David Youngs

It's hard to fathom that former AL Central staple Zack Greinke will be entering his 19th season in Major League Baseball in the 2022 season. At 38, the crafty veteran still has gas left in the tank and could prove to be a valuable asset for a Twins rotation that is flooded with youth. Sports fanatics classify the term 'journeyman' as someone who has spent an arm and a leg in the league bouncing between teams with adequate success but nothing special. Zack Greinke crosses off a few of those checkmarks; he isn't exactly a spring chicken anymore and the eephus-touting free agent has played for six teams throughout the course of his MLB career. For the lack of success part? Not so much. A six time all star with a Cy Young award (has also finished top ten in voting three times) and four gold gloves, Greinke has maintained a level of consistency that is rare for veteran pitchers who've long surpassed their peak years. The hitting-loving, burrito connoisseur finished last season in Houston with an 11-6 record and 4.16 ERA before electing free agency. That steeps above his career ERA of 3.41 but through the lens of "he's 37 and battled a variety of injuries," it's still impressive. His 29 starts in 2021 are on par with the high 20's-low 30's range that cemented his 'glory days' in Kansas City. Greinke may not have the flashy appeal of other names on the free-agent market like Carlos Rodon and Clayton Kershaw. Yet in addition to his consistency, Greinke's value to the Twins could extend far beyond metrics on the mound. It's a move that coincides with previous organizational patterns and one that could lay the foundation in a young Twins rotation. Aged like Fine Wine As expected, one of the biggest rebuttals to signing Greinke is his age, lack of strikeouts, and low velocity. All of these are valid concerns; Greinke's 120 strikeouts and 6.3 strikeouts per nine innings in 2021 were the lowest number in his career (in a full season). The late 30's have presented him a somewhat high-density of minor injuries in the past few years, including a neck injury in 2019 and shoulder and abdominal injuries in 2021. None of those injuries landed him on anything longer than the 10-day Injured List; pretty impressive. Minus the 2006 season when he prioritized his mental health, Greinke has pitched close to a full season throughout the entirety of his career. There are a couple of things that contribute to his longevity; Greinke knows what works for him and what doesn't. While many pitchers toss out the '”I pitch 100% all the time," he doesn't. He knows what works for and what doesn't in terms of maximizing his value and health. Take this 2014 article from Yahoo! Sports as an example; Greinke admits that he has become more selective with his slider due to the strain it previously presented to his elbow. The epitome of work smarter, not harder, Greinke's pitch arsenal is a testament to his lengthy career. According to Baseball Savant, 67% of his pitches in 2021 consisted of fastballs (averaging at 89 MPH) and changeups (averaging at 86 MPH). That means that less than a third of his pitches are curveballs and sliders, two pitches that tend to shred the arm. And no, fans won't be shouting "throw 'em the heater, Zacky!" when he's on the bump, they never have. That doesn't matter when a pitcher hits his spots. Greinke only walked 36 batters in 2021, scoring him in the 95th percentile for walks across Major League Baseball. The 'ground out/pop up out' brand of pitcher has been a constant for the Twins over the years. Yet few have nailed the craft to a T as consistently and accurately as Greinke has. Old Bull Among Young Calves With the absences of José Berríos (traded to Blue Jays) and Kenta Maeda (Tommy John Surgery), the Twins starting rotation is faced with crossroads of uncertainty. Michael Pineda is expected to return in 2022 but is a free agent and has drawn interest from some of his previous teams. A few things are certain; offseason addition Dylan Bundy will play a role in the rotation and young bucks Bailey Ober and Joe Ryan will have ample opportunities to soak their feet in the pond of Major League pitching. Scraps and appetizers of the meal are there, but the entrée is missing; a well-seasoned veteran who has experienced success throughout his career yet has endured experiences that have shaped him as a pitcher and potential mentor for young, undeveloped talent. Greinke certainly has his quirks, we all do. Yet it's tough to imagine Greinke not being an excellent mentor for young pitchers like Ober and Ryan. His career has encountered trades, free agency, winning teams, abysmal teams, and everything in between. Frankly, he's seen the game of baseball from all different angles and perspectives. Ryan and Ober come to the Twins from very different paths; Ober was drafted by the organization in 2017 