planning, connect it to their own experience, or provide a statistical analysis that goes beyond the stat itself. In other words, I want the analysts leading the conversation in the TV booth, describing what decision they would've made, explaining the statistic behind the play, and how the player/team used historical situations/statistics to come to decide a shift, pitch selection, or a late game match up.

Great article. I enjoyed reading about the history surrounding a lot of these guys. I think managers get too much credit when they succeed and not enough credit when they fail. Additionally, the staff they have plays almost as much of a role as the manager does in making a decision late in a game. Injuries happen if you don't have good trainers or doctors. If you don't have a good 3B coach, you could be giving away outs at home. A manager is good because they make the right choices based an what the numbers say, but also because they trust their players to succeed in a given situation. It should be expected they have a staff they can trust because the manager can't always handle the problems of 25 different players. For example, Tom Brunansky played a major role in Brian Dozier's success in a way that Gardy or Molitor may not have been able to. All of these guys had their flaws and so will Baldelli, but that's why it's so key to play the game. Analytics help you make ideal decisions, but they're worthless if the players and coaches don't buy in.

If he wasn't a special assistant for the White Sox or on MLB Network, I think he'd be great, not sure I see that happening.

In 2018, the Twins and Fox Sports North used a variety of analysts alongside longtime Twins TV PBP guy Dick Bremer. Bert Blyleven, Roy Smalley, Jack Morris, Torii Hunter, Justin Morneau (several times along with Smalley creating a 3-man booth), and Latroy Hawkins all took a shot at it this past year. Going into 2019, the crowd looks very similar. However, there appear to be multiple changes. Back in October, It was reported that the Twins were lessening the amount of games Bert Blyleven would work in 2019 and 2020. Blyleven will work around 50 games in 2019 and around 30 games in 2020 as part of his contract. In the near term, it makes me curious who will take those remaining games in 2019. In the long term, it makes me curious whether the Twins will be making significant changes to their broadcasts after 2020. With Blyleven working fewer games, it's likely that the other Twins commentators will pick up the slack in 2019. Here's the case for each of these men: Roy Smalley: According to the Twins website, Smalley has worked in some capacity on Twins broadcasts the past 16 seasons, first as a pre/post game analyst and the past few years as a fill in broadcast analyst. In my opinion, Smalley has tremendous knowledge of the game and among the contenders has the most broadcast experience. I think it's likely he sees the majority of the games available in Blyleven's absence, especially considering some camaraderie with Bremer as well as several occasions last year when Fox Sports North went with the 3-man booth of Bremer, Smalley, and Morneau. Jack Morris: According to the Twins website, Morris has worked in some capacity on Twins broadcasts off and on since 2005. In addition to the Twins, Morris has been an analyst with both the Tigers and Blue Jays. Because of his extensive experience and pitching insight, it would seem likely that he would see an increase in his schedule similar to Smalley. However, recent reports out of the Detroit believe that Morris and Kirk Gibson will be the replacement for Rod Allen on Fox Sports Detroit after his highly publicized altercation with former play by play man Mario Impemba back in September. What's interesting about this is that Morris will likely see a heavy amount of Tigers games as Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and generally works a limited amount of games. It's possible Morris will be the analyst for half or more than half of Tigers broadcasts. In addition to his occasional appearances on MLB Network and MLB.com, it's possible (and likely) that Morris doesn't return to Twins broadcasts in 2019 or if he does, returns in a heavily reduced role (10-15 games?) meaning that Hunter, Morneau, and Hawkins may have to pick up the games that Morris would normally work in addition to their regular schedules in the booth. Torii Hunter: We all know Torii Hunter for his smile, off the cuff remarks, and flamboyant personality. In fact, these are traits he relies on in the broadcast booth. Along with Bremer, he provides a unique, positive, and entertaining analysis of the Minnesota Twins. However, he also serves as a special assistant in baseball operations, meaning he has another role to fill with the Twins that takes priority over broadcast analysis. Does that mean he can't work more? That remains to be seen. Justin Morneau: Morneau showcased an extensive knowledge for baseball, particularly hitting, during his time in the booth and pre/post game chair in 2018, especially when he was paired with Roy Smalley in the booth for games. While Morneau also has a role within baseball operations, it seems like he's more willing to spend time as a broadcaster as he appeared on broadcasts more than Hawkins and Hunter in 2018. Additionally, he not only appeared in the booth, but also made appearances on the pre and post game shows. Out of the Hunter, Morneau, and Hawkins trio, it seems like Morneau is eyeing further broadcasting opportunities the most. Latroy Hawkins: Rounding out the 2018 candidates is Hawkins. Out of the previous 3, Hawkins appears the most poised to be a broadcaster. He seems confident in the booth which aides his analytic approach to the game. This analytic approach is very much welcomed as Hawkins seems to be the only pitcher on this list to emphasize it as part of his analysis (I would argue Morneau and Smalley share a fair amount of analysis when on air). Bremer seems to encourage this as well when Hawkins is in the booth. Like Hunter and Morneau, Hawkins also works as a special assistant to baseball operations for the Twins. While Hawkins seems like the most polished among the three, he's continually seen the smallest workload. As a result, I'm curious if he's willing to reduce his baseball operations role to broadcast more or if Hawkins will continue to work only 10 or so games every year. Outside Candidates: Another possibility is the Twins could add analysts in 2019 to this group to fill in the remaining games. Among former Twins personnel, Tom Kelly, Michael Cuddyer, Glen Perkins, Dan Gladden, and Joe Mauer would likely top the list. Kelly has previously worked in the booth on Fox Sports North. While Cuddyer and Mauer haven't broadcasted, Cuddyer seems like a natural every time he's in the booth as a guest and Mauer would bring prestige and higher ratings. Gladden likely will remain on the radio. Glen Perkins is interesting to me. He broadcasted a couple of Facebook games last year, so he clearly has interest in getting into the business. Being he's only been retired for a little over a year, he knows a good portion of the Twins roster and being from Minnesota, he would be a local celebrity, like Mauer. Fear not Twins fans, it could also be A.J. Pierzynski. Obviously, he brings a unique personality, has interest in broadcasting, and has history as a Twins player. I don't know how possible any of these are, but they could also be a possibility. This answers the question surrounding 2019, but the Twins may have a broadcast opening after 2020. It seems like the reduction of Blyleven's schedule will lead to his eventual departure. Will it be one of the men listed above? That seems likely. However, it might also give the Twins in opportunity to search for media free agents. Bremer has been in the booth for 30+ years. Could he be nearing the end of his time with the Twins? Gladden has been in the booth for 15+ years. Could the Twins look to make a change there. While I believe Bremer, Provus, and Gladden are safe for both the short-term and long-term, it's likely the Twins will have an color analyst opening on Fox Sports North, interesting considering the current situation the network is in. This past year, Fox Sports North was sold as part of Fox's selloff of assets to Disney. However, Disney will be forced to resell the regional networks (FS North included). There are several candidates to purchase the networks, including Sinclair, Tegna (owns KARE 11), MLB, Amazon, Fox, Ice Cube (yes, the musician) and Comcast. However, multiple sources (including this NY Post article) speculate Jim Pohlad might be interested in purchasing Fox Sports North individually. The Twins tried and failed creating their own network (Victory Sports One) during the 2000s. However, they might have more clout with cable companies by purchasing a network that also broadcasts every other major men's professional team in Minnesota. Additionally, the Pohlad owned GO Radio stations already have an online and smartphone presence. Could they morph FOX Sports North into the GO branding similar to YES Network in New York, NESN in Boston, MASN in Baltimore/DC area, or the new Marquee channel the cubs are creating? In that case, Twins broadcasts would be directly under ownership. What could that mean for the broadcast teams long-term? A lot of questions have to be answered, but there are some interesting possibilities for Twins broadcasts over the next few years.

