David Youngs

The winter meetings have come and gone, yet the MLB offseason remains young. And while the Twins have stayed fairly passive, other AL Central foes have not. Take your mind off the snow and let’s take a premature look at how the 2021 AL Central will play out.In a recent interview with MLB Network, Kansas City Royals skipper Mike Matheny voiced that he believes his team can make a run for a division title this upcoming season. Meanwhile, the White Sox have scalded the division’s hot stove by making aggressive moves at the winter meetings. There’s no telling what other shaking and baking will occur in the AL Central in months to come. The bottom line? The Twins have a target on their backs and there isn’t a clear number one in the division. I’m not a betting man (well, that may be a lie), but if I were to look into a crystal ball and predict the results of the AL Central this upcoming season, here’s how it would look. 5th Place: Detroit Tigers 2020 Record: 23-35 (5th Place) 2021 Projection: 65-97 It’s an exciting time to be a Detroit Tigers fan! No, the team doesn’t look like a division contender but the crowned jewel of their offseason was the hiring of manager A.J. Hinch. Coming off one of the more noteworthy scandals in baseball history, Hinch has paid his dues and is ready to rebuild a franchise that has not seen a winning season since 2016. Hinch has proved that he can flip a franchise around. Cheating aside, the Waverly, Iowa native shaped a disgraceful Astros franchise into a perennial contender while in Houston. Things aren’t quite as promising on the actual field for the Tigers. The recent acquisition of Akil Baddoo through the Rule 5 draft opened the eyes of Twins fans. While talented, Baddoo has a few years until he hits his stride and the Tigers are lacking standout talent in their current starting lineup. Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Jemeir Candelario have the potential to craft solid major league careers alongside a wealth of other young Tigers. Hinch is the perfect fit to develop this crop of players, it just may take a few years. 4th Place: Cleveland Baseball Team 2020 Record: 35-25 (2nd place, postseason birth) 2021 Projection: 78-83 This one may come as a surprise to some. Yes, Cleveland is home to the reigning AL Cy Young winner Shane Biber and all-around superstars like Francisco Lindor and José Ramírez. However, the winds of change may be headed to Cleveland after a nice stretch of successful teams. It’s unlikely that Lindor will be the starting shortstop for Cleveland come Opening Day. It’s unclear who Cleveland could acquire in a Lindor trade but even if it’s a slugger, the team has some major work to do at the plate. Cleveland finished 2020 with a team batting average (AVG) of .228 and on-base percentage (OPS) of .317, 23rd and 19th in the league respectively. José Ramírez has emerged as a star at the plate but unless the front office brings in more bats things could go downhill. After losing Mike Clevinger to the Padres, Cleveland’s rotation shifted from great to just good. Carlos Carrasco, Zac Plesac, and Aaron Civale are all solid contributors to a Bieber-powered rotation, but you can only do so much if your team can’t hit, especially in a 162 game season. 3rd Place: Kansas City Royals 2020 Record: 26-34 (4th Place) 2021 Projection: 82-80 Download attachment: USATSI_14991663.jpg Courtesy of Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports As stated earlier, Royals manager Mike Matheny recently voiced his confidence in his 2021 squad’s chance of making a division title run. I wouldn’t go that far, but I admire Matheny for the confidence he has in a team that is clearly on the rise. Kansas City’s big offseason move (so far) was the acquisition of free-agent 1B/DH Carlos Santana, who has flirted with being a top-tier hitter throughout his career. Matheny will likely put Santana at first, moving Jorge Soler to DH and Hunter Dozier to third. The Royals proved to be an Achilles for the Twins in 2020 thanks to strong offense from players like Soler, Dozier, and Whit Merrifield. Pitching will make or break Kansas City in 2021. Getting LHP Mike Minor was arguably as big for the Royals as getting Santana. Add him to a rotation with Danny Duffy and young arm Brad Keller and Kansas City might have something going for them. Don’t be surprised if the Royals gun for a James Paxton-like arm to complete their rotation. Download attachment: USATSI_14989283.jpg Image courtesy of Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports Runner Up: Chicago White Sox 2020 Record: 35-25 (3rd place, playoff birth) 2021 Projection: 93-69 The end of the 2020 regular season was a complete train wreck for the Southsiders. If not for a horrid 1-6 skid to finish the season, Chicago likely would have won the Central and would still be under the helm of 2020 AL Manager of the Year Rick Renteria. Yet with the hire of Tony LaRussa and the acquisitions of RHP Lance Lynn and OF Adam Engel, it’s clear that the White Sox are out for blood. The White Sox will bring back almost every valuable component of their 2020 squad, including Tim Anderson, Yasmani Grandal, Luis Ramirez, and Jose Abreu. While James McCann is headed to New York, the White Sox arguably have the best offense in the AL Central. Even though the addition of Lynn is a plus for Chicago’s rotation, it may not be the icing needed to secure the division. Lynn has been rock-solid every season for every single team he’s ever played on, except the Twins. His infamous 2018 bout with Minnesota could prove beneficial for the Twins when Lynn comes to town. And while Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel are a stellar 1-2 punch, the 2020 Twins performed as well as anyone against the tandem, going 3-2 in games that Giolito and Keuchel started. The gravest danger for the Sox is that their rotation drops off heavily after their top three pitchers. Dane Dunning is gone and the bottom of the rotation will have to rely on names like Dylan Cease, Reynaldo López, Michael Kopech, and Carlos Ródon. Their top three could pitch overload when September rolls around, but a subpar bullpen and lack of depth could hurt the White Sox in the end. AL Central Champions: Minnesota Twins 2020 Record: 36-24 (AL Central Champions, playoff birth) 2021 Projection: 99-63 As Michael Scott would say, “Oh the turn-tables!” Coming off a franchise year at the plate in 2019, the Twins relied heavily on pitching and struggled at the plate in 2020. It’s likely that the offense would have improved if 2020 were a regular-season but the biggest takeaway was clear: The Twins can pitch. 