and developed as 'in-house' talent whereas Ryan came to the Twins last season via the Nelson Cruz alongside Drew Strotman. And while Ober has a bit more experience under his belt than Ryan, a guy like Greinke could prove valuable to help weather the mountains and valleys that come with the territory of being a young MLB Pitcher. To top it off, Greinke's arsenal parallels Ober and Ryan to an extent. Both youngsters rely heavily on a fastball in the low 90's and have untapped potential with their respective off-speed pitches. Not the First Rodeo It's no secret that the Twins have developed a reputation for signing and trading for high-quality players who may be past their prime but haven't hit E on the tank yet. The previous regime did it with names like Jim Thome and Ervin Santana and the current leadership continued the pattern with Maeda, and most notably, Nelson Cruz. It's become a way of life for the Twins, a mid-market team that frankly doesn't have the 'street cred' of Los Angeles, New York, or even Chicago. The latter doesn't mention names like C.J. Cron or Logan Morrison, veteran acquisitions that perhaps didn't come to fruition the way that the front office would have liked. Zack Greinke isn't Logan Morrison though. The only 'eye sore' season in his decorated career was almost two decades ago and his progression only elevated following his time off in 2006. Just a few years later, the Royals' ace was a Cy Young winner. Another appeal? Given his age, Greinke is likely to be in the $12-15 million range (estimation by Twins Daily's Nick Nelson and others); those are numbers that the Twins can work with. Given the Buxton extension and the fact that the Twins play in the AL Central (as opposed to a division like the AL East or NL West with two-plus legit contenders), the focus of going all-in and forgoing a rebuild is a legitimate (and almost expected) possibility. Greinke's familiarity with the Central and the division's ballparks, playing styles, etc. is only gravy on top. The cry for starting pitching has resounded loudly throughout Twins Territory during this long and dark offseason. Don't be surprised if the organization alleviates those cries by making a move on a pitching who could change the outlook of the pitching rotation drastically. View full article

Twins right-handed pitcher Louie Varland was arguably one of the most dominant pitchers in all of minor league baseball last year. His brother Gus is a talented righty pitching at Double-A for the Dodgers organization. Catch the action from their appearance on Twins Spotlight with Seth Stohs. "He may have been a 15th rounder but he's a first rounder in my book." In a world of challenges and turmoil, nothing draws a smile like the sight of brotherly love. Poking back and forth with grins and banter, it's safe to say the connection is tightly-wound between the Varland brothers. Sons of North St. Paul and alumni of Concordia-St. Paul, Louie and Gus have emerged as rising stars in their respective organizations. WATCH TWINS SPOTLIGHT WITH GUS AND LOUIE VARLAND Louie Varland started the 2021 season in Low-A Fort Myers and finished a bulk of the season with High-A Cedar Rapids, throttling the competition at both levels. The younger brother finished the season with a 10-4 record and 2.10 ERA in addition to being named Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year in his first professional season. Not a bad first rodeo. Older brother Gus has cemented himself as a staple in the Dodgers organization just a year after receiving Tommy John surgery. Despite what some would call a setback, the Dodgers had so much faith in Varland that they placed him at the Double-A level in 2021 despite his injury-riddled season at High-A in 2020. Just 24 and 25 years old, the road ahead looks bright for two of the most exciting prospects to come out of the Land of 10,000 Lakes in recent history. Twins Daily's Seth Stohs had a chance to chat with the two on Wednesday night, here's what you need to know. 1. College, Man As mentioned, both Gus and Louie pitched at Concordia University in St. Paul, etching themselves as two of the most dominant players in Golden Bear history. Yet playing with his older brother for the DII school wasn't initially the plan for Louie. Like many younger siblings, Louie wanted to go anywhere besides the school that his brother was pitching for. "I just wanted to go to a place where I could pitch against him and beat him," Louie chuckled. That didn't stop Gus from putting on his recruiting shoes and doing everything possible to get another member of the family in a navy blue and gold jersey. "I was encouraging him through the entire process to come and sign at Concordia," Gus said. "I was talking to the coaches, we had him throw a bullpen in front of us, and I was trying my hardest to get him there. He fought it off for the