Twinkie Town: All Posts by Zach KoenigAn online community of Twins fans mourning the death of Prince Rogers Nelson.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52554/tt_fav.png2024-03-26T18:07:18-04:00https://www.twinkietown.com/authors/zach-koenig/rss2024-03-26T18:07:18-04:002024-03-26T18:07:18-04:00In 2014’s season opener, MN baseball malaise continued
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XumHPyxzoKL2MGw1zYAQO9qf0vg=/0x0:2334x1556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73235063/481758513.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Another laughable start to a campaign. A lot has changed in the last decade.</p> <p id="MniChp">By the start of the 2014 season, <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> baseball had entered a state of malaise not seen since the late-90s doldrums. After three losing campaigns (2011-2013), Target Field was no longer selling out—the novelty having worn off—and the teams on the field were some of the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/10/24088262/mlb-minnesota-twins-road-warriors-home-win-percentage-target-field-metrodome-metropolitan-stadium">worst in franchise history in front of home crowds</a>.</p>
<p id="OrDYKO">Sadly, not even the promise of Opening Day could convince Twins Territory that the forthcoming ‘14 summer would bring anything promising—and the first two contests at the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">Chicago White Sox</a> hammered that point home.</p>
<h2 id="TTthvd">Game 1 (3/31/14)</h2>
<p id="RnUPsG">As has become legend, 2013 was the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/4/6/23651280/mlb-minnesota-twins-detroit-tigers-vance-worley-target-field-2013-home-opener-justin-verlander">Vance Worley Home Opener Experience (TM)</a>. Well, Ricky Nolasco on the bump in the Windy City was little improvement in theory or practice.</p>
<p id="OQeLtJ">Typifying his overall MN production (6 IP, 10 H, 5 ER), Nolasco was not sharp at The Cell. With Joe Mauer beginning his <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2014/1/3/5269608/mauer-i-was-moved-to-first-base-because-of-my-stance-on-milk">transition to first base</a>, new Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki drove in three runs with two knocks and kept the visitors viable most of the game. But Chris Sale was sharp (7.1 IP, 8 K) and Alejandro De Aza would not stop hitting home runs.</p>
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EVKym6PoBh4gzRRm24DL7t3YJHc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25349848/481788109.jpg">
<figcaption>Oswaldo Arcia runs out of real estate in tracking another De Aza bomb</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YYsDGC">In the final reckoning, the South Siders came away with a fairly easy 5-3 victory.</p>
<h2 id="vPlHA0">Game 2 (4/2/14)</h2>
<p id="FzZPDd">For much of 2014’s sophomore clash, it looked for all the world as if a notch would be made in the Twins’ W column. But as we will discover on numerous occasions during 2014 remembrances this summer, disappointment would ultimately reign supreme.</p>
<p id="bIqOw7">Despite the ignominy of backing up Nolasco with <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2012/12/19/3786006/mike-pelfrey-and-kevin-correia-did-they-sign-each-others-contracts-by">Kevin Correia</a>, he actually produced a strong 6-inning, 2 ER performance.</p>
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JDaHdpVJrfV8R69MK1nRJ2MwDtA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25349865/482045237.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Kevin Correia—2014 staff ace?</figcaption>
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<p id="HyEF0J">Meanwhile, Sox starter Felipe Paulino allowed three more Suzuki safeties, further run-producing hits from <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2014/2/26/5448180/what-if-kubel-falters">Jason Kubel 2.0</a> & Trevor Plouffe, and walked Pedro Florimon with the bases loaded (perhaps the most embarrassing aspect of that trilogy).</p>
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dW25_mVKNR9ZTvYMbRolO-qjt6c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25349884/485665715.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Kurt Suzuki for AL MVP!</figcaption>
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<p id="4cPry0">After seven innings the score read 5-3 Twins, and heading into B9 MN paced CWS 6-4. But again, this being the era of Twins baseball it was, the wheels inevitable fell off.</p>
<p id="n6xTFK">Closer Glen Perkins did not do Stillwater High School or the Golden Gophers proud this afternoon, coughing up the save opportunity to run-scoring hits from Leury Garcia & Adam Eaton. Perk <em>did </em>get Marcus Semien on strikes and Adam Dunn on a ground out to preserve a tie—which of course set up a more dramatic way to lose.</p>