2021 will look different for the Twins pitching staff. Holes in the bullpen will need to be filled given the absence of Trevor May, Sergio Romo, and Matt Wisler. Yet the Twins have the chance to boast one of, if not the strongest starting rotation in the American League. Kenta Maeda, José Berríos, and Michael Pineda already lock down a strong top three. If the Twins chose to re-sign him, a healthy Jake Odorizzi and free agent/trade target would make the Twins staff a force to be reckoned with. While 2020 lifted many concerns on the team’s offense, fans shouldn’t lose sleep over it. The offense absolutely “underperformed” at the plate in 2020, posting an even lower batting average (.242) than they did in their abysmal 2016 season (.252). Here’s some medicine to calm your worries. 2020 was only 60 gamesJosh Donaldson was injured for a majority of the year and Jorge Polanco was clearly not himself following his 2020 offseason ankle surgeryThe reason many are worried about the offense is due to the fact that the Twins have such high potential at the plate. No, everything isn’t going to be perfect and the Twins likely aren’t going to hit .270 each year as they did in 2019. Yet it can be expected that the Twins will hit their stride at the plate in a longer, more normal 2021 season.The Twins won 101 games in 2019. That likely won’t happen in 2021. The AL Central is becoming an increasingly tight division with the White Sox and Royals improving over the offseason. If the Twins pitching is similar to what it was last year and the offense can even just slightly improve from 2020, the Minnesota Twins could have the opportunity to clinch their third straight AL Central title. Click here to view the article

Good catch! Clearly my millennial mind was not up to par when recalling those guys haha.

There’s no doubt that the Twins have one of the better top-heavy pitching rotations in the American League. To take things to the next level they need another layer. Insert Yu Darvish.The 2020 MLB winter meetings struck a similar chord to the return of the McRib Sandwich at McDonald’s; heavily surrounded with anticipation and hype, yet little action. Outside of the White Sox ruffling some feathers, this year’s offseason reunion consisted of unfulfilled rumors, Zoom fatigue, and minimal transactions. Don’t lose hope just yet. Despite the lack of action thus far, there’s a lot of offseason left and the chances of activity picking up are high. With a majority of free agents still unsigned there surely will be an influx of movement in the future, especially among pitchers. The pitching market is flooded with names like Trevor Bauer, Blake Snell, and Masahiro Tanaka. Yet as of late, a new name who isn’t a free agent has popped into the conversation. Cubs ace and 2020 NL Cy Young runner-up Yu Darvish. Coming off a strong resurgence in 2020, Darvish has become a household name across the league. Despite having a flush of rocky seasons throughout his career, Darvish has proven to be a top-tier pitcher whose versatility knocks on the door of “elite-ness.” Darvish is signed for three more years and owed $59 million by the Cubs. In normal circumstances, one would be crazy to trade such a high-level player on a successful team. These, however, are not normal times for the Cubbies. As Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com pointed out in a recent piece on Darvish, the Cubs are in an immense period of transition as a result of the legendary Theo Epstein leaving the organization. Regardless of who replaces Epstein, there’s an even greater problem surrounding the North-Siders. After a historic World Series victory in 2016, the supposed dynasty of Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Báez, and Wilson Contreras hasn’t come to fruition. Yes, they’ve been good...but not at the level expected. The bottom line? There could be holes to fill in the Cubs roster and new ownership would have opportunities to make long-term fixes by trading the lucrative Darvish. If the Twins were to trade for Darvish it wouldn’t be without a pretty penny. Given Darvish’s career numbers and name-recognition, the Twins would almost certainly send over a top prospect in addition to a high-value player. We can worry about that later. Here are three reasons why trading for Yu Darvish could put the Twins rotation atop the league. 1. Good to Great It’s no secret that depth is key to a solid pitching rotation. Kenta Maeda, José Berríos, and Michael Pineda boasted a 2020 season that rivaled the performance of Jack Morris, Scott Erickson, and Kevin Tapani in the 1991 regular season. Yet uncertainties remain for the 2021 rotation. There’s a chance that free agent Jake Odorizzi could remain with the team next season though health remains an issue. Randy Dobnak was excellent in the first half of the 2020 season but faced difficulty getting outs deeper into the year. Both these guys have the potential to be excellent candidates to round out the rotation, the only question is consistency. Not only would Darvish beef up the Twins rotation as a potential ace, but he would also naturally create more versatility that would put less pressure on the back of the rotation. Having a consistent fourth arm in the rotation allows players like Odorizzi and Dobnak to work their way back into the rotation through confidence built by favorable matchups. For example, if the Twins were set to face a ground-ball heavy team the Twins could start Dobnak over Odorizzi. If there’s a matchup that favors Odorizzi (over Dobnak), Rocco Baldelli could select him to start that game. Darvish’s impact would extend far beyond his own talent, paving an opportunity for a dynamite fifth starter platoon. 