Twinkie Town - All PostsAn online community of Twins fans mourning the death of Prince Rogers Nelson.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52554/tt_fav.png2024-03-18T17:33:34-04:00http://www.twinkietown.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T17:33:34-04:002024-03-18T17:33:34-04:00Duran, Thielbar, DeSclafani all injured; Buxton sore but OK
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<img alt="Dr. Frank Jobe Orthopedic Surgeon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gGczZHbfUMg0EabDYBXEgTLfzPo=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216475/1485839963.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This man performed the first Tommy John surgery. If you see him, something is wrong with you. | Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The two relievers are expected to be out for a little while, and DeSclafani possibly much longer.</p> <p id="v4spBm">Per Steve Adams <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/jhoan-duran-caleb-thielbar-anthony-desclafani-to-begin-season-on-injured-list.html">at MLB Trade Rumors</a>, Jhoan Duran has been diagnosed with a “moderate” oblique strain, and Caleb Thielbar with a strained hamstring. The Twins hope these injuries won’t last much longer than the first few weeks or the first month of the regular season.</p>
<p id="tm1x8j">Anthony DeSclafani, however, hasn’t pitched once in a Spring Training game, and <a href="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/anthony-desclafani-elbow-injury-dr-keith-meister-tommy-john/">will be seeing</a> elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to determine his options. As Matthew Trueblood <a href="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/injury-updates-duran-desclafani-thielbar-oblique-forearm-hamstring/">at TwinsDaily</a> put it, “‘I think “<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/johnto01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=twinsdaily.com&utm_campaign=2024-03-18_br">Tommy John</a>” is one of the autocomplete options when you start Googling “pitcher forearm strain.’”</p>
<p id="8fukeg">DeSclafani was part of <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/29/24055189/minnesota-twins-trade-jorge-polanco-seattle-mariners-anthony-desclafani-justin-topa-gabriel-gonzalez">the trade sending</a> Jorge Polanco to Seattle, and the Twins also picked up RHP reliever Justin Topa is that deal. He can be expected to fill part of the inning hole Duran and Thielbar leave open for now, along with lefty Steven Okert (who the Twins <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/11/24069551/twins-trade-nick-gordon-to-marlins-for-lefty-steven-okert">got by trading</a> Nick Gordon). <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2022/5/4/23054933/mlb-minnesota-twins-griffin-jax-relief-weapon-sweeping-sliders-curveballs-high-leverage">Griffin Jax</a> and last year’s breakout wonder Brock Stewart would presumably be the highest-leverage guys. (Although it’s worth remembering that Stewart has an unfortunate injury history, himself.)</p>
<p id="373v8o">The DeSclafani injury is possibly more damaging to the team’s season plans, although it locks in St. Paul’s own Louis Varland as the #5 starter. Varland’s gotten <a href="https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/louie-varland-has-another-strong-spring-training-start">lots of raves</a> from Baldelli and the press this spring — he was certainly going to be up fairly quickly this season, anyways.</p>
<p id="rg5SuO">As to the other clickbait in the title, Byron Buxton <a href="https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/twins-injuries-and-roster-moves">was scratched from</a> today’s game with back soreness. The team thinks he’s OK. This will always be concerning for Twins fans, and no doubt for Buxton. But he was the one who knew he was too hurt to play outfield last year, so if he says he’s feeling much better now, that’s a good sign.</p>
<p id="SbPW53">Looking at <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/15/24074098/breaking-down-the-twins-likely-2024-opening-day-roster">Ben’s roster breakdown</a> from last month, some of the pitching names who’ve been doing OK this spring include Jorge Alcala and Kody Funderburk. Josh Staumont has a minor league option year left, too. The Twins might also decide to go with a more traditional long-relief option like Cole Sands. We’ll see!</p>
<p id="X0ivLS">(Oh, and speaking of our old friend Gordon, he made a splash on some podcast or other by saying <a href="https://arizonasports.com/story/3544190/miami-marlins-nick-gordon-says-he-doesnt-believe-the-moon-is-real/">the moon isn’t real</a>. Just thought that after this frustrating baseball news, y’all might appreciate a story that’s about ballplayers being silly like ballplayers always do.)</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/18/24105238/mlb-minnesota-jhoan-duran-caleb-thielbar-anthony-desclafaini-all-injured-byron-buxton-sore-but-okJames Fillmore2024-03-18T13:00:00-04:002024-03-18T13:00:00-04:00Monday Morning Minnesota: The “Are We There Yet?” Edition
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Rays v Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/peMOW518E_dIXdMZRlPiD4R7X_k=/0x373:5587x4098/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215561/2094044792.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>I just need you all to stay health for two more weeks</p> <p id="gmp41z"><strong>The Past Week on Twinkie Town:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="U48JeP">While the polling is closed - take a look at <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/12/24092335/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-greg-gagne-cesar-tovar-rick-aguilera">all 20 rounds of the Greatest Minnesota Twins list</a>, thanks to Zach Koenig.</li>
<li id="fYgSxJ">Brian McCann tells us <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/14/24100718/now-or-never-for-trevor-larnach-minnesota-twins-matt-wallner-max-kepler">what’s at stake for Trevor Larnach</a> this season.</li>
<li id="Gdblyo">New year, new rules! Zach Koenig gives us the rundown on the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/15/24095985/mlb-minnesota-twins-rule-changes-pitch-clock-mound-visits-baseline-widening-foul-line-warming-up">new things fans need to know</a> for the 2024 season.</li>
</ul>
