Report from The Fort: Twins 10, Braves 7, Mahle Returns, Julien Homers

Interesting that Julien didn’t play anything other than 2B all year last year…no OF, no 3B…nothing but second. Seems like another indication that the club feels he’s very limited defensively. But if he’s going to be a 25-30 HR guy (which seems somewhat realistic based on current trajectory) can he be also considered as a potentially solid defensive first baseman? If I was FO, I would sell high on one of Miranda, Lee, Lewis, Martin, Julien, Gordon, or Polanco in the next 16 months. Honestly, maybe two. Even if one of these is considered the 1B of the future, that makes 7 names for 4-5 roles: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, infield utility, outfield utility. Kirilloff would be an 8th name. I know depth is a good thing and injuries can be counted on. Still, seems like this isn’t maximizing capital. Not urgent yet, can see how Lewis/Kirilloff respond…but I think things look much differently next year at this time.

Today's game was interesting in the sense that Julien looks like he could be forcing the Twins hand. If he keeps hitting and it looks like he works the counts well, I believe he has a real shot at making the club coming out of Florida. I'm not talking about the 2 homers. But he looks like an Arreaz replica with more pop. So where does he fit? I don't know. But a potential. 300 hitter with a high OBP will find a spot. Because as of right now, who is the Twins leadoff hitter? Buxton should be in the2-3 spot. Kepler is not a leadoff hitter. I know it's early ST but if he keeps tearing it up, that 26 man roster heading north could be a lot different than most anticipate. JMHO

I love Julien & Martins trajectory. With all the base running training we had it's kinda disappointing that there has only been 4 SB attempts in 5 games, 3 successful. This is where we need to really break loose & let things fly in ST.

1 hour ago, PDX Twin said:

Just curious: Is TD abandoning the written word? I love reports from Spring Training, but I hate listening rather than reading.

I sincerely hope not. It’s tiring how so many outlets are going to video. I just want to read a lot of times. Also, hard to watch and listen to video at work and would rather just read. 

I hope I’m still around to see Julien (like several others) when the FO finally let’s him play for the varsity team. Who knows when that will happen. In the meantime I will try to stay awake with all the one year rentals comprising our roster.

Yeah, I was a daily reader but the newer formatting here is tough.  Does not play well on an iPhone due to so many pop-up videos, and Safari doesn't think it's safe so I have to click through warnings on my laptop.  Kinda miss the simpler times.  Will search out a box score on MLB.com.

Having said that, you guys still are the greatest.

Add me to the old school reader brigade, I keep meaning to watch the video logs when not at work, but haven't remembered to do so thus far.  

Nice to see a familiar name in the box today- Mike "Gulfa" Tonkin, long-time Twins AAAA pitcher.  Man, he's a bulldog still plugging away, and I wish him well. (Even tho we lit him up a bit today).  From Japan to DR to Mexico, to the Long Island Ducks, and now with the Braves, he's been all over the world, working hard to keep his dream alive.  Hats off to him.

11 hours ago, Rod Carews Birthday said:

maybe turn around and make a video with the game in the background? 

That would be a "rebroadcast, retransmission, or account of this game, without the expressed written consent of Major League Baseball"

I appreciate the video updates and assume they give Mr. Bonnes more time to relay as much news to fans as possible without having to reserve time to hammer away on a keyboard.  I prefer to read, especially when stats are relayed, but understand it's most valuable to use the "right tool for the job".  Keep those video updates coming!

These 2 minute clips  are perfectly appropriate for spring training, and Bonnes does it well.

Keep it up!

I too prefer reading the articles.  But I do find the videos informational and entertaining as well.  Keep them up.  I'm not a fan of podcasts however.  But I realize I'm in the minority there.  I always turn to TD for my twins information.  Keep up the good work!!

I'm a reader, not a watcher. If the info is important put it in the description of the vid, but sound is not compatible with work.

I understand the value of multimedia, but please identify the medium in the headline, at minimum.

Personally, I'm never going to watch these. I prefer to keep the sound off while using devices and I don't find watching people talking to their phones to be interesting.