2. Go Deep! While Kenta Maeda electrified Twins fans with long outings in 2020, crafting starts that stretch into late innings hasn’t been and isn’t the Twins forte. In 2020 Michael Pineda and José Berríos each averaged 5.2 innings per game (five starts for Pineda, 12 for Berríos) while Maeda averaged roughly six innings (11 starts). Darvish isn’t a consistent eight-inning starter, but statistically, he goes longer than any of the Twins’ current pitchers. In 2020 Darvish averaged north of six innings per game through 12 starts. Seven of those 12 outings were seven innings and only one was under six. Yes, it’s a small sample and no, his numbers haven’t been that high every year. Yet it does prove that Darvish has the capability to go deep in games and can do it often. This could perhaps be valuable given the blows the Twins bullpen has received. With Trevor May, Matt Wisler, and Sergio Romo all gone it’s clear that young talent like Jorge Alcala, Cody Stashak, and perhaps Edwar Colina will be given ample opportunities. And while these youngsters have a wealth of talent, there are bound to be blunders, just as there are with any young player. Having a seasoned vet like Darvish could help control damage by going deep into games, preventing overuse of the bullpen, and preventing potential opportunities for wreckage. 3. How things Stack Up As mentioned earlier, the Twins would need to offer up a wealth of talent in exchange for Garver. This is where things get complicated. The Cubs are in need of starting pitching, bullpen help, and consistent yet powerful hitting. While things could change amidst free agency, uncertainty looms over who the Twins would trade for Darvish. Miguel Sano’s name comes to mind in regard to power hitting. The only problem? Third base is occupied by Kris Bryant (for now) and first base is locked down by Anthony Rizzo. Young second baseman Nico Hoerner has struggled at the plate, making him a potential swap for someone like Jorge Polanco. The Twins could offer up a top pitching prospect like Jordan Balazovic or even a current starter, yet this would defeat the purpose of building an elite and deep rotation. If there is a position where the Twins have some leeway, it's the outfield. Despite non-tendering Eddie Rosario, the Twins have the luxury of possessing young talent like Alex Kirilloff, Brent Rooker, and Trevor Larnach. One of those names could anchor a puzzle piece of a potential Darvish trade. All in all, the Minnesota Twins trading for Yu Darvish would be a bold move, one that could either go brilliantly or crash and burn. Coming off of one of the strongest pitching campaigns in the franchise’s history, making this move could capitalize on a strength and put the Twins in a position to seriously contend. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I always thought the Green Line transferred it's passengers to horse and buggy once they reached the Mississippi River. Expect the hay stocks to skyrocket with this new partnership. These horses are going to need a helluva lot of hay to get through this new surplus of fans!

Sources say that the Blue Jays are making serious inquires on veteran RHP Ricky Vaughn.

I definitely see your point Mike. I think that Bauer has a few more good years but don't know if he's necessarily a "long term fix." He's an elite 2020 pitcher but not sure if he's an elite career pitcher like Kershaw, Verlander, or Scherzer. For some teams his recent success might be overly attractive but I'd like to see the Twins invest in someone that may have a greater chance of prolonged success. I guess we'll find out!

Agreed. Lowe is the only player in the deal with MLB experience.

Outside the White Sox and Royals, the AL Central has stayed eerily quiet through the first three days of the 2020 winter meetings. Day four proved to be similar. Lots of rumors, little action.Cruz and Twins are Talking Our good friend Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins are engaged in conversation with Nelson Cruz about keeping the ageless slugger in Minnesota. Hayes stated that the two parties “continue to state their preference for a reunion,” something that keeps a large sector of Twins fans hopeful. While there seems to be a spur of optimism in the air for Cruz to stay with the Twins, it would be surprising for the #1 DH free agent on the market to make his decision soon. A source told MLB.com’s Jon Morosi last month that Cruz was unlikely to make a decision until the league set concrete guidelines on whether the National League will consist of the designated-hitter position in the future. Even though the league sent out a memo stating that teams should assume that the traditional format will resume in 2021 (meaning that the AL will continue using the DH, pitchers will hit in the NL), there is nothing set in stone. Cruz’s decision will likely impact Minnesota’s potential interest in sluggers like Adam Duvall, Kyle Schwarber, and Michael Brantley. Bottom line? It might be a while. Bauer Outage in Anaheim? There's no question that Trevor Bauer is the hottest commodity on this year's free agent market. And while the Twins are likely to add to their starting rotation, it's unlikely that Bauer's lofty price tag is realistic. There were confirmed reports yesterday that the Mets are interested in Bauer alongside George Springer and James McCann. Bauer has outwardly praised new Mets owner Stephen Cohen and the probable signing of James McCann (instead of J.T. Realmuto) could indicate the Mets are preparing to cash out on someone big. Despite this, there's a healthy chance that Bauer's talent and heart could be drawn towards Los Angeles, his childhood home. MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported on Wednesday night that the Angels are "determined to add a top-of-the-rotation starter." Alongside names like Blake Snell and Sonny Gray, it's clear that Bauer's name is atop the Angels' short list. A UCLA alum, Bauer would exponentially elevate the Halo's rotation, which ranked second-worst in the league (5.52) in 2020 only behind Detroit (6.37) in 2020. Bauer's price tag is a concern, although the Angels will have cash freeing up in the near future. Albert Pujols' contract expires after 2021 as does Justin Upton's following 2022. Conversation Between the Yanks and Bucs They’re talking up in the Northeast! The Yankees are reportedly in conversation with the Pirates about acquiring first basemen Josh Bell and starting pitcher Jameson Taillon via trade. Both players are under club control (Taillon through 2020, Bell through 2022) but could provide cheap additions to the club. While Bell’s role in pinstripes is up in the air (DH and 1B are locked up by Giancarlo Stanton and Luke Voigt), Taillon could be a valuable asset to a starting rotation that is packed with free agents. In addition to Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton and J.A. Happ are also free agents. Add that to the injury-plagued Luis Severino