<p id="VBtsnS"><br><strong>Elsewhere in Twins Territory:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="HvQtwa">Tyler Kepner at The Athletic gives us an <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5341816%2F2024%2F03%2F18%2Fminnesota-twins-buxton-royce-lewis-correa%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinkietown.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104903%2Fmonday-morning-minnesota-the-are-we-there-yet-edition" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">inside look at the Twins’ stars</a> and their mindset going into 2024($).</li>
<li id="nSspu7">Bobby Nightengale at the Star Tribune <a href="https://www.startribune.com/twins-prospect-walker-jenkins-has-tools-to-be-great-both-now-and-in-the-future/600351552/">profiles top prospect Walker Jenkins</a> and his first spring training experience. </li>
<li id="flGVBO">Ted Schwerzler evaluates the Twins’ rotation <a href="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/the-big-question-minnesota-twins-top-of-the-rotation-r15783/">behind Pablo López</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="zryBXn"></p>
<p id="gifmYR"><strong>In the World of Baseball:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xET4bD">Old friend Michael A. Taylor is signing a <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/pirates-to-sign-michael-a-taylor.html">1-year, $4 million contract</a> with the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>.</li>
<li id="Rzaqm4">
<a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> ace, Dylan Cease, was <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/padres-finalizing-deal-for-dylan-cease.html">traded to the San Diego Padres</a> for three top prospects, Drew Thorpe, Jairo Iriarte, and Samuel Zavala, and reliever Steven Wilson.</li>
<li id="w25zGh">Numerous major leaguers are dealing with spring training injuries that will cause them to miss Opening Day including Gerrit Cole (<a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>), Devin Williams (<a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>), Eury Perez (Marlins), Jose Urquidy (<a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com">Astros</a>), and TJ Friedl (Reds).</li>
</ul>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/18/24104903/monday-morning-minnesota-the-are-we-there-yet-editionJohnKe2024-03-16T14:35:00-04:002024-03-16T14:35:00-04:00Everything you need to know about today’s “Spring Breakout” game
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Boston Red Sox" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g0gqyzIxFcy-NiyOAO7sJMOlDik=/0x0:7110x4740/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73212018/2088793315.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brooks Lee, being asked if milk is delicious. | Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’ll be the Twins’ top prospects vs. the Rays’, and they always have pretty good ones!</p> <p id="F63r7V">Today is the Twins’ “Spring Breakout” game. It’s something new for 2024 that every team will be doing this weekend, where each team plays its top prospects against the other team’s top prospects. Should be fun! Let’s get to the info.</p>
<p id="49l7QK"><strong>What time is the game?</strong> About 3:05 Central. The first game will feature Twins’ veterans against Rays’ veterans, and the Spring Breakout game is after that one. You really don’t care who lands the last bullpen spot, do you? Do you?</p>
<p id="8WrPna"><strong>Will it be on TV?</strong> Yes! FREE on the AtBat app! Also on the dreaded Bally Sports North, and MLB.TV.</p>
<p id="oHW6bG"><strong>Will it be on radio?</strong> Um... I dunno. The first game will be, for sure. At least the Audacy <a href="https://www.audacy.com/stations/wccoradio/shows/show-schedule">schedule page</a> says so. But it’s only listed from 12-3 PM. At 3 PM, something called “Sports Weekend With Steve Thomson” is listed. Maybe WCCO will pre-empt that for the Twins game, maybe not.</p>
<p id="rEcOYK"><strong>Who is Steve Thomson?</strong> I dunno that, either. Maybe, this guy?</p>
<div id="8IICqk"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RmZgVk3ItGc?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="DrnAhP"><strong>Forget about that, which Twins prospects are playing?</strong> Now you’re talking! Here’s the pitchers (they’re all RH):</p>
<p id="47B78z">David Festa (starting), Marco Raya, Charlee Soto, Zebby Matthews, Alejandro Crisostomo, A.J. Labas, Cody Laweryson, Juan Mendez, Jackson Noble, Miguel Rodriguez.</p>
<p id="zVBUdu">The hitters (super outfield prospect Walter Jenkins is nursing a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/twins/news/rays-twins-spring-breakout-2024-faq">left quad strain</a>): Catchers Ricardo Olivar, Andrew Cossetti, Noah Cardenas. Infielders Brooks Lee, Austin Martin, Luke Keaschall, Tanner Schobel, Brandon Winokur, Danny De Andrade, Yunior Severino, Ben Ross, Jose Salas. Outfielders Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Kala’i Rosario, Jose Rodriguez.</p>
<p id="iXUc4P"><strong>Did you just copy/paste that list from Do-Hyoung Park?</strong> Yeah but I <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/twins-spring-breakout-roster-2024?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage">switched the order</a> once or twice.</p>
<p id="eGvB2t"><strong>Where can I read about these future superstars?</strong> Our own Ben wrote <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/25/24049397/2024-emmanuel-rodriguez-minnesota-twins-top-prospects-evaluation">about Emmanuel Rodriguez</a>. And there’s expandable scouting reports about the others <a href="https://twinsdaily.com/minnesota-twins-top-prospect-rankings/#">on TwinsDaily</a> and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/twins/">on MLB.com</a>.</p>
<p id="e3swed"><strong>What about the guys they didn’t profile?</strong> Those guys are all crap and never will be any good.</p>
<p id="APpOzr"><strong>You’re forgetting Luis Arráez, he wasn’t considered a top prospect.</strong> Shut up.</p>
<p id="lMEPnU"><strong>Is this an actual game thread?</strong> No, but you can use it as one! Be nice to each other!</p>
<p id="J6ivcs">Enjoy the game, and be sure to go back to discover <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/8/24093862/mlb-links-dinosaurs-aliens-shane-greene-ryan-jeffers-cory-lewis-oakland-as-stadium-nfl-vikings-taxes">which baseball players</a> believe in aliens but not dinosaurs!</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/16/24103086/mlb-spring-breakout-game-minnesota-twins-tampa-bay-rays-david-festa-brooks-lee-emmanuel-rodriguezJames Fillmore2024-03-15T15:38:19-04:002024-03-15T15:38:19-04:00These new 2024 MLB rules are not made to be broken
