As the Twins prepare to play Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals there was a strange sighting, Joe Mauer was reported to have caught the bullpen session for Nick Blackburn. Not as farfetched as a UFO sighting or alien abduction but a rare event nonetheless.
So far this spring Mauer has been taking it easy while rehabilitating his surgically cleaned up knee. Mauer appeared fine and stated there was never any doubt he would be ready opening day. That is music to the ears of Twins fans, this one included. A healthy Mauer, Morneau and Nathan are vital to a successful Twins run this year. With opening day about 4 weeks away it is time to start ramping things up soon.
Will be nice to start seeing rosters whittled down and the players coming north starting to play together. Ready for round 2 at Target Field!
VOYAGEUR COUNTRY-BOTTOM OF THE NINTH: Fans perspective and analysis of the Minnesota Twins as well as other favorites on occasion the Oakland A's, Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, and Colorado Rockies. Occasional opinions on traditional rival Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians as well as other hated teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, California Angels (or whatever they are named this week).
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Twins 2011 Roster: Already Set or Changes Coming.....
After the 2010 Twins season there were many questions and changes were on the horizon. As we head into 2011 many questions have been answered and changes have been made. There are still a couple health related questions but here is how we stand with remaining questions:
Starting Pitching-
Carl Pavano-appeared to be on way out after 2010 due to salary but signed multi year deal.
Francisco Liriano-Health issues appear gone. Was Twins target for multi year deal. Wanted 3/$36 mil. Signed 1 yr/$4mil+. Trade Speculation with Yankees.
Nick Blackburn-Appears healthy amd return to form appears imminent.
Brian Duensing-Split 2010 in bullpen and rotation. Gardy says rotation locked for 2011. Durability?
Scott Baker-Injury Concerns. Consistency Concerns.
Kevin Slowey-Trade speculation with Toronto as most often mentioned. Has not developed as hoped. Could be pen option.
Kyle Gibson- Nasty stuff!! Figures to take someones job after starting in AAA.
Bullpen-
Joe Nathan-Coming off Tommy John surgery. All Spring Training reports positive. Has good mental makeup.
Matt Capps-Solid setup man could close if Nathan has set back.
Jose Mijares-Good set up/mid inning lefty. Mental makeup needs tuning.
Glenn Perkins- Last hope in Twins career is as mid inning lefty. Possible long relief on occasion. Mentally?
Jeff Manship-Solid. Reliable. Good mental make up. Not a lot of experience. Needs to be on not dominating.
Scott Diamond-Rule V pick up end of 2010 season. Solid. Has a chance to stick.
Alex Burnett- Inexperienced. Control issues go with confidence. Will get call ups probably starts at AAA.
Pat Neshek-Needs to rebound from injuries. Velocity down. Mental make up questioned and in Gardys doghouse. Nasty when healthy.
Anthony Swarzak-inexperienced. Needs to be on. Not overpowering. Probably AAA.
Anthony Slama- Recently hurt. Sometimes pitches out of control. Awesome stuff. Needs to pitch smarter. AAA.
Eric Hacker- Question mark. Probably minors.
Jim Hoey-Seems to be solid pickup. Could make opening day. Inexperienced.
Dusty Hughes- LHP waiver claim from KC. Gave up on Rob Delaney lost to Tampa. Could make pen. Need solid lefty.
Deolis Guerra-Last Santana trade asset remaining. Huge upside!! No chance for opening day but sooooon.
Lots of pen options with nothing certain. A trade of Slowey and/or Liriano would probably solidify question marks. Lost Rauch, Guerrier & Crain to free agency as well as end of year rental players from 2010 push.
1B-Justin Morneau-Appears to be ready to return.
2B-Tsuyoshi Nishioka-Great D in spring training. Lots of speed. More comfortable here than SS. Still adjusting to US.
SS-Alexi Casilla-If he stays is up to him. More than likely last chance. Other options below.
3B-Danny Valencia-Solid rookie campaign. Great D. Nice bat. A little more power would help. Still developing.
RF- Michael Cuddyer-Versatile.Leader. Strong arm. Decent bat and delivers. Aging.1B insurance.
