David Youngs

Last week the Twins announced that they would be parting ways with the Rochester Red Wings, their long-time Triple-A affiliate. And while there’s compelling speculation that the Twins will link arms with their friends across the river, we mustn't forget about the “world’s biggest small-town” nestled four hours (three and a half if you’re going seven over) west on the prairie. Fargo.The Woodchipper. Carson Wentz. Flannel shirts and Busch Light. While these traits certainly scratch the tip of the iceberg (for better or worse), there is a wealth of untapped beauty in Fargo, North Dakota that the world has yet to uncover. One of those things is the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, the city’s independent professional baseball franchise that has graced the community with quality baseball since 1996. From years of dominance in the Northern League to recent years as a perennial staple in the American Association, the RedHawks have become a staple in the world of independent professional baseball. Their biggest rival? The St. Paul Saints, the probable favorite to step into the role of a minor league affiliate for the Minnesota Twins. And while the potential marriage of the Twin Cities’ teams seems next to perfect, there is a case to be made for knotting the RedHawks to a Major League franchise. Location, Location, Location Successful minor league baseball teams are grounded in flourishing communities. While some fans come to games to watch talented prospects (or in the American Association’s case, former ones), a majority of attendance comes from everyday folks wanting to enjoy a night at the ballpark. Fargo (and North Dakota in general) doesn’t have any major league sports teams (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL). Their ‘professional sports teams’ are NDSU football, UND hockey...and the RedHawks. In a community of 200,000 the RedHawks are planted in the perfect location to draw fans, both baseball gurus and families looking for an evening of fun. The RedHawks have developed a strong footing in the Red River Valley amongst businesses, schools, and the general public. While their marketing may not rival that of the Saints, the RedHawks anchor their image around fun as demonstrated by unique bobbleheads, letting kids run the bases, and Jimmy Buffett impersonators. Download attachment: David1.jpg A double-sided bobblehead of legendary RedHawks and Concordia College coach Bucky Burgau. Image Courtesy of David Youngs The Hawks call Newman Outdoor Field their home, nestled just off the campus of North Dakota State University. Built in 1996, the 4,513 seat ballpark features a wealth of vendors, many of which are local food and brewery options. There is a beer garden that hugs the left field line and a merchandise shop on the main concourse behind home plate. Last year an additional bar-like restaurant was added along the right field line. The Hawks weren’t the only ones to call “The Nest” their home in 2020. Due to the travel risks associated with COVID, the Winnipeg Goldeyes played their home games in Fargo. The move was a gesture of goodwill that contributed towards the RedHawks being named the 2020 American Association of the year. A Young (but Unique) History Despite their young history, the RedHawks have a myriad of storylines surrounding their franchise. The team is managed by former World Series champion Chris Coste. A catcher for the 2008 World Champion Phillies, the Concordia College alum was a star for the RedHawks on his road to the Major Leagues, documented in his autobiography The 33 Year Old Rookie.Similar to other American Association teams, the RedHawks have seen former Major League standouts come through town following their tenure in the MLB. In addition to Coste, this list includes former Twins outfielder Rich Becker, infamous Brewers standout Randall Simon, and legendary Dodgers base-swiper Maury Wills.318, 404, and 314. What do these numbers mean? No, not Pi, but the dimensions of old Yankee Stadium..and Newman Outdoor Field. Yankee great and Hall of Fame snub Roger Maris grew up in Fargo and attended Shanley High School. The original Home Run King, Maris is arguably the most notable athlete to come out of the Red River Valley. His legacy is honored by the ballpark’s dimensions and by the Roger Maris Museum at West Acres mall.Steal Homers, Not Fans There’s no doubt that having a minor league affiliate across the river from Target Field is an enticing thought. Low cost of travel, unity of fandom, and reuniting two teams that have a rich history are all extremely valuable reasons to expand the Twins family to St. Paul. However, there is one potential negative; fans having to decide whether to attend Twins games or Saints games. Of course, none of this matters until COVID is under control and fans are allowed back in ballparks. Yet the Twins expanding their web to Fargo blossoms an opportunity to expose a passionate group of fans to Twins baseball; without leaving the seats of Target Field empty. Fargo and the state of North Dakota is rich with Twins pride. Everyone and their cousin supports the Twins (except my Yankee-loving college roommate Erik Porter) in the Flickertail State and would flock Newman Outdoor Field if the RedHawks became the breeding ground of future Twins superstars. Even better, Fargo is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Minneapolis. Players would be able to make the sub-hour flight to Target Field upon being called up and the organization would certainly save money on expenses compared to Rochester. I’m not here to say that the Saints aren’t a great option; they are. However, given the blossoming community, already present fan base, and ability to stay relevant, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks would look pretty darn good with an intertwined ‘T-C’ stamped next to their name. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussionin our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

Gee Dang, was hoping for Honus Wagner. Guy has windmills as hands to wave guys around third....maybe next year.

Wonderful interview! What a cool story- Go Black Bears!

