Notebook: Man Brings Rain

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Twins ended a Spring Training losing streak on the back of Josh Donaldson’s homer in his 2021 Grapefruit League debut. Cleveland also continues to break rules.Final: Twins 8, Rays 4 (8 innings)

Box Score | Savant

 

Twins Takeaways

Standout Pitcher(s): Lewis Thorpe (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K), Matt Canterino (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K)

Standout Hitter: Josh Donaldson (1-2, HR, 3 RBI)

 

Plenty of Rays Against Tampa

 

Looking to snap a four-game losing streak the Minnesota Twins did that and more doubling up the Rays today. It was the longest game of the spring as the clubs agreed to an eight-inning contest. Rocco Baldelli’s club put up an eight spot and the bright spots were numerous. Josh Donaldson made his debut and ripped two balls with exit velocities over 100 mph, including a three-run dinger that left at 110 mph. Keon Broxton continued his torrid effort towards a roster spot with a 419 foot three-run homer of his own. Waiver claim Kyle Garlick posted two more hits as well.

 

On the mound, starter Lewis Thorpe looked unreal striking out the side while using fastballs up to 93 mph. Alex Colome bounced back with a working cutter and two strikeouts today, and prospect Matt Canterino touched 98 mph while striking out two in a hitless inning of his own.

 

Video Vision of Twins Notables

 

Josh Donaldson murdered a baseball into wind that was otherwise knocking down fly balls today.

 

 

Then Keon Broxton literally left the stadium.

 

 

Earlier Andrelton Simmons got a workout in. He told media the only thing he wasn’t able to accomplish while hung up in Curacao was seeing live pitching, which he hopes to overcome this week.

 

Cleveland Continues Ignoring Covid Protocols

 

 

Last season it was Mike Clevinger and Zach Plesac, this season it’s Franmil Reyes and Jose Ramirez. The Chicago Cubs’ Pedro Strop was tagged in a post on social media that was authored by Reyes. The trio broke Covid protocols and are now being withheld from their respective Spring Training camps.

 

Nationals Reliever Sent Packing

 

 

Washington released veteran Jeremy Jeffress today for what has been defined as “personnel reasons.” It’s an odd description as that would seemingly define every transaction. Jeffress did attack former agent (they parted ways in 2019) Joshua Kusnick via Twitter in regards to the situation. Nothing concrete has been made public by either side.

 

 

Astros Pitching Depth Tested

 

 

A day after signing former Twins starter Jake Odorizzi, the Houston Astros were dealt another starting blow. Forrest Whitley was recommended Tommy John surgery for his UCL injury. This comes on the heels of Framber Valdez being recommended surgery on a finger that would keep him out for the duration of the season. Minnesota’s former veteran starter is a nice add for Dusty Baker’s club, but it’s quickly turned more into necessity than opportunity.

 

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[Tom Froemming]

Here are some additional highlights from this afternoon's game, which includes video of Thorpe, Canterino and Winder.

[AceWrigley]

Thanks Tom, nice job as always. Thorpe looking very determined. Canterino looking nasty. Broxton making a statement.

[bighat]

Weird tweet from Jeffress there, gets released and then calls out an agent from 2019? Very strange indeed. The agent did tweet this a couple of days ago mentioning Jeffress and the Texas Rangers, not sure how to decode this.

 

https://twitter.com/JoshuaKusnick/status/1367533607624015878

[Tom Froemming]

 

Thanks Tom, nice job as always. Thorpe looking very determined. Canterino looking nasty. Broxton making a statement.

This seemed like an odd landing spot for Broxton, there are other teams with more OF need that should have been interested in him. It's going to be tough (but not impossible) for him to play his way onto the roster. Maybe this will be a great opportunity to showcase himself to other teams. Either way, it's really nice to have him around, and he appears to be enjoying himself.

[Vanimal46]

Thorpe is gaining my respect, for sure. It could have been just as easy to give up knowing the odds were against him to be a regular MLB contributor here. He showed up this year ready to prove people wrong. Good for him!  

[Greglw3]

 

This seemed like an odd landing spot for Broxton, there are other teams with more OF need that should have been interested in him. It's going to be tough (but not impossible) for him to play his way onto the roster. Maybe this will be a great opportunity to showcase himself to other teams. Either way, it's really nice to have him around, and he appears to be enjoying himself.

I sure hope they keep him. OF seems shaky at all 3 positions to me. Kepler’s low BAs, Buxton’s chronic injuries, Cave not even an avg MLB OF due to bat. Releasing Eddie leaves that position wide open and the fact that no one knows, even now, who the Twins LF is going to be leaves Broxton with a chance to grab it. Definitely on the 26 man though. He has hit 20 HR in MLB season.

[Trov]

Here is to hoping Thorpe is that unexpected guy to help a ton.  Dobnak did that the first half last year.  You always need under the radar guys to step up during a year to help carry past the finish line.  

[gil4]

 

Then Keon Broxton literally left the stadium.

Coach told him to run home, so he ran HOME?