CF- Denard Span- Great leadoff hitter. Sees a lot of pitches. Decent bat. Off year 2010. Needs consistency. Speedy.
LF- Delmon Young- Awful D. Breakthrough 2010 with bat. Needs to follow it up. Need defesnive option to platoon.
C-Joe Mauer- Enough said. Needs to recover from minor knee cleanup.
DH-Jim Thome- Resurgent 2010. Repeat would be nice. Going for HR 600.
Util-Matt Tolbert - No bat. Speedy. Good D. Not here for long.
OF UTIL- Jason Repko -Good speed. Good D. Bat ok with more reps. Defensive option to DYoung.
OF UTIL- Ben Revere-Speedy. Developing bat. So so arm. Amazing defensive range and good glove.
BU C - Drew Butera-Calls good game. Throws out runners. Good defensively. Ok bat for #2 C.
DH/OF - Jason Kubel - Decent power. Inconsistent hitter. Has not produced in big games. Defensively average at best. Expensive for results.
Options:
INF - Luke Hughes, Trevor Plouffe, Chris Parmalee, David Winfree, Brock Peterson, Justin Huber, Brian Dinkleman
OF - Aaron Hicks, Rene Tosoni, Joe Benson
C- Danny Lehmann
Roster is getting top heavy without advancing. Trades may become inevitable. Other guys ready to step up and minors could use replenishing, not a lot of major league talent ready.
Tradeable assets: DYoung (defensive liability, inconsistent offense, trade value at its highest now, expensive and going up).
JKubel (inconsistent, big game bust, limited D, expensive).
Cuddy (should be extended not traded. See above. Career Twin.).
GPerkins (LHP can start or relieve, out of options, worn out welcome).
ASwarzak (Decent YOUNG reliever, we have enough in this mold).
MTolbert (Young, good D, Speed, no future in Minny).
ACasilla (Young speedy infielder with upside. Needs fresh start. Other better options available).
All of the above are the opinions of Bleacher View and not the Minnesota Twins although they should be.
We're Gonna Win Twins!!
Starting Pitching-
Carl Pavano-appeared to be on way out after 2010 due to salary but signed multi year deal.
Francisco Liriano-Health issues appear gone. Was Twins target for multi year deal. Wanted 3/$36 mil. Signed 1 yr/$4mil+. Trade Speculation with Yankees.
Nick Blackburn-Appears healthy amd return to form appears imminent.
Brian Duensing-Split 2010 in bullpen and rotation. Gardy says rotation locked for 2011. Durability?
Scott Baker-Injury Concerns. Consistency Concerns.
Kevin Slowey-Trade speculation with Toronto as most often mentioned. Has not developed as hoped. Could be pen option.
Kyle Gibson- Nasty stuff!! Figures to take someones job after starting in AAA.
Bullpen-
Joe Nathan-Coming off Tommy John surgery. All Spring Training reports positive. Has good mental makeup.
Matt Capps-Solid setup man could close if Nathan has set back.
Jose Mijares-Good set up/mid inning lefty. Mental makeup needs tuning.
Glenn Perkins- Last hope in Twins career is as mid inning lefty. Possible long relief on occasion. Mentally?
Jeff Manship-Solid. Reliable. Good mental make up. Not a lot of experience. Needs to be on not dominating.
Scott Diamond-Rule V pick up end of 2010 season. Solid. Has a chance to stick.
Alex Burnett- Inexperienced. Control issues go with confidence. Will get call ups probably starts at AAA.
Pat Neshek-Needs to rebound from injuries. Velocity down. Mental make up questioned and in Gardys doghouse. Nasty when healthy.
Anthony Swarzak-inexperienced. Needs to be on. Not overpowering. Probably AAA.
Anthony Slama- Recently hurt. Sometimes pitches out of control. Awesome stuff. Needs to pitch smarter. AAA.
Eric Hacker- Question mark. Probably minors.
Jim Hoey-Seems to be solid pickup. Could make opening day. Inexperienced.
Dusty Hughes- LHP waiver claim from KC. Gave up on Rob Delaney lost to Tampa. Could make pen. Need solid lefty.