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<img alt="World Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Texas Rangers - Game Two" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Zygny-uBUXE_d3-mF5WxZI10OHI=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73210393/1762312396.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Seconds shaved and baserunners saved</p> <p id="cS9rg8">In 2023, Major League Baseball unveiled the pitch clock and it was, by almost all accounts, an <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/4/27/23682784/mlb-minnesota-twins-pitch-clock-time-travel-stephen-king-christopher-nolan-star-trek-pace-baseball">enormous success</a>—curtailing the length of games well below the three hour mark and revitalizing fan interest across the board.</p>
<p id="MbM2ma">For this coming ‘24 campaign, MLB is building upon those seconds-shaving successes as well as adding a bit more <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29jij4ldkNs">space for activities</a> around first base. Here’s a look at exactly how the new additions to the 2024 Official MLB Rule Book shake out...</p>
<h3 id="8MCYsY">Rule Change #1: Four mound visits (down from five) per game.</h3>
<p id="fK0lIo">I’ve never watched a baseball game and thought “we need more mound assemblages”, so this seems like a good reduction—especially with <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2022/4/27/23040497/mlb-minnesota-twins-pitchcom-sign-stealing-game-pace-ground-control-to-major-tom">PitchCom continuing to take hold</a>.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Division Series - Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins - Game Four" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A7hj-u9BoJlOllQ6awyW7PNT4ZI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25333307/1730679228.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>“Throw the 103 mph cheddar” (Jeffers to Duran, presumably)</figcaption>
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<h3 id="F41brf">Rule Change #2: If a pitcher warms up on the field mound to begin an inning, he must face one batter.</h3>
<p id="ifUhuE">To quote Special Agent Dana Scully: “<a href="https://youtu.be/xZ8Sx01DJw8?si=JR1_LfMa30BTUKNS&t=108">Sure—fine—whatever</a>”. This scenario (pitcher warms up on mound but removed before facing a batter) happened a whopping 24 times <em>across all MLB</em> last season—not exactly needle-moving. But a good clean-up.</p>
<h3 id="7gb2ah">Rule Change #3: Pitch clock remains 15 seconds with no runners on base—but now 18 seconds (down from 20) with runners on base.</h3>
<p id="xcP3ly">As last season progressed, it became clear that pitchers were consciously taking more time as they adjusted to pitch clock parameters. Though I <em>do</em> think there’s a point in which time-squeeze would be detrimental, 18 seconds seems okay—especially after AAA went to 17 seconds in 2023’s final month and didn’t see a noted increase in violations.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Division Series - Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins - Game Four" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yPYGRXF_B7-iTe9W-d_FV45ieP4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25333311/1730641130.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Berding/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>“The clock starts NOW!”</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="DpKWYo">Rule Change #4: After a dead ball, the pitch clock will restart when the pitcher receives the ball—whether on the mound or not.</h3>
<p id="RDP9dr">Essentially, this rule prevents a pitcher from delaying the start of the clock by walking around the edge of the mound pre-pitch. While perhaps a <em>little</em> over-zealous on the part of MLB, it simply reinforces the clock <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/2/28/23618151/mlb-minnesota-twins-on-the-relationship-of-pitch-tempo-and-defense">being here to stay</a>. “Get used to it”, in other words.</p>
<h3 id="ENwsh8">Rule Change #5: The running lane to first base will be widened to include the dirt area between the foul line and the infield grass.</h3>
<p id="Vtubly">One of my <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2020/7/5/21310949/baseball-family-part-6-the-grand-father-finale">late grandfather’s</a>—who knew the MLB rulebook like a lit professor knows <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2021/5/19/22442838/2021-mlb-minnesota-twins-season-sonnet-form-william-shakespeare-would-probably-be-an-improvement-now">Shakespeare</a>—favorite exhortations on baseline plays was “he can’t run there!”. Well—now he <em>can</em> run there! Avoiding, say, Royce Lewis <a href="https://www.mlb.com/twins/video/royce-lewis-exits-with-injury">getting power-bombed by a first-sacker</a> seems like a no-brainer.</p>
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<img alt="Cleveland Guardians v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eHEpmCxpvCgfZdalwhB-G4DXBog=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25333291/1258441411.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Less of this, please and thank you</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wvmn26">Overall, I’m not opposed to any of these tweaks—yet. After last year, I’m optimistic that MLB is adopting a progressive mindset on making baseball more palatable to all fans. That being said, this is the same operation that will <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/3/24059917/twins-to-return-to-bally-for-2024">continue local TV blackouts</a> and roll with <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2024/03/01/mlbs-uniform-fiasco-is-about-more-than-see-through-pants-its-about-trust">see-through uniform pants</a>. Hopefully, MLB will find the right balance of “tough enough to enforce pace-of-play” and “flexible enough to roll back if needed”.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/15/24095985/mlb-minnesota-twins-rule-changes-pitch-clock-mound-visits-baseline-widening-foul-line-warming-upZach Koenig2024-03-14T14:26:21-04:002024-03-14T14:26:21-04:00Now or Never for Trevor
