David Youngs

Baseball is on the horizon and depth charts in the AL Central are nearly set. Let’s take a look at how each team stacks up in the catching department.The Rundown While most teams in the AL Central saw significant chances at a variety of positions in the 2020-21 offseason, catcher has not been one of them. Nine of the ten catchers that made up the 2020 AL Central catching depth chart (starters and backups) will return to their respective teams in 2021. The only major switcheroo took place when the Detroit Tigers perhaps made their biggest move of the offseason by signing veteran Wilson Ramos. How will Ramos influence a young Tiger staff? Will Salvador Perez be able to stay healthy? How do the Twins balance the potential two-headed monster of Garver and Jeffers? Here’s how each team stacks up. Detroit Tigers Despite a lackluster 2020 season, eyes in the Motor City opened wide when the Tigers signed Silver Slugger and three-time all-star Wilson Ramos to fulfill the catching duties in Detroit. Once a .300 hitter, the 32-year old isn’t the electric player that he used to be with the Nationals. Ramos posted a rocky 0.3 WAR and meager .239 batting average in 2020 with the Mets. Yet just one year earlier Ramos posted a 2.2 WAR and .288 AVG in the Big Apple. Not bad. Perhaps the biggest test for Ramos will be the pitching staff that he inherits. Previously working with names like Scherzer, Strasburg, and deGrom, Ramos will now be mentoring a young Detroit staff of Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Matthew Boyd. 2021 could potentially be that year the Tigers’ backup Grayson Greiner gets more playing time given the age of Ramos. Greiner hasn’t been particularly effective for Detroit, posting a .194 AVG and -0.9 WAR in his three years with the Tigers. At the same time, the 27-year old hasn’t had much of a chance. He played a career-high 58 games in 2018, slashing .202/.251./308. With Ramos’ career waning, there’s a good chance that Greiner will get a similar amount of opportunities behind the dish in 2021 as he did in 2019. Cleveland Indians Cleveland starter Roberto Perez may be the worst offensive catcher in the AL Central, yet the strongest defensive force in the division. Perez nabbed the AL Gold Glove for catchers in both 2019 and 2020, posting the highest percentage of runners gunned down both years (40.8% in 2019, 71.4% in 2020). Perez also boasted a 2.7 Defensive WAR in 2019, only second to Matt Chapman’s 3.9. Similar to Perez, backup Austin Hedges has seen solid success on defense in his career. Before he was dealt to Cleveland in the Mike Clevinger trade, Hedges tossed out 46% of runners in 28 games for the 2020 Padres. Even though excellent defense is critical behind the dish, there is a need for at least average offensive production from the position, especially when on a team that has ranked near the bottom of the MLB in the offense the past two years. This situation couldn’t be more true for Cleveland. Perez barely surpassed the Mendoza Line in his first two years as Cleveland’s starting catcher (.204 AVG). The same can be said for Hedges, a career .198 hitter. Cleveland’s catching department can defend with the best of them, but Hedges and Perez might want to invest in a Mauer Quick Swing Machine if the team wants to compete for the division. Chicago White Sox Like other members of the White Sox, starting catcher Yasmani Grandal has proven to be a sparkplug on offense throughout his career. The two-time all-star slapped a career-best 28 HR in 2019 with Milwaukee, garnering him 15th place in the NL MVP race. Yes, Grandal is strikeout prone and not a high percentage hitter. However, there are a wealth of more consistent hitters on the White Sox roster that can complement Grandal’s high HR/high strikeout approach. Grandal has also proven to be effective behind the plate, tossing out 46% of runners in 2020. He doesn’t have the defensive numbers of Roberto Perez, yet his offense makes up for it. 25-year old Zack Collins will enter his third year as a backup catcher for the SouthSiders. Collins has only played in 36 MLB games with 120 plate appearances. His numbers aren’t pretty, with a career slash line of .167/.286/.314. Yet it is tough to judge Collins as a player when he’s backed up Grandal and James McCann his whole career. Baseball Reference projects Collins to get more of an opportunity in 2021 given the departure of McCann. If true, this could be a year of opportunity for the young buck. Kansas City Royals Following the position change and eventual retirement of Joe Mauer, Salvador Perez became The Catcher of the AL Central. Five Gold Gloves, six all-star appearances, and three Silver Sluggers, all under one organization. Sounds eerily similar to the status of a former AL Central catcher. Perez has dealt with injuries over the years, most prominently Tommy John surgery in 2019. Yet the 30-year old came back fighting in 2020, slashing .333/.353/.653 and winning the American League Comeback Player of the Year award. In addition to his presence at the plate, Perez has been rock solid on defense. Perez hasn’t committed an error since 2017 and has thrown out 36% of baserunners in his nine-year career. When Salvy needs a day off, 27-year old Cam Gallagher will fulfill catching duties for the Royals. A member of the organization since his MLB debut in 2017, Gallagher has put up stronger numbers at the plate than the backup catchers previously mentioned. A career .251 hitter, Gallagher batted .283 in 25 appearances during the 2020 season. Barring another injury from Perez, it’s unlikely that we’ll see much of Gallagher in 2021. Still, he’s put up better numbers than every backup catcher in the AL Central throughout his career. Not a bad option. Minnesota Twins Ryan Jeffers had a stellar rookie year for the Twins. On the other hand, Mitch Garver plummeted in 2020 from two great seasons in 2018 and 2019. Garver faced minor injuries during the season but there’s no doubt that 2020 was an underperformance for the slugger. Garver hit .270 between 2018 and 2019, including a Silver Slugger Award in 2019. And while he isn’t the greatest defensive catcher in the world, Garver isn’t at the level of Gary Sanchez where his defense makes him a liability. On the other hand, Ryan Jeffers was absolutely outstanding during