Minnesota Twins Start Spring Training Games with Win Over the Golden Gophers

[John Bonnes]

When does the journey that is the Minnesota Twins 2024 season officially begin? Opening Day? When pitchers and catchers report? I'll vote for the first time we see baseball, even if it's designed to be an exhibition game. 

Image courtesy of John Bonnes, Twins Daily

That's especially true when it's a well-conceived exhibition game, and Friday night's 13-2 win over the University of Minnesota's Golden Gophers was. It's designed to draw Minnesotans back to the ballpark, featuring their hometown nine versus their hometown college team with half-price tickets. Add in a few pre-game festivities celebrating legendary U of M baseball coach John Anderson, who has announced his retirement after this season, and there was plenty to please the crowd. 

This initial game has also traditionally given the Twins a chance to showcase some of their top prospects, and they took advantage of that again. Twins Daily's #2 prospect Brooks Lee played shortstop and batted leadoff for the team, and #3 prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez played center field, batted sixth, and had an RBI. Also in the three innings that the starting lineups played, Twins Daily's Top 20 honorable mention Michael Helman hit a solo home run. 

The Gophers got to face some major league pitching, too. Chris Paddack returned to the mound as a starting pitcher after pitching for the Twins in relief late last season. His results were not exceptionally sharp, but he threw 40 pitches, and a handful of them were a new pitch. He checked a couple of other checkboxes, too, like pitching two innings. "Getting back up there for that second [inning]. That's the stuff we're trying to simulate as we prepare for the season," said Paddack afterward. 

If that sounds a little elementary, it is, but that's a lot of what spring training is all about. Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli's job is to get the 59 guys in camp through a series of steps, some of which are as simple as "field a fly ball for the first time in several months."

If that also sounds elementary, it might be a little surprising that Twins centerfielder Byron Buxton said he was nervous about that earlier this week. 

That doesn't mean players are just going through the motions. Paddack is using these outings to become comfortable with a new slider that he hopes to use to complement his fastball/changeup-heavy repertoire. He's worked on it last year while he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, and he's worked on it this offseason, but now the clock is ticking. 

"In season, it's hard to develop a pitch," explains Paddack. "I have four days, and then that fifth day, I'm out there, and I gotta throw my best stuff. I can't rely on a pitch that might not be there at the big league level."

So yes, these are designed to be exhibition games, but they're also designed as a journey towards the regular season. Friday night was one of the first steps, and based on the hoots and hollers of the crowd, it's a journey they're looking forward to. 

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[Nashvilletwin]

We TDers shouldn’t sleep on Helman.  He’s a really good ballplayer who could prove to be a valuable backup this season. If he has a good spring, that might just inspire enough confidence that others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order could be moved.

[Parfigliano]

Im getting from the article Paddack had control issues.  

[RpR]

[sweetmusicviola16]

E Rod with a hit, RBI and a BOB. It's only just begun.

[IaBeanCounter]

2 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

Im getting from the article Paddack had control issues.  

38 pitches, 26 strikes

[Seth Stohs]

8 minutes ago, IaBeanCounter said:

38 pitches, 26 strikes

The goal is usually 2 out of 3, and this is 68%, so not too bad. 

[Seth Stohs]

2 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

We TDers shouldn’t sleep on Helman.  He’s a really good ballplayer who could prove to be a valuable backup this season. If he has a good spring, that might just inspire enough confidence that others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order could be moved.

I don't disagree, but who are the 'others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order." 

Presumed starters: Wallner, Buxton, Kepler 
Bench options: Castro,
Others (on 40-man): Larnach, Rodriguez, Martin, Kirilloff (primarily 1B but can play OF still)
Others (not on 40-man): Helman, Keirsey, Prato. 

Helman, of course, also can play all four infield positions well too, so that's an added dimension. 

Right now, it seems as though the "battle" for the final spot is probably between Larnach, Martin and Miranda... But I think it's fair to suggest that Helman is in that conversation as well. I'd be very surprised if he makes the Opening Day roster (unless a few things happen - injury wise), but he's proving (two years ago and when healthy last year). They know what Helman can bring. He's just not going to pass by Martin or Rodriguez, but he's ahead of Keirsey because he's right-handed and certainly Prato too. 

[AlwaysinModeration]

7 hours ago, sweetmusicviola16 said:

E Rod with a hit, RBI and a BOB. It's only just begun.

A BOB?  Is that a walk?

[Doctor Wu]

8 hours ago, RpR said:

I'm a box score junky, so thank you for that!

[Doctor Wu]

6 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I don't disagree, but who are the 'others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order." 

