Fire Dan Gladden

For those of you too young to remember the Mick when he played for the Twins, let me take a few minutes to enlighten you: Mickey Hatcher was loved in Minnesota. Not so much because he was a great player (though he was decent enough to be a semi-regular starter), but because he was slightly crazy. Everybody loved him. There are a few stories about him I would like to share. On May 4, 1984, Dave Kingman hit a towering fly ball that went up through one of the drainage holes holes in the ceiling. The ball never came back down. After a few minutes discussion, the umpires decided to give Kingman a double. This is relatively known. What is not quite as known is that the following day, the grounds crew went up into the roof to fetch the ball out. Well, Mick wanted to be a part of this, so they announced that the worker was going to drop the ball and Mick was going to catch it "so it would be an out yesterday". Local news came to cover it and everything. Well the worker couldn't get to the ball, but they did drop a substitute ball. Good ole' Mick, waiting patiently underneath the hole missed the ball. It hit him on the way down, never got a glove on it. Classic. I had the fortune of being at the last game of the season in 1986. It was a home game, and the Twins were coming off a horrible year. Anyways, Viola pitched a shutout and thew Twins went out on a winning note. After the game, many of the Twins players came back on the field and threw used batting gloves, hats, and other items into the stands (I still rock my Kent Hrbek batting glove). Not Mickey Hatcher. Mick actually climbs up into the stands and sits with a large group of fans out by the left field foul pole. He's giving away his hat, jersey, shoes. Everybody's going nuts around him. Hatcher left the Twins after 1986 and went to the Dodgers. Though he missed 1987 here, he got his ring with the 88' Los Angeles team. That is where he hooked up with Mike Scioscia. Scioscia became manager of the Angels, Mickey became his hitting coach. Until today that is. The Angels let him go, needing a scapegoat for their currently bad offense and Albert Pujols' slow start. You can read stories today about how much the fans of Los Angeles like Hatcher because he is still a big kid at heart and still loves the game. He and Mike Redmond are very similar in that vein. If the Twins do decide to bring in a new hitting coach, Mickey Hatcher would be an ideal fit. Here's to hoping we see him back in the game soon.

For those of you too young to remember the Mick when he played for the Twins, let me take a few minutes to enlighten you: Mickey Hatcher was loved in Minnesota. Not so much because he was a great player (though he was decent enough to be a semi-regular starter), but because he was slightly crazy. Everybody loved him. There are a few stories about him I would like to share. On May 4, 1984, Dave Kingman hit a towering fly ball that went up through one of the drainage holes holes in the ceiling. The ball never came back down. After a few minutes discussion, the umpires decided to give Kingman a double. This is relatively known. What is not quite as known is that the following day, the grounds crew went up into the roof to fetch the ball out. Well, Mick wanted to be a part of this, so they announced that the worker was going to drop the ball and Mick was going to catch it "so it would be an out yesterday". Local news came to cover it and everything. Well the worker couldn't get to the ball, but they did drop a substitute ball. Good ole' Mick, waiting patiently underneath the hole missed the ball. It hit him on the way down, never got a glove on it. Classic. I had the fortune of being at the last game of the season in 1986. It was a home game, and the Twins were coming off a horrible year. Anyways, Viola pitched a shutout and thew Twins went out on a winning note. After the game, many of the Twins players came back on the field and threw used batting gloves, hats, and other items into the stands (I still rock my Kent Hrbek batting glove). Not Mickey Hatcher. Mick actually climbs up into the stands and sits with a large group of fans out by the left field foul pole. He's giving away his hat, jersey, shoes. Everybody's going nuts around him. Hatcher left the Twins after 1986 and went to the Dodgers. Though he missed 1987 here, he got his ring with the 88' Los Angeles team. That is where he hooked up with Mike Scioscia. Scioscia became manager of the Angels, Mickey became his hitting coach. Until today that is. The Angels let him go, needing a scapegoat for their currently bad offense and Albert Pujols' slow start. You can read stories today about how much the fans of Los Angeles like Hatcher because he is still a big kid at heart and still loves the game. He and Mike Redmond are very similar in that vein. If the Twins do decide to bring in a new hitting coach, Mickey Hatcher would be an ideal fit. Here's to hoping we see him back in the game soon.