his rookie campaign in 2020. The UNC-Wilmington alum slashed .273/.355/.436 in 26 games throughout his rookie season. Similar to Garver, Jeffers isn’t a Gold Glove winner (for now). Yet the young slugger put in a case last year to rival Mitch Garver for the starting catcher role. Of all the teams in the Central, the Twins have the smallest gap in talent between their top two catchers. Mitch Garver has proven that he can shine as one of the best offensive catchers in the league. Jeffers touted the strongest season a Twins rookie catcher has seen since the debut of Joe Mauer. The fine line between Jeffers and Garver isn’t a bad thing; it’s actually very good. Both players have the ability to be a game-changer yet neither is going to be the weakest player in the lineup when the other isn’t playing. Grade ‘Em Detroit Tigers: C+ The addition of Wilson Ramos is a potential improvement from Austin Romaine, but not by much. Ramos is unlikely to be a strong offensive asset for Detroit and Grayson Greiner doesn’t have the experience or talent to become an impact player. Cleveland Indians: B Roberto Perez is perhaps the finest defensive catcher in the American League and Austin Hedges is no slouch behind the plate. Yet the lack of offense from these two is tough to ignore and will contribute to Cleveland’s diminishing performance at the pate. Minnesota Twins: B+ Mitch Garver and Ryan Jeffers have both proven that they can be a threat at the plate. Yet neither player has demonstrated the consistency needed to call this an elite catching staff thanks to Garver’s lackluster 2020 season and Jeffers' status as a rookie last year. Th potential is there, but we need to see it. Chicago White Sox: A- Yosmani Grandal may be one of the most influential catchers in Major League Baseball. Similar to a first basement or center fielder, Grandal has the power to change a game with one swing. Add that to a lineup filled with strong hitters and a solid rotation and the White Sox will be giving the Twins a run for their money. Kansas City Royals: A As mentioned earlier, Salvador Perez is one of the great catchers of the modern era. The man holds his own on defense and is a monster at the plate. There’s no doubt that Salvy will post above-average numbers at the plate in 2021. Yet what puts the Royals atop this list is the depth between Perez and backup Cam Gallagher. Gallagher has proven to be one of the stronger backups in the league and it’s likely that he will prove to be an important accomplice to Perez in 2021. The Voice of the People A population of (unbiased) fans voted on who they think the best catching squad in the AL Central is. Do you agree? Click here to view the article

The 2019 Twins cemented themselves in baseball lore by posting of one the most elusive offenses in the game’s history. With 2021 on the horizon, the team has a chance to make history again; on a different front.An untapped offensive catcher, a revamped 40-year-old veteran, and an unlikely all-star shortstop were just a few of the headlines that scratched the surface of an unforgettable year at the plate for the 2019 Twins. The ‘Bomba Squad’ put up unprecedented numbers for the Twins organization, most notably a league record 307 home runs. Yet despite the 2,832 total bases, 906 RBI, and 307 ‘bombas’ in 2019, the shortened 2020 season was underwhelming at the plate for the Minnesota Twins. Yes, the season was only 60 games. Still, the team’s overall batting average plummeted from .270 to .242. On Base Percentage dropped from .338 to .315 and Slugging followed with a .494 to .427 plunge. Sample size speaks volumes, but so do numbers; there’s no denying that 2020 was a disappointing year at the plate for the Twins. 2021 has the puzzle pieces for the Twins to regain their identity as an offensive powerhouse. Nelson Cruz is back, Josh Donaldson will stay healthy (knock on wood), and a full 162-game season will surely provide opportunities for Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, and company to find their stride at the plate. All that is great, but there’s a storm ‘a brewin’ for the ‘Bomba Squad’ on a different front. The 2021 Twins have the chance to solidify themselves in history in something that matters more than any home run count. Defense. Strength up the Middle Solves the Riddle Baseball has turned into a game of power hitting, all-or-nothing plate approaches, and sabermetrics. That front isn’t going away anytime soon, but it doesn’t take away the importance of solid defense. This theory proves especially true with the Twins, a team that features a wealth of contact pitchers in the rotation and bullpen. Jose Berrios and Kenta Maeda have certainly racked up strikeout totals, but the majority of the pitching staff doesn’t have the strikeout ability of the Mets or Dodgers. Luckily for the Twins, Andrelton Simmons and Byron Buxton are perhaps the finest ‘center field’ duo in Major League Baseball. Simmons touts the 14th greatest defensive war in MLB history at 26.6. In 2017 he boasted 40 defensive runs saved, the most in MLB history. 40 runs. That is a lot. The Twins averaged 4.37 runs per game in 2020. The Dodgers led the league with 5.77. Think about how many runs and games that Simmons’ glove would have saved the Twins in 2020. Even if Simmons doesn’t post that astronomical number in 2021, there’s no doubt that his stellar defense will save a healthy amount of runs for the Twins this season. And while Simmons’ defensive prowess’ will be new to Twins fans, the golden glove of Byron Buxton won’t. By now it’s no secret that Buxton is the fastest player in Major league Baseball. While he may not have the offensive reputation of Mike Trout or George Springer, Buxton is easily in the conversation for best defensive CF in the MLB. The tandem of Simmons and Buxton up the middle will certainly create a zone where ground balls and bloopers go to die; something that wasn’t necessarily the case with Jorge Polanco in the hole. One Man Changes Everything The addition of Andrelton Simmons put the Twins defense on the headlines. Yet the biggest impact may perhaps be a byproduct of the Simmons acquisition; a complete redesign of the infield structure. Jorge Polanco had a talented 2019 season at the plate but has been a slightly above mediocre shortstop at best throughout his career. While