Chris Bosh, LeBron and D-Wade? More like Scott Erickson, Kevin Tapani and Jack Morris. The 1991 Twins pitching staff showed up in arguably the greatest World Series in the history of baseball. And while it was a team effort, who was the best? Let’s dig in.1991. Whitney Houston, jean shorts, and the Minnesota Twins pitching staff. In the eyes of many Twins fans, the pinnacle of Twins pitching may have coincided with the franchise’s most recent World Series Championship. The ‘91 had the full package. While Jack Morris will always be remembered for his Game seven heroics, the team may not have made it there if not for stellar seasons by fellow starters Scott Erickson, Kevin Tapani, and rock-solid Rick Aguilera in the bullpen. The world was not yet plagued by the bane of existence in 1991; that wasn’t until 1997. On the bright side, I spent more time in college watching 1991 game reruns than I did doing homework (my apologies to the Concordia College WIFI operators). Let’s take a look at some of the key components of the 1991 pitching staff, how they contributed, and who was perhaps the most valuable? Kevin Tapani Tapani was an absolute workhorse for the Twins in the 1991 season, pitching 244 innings in 34 starts; the most of his career. Coming off a successful campaign in 1990 where he finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting, Tapani stormed through 1991 with a 16-9 record and team-leading 2.99 ERA. Tapini finished the season 7th in Cy Young voting, just three spots behind teammate Jack Morris and five behind Scott Erickson. The Des Moines native (and now Minnesota resident) didn’t necessarily pitch his best baseball in the 1991 postseason. In the ALCS against Toronto, Tapani went 0-1, starting games’ two and five. Tapani lasted 6 1/3 innings in game two, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks in a 5-2 Blue Jays win. The series decider wasn’t much different for Tapani, who gave up five runs on eight hits in four innings. The Twins rebounded and won game five 8-5 thanks to three run innings in the sixth and eighth frames. Tapani reset in game two of the World Series, mounting a stellar eight inning performance that knocked off Tom Glavine’s Braves by a score of 3-2. He wasn’t as lucky in game five. After a scoreless three innings the Braves teed off on Tapani, putting up a four-hole and taking him out of the game. While Tapani’s postseason numbers didn’t reflect his gem of a regular season, it’s important to remember that 1991 was only his second full season in the league! All in all, not too bad of a campaign for a young buck. Scott Erickson Kevin Tapani wasn’t the only young star on the Twins ‘91 rotation. A young man by the name of Scott Erickson mounted a career season in 1991 just one year after breaking into the Major Leagues. A 1989 Twins draft pick out of the University of Arizona, Erickson rocketed through the minors and made his MLB debut after just 27 minor league starts. At just 23 years old in ‘91, Erickson led the league with 20 wins and finished the season with All-Star honors and was runner-up in the Cy Young race only to Roger Clemens. In a season where he started 32 games, the young righty crafted a 20-8 record with a 3.18 ERA. Similar to Tapani, Erickson’s 1991 postseason didn’t necessarily correlate with his electric regular season. Erickson started game three of the 1991 ACLS against Toronto, receiving a no-decision in a four inning outing where he gave up two runs on two hits. Minnesota won that game in 10 innings. Erickson’s World Series starts were both competitive, as the Long Beach, CA native earned no decisions in game three and game six. Erickson was in line for a game six win after pitching a solid six innings, giving up only two runs on five hits. Yet after a Mark Lemke single, Erickson was removed in the seventh. Later on in the inning Ron Gant singled off of Twins reliever Carl Willis to tie the game and rid Erickson of a win. While Erickson’s leash may have been shorter than Morris and Tapani’s, the young star rose to the occasion and pitched well enough to put his team in a position to win two of the three playoff games that he started. Erickson went on to have a long career with multiple teams. There’s no doubt that the highlight of it was his outstanding performance in the 1991 regular season. Rick Aguilera There’s a short list of Minnesota Twins relievers that have been as dominant as Rick Aguilera was for the ‘91 Twins. Finishing the year tied for fourth most saves in the league with 42, Rick was a 1991 All-Star who finished 18th in the American League for MVP voting. Wait, MVP? That’s right. The San Gabriel, CA native was the lead vote receiver for relievers and the only pitchers he finished behind were Roger Clemens (10th and Cy Young), Jack Morris (13th), and Scott Erickson (17th). Pitchers don’t win the MVP and the thought of a reliever even being in the top 20 is rare. Aguilera was special. Similar to Morris, Aguilera’s most valuable asset to the ‘91 Twins was his postseason dominance. In the ALCS he was nearly perfect, racking up three saves and giving up only one hit. Aguilera continued his dominance in games one and two of the World Series, racking up two more saves. His only falter of the postseason came in game three when he faced the heart of the Braves lineup in the bottom of the 12th. After giving up a single and stolen base to David Justice, Mark Lemke singled to left to score Justice and walk off the Braves. Aguilera would cancel out his one loss on the postseason a few days later in game six thanks to a stellar 11th inning and a guy named Kirby Puckett. Aggie may not have gotten the hype of Morris, Puckett, or Hrbek. Yet his success on the bump late in games played a crucial role in the Twins putting together a stellar season. Jack Morris While John Scott Morris’ time in Minnesota was brief, his 1991 game seven performance cemented his legacy in Twins and baseball history for an eternity. It’s important to remember that while his name is associated with the postseason, the guy had a pretty damn good 1991 regular season, leading the team with 163 strikeouts to top off an All-Star season that landed him fourth in Cy Young voting. Morris’ most valuable asset may have been his consistency in the 1991 postseason. In a rotation filled with young stars and a lack of solidity at the bottom, Morris was a seasoned veteran. It showed. In five postseason starts Morris was a stellar 4-0 with a 4.05 ERA in the ALCS and 1.17 ERA in the Fall Classic. The only start he didn’t win still consisted of a six inning outing in game three of the World Series where the vet gave up one run on six hits. 1991 wasn’t Jack Morris’ best season; but it would be difficult to not call it his most iconic. The hometown kid comes back to his own backyard to guide a young pitching staff to a title, capped off with the master himself sealing the deal. It doesn’t get much better. So, what’s the order? They’re all valuable in unique ways but if I had to order them based on the value they provide to the Twins winning a World Series, I’d do this: 4. Scott Erickson (Although he arguably had the best season) 3. Kevin Tapani 2. Rick Aguilera 1. Jack Morris Think I completely missed the ball on this one and that I’m some young punk who doesn’t know what a World Championship team looks like? Drop a comment below! [link to image license] Click here to view the article