Funny, I would say it is the exact opposite. It's hard sometimes to sift through all of the "fire Gardy, fire all the front office, promote everybody" garbage to find decent articles. I would have to say that Bark and Souhan must be related considering their comments and articles always have the same tone. I guess he needs another tree to "Bark" up...

RE: Top Gun I feel sorry for you that the best you could come up with was abusive language for your comment.

At the end of 2011, the Twins had some choices to make on a handful of players. Some they released, others the chose not to sign, others they did resign. Lets take a look at how those decisions have fared out so far, along with the players brought in to replace those that left: Michael Cuddyer - left via free agency Replaced by Josh Willingham [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Willingham[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]28[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]114[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]96[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]16[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].313[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].421[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].646[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.067[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]193[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Cuddyer[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]121[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]109[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]26[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].284[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].347[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].468[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].815[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]108[/TD] [/TABLE] The signing at the time revolved around 2 primary issues: Cuddyer's ability to play multiple positions, and the dollar differences in the contract (Cuddyer signed for 3 yrs/$33 mil, Willingham for 3 yrs/$21 mil). I don't believe the Twins were worried about losing the Cuddyer flexibility with Mauer getting more reps at 1B. Their greater concern was making sure they had an effective right-handed bat in the outfield. Cuddyer has been decent for the Rockies, but Willingham has been everything and then some for the Twins. He is out pacing Cuddyer in virtually every category, while providing outfield defense that is no worse than what Cuddyer brought to the table. Willingham is one of the few bright spots for the the team thus far. Factor in the contract and it looks even better. Good decision? Yes Joe Nathan - Left via free agency Twins chose to resign Matt Capps [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]W[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]L[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]GF[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SV[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]IP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ER[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA+[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]WHIP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Capps[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.09[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]102[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.909[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.8[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Nathan[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2.84[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12.2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]157[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.105[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]8.5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9.9[/TD] [/TABLE] Joe Nathan never gave the Twins the chance to resign him, taking a 3 yr/#23 mil contract from Texas without giving the Twins a chance to reply. The Capps signing (1 yr/$4.5 mil with $6 mill TO) was not met well in Twins land and Capps' performance thus far has not merited a change in that opinion. Nathan had a bad outing early, but has been very strong for the Rangers as of late. While the Twins would love to have Nathan back, the contract dollars for a closer coming off surgery were not merited from a last-place team. Capps has been barely tolerable, but the signing will look worse if they pick up the option. Good decision? Yes (but only because the Twins are not currently a winning team) Jason Kubel - Left via free agency Twins signed Ryan Doumit [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Doumit[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]27[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]101[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]10[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]17[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].239[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].424[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].701[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]93[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Kubel[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]119[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]105[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].276[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].419[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].780[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]112[/TD] [/TABLE] Kubel signed a 3 yr/$25 M contract with Arizona. The Twins never really made a run at him, choosing instead to sign Doumit to a 1 yr/$3 mil contract. Doumit's ability to play catcher was a big reason in this decision, with Kubel essentially being a DH with some outfield capabilities. While Kubel has been slightly better offensively, his price tag never fit in with the Twins immediate future. Doumit has produced as expected, and has allowed Mauer to play some extended 1B. Doumit could be considered a candidate to be a part of this team for the future. Good decision? Yes Matt Tolbert left via free agency Twins replaced with Jamey Carroll [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Carroll[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]127[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]110[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].312[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].576[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]64[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Tolbert[/TD] [TD=class: xl71, bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 3]No major league stats[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [/TABLE] Matt Tolbert was allowed to leave, after which he signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. Nothing missed with Tolbert leaving. Carroll signed a 2 yr/$6.5 mil contract to become the Twins full time shortstop. While maybe not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, Carroll seems to be a better fit as the UI, than a full-time SS. Offensively his numbers are down so far, but he has been better than advertised defensively. Carroll's ability to play multiple infield positions while bringing some veteran leadership to the infield makes this signing look good so far. Good decision? Yes Kevin Slowey was traded to the Colorado Rockies in December after the Twins decided they did not want to pay Slowey in arbitration. Slowey was subsequently traded to the Indians, where he was unable to make their roster out of spring training. His current ERA or 5.89, along with a WHIP of 1.49, at AAA is making this trade look pretty good about now considering the Slowey's 2012 salary is $2.75 mil. Good decision? Yes Considering the current state of the Twins, it's hard to say that the Twins made shrewd moves during the off-season. Their pitching staff is in shambles, and they are coming off a historic string of offensive ineptitude. But on a case by case basis, they Twins made decisions that are currently showing to be improvements over last year. That being said, they still have many holes to fill for the future and these small upgrades, while helpful and necessary, will not vault them back to respectability