<p id="Ra3Q85">In the bottom of the 11th, <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2014/4/23/5641824/samuel-dedunos-fastball-crazy-no-more">Samuel Deduno</a> entered in “relief” and put up an all-time “only in 2014” line: Bunt single—balk—strikeout—wild pitch—strikeout—intentional walk.</p>
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DF1CGwLNnXKrgZEOkiWztsMONw0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25349913/482079619.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Suzuki tries to settle down the erratic Deduno</figcaption>
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<p id="xT6XAO">The capper? After 4 hours and 19 minutes of play, a ball-four pitch to Dunn skipped to the backstop and Garcia scored to keep the Sox sterling on the young ‘14 season.</p>
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<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LkuFAP_DYTDuwDhdvFSbgTjluPs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25349919/482078971.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>That’s your ballgame, ladies and gents</figcaption>
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<p id="XG3zNG">Two cold Chicago afternoons = two losses to kick off 2014.</p>
<p id="6t1QxR">The third game of this series? An all-time classic (at least for me) in the Twins/Sox rivalry. But that—along with some other early-2014 foibles and hilarity—is a story for a later date.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/26/24108702/mlb-minnesota-twins-chicago-white-sox-ricy-nolasco-chris-sale-alejandro-de-aza-kurt-suzuki-dedunoZach Koenig2024-03-22T12:48:01-04:002024-03-22T12:48:01-04:003 Up, 3 Down for the 2024 Minnesota Twins
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<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Sf2X7twr3aNi836QYRHFvzZVibg=/0x0:7125x4750/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73226220/2084343121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Likes & dislikes before the new season</p> <p id="sA9aSR">Over on The Daily Norseman—SB Nation’s <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> site—I write a <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/2024/3/12/24099173/4-downs-to-the-end-of-the-kirk-cousins-era-no-longer-stuck-in-the">series</a> of “4 Downs” recap articles. Transferring that spirit from gridiron to diamond, here are my “3 Up, 3 Down” <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> topics before Opening Day 2024…</p>
<p id="u6nPnF"><strong>3 Up</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="9XDe74">Last season, the Twins were basically wire-to-wire AL Central champs. They <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/10/3/23902375/twins-3-blue-jays-1-the-exorcist">won a playoff game</a> (and series!) all with Buxton’s balky knee rendering him a league-average hitter who never played the field, as well as perennial superstar Correa perpetually slowed by plantar fasciitis. This is to say nothing of Lewis’ various foibles. By all accounts, Buxton, Correa, & Lewis are fully healthy* heading into 2024. While by no means guaranteeing 150+ games from all, it <em>is </em>nice to have them all available from the opening gun.</li>
<li id="XXjO11">Lest you think the ’24 Twins a “stars and scrubs” offense, rest assured—this is as deep a lineup the team has rolled out since the 2010 or <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2019/10/5/20896285/mlb-minnesota-twins-2019-records-bomba-squad-homers-home-runs-juiced-baseball-mount-crushmore">2019 mashers</a>. Jeffers, new add Carlos Santana, Julien, Wallner, & Kepler round out a batting order that can go swing-for-swing with any opponent. Even role/bench players like Vazquez, Kirilloff, Farmer, Castro, and additional newcomer Manuel Margot can swing it a bit and provide Baldelli his all-important <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/23/24076237/mlb-minnesota-twins-rocco-baldelli-positional-flexibility-willi-castro-kyle-farmer-michael-taylor">positional flexibility</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="Boston Red Sox v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WAmlSEIrpnBrS5FgrwMQIKtjn9I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25345357/2097510974.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The likes of Matt Wallner lurk even in the lineup’s bottom third</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul><li id="pMWLHS">Not since the days of J.C. Romero, Juan Rincon, and <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">Joe Nathan</a> have the Twins harbored such a potentially potent pen. Duran** is elite, Stewart might be nearing that status, and both Jax & Thielbar** are generally reliable (sometimes excellent). Incoming talents like Justin Topa, Jay Jackson, Steven Okert, & Josh Staumont should provide solid depth if even a few of them stick. If former MLB star Bob Lemon is to be believed—“the two most important things in life are good friends and a strong bullpen”—this unit could be special.</li></ul>
