Can the Twins Regain Momentum This Spring?

[Ted Schwerzler]

When the Minnesota Twins postseason run ended in October last year, it was hard to feel too down about the season. The franchise was riding a high it hadn’t seen in three decades, and plenty of youth was carrying the club. This offseason has put a damper on plenty of that, but can the spring warm fans up again?

Image courtesy of © Amanda Inscore/The News-Press USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK

With spring training action underway in Fort Myers, the Twins will start a slate of games to prepare for the 2024 regular season. They enter the year as favorites to win the American League Central Division, and there is plenty of hope that they can again make a run during the postseason. Those realities exist, but they may be lost on fans after how ownership has handled the winter.

Running a pair of recent polls on X, both a grade for the offseason and excitement heading into the year, has fans responding lukewarm at best. Following multiple offseasons of record spending and acquisitions of names like Carlos Correa and Pablo Lopez, this incoming class could not be less thrilling. The bullpen has been added to, and that could be among the best groups in baseball, but $5.25 million for Carlos Santana and the insertion of Anthony DeSclafani into the rotation do little to move the needle.

It’s fair to suggest that this team is roughly as good as last year, but that relies heavily upon internal options carrying a much heavier load. With Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, and Tyler Mahle gone from the rotation, that group looks worse from a quality and depth standpoint. That can be mitigated by steps forward from Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober or Correa and Byron Buxton remaining healthy, but plenty of things need to go right.

When the offseason began, the Twins set the tone with a message that funds wouldn’t be there to supplement the roster. Derek Falvey and Thad Levine had their jobs made more difficult by ownership, and it was that message put out as what seemed to be a public relations misstep that caused a cloud to hang over everything that followed.

Grading the offseason in terms of moves is mainly subjective. What Minnesota did will, without question, help them to compete in 2024. However, none of the moves on their own deserve better than a “C” grade. If you are to include anything unrelated to the roster, it’s understandable why the “activity” takes a hit.

There’s no reason that the start of the 2024 Minnesota Twins season shouldn’t be met with unbridled excitement. Following how last year’s team finished and the emergence of Royce Lewis, there couldn’t be more for fans to get behind. Brooks Lee should be coming this year, and Edouard Julien looks like a legitimate regular. A case can be made that Pablo Lopez could win the Cy Young, and Correa being healthy, may earn MVP votes. Even with all of that being true, fans were split, and indifference reared its head.

Plenty of eyeballs around Twins Territory are still unable to watch the games, which may be the greatest downer. Even though ownership backed off supporting the on-field product, the easiest way to spread excitement is by making the product consumable. With the franchise publicly stating that removing blackouts and finding a new home was their goal, only to reverse course, it’s understandable why plenty would be chafed.

Overall, the offseason problems can largely be swept under the rug when actual games start being played, and seeing home runs hit and strikeouts thrown from Hammond Stadium should bring joy to the faces of many. How much momentum can be created over the next month is something that the franchise should be looking to capitalize on. Turning the page from the doldrums of winter is a must, mainly because the Twins did so little to keep what they had rolling.

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[Jocko87]

I'm confused about the premise of a loss of momentum frankly. Good young healthy players everywhere and all we hear is but Sonny!

I'm not sure Twins Twitter is the best sample of fan sentiment. It feels like giving a field sobriety test to a bottle of Boones Farm. Even then, the scores are pretty decent.

The Athletic is running a similar survey, let's see how that compares.

[Cory Engelhardt]

I think the team momentum never stopped. Just because fans want something to happen or not didn't change that at all right? What momentum did the team actually lose? I'm not seeing it.

[tony&rodney]

The polls reflect accurate thinking about 1) how the offseason went or was perceived and 2) what expectations for offseason moves would have to move forward the team from last October.

However, the Twins do have a strong team right now. I would say that the 26 person roster is slightly better than the roster from one year ago. We just need to see how the season plays out. The most certain of points made in the article is one that will be watched closely. How do the young players respond to a full season of play. There are so many variables with guys like Jeffers, Kirilloff, Julien, Lewis, Wallner and a few pitchers. Now throw in the legitimate concerns about Buxton, Correa, and Kepler and one can imagine a wide range of outcomes. This doesn't even touch on the continued development of the entire starting staff. 

All teams have questions going into the season but the Twins may have a greater swing than most contenders. I believe there is talent in this team and expect to see quite a bit of good baseball.

[Ted Schwerzler]

22 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm confused about the premise of a loss of momentum frankly. Good young healthy players everywhere and all we hear is but Sonny!

I'm not sure Twins Twitter is the best sample of fan sentiment. It feels like giving a field sobriety test to a bottle of Boones Farm. Even then, the scores are pretty decent.

