Ted Schwerzler

Today was the biggest day since COVID-19 shut down Major League Baseball way back on March 12. After publicly disseminating information over the course of the past few weeks, owners were presenting a formal proposal to the MLBPA. How it is received will be drawn out over the next few days, but it doesn’t look good for the billionaires.Since publicly asking players to consider a revenue split and going back on the already agreed upon prorated pay for 2020, Major League Baseball ownership had yet to put forth any concrete proposal. Tony Clark and the Major League Baseball Players Association were given that proposal this afternoon. Clark publicly stated that contracts would not be renegotiated, and that ownership needed to figure out a way forward for 2020. Despite turning annual revenues near $10 billion, it was suggested today that Major League Baseball would still bring in around $3 billion in 2020 should an 80-game slate with no fans be the route taken. There's a possibility that net revenues could still dip into the red, but baseball has opportunity to at least break even as well. With the afternoon meeting coming to a close reports of the proposal began to leak. New York Post writer Joel Sherman outlined what can be described as a sliding scale. In this structure the players making the most money would be paid the smallest percentage of their agreed upon contract. Those players who are set to make less money would retain a higher portion of the prorated dollars. Defining it as simply and most straightforward as possible, the owners are looking for their highly compensated players to provide them relief. Gerrit Cole inked a deal with the Yankees this winter and was expecting a $36 million annual paycheck. Instead of getting that, he’d be taking a substantial cut in order for lower compensated players to receive a higher amount of their annual expected take home. Jeff Passan of ESPN relayed some specific details of the plan on Twitter: In a season where expanded rosters will increase the number of players making closer to the league minimum, Major League owners would get the benefit of savings from high dollar contracts while handing out minimal sums to a few more players. It’s the exact reason why service time manipulation exists, in that ownership is able to keep lower payrolls by owning a player’s low dollar years. Getting a discount on the highest contracts, having those well compensated players foot the bill, and paying a bunch of minimum salaries sounds like nothing but roses for the owners. At the end of the day this argument is always going to be between millionaires and billionaires. For some fans, the economics will never present an opportunity for logic. While it’s difficult to insert yourself into the situation, the total sum of money shouldn’t change the optics of what is going on here. Imagine a situation in which the CEO of a company asks a manager to take a substantial cut in pay so that the intern can receive their full wages. There’s a morality issue here too, but logic doesn’t hold up across the entire example. Also noted in Sherman’s breakdown of MLB’s proposal is what could be an underlying desire to cause cracks within the union. Most teams are represented by veteran players, many of which would fall into the highly compensated category. The group of lesser compensated players is far larger and would have no reason to oppose this deal. Those taking the hit, however, are often vocal decision makers and have earned the contracts to which they have been signed. It should have been expected a storm was brewing between MLB and the MLBPA. With CBA expiration on the horizon, a lockout was thought potential in the not-so-distant-future. Now we have MLB ownership using the time constraints of a global pandemic as a negotiation tactic in hopes that players act quickly on a less than advantageous deal. Suppose that Harold Steinbrenner wanted to leverage Gerrit Cole’s contract and defer the money he’ll lose to a future time, I’d imagine that would be met begrudgingly but fine. Asking players of that ilk to simply foot the bill and then pitting them against guys in the same clubhouse, I certainly can’t see it going over well. While this is just the first proposal, it doesn't seem like a good foot to start on. Maybe the first week of June isn't a hard and fast deadline. Maybe a goal of dividing the players is of further importance. Maybe any cash flow relief is the greatest goal for ownership. We're dealing with lots of maybes here, but in unprecedented times we're likely in store for more unprecedented measures than we can imagine. 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

No matter how far we distance ourselves from Covid-19, 2020, and the ripple effects of a worldwide pandemic, I’ll remember a couple of specific dates as they relate to baseball. Tuesday May 26, 2020 could end up being another one of those days. In the midst of Memorial Day we wonder what lies ahead tomorrow. Thinking back to March 11, the sports world began to stand still. That day the NBA put everything on hold, and less than 24 hours later not only was the MLB season halted, but also March Madness was put on ice as well. We’re now multiple months away from that date, but a return appears on the horizon. After Major League Baseball owners attempted to go back on their word in regards to prorated player salaries for whatever season that would take place, and do so in a public attempt at employee shame, we’ve got an impending alteration. It’s expected that Tuesday May 26 will bring forth a new proposal from ownership. Players will be expected to move off prorated salaries, but owners will budge on a revenue split that looks very much like a salary cap. Although it’s the economics of each deal that continues to be at the forefront of any reports the largest hurdle remains that of health precautions. With no level of certainty regarding what’s next in the wrath of this specific pandemic we can be certain that whatever transpires will be a massive outlier. Everything about sports, and life in general, during the current landscape of precaution will remain an oddity for years into the future. It’s hard to believe, and the growing consensus aligns here, that baseball will not return for this calendar season. Everyone has far too much to gain from resumption, and squabbling would set ablaze and unfortunate fallout in regards to the bigger picture. With potential for a CBA-induced lockout just a year from now, setting back the sport even further ahead of time could be a death knell when popularity enhancement has long been the drive. Rob Manfred has done a lot of negative during his time as commission of Major League Baseball. Tuesday May 26, 2020 has the opportunity to go a long ways in presenting a launching pad for a restart of a sport that both the country and world need. For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