and it’s probable that the Yankees will be shopping for starting pitching. Yankees aside, it’s clear that Derek Shelton’s Pirates have some serious holes to fill. With a thin line of prospects and inconsistent outfield, expect the Pirates to gun for top New York prospects in addition to a starting outfielder if this deal comes to fruition. Yadier Angry! Yadier Molina is one of the most prolific catchers in the era of modern baseball. Yet it’s inevitable that the 38 year old is not the young buck that he used to be. Molina was unhappy with the “ridiculous” deal that the Cardinals offered him for 2021 according to Mark Saxon of The Athletic. Molina has made $20 million each year the past three seasons with the Cardinals and is vying for at least a one-year deal worth $10 million, with an option for 2022 according to Saxon. That’s a lot of money for a guy who’s brightest days are behind him on a team that is reportedly cutting pay. There were talks of Molina heading to the Yankees or Mets. However, the Mets are likely to sign James McCann to a healthy multi-year contract and the Yankees refrained from non-tendering Gary Sanchez. It’s safe to assume that “Yadi” will stick with the Birds’ for his final years, the only question is price. Rule 5 Draft: Twins Stay Silent but Lose Two Prospects Check out Cody Christie’s Coverage of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft for in-depth updates. The Minnesota Twins chose not to exercise their pick in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft. They did however, lose two prospects, with outfielder Akil Baddoo going to the Tigers and pitcher Tyler Wells to the Orioles. Baddoo was drafted by the Twins in 2016 and spent the 2019 season at high-A with Fort Meyers. Wells was also drafted in 2016 and spent the 2018 season with Fort Meyers. Both Baddoo and Wells will be immediately added to the active roster of their respective teams. If the Tigers and/or Orioles do not choose to add either player to their active roster, they must assign the player to waivers and offer them back to the Twins for $50,000. Around the Water Cooler Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Rays are trading first baseman Nate Lowe along with prospect Jake Guenther and a player to be named to the Rangers. In exchange Tampa Bay will receive C/OF Heriberto Hernandez, infielder Osleivis Basabe, and outfielder Alexander Ovalles. Lowe played in 21 games for the Rays in 2020, batting .224 The Phillies are expected to hire Dave Dombrowski as their next President of Baseball Operations according to sources. Dombrowski has served in a variety of roles across the league over the years, most recently as President of Baseball Operations for the Red Sox from 2015-2019.Food for Thought: Reports early in the week reported that the Twins had shown interest in Adam Duvall, Joakim Soria, and Kiké Hernandez. While there's no doubt that this is true, nothing came to fruition during the winter meetings. When/if will deals be made?The White Sox came to play for the 2020 winter meetings. How do their transactions impact AL Central projections?Dodgers standout Justin Turner has been a recent conversation starter as the full-bearded infielder goes through free-agency. Where will he land?​ Click here to view the article

While Wednesday wasn't a day of huge contracts at the 2020 winter meetings, it was one of huge rumors. Let's dig in.It's Official! It may not be directly related to the winter meetings but it sure is news! Twins General Manager Thad Levine confirmed with WCCO's Dave Lee that the Twins have officially extended offers to the St. Paul Saints and Wichita Wind Surge to join the Twins organization as minor league affiliates. The Saints will serve at the Twins' Triple-A affiliate while the Wind Surge will fill the role of Double-A affiliate. With Target Field located just 10.6 miles from CHS Field, the Saints will become the closet geographic affiliate of any Major League Baseball parent club. In a lengthy statement, the Saints vowed to not only strengthen baseball in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community, but that they will continue their unique "baseball is fun" approach to the game. While the region rejoices at the bondage between the Saints and Twins, the addition of the Wind Surge is exciting to say the least. Previously an affiliate of the Marlins, the Wind Surge boast one of the finest ballparks in the country. Built in 2019, Riverfront Stadium replaces the old home of the now defunct Wichita Wingnuts. With the addition of the Wind Surge, there's no doubt that the Twins organization has some of, if not the best ballparks in the country from bottom to top. How About those Mets? While nothing is concrete, there is large speculation the the Mets are moving closer to a deal with outfielder George Springer and/or pitcher Trevor Bauer. Bob Klapisch of the Newark Star-Leger that new Mets owner Stephen Cohen is leaning towards signing Springer while team president Sandy Alderson would prefer Bauer. Regardless of either of these potential signings, it's clear that the Mets are transitioning to the "Win Now" mindset. And while Springer and Bauer grab headlines, the Mets are also in serious conversation with former White Sox catcher James McCann. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that the organization is nearly a four year deal with the veteran. With Wilson Ramos hitting free agency, it is clear the Mets are in need of a permanent fixture behind the dish. While he isn't J.T. Realmuto, McCann checks off the boxes that the Mets need in order to get on a winning track. Kyle Schwarber? Could former Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber become a Minnesota Twin? It's unlikely, but there are several teams that have reportedly shown interest in Schwarber, who was non-tendered by Chicago the same day the Twins cut ties with Rosario. However, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reported that the Blue Jays, Yankees and Angels are all potentially interested in Schwarber. And while Schwarber isn't near the top of the Twins' list, that could change if Nelson Cruz signs elsewhere. Even though the MLB recently released a memo saying that the DH will stay exclusively in the American League, there's a decent chance things could change. If Cruz does leave, there is a need for a powerful bat, something that Schwarber could provide. Dan Hayes of The Athletic mentioned