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JZCnfF16_mIYdg-sG3czUadLer0=/0x0:1200x800/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73207406/Larnach.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck- USA Today Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Former first round pick Trevor Larnach tries to find his way with the Twins</p> <p id="kYlQXE">As the Twins roll into 2024, they will open the season with a former first-round pick in leftfield, but unfortunately for Trevor Larnach, that man’s name is Matt Wallner. Injuries and inconsistency have largely stunted Larnach’s career, as he appears to be on the outside looking in going into 2024. While the 27-year-old Larnach has flashed the tools that made him the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2018/6/4/17427366/twins-2018-mlb-draft-minnesota-selects-of-trevor-larnach-with-the-20th-overall-pick">20th pick of the 2018 MLB Draft</a>, he will need some health and on-field success in order to continue his marriage with the Twins.</p>
<p id="hA3QUx"></p>
<p id="GUB7GS"><em>HOW DID WE GET HERE?</em></p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-7ObEe1HBkKjaNLXm2cVM_dbIRc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335813/larnach_osu.jpg">
<cite>Oregon State University</cite>
</figure>
<p id="o2llTZ">Coming out of College Park High School (Pleasant Hill, CA) in 2015, Larnach was a 40th-round pick by the Padres, but he instead opted to attend Oregon State. After two up-and-down seasons, Larnach would break out in his junior season, hitting .348, smacking 19 home runs, and posting an OPS of 1.116. His exploits were a part of a ridiculous college lineup that included Steven Kwan, Nick Madrigal, and future top pick Adley Rutschman. The Beavers would go on to win the College World Series on the back of that lineup. Following his successful junior season, Larnach’s draft stock skyrocketed into the first-round range. <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2018-top-500-mlb-draft-prospects/">Baseball America had him as the 27th-ranked prospect</a> going into the draft, while stating that “some area scouts believe he could tap into 25-plus home runs as a pro.” His draft profile was less bullish about his defense, saying “defensively, he’s likely a corner outfielder with below-average speed but enough athleticism to make the routine plays.” The Twins would make Larnach the 20th pick of the 2018 draft and would sign him to a $2.55M signing bonus. In 2019, <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2018/8/27/17771742/minnesota-twins-mlb-trevor-larnach-omaha-midwest-league-journey">Larnach would reach as high as Double-A</a> in the Twins organization, hitting over .300 and posting an OPS of .842 for the season. Unfortunately for Larnach, his ascent through the minor leagues would be put on hold due to the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season. Larnach wouldn’t wait around in the minors for long in 2021, as injuries to Alex Kirilloff and Byron Buxton would create a need for an outfielder, and the Twins would <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/9/20/23882386/game-153-twins-at-reds#:~:text=Trevor%20Larnach%20was%20recalled%20to,while%20Royce%20is%20still%20TBD.">recall Larnach on May 7th, 2021</a>. Since his ascension into the big leagues, Larnach has developed a Gallo-esque hitting profile, making hard contact when he makes contact, but also having a hard time doing so.</p>
<p id="3AWLWP"></p>
<p id="en0DSC"><em>THAT’S LOW, MAN</em></p>
<p id="Z6xTU2">Since entering the league, Larnach has a had a hitting profile full of extremes, both good and bad. Here are some of his career numbers below:</p>
<p id="Lb5dhq"><strong>THE GOOD:</strong></p>
<p id="cU1Tsc"><strong>Barrel %</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="6PTS16">Larnach: 11.2%. </li>
<li id="o5v9JI">MLB Average: 6.9%</li>
</ul>
<p id="uZNbUK"></p>
<p id="5vmPnv"><strong>Average Exit Velocity</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="waViFx">Larnach: 90.1 MPH </li>
<li id="ljcQSP">MLB Average: 88.4 MPH</li>
</ul>
<p id="c4fmaR"></p>
<p id="XeKXyz"><strong>Sweet Spot %</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="KjYyqM">Larnach: 37.2% </li>
<li id="cee3Wz">MLB Average: 33.1%</li>
</ul>
<p id="POM4BG"></p>
<p id="jNp1Na"><strong>Expected Weighted On-Base w/contact (XWOBACON)</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="SqKCnN">Larnach: .428 </li>
<li id="finV5b">MLB Average: .369</li>
</ul>
<p id="xcCsVX"></p>
<p id="tgmTqu"><strong>Hard Hit %</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="2smJGl">Larnach: 44.4% </li>
<li id="I8ANjj">MLB Average: 36.3%</li>
</ul>
<p id="851iFm"></p>
<p id="NJI7F1"><strong>BB%</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="HzmW0h">Larnach: 11.0% </li>
<li id="B3u0qf">MLB Average: 8.4%</li>
</ul>
<p id="rYjVQJ"></p>
<p id="q5pSJQ"><strong>THE BAD:</strong></p>
<p id="oyyUBt"><strong>Expected Batting Average</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="Y3wOI5">Larnach: .217 </li>
<li id="2D95wc">MLB Average: .245</li>
</ul>
<p id="FogMnV"></p>
<p id="1CfYv1"><strong>Whiff %</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="8yO8EC">Larnach: 38.5% </li>
<li id="mx9eT9">MLB Average: 24.8%</li>
</ul>
<p id="0SN2U4"></p>
<p id="6dLh0S"><strong>K% </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="rNFyNq">Larnach: 33.6% </li>
<li id="l6CmOi">MLB Average: 22.1 % </li>
<li id="YuNDz8">League-worst in 2023 (Qualified): 32.7%</li>
</ul>
<p id="GvfRwM"></p>
<p id="0uBjxR"><strong>Zone Contact % </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="Ba8mQ7">Larnach: 73.8% </li>
<li id="OE4dFw">MLB Average: 82.0%</li>
</ul>
<p id="J2Csfq"></p>
<p id="II6b6L"><strong>Chase Contact %</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="g0SRVu">Larnach: 33.5% </li>
<li id="iTjZ5V">MLB Average: 58.0%</li>
</ul>
<p id="BArcF7">As the data above shows, Larnach hits the ball at a well-above average clip when he makes contact, but he also has an incredibly hard time making contact, especially on pitches below the strike zone. As it goes with most young hitters, as tendencies begin to emerge, the MLB pitchers become more apt to exploit them. This is certainly the case with Larnach, as you can see with the zones below (from the hitter’s view).</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p5j_eKdYcnNfbZsHZLJKvooMfok=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335990/larnach_pitch_.png">