Whether signing baseball cards, inking checks, or simply checking in to a stadium, baseball players are constantly writing their name. Anyone even remotely connected to Twins Territory knows how important Harmon Killebrew thought legibility was, but who are some of the best to follow suit?I don’t think it’s burying the lede here to note that Harmon Killebrew’s signature is going to be number one on this list. He’s got some of the greatest penmanship we’ve seen in any era, and it was a craft he took great pride in. You’ll often hear stories from more recent players where they’ll quip about the times Harmon noted they needed to clean up their signature. Given the recent explosion of the trading card collecting hobby it seemed only fitting to explore the guys that have followed his advice best. Surprisingly, there’s more than a few modern candidates on this list. Without further ado, let’s get into it: 5. Paul Molitor After playing 15 years in Milwaukee for the Brewers, Molitor ended his Hall of Fame career with the hometown team. The St. Paul native was well past his prime when he joined the Twins, but Molitor still put up an .858 OPS at age-39. There was no shortage of autograph requests given the local fanfare, and those continued when he became manager, and eventually Manager of the Year, following his playing days. Download attachment: Molitor.jpg The signature is a compressed one, and the letters are all tight together, but getting every character is something rarely seen today. 4. Bert Blyleven This is a weird case in which the signature is awesome, but it’s one that typically comes with caveats. Blyleven is also a Hall of Famer and played 11 of his 22 big league seasons in Minnesota. He is still connected to the team as a broadcaster, and while his capacity is slowly being phased out, it will never not be true that he was among the best to put on the uniform. Download attachment: Bert.jpg Much like Harmon’s style, Blyleven makes sure to get out his full name fully and visibly when signing. For collectors he’ll generally ink his name in undesirable places or attempt to devalue whatever he is signing for the fear of secondary market flipping. At any rate, the signature itself is a gorgeous one. 3. Torii Hunter As the first modern day inclusion on this list Torii Hunter represents a guy bound by principles. He has often talked about things gleaned from his time listening to Harmon, and he too represents that type of retired veteran constantly passing information down. Hunter played the role of mentor and leader on multiple teams, and it’s not hard to see why doing things the right way would be of importance to him. Download attachment: thumb.jpg Hunter’s autograph is loopier and more cartoonish than the previous two entries, but it’s plenty obvious who the inscription belongs to when reading it. Often accompanied by his number, Torii takes any piece of memorabilia up a notch by putting his name on it. 2. Michael Cuddyer One of my favorite autographs in all of baseball, Cuddyer combines principles from the three players before him. He was a Twins for 11 of his 15 Major League seasons and there was never a time in which he wasn’t fighting to cement his place as a regular. Often seen as the utility player that could contribute everywhere, Cuddyer went about all of his processes the right way. Download attachment: cuddyer.jpg Without sounding too sappy Cuddyer’s signature has an elegance to it. As a fan of photography, often taking pictures at away ballparks, maybe there was even an artistic tie to the swoops of his pen. Each time his name came out though, it looked as good as the last. 1. Harmon Killebrew As I said when starting this off, it’s pretty impossible to look at any group of people under this subject and not determine Harmon as the gold standard. Playing 21 of his 22 illustrious seasons with the Minnesota franchise (after relocating from Washington seven seasons in) the Killer racked up accolades like no one’s business. An inner circle Hall of Famer doesn’t need to bother themselves with signature requests, but Killebrew took it upon himself to treat each as if it were his last. Download attachment: harmon-killebrew-single-signed-baseball-2288.jpg There will never be a time that the importance Killebrew placed on a well-respected signature isn’t a story that’s shared fondly among Twins fans. Although it doesn’t resonate with every future player, it’s great to see the trickle-down effect and know that his presence remains even though he has left us. Who's missing that you would add to this list? 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

We’re less than a month away from the 2020 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. This year it’s going to be a very different event being stripped down to just five rounds. All teams will absolutely need to get it right, but that’s been a strength for the Minnesota Twins.Derek Falvey and Thad Levine took over the top of the front office prior to the 2017 season. While a substantial part of the scouting and draft focused contingent remained in the organization, the overall infrastructure has changed. Falvey and Levine have instituted a significant expansion of analytical models, as well as people to cultivate those initiatives. Developmental staff has been brought in across the farm, and voices through the system seem more aligned than ever. Although the post-draft process of skill development and progression remains the most vital piece in generating a big leaguer, it’s also very much about nailing the makeup and tools of each guy selected. With just five rounds to get it right this year, it’s worth looking at how the last three tries in that same space have gone. 2017 Picks: Royce Lewis (1, 1), Brent Rooker (1, 35), Landon Leach (2, 37), Blayne Enlow (3, 76), Charlie Barnes (4, 106), Andrew Bechtold (5, 136) In their very first draft Falvine went big on upside. Royce Lewis was selected over players like Hunter Greene and Kyle Wright. He’s got the makeup of a star player and still trends towards being a difference maker up the middle for the Twins. Rooker was a bat only prospect, but it’s played as expected at every level thus far. The power is real and he’s near Major League ready. In going after Leach, Minnesota was able to bank some money to entice Enlow. Landon hasn’t established himself much in pro ball yet, but Enlow looks to be one of the better arms in the entire system. Barnes has been a consistent lefty without much flash. He reached Triple-A last year and could project as a back-end starter. While Bechtold was seen as a very nice JUCO get he’s still waiting to establish himself. The Appy League debut was a good one but a .738 OPS at Single-A, where he was old for both leagues, didn’t light the world on fire. Overall, this group looks to have two guaranteed Major League talents, and one that could absolutely be a star. Throw in Enlow’s upside and another potential lottery pick on one of the remaining to call it a very solid first showing for the front office. 2018 Picks: Trevor Larnach (1, 20), Ryan Jeffers (2, 59), DaShawn Keirsey (4, 124), Cole Sands (5, 154) Just four picks in the top five rounds this year, Minnesota had to do more with less. Larnach was a College World Series star and brings exit velocity in spades. He’s since become a very similar comp to another Twins prospect, Alex Kirilloff. That’s great company and there’s a significant ceiling to be fulfilled. Jeffers is the best catching prospect in the organization, and while touted for his offense, he’s transformed into more of a complete player. Until now Keirsey hasn’t yet taken hold. He posted a .798 OPS in his pro debut but owned just a .436 OPS last year playing 43 games. Cole Sands looked like a gem when he did debut last year. He made it all the way to Double-A and dominated to the tune of a 2.68 ERA with a 10.0 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9. Once again, this looks like a strong core group. Larnach and Jeffers are great headliners with Sands trending way upwards. Keirsey could be a miss, but three of four looking like Major League assets this early is a solid set of circumstances. A smaller group, but a good one here. 2019 Picks: Keoni Cavaco (1, 13), Matt Wallner (1, 39), Matt Canterino (2, 54), Spencer Steer (3, 90), Seth Gray (4, 119), Will Holland (5, 149) The Twins went with the helium to start last year’s draft. Cavaco vaulted up boards but was not necessarily expected to go this high. He really struggled from the get-go but showed up to Spring Training looking very strong. Wallner is a local product and was a standout at Southern Miss. Both he and Matt Canterino looked like tested amateurs that can contribute at a very high level. Adding infield talent was the theme of a run in rounds three through five. Steer made quick work of the Appy League and held his own for the Kernels. Gray showed well for Elizabethton and made a brief cameo with Cedar Rapids. Holland was the pride of a very good Auburn squad and is seen as a very good defender. The bat didn’t play in year one but it’s far too early to make assessments there. Lots of uncertainty in regards to trend lines for this group at an early stage, but I think it’s fair to say both Wallner and Canterino impressed. Looking back at the last three drafts Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have shown there’s people in all of the right places across the Twins organization. It’s hard not to be excited about the top of any of these groups, and even moreso considering the futility the previous regime showed in regards to recent top picks. Minnesota only has four picks (27, 59, 99, and 125) to make in June and they’ll need to supplement the system as best they can. With an unlimited number of undrafted signees also on the docket, enticing amateurs with the revamped development infrastructure should be a selling point as well. Before we’ll get any live action in 2020 the draft is going to take place, and thankfully for Twins fans, there’s a group in place capable of hitting a home run. 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