his bat can be a weapon, Polanco’s frequency for errors in the field has stuck out like a sore thumb, including last year’s late inning postseason error that potentially cost the Twins a playoff win. The addition of Simmons will bump Polanco to second, a position that he played frequently in the minor leagues. While still a critically important position, playing second will allow Polanco to hopefully regain confidence in his defense at a spot that sees less ‘make or break’ plays. Accompanying Polanco on the right side of the infield will be first basemen Miguel Sano. While Sano may not have the defensive ability of Joe Mauer, he has proven that first base is a stronger fit for him then third. Sano did commit four errors at the position last year, 2021 could potentially prove to be a make-or-break year for the slugger in terms with his future in the organization. Even though the right side of the infield won’t bring home any awards, the left side will be something to write home about. Simmons is the obvious, but let’s not forget about how talent Josh Donaldson has been at the hot corner throughout his career. Donaldson’s injury-strangled 2020 was a stark contrast to the incredible defensive numbers that he’s put up across his career. He may not be Andrelton Simmons, but Josh Donaldson has consistently been a powerhouse in terms of Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). In 2019 Donaldson’s +15 DRS ranked 10th best among all Major League players. The ‘Bringer of Rain’s’ health is certainly an issue to be considered with the season on the horizon. The 35-year old isn’t the spry young man that he used to be. And following multiple years of a nagging calf injury, it's improbable that Donaldson will play the amount of games that he did during the heart of his career. Yet a full 162 game season allows Donaldson the chance to hit his stride once again, both at the dish and in the field. It's safe to expect that the 'Bringer of Rain' will help complement Simmons in crafting one of the strongest SS/3B combos in the American League. The Perception Baseball is a game where offensive triumphs are spread ‘round the world, yet defensive masterpieces are oftentimes swept under the rug. The point? It may take folks a while to realize the potential that the Twins defense has. A recent survey conducted by a certain Twins Daily writer found that over half of participating fans still viewed the team as an ‘offensive threat’ over a ‘defensive threat.’ Download attachment: 51%.png This isn’t a bad thing. There is a great possibility that the Twins offense will put up stellar numbers in 2021. Heck, even 75% of the 2019 performance would be nothing short of a great success. Yet great defense ages like fine wine in the eyes of baseball fans. And with the stellar outfield, promising infield, and wealth of experience, there’s a fine chance that folks will be talking about the 2021 Twins as a defensive powerhouse ten years down the road. 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

After tweets, false tweets, and drama, highly touted free agent Trevor Bauer finally declared his home for 2021. Yet Bauer’s news wasn't the only signing that shook the league on Friday. Lets dig in.I’m Coming Home After a presumed battle between the Mets and Dodgers, reigning NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer decided to head to his childhood home in Los Angeles. Bauer signed a massive three year $102 million dollar deal (two opt out options) with the Dodgers. Bauer will receive $40 million in 2021 and $45 million in 2022. Both years on their own surpass the amount that many teams spent on the entire 2021 offseason, including the Twins. While Bauer is a talented arm, the hype around his free agency was primarily driven by the strong social media presence of Bauer and agent Rachel Luba. Both Luba and Bauer were very interactive with fans and journalists throughout the offseason. Perhaps the eclipse of this occurred last night when Bob Nightengale of USA Today and MLB.com tweeted that Bauer had signed with the Mets. Luba and many others were quick to assure that Bauer had in fact not made his decision yet. The next day, Bauer signed with the only other team in the mix besides the Mets. Bauer and Luba don’t represent the traditional free-agent player duo, but hey, their social media presence has kept the game of baseball on the map across the web. Any chance to grow the game is welcomed. Ozuna back to Atlanta There were rumors that Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna was a potential DH fill for the Minnesota Twins. Those speculations proved false when the Twins re-signed Nelson Cruz. The tables turned the same way on Friday when the Braves resigned Ozuna to a four-year $64 million deal. Ozuna has been a force for Atlanta at the plate, slashing .338/.431/.686 in 2020. Similar to Cruz, Ozuna has little value in the field. On the brightside, Ozuna was the spark plug of the Braves offense in 2020 and has plenty of career left in him. Schoop resigns in Detroit Former Twin Jonathan Schoop will remain in the AL Central after a productive 2020 season in Detroit. The Tigers re-signed Schoop to a one-year $4.5 million contract for the 2021 season. Following a powerful surge with the Orioles, Schoop cooled off in 2019 with the Twins. Schoop rebounded with the Tigers in 2020, posting, slashing .278/.324/.475. Detroit seems to be a good fit for the veteran and we wish him nothing but the best in 2021! Colton Wong heads to Beer Country A two time gold-glove, former St. Louis infielder Kolten Wong signed a two-year $18 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers will shift Keston Hiura from second to first base to open a spot for Wong at second. An eight year veteran, Wong slashed .265/.350/.326 in 2020. Similar to Andrelton Simmons, Wong is moreso known for his work in the field. The inter-division move is surely to help the Brewers towards a division push, especially after the Cardinals acquired Nolan Arenado. Twins Claim Another Reliever The Twins claimed former Chicago White Sox reliever Ian Hamilton off wiavers from the Phillies. For more on the move, check out Nick Nelson's article on the transaction. SEE ALSO Nelson Cruz Saga Illuminates Shrewdness of Falvine Twins Find Themselves a Wild One in RP Shaun Anderson Cut Your Bat In Two Pieces: What Alex Colomé Brings To The Twins Using PECOTA to Identify 4 Rotation Trade Targets Click here to view the article