<p id="53XWEF">*Buxton’s back soreness seems to be minimal (looks around nervously)</p>
<p id="ziWqFi">**<a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/18/24105238/mlb-minnesota-jhoan-duran-caleb-thielbar-anthony-desclafaini-all-injured-byron-buxton-sore-but-ok">Duran & Thielbar will begin the year on the IL</a>. Fortunately, no arm maladies (oblique & hamstring, respectively), but pen depth will be tested out of the gate.</p>
<p id="lQcpox"><strong>3 Down</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="vPZwkf">I had hoped 2024 would be the end of local TV blackouts. While strongly hinted at, this did not come to fruition. Instead, most teams <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/3/24059917/twins-to-return-to-bally-for-2024">slinked back to the cable oligopolies</a> for short-term payouts. I view this as short-sighted and dangerous to future fanbases. The 12-year-old me who spent summers swimming at the lake cabin by day and watching the Twins by night may not have the same opportunity without a lot of “finagling”—and that’s sad.</li>
<li id="rRMYlX">In ‘23, Sonny Gray was runner-up in AL Cy Young voting. He left in free agency and was not replaced in any way, shape, or form. The closest direct comp—Anthony DeSclafani—is likely headed for Tommy John surgery. Could Louie Varland replace a good chunk of Gray’s production? Sure. But that only matters if Lopez, Ryan, Ober, and Paddock stay relatively healthy all year—and it’s not like arms that routinely push the structural boundaries of that appendage ever break down, right? Bottom line: the ’24 Twins as-constructed have zero starting pitching depth—and that could be disastrous (see: <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/3/28/23651281/mlb-minnesota-twins-wake-me-up-when-september-2022-ends-cleveland-guardians-new-york-yankees">September, 2022</a>).</li>
</ul>
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<img alt="New York Yankees v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l8A752ciS9OMLT94NLBzFqGo50k=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25345364/2081139887.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Can the big man handle a full-season workload?</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul><li id="MqmoBT">I wondered if new ownership frontman Joe Pohlad might break from the family tradition of treasury conservatism. Not only did this <em>not </em>happen, but the new Pohlad face has been even more transparent about the tightened purse strings as the old hands. I try as best I can to realize that the organization certainly lost money in 2020 and 2021—but overall they have made hundreds of millions (if not billions) on their baseball investment. So, a season after an infusion of young talent and <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/10/16/23913860/mlb-minnesota-twins-postseason-playoffs-2002-2023-royce-lewis-carlos-correa-pablo-lopez-target-field">the most exciting October baseball in a Twins Territory generation</a> you say the business needs to be “right-sized”?! To quote the famous ESPN NFL segment: “<a href="https://youtu.be/N1NwW3GCn7k?si=YMtSbke0EOhZzQSi">C’mon, man!</a>”. Much like the TV situation, I see this as <em>extremely </em>short-sighted.</li></ul>
<p id="tm3QB2">On balance, I think there is a lot more to look forward to than dread in the upcoming campaign. A second consecutive division title is there for the taking, and continued maturity (+ playoff experience) from the new young core may pay dividends should October again be reached. I am certainly ready for the ride!</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/IHJfuwV1qQRE4gnZ5_HoKAl0sSs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25345366/1719485121.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Remember how much fun this is?!</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/22/24102620/mlb-minnesota-twins-bullpen-correa-buxton-lewis-sonny-gray-tv-blackouts-bally-sports-north-pohladsZach Koenig2024-03-19T08:00:00-04:002024-03-19T08:00:00-04:00Greatest Minnesota Twins: The Twinkie Town Definitive List (Final Musings)
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<img alt="Greg Gagne moves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yyHuj9B7uOvf5AWFuYoCoq6vUM8=/0x2:3624x2418/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73217324/2077031.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The slick-fielding SS rounds it all out</p> <h2 id="Ryrw7I">Rounds 1-20 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>
<li id="k6iBTG"><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">Greg Gagne</a></li>
</ol>
<p id="hwkozG">Shortstop has not exactly been a position of power for the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> organization. Short of a Zoilo Versalles MVP season here and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfH3GkgwceM">bushel of Cristian Guzman triples</a> there, the “leader of the infield” has been anything but in Twins Territory.</p>
