How the Twins and Bally Sports Could Get the Band Back Together in the Broadcast Booth

[Matthew Lenz]

Here's a just-for-fun exercise: Who else would be fun to see in the broadcast booth, alongside Justin Morneau, Glen Perkins, Trevor Plouffe, LaTroy Hawkins, and Denard Span?

Image courtesy of © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

It was announced last week that Denard Span would join the Minnesota Twins broadcast booth in 2024.

He joins a quartet of former players I am dubbing the “2K Twins,” that includes Perk, Plouffe, LaTroy, and Morneau. While (in one sense) this pushes me closer and closer to my inevitable mid-life crisis, it also gives me another thing to look forward to ahead of the 2024 season.

I’ve enjoyed the recent shift in the broadcast plan, to one that shares the 162-game burden among many voices and personalities, rather than the same color analyst over and over and over and… you get it. Moreover, I look forward to fresh perspectives on today’s Twins and the overall game. Listening to the likes of Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, and other players from an older and very different era trash today’s game just didn’t work for me. This shift is one thing--maybe the only thing--that Bally Sports and the Minnesota Twins have gotten right on the TV front over the last few years.

Gone are the days of listening to the same two voices for 162 games a year, and here are the days of a rotating broadcast tandem. While I’m not advocating for anyone else to get kicked from the booth, I thought it’d be a fun exercise to look at a few other alumni whom I’d like to see put on the headset. Here’s my personal top three, in no particular order.

Johan Santana
A member of the Minnesota Twins and Venezuelan Baseball Halls of Fame and currently helping with Spring Training in Fort Myers, Santana has been around more in recent years. Don’t read this as a shot to Perk or LaTroy, but I would love to hear Santana talk pitching and provide live analysis of what he’s seeing as it happens. Imagine celebrating “Pablo Day” alongside one of his countrymen, and listening to the Cooperstown snub break down each pitch, at-bat, and the approach the righty is using.

Moreover, with so many foreign-born players in today’s game, it would be great to get the game from someone with a similar perspective as many of today’s players. And, as Cody Christie suggested, staying involved in a variety of ways should help his case for Cooperstown--to right the wrong of the BBWAA.

Michael Cuddyer
Cuddy, another Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer currently involved with Spring Training, has stayed involved in the game through USA Baseball. In addition to that, just scrolling through his Twitter feed will show you the various podcasts and shows to which the former Twins outfielder has contributed. He's also been outspoken about mental health in sports.

 

And at the end of the day, who would be more fitting to talk about the current era of Twins baseball than a guy who spent considerable time at six different positions in his career? 

Corey Koskie
I’d bet that Morneau and our friends to the North would just be tickled pink to see another Canadian in the booth. A key cog to the early years of the 2K Twins, he’s stayed involved with the game at the youth level, coaching various teams--including with MASH Baseball and Benilde-St. Margaret’s. He was even suiting up for the Loretto Larks, a townball team in the West metro, as recently as 2021.

Again like Morneau, Koskie’s career left you wanting more for the guy who dealt with more than his fair share of concussions and was done at just 33 years old. But the perspective he could bring as someone who is currently raising, coaching, and very involved with young athletes could be a fresh look at what makes today's athletes tick.

Who else would you like to see in the broadcast booth alongside Cory Provus? Join the conversation in the comments!

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[farmerguychris]

Cuddy would have my vote - Has perspective of so many different on-field roles over the years.  Also always thought he was very well spoken.  Would like to see if Dozier could have a guest spot as well to give it a try. 

[Craig Arko]

Any of them would be fun to listen to, I bet.

[dberthia]

Removing Smalley would be addition via subtraction.

[Parfigliano]

Once a month have flashback Friday with the return of Bert.

[CRF]

Gotta admit...I miss Bert a little bit. He just was a goofball and fun at times. Certainly not the most analytical guy, but enjoyable for the most part. I'm sure I'll miss Bremer some too. He's the only guy I've known doing games since I moved here back in 82. I do like Provus a lot, and I'm looking forward to having him doing the pbp on tv. Of the analysts, they can drop Roy right now and it wouldn't bother me a bit. I like Morny, but I wish he'd learn to shut up once in a while. Perk is good and Plouffe shows promise. I can take or leave LaTroy, not really a fan. I have no idea who else I would like to see in that chair. I think we've got enough guys already. Let's play ball!