At the end of 2011, the Twins had some choices to make on a handful of players. Some they released, others the chose not to sign, others they did resign. Lets take a look at how those decisions have fared out so far, along with the players brought in to replace those that left: Michael Cuddyer - left via free agency Replaced by Josh Willingham [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Willingham[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]28[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]114[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]96[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]16[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].313[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].421[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].646[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.067[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]193[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Cuddyer[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]121[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]109[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]26[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].284[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].347[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].468[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].815[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]108[/TD] [/TABLE] The signing at the time revolved around 2 primary issues: Cuddyer's ability to play multiple positions, and the dollar differences in the contract (Cuddyer signed for 3 yrs/$33 mil, Willingham for 3 yrs/$21 mil). I don't believe the Twins were worried about losing the Cuddyer flexibility with Mauer getting more reps at 1B. Their greater concern was making sure they had an effective right-handed bat in the outfield. Cuddyer has been decent for the Rockies, but Willingham has been everything and then some for the Twins. He is out pacing Cuddyer in virtually every category, while providing outfield defense that is no worse than what Cuddyer brought to the table. Willingham is one of the few bright spots for the the team thus far. Factor in the contract and it looks even better. Good decision? Yes Joe Nathan - Left via free agency Twins chose to resign Matt Capps [TABLE=width: 844] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]W[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]L[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]GF[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SV[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]IP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ER[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]ERA+[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]WHIP[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO/9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Capps[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.09[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]102[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.909[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0.8[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4.9[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Nathan[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2.84[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]13[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12.2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]157[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.105[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]8.5[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1.4[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9.9[/TD] [/TABLE] Joe Nathan never gave the Twins the chance to resign him, taking a 3 yr/#23 mil contract from Texas without giving the Twins a chance to reply. The Capps signing (1 yr/$4.5 mil with $6 mill TO) was not met well in Twins land and Capps' performance thus far has not merited a change in that opinion. Nathan had a bad outing early, but has been very strong for the Rangers as of late. While the Twins would love to have Nathan back, the contract dollars for a closer coming off surgery were not merited from a last-place team. Capps has been barely tolerable, but the signing will look worse if they pick up the option. Good decision? Yes (but only because the Twins are not currently a winning team) Jason Kubel - Left via free agency Twins signed Ryan Doumit [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Doumit[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]27[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]101[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]10[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]22[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]17[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]18[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].239[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].424[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].701[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]93[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Kubel[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]119[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]105[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]9[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]29[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]6[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]31[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].276[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].419[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].780[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]112[/TD] [/TABLE] Kubel signed a 3 yr/$25 M contract with Arizona. The Twins never really made a run at him, choosing instead to sign Doumit to a 1 yr/$3 mil contract. Doumit's ability to play catcher was a big reason in this decision, with Kubel essentially being a DH with some outfield capabilities. While Kubel has been slightly better offensively, his price tag never fit in with the Twins immediate future. Doumit has produced as expected, and has allowed Mauer to play some extended 1B. Doumit could be considered a candidate to be a part of this team for the future. Good decision? Yes Matt Tolbert left via free agency Twins replaced with Jamey Carroll [TABLE=width: 846] [TD=class: xl65, width: 117, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]PA[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]CS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl67, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]OPS+[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Carroll[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]30[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]127[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]110[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]5[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]7[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent]14[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].312[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl70, width: 56, bgcolor: transparent].576[/TD] [TD=class: xl69, width: 58, bgcolor: transparent]64[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Tolbert[/TD] [TD=class: xl71, bgcolor: transparent, colspan: 3]No major league stats[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [/TABLE] Matt Tolbert was allowed to leave, after which he signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. Nothing missed with Tolbert leaving. Carroll signed a 2 yr/$6.5 mil contract to become the Twins full time shortstop. While maybe not quite an apples-to-apples comparison, Carroll seems to be a better fit as the UI, than a full-time SS. Offensively his numbers are down so far, but he has been better than advertised defensively. Carroll's ability to play multiple infield positions while bringing some veteran leadership to the infield makes this signing look good so far. Good decision? Yes Kevin Slowey was traded to the Colorado Rockies in December after the Twins decided they did not want to pay Slowey in arbitration. Slowey was subsequently traded to the Indians, where he was unable to make their roster out of spring training. His current ERA or 5.89, along with a WHIP of 1.49, at AAA is making this trade look pretty good about now considering the Slowey's 2012 salary is $2.75 mil. Good decision? Yes Considering the current state of the Twins, it's hard to say that the Twins made shrewd moves during the off-season. Their pitching staff is in shambles, and they are coming off a historic string of offensive ineptitude. But on a case by case basis, they Twins made decisions that are currently showing to be improvements over last year. That being said, they still have many holes to fill for the future and these small upgrades, while helpful and necessary, will not vault them back to respectability