<p id="BDE1Db">As such, Greg Gagne holds the mantle of best SS in Twins history. Though possessing a wax-and-wane batting acumen, his smooth defense and range anchored two world championship infields—first teaming with Gary Gaetti on the left side of the dirt, then Scott Leius & Mike Pagliarulo.</p>
<p id="yQF0d1">When the postseason lights switched on, Gagne was often at his best: a stupendous 1987 ALCS (1.187 OPS) and momentum-grabbing big flies in the ’87 & ’91 Fall Classics. Alongside the G-Man, Puckett, Viola, & Hrbek, Gagne took his lumps in the early-80s and endeared himself to the Minnesota faithful for sticking it through to the payoff.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="1987 World Series: St. Louis Cardinal v Minnesota Twins, October 25, 1987" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TdPqsmHFneYLHSE9-N7Uw_n99bs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25339157/89745769.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Gags to riches in the ‘87 World Series</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="SmbOo1">Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our offseason look at the greatest players in Minnesota Twins history! A few musings on the polling…</p>
<ul>
<li id="7FoXTZ">Players I may have slightly underestimated (immediately won a round of polling): Johan Santana, Frank Viola, Gary Gaetti, Rick Aguilera, & Greg Gagne.</li>
<li id="4v1VZY">Players I may have slightly overestimated (multiple rounds before victory): Jim Kaat, Torii Hunter, Brad Radke, Jim Perry, and Chuck Knoblauch.</li>
<li id="P1tbHs">Biggest surprise: The power of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c7mYHvnW-c&t=1s">championship rings</a>. While Puckett is of course a franchise icon, I did not expect the level of support for the Hrbek-Viola-Gaetti-Aguilera-Gagne bunch. I sometimes felt like I could have thrown Tim Laudner into the mix and he’d have nabbed a slot—I <em>know</em> Dan Gladden would have (but in good conscience I could not bring myself to include his 5 total WAR in 5 seasons). There <em>may </em>be a compelling case for the “Get to Know ‘Em” guys—Hunter, Morneau, Radke, etc.—to be a few slots higher respectively, but those squads could never get over the “<a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> hump” and take home a Commissioner’s Trophy.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Fans - Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QhZU4oNK-S1lbSzwOnGlr70O4iM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25339162/477827619.jpg">
<figcaption>Pandemonium after the ‘87 World Series victory!</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="ktsBwl">While 20 players isn’t quite enough for a full roster, it produced a surprisingly field-able squad (with a few positional stretches):</p>
<p id="HkuD6V">C- Mauer</p>
<p id="XAH0w3">1B- Hrbek</p>
<p id="0uIUqQ">2B- Carew</p>
<p id="pO429W">SS- Knoblauch</p>
<p id="nNIqaJ">3B- Killebrew</p>
<p id="P50QJ1">LF- Hunter</p>
<p id="blTlKS">CF- Puckett</p>
<p id="VSBHAt">RF- Oliva</p>
<p id="2tY6Vr">DH- Morneau</p>
<p id="nB9sVD">BEN- Gaetti</p>
<p id="kZ9tdk">BEN- Allison</p>
<p id="CzWExY">BEN- Gagne</p>
<p id="PP8YhN">SP- Blyleven</p>
<p id="ctgJAq">SP- Kaat</p>
<p id="dCsuGb">SP- Santana</p>
<p id="mzfEvi">SP- Viola</p>
<p id="2tsymZ">SP- Radke</p>
<p id="LHSXqL">RP- Nathan</p>
<p id="Z8vb4Z">RP- Perry</p>
<p id="9BxChd">RP- Aguilera</p>
<p id="PSUaSN">I’d certainly go to battle with that assemblage and feel pretty good about my chances.</p>
<p id="Sr7m24">I hope you enjoyed this “definitive”—always tongue-in-cheek, as we could do this all again tomorrow and get completely different results—ranking of Twins greats. If anything, I’ve provided link fodder for the ages! Nine days from now, we’ll see if the likes of Buxton, Lewis, Correa, Lopez, & Duran can continue making their case for Top 20 someday.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="University of Minnesota v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fZF7Xf94lryksWexs1wcHTXIQZ4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25339164/2060836589.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Next Gen Top 20?!</figcaption>
</figure>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/19/24102611/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-greg-gagne-cesar-tovar-shortstop-defenseZach Koenig2024-03-15T15:38:19-04:002024-03-15T15:38:19-04:00These new 2024 MLB rules are not made to be broken
<figure>
<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>
</figure>
<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>
</figure>
<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>
<figure class="e-image">