Marsha, Jan, and….Tony LaRussa? As the 2020 offseason kicks off there is no bigger buzz than the recent managerial hirings in the AL Central. With the additions of AJ Hinch and Tony LaRussa, the 2021 class of AL Central skippers should be nothing short of interesting.Mike Matheny Age: 50 Years of Experience: 8 Years (7 in St. Louis, 1 in Kansas City) What to Love: After Royals staple Ned Yost retired, Matheny’s arrival to Kansas City was swept under the rug given the million other things going on in the world. With a wealth of experience in St. Louis , Matheny became the first manager in MLB history to lead his team to a division title in his first four seasons. While his first season with the Royals wasn’t anything special, Matheny’s emphasis on strong defense and experience will help build up a Kansas City team that hasn’t seen success since 2015. What to Hate: Despite success in St. Louis, none of Matheny’s teams have been able to break through and win a World Series. And while championships are likely out of reach for a few more years, it will be interesting to see how and if Matheny can put together a stretch of dominance like he did in St. Louis. Fun Fact: When he was a player in St. Louis, Matheny started his own nonprofit called “Catch-22.” The organization is aimed to benefit children with special needs and physical limitations. In 2005 he and his wife opened a field in Missouri that has a completely flat and rubber surface, making it accessible to children with physical disabilities. Terry Francona Age: 61 Years of Experience: 20 years (8 in Cleveland, 8 in Boston, 4 in Philadelphia) What to Love: If one were to make a list of ‘winners in the game of baseball,’ Terry Francona’s name would be near the top. A cornerstone in some of baseball’s most historic moments, Francona has seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows. As of recent, Francona has dealt with some excellent teams in Cleveland and developed strong relationships with their baseball community. What to Hate: While Francona was able to obtain the ultimate prize in baseball in Boston, he has yet to bring a title to Cleveland. Time may be running out as the White Sox and Twins seem to be growing and Cleveland shrinking. Francona’s health kept him from fully managing the end of the 2020 season and we wish him nothing but the best going forward. Fun Fact: Terry was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, home of Northern State University, the CC Lee Open tennis tournament, and birthplace of Super 8 Motels! AJ Hinch Age: 46 Years of Experience: 7 years (5 in Houston, 2 in Arizona) What to Love: Along with Rocco, Hinch fits the role of “young guns” in this group. In the game’s climate of analytics, Hinch is on par with the best of ‘em for managing games and player development through stats and science. Regardless of scandals, Hinch has shown that he knows how to not only win, but shift the culture of an entire organization like he did with the Astros. The Tigers struck the gold mine on this one and the hiring of AJ Hinch will pay off. What to Hate: The Houston Astros 2017 cheating scandal will always tarnish Hinch’s career wherever his journey leads him. Unlike some, Hinch has been pretty open about the mistakes he made, including speaking to the issue in his inaugural press conference in Detroit. While his mistakes won’t necessarily impact the play on the field, Hinch and the Tigers will have to mute noise from critics who question his ethics. Fun Fact: Hinch was drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 1995 MLB draft. He elected to stay at Stanford and finish his college career, where he was a stud catcher and Psychology major. Tony LaRussa Age: 76 Years of Experience:35 years (9 in Chicago, 10 in Oakland, 16 in St. Louis) What to Love: Tony LaRussa has a strong case to be on baseball’s Mount Rushmore of managers. With a lifetime record of 2,728 and 2,365, the guy knows how to win. Through all the years he has mentored and developed some of the game’s legends and has the opportunity to gift his knowledge to some of the baseball’s young stars. What to Hate: As expressed by Jeff Passan of ESPN, many consider LaRussa to be out of touch with the baseball of today versus his prior days at the helm of MLB clubs. Players and teams across baseball (and other sports) have shown that the national pastime is more than just a game played on the field and the White Sox have been integral to that movement. I’m not here to say that Tony LaRussa won’t be able to learn from the younger generation; heck, LaRussa has shown that he’s not afraid to spice things up prior in his career. Regardless of wins and losses, I hope that both parties find a way to learn from each other and grow in today’s climate. Fun Fact: LaRussa grew up in Tampa, where he played American Legion baseball alongside Lou Pinella! Rocco Baldelli Age: 39 Years of Experience: 2 Years (Both with Twins, including 2019 AL manager of the year honors) What to Love: What is not to love about Rocco Baldelli? The answer? Very little. An analytical junkie who has the big league player experience, Baldelli creates the perfect storm of knowledge, building relationships, and bringing a fresh kick to an organization that is quite traditional. What to Hate: As a biased source, there isn’t too much. However, just as all young managers experience, Baldelli will continue to work his way through growing pains as a byproduct of being a young buck. Fun Fact: Known to most by now, Baldelli is the world’s biggest ‘Phish’ fan and has seen the popular rock band multiple times. Expect this to impact walk-up song implications at some point in his career in Minnesota. 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

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.The sound of a clanking spoon and jubilant laughs of a child resonate through the waves of Caleb Thielbar’s kitchen over Zoom. “Do I need to repeat anything or is he too loud? My wife’s at work and I got home a bit late so it’s lunchtime.” The 33 year old Randolph, Minnesota native has worn a wealth of hats over the years; St. Paul Saints standout, International League pitcher, DII pitching coach, a prospect that ‘shouldn't have made it,’ and most importantly, husband to Carissa and dad of Joshua. To Twins fans, he’s the pinnacle of feel-good stories in the franchise’s history. Coming off a stellar season in his second stint with his home-state team, baseball and the Minnesota Twins were staples in the Thielbar family since Caleb was a young boy. “Baseball was huge for my parents. Heck, my dad still played until I was 12 or 13 in various leagues,” Caleb recalled. “He was a pitcher.” Young Caleb took after his father Calvin, cementing his place on the mound in the youth leagues of south central Minnesota. Download attachment: Thielbar Randolph.jpg Thielbar was a standout for the Randolph Rockets both on the bump and on the basketball court, scoring the second most points in school history. Courtesy of Caleb Thielbar “Growing up in a small town, if you could throw the ball hard and anywhere near the plate you were going to pitch,” Thielbar said. Thielbar and his father weren’t the only ones in the family who spent time on the diamond. Caleb’s mom Janet was the starting shortstop on her high school baseball team as a senior; an opportunity that connected her with assistant coach Calvin, her future husband. “The Greatest Place on Earth” Nestled just half an hour south of the Twin Cities, some of Caleb’s fondest childhood memories came from making the trek up to the Metrodome to watch his favorite team. Calvin would get tickets from work and the family would go to three or four games per year. Like most, Caleb knew that the Dome wasn’t the gold encrusted palace that other teams had to call home. That didn’t matter. “Going to the Metrodome, ears popping (through the doors), getting to the concourse where you couldn’t hear anything. All of a sudden you’d get into the stadium and start to hear the crack of the bat from batting practice.” For the wide-eyed Minnesota boy the Metrodome couldn’t have been more perfect. “I got to play in the Dome in college and we all kind of knew it wasn’t the nicest, but when you’re a kid and you're going to a Major League game you think it’s the greatest thing in the world,” Caleb recalled. Johan and Torii Growing up in the 90’s, the Twins were nothing to write home about. Yet when Caleb was striking out hitters on the bump for Randolph High School in the early 2000’s, Johan Santana was baffling hitters with his changeup and the Dome outfield was where homers went to die thanks to Torii Hunter. “Johan was my favorite pitcher growing up and all of us loved Torii, making those amazing catches,” Thielbar said. “Those were the two players I liked most because in high school when I wasn’t pitching I was playing centerfield.” Things came full circle for Thielbar this spring. Throwing his first bullpen of the year, a familiar face appeared behind the mound to watch and critique the crafty lefty. It was no other than Caleb’s childhood hero, Johan himself. “It