<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PMANSRnBMVtiz5dzjjmwz1N3Dw4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335995/Larnach_whiff.png">
<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G2gWxJKdO-UWQicmT_fcK6od4bc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25335999/larnach_strikeouts.png">
<cite>Baseball Savant</cite>
</figure>
<p id="VNaWCC">With the zones displayed above, you can see that pitchers are apt to attack Larnach low in the zone, and that’s where the bulk of his strikeouts reside. Pitchers have done that with a variety of off-speed pitches, and Larnach has had mighty struggles with that. In 2023, Larnach got chewed up by off-speed and breaking pitches:</p>
<p id="Lp4phV"><strong>Batting Average</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="n9WQs1">Slider: .188 </li>
<li id="lb5Gh4">Changeup: .095 </li>
<li id="H9evzj">Curveball: .120</li>
</ul>
<p id="CInIcH"></p>
<p id="hK2i2d"><strong>Whiff %</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="GttPx0">Slider: 50.0% </li>
<li id="GJIReN">Changeup: 42.6% </li>
<li id="fcBitt">Curveball: 50.0%</li>
</ul>
<p id="nZEI1P"></p>
<p id="YvxksL"><strong>K%</strong> </p>
<ul>
<li id="QCbxHe">Slider: 51.5% </li>
<li id="g7SLdL">Changeup: 23.1% </li>
<li id="7adSeZ">Curveball: 66.7%</li>
</ul>
<p id="zG4kKo"></p>
<p id="7dWZvp">For Larnach to take a step forward as an MLB regular, it’s clear he will need to either start laying off of off-speed pitches below the zone or find a way to begin making contact with them. It’s probably safe to assume that he’s spent a ton of time in cage seeing breaking pitches in order to find a way to combat them more effectively.</p>
<p id="TqZiQY"></p>
<p id="j65Tzp"><em>PATHS TO THE BIG LEAGUES</em></p>
<p id="iAGEfP">With Max Kepler in his contract year, it would seem that Larnach can throw his name in the hat as an heir apparent. That may not be as simple as it seems. Larnach faces a few road blocks on his way to the big leagues, with the first being the current MLB roster. For the Twins to feel comfortable handing a corner spot full-time to Larnach, they will likely want him to show a level of success at the big leagues. With Wallner and Kepler entrenched in their corner spots, Byron Buxton patrolling center, the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/26/24083995/minnesota-twins-acquire-trade-manuel-margot-from-los-angeles-dodgers-noah-miller-rayne-doncon-cash">addition of Manny Margot</a>, and the versatility of Alex Kirilloff and Willi Castro, it may be very difficult for Larnach to find at-bats. Another hindrance for Larnach is his extreme platoon splits. Against right-handed pitchers, Larnach carries a career OPS of .741 (112 OPS+), while his OPS against lefties sits at .569 (63 OPS+). While a platoon pairing may seem like an easy solution, Wallner also carries the same extreme platoon splits, and the Twins have been trying to improve against lefties for what seems like the better part of a decade. Larnach also has a lot to prove this year due to the fact that he will be out of minor-league options after this season. He is likely to begin the season in St. Paul this year, and as we have seen with fellow first-rounder Nick Gordon, that option will not be available in 2025. Larnach will need to take a large step forward in 2024 in order to put himself the in Twins’ future plans. With top prospects such as Emmanuel Rodriguez, Gabriel Gonzalez, Austin Martin, and even 2023 first-rounder Walker Jenkins moving through the system, it will be a tall task for Larnach to establish himself. The Twins and Twins fans alike will both be hoping for a big breakout season for him.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/14/24100718/now-or-never-for-trevor-larnach-minnesota-twins-matt-wallner-max-keplerNotThatBrianMcCann2024-03-12T08:00:00-04:002024-03-12T08:00:00-04:00Greatest Minnesota Twins: The Twinkie Town Definitive List (Round 20)
<figure>
<img alt="Chicago White Sox v Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4bkvtor4F5btY0lnfbZHT3RmEog=/0x0:2171x1447/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73200465/120768676.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Aggie—never braggy</p> <h2 id="Ryrw7I">Rounds 1-19 Results:</h2>
<ol>
<li id="1IrLh6"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/10/31/23931722/mlb-minnesota-twins-harmon-killebrew-tony-oliva-rod-carew-kirby-puckett-joe-mauer-metrodome">Harmon Killebrew</a></li>
<li id="a5Z58N"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/11/7/23939751/mlb-minnesota-twins-harmon-killebrew-kirby-puckett-tony-oliva-rod-carew-joe-mauer-bert-blyleven">Kirby Puckett</a></li>
<li id="eqGvcf"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/11/14/23953466/mlb-minnesota-twins-kirby-puckett-tony-oliva-rod-carew-joe-mauer-bert-blyleven-kent-hrbek">Rod Carew</a></li>
<li id="V99nMP"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/11/21/23962382/mlb-minnesota-twins-greatest-ever-tony-oliva-rod-carew-joe-mauer-bert-blyleven-kent-hrbek-jim-kaat">Tony Oliva</a></li>
<li id="ylcC5Q"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/11/28/23972625/mlb-minnesota-twins-greatest-tony-oliva-torii-hunter-joe-mauer-bert-blyleven-kent-hrbek-jim-kaat">Joe Mauer</a></li>
<li id="gPXcxk"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/12/5/23981390/mlb-minnesota-twins-greatest-tony-oliva-torii-hunter-bert-blyleven-kent-hrbek-jim-kaat-brad-radke">Bert Blyleven</a></li>
<li id="cEUIj1"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/12/12/23991610/mlb-minnesota-twins-greatest-bert-blyleven-johan-santana-torii-hunter-kent-hrbek-jim-kaat-brad-radke">Kent Hrbek</a></li>
<li id="mMPqjM"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/12/19/24002293/mlb-minnesota-twins-best-justin-morneau-johan-santana-torii-hunter-kent-hrbek-jim-kaat-brad-radke#comments">Jim Kaat</a></li>
<li id="rzRhZX"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/12/26/24011919/mlb-minnesota-twins-justin-morneau-johan-santana-torii-hunter-jim-kaat-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Johan Santana</a></li>
<li id="t46GHt"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/2/24018390/mlb-minnesota-twins-justin-morneau-johan-santana-torii-hunter-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Torii Hunter</a></li>