During this global pandemic one thing that has seen a massive boost in the sports world is collectibles, or trading cards, affectionately categorized as The Hobby. With something for everyone, and fans of every sport, your bound to find a way to pique your interest. In the modern baseball world, the Angels outfielder is king, and Mike Trout did it again over the weekend. As the unquestioned best player in the game today, Trout holds a special place at the top of the modern baseball card collecting ranks. His base cards transcend “common” status, and his rarer pieces fetch exorbitant prices. It’s the 2011 Topps Update that has become his iconic rookie issue, but some of the prospect cards, namely the 2009 Bowman Chrome Autograph, have driven the market bonkers. Back in 2018 the eccentric Dave “Vegas Dave” Oancea grabbed Mike Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Superfractor 1/1 autograph for a cool $400,000. He noted having turned down offers near $1 million and said he was sitting on it until a $5 million offer came through. You’ll have to excuse his crass nature in the video, but it appears his statements aren’t nearly as outlandish as one may have assumed. On Sunday night a 2009 Bowman Chrome Red /5 Autograph of Trout’s wrapped up through Ken Goldin’s auction house. That card brought in $525,000 and obviously doesn’t reach the same height as a 1/1. Assuming the red that was sold wasn’t Oancea’s, he too owns one of those cards as well as a handful of the orange version numbered to 25. To say the man is sitting on a mountain of Mike Trout moola is probably putting it lightly. This explosion isn’t just in a single card though. ESPN’s The Last Dance brought tons of buyers for Michael Jordan cards out of the woodwork. Trout’s standard base issue 2011 Update has gone from a $500 card last February to a $3,000 card today. Topps has been rolling out limited print to order Project 2020 cards with different artists and the early offerings are now in such demand the price exponentially multiples on the secondary market before each card even gets into the hands of collectors. You should never view pieces of cardboard as an investment similar to that of a stock or bond. However, classifying trading cards as pieces of cardboard is also severely missing the point if you know what you’re looking for. The return is not there for every purchase, but it’s become more than clear the hobby has a place in today’s current culture and it certainly looks like it will be here to stay. Only a select few people are interested in buying a baseball card selling for north of $500,000, but you can bet that number grows in multiples as you back off the buy in, and there’s lots of fun to be had at any level. Mike Trout, Michael Jordan, or whoever is the next big thing, you can bet their faces on cardboard will attract plenty of fans. For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

With states reopening we have began trending towards a level of normalcy returning to the country. We are nowhere near out of the woods as it relates to COVID-19, but we’re looking at dealing with a new normal. Baseball is following this path as well; the owners have already sent the MLBPA their proposal for play in 2020. Does it make sense though?Here’s the thing, this isn’t at all about a global pandemic or whether specific safety measures can ensure smooth operations. Instead, at least for me, this discussion comes down to timing. Recently San Francisco Chronicle writer Henry Schulman penned a piece suggesting that it’s 2021 when baseball should return to the diamond. While he touched on the health risks involved, and notes that it isn’t his revenues being sacrificed, the underlying premise comes down to business. It’s how muddy a quick discussion gets that has me worried about what lies ahead for the sport. The current CBA is set to expire in 2021. That means, even had there not been this catastrophic global event, the union and owners would have been eyeing a business battle in the not so distant future. A lockout has been discussed as a potential avenue for players to make up some serious ground in terms of labor negotiations, and anyone in tune with the expected dealings would opine that expecting something cordial was a pipe dream. Now we’re dealing with the time crunch of a season that is scheduled to begin operations in less than a month, deal with a schedule cut in half, have no fans present, and do so under a completely different set of expected parameters. Looking at the difficult logistics of it is daunting, and that’s before both sides have come to an agreement on the business end. Owners are asking players to agree that a salary cap of sorts is necessary. After already prorating their wages, players are being asked to play under more difficult circumstances and further stifle their earnings. All of it will play out in the court of public opinion, and the shame game will likely reach new heights before we get resolution. I fully expect the union and owners to come together on a deal. There’s too much at stake for both sides not to reach that conclusion. However, I’m worried about what the lingering effects of it all may look like. We already know that we’re in for a drastic reshaping of the Minor Leagues, which will in turn impact the Major Leagues for years to come. Hurt feelings and distrust could run rampant though, and with an already scheduled set of negotiations looming on the horizon, CBA talks could once again shelve the sport. We can come together as fans and be excited about sports returning to their field of play. Being wiped out by something like a global pandemic is not at all the fault of anyone involved. What will be less pleasantly received is a work stoppage only aided by communication breakdowns incurred through negotiations had under a serious sense of duress. I won’t pretend to know the inner workings of discussion tactics had by either the MLBPA or owners, but it doesn’t seem to be the worst idea in turning a focus to the long-term game. If there can be some parameters established for the future of the sport, rather than just the reactionary 2020 version, we could all be better for it. Much like the Coronavirus itself, I don’t want to see baseball return only for a shutdown to wreak havoc on the game again. Get it right, or at least on an established common ground, the first time so we aren’t here on the merits of no one but the egos involved a year from now. No baseball is always the worst kind, so let’s make sure that hiatus is as short lived as possible. 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