As a fan, it's both frustrating and encouraging. Frustrating because like all of you, I want to see a World Series contender today. Encouraging because they want to create a long term winner. I want to see Lewis and Alex K. thrive here, not elsewhere after a trade. I think you can stay in the middle, cut payroll, and still contend. Nelson Cruz would take this team from inconsistent offense to consistently scary offense that has a big bopper in the middle. Next, improve the bullpen. Get a Familia and a 2nd/3rd tier reliever (such as Blevins or Allen, who I think is more 2nd tier due to injuries/struggles last year). I think you can sign all of those guys and maintain a 2011 $110-115 million payroll. A bullpen of Familia, Allen, May, Rogers, Moya, Magill, and Hildenberger (other guys mixed in too) may not be the best in the AL, but it's certainly an improvement. Yes, I didn't update the starting pitching in my moves, but that's an area I think you can sacrifice. If it's an evaluation period, why not have your 5th starter be one of the many kids we've drafted/developed? Our 1-4 is pretty much set with 4 average/above average starters. Is there an ace? No, but those 4 will give you a competitive chance 4 days out of 5. I think this is a reasonable way to keep this as an evaluation year, but also simultaneously go for it. The more critical thing for me is to spend, but not put yourself in a reckless spot. This team has no payroll commitments in 2020, but the amount of arbitration eligible players will still increase the payroll quickly. Part of the reason Target Field was necessary (in addition to it just being a better experience for fans) was to ensure that we keep these players we develop. If we're going to spend beyond my suggestions, it should be on team friendly contract extensions for the young talent (Berrios and Rosario in particular). Lock them in at good values to keep them here. By doing this, it showcases your interest in winning and should attract free agents in coming offseasons. I really believe that a winning club can take the Twins to a $130-150 million spending team. I think Falvine is willing to spend that much if they believe they've got a WS contender and contrary to local expectations, I think Pohlad would be willing to spend that as well, but it has to be on a for sure winner. That's why I think Falvine is making this a so-called evaluation year. If all goes wrong, you push the can down the road and wait for the kids. If all goes well, they can go into next offseason saying, "Graterol, Lewis, and Alex K. are one or two steps away, we've got stars in Buxton and Sano and can go into free agency and say to any pitcher or infielder, 'Look what we have to play around you. You can be the guy that brings us to the promised land.' Not only do I hope that's their idea, I honestly think it's their idea. There's certainly an opportunity for a revenue stream for it. Minnesota wants a winner. As it stands, the Twins are the only current team we have in men's sports to win a championship. The Twins were the first team in the American League to draw 3 million fans in a season. They drew 2.9 million in 2011 when they lost 99 games. I saw it at the end of 2015 and 2017 when they were in the WC hunt. 35,000 fans/game showed up for games the final weekend of the season. They can be the Cardinals. There's more money available here to change hands than in St. Louis. We're a bigger market, that's just fact. A year like this, as frustrating as it can be, could be the gateway to a new style of how the Twins conduct business.