Presumed starters: Wallner, Buxton, Kepler 
Bench options: Castro,
Others (on 40-man): Larnach, Rodriguez, Martin, Kirilloff (primarily 1B but can play OF still)
Others (not on 40-man): Helman, Keirsey, Prato. 

Helman, of course, also can play all four infield positions well too, so that's an added dimension. 

Right now, it seems as though the "battle" for the final spot is probably between Larnach, Martin and Miranda... But I think it's fair to suggest that Helman is in that conversation as well. I'd be very surprised if he makes the Opening Day roster (unless a few things happen - injury wise), but he's proving (two years ago and when healthy last year). They know what Helman can bring. He's just not going to pass by Martin or Rodriguez, but he's ahead of Keirsey because he's right-handed and certainly Prato too. 

Seth, what is your feeling on the transactions front? Is there still a chance that the Twins sign a free agent of some type, or swing another trade before opening day? Or is the current roster basically what we are getting?

[Karbo]

7 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I don't disagree, but who are the 'others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order." 

Presumed starters: Wallner, Buxton, Kepler 
Bench options: Castro,
Others (on 40-man): Larnach, Rodriguez, Martin, Kirilloff (primarily 1B but can play OF still)
Others (not on 40-man): Helman, Keirsey, Prato. 

Helman, of course, also can play all four infield positions well too, so that's an added dimension. 

Right now, it seems as though the "battle" for the final spot is probably between Larnach, Martin and Miranda... But I think it's fair to suggest that Helman is in that conversation as well. I'd be very surprised if he makes the Opening Day roster (unless a few things happen - injury wise), but he's proving (two years ago and when healthy last year). They know what Helman can bring. He's just not going to pass by Martin or Rodriguez, but he's ahead of Keirsey because he's right-handed and certainly Prato too. 

Don't forget about Jenkins.

[Major League Ready]

10 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I don't disagree, but who are the 'others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order." 

Presumed starters: Wallner, Buxton, Kepler 
Bench options: Castro,
Others (on 40-man): Larnach, Rodriguez, Martin, Kirilloff (primarily 1B but can play OF still)
Others (not on 40-man): Helman, Keirsey, Prato. 

Helman, of course, also can play all four infield positions well too, so that's an added dimension. 

Right now, it seems as though the "battle" for the final spot is probably between Larnach, Martin and Miranda... But I think it's fair to suggest that Helman is in that conversation as well. I'd be very surprised if he makes the Opening Day roster (unless a few things happen - injury wise), but he's proving (two years ago and when healthy last year). They know what Helman can bring. He's just not going to pass by Martin or Rodriguez, but he's ahead of Keirsey because he's right-handed and certainly Prato too. 

IDT anyone believes Helman is making the team out of spring training but it will get real interesting if he puts together 2-3 months playing at AAA like he did before getting hurt.  Can you imagine a bench of Casto, Martin, and Hellman with Hellman playing to level we have seen flashed in the minors.  As long as we are dreaming, now imagine Severino or Miranda stepping up.  Holy cow that's one heck of a 26 man roster.

[Dave The Dastardly]

4 hours ago, AlwaysinModeration said:

A BOB?  Is that a walk?

That's the shifty-looking guy that loiters around the grandstand and goes "Psst! Buddy! You looking for a good time later?" every time you walk by.

[Blyleven2011]

13 hours ago, RpR said:

The walks were up and the strikeouts down ...

Hope that continues ...

[JosiahDeBoer]

10 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

The goal is usually 2 out of 3, and this is 68%, so not too bad. 

Alex Fast on twitter also pointed out that Paddack's curveball looks a bit different than it did last year - he's messing with two pitches right now. (Curveball has a slightly different shape and was clocking in ~3 mph faster than last year)

[Scott51104]

I liked the ballpark photo, John.

[FlyingFinn]

15 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

We TDers shouldn’t sleep on Helman.  He’s a really good ballplayer who could prove to be a valuable backup this season. If he has a good spring, that might just inspire enough confidence that others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order could be moved.

I think Helman's short-term avenue to make the big league's isn't straight OF but utility. Therefore, it would take a Castro injury combined with Helman playing great at AAA that would get him the call. The problem, as it was in late 2022, is that he's not on the 40 man roster. He's good enough that they probably can't add him and later DFA him (as all teams love to do with the 39th and 40th guys on the 40 man) or he would get claimed (but teams don't think he's good enough (or he's too "old") to get picked in the Rule 5 draft.

[jkcarew]

7 hours ago, Karbo said:

Don't forget about Jenkins.

I think the conversation was related to sleeper 2024 options for the big club. Jenkins doesn’t figure in in that regard.

[JD-TWINS]

21 hours ago, Parfigliano said:

Im getting from the article Paddack had control issues.  

Probably.