was kind of surreal to have him there after growing up watching him your entire childhood,” Caleb said. Lifelong Learner There are few players in baseball that have seen their career evolve the way Thielbar has. From a blue-collar recruit who didn’t necessarily see himself being good enough to compete at South Dakota State to a big league pitcher who’s future seemed uncertain due to arm injuries, Caleb never gave up. “After having some arm problems with the Twins it did take a few years to get it back,” Thielbar said. “Luckily I was able to keep playing, most guys hang it up after that.” In between his time with the Twins, Thielbar spent two seasons across the Mississippi with the St. Paul Saints. He credits his time in the American Association towards where he’s at today. “I enjoyed my time with the Saints and was lucky to have a couple of good years with them,” Thielbar said. “I needed to learn how to stay healthy and the independent league was a really good place to do that.” A firm believer that there is always learning to do, regardless of the level, Thielbar’s grit was rewarded this year by achieving a goal that’s been in his mind since he was a boy in Randolph; winning an AL Central title. “Watching all of those (division titles) growing up, it became a goal of mine,” Thielbar said. “Not just winning it, but getting to do it with a lot of guys that I got to play with in the minors or that I already knew. They're a bunch of really good people and seeing them succeed is great.” 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

There are few moments in sports that rival the crowned jewel of a baseball player making his Major League debut. In a 2020 season filled with injuries, top prospects and everything in between, the Twins saw six rookies hit the big stage. Let's evaluate.Brent Rooker, RF The powerful bat from Tennessee was activated as a result of Max Kepler being placed on the 10 day IL in September. Unfortunately for Rooker, his 2020 season was cut short after seven games due to a fractured forearm. What we did see from Rooker was nothing but delightful. In just 19 at-bats the right handed hitter put together a .316 batting average with six hits and five RBI. The rookie even got his first big league HR out of the way on September 8 against St. Louis. Expect Rooker to play a significant role in 2021, especially if the Twins outfield doesn’t feature Eddie Rosario. The 25 year old could play a crucial role in a corner outfield platoon alongside names like Jake Cave and Alex Kirilloff. Final Grade: A Edwar Colina, RHP Known for his triple digit fastball and gnarly slider, Colina received the big league call up the last weekend of the regular season as a result of the Twins releasing Homer Bailey. His Major League debut was far from sunshine and rainbows, as the 5’11 reliever lasted just 0.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks against Cincinnati. Even though Colina’s debut wasn’t pretty it’s tough not to imagine him playing some sort of role on the 2021 Twins. He fits the mold of a hard throwing reliever (with great breaking stuff) that the Twins haven’t seen come through town in the past. Arms like him, Trevor May, and Jorge Alcala could provide valuable diversity to craftier pitchers like Caleb Thielbar and Taylor Rodgers who don’t have the MPH factor. Expect the Twins to continue to groom Colina in the farm system and bring him up at an appropriate time during the 2021 season. Final Grade: C+ Travis Blankenhorn, 2B The Twins brought up power-hitting Blankenhorn for one game in September as a result of Luis Arraez’s ongoing injuries. Blankenhorn didn’t disappoint, going 1 for 3 with a double and a walk on September 15 against the White Sox. He was optioned one day later to make room on the roster for Alex Avila and Jake Odorizzi. Blankenhorn’s future with the Twins is up in the air...for now. Much of his fate for 2021 will rely on if the Twins choose to sign a ‘super utility man’ such as Kiké Herbandez or Tommy La Stella to fill the role that Marwin Gonzales has carried out. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Blankenhorn back up with the parent club next year at some point, it just may not be in large amounts. Final Grade: B+ Aaron Whitefield, CF The Australian native played a key role in patching up the Twins outfield early on in the 2020 season when Byron Buxton was not healthy. And while Whitefield was a solid placeholder in the outfield he did have much of a chance to prove himself at the plate, racking up just one MLB at bat. It is improbable that Whitefield will play much of a role on the 2021 Twins. While the layout of next year’s outfield is up for debate, there are a variety of options that feature better hitting and defense then what Whitefield has to offer. He certainly could prove valuable if the Twins are plagued with injury (knock on wood), it just doesn’t seem probable. Final Grade: C- Alex Kirilloff, RF The highly anticipated lefty bat of Kirilloff debuted for the Twins in the American League Wild Card Series against the Astros. In just one game, Kirilloff proved that he could play in the big moments, gaining one of the few hits that the team mustered together in a disappointing series. It would be crazy to say that Kirilloff won’t somehow play a role in the Twins outfield next year. His strong defense and lefty bat make him almost a sure-lock if the Twins decide to go with the platoon option for the 2021 outfield. Kirilloff’s talent is all but untapped thus far. Obviously he needs some more time to get his feet wet but the future looks bright for the Plum, Pennsylvania native. Final Grade: A- Ryan Jeffers, C Saving the best for last, Jeffers is arguably the first positive outcome that many Twins fans will think of in regards to 2020. The rookie catcher looked like anything but a rookie, playing in 26 regular season games and racking up a .273 batting average. Manager Rocco Baldelli showed his confidence in Jeffers by starting him behind the dish in both postseason games. There are multiple layers to Jeffers bright future. The UNC-Wilmington grad has proven that he can hit at the big league level. Don’t overshadow Jeffers behind the plate through; the Raleigh, North Carolina native is a rock-solid defender and there is nothing more beautiful than watching a catcher throw runners out from his knees. 2021 will be a big year for arguably the best catching prospect the Twins have seen since Joe Mauer. He’ll have the chance to learn the ropes in a regular 162 game season and work alongside Mitch Garver and (insert seasoned veteran) to help furnish one of the best potential catching squads in the league. Final Grade: A+ 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

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 in Minnesota and have had the chance to fulfill the childhood dream of wearing a Twins jersey.Kids across the state of Minnesota grew up in the 60’s and 70’s idolizing the power of Harmon Killebrew, cherishing the hitting of Tony Oliva, and would spend hours at the park imitating the swing of Rod Carew. Of all those kids, a boy from Bloomington would be the only one to cement his name amongst ones like Oliva, Carew, and Killebrew as one of the greats in Twins history. Kent Hrbek never envisioned himself playing for the Minnesota Twins while growing up in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. Just like any other kid he would spend his days playing pickup baseball with friends and watching the Twins when they were on TV. “Back then you couldn’t really watch any other teams on TV besides maybe the Braves on TBS or maybe the Yankees, but that was it,” Hrbek said. And while fans can find a way to watch every game in today’s world, things were a bit different back in the 60’s. “Even the Twins only played 25 games or so per year on TV so you didn’t really get to see them much unless you went to the ballpark,” Hrbek recalled. “We went to the ballpark a lot when we were kids.” That ballpark, Met Stadium, was just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Hrbek’s childhood home, and just miles from Kennedy High School. It was during his time at Bloomington Kennedy that Kent realized that baseball might be a path worth exploring after scouts started