How many other offensive catagories would Drew Butera be "worst" in?

Drew Butera - A+ He has been up for 2 whole games and has yet to get an at-bat Scott Baker - B Managed to get Twins fans hopes up for yet another year, only to dash them on the DL rocks. You have to admire the consistency. Matt Capps - A Anybody who could convince a team to pay him $4 million after last year deserves an A in my book Kevin Slowey and Luke Hughes - D How dare they prove the Twins brass correct in letting them go. We wouldn't to give the fans anything positive to say about the GM right now, would we? Delmon Young - A The plan to send him to an intra-divisional team to watch him explode worked like a charm (insert devious laughter here).

I would hope that all of the fans screaming for Ryan to be fired are reading the comments here and understanding that any GM working for the Pohlads will be working with the same restraints we have now. Most people don't realize how lucky we are he came back.

You know it's bad when your pitcher of the week only throws 2 innings

Lets take a look at the stats for 3 utility infielders during the first 3 years of their career: [TABLE=width: 625] [TD=class: xl65, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player A[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]117[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]363[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]78[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]20[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]39[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]91[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].215[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].283[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].366[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].649[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]106[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]317[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]69[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]8[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]33[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].609[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player C[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]211[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]665[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]146[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]128[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].220[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].269[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].533[/TD] [/TABLE] All of these players provide relatively comparable offensive skills. Players A and B give you a little more power, but give up speed to player C. All three have been described as "gamers" and "gritty". Players A and B have played for the Twins the past few years. Player C never played for the Twins, but is definitely more well known. Think you got it? The first two you should have figured out to be Trevor Plouffe (Player A) and Luke Hughes (Player . Player C, well lets give you a little more information on him. After three years of baseball, he left to play another professional sport. While not a superstar, he became a starter on a team that won two championships, and two other teams that were the runner-up. Not there yet? One more hint: at the time of his retirement he was one of two NBA players to have over 900 made 3-pointers. The answer? Danny Ainge. Ainge was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He played 3 seasons with the Blue Jays before being drafted by the Boston Celtics. He quit baseball to play basketball. He went on to win championships with the likes of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. He was known in the NBA for being aggressive, fiery, and hard-nosed. If Ainge was in the Twins organization today, you know he would be a lifer. One more fact about Ainge: He was the only person to be a High School All-American in sports: Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Bo Jackson, eat your heart out.

