USNMCPO

Not sure how short of a leash he will have. After last year it should be very very short.

I feel great that we haven't heard (yet) the annual phrase "They won't need to put the #4 and #5 starter until .... Usually that is a blessing but this year they have the horses to get the job done.

I disagree. The MLBPA and MLB have had an extremely vitriolic relationship for decades. Any of these changes that would have an affect on players earnings will be hard as possible to reach consensus.

I am of the opposite opinion. This team may very well be much more fun to watch. They have the guys to play very solid defense with possible exception at 3rd base. As hitters they have guys that can spray the ball around the park. It shouldn't be a case of strike out or home run. I may be wrong as i usually am with the Twins, but that is my opinion.

I agree with Cris E. April and September will be won in the trainers room. If the pitching staff can make it through spring training and Buxton can hold on, the Twins have a shot.

Two of my least favorite cities in the country. I have had work in both and really disliked them. There are too many great possible road trips to spend on this one. No Thanks

I have not heard anything about on-going pain for AK. The reports I read said he is swinging free and expecting a normal spring training.

I want the Twins to keep playing Kepler because he is my wife's favorite player and I get less crap about watching the games when he is in the lineup.

I remember going to Bat Day as a kid at the old Met. The kids banging the bats on the deck was so loud I thought my Dad was going to erupt. It was hilarious.

I think this is a more realistic lineup. Kiriloff's best position is supposedly 1st base and if he can hit like we all hope he will be an impact there. Unfortunately Miranda's glove does not impress me at 1st or 3rd. He could be a fill-in or DH or trade bait. If Lewis knee doesn't slow him down he could be a prototypical outfielder with the bat and glove and arm.

I seem to remember an article stating just this. He had very little success with the changes and reverted to his natural swing in the AFL. Didn't Lewis do the same thing?

Austin kind of reminds me of Lewis. He struggled mightily with the bat for almost two seasons in the low minors, then went to the AFL and took off. Perhaps it is a maturity thing or a professional environmental thing or something else (pure coincidence). The similarities are there and I would love to see Martin take off this year.

Huh, TwinsFest must be coming up. Gotta show effort....

My impression of Jim is that he had the responsibility for the entire Pohlad family business, the Twins being a relatively minor part. He may have been more a hands off manager out of necessity. Joe being groomed for the role is a positive. Kind of reminds me of Calvin Griffith's situation. He was groomed by his uncle to take over the Twins. A big difference is that the team was their only business so money was tight to an extreme. Joe has worked his way through the organization to get a feel of what is needed. This is a positive in my opinion and his promotion is as well. My one concern is that he states that he is a friend with Falvey (not merely friendly). That could lead to blinders down the road.

Zack Granite should still be playing just because of his name.