observing the young standout. “My junior year I realized that I might have a shot and a path through baseball,” Hrbek recalled. “I just stuck with it, didn’t really do anything extra special." Things would become special for ‘Herbie” after his hometown Twins drafted him in 1978. After powering through the Twins minor league system for a few seasons, Hrbek and other young talent got their chance at the big leagues in 1981. “I was playing A-ball out in California and they gave a bunch of us guys a shot early because the parent club was struggling,” Hrbek recalled. “If the parent team was doing well I’m sure we never would’ve had a shot.” That tail end of the ‘81 season was a “full circle” experience for Hrbek, getting to play at the ballpark where he grew up watching his hometown team. “That was pretty cool,” Hrbek said. Download attachment: 35549579303_87358a4089_o.jpg Image Courtesy of Hajee, Flickr Hometown Kid Hrbek spent fourteen seasons in the Major Leagues, racking up a career .282 AVG with 293 HR and 1,086 RBI; all in a Minnesota Twins uniform, something that Kent is proud of. “When I was a free agent there were a few teams looking at me, but I decided that I wanted to stay here,” Hrbek said. “I’m from here, my family was here.” And while Hrbek could have gone elsewhere the was one factor that made staying in Minnesota a no brainer. His mother. “In my entire career she had only missed two or three ball games at that point in my 14 years,” Hrbek said. “She was my biggest fan and I figured that if I moved away mom wouldn’t be able to watch too many games in person anymore.” Hrbek credits another love of his to sticking around the Land of 10,000 Lakes; a deep passion for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. “I got to do some great hunting and fishing trips, still doing them today, and that’s one of the reasons I stuck around here,” Hrbek said. “Just a Kid Going to the Ballpark” There are few athletes who have done more for the state of Minnesota than Hrbek has. In addition to playing a key role in bringing the state it’s first two World Series, Hrbek remains a strong supporter of the Twins and the greater community. When he looks back at his time with the Twins Hrbek likes to think that he was just a kid getting to play the game he loved. “I’d go to the ballpark and say ‘Hey mom, I'm going to the ballpark to play a game’ just like I did when I was eight years old living at home,” Hrbek said. “I tried to keep that perspective of ‘I’m just going out to play ball.’” Download attachment: 13780619293_09c3b5ea7a_o.jpg Image Courtesy of Metro Transit, Flickr Over two decades removed from his playing career, Hrbek is no stranger to the Minnesota baseball community. He loves pulling up a barstool at ‘Hrbek’s’ at Target Field to enjoy a burger and beer with friends and fans. It’s those conversations that leave him feeling fulfilled. “I seem to bump into people everyday who tell me what they were doing, where they were when we won the World Series," Hrbek said. “It’s fun to talk about it and be able to put smiles on people’s faces, that’s what I get out of it the most.” Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the Twins historic victory over the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first title in Minnesota. For Hrbek, the memories of not just victory, but the relationships that he’s built in this state through baseball, couldn’t be any sweeter. “I pinch myself everyday because I grew up here, got to play here,” Hrbek said. “It’s given me a lot of opportunities and I thank the Twins a million times over for giving me the opportunity.” 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

The state of Minnesota lost a legend on Sunday when Sid Hartman passed away at the age of 100. Yet his impact on the Minnesota baseball community and greater sports community will never be forgotten.Minnesota lost a close, personal friend and arguably it’s most storied journalist on Sunday. Sid Hartman transitioned over to the Field of Dreams, passing away at the age of 100. Hartman touched the lives of athletes, coaches, and fans across the state of Minnesota in ways that no journalist has before. Why? Hartman was not only a stellar journalist, but he treated people as more than just interview subjects; as human beings. It’s impossible to cluster Sid’s legacy into one moment. Things like his relationship with the Minneapolis Lakers, the trust he obtained from players, and 21,000+ stories he crafted over his 76 years (not to forget his 65 years on radio) are all puzzle pieces to the reasons that the state of Minnesota fell in love with Sid. And while Hartmann had more connections that any man in the world there was a special part of Sid rooted in the Minnesota baseball community Humble Beginnings From his humble roots at the bottom of the newspaper industry to the day that he passed, there was no bigger advocate of Minnesota sports than Sid. Whether it be vouching for a new stadium or backing up players against critics, Hartman was the first to advocate for growth of sports in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. There is a chance that the Twins wouldn’t have even made the transition to Minnesota from Washington in 1961 if it weren’t for Hartman’s voice. In a 1950’s era where it wasn’t uncommon for newspapers to work behind the scenes to benefit their hometown team, Sid played an instrumental role in the Star Tribune’s pitch to bring Major League Baseball to the state of Minnesota. The partisanship and loyalty that Sid displayed is something that is unseen now in the media world. Yes, it is a different time, but Hartman’s ability to build bridges made him someone that team’s were honored to have in their corner of the ring. Loyalty and Trust Throughout the span of his career covering the Twins Hartman worked with names like Killebrew and Carew all the way through Mauer and Morneau. Along that winding path he built multi-generational relationships that brought people together. Some of those were showcased last night on WCCO Radio as the station dedicated the day to remember Sid and all the lives’ he touched. The 5-6pm portion was hosted by Twins President Dave St. Peter and featured a slate of former Twins, Jim Pohlad, and even Bud Seelig recalling their fondest memories of Sid. Stories were unveiled that transcended time and brought back smiles. Joe Mauer recalled first meeting Sid during his time at Cretin-Derham Hall. Joe Nathan laughed about how it always seemed like Sid was the first one there after a blown safe. And Ron Gardenhire shared how if Sid wanted to talk to you for a story, there was not stopping him from tracking you down. Amongst all the heartwarming and charming stories there was one that stuck out to me. Rod Carew shared how he became close friends with Sid in a relationship bound by trust. “Sid was the only reporter that I could always trust,” Carew said on air. “Him and Reusse were the only two that I knew I could say anything to and it wouldn’t end up in the paper.” Carew credited Sid for making his transition to the Twins easier, and a large reason why he fell in love with the state. “Never Worked a Day in my Life” I never had the chance to meet Sid Hartman. Yet as we go forth into the future there is a quote of Sid’s that has always stuck with me. “If you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.” Sid loved sports, but more importantly loved the relationships that came as a product of sports. In today’s world we often forget that athletes are in fact regular human beings, each having a unique story. Sid didn’t forget. And while the Star Tribune sports section may seem a bit bare going forth, the state of Minnesota will never forget how Sid Hartman changed the landscape of sports in this state through building bridges and fostering lifelong relationships. Rest in Peace Sid. 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

Excellent point! Should be interesting to see what happens. It seemed like the 'new guy charm' wore off this year as fans became frustrated with his aggressive plate appearances (good) that often resulted in pop ups (bad). I agree that his defense has been quite poor and that may keep him from making any sort of major impact in '21 unless it improves.