<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 Koenig2024-03-12T08:00:00-04:002024-03-12T08:00:00-04:00Greatest 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 Koenig2024-03-10T09:35:00-04:002024-03-10T09:35:00-04:00Is 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 Koenig2024-03-05T08:00:00-05:002024-03-05T08:00:00-05:00Greatest Minnesota Twins: The Twinkie Town Definitive List (Round 19)
<figure>
<img alt="Minnesota Twins v Milwaukee Brewers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-Na5i5EMjsKIFP8MOGa1j6o7RQY=/1x0:5401x3600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73183280/1296485498.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A chip off the old Blauch</p> <h2 id="Ryrw7I">Rounds 1-18 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>
</ol>
<p id="kxdrmo">In terms of overall talent, Chuck Knoblauch is likely a top-ten player in <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> history. From 1991 (a <a href="https://youtu.be/ENdZjUq4ntY?si=nyxncEV9wKH_2ght">championship debut!</a>) to 1997, he hit for average (.304), pop (.807 OPS), and was elite on the bases (276 stolen bases). Knobby was without a doubt the greatest Twins leadoff hitter of all-time.</p>
<p id="qj71NR">His recognition came from outside the Midwest as well: Rookie of the Year in ‘91, four All-Star selections, one Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger. Chuck’s 1996 campaign (701 PA, 35 2B, 14 3B, 13 HR, 140 R, 45 SB, .341 BA, .965 OPS, 143 OPS+) was one of the finest single seasons by any Twin.</p>
<p id="gFK55V">Why is Knoblauch just barely making the Top 20? Hard times followed his Twins stint. He left the Twins with vitriol, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnJFklbt0es">forgot how to throw to first base</a> with the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>, had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PL1oQhcqzQ">hot dogs heaved his way</a> at the Metrodome, and was named in the Mitchell Report for PEDs. Just when it seemed the air had cleared and Twins fans were ready to welcome him into the team HOF—he was charged with assault and the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2014/7/24/5934421/chuck-knoblauch-arrested-for-assault-twins-cancel-hall-of-fame">ceremony was scuttled</a>.</p>
<p id="P74nzn">Chuck Knoblauch was my first “favorite Twin” from when I began closely following the team in the mid-90s. I sincerely hope he has turned things around and can perhaps be accepted back into the Twins family again at some point.</p>
<p id="Mw6HYJ">The next entry: A reliable reliever in good times and bad.</p>
<p id="KBVabG"><em>(Note: This series will produce a Top 20—so keep your votes coming for a few more weeks!)</em></p>
<h2 id="TwNzwP">Round 19:</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="RICK AGUILERA" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/re8O26AU9mVx1SRYsWBY3_P-piM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25309023/232608.jpg">
</figure>
<h3 id="uv8FVY">Rick Aguilera</h3>
<ul><li id="5tkTCi">Coming from the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">New York Mets</a> in the 1989 Frank Viola trade, Aguilera immediately established himself as a reliable late-inning stopper. His pitch-to-contact, splitter-heavy style sometimes proved adventurous (more Eddie Guardado than Joe Nathan), but whether on championship-caliber clubs or cellar-dwellers he was a lock for 30+ saves a year. His 1990-1993 stint (149 saves, 153 ERA+) was especially dominant. After being traded to the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> in 1995, Aggie returned to Minnesota in free agency the very next offseason and spent four more seasons with the Twins.</li></ul>
<div id="MSROSH"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12264622"></div></div>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/5/24085417/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovar-rick-aguileraZach Koenig2024-03-01T12:28:57-05:002024-03-01T12:28:57-05:00Two trades that defined 2004
<figure>
<img alt="Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN., Friday, 4/30/04. (left to right) Angels 1st baseman Darin Erstad couldn’t handle the throw from pitcher Ramon Ortiz as they tried to pick off Twins Nick Punto who went on to 2nd base on the play. 6th inning" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mcl6ab_Sxn4ts1PwmoNL35VctaE=/0x49:1758x1221/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73176064/1155619595.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by BRUCE BISPING/Star Tribune via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Terry Ryan dives deep into his bag of tricks</p> <p id="kjTcLQ">With back-to-back AL Central banners hoisted, it would have been easy for <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> GM Terry Ryan to rest on laurels in 2004. In two calendar years, he brought the team back from the brink of contraction and turned it from laughingstock to legitimate contender.</p>