<li id="AfzOHC"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/9/24024847/mlb-minnesota-twins-justin-morneau-joe-nathan-torii-hunter-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Justin Morneau</a></li>
<li id="SCiB2z"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/16/24035426/mlb-minnesota-twins-justin-morneau-joe-nathan-frank-viola-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Frank Viola</a></li>
<li id="aqUzWR"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/23/24041808/mlb-minnesota-twins-bob-allison-joe-nathan-frank-viola-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Joe Nathan</a></li>
<li id="P4joiA"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/30/24050971/mlb-minnesota-twins-bob-allison-joe-nathan-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Brad Radke</a></li>
<li id="IYT2QY"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/6/24056539/mlb-minnesota-twins-bob-allison-gary-gaetti-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-brad-radke">Gary Gaetti</a></li>
<li id="je7uTC"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/13/24065064/mlb-minnesota-twins-bob-allison-gary-gaetti-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovar">Bob Allison</a></li>
<li id="Nr3AKp"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/20/24074657/mlb-minnesota-twins-bob-allison-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovar">Jim Perry</a></li>
<li id="cf2d3s"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/27/24080745/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovar#comments">Chuck Knoblauch</a></li>
<li id="vCLr4n"><a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/5/24085417/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovar-rick-aguilera">Rick Aguilera</a></li>
</ol>
<p id="kxdrmo">Rick Aguilera didn’t possess the door-slamming dominance of Joe Nathan. He wasn’t lovably frenetic like Eddie Guardado. In his era, closers didn’t <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2022/5/14/23068171/mlb-minnesota-twins-walk-up-songs-carlos-correa-bad-bunny-jhoan-duran-needs-a-fire-entrance-song">turn the ballpark into a rave</a> upon their arrival. Aggie simply piled up saves whether for champions or cellar-dwellers.</p>
<p id="Cviwmr">Coming to the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> in the 1989 Frank Viola swap after a pretty successful starting tenure with the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> (winning a ring with the ‘86 Amazins’), Aguilera was immediately installed in the bullpen and from 1990-1993 (149 saves, 153 ERA+) was a top-tier hurler in the relatively newfangled role of one-inning closer. In the 1991 playoffs, he recorded 5 saves in 8.1 IP and allowed just one run.</p>
<p id="HHQZzW">Traded to the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> late in 1995, Rick must have enjoyed the Land of 10,000 Lakes, as he immediately returned in free agency and pitched in Minny pinstripes through 1999! Even on those generally awful Twins squads from ‘93-’99, Aggie would still rack up saves—318 in total.</p>
<p id="WKfGKu">One of my earliest “following the team in earnest” memories is of picking up a Star Tribune in ‘95 and seeing that Aguilera (a “favorite” of mine simply because the closer is usually the last guy on the mound in a victory) had been traded.</p>
<p id="Mw6HYJ">The next entry: A sweet-fielding SS with a few memorable moments.</p>
<h2 id="TwNzwP">Round 20:</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Detroit Tigers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kkEiv1_bjNAVgHdyksJtTS05ndY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25248930/95746399.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Diamond Images/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="7Xs5mq">Camilo Pascual</h3>
<ul><li id="U3UGZT">Considering that Camilo Pascual’s first seven MLB seasons with the Washington Senators were nothing to write home about—57-84, 4.04 ERA, 97 ERA+—it is amazing he makes this poll series at all. But the train ride west to Minnesota revitalized the curveball specialist. His next six years (1961-1966) in Twins Territory: 80-51, 3.17 ERA, 121 ERA+. Camilo notched two 20-win seasons, 4 200+ K campaigns, and was a perennial All-Star wearing the TC cap.</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6J4uQ1pU9WUcUWt1dKMa4uYrPbs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25272511/904316668.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="BnIgbm">Cesar Tovar</h3>
<ul><li id="NKePaP">The primary value of Cesar Tovar was his ability to play every position on the diamond—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTR3A4vIrug">quite literally</a>. His “Standard Fielding” Baseball-Reference table is a <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tovarce01.shtml#standard_fielding">sight to behold</a>. But he could also contribute with the lumber and on the base paths. From 1965-1972, his 162-game average was 685 PA, 173 H, 29 2B, 28 SB, even BB:K ratio, and 102 OPS+. Essentially, Tovar was a league-average batter who provided tremendous versatility in the field. Add it all up and he contributed 25.8 WAR with the Twins in a short period of time.</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Baltimore Orioles" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hkMzD8mWhxsAuUtspaKvxTwG7Uo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25288895/181711851.jpg">
</figure>
<h3 id="bsLZG1">Dave Goltz</h3>
<ul><li id="CF2AaQ">Plying his trade during the “perpetually .500” era of 1970s Twins baseball, Dave Goltz had one of the most nondescript—yet solid—tenures in franchise history. His 1977 campaign—20-11, 303 IP, 19 CG, 3.36 ERA, 119 ERA+—garnered him Cy Young Award votes, and his ‘78 (15-10, 2.49 ERA, 155 ERA+) may have been even better. From 1974-1979, the Pelican Rapids native was a lock to notch 15 victories with solid peripherals even on bland squads.</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Tampa Bay Rays v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PvkR7luLWVkbKYBulfckJZ0m-W0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25300239/1004533612.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="2UjmLx">Brian Dozier</h3>