The Athletic is running a similar survey, let's see how that compares.

I mean, in some sense I agree. However, ownership immediately poured cold water on the offseason, and then the TV situation will draw ire of streaming fans. Excitement follows baseball being back, but the organization didn't do much to foster it on their own.

[Ted Schwerzler]

14 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I think the team momentum never stopped. Just because fans want something to happen or not didn't change that at all right? What momentum did the team actually lose? I'm not seeing it.

Fan interest is more what this momentum was regarding. There was a way to encapsulate the October feelings for March/April, and that didn't happen.

[tony&rodney]

24 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm confused about the premise of a loss of momentum frankly. Good young healthy players everywhere and all we hear is but Sonny!

I'm not sure Twins Twitter is the best sample of fan sentiment. It feels like giving a field sobriety test to a bottle of Boones Farm. Even then, the scores are pretty decent.

The Athletic is running a similar survey, let's see how that compares.

The Athletic survey merely asks if one has optimism for their team. I have enormous optimism for the Twins team in 2024. I see this team right now as better than the team from one year ago.

Perhaps I read the Twitter/X survey in the wrong fashion. I don't have Twitter/X. I understood one question to ask for a grade on the offseason. Expectations were high from many. I didn't expect a payroll above $120-125 million, but I expected a trade or two that might have improved the team. How one views the offseason actions results in some random grade but could still entail optimism and enthusiasm for the coming year.

I read the second question in the survey as linking the postseason run and hoped for additions to the team in the offseason, which is then reflected by the survey. This depends on how one sees the team now compared to the team at the end of the postseason and what one hoped to add to make the 2024 team much better.

I might be way off on my take of the Twitter/X survey. I am predicting an AL Central crown for the Twins in 2024.

[Karbo]

All will be cured by winning out of the gate. A start like last season would be very bad. Put together a winning record for the 1st few weeks and all the bandwagon jumpers will be back on board.

I personally think this team should win the division. As far as all the Sonny talk, I don't think he would have repeated it this season. That's not saying he won't pitch well or better than Desclafini. To me that's one of the biggest question marks, along with if any of the 3 rookies being counted on will have the sophomore drop off that so many have had.

[sweetmusicviola16]

Count me as optimistic, since this is the best team in the Central and very likely will win it. But at the same time I am not as excited about the team as I am optimistic. The pitching pieces that we are raving about are either unproven or mehh. Santana and Margot are mehh. There is no way that I can honestly tell myself that the FO improved this team.

But here is how I see the Central: Chicago will win a small number more games. I don't see them being that bad again. I can see Cleveland winning another game or two or three. KC, will be better. No they aren't going to make up 30 games. But 15? 20? Maybe. It is very logical that some of the wins these teams have over last season will come against the Twins. Detroit however will be very tough. As has been mentioned on here before, if our youngsters can improve so can Detroit's. Twins win the division by a game or two. That's my optimism. When we could have widened the gap we allowed it to narrow. But we'll enjoy the season either way.

[Richmond Dude]

Hey Ted, please stop ignoring the 2002 Twins, who by every measure outperformed the 2023 team.  It hasn't been "three decades" since we reached this high, it's been two.  Team history is important and a Twins journalist should know it.

[sweetmusicviola16]

More optimism: Buxton had his 2nd stint today in CF this spring. Royce Lewis back to his old tricks today: Grand Slam.

[sweetmusicviola16]

14 minutes ago, Richmond Dude said:

Hey Ted, please stop ignoring the 2002 Twins, who by every measure outperformed the 2023 team.  It hasn't been "three decades" since we reached this high, it's been two.  Team history is important and a Twins journalist should know it.

Honestly 2006, 2010 we were good. But no PO series wins.

[Riverbrian]

There is no doubt that I would have done things different this off-season. 

However, to be fair... I am unencumbered by the following things:

Budgets concerns

Asian Beetle Infestations

RSN Deals

Compact Discs that skip and can't be replaced. 

Other peoples opinions

The price of tickets and hot dogs

Introducing New Coke to the Old Coke World

Corporate Sponsorships

Owners who love the anti-trust exemptions

Puppies that pee on the carpet for attention

Collectively bargained agreements

Agents playing Hardball

Rogue Gangs of Drunk People from South Dakota passed out on my lawn. 

Over-Asking General Managers to trade with

The future beyond 2024

Ivy League Grads trying to take my job

Where to park a Tank

Sorting through Pages upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages of metric data trying to find anything that increases the chances of success in drips and drabs that is bound to conflict with each other at some point. 

   

[chpettit19]

28 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

There is no doubt that I would have done things different this off-season. 