For years I have argued that pitchers hitting remains among the silliest things in the sport. Despite playing at the same level, the National League has run out watered down lineups for decades. Although there’s been plenty of discussion regarding a universal DH rule, it took a global pandemic to bring about the shift. Now we wonder if it’s here to stay.For every Madison Bumgarner or Zack Greinke, there are literally hundreds of guys that look the part of a hitter who hasn’t stepped into the box in literal years. The entire premise of paying hurlers significant sums of money only to have them haphazardly compete against 100-mph darts remains questionable at best. Doing it under the guise of strategy or uniqueness only further complicates the situation. Going into 2019 the Minnesota Twins put up $14 million (with another $12 million likely) on a player that had no value besides his bat. Nelson Cruz hasn’t routinely played a defensive position since 2016, and a position hasn’t been his primary responsibility since 2013. He is very good at hitting the baseball, and the designated hitter role allows him to focus on just that. In an effort to create uniformity and allow pitchers a heightened ability to focus on their intended job, proposals for the 2020 season include a universal DH. While any hitter presents a greater probability of success in the batter’s box than a pitcher, it is true that National League teams are not specifically equipped with a resource solely intended for that role. In former times, no NL team would get in a contract discussion with a player like Cruz, and only 15 of these jobs traditionally existed within the sport. Expanding the designated hitter rule this close to the start of a season presents more than fair arguments in respect to preparedness. Given the shifting landscape of squeezing a season in amidst a pandemic though, there are plenty of ways to mitigate the advantage. With the assumed 82 game regional schedule, teams would only be competing against a traditional DH if the American and National League’s were to regularly intermingle. Keeping the divisions as is would entirely wipe out a discussion about one team having an advantage over another on a nightly basis. Then there’s the fan experience that Rob Manfred has been so aimlessly seeking. In an effort to rejuvenate the game, he’s given us pitch clocks and limited mound visits, but it’s in allowing a traditional hitter to bat in all nine spots of the order that you’d see a more substantial impact. Jobs open up for players on 15 new teams, and careers are lengthened solely by continuing to execute on the most foundational skill in the game. There’s no denying that baseball, and many that follow it, are traditionalists in every sense of the word. Not early adopters, and often risk averse, changing the game in any significant way is going to be met with hesitation. A monumental move such as this being forced by an outside force likely doesn’t make the acceptance any easier. However, taking a step back it’s hard to see how this isn’t a positive for everyone. Regardless of any outside feelings, the Twins are in a good place here. Nelson Cruz was brought in to fill this role, and Miguel Sano may be waiting in the wings. We don’t yet know if this rule will be instituted going forward, but on a trial run basis, I’d hope for a best foot forward approach and a strong desire to not regress after such an exciting step ahead. 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

Take some time to watch Ballplayer: Pelotero during quarantine. Everyone has plenty of that right now and remembering the mega-prospect a teenage Miguel Sano was should not be lost on anyone. Now today, on his 27th birthday, we get to look back on what’s been accomplished. Through parts of five Major League seasons Sano has amassed 8.5 career fWAR. He was in the running for a Rookie of the Year award, has made an All-Star Game, and surpassed the 100-career homer plateau. He’s also been asked to play right field, suffered significant injury, and experienced a demotion from the big leagues all the way back to Single-A. To suggest Miguel Sano’s career with the Twins has been eventful would be putting it lightly. Here’s the thing though, we’ve been given more than a glimpse into the reality that the mega-prospect was worthy of all that hoopla. No, he’s not the skinny shortstop that he was way back in those Dominican days, but that was also never the expectation. He’s since moved from the hot corner to first base and plays the part of a hulking corner bat. He’s the definitive member of a team dubbed the “Bomba Squad” and his efforts of late rewarded him to the tune of a $30MM contract extension. It would always be hard for a guy with Sano’s profile to create substantial value in multiple avenues of the game. He’s an average defender at best, and he now plays a non-premium position. Should he assume Nelson Cruz’s designated hitter role in the years ahead, that becomes even more of an accepted reality. At the plate though, he’s one of the most feared hitters in the game, and since buying into his ability the production has only taken steps forward. The argument I’ve always made in relation to Sano is that there was never a talent issue. He’s got the ability to be one of the best power hitters in the whole sport. What has always held him back was the reliance on that fact, rather than the execution and effort in order to accomplish it. Maybe it was the guidance of Nelson Cruz, maybe it was the leadership of Rocco Baldelli, or maybe it was Sano himself deciding he was done settling; any or all of those things could be true, but we’re at a point where the Twins are getting the best version of a player they’ve long hoped for. Sano has already vaulted himself up organization leaderboards. Only Tom Brunansky had hit more home runs through their age 26 season than that of Sano. He’s got the ability and time to become Minnesota second best home run hitter ever, and he’s already suggested that his desire would be to play out his entire career in Minnesota. We’re way too far off to make any determinations regarding the dust settling, but I think it’s pretty hard not to be excited about what is yet to come. Finding ways to play himself out of a lineup spot, or lacking commitment to produce at anything but his best, are both hopefully behind him. If those realities remain true, then the entirety of the Twins organization will be in store to reap the benefits of this guy for many years to come. Happy 27th Miguel, and here’s to lots of fun ahead. For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