<p id="5yftaL">But with a generational talent ready to hit The Show and a few broader boxes to be checked, Ryan pulled off two of the greatest—at very least most substantial—trades in franchise history in hopes of a three-peat.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins’ General Manager Terry Ryan watches during p" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lO0X1FAEqhPJ2oArfttC6bWupBs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25302016/97332377.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A busy offseason for the team architect</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="5pjA1F">Trade #1: A. J. Pierzynski to San Francisco for Joe Nathan, Francisco Liriano, & Boof Bonser.</h2>
<p id="UQVmLu">From 2001-2003, A.J. was <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2016/7/25/12265732/twins-fans-don-t-boo-a-j-pierzynski">as big a part of the “Get to Know ‘em” Gang</a> as anyone—an extremely durable backstop who also hit for average and a little pop. But with Joe Mauer <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/1/23/24048456/joe-mauer-becomes-seventh-twin-to-be-inducted-into-baseball-hall-of-fame-minnesota-mlb">clearly ready for major league play</a> after a scant two-and-a-half year minor league stint, Pierzynski proved expendable.</p>
<p id="OngPbo">Had the return been Joe Nathan alone, this trade would have been a slam-dunk. Then a struggling starter/reliever in Frisco, the Twins immediately installed Nathan as full-time closer and he became <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">the best reliever in franchise history</a>.</p>
<p id="KZLatS">Francisco Liriano was the clear “best prospect” in the swap, and largely delivered more value than not to the Twins organization. After a transcendent 2006 led to an arm blowout, he eventually returned to <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2021/5/3/22413443/mlb-minnesota-twins-no-hitter-francisco-lirianos-night-to-remember-and-maybe-forget">solid starter status</a>.</p>
<p id="EIvfg9">Boof Bonser was a short-lived (2006-2008) and largely ineffective commodity in MN, but his name, girth, and simple presence on the’06 squad gained The Boofster a cult following.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Kansas City Royals v Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fTtBb_fMtGu6PhmJ2uLOIndCtQg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25307059/80952040.jpg">
<figcaption>Boof—there it is!</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="20OcLs">Considering that A.J. proved so abrasive to his new teammates that he left the City by the Bay after just one season, there is a strong case for this exchange being the biggest heist in Minnesota Twins history.</p>
<h2 id="Zfaa6b">Trade #2: Eric Milton to Philadelphia for Carlos Silva, Nick Punto, & Bobby Korecky</h2>
<p id="hreQZA">After some of the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2021/7/2/22560081/mlb-minnesota-twins-worst-pitching-of-all-time-featuring-matt-shoemaker">worst pitching in franchise history</a> in the mid-1990s, the Twins <em>finally </em>developed a strong SP to pair with Brad Radke—and that man was Eric Milton.</p>
<div id="nq0XpK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qXMa-Zy92Mo?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="ID6Ojx">Despite a solid 1999-2002 stretch, Milton was coming off knee surgery that scuttled ’03. So, the Twins traded the 27-year old lefty to the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> for overall depth—again coming out stronger on the other side.</p>
<p id="O26XQQ">Carlos Silva was one of the <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2006/3/30/12446/7236">strangest starting pitchers</a> to toe the Dome rubber. He didn’t strike anyone out, didn’t walk a soul, gave up home runs in bushels, and harbored a career 1.40 WHIP. Yet, he was largely an above-average starter (by ERA+) for the Twins from 2004-2007—even compiling a 130 ERA+ campaign in ‘05.</p>
<p id="08Q3VF">Nick Punto—<a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/12/3/23970448/ode-to-a-legend-the-2023-twins-lnp-awards">the man, the myth, the legend</a>—quickly personified Ron Gardenhire’s brand of “hustle ball” on the bases and in the field. Though his bat fluctuated between “concerningly incompetent” and “surprisingly solid”, his extreme <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/23/24076237/mlb-minnesota-twins-rocco-baldelli-positional-flexibility-willi-castro-kyle-farmer-michael-taylorDzUH9&opi=89978449">positional flexibility</a> would play in any era. Without him, the Piranhas don’t chop Ozzie Guillen’s <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> down to size.</p>
<p id="8gqiTj">Bobby Korecky pitched 17.2 relief innings in 2008—his entire Minnesota output. But he did achieve the rare feat—for a reliever in the DH era—of notching a victory <em>and </em>collecting a hit in the same major league contest.</p>