longest time but ended up signing in the end, and it was the best thing ever." "It worked out the absolute best way that it could have, and I really enjoyed those two seasons that I had with him," Louie responded. Both brothers experienced immense individual success on the mound but cited underdog team performances as their favorite memories from CSP. Gus recalls his freshman season when the Golden Bears went into the season unranked and ended up mounting an incredible run that landed the team in the NSIC conference championship game. Louie's favorite moment came two years later when the Golden Bears rallied another incredible run before falling to eventual national champion Augustana (SD) in the conference championship. On paper you'd assume that the two spent three seasons together given that they're only one year and school grade apart. They only spent two. The reason? Gus was drafted after his junior year by the Oakland Athletics in the 14th round of the 2018 Draft; not a bad reason to leave! 2. Scouting Reports Gus spent 2021 with the Tulsa Drillers, a team that frequently plays the Twins' Double-A affiliate Wichita Wind Surge. Throughout the course of the season he would hear scouting reports on how his younger brother was pitching in Low and High-A. "I was in Tulsa running foul poles right around when Louie was called up to High-A and I remember chatting with (Wichita pitcher) Cole Sands and him saying 'He's tearing it up, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets called up (to Double-A).'" Louie stayed in High-A Cedar Rapids for the rest of the year, cementing himself as the team's ace. He credits his success to the talented crop of arms pitching alongside him and fellow 2019 Twins draft picks, including names like Tyler Beck, Casey Legumina, and Sawyer-Gipson Long. "It's a really supportive relationship with those guys, we're always bouncing ideas off of each other," Louie said "Yes, we're competing against each other but at the end of the day it's very friendly and great to work with them." Could the two face off at the Double-A level in 2022? There's a fairly high probability; you betcha, wouldn't that be awesome! 3. Life After Baseball Perspective is huge in life and in baseball. And while the Varland's both have an excellent shot at making the show, they haven't forgotten about the over-arching 'life after baseball question.' Both brothers completed their degrees from Concordia-St. Paul in 2020. Gus finished his mathematics degree and would love to one day teach math or work in the baseball industry in data analytics. Louie earned a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. Will Louie serve as his own agent? Probably not. Still, the fact that both men have taken the extra step to prioritize their education is impressive. On the topic of analytics, both men spoke volumes on the technology and data analysis used in their respective organizations. This has been echoed by many if not most Twins prospects that have appeared on Twins Spotlight, yet it was awesome to hear Gus' perspective on the Dodger's organization. Traded from Oakland, he appreciates the investment that Los Angeles has made in being as 'cutting edge' as possible. Organizations like the Dodgers are nationally-recognized for their emphasis in staying 'on top of the modern edge,' it seems like the Twins are working their way into that silo as well. 4. Respective Arsenals The 2022 season presents opportunities to hone in on successes and foster new pitches for both Louie and Gus. Louie's arsenal consists of a strong fastball, changeup, and slider. "I have to keep my fastball at the top of the zone because that's where it works best, my changeup is a work in progress but has come a long way, and I need to get my slider to move more horizontally while keeping the same velocity," he said. That slider is something the the Twins have worked on with him and that he hones in on when throwing bullpens with his brother in the offseason. Similar to his brother, Gus relies on a high-riding fastball, changeup, and slider. He has also begun to add a cutter to his skillset and plans to make that an emphasis in his '22 campaign. Extra Innings Gus received a non-roster invite to Dodgers spring training in 2021 and struck out Fernando Tatis Jr! In addition to playing baseball at North St. Paul, Louie wrestled and played football. Gus played basketball through his junior year. Similar to Drew Strotman (who was featured on Twins Spotlight earlier this week), Gus describes being traded as a mixed bundle of emotions. Luckily for him, the Dodgers and A's both call Arizona their home for spring training so he gets to catch up with his old friends and teammates from Oakland each year. In addition to being named Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Louie was the unanimous winner of our Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year Award. Past winners of the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year award include Jose Berrios, Johan Santana, and Brad Radke. Feel free to discuss this impressive brother tandem below. View full article