Deolis Guerra-Last Santana trade asset remaining. Huge upside!! No chance for opening day but sooooon.
Lots of pen options with nothing certain. A trade of Slowey and/or Liriano would probably solidify question marks. Lost Rauch, Guerrier & Crain to free agency as well as end of year rental players from 2010 push.
1B-Justin Morneau-Appears to be ready to return.
2B-Tsuyoshi Nishioka-Great D in spring training. Lots of speed. More comfortable here than SS. Still adjusting to US.
SS-Alexi Casilla-If he stays is up to him. More than likely last chance. Other options below.
3B-Danny Valencia-Solid rookie campaign. Great D. Nice bat. A little more power would help. Still developing.
RF- Michael Cuddyer-Versatile.Leader. Strong arm. Decent bat and delivers. Aging.1B insurance.
CF- Denard Span- Great leadoff hitter. Sees a lot of pitches. Decent bat. Off year 2010. Needs consistency. Speedy.
LF- Delmon Young- Awful D. Breakthrough 2010 with bat. Needs to follow it up. Need defesnive option to platoon.
C-Joe Mauer- Enough said. Needs to recover from minor knee cleanup.
DH-Jim Thome- Resurgent 2010. Repeat would be nice. Going for HR 600.
Util-Matt Tolbert - No bat. Speedy. Good D. Not here for long.
OF UTIL- Jason Repko -Good speed. Good D. Bat ok with more reps. Defensive option to DYoung.
OF UTIL- Ben Revere-Speedy. Developing bat. So so arm. Amazing defensive range and good glove.
BU C - Drew Butera-Calls good game. Throws out runners. Good defensively. Ok bat for #2 C.
DH/OF - Jason Kubel - Decent power. Inconsistent hitter. Has not produced in big games. Defensively average at best. Expensive for results.
Options:
INF - Luke Hughes, Trevor Plouffe, Chris Parmalee, David Winfree, Brock Peterson, Justin Huber, Brian Dinkleman
OF - Aaron Hicks, Rene Tosoni, Joe Benson
C- Danny Lehmann
Roster is getting top heavy without advancing. Trades may become inevitable. Other guys ready to step up and minors could use replenishing, not a lot of major league talent ready.
Tradeable assets: DYoung (defensive liability, inconsistent offense, trade value at its highest now, expensive and going up).
JKubel (inconsistent, big game bust, limited D, expensive).
Cuddy (should be extended not traded. See above. Career Twin.).
GPerkins (LHP can start or relieve, out of options, worn out welcome).
ASwarzak (Decent YOUNG reliever, we have enough in this mold).
MTolbert (Young, good D, Speed, no future in Minny).
ACasilla (Young speedy infielder with upside. Needs fresh start. Other better options available).
All of the above are the opinions of Bleacher View and not the Minnesota Twins although they should be.
We're Gonna Win Twins!!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Starting Pitching Asset or Dilemma?
As Spring Training continues for the Twins in Ft. Myers one big question appears to be what to do with the starting pitching. Carl Pavano who re-signed during the off season has already been annointed as the Opening Day Starter by Manager Ron Gardenhire. After that while there are decent arms behind Pavanao there are even more questions.
Let's start with the number 2 pitcher, Francisco Liriano, who started last seasons playoff series against the NY Yankees. Liriano who was arbitration eligible in the off season was a target of the Twins for a long term contract as he appears to have put his Tommy John surgery behind him. Negotiations never really got off the ground however as Liriano and his agent were reportedly looking for a 3 yr deal in the $36 mil range. Liriano ended up signing a 1 yr deal for $4 mil + and has been the subject of trade speculation since his contract demands became public. Many people have him eventually being dealt to the Yankees as they are in dire need of starters after losing out in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes and the retirement of Andy Pettite.
The 3rd and 4th positions have been locked down according to Manager Ron Gardenhire although the order has yet to be established. Brian Duensing who last year split time between the pen and the rotation with equal effectiveness and at times dominance is one candidate. Duensing does however have durability concerns as he has spent the majority of the last couple years in relief and has not been stretched out for an entire season. Additionally he appeared to tire and melt down in his only post season appearance against the Yankees. Nick Blackburn who has shown when healthy that he can control a game and has been a big game pitcher in the past for the Twins is also a lock. Blackburn was injured the 2nd half of last year which resulted in reduced effectiveness and a mid season demotion to the minors. His injuries were treated over the winter and he appears to be the Blackburn of old down in Ft. Myers.