<ul><li id="GpOkf5">In the early goings of Target Field, it was very much considered a pitcher’s park—until Brian Dozier found the cheat code. Initially a weak-fielding, mediocre-hitting SS prospect, Dozier re-invented himself after discovering he could turn on balls and send them straight down the LF line and into the bleacher seats. From 2014-2018 he hit 143 home runs in a Twins uniform, to the tune of a 114 OPS+. His flare for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOejCFqzHro&t=9s">dramatic, clutch dingers</a> was also legendary.</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins Greg Gagne..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Whc4B21Sb17NeYolfqtBXIZU6DY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25321207/88225483.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X43115</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="LOqyu2">Greg Gagne</h3>
<ul><li id="v7kHIS">Greg Gagne’s calling card was always his defense. Coming up with the early-’80s core (Puckett, Gaetti, Hrbek, Viola), his Fielding Runs Above Average scores were routinely in double digits on the positive side and his Range Factor normally stayed at a solid 4.5 (if not approaching 5.0+). His bat—84 OPS+ from 1985-1992—might wax and wane, but he put up an 1.187 OPS in 22 1987 ALCS plate appearances, then in the subsequent <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> clubbed a homer, recorded 10 total bases, and <a href="https://youtu.be/9w1_Itz5n38?si=_QtYhGJfa1jNOwrR">precipitated the Game 7 go-ahead run</a>. In 1991’s Fall Classic, he put the Twins definitively in control of Game 1 with a <a href="https://youtu.be/GQ6JUXIvi80?si=BvNWty6kt3fyBolu">big blast</a>.</li></ul>
<div id="X0lc48"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12271272"></div></div>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/12/24092335/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-greg-gagne-cesar-tovar-rick-aguileraZach Koenig2024-03-11T11:00:00-04:002024-03-11T11:00:00-04:00Monday Morning Minnesota: The Daylight Savings Edition
<figure>
<img alt="Philadelphia Phillies v Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s02Gve1hiceBYP88Hk0oW7Swfdo=/0x0:6886x4591/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73197956/2068438633.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’re all a little sleepier</p> <p id="gmp41z"><strong>The Past Week on Twinkie Town:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="U48JeP">Your annual reminder from Ben Jones on <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/4/24090673/mlb-minnesota-twins-an-important-spring-training-psa">what to look for at Spring Training.</a>
</li>
<li id="KtsLDL">Bailey Ober continues to evolve and get better. John Foley takes a look at <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/6/24087890/mlb-minnesota-twins-bailey-ober-upgraded-his-arsenal-again">Ober’s change(up) to his arsenal.</a>
</li>
<li id="UfAFbr">James Fillmore provides <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/8/24093862/mlb-links-dinosaurs-aliens-shane-greene-ryan-jeffers-cory-lewis-oakland-as-stadium-nfl-vikings-taxes">all the links you could ever want</a> about baseball...or really anything else.</li>
<li id="a8YkjG">With Spring Training comes even <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/9/24094614/rival-roundup-vol-53-the-grinds-of-march">more AL Central news</a> - all wrapped up neatly by Brandon Brooks.</li>
<li id="IsNyC9">Zach Koenig <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/10/24088262/mlb-minnesota-twins-road-warriors-home-win-percentage-target-field-metrodome-metropolitan-stadium">evaluates home/away splits</a> for the Twins.</li>
</ul>
<p id="VBtsnS"><br><strong>Elsewhere in Twins Territory:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="HvQtwa">Cody Christie at Twins Daily provides <a href="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/3-post-hype-prospects-attempting-to-return-to-the-twins-long-term-plans-r15812/">three post-hype prospects</a> that you might want to pay attention to.</li>
<li id="nSspu7">Dan Hayes at The Athletic looks at <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5316156%2F2024%2F03%2F08%2Fgriffin-jax-twins-mental-skills-coaching%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twinkietown.com%2F2024%2F3%2F11%2F24097169%2Fmonday-morning-minnesota-the-daylight-savings-edition" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">how the Twins are using mental skills coaching to help their players ($)</a>.</li>
<li id="flGVBO">Bobby Nightengale at the Star Tribune gives us a peek into <a href="https://m.startribune.com/twins-brooks-lee-spring-training-mlb-draft/600349716/">Brooks Lee’s Spring Training</a> and how the top-100 prospect is adjusting in his second major-league camp ($)</li>
<li id="8XcEnu">Do-Hyoung Park at <a href="http://MLB.com">MLB.com</a> provides an <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/david-festa-working-on-building-endurance-for-twins">inside look at the Twins’ top pitching prospect</a>, David Festa</li>
</ul>
<p id="zryBXn"></p>
<p id="gifmYR"><strong>In the World of Baseball:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xET4bD">Joey Votto is going home - the longtime Red <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/blue-jays-agree-to-minor-league-deal-with-joey-votto.html">signed a minor league contract</a> with the <a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a>. Votto, who grew up in the Toronto area, agreed to a deal that will pay him $2 million if he makes the major league roster.</li>
<li id="Rzaqm4">Noelvi Marte of the Reds <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/noelvi-marte-receives-80-game-suspension-after-positive-ped-test.html">received an 80-game suspension</a> after testing positive for PEDs. Marte was part of the trade package from Seattle in the Luis Castillo trade and had appeared in 35 games for Cincinnati in 2023. He had been penciled in as the Opening Day starter at third base, but now will not make his season debut until mid-season.</li>
<li id="w25zGh">MLB Trade Rumors came out with their always excellent <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/out-of-options-2024.html">“Out of Options” article</a>, listing every player with less than five years of service time who no longer has minor league options and will need to pass through waivers before being sent down to the minors.</li>
</ul>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/11/24097169/monday-morning-minnesota-the-daylight-savings-editionJohnKe2024-03-10T09:35:00-04:002024-03-10T09:35:00-04:00Is baseball becoming a Road Warriors sport?