However, to be fair... I am unencumbered by the following things:

Budgets concerns

Asian Beetle Infestations

RSN Deals

Compact Discs that skip and can't be replaced. 

Other peoples opinions

The price of tickets and hot dogs

Introducing New Coke to the Old Coke World

Corporate Sponsorships

Owners who love the anti-trust exemptions

Puppies that pee on the carpet for attention

Collectively bargained agreements

Agents playing Hardball

Rogue Gangs of Drunk People from South Dakota passed out on my lawn. 

Over-Asking General Managers to trade with

The future beyond 2024

Ivy League Grads trying to take my job

Where to park a Tank

Sorting through Pages upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages of metric data trying to find anything that increases the chances of success in drips and drabs that is bound to conflict with each other at some point. 

   

I have a tank I'm considering gifting you so I just want to clear up whether you're unencumbered because you don't have one or because you already have a perfect spot to park said tank.

[Riverbrian]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

I have a tank I'm considering gifting you so I just want to clear up whether or not you're unencumbered because you don't have one or because you already have a perfect spot to park said tank.

I don't have one

 

 

 

 

Yet

Amazon was charging too much for overnight delivery. 

[Heiny]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

There is no doubt that I would have done things different this off-season. 

However, to be fair... I am unencumbered by the following things:

Budgets concerns

Asian Beetle Infestations

RSN Deals

Compact Discs that skip and can't be replaced. 

Other peoples opinions

The price of tickets and hot dogs

Introducing New Coke to the Old Coke World

Corporate Sponsorships

Owners who love the anti-trust exemptions

Puppies that pee on the carpet for attention

Collectively bargained agreements

Agents playing Hardball

Rogue Gangs of Drunk People from South Dakota passed out on my lawn. 

Over-Asking General Managers to trade with

The future beyond 2024

Ivy League Grads trying to take my job

Where to park a Tank

Sorting through Pages upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages of metric data trying to find anything that increases the chances of success in drips and drabs that is bound to conflict with each other at some point. 

   

You need to replace RandBallStu.  You are much funnier.

[Riverbrian]

2 minutes ago, Heiny said:

You need to replace RandBallStu.  You are much funnier.

Thank You but I gotta say... there are times when RandballStu makes me spit coffee on my co-workers. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

There is no doubt that I would have done things different this off-season. 

However, to be fair... I am unencumbered by the following things:

Budgets concerns

Asian Beetle Infestations

RSN Deals

Compact Discs that skip and can't be replaced. 

Other peoples opinions

The price of tickets and hot dogs

Introducing New Coke to the Old Coke World

Corporate Sponsorships

Owners who love the anti-trust exemptions

Puppies that pee on the carpet for attention

Collectively bargained agreements

Agents playing Hardball

Rogue Gangs of Drunk People from South Dakota passed out on my lawn. 

Over-Asking General Managers to trade with

The future beyond 2024

Ivy League Grads trying to take my job

Where to park a Tank

Sorting through Pages upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages Upon Pages of metric data trying to find anything that increases the chances of success in drips and drabs that is bound to conflict with each other at some point. 

   

These frickin beetles are everywhere. I'd be happy to share some with you if you are running short. 

[DJL44]

Momentum is the next day's starting pitcher - Earl Weaver

[Heiny]

59 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Thank You but I gotta say... there are times when RandballStu makes me spit coffee on my co-workers. 

Well, they probably deserve it.

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, Heiny said:

Well, they probably deserve it.

You obviously know them. 

[IndianaTwin]

From the OP: "...There’s no reason that the start of the 2024 Minnesota Twins season shouldn’t be met with unbridled excitement. Following how last year’s team finished and the emergence of Royce Lewis, there couldn’t be more for fans to get behind. Brooks Lee should be coming this year, and Edouard Julien looks like a legitimate regular. A case can be made that Pablo Lopez could win the Cy Young, and Correa being healthy, may earn MVP votes. Even with all of that being true, fans were split, and indifference reared its head...."

 

And yet, the rest of the article pretty much does the opposite.

[Fatbat]

Are fans really that fickle? All the team has to do is win games and the stadium will be full of fans. 

[jkcarew]

It’s the same feeling as has been the trend for almost a decade, right?

The club is well positioned to compete in the worse division in baseball (also usually the lowest aggregate payroll division in baseball).

And not very well positioned to compete for a pennant or WS.

I do think there seems to be a window for more than that starting in a year or two from now…if/when this promising wave of prospects establish themselves. But that’s also why it’s a bit frustrating that the roster is still currently jammed with so many mediocre veterans. Oh, well…in the meantime, there’s always the AL Central to keep us interested.