Lets take a look at the stats for 3 utility infielders during the first 3 years of their career: [TABLE=width: 625] [TD=class: xl65, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent][/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]G[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]AB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]R[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]H[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]HR[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]RBI[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]BB[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]SO[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]BA[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OBP[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]SLG[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent]OPS[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player A[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]117[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]363[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]78[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]20[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]1[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]11[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]39[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]3[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]91[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].215[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].283[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].366[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].649[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player B[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]106[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]317[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]32[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]69[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]0[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]8[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]33[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]24[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]92[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].218[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].277[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].361[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].609[/TD] [TD=class: xl65, bgcolor: transparent]Player C[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]211[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]665[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]57[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]146[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]19[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]4[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]2[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]12[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]37[/TD] [TD=class: xl66, width: 46, bgcolor: transparent]128[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].220[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].264[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].269[/TD] [TD=class: xl68, width: 64, bgcolor: transparent].533[/TD] [/TABLE] All of these players provide relatively comparable offensive skills. Players A and B give you a little more power, but give up speed to player C. All three have been described as "gamers" and "gritty". Players A and B have played for the Twins the past few years. Player C never played for the Twins, but is definitely more well known. Think you got it? The first two you should have figured out to be Trevor Plouffe (Player A) and Luke Hughes (Player . Player C, well lets give you a little more information on him. After three years of baseball, he left to play another professional sport. While not a superstar, he became a starter on a team that won two championships, and two other teams that were the runner-up. Not there yet? One more hint: at the time of his retirement he was one of two NBA players to have over 900 made 3-pointers. The answer? Danny Ainge. Ainge was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He played 3 seasons with the Blue Jays before being drafted by the Boston Celtics. He quit baseball to play basketball. He went on to win championships with the likes of Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. He was known in the NBA for being aggressive, fiery, and hard-nosed. If Ainge was in the Twins organization today, you know he would be a lifer. One more fact about Ainge: He was the only person to be a High School All-American in sports: Baseball, Football, and Basketball. Bo Jackson, eat your heart out.

Considering the Twins record this year, I too believe it is time for the fans to revolt. I think that a 6-16 record after a 99 loss season is reprehensible, and should in no way be tolerated in the state of Minnesota. I mean who do the Pohlads think we are? The Pirates? The Royals? That being said I have created a step-by-step guide in exactly how we should respond to our current situation. 1) The Twins fans need to form a PAC for the exclusive purpose of throwing out of office all of the lawmakers that voted for a new stadium. Seriously, after pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into this stadium, we have the right to expect this team to be in first place every year. Our lawmakers should know this and have now given up their right to represent us. 2) Fans should march on Target field and demand ticket refunds, along with an hourly wage, for the time spent watching every Twins home loss. Seriously. Watching this team lose is hard work. We deserve to get paid for that time. 3) We need to file a class-action lawsuit again the Pohlad family for ruining this storied franchise. Who do they think they are, running this team as a business, and not an all consuming hobby like George Steinbrenner or Mark Cuban. It is the right of every fan to expect their owner to put the fans needs in front of their own, and dump tens of millions of dollars into the team every year in an effort to win now. The lawsuit will demand that they sell the team through the form of an election, similar to a political election. The sales price will be set, and prospective owners will have to campaign and be voted in by the fans in the state of Minnesota. 4) New guidelines will have to be set for the new owner. These guidelines will include the following: - The owner shall not have a payroll of less than $120 million dollars, with a minimum of 5% increase annually. - Ticket price changes will be based on the number of wins the previous year. If the Twins win 90 games, than the ticket prices will be 90% of this year's price next year. Ticket prices can only go up if the team exceeds 100 wins. The exception to this rule being if the Twins win the World Series, ticket prices will not be lowered for the following year. - The Twins need to go to the World Series no less than 3 times in any 5 year window. - The team is required to win no less than 89 games every year. If any of these guidelines is not met, the owner will be required to sell the team to somebody who can meet these criteria. 5) The new owner will implement the following rules for players and the coaching staff going forward: - Injuries and days off will not be tolerated. Any player getting injured or needing a day off will be subject to a fine, with the proceeds going to the ticket holders for the games that individual missed. - Any player not providing at least a +1.0 WAR every year is subject to forfeiture of their entire salary, and agrees to be sent to AAA until the team sees fit to recall them or release them with no financial obligations whatsoever. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to use the following words in describing their players: gritty, gamer, hustle(s), workhorse, or any other adjective along those lines. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to add the following suffixes to names to create nicknames for the players (for example: Blacky, Nicky, Matty). We fans need to stand up for our rights. This poor showing will no longer be tolerated. We need to act now!!