<figure>
<img alt="Super Stars of Wrestling" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WBCygu2YAcYHuhxKsB6Mo_V7UAE=/93x0:2198x1403/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73195861/1023236.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Home is where the heart is—but not always where the wins are</p> <p id="BgLN3u">The other day, I read in Sports Illustrated (<a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/2/24055284/mlb-minnesota-twins-sports-illustrated-magazine-journalism-baseball-weekly-best-buy-swimsuit-issue">smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em</a>) that road teams in Major League Baseball are having an easier go of it than almost ever before. In 2023, home team winning percentage was down to .521—the lowest number since 1971.</p>
<p id="yLJ02l">Whereas NFL stadium noise is a tangible factor in team performance, no such direct fan outcome is seen on the diamond. With stadium dimensions becoming more standardized, playing surfaces impeccably manicured, and visiting quarters more posh than podunk, it stands to reason that the guys batting first aren’t at such a disadvantage any longer.</p>
<p id="AI0fpT">With that in mind, I was curious about the best (and worst) home/road winning percentages in <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> history...</p>
<h3 id="HtEBoQ">Best Home Winning Percentage</h3>
<p id="VRtaSa">(Note: Technically, the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2020/3/15/21179636/mlb-minnesota-twins-coronavirus-pandemic-season-suspended-what-uncertainty-feels-like">pandemic-shortened</a> 2020 season produced a franchise-best .774 home WP. Perhaps unused seats should feature cardboard cutouts again?)</p>
<ul>
<li id="IAF7uf">1969: .704 (57-24)</li>
<li id="UPQsf8">1987: .691 (56-25)</li>
<li id="zsB14z">2002 & 2006: .667 (54-27)</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="October 5, 2002 - Minneapolis, MN - Twins vs Oakland in Playoffs - Twins fans wave homer hankies as the players take to the field for their playoff game against the Okalnd A’s at the Metrodome. The Twins won, 11-2." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dXnVh9qTc8MwUt0QG5Ufacipmfs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25314263/1154206723.jpg">
<figcaption>Dome Sweet Dome, indeed</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="cixRi1">Worst Home Winning Percentage</h3>
<ul>
<li id="qRkiQL">2016: .370 (30-51)</li>
<li id="6twwXn">2012: .383 (31-50)</li>
<li id="tTy10J">2013: .395 (32-49)</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Oakland Athletics v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NlrYzlGv0LAsO0RZxT1PaUc7oQE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25314264/180350673.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A lot of unoccupied pasture in the mid-10s</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="hTmYuZ">Best Road Winning Percentage</h3>
<ul>
<li id="cjMLhP">2019: .679 (55-26)</li>
<li id="sr79A4">1965: .630 (51-30)—remarkably, this <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> squad also went exactly 51-30 at home</li>
<li id="awWUuq">1962: .568 (46-35)</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w8M-PPyoqmRHA3-fwXneyP2jVxw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25314265/1164446276.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>“Pound the opponent into submission with home runs” seems like the win-on-the-road strategy</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3 id="kFsAAt">Worst Road Winning Percentage</h3>
<ul>
<li id="mj8sKe">1982: .284 (23-58)</li>
<li id="jEnANP">1986: .346 (28-53)</li>
<li id="R3GAWI">1981: .347 (17-32)—a strike-shortened (perhaps mercifully so) season</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Baltimore Orioles" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yMIImFXMNHA75738hfCKwJYKuz8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25314267/511882808.jpg">
<figcaption>The ‘82 Twins were like the old Dr. Seuss rhyme: “We could not beat you here or there—we could not beat you anywhere”</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="zcUhLM">All of this would seem to bode well for Baldelli’s Bunch, as Rocco holds the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2019/9/4/20839533/mlb-minnesota-twins-are-road-warriors-in-2019-record-home-away-win-lose">single-season high water mark for road success</a>. In a league where last-ups means less than it has for 50+ years, this may be more “crucial facet” than “fun oddity” heading into 2024.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/10/24088262/mlb-minnesota-twins-road-warriors-home-win-percentage-target-field-metrodome-metropolitan-stadiumZach Koenig