Analysis
Numbers and analysis on the Minnesota Twins to wet your whistle.
Three True Outcomes vs. Just Putting the Ball in Play
Cleveland and Minnesota illustrate the limits of one size fit all offenses and the metrics we use to characterize them
Off-Day Observations: Not Winning the Close Ones
Digging into the Twins’ expected record and challenges in close games, plus an update on free bases allowed, and an interesting comp for a young player!
Griffin Jax’s Results Have Not Matched His Process
The high-leverage reliever’s top-line numbers are obscuring his subtle improvements
It may be time to re-think Kenta Maeda’s role on the pitching staff
He wants to remain a starter—but is that realistic at this point?
Diving Into the Twins’ Futility with the Bases Loaded
Clutch hitting is not a skill, but the Twins have been terrible with the bases loaded for a long time. Why?
Off-Day Observations: Correa Will Be Fine
Plus José Miranda’s slow start, Joe Ryan’s splitter, and White Sox schadenfreude. Enjoy!
Off-Day Observations: Pitching, Defense, and Small Ball
Plus, the starters go streaking, the catchers’ blocking, and perfect extra-inning bunts! Enjoy!
Off-Day Observations: The First Two Series
Mini dives into a few things I have noticed in the Twins’ 4-2 start
Why Griffin Jax is Adding a Cutter
A weapon that tunnels with his wipe-out slider in the zone should help his fastball
It Is Hard to Hit MLB Pitching
Kenta Maeda’s PitchCom adventure is a reminder of how hard it is to hit a baseball, even when you know what pitch is coming
On the Relationship of Pitch Tempo and Defense
You’ll hear that a quicker pace will help defenders stay engaged and perform better. Is that really true?
Examining the Twins’ Extra-Innings Strategy
Manfredball is here to stay. What’s the best way to play it?
A Simple Approach Change That Should Pay Dividends in 2023
Their best relievers must stop throwing right-on-right offspeed pitches
Joe Ryan Tinkered With His Slider
Rookie seasons can hinge on making adjustments. Ryan might have found a slider that works last September.
There’s No Such Thing as Enough Pitching
Making Sense of the Twins’ Reported Interest in Back-End Starters
Christian Vázquez is an Investment in the Pitching Staff
The veteran backstop should bring winning experience, leadership, and pitcher-friendly skills that fit Minnesota’s staff very well
How Fast Can They Throw?
Jhoan Duran and his contemporaries push the boundaries of pitch velocity. Is there an upper limit to what they can do?
Making Sense of the Case for Emilio Pagán
"Having a vision for what you want is not enough. Vision without execution is hallucination." – Thomas Edison
Was the version of Jorge López the Twins acquired a mirage?
The Twins bought high on a breakout and then saw it turn into a lemon. How can López get right for 2023?
They Call ‘Em Like They See ‘Em
Calling balls and strikes is an impossible task that is only getting more difficult. Despite that, the Umpires are getting better. But, automated help will come anyways.
Jovani Moran Made Some Important Adjustments
More strikes, better tunneling, and an improved fastball have brightened Moran’s future outlook
Celebrating Luis Arráez, AL Batting Champion
Slicing And Dicing All The Data For All The Hits
Six For Sunday: It’s the Little Things Edition
Updates, Analyses, Links, and more for your enjoyment
We Need to Talk About Clutch Hitting
Coming through in the clutch is (almost certainly) not a repeatable skill, but the Twins’ season might depend on it improving
Breaking Down the Twins Trade Deadline with Baseball Trade Values
A Q&A with Joshua Iversen of Baseball Trade Values
Six for Friday: First Base Turnaround Edition
Updates, Analyses, Links, and more for your enjoyment
Twins June Awards
Small sample sizes are back to tell you why Nick Gordon is the best utility man to ever exist.
Thinking About Bullpen Blowup Risk
What’s the probability a Twins reliever will wreck a game? Should the starters work deeper instead?
Let’s Make a Deal: Relief Pitcher Edition
The Twins to revamp the bullpen. Enough said.
Let’s Make a Deal: Starting Pitcher Edition
The Twins likely need starting pitching help if they are going win the AL Central. Which option should the Twins go after?