Considering the Twins record this year, I too believe it is time for the fans to revolt. I think that a 6-16 record after a 99 loss season is reprehensible, and should in no way be tolerated in the state of Minnesota. I mean who do the Pohlads think we are? The Pirates? The Royals? That being said I have created a step-by-step guide in exactly how we should respond to our current situation. 1) The Twins fans need to form a PAC for the exclusive purpose of throwing out of office all of the lawmakers that voted for a new stadium. Seriously, after pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into this stadium, we have the right to expect this team to be in first place every year. Our lawmakers should know this and have now given up their right to represent us. 2) Fans should march on Target field and demand ticket refunds, along with an hourly wage, for the time spent watching every Twins home loss. Seriously. Watching this team lose is hard work. We deserve to get paid for that time. 3) We need to file a class-action lawsuit again the Pohlad family for ruining this storied franchise. Who do they think they are, running this team as a business, and not an all consuming hobby like George Steinbrenner or Mark Cuban. It is the right of every fan to expect their owner to put the fans needs in front of their own, and dump tens of millions of dollars into the team every year in an effort to win now. The lawsuit will demand that they sell the team through the form of an election, similar to a political election. The sales price will be set, and prospective owners will have to campaign and be voted in by the fans in the state of Minnesota. 4) New guidelines will have to be set for the new owner. These guidelines will include the following: - The owner shall not have a payroll of less than $120 million dollars, with a minimum of 5% increase annually. - Ticket price changes will be based on the number of wins the previous year. If the Twins win 90 games, than the ticket prices will be 90% of this year's price next year. Ticket prices can only go up if the team exceeds 100 wins. The exception to this rule being if the Twins win the World Series, ticket prices will not be lowered for the following year. - The Twins need to go to the World Series no less than 3 times in any 5 year window. - The team is required to win no less than 89 games every year. If any of these guidelines is not met, the owner will be required to sell the team to somebody who can meet these criteria. 5) The new owner will implement the following rules for players and the coaching staff going forward: - Injuries and days off will not be tolerated. Any player getting injured or needing a day off will be subject to a fine, with the proceeds going to the ticket holders for the games that individual missed. - Any player not providing at least a +1.0 WAR every year is subject to forfeiture of their entire salary, and agrees to be sent to AAA until the team sees fit to recall them or release them with no financial obligations whatsoever. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to use the following words in describing their players: gritty, gamer, hustle(s), workhorse, or any other adjective along those lines. - The manager and coaches will no longer be able to add the following suffixes to names to create nicknames for the players (for example: Blacky, Nicky, Matty). We fans need to stand up for our rights. This poor showing will no longer be tolerated. We need to act now!!

After today, Matt Capps has now given up runs in 4 of his 8 outings. Comparing this to other pitchers High Leverage: Jared Burton - 2 of 10 Glen Perkins - 3 of 9 Low Leverage: Jeff Gray - 2 of 10 Alex Burnett - 2 of 9 Brian Duensing - 2 of 10 Looks like that $4.5 million was well spent. And I don't want to hear about sample size...

After today, Matt Capps has now given up runs in 4 of his 8 outings. Comparing this to other pitchers High Leverage: Jared Burton - 2 of 10 Glen Perkins - 3 of 9 Low Leverage: Jeff Gray - 2 of 10 Alex Burnett - 2 of 9 Brian Duensing - 2 of 10 Looks like that $4.5 million was well spent. And I don't want to hear about sample size...