There’s arguably no position in baseball more important than the man behind the dish. And while 2021 is still a ways down the road, the Twins will have to make some decisions regarding their catching situation thanks to an unexpected 2020 season behind home plate.2020 was supposed to be the year of Mitch Garver. Following a breakout year in 2019 highlighted by Silver Slugger honors, it seemed as if nothing could stop the craft beer loving, New Mexico State alum. The baseball gods thought otherwise. 2020 presented a wide array of challenges for Garver. In addition to spending significant time on the Injured List, Garver had a career-worst year at the plate, batting just .167 with 12 hits in 23 games. Not ideal for a player who was expected to help anchor the return of the ‘Bomba Squad.’ Things got spicy when Ryan Jeffers entered the picture. The Raleigh, North Carolina native was called up in mid-August after Garver and Byron Buxton were both placed on the IL. Despite it being his MLB debut Jeffers did not look like a rookie, batting .273 with three home runs in 26 games. And to make things even more complicated the Twins saw 26 appearances from seasoned veteran Alex Avila. Avila didn’t exactly break the bank at the plate, batting just .184 with a meager two RBI. Still, Avila managed to draw a decent number of walks and provided a valuable veteran presence in the clubhouse. In a year where Garver, Jeffers, and Avila all saw similar playing time, there was one clear standout; Ryan Jeffers. However, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg from the UNC-Wilmington alum. Bumping him immediately to the role of everyday catcher could be premature, considering he’s only had 62 MLB plate appearances. There’s no guaranteeing that the Twins will have all three 2020 catchers next season. Alex Avila was signed to a one year, 4.25 million dollar contract for 2020. That’s up now and it’s unlikely that the Twins will keep Avila given his age and lack of production at the plate. Yet there is benefit to carrying three catchers on an MLB roster; especially three catchers who have a diverse wealth of experience and differing talents. Let’s take a look at why each of these guys could provide value to the 2021 Twins. Mitch Garver Everyone deserves a second chance; and by everyone I mean Mitch Garver. There is complete validity behind the criticism that he received for his lackluster performance at the plate this season. Yet it’s important to remember that not only was Garver pretty damn good last year, but that he is by no means an MLB veteran. Garver entered the league in 2017 and just finished his fourth season. In all retrospect, he hasn’t worn the hat of ‘starting catcher’ for a long enough time period to be considered a bust. And on top of his stellar 2019 campaign at the plate, Garver is rock solid defensively behind the dish. Ruling Mitch Garver a bust because of a bad 60 game season in which he was injured would be wrong. Give him another chance. Ryan Jeffers The 2020 Twins Daily Rookie of the Year opened the eyes of Twins fans with his high powered swing and efficiency behind the plate. Jeffers was one of the few beacons of light on offense for a Twins team that underperformed all season at the plate. There has been a strong voice for Jeffers to assume the role of starting catcher following an excellent rookie season. That argument was reinforced by Rocco Baldelli starting Jeffers in both playoff games against the Houston Astros. Ryan Jeffers should play a significant role in fulfilling the catching duties for the 2021 Twins; that’s without a doubt. However, the young buck is far from being an old bull. There’s no hurt in easing Jeffers into the role of an everyday player. We’ve already seen him play in pressure situations- the Twins should take their time in grooming the young star. Alex Avila On a team filled with young players it’s important to have seasoned veterans like Alex Avila in the clubhouse and on the field. Not only has Avila been in the league for 12 years, he knows the AL Central better than just about anyone else. He’s spent seven-plus years in a Tigers uniform in addition to a season on the south side of Chicago. There’s no denying that Avila’s numbers are declining. After winning the Silver Slugger in 2011 Avila’s numbers on offense have slowly trickled in the wrong direction minus a few spikes in Detroit. Despite his ability to draw walks it’s unlikely that the Twins will be able to rely on Avila’s offense if he sticks around in 2021. Yet Avila’s leadership role could be especially critical in helping shape Ryan Jeffers into an outstanding Major League Catcher. The 33 year old has seen it all and can prove valuable amongst his younger cohorts. 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

From nine seasons in the MLB to running his own business, early 2000's Twins staple Corey Koskie has seen it all. Those lessons have translated to his life off the field and in the dugout as a coach.Corey Koskie was in a pickle. The fan-favorite retired Twins third baseman was retired and cutting his teeth in the business world as a Planet Fitness franchisee in the Twin Cities. And while the Manitoba native made a name for himself in Twins Territory for his smooth lefty swing, things weren't going as smooth in the office. “My first couple of years at Planet Fitness were terrible, I was a bad leader,” Koskie recalled. “I had a high attrition rate of employees. The difference between being a leader in business instead of youth sports or a family is that in business they can fire you.” Leadership was a passion for Koskie. Yet it seemed like the train was falling off the tracks. That changed one night after a conversation with a close friend. “I was complaining to a buddy about how I had a high turnover rate. He said 'there’s one common denominator between all these issues, it’s you Corey’. Before you try and fix other people and fix the world you need to fix yourself.” That mantra stuck with Koskie in the business world, but more importantly rings true in another sector of his life; coaching. After nine years in the MLB and a healthy stint in the business world, Koskie continues his love of baseball at the helm of the Providence Academy High School baseball program. Humble Roots Raised on a farm in Manitoba, baseball was an appetizer amongst an entrée of other sports for Koskie at a young age. “Hockey was my favorite sport, volleyball was my best sport, and baseball was what I used to pass the time between those seasons," Koskie said. “It was something that we just played to pass time with buddies.” The young, talented volleyball-hockey crossover didn’t embed himself into the competitive baseball world until his late teens followed by college baseball in Boone, Iowa. That was followed by an appearance at the National Baseball Institute in Canada that blossomed into a roster spot on the national team and Koskie being drafted by the Twins in 1994. Still, baseball found a way into Koskie’s life from a young age, as he looked up to Blue Jay greats like Kelly Gruber, Tony Fenandez, and Devon White. “I grew up on a farm, and we had three television stations, one channel was the French channel, and so most nights I’d have the Blue Jays on the English channel and the Expos on the French channel,” Koskie