Tonight's notebook has an update on Nelson Cruz's market that will put your mind at ease, impressions from new Twin J.A. Happ's interview with Kris Atteberry and more.Nelson Cruz Unlikely to Head to Chicago While the news of Andrelton Simmons put a smile on the face of Twins’ fans, one big question still remains. What will happen with Nelson Cruz? To the comfort of many Twins fans, there have been two strong signs that sparked this week indicating that Cruz is likely to stay with the Twins. 1. On Monday the MLBPA rejected an offer from the MLB for a universal DH and expanded postseason according to sources. While the door is still open for conversation, it’s unlikely that the DH will expand its horizons to the National League in 2021. In other words, Cruz’s market is just the American League. 2. Reports last week indicated that the White Sox had shown interest in Nelson Cruz. However, USA Today writer and MLB Network Insider Bob Nightengale tweeted Wednesday evening that the White Sox have shown no interest in the slugger. While the move in itself is significant, the biggest takeaway is that the trade opens up a roster spot on the Mets for either Kris Bryant or highly coveted pitcher Trevor Bauer. Not only will the Mets have an open rotation slot to fill, but an additional $5.2 million of payroll. Big things are happening in Queens, and it wouldn't be shocking if the reigning NL Cy Young winner joined former Twin Trevor May on the Mets. (Virtual) TWINS FEST! The pandemic has altered the world in a variety of ways, and while we’d love to gather at Target Field to celebrate Twins Fest, the safety of our community must come first. But fear not! While it may look different, Twins Fest 2021 will take place virtually this Saturday from 9 am-4 pm on all the Twins social media platforms as well as 830 WCCO Radio. The event may look different but the purpose and excitement will stay as strong as ever, with the event featuring player interviews, an introduction to ‘Fun is Good’ with Mike Veeck, and many giveaways and auction items. Most importantly, proceeds from the event will benefit the Minnesota Twins Community Fund in an effort to strengthen communities across Twins Territory. All viewers who donate $50 or more will receive a Twins/Caribou Coffee beanie (while supplies last) as a thank you for supporting the efforts of growing baseball and communities across the region. Grab some popcorn, crack a beer, and tune in for an offseason program that will brighten your day! More information on Twins Fest 2020 here. More Offseason News from Twins Daily 2021 Winter Meltdown Pint Glasses On Sale Now Twins Rotation Is Fine Without Another Big Addition Offseason Live Replay: Twins To Sign Andrelton Simmons Click here to view the article

Twins Territory lit up Tuesday evening when the organization announced the signing of defensive gem Andrelton Simmons in a one-year $10.5 million contract. While the move fills a big hole, there are still questions to be asked about the Twins middle infield.Donaldson at third, Polanco at second, Sano at first, and Andrelton Simmons at shortstop. This appears to be the makeup of the 2021 Twins starting infield following Jeff Passan’s breaking news that Minnesota had finally filled a highly anticipated middle-infielder role on Tuesday night. Perhaps tabbed as a sleeper pick amongst a talented group of free-agent infielders, the signing of Simmons brings a wealth of talent to Minnesota that is arguably unprecedented for the organization at shortstop. A four-time gold glove winner, Simmons is revered as one of the greatest defensive shortstops to ever play the game. The Curacao native has led the league in defensive runs saved with 172 since his first full MLB season in 2013. In addition, Simmons has led the league in defensive WAR at 26.6 since his debut in 2012. The 31-year-old is no slouch at the plate either. A career .269 hitter, Simmons slashed .281/.328/.394 in his past five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. While he may not be a home run slugger, Simmons is one of four players to record a contact rate higher than 85% in the last eight seasons, joining Dustin Pedroia, Michael Brantley, and David Murphy. With Simmons’ defensive talent and Jorge Polanco’s lackluster 2020 season at shortstop, it’s almost certain that Simmons will hold the fort down at short and Polanco will presume starting duties at second base. The move will push young star Luis Arraez to a “super-utility” role, likely playing a highly impactful role on defense and still getting a high number of at-bats. This is all fun and great, but the question remains, who will fulfill the second utility role in a Twins infield that has seen a surplus of injury and a need for reinforcement? Last week, sources reported that the organization was interested in re-signing free agent Marwin González as a utility man. That was before the news of the Simmons signing broke. At the same time, Travis Blankenhorn is a bright young star within the organization who saw a small cusp of playing time last year. Both options have their pros and cons, but one must be chosen. Let’s dig in. A Case for Marwin Mixed reactions were aroused last week when sources reported that the Twins were interested in resigning free-agent Marwin González. Whether you love him or hate him, the veteran has an upside. Once a seasoned jack of all trades, Marwin patched together a “less than decent” two-year stretch with the Twins (I’m being nice). Between 2019 and 2020, González posted a meager .698 OPS with the Twins in 167 games. In that span, he batted .238 with 20 HR and 20 RBI. Marwin Gonzales isn’t Marcus Semien, Tommy La Stella, or Trevor Story. Not even close. Yet before you burn your jersey, sell your season tickets, and delete Twitter just wait. Marwin’s better years may be in the past, but resigning him could signal a few things and pay off in the end. Here’s why. Marwin’s total numbers as a Twin aren’t great, but the latter of the two years weighed down the majority of the poor numbers. 