That leaves Scott Baker who not that long ago was at the top of the rotation and Kevin Slowey. Baker appears to have the inside track to the final spot if he can overcome his injuries and get back on track. Slowey who has battled injuries and inconsistency the last couple seasons has just not developed into the kind of pitcher he has the potential to be and that Gardy expects him to be at this point in his career. In fact in recent days Slowey has also been the target of trade speculation with the loudest rumors indicating a possible destination of Toronto, although this is NOT confirmed.
Pushing everyone although likely to start the season at AAA Rochester is Kyle Gibson. Gibson who was a late 1st round steal for the Twins a couple years back after falling in the draft due to injury concerns appears to be healthy and at times has nasty stuff. Gibson split time last season between AA and AAA and is ready to make the jump.
However things shake out it appears as if it will be an interesting end to Spring Training and the start of the regular season. Too much starting pitching is not something most teams have to worry about and gives the team some options as the season progresses.
Let's start with the number 2 pitcher, Francisco Liriano, who started last seasons playoff series against the NY Yankees. Liriano who was arbitration eligible in the off season was a target of the Twins for a long term contract as he appears to have put his Tommy John surgery behind him. Negotiations never really got off the ground however as Liriano and his agent were reportedly looking for a 3 yr deal in the $36 mil range. Liriano ended up signing a 1 yr deal for $4 mil + and has been the subject of trade speculation since his contract demands became public. Many people have him eventually being dealt to the Yankees as they are in dire need of starters after losing out in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes and the retirement of Andy Pettite.
The 3rd and 4th positions have been locked down according to Manager Ron Gardenhire although the order has yet to be established. Brian Duensing who last year split time between the pen and the rotation with equal effectiveness and at times dominance is one candidate. Duensing does however have durability concerns as he has spent the majority of the last couple years in relief and has not been stretched out for an entire season. Additionally he appeared to tire and melt down in his only post season appearance against the Yankees. Nick Blackburn who has shown when healthy that he can control a game and has been a big game pitcher in the past for the Twins is also a lock. Blackburn was injured the 2nd half of last year which resulted in reduced effectiveness and a mid season demotion to the minors. His injuries were treated over the winter and he appears to be the Blackburn of old down in Ft. Myers.
That leaves Scott Baker who not that long ago was at the top of the rotation and Kevin Slowey. Baker appears to have the inside track to the final spot if he can overcome his injuries and get back on track. Slowey who has battled injuries and inconsistency the last couple seasons has just not developed into the kind of pitcher he has the potential to be and that Gardy expects him to be at this point in his career. In fact in recent days Slowey has also been the target of trade speculation with the loudest rumors indicating a possible destination of Toronto, although this is NOT confirmed.
Pushing everyone although likely to start the season at AAA Rochester is Kyle Gibson. Gibson who was a late 1st round steal for the Twins a couple years back after falling in the draft due to injury concerns appears to be healthy and at times has nasty stuff. Gibson split time last season between AA and AAA and is ready to make the jump.
However things shake out it appears as if it will be an interesting end to Spring Training and the start of the regular season. Too much starting pitching is not something most teams have to worry about and gives the team some options as the season progresses.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
50th Season Legends Game
As the 2011 season inches closer I was pondering the inaugural season at Target Field. One of my personal favorite moments was the Legends Game on Sept. 5th before the Twins took on the Rangers.
One of the more interesting facts was that Rangers Manager Ron Washington, a former Twins player in the 1980's, suited up in a Twins uniform to participate. Of course once the fun was over he went back to the dark side.
The funniest moment of the day though was when Twins Legend Kent Hrbek while playing 1st base and & attempting to field a foul ball fell to the ground and took a substantial chunk out of the new turf at Target Field. He was immediately tended to by the celebrity umpiring crew, drawing a large laugh & round of applause from those in attendance who were happy to see Herbie in action once again.