It was May 4th and not a reliever was stirring all through the pen, that’s when the news came that this drought would soon end. Former Twins third basemen Trevor Plouffe broke the report that baseball is coming, and sooner rather than later. Using his dates which have now been more widely reported, how does that leave the Twins looking at their 2020 schedule?For some time, I’ve tried to wrap my head around what the 2020 schedule may look like given its fractured state. If teams aren’t going to go through a temporary division realignment, how will there be a level playing field in regard to common foes. Will games be rescheduled or shuffled around, and how do you traverse the logistical nightmare that would present? The most straightforward avenue to all of these questions is to simply suggest, play it out. Beginning July 1st, play the schedule through as it stands. Include an extra team or two in the postseason if you wish but keep the opponents and locations exactly as they are. We have a blueprint for that, and that’s where this discussion begins. On July 1st, the Twins would be slated to take part in Opening Day at Comerica in Detroit. It would be the first of 11 games with the Tigers, and count as one of 46 total games against the AL Central Division. From that day forward there are exactly 76 games scheduled, and a 61% clip against divisional foes would not be an unwelcome reality for Minnesota. Within the division Minnesota has another 13 games scheduled with both Cleveland and Kansas City, while having to face the White Sox just nine times. Only 10 games are scheduled against teams outside of the Central that made the postseason in 2019, and all five of the games against the Dodgers (2) and Astros (3) would be played at Target Field. Traditionally a difficult matchup for the Twins, AL East teams are seen only on three separate occasions. Minnesota would not reap the benefit of facing the Orioles, but they also would avoid the Yankees altogether. Seven games would be split between a Mookie-less Boston (4) and Tampa Bay (3) on the road, while the Blue Jays travel to Target Field for a four-game set. Although it’s not quite a 50/50 split, the Twins are looking at being the road team in 40 of the 76 contests. Last season they owned a strong .568 winning percentage at the home yard, but they generated a ridiculous .679 winning percentage on the road. I think it’s safe to say that given the talent of this team, they’ll likely be in a strong position to compete on a nightly basis. Now, there are two outliers that I think could factor into any 2020 schedule with these established parameters. One, July 4 makes substantially more sense for Opening Day than July 1st does. Capitalize on the patriotism towards our great country and realize there’s nothing more American than baseball and apple pie. Two, stretch the currently laid out schedule to incorporate at least five more games, creating an 81-effort affair. The former seems incredibly doable, and the latter to a certain extent as well. Major League Baseball has noted that teams will likely have expanded rosters this season, and the inclusion of doubleheaders will also become somewhat of a regular occurrence. Needing to add just five games, playing two on that few occasions seems simple. Should baseball push for something closer to a 100-game season, they’d need to add doubleheaders (or remove off days) on roughly 30% of the currently scheduled action. It’s also safe to assume that minor league baseball won’t be what we have traditionally seen. Having guys play in some sort of spring training back-field league makes a good deal of sense. Housing players at the complex, still getting in important development time, and having players ready to be called upon seem like benchmarks worth striving for. We’re still in the infancy of this all coming to fruition, but things appear to be trending in a positive direction. Following Plouffe’s initial report Jeff Passan noted that MLB is finalizing a proposal for MLBPA to review and agree upon. That would act as one of the last obstacles to overcome and should then lead quickly to the announcement of “Play Ball!” Initially feeling apprehensive about one of the best Twins teams in history being wasted on a goofy year, the blueprint laid out for what may be ahead is worth salivating about. The sport returns, the schedule remains soft, and close to 100% health for baseball’s beloved Bomba Squad could foster the most talked about World Series title in the history of the sport. 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

Back in April I wrote an article at Twins Daily about how the Stay at Home orders all but forced creativity upon baseball. The Twins Trevor May architected an MLB The Show Players League and by the end we had matchups on ESPN. With classic games being televised left and right, it was the initiative today that caught my eye. Here’s the thing, classic games are awesome, but it’s a slog for many to get through countless hours of a known outcome. Speaking specifically about myself here, it’s exactly the reason I’m not fond of re-watching movies, no matter how good they are. Committing a substantial amount of time only to know the end result isn’t an opportunity I jump at. On Opening Day, or what was supposed to be such, I tuned into Periscope to watch the Twins and Tigers game 163. It was a blast being there for that game, and it was probably the first time I’ve re-watched it since. The desire for action was significant given the removal of baseball on the day it was supposed to start. Fast forward to where we are today, and I haven’t watched a single re-run since. I stayed up for KBO Opening Day action, and I got all in on the Players League. Outside of that, it’s been pretty desolate on the sports front. Then there was a tweet from Ken Rosenthal that reminded me MLB.com was streaming non-stop coverage of some of baseball’s greatest half innings. One event for each of the 30 teams, hours of content, but broken up into just minutes of the best action. If this concept sounds familiar it’s because that’s exactly what the NFL has done in monetizing the Red Zone Channel. By cutting to action only in the biggest situations, fans are constantly kept abreast of the most exciting parts of a game. Rob Manfred has stumbled over his own shoelaces constantly when it comes to thinking of ways to draw in new fans. Thinking that pace of play is a substantial deterrent, or that pitchers facing a minimum number of batters, or even that a timer to speed up aspects are the answer, he continues to miss the mark. The product right now may be the best it’s ever been, but the accessibility of that product remains a massive hurdle. Games are blacked out even on the league owned streaming service. Players are not widely accessible across all markets, and promotion of the game is often done better by anyone not directly affiliated with the sport (who then immediately face copyright claims). This little endeavor on a random Wednesday afternoon could have unlocked something big though. Imagine an avenue to watch any game going on with runners in scoring position, the bottom of the ninth, or a late inning comeback. You’d consistently see new and emerging stars on the greatest stage, and you’d do it while introducing those players to fans that otherwise may not have watched that team. It would be a way to consume baseball in conjunction with your own team, and something fans would see as a significantly less daunting commitment. As a Twins fan I’m not watching an entire game between the Marlins and Pirates, but I’d love to see Brian Anderson with a late game opportunity to walk it off. There’s hurdles and red tape to work through with any new idea, but pushing those boundaries is something that baseball has failed to do time and time again. It’s when those types of initiatives are embraced that Rob Manfred will have begun to make the impact he’s long been looking for, and we’ll all be appreciative fans because of it. For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