2020 was about as ‘2020’ as it could’ve been for González, slashing .211/.286/.320. On the bright side, González had an above-average 2019 season. In fact, it was pretty good. González slashed .264/.322/.414 in 2019, his only 162 game season with the Twins. If González could rack up anything close to that as a second utility man in 2021, it would be considered a great success. González isn’t the utility man that he used to be, but perhaps a less high-pressure role as a second utility man could provide the former clutch slugger with a greater opportunity for success. González is not a bad ballplayer by any means. Heck, folks expected him to fulfill the role in 2019 that a top free-agent middle infielder is expected to fill in 2020 (aka Simmons). Yet that time has come and gone and Marwin González as a second utility man is not a bad gig if the price tag sits in the $1-2 million one-year deal range. A Case for Travis Twins fans saw their first glimpse of Travis Blankenhorn made his MLB debut against the White Sox in September. Blankenhorn went one for four, nabbing his first MLB hit on a double to right field. Following the game, Blankenhorn was designated back to the Twins alternate site in Saint Paul. While his time in the bigs has been brief, there is undoubtedly untapped potential behind Blankenhorn’s bat..and glove. While primarily a second baseman, Blankenhorn has played a myriad of roles in the field since being drafted in 2015. There’s no question that the Twins will take this into account when assessing the 24-year old’s future. Similar to González, Blankenhorn’s bat can be a weapon. The lefty hit drove 19 balls out of the park between A and AA in 2019 (18 in Pensacola, 1 in Fort Meyers) on 471 plate appearances. Not the sexiest numbers in the world, but the sample size is small, and it wouldn’t be just to gauge his full offensive potential without more big-league at-bats. Playing in the MLB is certainly a step up from A and AA baseball. Yet the role of second-utility man could provide an excellent opportunity for Blankenhorn to get his feet wet in the bigs without diving in headfirst. Perhaps the most important part? It’s likely the Twins would sign Blankenhorn to a league-minimum $650,000 contract. And even if it is more, it’s almost certain that they would be saving money on Blankenhorn compared to Marwin. All in all, it boils down to the amount of offseason spending money the Twins want to free up and their commitment to investing in the future of a talented prospect. What’s the best choice? Drop a comment below! More on this Topic: Travis Blankenhorn Makes MLB Debut, Doubles Play Travis Blankenhorn Every Day BREAKING: Twins to Sign Andrelton Simmons Click here to view the article

With spring training slated to begin in a month, this weekend sourced a plethora of action across the MLB. While the Twins have stayed quiet, other teams haven’t. Let’s dig in.Baseball, eh? As reported by CBS Sports, Rob Manfred stands by his statement that MLB Spring Training will begin on time. In previous years, pitchers and catchers have reported as early as February 13. Spring Training games are slated to begin on February 26. The bottom line? Baseball is just around the corner...yet the nation is enduring its worst days of the COVID pandemic. Starting Spring Training as scheduled would be beautiful, but unlikely. While Manfred believes that the league will punch out a 162 game schedule, it’s unlikely that fans would be allowed in ballparks initially if Rob’s dream comes true. A wise man once said, “hope for the best, assume the worst.” As an optimist, I don’t like this quote, but it seems pretty fitting here. Kuhl as Ice While Joe Musgrove is on his way to San Diego, the Twins might find value in Pirates’ RHP Chad Kuhl. According to sources, the Pirates are fielding offers on the 28-year-old pitcher who has spent the last eight years in the Pittsburgh organization. Kuhl isn’t an ace by any means, but the guy has a nasty arsenal that could benefit the Twins rotation. While his fastball isn’t anything to write home about, Kuhl relies heavily on his sinker and slider, both of which are effective. MLB hitters batted a meager .194 against Kuhl’s slider in 2020. And while the slider and sinker are Kuhl’s bread and butter, the curveball may be his most effective pitch. The Bear, Delaware native only threw the pitch roughly 17% of the time in 2020, yet when he did, hitters posted a .074 average against it. Pretty damn good. The method to the madness? Kuhl’s fastball and sinker flirt around 93 MPH on average. His sliders hums in around 87 MPH. The curveball? 81 miles per hour; a stark contrast from his other pitches. In addition to his diverse arsenal, Kuhl could be a cheap add for the Twins rotation. While the Pirates agreed to a $2.13 million 2021 contract with Kuhl, it’s likely that the Twins could trade for the pitcher without giving up top prospects given the Pirates’ lackluster farm system. Kenta Maeda and Chad Kuhl are far from the same pitcher, yet there are similarities. Both men rely heavily upon offspeed pitches and Kuhl is viewed as untapped talent similarly to how Maeda was viewed prior to this year. It may seem like a reach, but Kuhl could fill a crucial puzzle piece in the Twins’ quest to boast one of the strongest rotations in the league. Musgrove Heads West As mentioned, Pirates standout Joe Musgrove was traded Monday afternoon to the Padres in exchange for a strong group of prospects. Headlining that group is outfielder Hudson Head, one of the top prospects in the Padres organization. The Mets are also involved in the trade, as they will send catching prospect Endy Rodriguez to the Pirates. In addition, the Padres are sending LHP Joey Lucchesi to Queens. While there are multiple facets to this trade, Musgrove is the name that sticks out for Twins fans. A name speculated amongst Twins offseason rumors, Musgrove has proven to be the strongest source of untapped talent in the Pirates organization. Lester Heads East Even though the Twins weren’t interested in him, Jon Lester draws an audience whenever his name hits the press. Following a lengthy tenure with the Cubs, the 37-year-old will be headed to the nation’s capital on a one year four million dollar deal with the Nationals. Lester will join an already stellar rotation alongside the ranks of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. According to David Kaplan of ESPN Chicago, the Cubs tossed a last minute offer to Lester. However, the amount and value weren’t close to what the Nationals offered the man who propelled the Cubs to their first World Series in over a century. Let’s hope pickoff moves aren’t required in DC. Roundup of the Rest Baseball America released its prospect lists. Below is the Twins top 10 (rank in the top 100 in parentheses). 