<div id="e480Ou"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EYr6Bf6PRcM?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="V3rjjV">While Eric Milton would produce a solid ’04 for the Phils, his output quickly diminished in subsequent Cincinnati seasons. Silva was easily his equal—and mostly superior—to say nothing of Punto’s organizational impact. Another notch on Terry Ryan’s belt, to be sure.</p>
<p id="4X2ZjJ">While these two trades were not the only swap-a-roos that defined 2004 for the Twins or MLB in general—more on that later this summer—the departures of Pierzynski & Milton produced largely positive immediate and long-term impacts for the Twins.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/3/1/24081782/mlb-minnesota-twins-2004-pierzynski-milton-liriano-bonser-nathan-silva-punto-korecky-ryan-tradesZach Koenig2024-02-27T08:00:00-05:002024-02-27T08:00:00-05:00Greatest Minnesota Twins: The Twinkie Town Definitive List (Round 18)
<figure>
<img alt="Texas Rangers v Minnesota Twins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uxJPaX46fOB5ZfvIBl41rxLeHyU=/0x0:3057x2038/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73167296/129895080.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Rodney Dangerfield of Twins pitching history</p> <h2 id="Ryrw7I">Rounds 1-17 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>
</ol>
<p id="kxdrmo">In MLB’s pitching-dominant 1960s and ‘70s, a SP<em> </em>had to be great to be noticed. Jim Perry was exactly that, but only for a few seasons (‘69-’70). Despite a Cy Young Award on his mantle, he lacked the long-term dominance of a Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale, or Jim Palmer.</p>
<p id="pdOQfx">Then, Perry transitioned to long relief—a severely under-appreciated role at that time. The assumption was that a reliever was little more than a “failed starter”. Yet, Perry managed to be an extremely effective hurler despite years where his starting/relief outings were split almost 50/50—imagine a modern-day pitcher trying to make that work!</p>
<p id="5I9iWO">So, one could say that Jim Perry was the Rodney Dangerfield of <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> pitching history—<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCVR_ajL_Eo">no respect at all</a>. One person who <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCogtrkvYVo">gave Jim all the respect in the world </a>was Bert Blyleven, who credited Perry’s leadership for his own development as a 19-year-old kid.</p>
<p id="Mw6HYJ">The next entry: a second-sacker turned super-slugger.</p>
<p id="KBVabG"><em>(Note: This series will produce a Top 20—so keep your votes coming for a few more weeks!)</em></p>
<h2 id="TwNzwP">Round 18:</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Minnesota Twins Chuck Knoblauch..." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4KrNllpPYuUG64mbK0tIRaA7ic0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25180764/88225416.jpg">
<cite>Set Number: X51099</cite>
</figure>
<h3 id="8ZWvXH">Chuck Knoblauch</h3>
<ul><li id="YOTDox">One could make an argument that no Twin had a better initial foray into MLB—all things considered—than Chuck Knoblauch. As a rookie in 1991, the 2B-man played 151 games to the tune of 636 PA, .281 BA, 25 SB, AL Rookie of the Year Award winner & a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> ring. For the next 7 seasons, Knobby would average .306 BA, 115 OPS+, & 40 SB. His monster 1996 season—.341 BA, 143 OPS+, 14 3B, 45 SB—represented his zenith in a Twins uniform.</li></ul>
<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 2014-2108 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>
<div id="4wSXnW"><div data-anthem-component="poll:12260237"></div></div>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/27/24080745/mlb-minnesota-twins-brian-dozier-dave-goltz-camilo-pascual-jim-perry-chuck-knoblauch-cesar-tovarZach Koenig2024-02-23T09:56:00-05:002024-02-23T09:56:00-05:00Rocco’s Flexible Flyers
<figure>
<img alt="Division Series - Houston Astros v Minnesota Twins - Game Four" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lptI2ObAiq6F4tZIvC1t4PdaihE=/0x0:3538x2359/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73159199/1745156816.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Baldelli may have found his calling card: versatility</p> <p id="qhzp89">In this age of baseball analytics, <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/analytics-fundamentals">metrics abound</a> to quantify hitting, pitching, and even defense. Much slipperier is how to measure a manager’s value. Bereft of formulae, I’ve always thought a skipper needs to possess one standout quality—an inherent trait that sets him apart from the rest of the pack.</p>
<h3 id="4Hvnrt">A few examples from recent Minnesota Twins history:</h3>
<ul><li id="W5hwGi">Tom Kelly: Mastery of the fundamentals</li></ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MN TWINS spring Training — Manager Tom Kelly gestures with his bat while making a point Sunday during practice in Ft. Myers. At left are catcher Chris Turner (#15) and coach Rick Knapp (#67)." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6VWe9nurDInJ74fp_Erb4K3gvAk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25294946/1154278356.jpg">