Finally it was an immense pleasure to see Harmon "The Killer" Killebrew in a Twins uniform. He was limited in activity but was definitely part of the festivities. Thoughts and prayers go out to Harmon and his family as he continues to deal with cancer. Hope to see you back at Target Field soon.
One of the more interesting facts was that Rangers Manager Ron Washington, a former Twins player in the 1980's, suited up in a Twins uniform to participate. Of course once the fun was over he went back to the dark side.
The funniest moment of the day though was when Twins Legend Kent Hrbek while playing 1st base and & attempting to field a foul ball fell to the ground and took a substantial chunk out of the new turf at Target Field. He was immediately tended to by the celebrity umpiring crew, drawing a large laugh & round of applause from those in attendance who were happy to see Herbie in action once again.
Finally it was an immense pleasure to see Harmon "The Killer" Killebrew in a Twins uniform. He was limited in activity but was definitely part of the festivities. Thoughts and prayers go out to Harmon and his family as he continues to deal with cancer. Hope to see you back at Target Field soon.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Target Field Part Deux
How is it possible that the Inaugural Season of Target Field and 50th Season of Twins Baseball in Minnesota is already behind us? One thing for certain, it was a great season with alot of great memories.
The Metrodome gave us many memories as well including 2 World Series Championships, but that is about all that can be said about the dome. Target Field already has a division championship and 3 million plus attendance mark under its belt, only the 2nd time that has been achieved by the Twins in 50 years. It is baseball the way it was meant to be played and watched. Last year Sports Illustrated named Target Field the #1 venue in all professional sports for gameday fan experience. That is one thing that could never be said about the dome.
Season 2 at The Bullseye (still hasn't caught on) is about to get under way next month and Spring Training is already in full swing down in Ft. Myers. Expectations are high after back to back division championships, the return of Joe Nathan & Justin Morneau and another year of experience for the younger guys on the team. The team has already sold the equivalent of 25k full season tickets which over 81 home games equals 2,000,000+ tickets already sold and the gates are not even open for Opening Day.
Changes have already begun at Target Field as well. There is a 2nd large scoreboard, this one in right field near the overlook as well as a tower which will have game info and scores. The spruce trees in straightaway centerfield are gone to improve the batters eye, making it easier for hitters to pick up the ball. There are other changes as well including uniforms with the return of the road alternate blue bearing Minnesota in script similiar to that on the new road jersey unveiled last season. Also last seasons alternate cream throwback jersey was so popular it is now part of the regular jersey rotation and should be for the forseeable future.
Baseball is a long season and many things can happen over 162 games but I am looking forward to each and every one.
We're Gonna Win Twins!!
The Metrodome gave us many memories as well including 2 World Series Championships, but that is about all that can be said about the dome. Target Field already has a division championship and 3 million plus attendance mark under its belt, only the 2nd time that has been achieved by the Twins in 50 years. It is baseball the way it was meant to be played and watched. Last year Sports Illustrated named Target Field the #1 venue in all professional sports for gameday fan experience. That is one thing that could never be said about the dome.
Season 2 at The Bullseye (still hasn't caught on) is about to get under way next month and Spring Training is already in full swing down in Ft. Myers. Expectations are high after back to back division championships, the return of Joe Nathan & Justin Morneau and another year of experience for the younger guys on the team. The team has already sold the equivalent of 25k full season tickets which over 81 home games equals 2,000,000+ tickets already sold and the gates are not even open for Opening Day.
Changes have already begun at Target Field as well. There is a 2nd large scoreboard, this one in right field near the overlook as well as a tower which will have game info and scores. The spruce trees in straightaway centerfield are gone to improve the batters eye, making it easier for hitters to pick up the ball. There are other changes as well including uniforms with the return of the road alternate blue bearing Minnesota in script similiar to that on the new road jersey unveiled last season. Also last seasons alternate cream throwback jersey was so popular it is now part of the regular jersey rotation and should be for the forseeable future.
Baseball is a long season and many things can happen over 162 games but I am looking forward to each and every one.
We're Gonna Win Twins!!
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