[DJL44]

Eddie Guardado would be a fun special guest. Ron Gardenhire isn't that busy. Torii Hunter has done well on TV. We'll get AJ Pierzynski for the nationally broadcast games.

[RpR]

49 minutes ago, Matthew Lenz said:

Corey Koskie
I’d bet that Morneau and our friends to the North would just be tickled pink to see another Canadian in the booth. A key cog to the early years of the 2K Twins, he’s stayed involved with the game at the youth level, coaching various teams--including with MASH Baseball and Benilde-St. Margaret’s. He was even suiting up for the Loretto Larks, a townball team in the West metro, as recently as 2021.

Again like Morneau, Koskie’s career left you wanting more for the guy who dealt with more than his fair share of concussions and was done at just 33 years old. But the perspective he could bring as someone who is currently raising, coaching, and very involved with young athletes could be a fresh look at what makes today's athletes tick.

Who else would you like to see in the broadcast booth alongside Cory Provus? Join the conversation in the comments!

 

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AH, Loretto, --  last time I was in Loretto was decades back when many towns outside of the metro area were more like villages,  St. Bonni. , Victoria etc.,  before they were ruined with the cancer of horrendously ugly housing complexes.

[Karbo]

I'll miss Dick a lot, I'd love to hear from Kaat, Gardy or TK. How about Sir Rodney making a guest appearance?

[Rod Carews Birthday]

I like the idea of getting more of the "younger" voices involved in the broadcast team.  However, it would be great to grab some of the oldest Twins alumni -- i.e. Kaat, Carew, etc -- and have them stop by for just a game or two.  Some of these guys may not be around that much longer and it would be a shame if we missed out on them one more time.

[jmlease1]

Cuddy & Koskie might both be fun. Mientkiewicz? I'm sure he'd have things to say. Always Johan.

Would also like to hear from Greg Gagne, Brian Harper, and Juan Berenguer if they were interested.

how about the return of naked BP and Mike Redmond? LOL

Brad Radke and the Art of Not Walking Dudes?

[adjacent]

You know who could be one fun to have? Slowey. I am sure he is gonna offer a "different perspective".😊

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I like the idea of getting more of the "younger" voices involved in the broadcast team.  However, it would be great to grab some of the oldest Twins alumni -- i.e. Kaat, Carew, etc -- and have them stop by for just a game or two.  Some of these guys may not be around that much longer and it would be a shame if we missed out on them one more time.

They usually do that when the players are in town for an event. The older players typically aren't interested in traveling with the team.

I really like the idea of switching the color analyst in the booth this often. Each player only has so many anecdotes to tell before they run out of stories.

[Bodie]

Tony Oliva.

 

He's going to be happy, and if Tony is happy and doesn't lift you to at least "happy" something is wrong with you.

[strumdatjag]

3 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

Cuddy & Koskie might both be fun. Mientkiewicz? I'm sure he'd have things to say. Always Johan.

Would also like to hear from Greg Gagne, Brian Harper, and Juan Berenguer if they were interested.

how about the return of naked BP and Mike Redmond? LOL

Brad Radke and the Art of Not Walking Dudes?

That’s the idea - Doug Mientkiewicz, someone with an edge.   No more Mr Nice Guys.    A.J. already has a gig.   But the Twins know who had an edge in the locker room during the last 20 years.  
That’s the type of guy I want in the booth.  
Hey, Josh Donaldson just retired - it wouldn’t be boring to put the Bringer of Rain into the booth.    
Maybe Sergio Romo could put a little of the fire he had while playing into the booth.  

[FilthyMogwai]

Bring back Bert. Hrbek would be fun too. Pair one of those older guys with someone like Phil Hughes.

Phil Hughes would be phenomenal, actually. But he's busy these days opening sports card boxes on YouTube. 

[dberthia]

For those clamoring for Bert, remember he wasn't adding much to the telecasts in his later years. His contributions had gotten to the point where they mainly consisted of regurgitating stats from the media guide. I guess if you just wanted him around for the clown aspect, that's fine, but he's not someone who's going to provide insightful commentary anymore.