in an article that focused on Nelson Cruz that the Twins have also checked in on Michael Brantley and Adam Duvall. In the video below, Twins Daily's Tom Froemming takes a look at Schwarber, Brantley and Duvall in comparison to Cruz and Eddie Rosario. Around the Water Cooler The Mariners singed RHP Chris Flexen to a two-year, $4.75 million contract. Flexen was a stud for the Doosan Bears of the Korea baseball Organization (KBO) in 2020 after a rough patch with the Mets from 2017-19. Seattle hopes that Flexen's success from the KBO translates to quality pitcher in the future.2020 KBO MVP and former Pirates draft pick Mel Rojas Jr. signed a contract with the Hanshin Tigers of the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan. The Marlins and several other MLB teams had shown interest in Rojas Jr.Questions remaining to be answered: 1. Will Nelson Cruz remain a Minnesota Twin? 2. What moves will be made to strengthen the Twins infield? Enrique Hernandez? 3. Will the front office make moves to beef up one of the already-strongest rotations in the league? Click here to view the article

The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a rich history of cultivating homegrown talent in the sport of baseball. Hear the authentic stories of those who grew up in Minnesota and have had the chance to fulfill the childhood dream of wearing a Twins jersey.Brian Raabe dug into the batter’s box on a Sunday afternoon in September at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. And while the 1995 Twins were out of playoff contention the moment couldn’t have been more significant for Raabe. The 5’9 New Ulm, Minnesota native was making his Major League debut for his home state team. Raabe had been preparing for this moment his entire life. A scrappy and consistent hitter, the second baseman had been an All-American for the Minnesota Golden Gophers with talent that earned him a 41st round pick from the Minnesota Twins in the 1990 MLB draft. After consecutive years of batting north of the .300 mark in the minors, Raabe received the late season call-up that every boy dreams of. Perhaps the most special essence of the moment? The catcher squatting behind Raabe was fellow Gophers standout and New Ulm native Terry Steinbach. "How the heck does that happen?" Raabe popped out and the Oakland Athletics went on to defeat the Twins 4-1. But for the small town Minnesota kid, a lifelong goal shaped by hard work, mentors, and a dream had come to fruition. Download attachment: Raabe-Brian5.jpg The Mecca of Minnesota Baseball Like most small town kids, Brian Raabe grew up playing a variety of sports. And while he was talented at many, baseball stuck. “Most kids could hit a ball off a tee when they were a few years old. My dad was able to flip it to me and I could hit it,” Brian recalled. Brian wasn’t the only baseball player on the block in New Ulm. Despite being a town of roughly 10,000, the south-central Minnesota community has groomed some of the finest baseball players in the state’s history, many of whom were Raabe’s role models growing up. Players like Tim, Tom, and Terry Steinbach, Doug Palmer, and Jeff Schugel influenced Raabe’s love of the game from a young age. “Those guys were older than me but young enough where I would get to know them and watch them play,” Raabe said. “They played at Johnson Park for years and years and I ended up getting to be bat boys for them a few times." In a small community of baseball excellence with unique talent, the game wasn’t just a hobby for Raabe, it was a way of life. “There weren’t many lakes in the area so if it was a nice night you’d go and watch a baseball game,” Raabe said. “Instead of playing on the hill I was one of those kids who watched the game, asked my dad questions, and was mesmerized by it.” Raabe’s growing love of the game was rooted in the strong baseball culture that New Ulm had cultivated. Talented players like the Steinbach’s and legendary high school coach Jim Senske paved a mindset for Brian that ‘making it’ wasn’t a million dollar dream, it was a reality. “I was able to say, ‘if they can do it, why can’t I?,’” Raabe said. A Jack of all Trades Now 53, Raabe serves as the baseball coach at Bethel University in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Despite putting up incredible minor league numbers, his career in the MLB was limited to three seasons and a total of 33 at bats between time in Minnesota, Seattle and Colorado. Don’t let that fool you on how Raabe reflects on his career. “I have no hard feelings at all, I’m a coach, I understand it,” Raabe said. “That’s life.” Yet instead of bitterness and remorse Raabe is filled with emotions of thankfulness, joy, and gratitude. Through his nine years in professional baseball Raabe got to check a wealth of opportunities off the board that most players only dream of, a list that speaks for itself. Played with Paul Molitor when he got his 3,000th hitWas on the team when Kirby Puckett played his final baseball gameWas Derek Jeter’s double play partner in the Arizona Fall LeaguePlayed against (and almost homered over) Michael JordanWas on the 1997 Mariners with Alex Rodriguez, Randy Johnson, and MVP Ken Griffey Jr.Played alongside 2020 Hall of Famers Larry Walker and Derek JeterA pretty damn impressive list. After the 1999 season with the Yankees’ AAA affiliate Columbus Clippers, Raabe had a decision to make. The Bronx Bombers had offered Raabe a healthy contract to continue in the organization following the season. Brian had a more important contract on his mind back at home, one that was worth more than money; his daughter Brianna and son Zachary, both young kids. “I had a son and daughter that were playing sports and were young and I wanted to be around them,” Raabe said. “I decided that I wanted to be a dad and if I had to do it 100 times again I’d do it the same way.” Brian’s decision to leave professional baseball wasn’t easy, but it was far from a goodbye to the sport that had gifted him some of his greatest memories. As his kids began to grow so did Brian’s coaching background, coaching both Zach and Brianna in their respective sports. Similar to his dad, Zach took a love of America’s Pastime at a young age. As Zach grew in knowledge and skill, Brian helped mentor his son by coaching the game that he loved; something that benefited Brian as a parent and coach. “ (After professional baseball) I went in a different direction, still in