1. Alex Kirilloff (18) 2. Royce Lewis (29) 3. Trevor Larnach (39) 4. Ryan Jeffers (60) 5. Jhoan Duran 6. Jordan Balazovic 7. Aaron Sabato 8. Matt Canterino 9. Blayne Enlow 10. Gilberto Celestino Jon Morosi provided a Nelson Cruz update. Jon Heyman provided a couple of updates on the Yankees, first noting that a potential Luis Castillo trade fell through because the Reds asked for Gleyber Torres plus extras. He then relayed that there “appears to be a good chance” Masahiro Tanaka pitches elsewhere in 2021. Tyler Chatwood signed a one-year deal with Toronto worth $3 million and includes incentives that could bring the contract to $5.5 million. [Twitter link] SEE ALSO Where Can the Twins Add the Most Value? 4 Corey Kluber Alternatives for the Twins Why Didi Gregorius is the Best Shortstop Fit for the Twins Tricky Rick: A Push for Rick Porcello The 10 Best Twins Targets Among Remaining Free Agents Click here to view the article

As their division foes in Chicago trailblaze the offseason with move after move, Twins fans have been accruing a fine blend of frustration and impatience. And while moves are sure to be made, a familiar name has surfaced amongst a group of talented free-agent pitchers.A few days back Andrew Simon of MLB.com scribed an article diving into the wealth of talented starting pitchers still on the free agent market. While Trevor Bauer is perhaps unattainable and Corey Kluber is headed to the Yankees, Simon mentions a name that Twins fans are no stranger to. Rick Porcello. Known primarily for his lengthy tenure in Detroit and 2016 Cy Young campaign in Boston, Porcello isn’t the player that he used to be. After signing with the Mets prior to the 2020 season, Porcello posted a meager record of 1-7 in 12 starts, allowing 74 hits in 59 innings. Porcello isn’t the golden ticket ‘fix’ that Twins fans have been waiting for all offseason. Yet the veteran righty could fill an important puzzle piece in the Twins’ effort to maintain dominance in the AL Central and beyond. Here’s why. Consistency A 12 year veteran, Rick Porcello has seen his fair share of ups and downs; but more ups. The sinker and slider hurler has posted a winning record in seven of his 12 seasons in the majors , including a 14-12 record for Boston in 2019. Porcello has reached 10 wins in eight major league seasons in a career that has been filled with years of 30+ starts per year. The latter of those numbers is as many as you’ll see across the league. And minus a tricep strain in Boston and other minor injuries, Porcello has stayed healthy as a horse. The point? Porcello is almost guaranteed to gut out a 162 game season without injuries and a likelihood of solid success. No, Porcello would not presume the role of ace for the Twins. But consistency equates to value and wins; something the Twins did not see last year with Jake Odorizzi. As of today we still don’t know if Odorizzi will be a Minnesota Twin in 2021. While it would be great to see ‘Odo’ back this season, Porcello could provide a replacement surrounded by health and stability in 2021. Price Porcello’s rough go-about with the Mets in 2020 could prove beneficial for the Twins if they have interest in signing him. The Mets signed Porcello to a one-year, $10 million contract last year. There’s no doubt that Porcello’s future in the MLB will consist of a lower contract elsewhere. As mentioned before, Porcello wouldn’t be the big splash that the Twins accrue during the offseason. The prior activity of this offseason has already proven that most teams are looking to be frugal before they enter the 2021 season. Despite his success in Detroit and Boston, Porcello’s lackluster New York campaign will drop his price tag for 2021. It’s likely that the Twins will spend their ‘big bucks’ on a middle infielder such as Kiké Hernández, Marcus Semien, or Tommy La Stella. Yet if Minnesota could secure a $3-4 million deal with Porcello with incentives, they wouldn’t have to break the bank in their pursuit of beefing up the infield. Depth Earlier in the offseason, I wrote a devil’s advocate piece on the Twins gunning for Yu Darvish. Clearly, that isn’t an option anymore. Consider this a devil’s advocate for the Twins nabbing the potential best ‘fourth rotation' guy in the league’. Yes, Porcello is coming off a rocky 2020 campaign. And yes, it is easy for folks to assume doubt in his potential for the 2021 season. Yet let’s not forget, Porcello posted a rough 9-15 record in 2015 before crafting a beautiful Cy Young season in 2016. 2020 was a rough season for Porcello, but 2015 was the only year besides 2020 where he has posted a record under 10 wins. Porcello most likely won’t win a Cy Young in 2021, but he could be an extremely valuable asset to the Twins starting rotation. Kenta Maeda and José Berríos have almost certainly secured the top spots in the rotation, but Porcello could compete rigorously with Michael Pineda for the three-four spot. Regardless of where Pineda and Porcello wind up, the addition of Rick would excel the Twins rotation to a level of stature that they haven’t seen, especially if Jake Odorizzi isn’t a Twin in 2021. And if he is? That’s gravy. A rotation of Maeda, Berríos, Pineda, Odorizzi, and Porcello could round out as one of the best in the American League. A rotation that folks could look at any given matchup and say “alright we’ve got a shot.” Rick Porcello isn’t the sexiest pitcher on the market. But there’s no denying that he could improve the Twins’ chances of winning the AL Central and bolstering them deep into the postseason. More Offseason Buzz at Twins Daily - The 10 Best Twins Targets Among Remaining Free Agents - Who Are the Best Free Agent Starting Pitchers? - Pitch Movement and Spin Axis Data Suggest the Twins Should Acquire This Rocky Click here to view the article

I'd like to see a "Who shotgunned it best" show where former/current Twins race to shotgun beers. First episode featuring Kent Hrbek, Jim Thome, Jason Kubel, and Nick Punto (hard seltzers).