[Joey Self]

I came to love the Braves' crew in the 80's--Skip, Ernie, and Pete, none of which were designated "color guys."   I'm more interested in ability to communicate than I am what ability a guy had on the field. 

I've only heard Previn when he filled in for Bremer and a few times when traveling and listening on XM.  I think he'll be fine.

[ashbury]

4 hours ago, adjacent said:

You know who could be one fun to have? Slowey. I am sure he is gonna offer a "different perspective".😊

[rickyp]

This man, in these pants.

 

 

[oregontwin]

7 hours ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

I like the idea of getting more of the "younger" voices involved in the broadcast team.  However, it would be great to grab some of the oldest Twins alumni -- i.e. Kaat, Carew, etc -- and have them stop by for just a game or two.  Some of these guys may not be around that much longer and it would be a shame if we missed out on them one more time.

Probably be better if it was an inning or two as it would be easier for them. Less prep. We still get different voices, they get less performance anxiety.

[oregontwin]

7 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

Cuddy & Koskie might both be fun. Mientkiewicz? I'm sure he'd have things to say. Always Johan.

Would also like to hear from Greg Gagne, Brian Harper, and Juan Berenguer if they were interested.

how about the return of naked BP and Mike Redmond? LOL

Brad Radke and the Art of Not Walking Dudes?

I always liked Radke. Just thought he would have won even more games on usually sub standard teams if he had been just a bit wilder - even if on purpose. He had good stuff, but hitters could count on him being in or close to the strike zone. Them being not quite so comfortable in the box would have benefitted him.

[oregontwin]

7 hours ago, jmlease1 said:

Cuddy & Koskie might both be fun. Mientkiewicz? I'm sure he'd have things to say. Always Johan.

Would also like to hear from Greg Gagne, Brian Harper, and Juan Berenguer if they were interested.

how about the return of naked BP and Mike Redmond? LOL

Brad Radke and the Art of Not Walking Dudes?

I would love to hear Doug in the booth. Can't help but wonder how many would feel compelled to tune out a half hour into the game though. 

[DocBauer]

Would love to hear Cuddy in the booth. He's still a favorite of mine.

If he didn't have a coaching job right now, I'd love to hear Drew Butera in the booth. I think he'd offer a very unique perspective.

[OBX 3 6 28 29 34]

I would listen to Kitty Kaat every day. Mike Redmond might be fun. I think "Can't buy a vowel" would be fun too, especially during happy hour. And agree with Cuddyer, 757 dude, magic tricks!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, oregontwin said:

I would love to hear Doug in the booth. Can't help but wonder how many would feel compelled to tune out a half hour into the game though. 

here’s probably the closest you’ll find.

Dougie Baseball isn’t my cup of tea… I’d be in the tune out crowd

[ashbury]

Great job interview!  I assume they hired him on the spot.

 

/ edit - wait, this was just a podcast interview with nothing at stake, that he's getting worked up over?

/ edit^2 - I lasted 7:00 before I had to shut it off. Did anyone go farther?

[Squirrel]

43 minutes ago, ashbury said:

I lasted 7:00 before I had to shut it off. Did anyone go farther?

Wow, I lasted about half that

[Richie the Rally Goat]

8 hours ago, ashbury said:

Great job interview!  I assume they hired him on the spot.

 

/ edit - wait, this was just a podcast interview with nothing at stake, that he's getting worked up over?

/ edit^2 - I lasted 7:00 before I had to shut it off. Did anyone go farther?

But wait! There’s more! There’s a part 2 to that interview! I couldn’t even get myself to click that link.

i lasted about 3 minutes on the first one 

[Whitey333]

Great article.  Love all your suggestions.  I think Cuddy would be my choice.  But you knocking Blyleven , Molitor etal  as old players who are trashing todays game is a little disingenuous.   Today's game is generally trash.  People that are reinventing the old past time are ruining baseball.  It used to be a great game to watch.  The past few years it has become unwatchable.  Maybe it's a good thing most of us cant even get the games on tv.  That's a story for a different time.  Here's to yesterday.