baseball, but coaching youth, then high school and now college baseball. It was well worth it,” Brian said. Dream Weaver Brian Raabe’s son Zach is now the starting second baseman for the Gophers and one of the most talented collegiate players in the country, following in his dad’s footsteps. Dad Brian is just across the Mississippi, a short drive away from Siebert Field to watch Zach play. In the meantime he’s turned Bethel into a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) powerhouse, propelling the Royals to a 2018 MIAC title. And while Raabe's time in professional baseball is in the rearview mirror, he will never forget the memories that evolved from a childhood dream. Download attachment: Raabe10.PNG “My goal was to play college baseball at the University of Minnesota and my dream was to get drafted by the Minnesota Twins and that came true,” Raabe said. “I got to play with some great players, the best part to me? It all started in New Ulm, Minnesota.” Click here to view the article

Let's get a list of Twins with the best grandpa names. I'd put Ed up there with Kent, Rod, and Lew Ford (would be higher if spelled 'Lou').

That's a great point Matthew (didn't mean to quote your post twice, for a millennial I suck at technology). I agree that with the holes presented in the Sox OF it's a good fit. I do think that if either JBJ or Pillar were to stay, the Red Sox wouldn't reach out.

Rumors proved to be true earlier this week when the Twins non-tendered the contract of outfielder Eddie Rosario. In his six seasons with the Twins, Eddie cultivated a strong following thanks to his electric bat, stunning putouts, and infamous blunders. Now a free agent, the question becomes, where will Eddie land next?The state of Minnesota has lost the North Stars, Krispy Kreme Donuts, and now Twins left fielder Eddie Rosario. A highly anticipated move, the Twins chose to cut ties with the power hitting lefty whose anticipated 2021 salary would have surpassed $10 million. There’s no doubt that Eddie will be picked up by a team who needs a slightly above average corner outfielder. Rosario has proven to be a talented player yet lacks consistency both at the plate and on defense. Nonetheless, let's take a look at some probable new homes for Rosario. Chicago White Sox One of the most talented young rosters in baseball, the SouthSiders 2021 outfield will look different than it did this year. While Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez are locks, right field is up for rent as the Sox non-tendered the contract of Nomar Mazara earlier this week. With no immediate prospects ready to fill Mazara’s hole, it’s likely that the White Sox will be looking to make a long-term fill through trade or free agency. Rosario could be a stellar grab for the Sox, a team already blossoming with offensive talent. While Mazara has a slight edge on Rosario’s defense, the comparison at the plate overwhelmingly favors Rosario. Mazara batted a meager .227 in 2020, a number that is still considerably shy of Rosarios sub-par .258 2020 season. At 29, Rosario could be a veteran presence among some of the game's brightest young talent. And while it’s unlikely he’ll receive a contract anywhere for north of $10 million, Rosario’s value would be well worth a look from Chicago. His aggressive approach to the game would complement the style of baseball that the 21st century White Sox play. Detroit Tigers MLB Veteran Jordan Zimmerman became a free agent after the 2020 season, ending a tumultuous run in Detroit. The bright side? The Tigers have $25 million freed up in payroll and need someone who can hit the ball...hard. Insert Eddie Rosario. The 2020 Tigers outfield was a circus to say the least. Of the eight players who spent time on the field during the season, center fielder Victor Reyes was the only one to surpass 100 at bats (202). The next closest was JaCoby Jones with 97. Detroit is yearning for consistent playing time in the outfield, something that Rosario can bring. While his plate approach is sporadic it’s almost certain that Eddie would immediately become an everyday starter for the Tigers, something they need. Miami Marlins Could we see a reunion of Eddie Rosario and former Twins hitting coach James Rowson? It’s definitely a possibility! Rowson helped groom Rosario from 2017-19 in Minnesota and it wouldn’t be crazy to speculate that the two have been in contact following their previous time together. Corey Dickerson has left field locked down for the ‘Fins, but right field is nothing short of a revolving door for Miami. 2020 saw four different faces in right field for the Marlins, a number that they’d like to decrease. Let’s remember that right field may actually be Rosario’s best position. Outside of baseball, Miami is a city blossoming with culture. Rosario was born in Puerto Rico and holds his Latino roots close to his heart, as does the city of Miami. The Marlins have some money freed up thanks to the end of Wei-Yin Chen’s $80 million contract alongside Brandon Kintzler’s 2021 option being declined. Of all the potential options that Rosie has, this one feels the most “right.” Boston Red Sox Red Sox faithful sure miss that Mookie Betts guy who went out to the west coast. And with Jackie Bradley Jr. and Kevin Pillar on the market, it’s probable the Sox will be looking for some replacement talent in the outfield. Similar to other teams on this list, there’s a good chance that Rosario would be assigned to right field with the Red Sox. Playing right field at Fenway requires excellent defense, something that Kevin Pillar has got Rosario beat on. However, Rosario is a far superior offensive threat than Pillar and has shown he can play strong defense. He just needs to get in a groove of consistency. Rosario’s network webs out to Boston as well. Manager Alex Cora is back on the block for 2021 and is no stranger to Rosario. In fact, Cora selected Rosario to play for him when he managed Team Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Regardless of where Rosario ends up, we at Twins Daily wish him nothing but the best. There are few Twins players in the last decade who have drawn a following like Rosario has and there’s no denying that he was an integral part of the Twins success. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

I agree! A difficult line to walk. Bremer grew up a Twins fan and does an excellent job telling it as it is but also knowing his audience.