Major League Baseball is currently in a holding pattern until a decision can be made regarding the safety of game action taking place with regard to COVID-19. Knowing baseball provides an outlet for fans, ESPN came to an agreement with the KBO and is broadcasting a game per day. On Opening Day, the NC Dinos won, and a former Twins hurler was in the middle of it.Hailing from Neenah, Wisconsin, Drew Rucinski is nearly “one of us.” The 31-year-old went to The Ohio State University and went undrafted. His major league debut came in 2014 and he compiled just over 50 career innings. After briefly playing on some good Angels teams he spent 2016 at Triple-A for the Cubs. With Minnesota scuffling, he parlayed success at Triple-A Rochester into a big league call-up during the 2017 season. Rucinski made just two appearances for the Twins. His initial output was 3.1 innings against the Red Sox in early May. Giving up five hits he surrendered two runs while fanning five and walking just one. His final outing would come at the hands of that infamous, World Series-winning, Houston Astros team. Pounding the Twins to the tune of a 16-8 score, A.J. Hinch’s club hung three runs on five hits against Rucinski in just one inning of work. The 2018 Marlins needed help almost everywhere on their roster, and Rucinski was able to carve out a regular role throwing over 35 innings for the club. His 4.33 ERA was respectable, but the peripherals didn’t provide much promise. Looking for a more lucrative opportunity, he journeyed abroad. After 177 innings with a 3.05 ERA in 2019, the former Twins was named the NC Dinos Opening Day starter for 2020. After a rain delay (because why not with the way this year has gone) threatened the opening salvo, we eventually got both Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez up at 1am eastern time to call action across the globe. It was an experience, and one that Ravech noted he’ll never forget multiple times. No fans were in the stands, but baseball being back prompted plenty of Americans staying up until the wee hours of the morning to catch the action. Rucinski wasn’t dominant, as he issued four free passes, but he also was unfazed. Allowing just three hits and fanning six against a superior team on the road is no small feat. The contingent of fans tuning in to a major league game didn’t see it, and the competition isn’t on the same playing field either. Even with those caveats, you couldn’t water down the performance for Rucinski who is now on center stage getting airtime he was never received to here in his homeland. Until we have a semblance of normalcy return, and a set parameters of how major league baseball will return to our lives, it’s the KBO that will take center stage. There are plenty of talented Koreans brandishing their abilities on a daily basis, but it might just be the random stories that pop up with the names you used to know that take hold. Tune in for the bat flips, stay up for the craziness, and really just enjoy the fact that we have baseball again. 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

When the calendar turns to May 5 over in Korea, we will officially have the Opening Day we never knew was necessary. Thanks to COVID-19 shelving Major League Baseball thus far in the United States, we are clamoring for sporting outlets. The NFL Draft drew massive numbers, and The Last Dance draws wonderfully on ESPN. Now, if you stay up late enough (rise early enough), we’ll get KBO action. It’s been weird to think about so little to cover as it relates to the Minnesota Twins or Major League Baseball I’d have numerous opinions and thoughts on the entire league, as well as the focal organization as a whole, but we have few things in the vein of new developments. That’s left Off the Baggy a bit light, as well as doing a similar number on go-to Twins site Twins Daily. Recently there however, I did write about a Minnesota slugger we never got to see in all his glory with the Twins. ByungHo Park was both injured and then ineffective when he traveled to the United States in hopes of continuing his KBO production. It was a perfect storm of unfortunate events and it never worked out for either party. Now back in his homeland, Park has been the pride of the KBO power production once again. Unfortunately, we won’t get a chance to see the Kiwoom Heroes on ESPN in the first week of broadcasts. The network is broadcasting one game a day and Kiwoom did not make the cut. For Opening Day central time zone viewers can catch first pitch between the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions at midnight. Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez will be on the call. I’m looking forward to staying up for the experience, and any form of baseball is better than the state we’re currently in. It will be interesting to see how the KBO game is received here, but I certainly hope that it’s batflips proving a key component to defeating this virus and the boredom brought on by it wiping out sports.