recalled. “They're Yelling the Wrong Things” A father of four boys, coaching became a reality for Koskie following his career in the MLB. However, it didn’t come to fruition as he would have imagined. “Growing up I was going to be one of those dads who sat in silence and watched his kid’s game. That lasted about two weeks when I heard all these other dads screaming at the kids,” Koskie said. And while Koskie didn’t enjoy watching other parents yell at his kids, he was more inclined to what they were saying. “If there’s anyone that’s going to scream at my kids it’s going to be me, and on top of that, they were screaming the wrong stuff," Koskie said. “I was frustrated with that, interjected myself and got into coaching.” With the 2019 high school baseball season scrapped due to COVID-19, Koskie will make his head coaching debut for Providence Academy this upcoming spring. It won’t be his first rodeo, as Koskie has coached over 100 different youth hockey and baseball teams. A Community of Trust For Koskie, coaching youth and high school baseball has a hierarchy. One, develop the person, two, develop the athlete, and three, develop the baseball player. Those three things co-exist in a community that Koskie believes is bound in trust. “A player needs to feel like you have their back and that you love them. No matter what happens you need to love them in all scenarios and they need to know that your love isn't dependent on their performance,” Koskie said. That sense of community is one that Koskie shared with names like Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart as he paved his way to the big leagues alongside them. “It’s fun because we’d known each other a long time and it’s great to see all your brothers playing ball,” Koskie said. From his time at Planet Fitness and hours upon hours of reading about leadership Koskie learned that motivation isn’t external, it’s intrinsic and has to be found within an individual. As a coach he strives to create an environment of motivation and exploration by eliminating the barriers of external stress that players often feel. “You have to take off the handcuffs and allow them to play the game freely; there’s all these pressures that they put on themselves, the game puts on them, their parents. You’ve got to put them in an environment where they feel safe to explore,” Koskie said. Through that environment Koskie hopes that his players feel safe to explore, be themselves, and evolve as better baseball players and human beings. “I don’t like robots, I don’t want to tell them everything they need to do, they need to explore and play the game,” Koskie said. “That happens in a high trust environment.” Victor, not Victim When looking back at his relationship with baseball Koskie cherishes the opportunity that he’s had to see the game from multiple perspectives. He’s played the game at the highest level, coached hundreds of youth athletes, and has had the unique experience of swapping out the ‘dad’ and ‘coach’ hat while coaching and parenting his own sons. At the end of the day, Koskie hopes that his leadership instills resilience and tenancy in the lives’ that he has touched. “We live in a society of victimhood. I try to counter that with being the philosophy of being a victor,” Koskie said. “It's easy to point fingers and be the victim, but how do you face adversity and become the victor?” If there’s anyone that knows what facing adversity on the field, workplace, or life looks life, it's Koskie. Through his experiences his philosophy creates an environment of growth on the diamond and in life. “One of the hardest things to do is to look yourself in the mirror and say I screwed up, I need to be better. It’s the true champions in life that are able to fight through the adversity and become the victor.” 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

Time has passed for Twins fans to mourn the team’s early exit from the postseason that capped off their share of the league’s most unique season in the history of baseball. Speculation doesn’t change anything but maybe, just maybe, would the Twins have had better success if 2020 consisted of a traditional 162 game season? Let’s look into the crystal ball.It’s impossible not to do it. We’ve all got that voice in the back of our head whispering those soulless, heart-wrenching words. “Would the Minnesota Twins have gone further in the postseason if the 2020 MLB season was a ‘regular year?’” We’ll never know how many licks it would take for the Twins to get to the center of that Tootsie-Pop called a playoff win. My mom (and first grade Sunday School teacher) embedded the serenity prayer into my mind from a young age; “accept the things I cannot change.” There’s no changing the fact that 2020 presented Twins fans with an all too familiar feeling, and there’s no changing that. However, there are a few reasons that suggest that the legacy of the 2020 Twins could look different given a regular season and playoff format. Wins, Wins, Wins The 2020 Twins finished the regular season with a 36-24 record, mounting a stellar .600 winner percentage. While that doesn’t mathematically translate to the .623 winning percentage the Twins racked up in their 101 win 2019 season, it’s pretty darn close. It is safe to say that a healthy 2020 team would complete a full season with close to or over 100 wins. Through 60 games in 2019 the Twins were an outstanding 40-20. Their strong start correlated with a majority of playoff teams in 2019. 8 of 10 playoff teams posted a winning record after 60 games. The only exceptions? The AL West Wild Card entry Oakland Athletics (30-30, .500) and eventual World Champion Washington Nationals (27-33, .450). Six teams that posted a winning record after 60 games did not make the playoffs. All in all, the progress of a team after 60 games is not a sure-fire indicator of how the team will end up after 162 games and in the postseason. However, it can certainly be said that there would be a good chance the Twins would have a favorable playoff matchup in a full 2020 season. Yes, the Astros probably would have gotten rolling and eventually posted a solid record, despite being the first MLB team (alongside the Brewers) with a losing record to make the playoffs. Hypothetically in a full best of 5 divisional series, the 2020 Twins would have an excellent shot to at least win a game against the Astros (or frankly most teams). Doesn’t get Much Better (On Paper) The Twins have two strengths off the playing field that don’t get enough credit. The front office and skipper Rocco Baldelli. The Twins front office had a ‘steak dinner of a team’ following the 2019 season. However, some seasoning was needed to make the masterpiece Bobby Flay-worthy. A healthy dash of starting pitching that would complement a rotation that had as many lows as highs.A sprinkle of bullpen experience to complement a staff that had in-house rising stars and seasoned veterans from across the league.A strong dose of hitting that would complement the league’s strongest offense.Derek Falvey and Thad Levine completed the recipe and on paper the 2020 Twins looked unstoppable. The addition of Kenta Maeda and Rich Hill turned the Twins rotation into a top five MLB staff. Add in bullpen fixtures like Tyler Clippard, Jose Alcala, and Caleb Thielbar and the Twins had