I think it's more me not being able to readily think of names more than anything else. If you look at the team, how many players have been drafted and developed by the Twins? Rotation Berrios-Drafted Gibson-Drafted Romero-International FA Lynn-FA Odorizzi-Trade Bullpen Belisle-FA Pressly-Rule 5 Magill-Minor League FA Reed-FA Hildenberger-Drafted Duke-FA Rogers-Drafted Rodney-FA Offense Sano-International FA Garver-Drafted Wilson-Minor League FA Adrianza-Waivers Escobar-Trade Dozier-Drafted Morrison-FA Grossman-FA Kepler-International FA LaMarre-Minor League FA Rosario-Drafted Cave-Traded Drafted-7 International FA-3 Traded-3 Minor/MLB FA-12 They haven't developed a lot because most of their roster isn't players developed in the system. I don't know what successful development looks like, but it seems like of the guys they've developed, they've had modest success. I think it's a fair concern, but there is still plenty of time to see if some of these guys develop. Your patience might/should be wearing thin though on some of these guys.

There are only so many guys you can replace. Unfortunately, we need to replace 7 guys right now. This is the move that needed to be made, however. I'm glad to see they're addressing Sano's problems because if this team wants to win anything, they need Sano to be a functioning part of a lineup. I will say this to people who say the Twins can't develop players to check again (not seeing it here, but I am seeing it a lot on Twitter and Facebook). Eddie Rosario, Jose Berrios, Fernando Romero (so far), Kyle Gibson (late bloomer), and Brian Dozier (not this year) have been successfully developed recently. There have been some failures, but I think Sano's problems are more a product of his approach versus the Twins approach to developing him.

All around frustrating. It seems like the only way the offense will come around is if they make a Shannon Stewart-like move to jump start the offense. Even doing that, there are too many easy outs in this lineup right now. Re: Lynn- I don't have a problem leaving Lance in there. Matt Magill does need to pitch at some point though. That being said, the offense needs to support the pitching staff, which is giving this team a decent chance to win. Yes, they're giving up high leverage runs late in games, but in my opinion, that's due to the fact basically every pitch needs to be a perfect pitch. Every pitcher on the staff right now knows that if you make a mistake and give up a 2-run homer, you're going to lose. That puts a lot of pressure on a pitching staff to be perfect.

I get the frustration, but it seems like every game is 3-2 or 2-1. They need to be able to win games 9-2 or 7-3 against lesser pitching. Outside of Berrios' complete game last week, they haven't played those types of games. They haven't lost a game by more than 3 runs in almost a month. Their run differential is world's ahead of where it was last year at this time. There are too many games of that nature where they can't come up clutch. The reason that Reed and Pressly have been overworked is because every game is close. Win an occasional game by an 8-3 score and they might start getting an occasional game off.

I've never been an advocate of sending a big bat in the middle of the lineup out to the minors if they're struggling, but Sano has options left. When Polanco comes back, does Sano need to see some time at AAA just to get his swing right? Right now he's providing about as much offensive value as Adrianza and is a bigger liability in the field than Adrianza. Just a question.

While I think this is a bit of an exaggeration, might be smart to see what you've got in Gordon the 2nd half of the season. Dozier clearly isn't moving the needle for the team record wise in a positive way right now. Can this team be a winning group with Gordon and without Dozier? As we get closer to Dozier potentially walking, this needs to be a question that gets asked and somewhat answered.

Perspective. Kyle Gibson has the best ERA on the starting pitching staff at 3.45. HE HAS ONE WIN! 1) It tells you how little value wins and losses have in this day and age. 2) Can we get the guy some more wins anyway? He's been really good and has nothing to show for it. Score some runs for this rotation. Even Lynn almost has his ERA under 5. With last years offense at the end of the year, I think they'd be in first and I think it wouldn't even be close.

I've been doing research on the 12 pitchers on the roster right now as well. It was amazing to discover how good these 12 pitchers have been. Their collective ERA, for example, is 3.60 and they're striking out over a batter an inning. The offense needs to start supporting the pitching staff because they've been giving these guys a chance to win. Man is that nice to say.