[RpR]

I do not worry about the Twins, they do what they do, but, whether or not they can keep up the play into the post season is the big if, not if they get there.

[Dlee]

I am a fan either way.  the limited access to tv broadcast has me on the downer as I lost my hearing, so it is hard to watch on the radio.

They will be the Twins this year.  Some ups and downs; but I do think they will have a month and a half of baseball dominance that will set them with a good lead.

[Fatbat]

9 hours ago, jkcarew said:

It’s the same feeling as has been the trend for almost a decade, right?

The club is well positioned to compete in the worse division in baseball (also usually the lowest aggregate payroll division in baseball).

And not very well positioned to compete for a pennant or WS.

I do think there seems to be a window for more than that starting in a year or two from now…if/when this promising wave of prospects establish themselves. But that’s also why it’s a bit frustrating that the roster is still currently jammed with so many mediocre veterans. Oh, well…in the meantime, there’s always the AL Central to keep us interested.

We can only hope that the mediocre vets play the best season of their career or just get injured so we can just move on to young guns. Either way, its going to be a fun season of baseball ⚾️ 

The FO at least tried to improve the team. Ownership still needs a kick in the pants to understand that “rightsizing” a business is nothing that fans care about. Even a casual fan can understand that $30M investment can be recouped over time. A 1984 investment of $44M built its way to $1.5B current value after all. How much is a WS trophy worth? Probably north of $250M additional future revenue? 

[JD-TWINS]

21 hours ago, Karbo said:

All will be cured by winning out of the gate. A start like last season would be very bad. Put together a winning record for the 1st few weeks and all the bandwagon jumpers will be back on board.

I personally think this team should win the division. As far as all the Sonny talk, I don't think he would have repeated it this season. That's not saying he won't pitch well or better than Desclafini. To me that's one of the biggest question marks, along with if any of the 3 rookies being counted on will have the sophomore drop off that so many have had.

A start like last year would be wonderful. The young guys will be starting their first full year in The Show - excitement - pressure - etc.

At the end of April the Twins were 17-12 in 2023.

A much better May/June would be the thing to shoot for in ‘24. Team was 12-15 x two months………this was their problem stretch!

………………..

Generally, I do not understand the angst regarding the position player line-up whatsoever……..if Buxton can actually play CF 40 % of the time and Kepler isn’t completely ice cold for the first 3 months, this line-up has pop up and down v. RH or LH pitching!!

”Best bullpen in A.L.” is being predicted by Baseball People.

Lewis - CC - Julien/Farmer - Kirilloff/Santana along with Jeffers/Vazquez is really solid!

3 of 5 starters back in rotation along with 4-5 guys to fill the other 2 spots.

Wallner’s arm in LF next to Buxton’s range & Kepler’s smooth RF ………this is a very good Playoff outfield!

Anybody can get hurt on any team…….. nothing can be done about it ………next guy up and push forward. No reason to think the doom & gloom will only be an issue with the TWINS.

[Karbo]

45 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

A start like last year would be wonderful. The young guys will be starting their first full year in The Show - excitement - pressure - etc.

At the end of April the Twins were 17-12 in 2023.

A much better May/June would be the thing to shoot for in ‘24. Team was 12-15 x two months………this was their problem stretch!

………………..

Generally, I do not understand the angst regarding the position player line-up whatsoever……..if Buxton can actually play CF 40 % of the time and Kepler isn’t completely ice cold for the first 3 months, this line-up has pop up and down v. RH or LH pitching!!

”Best bullpen in A.L.” is being predicted by Baseball People.

Lewis - CC - Julien/Farmer - Kirilloff/Santana along with Jeffers/Vazquez is really solid!

3 of 5 starters back in rotation along with 4-5 guys to fill the other 2 spots.

Wallner’s arm in LF next to Buxton’s range & Kepler’s smooth RF ………this is a very good Playoff outfield!

Anybody can get hurt on any team…….. nothing can be done about it ………next guy up and push forward. No reason to think the doom & gloom will only be an issue with the TWINS.

I stand corrected. I should have said better 1st half. I agree that this looks like a solid playoff contender, but that's what I thought at the beginning of last year. Though they did make the playoffs, IMO they made a lot harder then it should have been. This year, they don't have as good of a starting staff, the pen looks like it should be improved, and Grand Slam Lewis looks like He has finally arrived. Now if the 3 sophomores can avoid the slump we so often happens.

[sampleSizeOfOne]

On 3/1/2024 at 5:51 PM, Riverbrian said:

You obviously know them. 

Anyone who orks cows has it comin'.

Coffee's too good for 'em.

 

(What''s orking, by the way?)