Twins hitters have been on the opposing end of Alex Colomé’s cutter more than a fair share of times. Yet after recent speculation, there’s a chance that the White Sox reliever could be headed across the division.A new name flushed into Twins offseason talks earlier this week when Darren Wolfson of KSTP reported that the organization has shown interest in White Sox reliever Alex Colomé. The Twins have already made a move in the pen, signing flame-thrower Hansel Robles. The addition of a division foe in Colomé could beef up a bullpen that needs to be stellar if the Twins want to make a deep run in October. SEE ALSO Twins Should Sign This Under-the-Radar Free AgentLet's Rescue A RockyTwins Sign RHP Hansel RoblesPotential Twins Free Agent Targets: 8 Flying Under the Radar Click here to view the article

That is incredible! What a great ambassador for the game. Do you have a picture of the gas station metal can?

No worries, always appreciate the feedback! What a great top 10 list. Despite being a bit younger, we didn't have Cable TV so I grew up listening to the Twins on the radio as well. Jon Gordon's voice will also be engrained in my head and memories!

The music world came to a stop last Sunday when country music legend Charley Pride passed away at the age of 86 from COVID complications. Pride was a remarkable trailblazer in the music world but also had deep baseball roots and a unique relationship with Harmon Killebrew.The corners of Harmon Killebrew’s smile widened as he jovially tapped his hand along to the beat of the music. Not from Paul Schaeffer’s band, but to the soulful voice of Charley Pride singing into David Letterman’s phone, live on national television. When a 1986 docuseries for The Late Show that was supposed to feature Killebrew fell through, Letterman couldn’t let his childhood hero slip through the cracks. The solution? An entire evening of The Late Show dedicated to “Hammerin Harmon,” tabbed as “Harmon Killebrew Night.” The program packaged together 45 minutes of pure bliss, featuring an appearance from Bob Allison, a live mural painting of Harmon, and the official retirement of Killebrew's ‘very expensive’ suit coat. A humble and earnest man, Killebrew was hesitant in agreeing to have an entire show to himself with the greatest late night host to ever grace the planet. The deal breaker? Harmon’s favorite musician Charley Pride performing on the show. Charley Pride was no stranger to the game of baseball. In addition to being an avid Texas Rangers fan, Pride had multiple stints in the Negro League and MLB affiliates thoughout the 1950’s. A crafty right handed pitcher with a strong curveball, Pride pitched for the Memphis Red Sox of the Negro League in 1952. Pride’s talent took him to the Boise Yankees in 1953, the Class C affiliate of the New York Yankees; just an hour drive from Killebrew’s hometown of Payette, Idaho. The following duration of Pride’s baseball career consisted of go-abouts with other minor league affiliates and Negro League teams, spliced in half by service in the US Army from 1956-1958. When it appeared that professional baseball wasn’t his career calling, Pride turned to country music. The rest is history. Charley had planned to perform in person for Harmon on that brisk February evening in 1986. Unfortunately, poor weather stalled Pride’s flight to New York. That didn’t stop him from singing to Harmon, over the phone, from his bathroom. In perfect synchrony with Paul Schaffer’s band (whom were all wearing Twins caps), Pride sang “Mountain of Love” into the dial-up phone. Watch it and you’ll smile as Harmon shows a rare glimpse of pure joy and emotion as Pride sings. That February evening wouldn’t be the last time that Pride would sing for Harmon, the second performance on a much more somber note. After Harmon passed away in 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer, Pride joined family and a number of Twins legends to honor an incredible man. Pride performed Precious Lord Take my Hand, I’ll Fly Away, and Harmon’s favorite tune, Mountain of Love, just as he did back in 1986. Following the service, Twins great Michael Cuddyer was quoted saying he strived to be like Harmon Killebrew. Cuddyer’s words couldn’t be more fitting for Harmon..and Charley. Harmon and Charly lived vastly different lives but both had traits that we can all learn from. Both men executed their crafts to perfection, treated everyone around them with love and respect, and left smiles on the faces of people across the globe. Hopefully the two are playing a game of pickup ball up in the field of dreams with a few country songs in between. Click here to view the article

The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a rich history of cultivating homegrown talent on the diamond...and in the press box. Dick Bremer's road to being the voice of the Twins stems from a kid in rural Minnesota growing up with the franchise.Head northwest on I-94 from Minneapolis for three hours and take a slight southwest angle onto state highway 27 and you’ll be embedded in the heart of Minnesota Lakes Country. Keep going until you hit highway 15, where lakes and ponds evolve into cornfields and prairie. Before hitting Lake Traverse you’ll stumble upon Dumont, Minnesota, population 100. When the Southland Railroad paved its way through the Midwest in the late 1800's the cozy community came to fruition. Blink, and you might miss the trucking company, local bar, and Lutheran church that make up the bulk of the town. Yet it’s a patch of dirt and worn-down grass that perhaps serves as the most notable landmark in Dumont. Ralph-Leslie Field, home of the Dumont Saints…and the birthplace of Dick Bremer’s love of baseball. Download attachment: IMG_4634.jpg An aerial view of Ralph-Leslie Field. Photo courtesy of Dick Bremer Coming off year 37 as the voice of the Minnesota Twins, Dick Bremer has seen it all. From sitting in the booth with legends like Harmon Killebrew and Bert Blyleven to humble beginnings in the St. Cloud State press box, Bremer’s love of sports has placed him in the most unique of circumstances in unique times. As the 64-year-old reflects, there’s one constant that has flourished since Bremer’s upbringing in Dumont: a rich love of baseball in the state of Minnesota. Humble Roots A child of the ’60s, Dick Bremer grew up alongside the Minnesota Twins, with names like Bob Allison, Harmon Killebrew, and Jim Kaat paving the foundation for the state’s new major league baseball