Baseball has been shelved thus far in 2020, and while we eagerly await the resumption of America’s greatest game, fans have been clamoring for other outlets. With MLB The Show 20 driving additional PlayStation sales and Topps cornering the card collecting market there’s been some decent alternatives. It wasn’t until Project 2020 though that turned one of those other avenues into an event.Traditionally Topps has released product on a scheduled basis throughout the calendar year. With the season itself being postponed, and production facilities being shuttered, the New York-based card company has had to get creative. Although this initiative was already underway prior to this global pandemic, Project 2020 has turned the noon hour into a mad dash on the internet for weeks. In an effort to blend baseball cards with artistic liberties Topps reached out to 20 different artists in hopes of having them reimagine 20 iconic rookie cards. Each day two new offerings become available until the entirety of the 400-card set is unveiled. They can only be purchased on Topps.com and are available for just 48 hours. Whatever number is bought are the exact number that is printed. Mike Trout’s cards have paved the way thus far, but it is one artist that I specifically have latched onto. Blake Jamieson, who himself resides in New York, did not debut until card number 18. His Nolan Ryan immediately set this thing on fire though. After only the initial Mike Trout and Ken Griffey Jr. cards topped the 2,000 print run plateau, Jamieson’s Ryan became the second-best selling card in the set. It was filled with color and was extremely appealing to the eye. From there his Don Mattingly and Jackie Robinson (appropriately dubbed card 42) have done awesome numbers as well. Instead of just observing from afar, I wanted to get to know Blake and find out a bit more regarding his connection to cards as well as baseball as a whole. He did an awesome interview with Beckett recently, and took the time to answer some questions for me here at Twins Daily. Twins Daily: Start from the ground up. As an artist you obviously draw inspiration from a handful of different sources. What describes your style and what are you hoping to portray in your pieces? Blake Jamieson: I am inspired by all different types of art (and things that are not art). But I think the biggest inspiration on my style is street art and graffiti. I find the magic in what other people might think are mistakes. In graffiti, we see that a lot because people are painting something in a hurry so to not be caught doing something illegal. I don't paint in the streets but try to take those same "imperfections" and apply them to my work on canvas. As for what I hope to portray, I guess I am trying to capture a moment and show a little more emotion or energy than you could get from a photograph. This is great for my work in sports portraits, where I am re-creating an iconic and important moment. Rather than an exact visual replication of that moment, from a certain perspective (photograph), I am trying to capture and show the energy from a ton of perspectives at one time. TD: How did you get connected with Topps, and specifically regarding baseball what drew you to the Project 2020 endeavor. BJ: About 6 months ago, I saw some work by an artist I really admire (Graig Kreindler) working with Topps. I thought that brand specifically (I grew up collecting Topps cards) could be a great partner to take my brand to the next level. Until then, I had done a ton of athlete portraits, but just 1/1 originals for the players themselves. I reached out to a few friends trying to find an introduction to someone at Topps. Those efforts came up completely dry. But later that week, Jeff Heckman (who is leading the Project 2020 efforts) sent me an email, asking if I'd like to chat about an upcoming project we could potentially work together on. That was Project 2020, and the rest is history now. Crazy how the universe works - with Topps reaching out to me the same week I became determined to work with them. Download attachment: Blake-Jamieson-In-Studio-05-HIGHRES.jpg TD: What does your baseball background look like? Who is your team, and what have been some of your best experiences with the sport? BJ: I grew up just north of San Francisco, in Marin County. My dad had season tickets to the Oakland A's, and I grew up idolizing Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco. I could identify players and teams by sight well before I could read. So my dad would take me into card shops when I was SUPER young (2-3 years old) and I was pointing at all the players listing their names, or the teams, and people thought I was some kind of prodigy. Rather, I just grew up with my dad showing me the ropes. We built a solid collection, which includes about 70K cards (every card between 1985-95). Then I kind of fell out of the hobby for a long time. But now with Project 2020, I am back in the game and it feels like I never left! Fortunately, my mom didn't throw away any of our collection, and it's super fun to dig through those old boxes now. It's a trip down memory lane, for sure! One of my favorite stories my dad likes to tell, is about how when I was young and we were at games, I learned very quickly that if I told a player he was my favorite player, he would usually give me a ball. Every time we came home from a regular game or spring training, we would have a whole bag of balls from everyone I talked to. I would also ask the players if they want MY autograph, after receiving theirs. They would always say yes, and I would write out BLAKE on a ball or something to give back to them. Man, if any of those players had a signed ball today still, that would be a trip! (and probably very valuable, haha) TD: Having created a few cards thus far, what has been some of the most difficult challenges in re-imagining iconic cards? What piece(s) are you most proud of and why? BJ: I think the Mariano Rivera card has been my biggest challenge (mentally) so far. Just because of the pose, I guess. I was having a difficult time visualizing what I am going to do with it. Mo was such an epic player, and there are so many great action shots that showcase that. But using the pic from the 1992 Topps card has caused me to think of other ways I can bring some energy to the card. I think I finally came up with a cool way to make that happen, but time will tell! TD: Looking at the Project 2020 offerings as a whole, how do you feel about the set and what do you hope is established between the art community and those interested in the baseball card hobby? BJ: I love everything about the project and the set. Mad respect for all the artists, and props to Topps for coming up with the concept. I think it will be the product of the year because it's bringing new life (and new attention) to a hobby that has not taken a ton of risks in recent history. It's so cool to hear people say things like "Blake, I love your art and have followed you for a long time. I haven't bought a baseball card in decades, but I just got yours... and now I am digging through old cards and taking a trip down memory lane!" And even for people who have never given up the hobby, I feel like as the set progresses, more and more of them are starting to get really excited. It was tough to visualize when only a few cards were out. But now that each artist has multiple releases, and you can start to see what an artist set of 20 could look like, it's gaining steam. I expect PRs to continue to climb, and these first 50 cards are going to be the SP an SSP of the entire set! Download attachment: DonMattingly_1984-Blake-Jamieson-WEB.jpg TD: Is there a particular card you have yet to put out that you're overly excited to work on or one specifically you have some great ideas in mind for? BJ: Trout is going to be epic. I have a few Easter eggs I am working in, that I think fans (who notice) will really appreciate. Also, my Mark McGwire is going to be nuts. The "Easter egg" is far less subtle in that one, but I think card collectors are going to flip out when they see it. TD: How has being quarantined throughout this process impacted your creative mindset? Have you found different outlets to draw inspiration from or is a sense of isolation generally how you work best? BJ: Honestly, I love working in isolation. I do miss occasionally having other artists over to my studio to collaborate, but I have filled that void by joining the card community online. I do live-streams every night from my studio at 10:23pm on YouTube (YouTube.com/blakejamieson). It's been something like 9 days in a row now, and it's what I look forward to most every day. The community there gets to help me choose colors, gives feedback and input on creative decisions, and it's literally like a giant collaboration that turns into art. The people on that stream have impacted the actual cards that Topps ends up printing, and that is just insane to think about. And for that reason, I feel more creatively stimulated than I have in a long time. TD: Finally, what is the greatest takeaway you want baseball fans to have in connecting with your art? BJ: Man, that's the hardest question on the list - to narrow it down to just one thing. I guess the greatest takeaway I could leave anyone with (baseball fan, or otherwise), is that it's never too late to take control of your own life and do what you love. I was 30 years old when I decided to quit a very lucrative corporate job to pursue my passion for art. I never went to art school, and I have no formal training in art. I am 35 now, and I've "worked" longer hours in that time than I ever did before, but as cliché as it sounds, it never feels like work. And in a short five-year span, I've managed to now be working with a company like Topps that I grew up only dreaming about. That's not because I have some God-given talent for making art. It's because I found something I loved doing so much that I was willing to spend long days and late nights teaching myself how to do it better than I could yesterday. Rinse and repeat. As of right now Topps has just surpassed the 50 card in the Project 2020 set. Two cards will continue to drop each day, Monday-Friday, until all 400 have been unveiled. There’s so many different way to collect or enjoy these offerings, and even just tuning in to look at the latest creations is a must. Blake is also giving away signed copies of his Jackie Robinson offerings on Twitter. Head here to enter. You can check out more of his work on his website here. 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