First 40 pitches live of Spring Training………seems like an interception in the first exhibition game in football - a non-issue.

Control issues March 18th is a bigger deal for sure.

[JD-TWINS]

19 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I don't disagree, but who are the 'others theoretically ahead of him in the OF pecking order." 

Presumed starters: Wallner, Buxton, Kepler 
Bench options: Castro,
Others (on 40-man): Larnach, Rodriguez, Martin, Kirilloff (primarily 1B but can play OF still)
Others (not on 40-man): Helman, Keirsey, Prato. 

Helman, of course, also can play all four infield positions well too, so that's an added dimension. 

Right now, it seems as though the "battle" for the final spot is probably between Larnach, Martin and Miranda... But I think it's fair to suggest that Helman is in that conversation as well. I'd be very surprised if he makes the Opening Day roster (unless a few things happen - injury wise), but he's proving (two years ago and when healthy last year). They know what Helman can bring. He's just not going to pass by Martin or Rodriguez, but he's ahead of Keirsey because he's right-handed and certainly Prato too. 

Martin seems squarely ahead of him…….Larnach ahead in a strictly, outfield spot. Keirsy wouldn’t be ahead of him and certainly not a threat out of Spring Training. If Buxton went to IL, however, the door could open for Keirsy if he hits like last year.

Unless Santana gets hurt or Lewis gets hurt I can’t imagine Miranda in the mix for a 26 man spot even if he hits .400 this Spring. Gotta have 5 OF options and Buxton counts as a half an option IMO.

Kirilloff & Santana are the 1B options and are a lock with good health.

[JD-TWINS]

7 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

I think Helman's short-term avenue to make the big league's isn't straight OF but utility. Therefore, it would take a Castro injury combined with Helman playing great at AAA that would get him the call. The problem, as it was in late 2022, is that he's not on the 40 man roster. He's good enough that they probably can't add him and later DFA him (as all teams love to do with the 39th and 40th guys on the 40 man) or he would get claimed (but teams don't think he's good enough (or he's too "old") to get picked in the Rule 5 draft.

Don’t see him passing up Martin though?

[FlyingFinn]

13 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Don’t see him passing up Martin though?

I don't either. If Castro's hurt, do you still want to play Martin every day at AAA. If so, maybe Helman gets his chance. Or with another injury (Twins really sound healthy right now), both Martin and Helman with the Twins?

Helman also plays every position that Castro does, which is everything except catcher (Martin is more 2B, LF, CF). My feeling is that he plays better defense than Castro in the OF but worse in the infield, but not by much and I'm just guessing. @DocBauer and I are probably his two biggest fans. Maybe Doc or someone else can shed some light on that.

[DocBauer]

13 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

I don't either. If Castro's hurt, do you still want to play Martin every day at AAA. If so, maybe Helman gets his chance. Or with another injury (Twins really sound healthy right now), both Martin and Helman with the Twins?

Helman also plays every position that Castro does, which is everything except catcher (Martin is more 2B, LF, CF). My feeling is that he plays better defense than Castro in the OF but worse in the infield, but not by much and I'm just guessing. @DocBauer and I are probably his two biggest fans. Maybe Doc or someone else can shed some light on that.

Yep, big supporter of Helman. Just such a shame he was so beat up all of 2023...and still put up awesome numbers...as I think he might established himself as a near roster lock the way Castro has. That being said, I still think the SMART play for the Twins is to spend a few more $ and sign one of the veteran OF that are still out there. They all fill a need, but in different ways, and give the team a veteran floor player without having to count on a rookie. In other words, if Martin is the choice because he's inexpensive, talented, and the Twins actually think he's ready to contribute and they think they can find room for him daily, then OK. But if he struggles, and he goes back down, now who takes his place?

That doesn't mean I don't like Martin or think he doesn't have a future. I just don't know if he's going to be that last guy, that RH bat to complete the roster. I've thought Helman might be the guy as he's talented and very versatile, and has more AAA experience. And frankly, if a late bloomer flails somewhat, you aren't as concerned about missed opportunity or development. And that's just being honest. 

Helman has displayed a solid bat, solid OB%, and good power at AAA. He's also good on the basepaths and has stolen 82 bases in the minors for a 80% success rate. It's really worth it to take a moment and look up his stat lines on Baseball Ref for the past 2 seasons. Defensively, he can and has played SS. As well as 1B. But those are his least two common spots. He's been mostly used across the entire OF, including quite a bit at CF, as well as 2B and 3B in the INF. He is very much a RH version of Castro, but probably with more power.

He's still a potential surprise and Sire of Fort Myers candidate this spring. More likely, he's a 40 man add at some point during the season when someone gets banged up. From there, it's up to him to prove he can get the job done.