Twinkie Town: FanShots

What was your favorite Orlando Cabrera moment?

2009-11-06T18:51:11Z

What was your favorite Orlando Cabrera moment?

If I'm reading Doogie's tweet correctly, Bill Smith spoke w/O-Cab this AM and they're moving on. Given the trade, this shouldn't surprise.

White Sox Trade for Mark Teahen

2009-11-05T15:34:49Z

White Sox Trade for Mark Teahen

In return, the Royals are getting second baseman Chris Getz and third base/first base power hitter Josh Fields. Getz played quite a bit for the White Sox in '09, while Fields couldn't lock into one position and struggled to find playing time behind Gordon Beckham.

Rays to Deal Akinori Iwamura to Pirates for Jesse Chavez

2009-11-03T19:10:23Z

Rays to Deal Akinori Iwamura to Pirates for Jesse Chavez

UPDATE: Buster Olney at ESPN says the Pirates are sending reliever Jesse Chavez to the Rays. Chavez is 26 and had a decent season in relief this year. If this turns out to be true, I'm fine with the Twins not trying to match that offer.

Chavez, 26 for 2010, just finished his first full season in the bigs, posting a 4.01 ERA in 73 appearances and 67.1 innings. He struck out 47 while giving up 22 walks and and 69 hits. He throws a 95-mph fastball with a very good hard slider and a plus changeup. His biggest advantage over someone like Jesse Crain: he'll be under team control through roughly 2014.

UPDATE: Hat tip to fischean, it looks like Pittsburgh might be the NL team on the move for Iwamura. Source? None other than Dan Kovacevik. There's also been some unconfirmed talk of the Marlins being involved...which is exactly where the Twins are at: speculationville.

UPDATE: Roger Mooney of BradentonHerald.com says Iwamura’s trade should be completed tonight…to an NL club. He gives no sources.

This from Marc Tompkin of the St. Petersburg Times. Are the Twins a fit? With the Twins clearing space on the 40-man roster today by outrighting Brian Buscher (hat tip to 33MorneauMVP), could Minnesota be trying to get an early start on their off-season?

Rays close to dealing Akinori Iwamura

2009-11-03T18:55:43Z

Rays close to dealing Akinori Iwamura

Could this unnamed team possibly be the Twins? I certainly hope so...

Twins Outright Brian Buscher

2009-11-03T18:32:31Z

Twins Outright Brian Buscher

The Twins have outrighted Brian Buscher to Triple-A Rochester this afternoon. He can become a minor league free agent 15 days after the conclusion of the World Series. Do not expect Buscher to remain with the Twins.

Who has the Worst Fans?

2009-11-03T18:21:24Z

Who has the Worst Fans?

The Daily Show looks at "douchy" NY and Philadelphia fans

Twins 2010 ZiPS Projections

2009-11-02T10:25:52Z

Twins 2010 ZiPS Projections

Courtesy of BBTF. I have to believe both Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey will do better, and I'm hoping a number of the bullpen guys will, too.

Twins Holding Moving Sale, Proceeds Go To Joe Mauer's Extension

2009-10-30T21:14:57Z

Twins Holding Moving Sale, Proceeds Go To Joe Mauer's Extension

I made that last part up, but really, would it surprise you? Anyway, items up for sale on November 7th include, "bobbleheads, Twins publications, artwork, Metrodome signage, jerseys and other clothing." Unanswered: are they selling the baggy, and does anyone know where that giant gallon of milk is now?

Twins Opening Day Lineups since 1994

2009-10-30T18:08:26Z

Twins Opening Day Lineups since 1994

I got 146 out of the 160 players. Those mid 90's teams had some real forgettable people on them.

Great Article and Video on Super Prospect Miguel Angel Sano

2009-10-30T17:27:37Z

Great Article and Video on Super Prospect Miguel Angel Sano

Highly recommended.

Mauer is Twins MVP

2009-10-26T18:23:52Z

Mauer is Twins MVP

Also in the news: We are currently in the season of Fall, otherwise known as "Autumn".

Twins prospect Sano issued work visa

2009-10-25T00:41:02Z

Twins prospect Sano issued work visa

Twins prospect Sano issued work visa
Club hasn't decided first step for 16-year-old's career

And THAT Happened!

2009-10-24T23:58:12Z

And THAT Happened!

Chip Carey and Ron Darling should team up with this guy to become the most annoying/hilarious baseball team announcers of all time!

Mauer Fists the ball! And THAT Happened! Did you know that Mauer is only 6 years older than Rick Porcello?

Jake Mauer Named Fort Myers Miracle Manager

2009-10-22T15:39:56Z

Jake Mauer Named Fort Myers Miracle Manager

After being named Manager of the Year in the Gulf Coast league--for guiding a team full of teenagers from five continents to the league championship--the other Mauer has been named the manager of the Twins FSL (High A) affiliate.

Attendance Analysis: 2009 Final Look

2009-10-15T22:32:27Z

Attendance Analysis: 2009 Final Look

Twins Name Minor League Award Winners

2009-10-15T22:04:15Z

Twins Name Minor League Award Winners

From Joe C. over at his Strib blog, the Twins have named Ben Revere their Minor League Player of the Year, while David Bromberg is the winner of the Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. Congratulations, guys!

Nick Punto: Backup or Starter?

2009-10-15T03:03:32Z

Nick Punto: Backup or Starter?

Courtesy of one of the most hardcore saber blogs out there, insidethebook.com.

Tigers to lose free agents?

2009-10-14T13:33:38Z

Tigers to lose free agents?

Yahoo Sports reports that Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski says it will be impossible to sign all their free agents this winter. Some of the names that are on that list are the central infielders Placido Polanco and Adam Everett as well as setup man Brandon Lyon and closer Fernando Rodney.

Beyond the Boxscore: 2009 AL Central On Paper

2009-10-13T15:02:58Z

Beyond the Boxscore: 2009 AL Central On Paper

BtB breaks down the 2009 AL Central race on paper. Curiously, the White Sox grade out best, followed closely by Minnesota and Detroit. The Twins are considered "lucky" for ending up with almost identical ERA and FIP, given far below average defense.

Joe Mauer talks about next year

2009-10-13T05:42:05Z

Joe Mauer talks about next year

And staying with the Twins.

"We can win here, I think we proved that here by getting to the postseason," Mauer said. "Ultimately, that's what I want to do."