:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63675639/usa_today_12553561.0.jpg)
We have fanPulse results, and you’re a consistently optimistic bunch. By the way, if you aren’t sure SB Nation FanPulse is a survey of fans across MLB. Each week, we send 30 polls to plugged in fans from each team. Twins fans, sign up HERE to join FanPulse.
98% of survey respondents are confident in the direction of the Twins. This is an all-time high, up from 95% the last couple weeks, and 89% at the outset of the season.
98% of Twins fans are also confident in the job Rocco Baldelli is doing as manager, Tying last week’s result, although that is down a couple points from the peak of 100%.
The more divisive question was asked of fanbases nationwide, and asked if it was ever ok for a pitcher to intentionally bean a batter. For clarity’s sake, the question intended “bean” as hit, but not specifically in the head. There was some confusion on that point. Nevertheless, 60% of fans nationwide believe it is never okay for a pitcher to intentionally hit a batter. 40% believe that a HBP may be justified under some circumstances.
Anyway, on to the link dump! In case you missed it yesterday...
- Celebrating the Thicc Bois of baseball with a post about Willians Astudillo and the BMI All-Stars
- Although Kohl Stewart wasn’t a utter disaster against Verlander, he was still banished back to Rochester, as expected.
- and an in-depth update about the things happening down on the farm, with our end of April minor league update from resident prospect guru Kyle.
Elsewhere in Twins Territory
- The Twins added, at the urging of Nelson Cruz, a nap room to Target Field. Look, my day job is literally telling people how important sleep is. Just click the darn link for my sake.
- The growing cult legend of La Tortuga is profiled by the AP. The real news here though, is that despite what the Twins tell us, Willians has not actually tried his sandwich, let alone prefer it with Ketchup. That comes as no small relief to the ketchup haters among us (right game thread folks?)
Around the world of baseball
- Not only are the Orioles kind of bad, but they are also home to what Trey Mancini calls “the lamest biker gang of all time.”
- Jacob Rhame, who is apparently a reliever for the Mets, was suspended two games for throwing balls in the general area of Rhys Hoskins’ head. Hoskins got revenge by taking the slowest home run trot of the year against Rhame. No word on a bat flip though.
- Also from Phillies at Mets, a gentleman dropped his trousers because a family wouldn’t let him use a cell phone. A Clark Kent style phone booth may have solved two problems for this guy.
- The lesser of two evils (Cleveland) traded outfielder Cameron Maybin to the greater evil (Yankees.) Maybe this is Cleveland waving a white flag on the season? Probably not though. I guess New York had been desperate enough to give MLB innings to old friend Sugar Shane Robinson.
Today’s discussion topic
Do you like to go fishing? Got any good fish stories?
Oh... and fair warning... I will be banning anyone who offers up Avengers: End Game spoilers today.