2020 has been a year to remember, for the better and worse. Yet even in these challenging times it’s important to keep in mind the wonderful things that cultivate our gratitude for the Minnesota Twins and the beautiful game of baseball.10. The 2020 Minnesota Twins got to play a season In the midst of the worst global pandemic the nation has seen in a century, the Twins were able to play a baseball season. No, it didn’t look traditional and yes, the team may have underperformed. Yet at the end of the day baseball was played- something that we weren’t sure would happen back in March. Baseball is great, but it is miniscule compared to health, player safety, and human life. While the MLB’s plan for 2020 was far from perfect, the Twins took guidelines seriously, stayed mostly healthy (from COVID), and were able to provide sports fans with a glimpse of light in a dark world. 9. Bigger than Baseball Baseball is a game. Life, human safety, and social justice are not. 2020 was a year of hardship, unrest, and thought for the Minneapolis-St. Paul community and greater United States. Through all the tough times the Twins organization made it’s voice heard; baseball is more than just a game played on the field. From messages on social justice to standing alongside the LGBTQ+ community and taking a stand against bullying, the Twins took a stand towards building a better tomorrow for the community. They knew that they would receive opposition and flack for not just “shutting up and dribbling,” but it didn’t matter. The Twins recognize that there are bigger things in life than sports and that using their platform to promote change is extremely important. That is something to be thankful for. 8. Rocco Baldelli is the Skipper of the Minnesota In a league full of seasoned managers, Rocco Baldelli has put his best foot forward in his inaugural two seasons with the Twins. Not only has Rocco helped produce wins on the field, he’s an incredible PR figure for the Twins. A players' manager, Baldelli embodies everything that is great about Twins Territory. His classiness in interviews, refrain from belittling players/umpires/league officials, and frankly nice demeanor has won over the hearts of baseball fans. Here’s to many more years of Baldelli leading the Twins and serving as an outstanding voice for Major League Baseball. 7. Caleb Thielbar Randoph, Minnesota native Caleb Thielbar wasn’t supposed to “make it.” Yet with everything stacked against him, the lefty reliever faced adversity with an iron fist and had a career season with his home-state team. Similar to Baldelli, Thielbar is one of those guys that it is impossible to cheer against. A small town kid who only had one Division 1 offer, Thielbar has been through the gauntlet of injuries, minor league stints, and being looked over. That hasn’t stopped him from becoming a fixture in the Twins organization. A genuinely great person, Thielbar’s ability to overcome adversity will help him not only in baseball, but more importantly, life. Read: Minnesota Made: Caleb Thiebar 6. Target Field It may not be “new” anymore but Target Field is drop dead gorgeous. Constantly ranked as one of the top ballparks in the league, Twins fans are blessed to watch their team play in an ageless venue that still feels ‘state of the art.’ Target Field has also made noise in the public sphere, being certified as a LEED Gold facility for it’s incredible sustainability and environmental practices. Die-hard Twins fans will watch their team wherever they play, but these “off the field” accolades draw more attention from the general public and expand the web of Twins Territory. Download attachment: IMG_4506.jpg 5. The Outfield (Not the 80’s Band) While Eddie Rosario may be in the near future, the Twins have been gifted with some of the finest outfield depth in Major League Baseball. Even when Byron Buxton has struggled with health, a myriad of other players have stepped up. Jake Cave could start on many other MLB teams, Brent Rooker hits the snot out of the baseball, and Alex Kirilloff is one of the brightest prospects in the league. And while Kepler, Buxton, and Rosario may not have played out to what some imagined, they were still quite good. Even if these three aren’t patrolling the Target Field grass next summer, we can be incredibly thankful for the run that they had. 4. A Bright Future Kirilloff and Rooker and Royce, oh my! The Twins have always had one of the strongest farm systems in the league. Yet today’s prospects in the organization present some of the finest untapped talent that the team has ever seen. Expect these three to make a big splash in the 2021 season. And while he is no longer a prospect, Ryan Jeffers is an incredible young catcher that made his voice heard this season. Names like Edwar Colina, Travis Blankenhorn, and Trevor Larnach could also have a huge impact on the upcoming season. 3. Torii, Cuddy, and LeTroy For the first time in a number of years the Minnesota Twins had three former players on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot. Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer, and LeTroy Hawkins graced Twins fans with incredible memories over a wealth of time and helped create a solid foundation for the future of the organization. While it is unlikely that these three will make it in, there isn’t enough gratitude out there to thank these three for their contributions to the Minnesota Twins. Watch: Seth Stohs interviews friends of Torii Hunter 2. Dick Bremer Though his counterparts have come and gone through the years, it is safe to say that Dick Bremer is one of the most well-loved broadcasters in the game of baseball. A Minnesota native himself, Dick’s charismatic presence resonates to the living rooms of fans across the upper Midwest. Charisma, communication skills, and baseball knowledge don’t always mutually exist. Thankfully, Bremer has all three of these and a genuine love for the Twins organization. We are all more passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans because of the work the Dick Bremer does every night. 