If the NFL Draft viewership numbers are an indication of the obvious, we are absolutely craving sports. After ESPN initially tried to acquire broadcasting rights to Korea’s KBO for free, it now sounds like a more sensible deal may be coming. For Twins fans that’s a neat development given the superstar that could soon grace our televisions.Back in December 2015 the Minnesota Twins paid just north of $12 million for exclusive rights to hammer out a contract with KBO superstar ByungHo Park. He then signed a four-year deal that would pay him $12 million in total. Unfortunately, he ended up playing in just 62 major league games and residing in American pro ball for just two seasons. After having watched him for nearly a decade, the Twins and Park went their separate ways with no real positives ever playing out. It was easy for fans to cherry pick an unrelated Asian signee in Tsuyoshi Nishioka as a reason why the Park deal went belly up. The reality is that neither player came from the same league, had a similar background, or were tied by any other means aside from their descent. Park had relocated to an entirely new country and was trying to acclimate in an entirely new environment. After being among the stars of the show in the KBO, he was just another face in the crowd for the Twins. Minnesota was coming off a 2nd place finish in the AL Central, and would be on their way to a disastrous 103-loss 2016. Park developed wrist issues early on in his first season with the club, and despite some time off, contended that it wasn’t an issue. Eventually in August he’d undergo further testing and cede to season ending surgery. In his first 32 Major League games Park posted a .917 OPS and 9 longballs. The power threat from the KBO had delivered out of the gate. As his malady nagged however, it became more difficult for him to continue producing. He’d post just a .444 OPS over his next 30 games, which turned out to be his last in the big leagues. Playing through injury is often commendable, but in this instance, likely cost him any future favor. Spring Training went well for Park in 2017 but he was ultimately sent to Triple-A Rochester where he dealt with a hamstring injury and posted just a .723 OPS in 111 games. Deciding the Twins weren’t the right fit for him, the final two years of his contract were forgone, and he returned home to Korea. Now back in the KBO for the past two seasons, the 33-year-old has picked up where he left off. Initially returning to the Nexen Heroes, Park Bang did exactly that. In 2018 he played in 113 games posting a ridiculous 1.174 OPS with 43 dingers. It wasn’t the 53 tally he launched in 2015 before signing stateside, but something had changed since his return from the big leagues. Park had an approach that posted a career best .457 OBP. After whiffing at a 2:1 K/BB clip in 2015, he’d dropped that number all the way down to 1.5. Repeating similar success in 2019, Park posted a .959 OPS with 33 homers and an identical 1.5 K/9. The largest knock on Park prior to entering the Majors was that his swing was long and an already strikeout prone hitter would whiff substantially for the Twins. His nearly 4.0 K/BB ratio with Minnesota proved that to be true, but again we never got to see what a healthy version of a man with his own home run song could do. Returning to Korea, it appears a level of plate discipline was learned and expanded upon only furthering his ability to produce as he rose in age. Now with the Kiwoom Heroes (same organization but a new sponsorship deal signed with Kiwoom Securities began in 2019) Park and former (albeit brief) Twin Taylor Motter will kick off the season together. Park is aging, but it doesn’t appear his abilities are going anywhere soon. We never got to see the best version of him stateside, and while this isn’t the same caliber of baseball, the guy that could have helped to transition towards the Bomba Squad may once again be on broadcasts in Twins Territory. In recent memory it’s Park that sticks out as a player that defines what could have been for me. We’ll never know, but now we can enjoy watching from afar. 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

We’re now quickly approaching May 1, a time in which Major League Baseball originally was slated to resume for the 2020 season. COVID-19 has continued to disrupt those plans, and the lack of sports has become frustratingly difficult. However, when we do get resumption (and that remains inevitable), I can’t help but reflect on two big returns. As things stand, we still have no idea when baseball will be back. The Coronavirus pandemic has dealt body blows to our country and around the world. Continuing efforts to react and respond to the situation has left resumption of what was once normal everyday life a complete secondary goal. That being said it seems that May will be a pivotal month for baseball. Today Jeff Passan wrote about the return of Major League Baseball, some of the ideas in place, and most importantly that the reality is trending from an if to a when. May could be the month that lays groundwork for future answers. We’re still likely a ways from seeing plan put into action, but having actual blueprints drawn out is a very integral part of the process. We have seen baseball halted before, not like this, but invoking similar feelings. There have been wars, tragedies, and events that have reach far beyond the diamond. When trying to anticipate what it may be like when we hear “Play ball!” again, I’m quickly drawn back to a pair of East Coast experiences. If you think about the hurt that 9/11 brought to the country, there are few greater pains than a mass killing in the name of hatred. I was just 11 at the time, but I know when we further distanced from the actual event that September 21 night in Queens was a big one. Mike Piazza hit a home run to dead center that shook the entire nation. I’m not a New York fan and supporting either of the Major League franchises there will never happen. I do know however; the country needed that homer. Years later Boston was at the center of an attack. With bombs going off during one of the most prolific events in the world, not only did the Marathon come to a halt, but so too did a city. I remember tracking the news about a manhunt that had people shuttered in their homes and led to the eventual capture of a coward hiding in a boat. The surreal emotions brought on by the initial impact and days that followed were truly mind boggling. When we had resumption of sport in the Massachusetts epicenter there he was, former Twins castoff David Ortiz. By this time Big Papi had become Boston. He was a fan favorite and will go down as one of the best hitters to ever play the game. After honoring all the brave men and women that vowed to keep the city safe, Ortiz did as he often does and gave us the “This is our f****** city” level of emotion. I don’t think suggesting a worldwide pandemic is along the same lines of hatred these other two instances sought out to prove, but there’s a unifying factor when we experience something together. The nation, and world, are going through this same event in a very similar way. Sports provide a distraction that allow us to turn from everyday life, and we can come together through fandom that unites people from so many different backgrounds. Give me flags flying, flyovers causing chills, and maybe the pop of the mitt bringing a tear to an eye. We likely won’t be in the ballparks to witness it, but baseball will be back, and we’ll all be better for it. For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

Dozier was an 8th round pick though.