I understand the premise: he has pitched his way into trouble, give him the freedom to pitch his way out. There are some flaws with this: - Liriano rarely goes 7 innings, even on his good days. Considering he is usually at 100 pitches in the 5th or 6th, that could be an issue. - Liriano's mental issues are due to him letting the small things get to him. One hit turns into 6 runs. Unlike Radke, who always gave up a couple of runs in the first, then settled down to throw 7-8 good innings, Liriano does not know how to right the ship while it is sinking. Letting him sink may make is mental makeup worse. - Twins fans are so fed up with him, one good game will not stop the skepticism or the booing. Neither would one good month. THe bottom line is that Liriano needs a fresh start somewhere else. He may turn it around and become a solid pitcher but (like Kyle Lohse) it won't be here.

With all of the blogs, threads, and comments about blowing up the Twins and promoting all prospects to the big club, I would like to remind you of a few things: 1) Calling players up starts the clock on these individuals toward arbitration and higher salaries. Even the Harpers and Trouts of the world where kept in the minors for periods of time to slow down their service time. 2) Calling players up before they are ready can have a negative effect on their development. Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young were both rushed through the minors only to find they were not adequately prepared. Neither of them has, or probably will, reach their full potential. You can say the same about Revere and Parmalee not quite being ready for the show, but being pressed into service. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to improve. 3) The minors are set up more for teaching. Yes, they play to win, but there is more emphasis on learning and improving on specific things in game situations. There is less opportunity for that in the majors. Everybody needs to slow down and stop overreacting to the Twins current predicament. Pushing up prospects when they are not ready is neither the short term or long term answer.

With all of the blogs, threads, and comments about blowing up the Twins and promoting all prospects to the big club, I would like to remind you of a few things: 1) Calling players up starts the clock on these individuals toward arbitration and higher salaries. Even the Harpers and Trouts of the world where kept in the minors for periods of time to slow down their service time. 2) Calling players up before they are ready can have a negative effect on their development. Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young were both rushed through the minors only to find they were not adequately prepared. Neither of them has, or probably will, reach their full potential. You can say the same about Revere and Parmalee not quite being ready for the show, but being pressed into service. It will be interesting to see if they can continue to improve. 3) The minors are set up more for teaching. Yes, they play to win, but there is more emphasis on learning and improving on specific things in game situations. There is less opportunity for that in the majors. Everybody needs to slow down and stop overreacting to the Twins current predicament. Pushing up prospects when they are not ready is neither the short term or long term answer.

There is a nice little article today on ESPN about MLB players and their nicknames. I saw Josh "The Hammer" Willingham mentioned, but did not see any other current Twins mentioned. That being said, I thought I would give it a try: Matt "I need a night" Capps Ryan "Just" Doumit Ben "Don't call me Paul" Revere Justin "Less yes" Morneau Denard "Spic and" Span Alex Burnett "Burn it all" And lastly Dan "I'll be" Gladden "he's fired" (couldn't resist)

There is a nice little article today on ESPN about MLB players and their nicknames. I saw Josh "The Hammer" Willingham mentioned, but did not see any other current Twins mentioned. That being said, I thought I would give it a try: Matt "I need a night" Capps Ryan "Just" Doumit Ben "Don't call me Paul" Revere Justin "Less yes" Morneau Denard "Spic and" Span Alex Burnett "Burn it all" And lastly Dan "I'll be" Gladden "he's fired" (couldn't resist)

Love em or hate em, the Pohlads aren't going anywhere. The issue that people forget is that the Pohlads have always looked at the Twins as a business, not a hobby. I am sure every fan base would love to have a Mark Cuban or George Steinbrenner owning their team. Where they prefer to be known not for how they acquired their fortune, but rather as the owner of a prosperus franchise. The Twins have always worked under a budget. Everybody knows that. The budget has fluctuated up and down as the Twins attendance and other revenue streams have changed. Terry Ryan is in his job because his teams have historically outporformed the budget. Terry has also said publicly (many times) that the Pohlads have always been willing to go over budget if the right situation comes up. I believe you have to accept these parameters if you want to be a long-haul Twins fan. Be careful what you wish for; a change in regime could be worse...

This should not be a major surprise. It is extremely common for starters who get moved to the pen to gain 2-3 MPH on their fastball. When they know they are only going to throw 10-15 pitches, they don't have to worry about pacing themselves. The big surprise with Perkins last year was his ability to do it consistantly, espicially considering his reputation for being "difficult".