1. The 10th Man, Woman, and Child Being a Minnesota sports fan can be tough at times. And while Twins fans have seen success that other teams in the state haven’t, there is still a dose of heartbreak quite frequently. Yet the fans of this organization are as loyal as any and for the most part are quality, genuine people. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the folks at Twins Daily love what they do and continue to do it. It isn’t always easy, especially in these times, but keep the faith in your Minnesota Twins! We’re all in this together! 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The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a rich history of cultivating homegrown talent in the sport of baseball. Hear the authentic stories of those who grew up in Minnesota and have had the chance to fulfill the childhood dream of wearing a Twins jersey.Excitement and adrenaline raced through the veins of Forest Lake High School senior Matt Wallner. A lifelong Twins fan, Wallner was spending a mild June afternoon with family and friends nestled in the comfort of the Target Field Legends Club watching his hometown team. Yet the excitement wasn’t from the game being played on the field for the Minnesota Mr. Baseball recipient and Southern Miss commit. A call popped up on Matt’s phone. “You’ve been selected in the 32nd round of the MLB draft by the Minnesota Twins” The dream of every youth baseball player growing up in the state of Minnesota had just become a reality for Wallner in the most perfect of settings. “It was surreal,” Wallner said. “I had played ball with the son of Twins CFO Kip Elliott so he flagged me down and brought me back to the draft room, it was pretty cool.” Download attachment: Wallner4.jpg The view from Wallner's seat when he found out that he had been drafted by the Twins in 2016 Courtesy of Matt Wallner Matt Wallner has become a staple in a pool of talented Twins prospects. A stellar pitcher in high school, Wallner’s colors truly shined at the plate, a trait that made his decision to defer his initial contract and play college baseball easy. “I was drafted as a pitcher in 2016 and I wanted to hit,” Wallner said. The decision paid off. Wallner clubbed a school record 58 career home runs at Southern Miss and was a three time All-American, numbers that prompted the Twins to keep a keen eye on the Forest Lake native. Déjà Vu When the 2019 MLB Draft rolled around the Twins organization didn’t have to look far. With the 39th pick the Twins selected Wallner, this time as an outfielder. The moment was no less special than Wallner’s first time being selected by the organization. Yet despite the history, Matt had no idea that he would once again link arms with his home state team. “I had no idea that (the Twins) were going to pick me again,” Wallner said. “I had talked with them a bit during the pre-draft meetings but I had no idea that they’d select me.” Wallner quickly proved that the pick wasn’t just a coincidence. After an impressive debut with Elizabethton, the 6’5 right fielder was promoted to A affiliate Cedar Rapids. Between the two teams Wallner batted .258 with eight HR and 34 RBI. Following his successful debut Wallner was named the Twins Daily short season hitter of the year. Backyard Baseball Baseball entered Matt’s life at a young age; t-ball in kindergarten, competitive baseball in 5th grade, and a memorable run for the Forest Lake Rangers in high school. Download attachment: Wallner1.jpg Courtesy of Matt Wallner Yet his true love of the game didn’t come from travel tournaments or showcases. That love was shaped by hours of backyard baseball with his two brothers. “Playing baseball at the house with my two brothers was really what got me excited about it,” Wallner recalled. That excitement was rooted in an additional location; the Metrodome. “I can remember going to Twins games at the Dome growing up,” Wallner said. “We would go to our friends’ birthday parties there and it was always really exciting.” Like most, Matt realized that the Dome wasn’t the field of dreams that the organization now has in Target Field. Yet the memories of watching childhood heroes like Torii Hunter, Johan Santana, and Joe Mauer cemented the Metrodome in Wallner’s mental bank of ‘happy places.’ “I can still picture the scoreboard with the lightbulbs on it, no digital graphics at all.” A Fraternity of Excellence There’s no doubt that Wallner has a bright future ahead of him in the world of professional baseball. And while there’s a long list of people who’ve helped him pave his journey, a fellow member of Minnesota-native Twins fraternity has played a special role; Brian Raabe. The current head baseball coach of MIAC staple Bethel, Raabe was a standout infielder for the Gophers and spent 1995-96 with the Twins. A native of New Ulm, Raabe has been a close family friend and mentor to Wallner. Matt was high school teammates with Brian’s son Zach, who is a current star for the Golden Gophers. In fact, Brian was sitting in the Legends Club with Matt when he found out that the Twins had selected him back in 2016. “Whenever I go home I’ll hit with Zach and Brian is always throwing us BP, so I’m around him all the time,” Wallner said. “He’s been a huge part of my success growing up and a huge mentor. It’s cool to have a guy like that to look up to.” And while the road ahead will face obstacles and challenges, Wallner has the support system around him to conquer adversity. “I’m so blessed to have this opportunity. My parents gave me every opportunity growing up. I’ve had so many people, coaches, and mentors that have helped me get here. Kids dream of having the chance to play for their hometown team and I actually have the chance to do it, I’m just trying to make the most of it.” Twins Daily's Seth Stohs caught up with Matt last week to chat about his baseball journey. Give it a watch! MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article