<figcaption>TK’s infamous “Good Morning America” drills in Spring Training</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="c7fVyZ">Ron Gardenhire: Ability to cultivate a sense of “us against the world” motivation</li>
<li id="3LjUpL">Paul Molitor: Analytical mind perfect for the Shift Era he guided the team into</li>
</ul>
<p id="0FE8Vk">After years of <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2019/10/5/20896285/mlb-minnesota-twins-2019-records-bomba-squad-homers-home-runs-juiced-baseball-mount-crushmore">Bomba Squads</a>—requiring little button-pushing other than lineup submission—and pandemic-ball survival, current field general Rocco Baldelli <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/5/26/23736582/mlb-minnesota-twins-rocco-baldelli-coaching-staff-baseball-defense-pitching-hitting-underachieving">hadn’t developed his “one thing”</a> until the second half of the 2023 season, until he found it in earnest: roster flexibility.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training Media Day" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gYgwJJN7N1qk1z7CBNlSiRYKRXc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25294962/2006242033.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Most likely dreaming of new ways to utilize his roster in high leverage situations</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="f5KX4B">As Rocco struggled to salt away a division title with Buxton unavailable, Correa & Lewis ailing, and the pitching staff going through a rough patch, he began playing batter/pitcher matchups far earlier in games than tradition would warrant. Sometimes, key players would be lifted as soon as the fifth inning depending on the perceived importance of the situation. By and large, this approach seemed to pay off more than it didn’t.</p>
<p id="fkBRRh">Of course, it takes a roster filled with positional flexibility to make such an approach a reality (a lot of positions to cover after pinch hit/run moves)—and the ‘23 Twins had that in spades. A look at some genuflectors based on 2023 <a href="http://Baseball-Reference.com">Baseball-Reference.com</a> fielding data:</p>
<ul>
<li id="VBup9D">Willi Castro: LF-CF-3B-2B-SS-RF</li>
<li id="OY9R3J">Kyle Farmer: 3B-SS-2B-1B-LF</li>
<li id="rQKT4w">Joey Gallo: 1B-LF-RF-CF</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: MAY 14 Cubs at Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2aujd9WunKqDmmCo5oYdBqdGIIQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25294953/1257259080.jpg">
<figcaption>A Joey Gallo mention should bring out the drums in the comments</figcaption>
</figure>
<ul>
<li id="f07Lry">Nick Gordon: CF-2B-LF-SS</li>
<li id="3qcZST">Alex Kirilloff: 1B-RF-LF</li>
<li id="Dm13hq">Jordan Luplow: LF-1B-RF-CF</li>
<li id="rhdU49">Donovan Solano: 1B-3B-2B</li>
<li id="PrS01g">Christian Vazquez: C-1B-2B</li>
</ul>
<p id="DjRYcY">Now, there is at least an argument to be made that “playing the matchups” is sometimes code for “overall talent deficiency”. In a certain sense, I think every manager would prefer nine superstars in the starting nine and just letting them do their thing. But unless one <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/5/16/23724937/dodgers-9-twins-8-dodgers-outlast-the-twins-in-12-innings">suits up each day in LA County</a>, that isn’t a reality.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UfBVZuoBNGhojdTvmKsi1HxTrhk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25294965/usa_today_20931666.jpg">
<cite>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>I want to see this as many times as possible—but is it feasible?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="pakOeB">As such, I hope positional flexibility is top-of-mind for the Twins as the 2024 season approaches. Castro & Farmer returns were paramount—and I think I speak for all Twinkie Town in proclaiming <a href="https://www.twinkietown.com/2023/10/23/23920261/mlb-minnesota-twins-byron-buxton-michael-taylor-willi-castro-max-kepler-andrew-stevenson-cf-backup">BRING BACK MICHAEL A <s>TAYLOR</s> Tater</a> (fine print: <em>unless positive Austin Martin can provide similar value).</em> Though Taylor only roamed the center swath in Buxton’s stead, his presence freed up others to be used at Rocco’s disposal.</p>
<p id="OvPCbC">Famed UCLA basketball coach John Wooden is credited saying...</p>
<blockquote><p id="DKXE40">Flexibility is the key to stability</p></blockquote>
<p id="IkYGHc">Unless Buxton, Correa, & Lewis all log 130+ games (oh what a world!), the Twins would do well to provide Baldelli with malleable men to fit whatever the situation calls for.</p>
https://www.twinkietown.com/2024/2/23/24076237/mlb-minnesota-twins-rocco-baldelli-positional-flexibility-willi-castro-kyle-farmer-michael-taylorZach Koenig