Over the last few weeks, many people have posted about the Twins lack of wins. The poor record last year, along with the slow start this year has people calling for everything from blowing up the team, to firing the manager and front office, to increasing the payroll 20% in an effort to bring in more talent. I suppose a strong amount of emotion helps to show the strength of the fan base. Over the offseason, the Twins did not blowup the team. Rather they patched up holes with some established, relatively low cost veterans, and invested a great amount into the hope that the injuries from last year would rectify themselves this year, and the Mauer, Morneau, Span, Baker, etc. would all return to previous levels of production. I would classify this as hedging their bets. If the team is in the hunt come July, then everything worked according to plan and they can make moves for improement. If they are faltering, they can claim that the moves and recoveries did not go as expected. Essentially giving them something to tell the fan base regardless of the record. We all hope that it works, and the team returns to it's winning ways. But if it doesn't in the short term, what comes next? As a fan, what do you want the team to do? I think your wants comes down to what type of fan are you: Do you enjoy the ride or the glory. If you enjoy the ride, then you have enjoyed the last 10 years of Twins baseball. Watching a team that was always good, but rarely great (2006, what a shame). Knowing that the Twins would never trade any prospects, never trade for big name rentals or big dollar contracts. Rather they would be content knowing that they had a shot to win it all within their constrants, but understanding their chances of winning it all were relatively low. If you enjoy the glory, these last 10 years must have driven you out your mind. Knowing that the team was "this close" to winning it all, but unwilling to pull the trigger to bring in 1-2 high dollar free-agents or trade away the future for today. Enjoying the glory means you are willing to accept the wild cycles of wins and loses, knowing that you may have to accept 5-7 years of horrible baseball for a 2 year window where you may be the best team in baseball. After the 2 year window, you dump all of your good, close-to-free-agent players for a new cache of prospects, and the cycle starts again. It's really tough to have it both ways. Personally, I enjoy the ride. Give me competitive baseball year in and year out any time. But that's me. What about you, the ride or the glory?

Over the last few weeks, many people have posted about the Twins lack of wins. The poor record last year, along with the slow start this year has people calling for everything from blowing up the team, to firing the manager and front office, to increasing the payroll 20% in an effort to bring in more talent. I suppose a strong amount of emotion helps to show the strength of the fan base. Over the offseason, the Twins did not blowup the team. Rather they patched up holes with some established, relatively low cost veterans, and invested a great amount into the hope that the injuries from last year would rectify themselves this year, and the Mauer, Morneau, Span, Baker, etc. would all return to previous levels of production. I would classify this as hedging their bets. If the team is in the hunt come July, then everything worked according to plan and they can make moves for improement. If they are faltering, they can claim that the moves and recoveries did not go as expected. Essentially giving them something to tell the fan base regardless of the record. We all hope that it works, and the team returns to it's winning ways. But if it doesn't in the short term, what comes next? As a fan, what do you want the team to do? I think your wants comes down to what type of fan are you: Do you enjoy the ride or the glory. If you enjoy the ride, then you have enjoyed the last 10 years of Twins baseball. Watching a team that was always good, but rarely great (2006, what a shame). Knowing that the Twins would never trade any prospects, never trade for big name rentals or big dollar contracts. Rather they would be content knowing that they had a shot to win it all within their constrants, but understanding their chances of winning it all were relatively low. If you enjoy the glory, these last 10 years must have driven you out your mind. Knowing that the team was "this close" to winning it all, but unwilling to pull the trigger to bring in 1-2 high dollar free-agents or trade away the future for today. Enjoying the glory means you are willing to accept the wild cycles of wins and loses, knowing that you may have to accept 5-7 years of horrible baseball for a 2 year window where you may be the best team in baseball. After the 2 year window, you dump all of your good, close-to-free-agent players for a new cache of prospects, and the cycle starts again. It's really tough to have it both ways. Personally, I enjoy the ride. Give me competitive baseball year in and year out any time. But that's me. What about you, the ride or the glory?