one of the strongest and most complete pitching staffs across baseball. And to top things off, the addition of Josh Donaldson brought raindrops to an offense that was already filled with thunder. It was no surprise that preseason power rankings placed the Twins among baseball’s elite teams. On paper the Twins looked like a deep playoff team. Combine that with Rocco Baldelli’s early career success and things looked great (the guy has won two division titles in his first two seasons at the helm, not even the great Tom Kelly could do that). That’s Baseball for Ya Unfortunately for the 2020 Twins, baseball is not played on paper. Regardless of how long a season is, players are going to get hurt and hitters are going to find slumps. The Twins saw Donaldson struggle with calf problems all year and Byron Buxton faced concussion symptoms at the worst possible time. On the pitching side of things Jake Odorizzi couldn’t catch a break in the short season, dealing with three separate trips to the IL. Injuries like these would certainly occur in a full season but there would be much more time for players to rest and work their way back in and managers to make prolonged decisions. And while the 2019 Bomba Squad may be gone it’s tough to think that the Twins offense wouldn’t find a groove in a full season. The Twins were inconsistent at the plate all year and it is probable that that would have been able to find a plateau and work out kinks in a 162 game season. Not a ‘Fluke’ Year I’m not here to say that the Twins postseason blunders were solely because of a short season. Yet it is hard to imagine that a team with this caliber of players would not have made some noise in October given more time to work out kinks and injuries, restore confidence at the plate, and find their true identity as a ballclub. I guess we’ll find out next year. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email (link to image license) Click here to view the article

While the Twins aren’t known in the baseball world as perennial contenders there are few teams in Major League Baseball that have the playoff experience that some of the Twins’ veteran players have. That could prove to be more valuable than ever this postseason.It was a sight that no baseball fan wants to see. Highly-touted prospect Edwar Colina had just exited his major league debut in a tight game against the Cincinnati Reds; and it wasn’t pretty. Recording just one out, Colina surrendered three runs on four hits and walked two, putting the nail in the coffin for a Reds win. As the camera panned to a discouraged Colina in the Twins dugout a heartwarming sight prevailed. 40-year old veteran Rich Hill sat beside Colina and talked through the outing, probably offered advice, and without a doubt gave support that only a player who has seen it all like Rich Hill could offer. Veteran leadership has been no stranger to the Twins this season. Whether it be Nelson Cruz strengthening the culture of the clubhouse through his contagious personality or Josh Donaldson boosting team morale with the investment of team robes (soon to come on Sotastick.com), the 2020 Twins have benefited on and off the field from having seasoned players on their team. If there’s one thing that goes hand in hand with having veterans on the roster, it’s playoff experience. One could argue that’s one of the biggest reasons why the Twins have acquired names like Hill, Romo, Cruz, Maeda and Donaldson. Each one of these individuals carries a backpack full of experiences, successes and defeats that will be crucial for the Twins success in a postseason that has never been seen before. Rich Hill As previously mentioned, the veteran left handed pitcher hailing from Boston has seen it all in his 16 year MLB career. Hill has played on nine different squads in his career, but is known by most for his rock solid performances in the Dodgers rotation and bullpen, specifically in 2018. Hill has faced adversity on the field many times but the toughest challenge in his MLB tenure came in 2014 when he and his wife Caitlin lost their 2 month old son Brooks. Hill scripted a beautiful piece in the Players Tribune last year about his sonand started the ‘Field of Genes’ campaign with Caitlin to raise money for research on rare diseases. Hill’s mental strength and experience will be valuable for the Twins as they enter fall baseball. As we saw with Colina, Hill has the opportunity to play a mentor role for young Twins pitchers who haven’t previously seen the high pressure postseason situations that he has. Nelson Cruz It would be flat out wrong to not include Nelson Cruz on a list of veteran Twins who have the ability to be game changers. Cruz has played 44 career playoff baseball games. That is a big number. Cruz’s postseason numbers include a .287 AVG with 15 HR and 35 RBI. There’s no doubt that Cruz is the Twins’ guy to come up with a game-changing late inning hit in the postseason. And while his postseason numbers are impressive, Cruz’s presence in the dugout is equally as valuable. Similar to Hill, Nelly has been around the game long enough to handle the mental side of baseball very well. We’ve seen him be a clubhouse leader for the Twins since he came to the organization last year and that continued leadership will be needed this fall. Sergio Romo A certified winner, Romo doesn’t just have one World Series ring, he has three. Romo was a bullpen warrior on the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Champion San Francisco Giants. He’s appeared in 29 total postseason games, posting a 3.55 ERA in 25.1 innings. He wasn’t perfect by any means in last year’s ALDS matchup against the Yankees but his experience will be especially valuable with this year’s postseason format. And if his postseason experience isn’t enough, Romo’s energy and intensity is a game changer for any team. Sergio is one of those guys who you love to have on your team but hate playing against. On a team that is arguably one of the nicest and most stoic in the league (we’ll forget about Donaldson’s incident last week), Romo provides a nice spark plug for the Twins. Deep Breath in, Deep Breath Out Baseball is a unique game. On one side it is arguably the most analytical game in professional sports, with stats and shifts dictating how managers craft their lineup and how teams play the game. On the other hand, baseball is pure and simple; put more runs across the plate in nine innings than the other team and your team comes out victorious. Yet when the postseason rolls around a third dimension of the game becomes more apparent than ever; the mental side of the baseball. Postseason baseball causes players to get tight, refrain from playing loose, and make mistakes that they often would not make in an everyday game. That’s where having a roster with seasoned playoff veterans truly shines. Not only have guys like Cruz and Hill been in big time pressure situations, they have the knowledge and strategy to help younger, less experienced players cope with the pressure and nerves of postseason baseball. Good baseball teams get hot at the right time. Given the presence of seasoned veterans sprinkled amongst a group of younger key players the 2020 Twins may have the perfect storm to make a deep run in the playoffs. 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