team. Those names entered his life at the meager age of five, the inaugural year that Calvin Griffith brought the organization to the Land of 10,000 lakes. Yet it wasn’t the organization that Bremer would one day work for that exposed him to the national pastime, it was the local amateur team. “I was introduced to the game through the Dumont Saints, the local town team,” Bremer said. “They literally played in my backyard.” A community rooted in baseball history, Bremer and Dumont’s love of baseball grew when the Twins came to Minnesota in 1961. “The Killebrew’s, Allison’s, and Kaat’s that people had only heard of, now they were playing for this regional franchise,” Bremer recalled. “(The Twins) are considered a major market franchise, but I saw firsthand how the move to Minnesota was just as impactful for small communities across the Midwest as it was for Minneapolis-St. Paul.” The Twins remained a constant for Bremer even as his dad’s pastoral calling took the Bremer family from Dumont to Missouri, back to Minnesota throughout Dick’s childhood. Dick graduated from Staples High School in 1974 as a tall, lanky right-handed pitcher. Download attachment: IMG_4635.jpg Bremer's high school team at Staples High School. Photo courtesy of Dick Bremer His hopes to continue the game on the mound fell short when he was cut from the St. Cloud State baseball team the next year. Still determined, Bremer found other ways to get involved with the game he loved. “I had to find another way to get into the games for free after getting cut from the baseball team,” Bremer said. “My right arm was not going to make a living for me, maybe my voice could.” He couldn’t have been more right. Not knowing that his voice would one day be amongst names like Herb Carneal and Halsey Hall, Bremer began broadcasting St. Cloud State football games after bouts at the campus radio station and a local classic rock station where he went by the alibi “Duke after Dark.” From there, Bremer’s voice took him to a myriad of press boxes and radio booths of different sports at different levels before making his Twins debut in 1983. Uniquely, Bremer made the jump ‘straight to the majors’ without any prior baseball play by play experience. “My first ever baseball game was opening day for the Twins in 1983,” Bremer said. “I hadn’t done a minor league game, college, or high school game.” Know Your Audience From his inaugural year at the air-conditioning deprived Metrodome to watching sunsets at beautiful Target Field, Bremer has broadcasted pennant-winning teams that filled seats as well as losing teams that struggled to sell tickets. Through thick and thin, Bremer has focused on finding ways to keep his audience engaged. When the Twins aren’t winning that can be easier said than done. Thankfully, Dick and his partners’ have found creative ways to keep viewers glued to the screen. In his recent memoir “Game Used: My Life in Stitches with the Minnesota Twins,” Bremer recalls classic moments from the Fox Sports North booth, including Bert Blyleven eating a live worm and a heartful story of ugly ties that turned into a charitable cause. In his nearly four decades in the booth, Bremer has been thankful for the freedom that Calvin Griffith and the Pohlad’s have given him over the years. “No one in the Griffith or Pohlad era has ever told me what to say (on air),” Bremer said. “I’ve been really appreciative of that.” However, a piece of advice that Calvin Griffith gave to a young Bremer before the 1983 season has been embedded in Bremer’s work to this day. “Before I did my first season in 1983, Calvin Griffith gave me some advice that I really took to heart,” Bremer recalled. “You need to remember that 99% of your viewers want the Twins to win that game.” That percentage may be down a bit now with satellite television but I think it’s wise for any broadcaster to recognize who his or her audience is, and conduct yourself accordingly.” Those words have propelled Bremer to give accurate yet resonating broadcasts, drawing new Twins fans to the baseball community each year. “It’s a Blessing” “For it’s one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game!” a raspy, yet beautiful voice resounds from the press box. Not at Target Field, but Wrigley. Harry Caray. As a result of spending part of his childhood in Missouri, Bremer became familiar with the voice of the legendary Caray, who passed away in 1998. Bremer would get to meet Caray when interleague play was introduced and the Twins came to Wrigleyville to take on the Cubs in 1997. The moment was nothing short of special for Dick. “Sitting next to Harry Caray during the seventh-inning inning stretch was one of the most thrilling and chilling moments I’ve ever had,” Bremer said. “The entire ballpark stood up and looked at the booth as Harry sang. To see the adoration for him was really special. I grew up listening to him when I was in Missouri and to be able to meet him and spend a little time with him before he passed was really special.” Memories like this will forever be engrained in Bremer’s heart and remind him of the rich opportunity he has each day. “Every time I walk into a ballpark I am fully cognizant of how lucky I am to do what I do, where I do it,” Bremer said. Few people get the chance to broadcast professional baseball. Even fewer get to do it for the team that provided them joy as a child. Bremer’s love of the Minnesota Twins not only makes coming to work enjoyable, it flourishes an environment that fans across Twins Territory can relate to. “I can be on the air and reflect with reasonable accuracy something that happened to the Twins catcher back in 1962 because I was there,” Bremer said. “I watched that game and the Twins were very important to my childhood, never imagining that they would be ever more important in my adulthood.” And while Dick is fully devoted to creating a better viewing experience for fans, the boy from Dumont, Minnesota in him who watched Allison, Killebrew, and Kaat will always exist. “Hopefully my benchmark with the Minnesota Twins won’t begin when I began broadcasting, it will when the team came to Minnesota from Washington DC back in 1961.” Dick Bremer's Memoir Game Used: My Life in Stiches with the Minnesota Twins can be purchased here. More Minnesota Made Articles Kent HrbekCaleb ThielbarMatt WallnerBrian Raabe Click here to view the article

Mike, you're not wrong! If you've got an ice house I'm in! Not a whole lot of lakes in south-central Minnesota.