Twins Daily's Seth Stohs spent an hour chatting with top pitching prospect Drew Strotman in the most recent episode of Twins Spotlight. Here's what you need to know about Strotman and his promising future. Drew Strotman is truly a renaissance man; professional baseball player, cinema enthusiast, and Friends connoisseur are just a few phrases to describe the 6'3 righty that joined the Twins as a part of the midseason Nelson Cruz trade last year. Strotman spent the back end of the summer with the St. Paul Saints where he started 12 games and compiled a 3-3 record through 54 innings. Prior to the trade, the Sunnyville, California native dominated for the Durham Bulls (Triple-A affiliate of Tampa Bay), posting a 7-2 record and 3.39 ERA on the season. WATCH TWINS SPOTLIGHT WITH DREW STROTMAN Raised in The Bay on McCovey Cove homers and Barry Zito's curveball, Strotman is certain to be an asset for the Twins organization in 2022. It's no secret that the team's rotation and pitching duties are blanketed with uncertainty given the absence of José Berríos, Kenta Maeda, and company. Yet if there's anyone who has learned to embrace uncertainty and adversity, it's Strotman. Unlike many top prospects, he wasn't a childhood prodigy; he only played two years of varsity baseball in high school and didn't get looks from typical 'blue blood' college baseball programs. He ended up at St. Mary's (CA), the school that plays Gonzaga in basketball as he describes it. Yet clout and rankings don't determine success; hard work and the willingness to learn do. Whether it's with the Saints or the parent club, Strotman will have a prime opportunity to showcase his talents to Twins Territory in 2022. A well-versed young man who gives off the 'I'd like to have a beer with this guy' vibe, spending an hour to watch Seth's conversation with Drew is well worth your time. And while the uncertainty of the 2022 season looms, here are four takeaways from Drew's conversation that will spur your offseason itch for baseball and hopefully prompt some excitement about the talented prospect. 1. Flying under the Radar As mentioned, Strotman wasn't a a top-tier high school prospect. He would watch Barry Zito in high school and chat with his father about how he'll never be able to throw that fast (and Zito was NOT a flamethrower). Needless to say, things have changed. Never the 'top' player on his team, Strotman was surrounded by a strong pitching fraternity at St. Mary's, including names like Corbin Burnes and Tony Gonsolin. And while scouts often came to watch bigger names, Strotman's dominance out of the bullpen began to draw eyes; enough eyes to earn him a 4th round pick in the 2017 draft. 2. The Nelson Cruz Trade Being part of a trade that involves a potential hall of famer is a unique situation to be in. Strotman goes in depth about the experience and the emotions while chatting with Seth. "I wasn't pitching that day so I was at the end of the dugout rail talking to some people. It was the first inning and one of my coaches came up and just said, 'Hey, you've been traded.'" Described as an out-of-body experience, Strotman does appreciate the circumstances of the trade given the caliber the Twins have played at in recent years. "I remember thinking, this is a contending team, they're going to return to a high level in the next couple of years and I hope to be a part of that. It's a land of opportunity with a team that has a solid base. (The trade) wasn't just a player dump." 3. Similarities between the Twins and Rays While the trade presented it's challenges, Strotman was surprised and impressed with the overlap between the Twins and Rays. Both organizations have strong developmental programs and prioritize cutting-edge analytics and data analysis. That gave Strotman a boost of confidence in terms of learning and moving forward in a new organization. An accounting major at St. Mary's, Drew appreciates the attention to detail when it comes to analytics in the Twins organization. The fact that so much overlaps with what he learned in Tampa gave him faith in the systems and practices being used by the Twins staff. That's something that can't be taken for granted when switching organizations. While the Twins and Rays are known for being on the front end, many teams still hone on the 'art of the game' much more than modern analytics. Strotman appreciates the balance that he's found in both organizations. Strotman's Arsenal From a kid who never thought he'd throw harder than Barry Zito, Strotman has come a long way. His fastball was clocked in the high 90's last year at CHS Field and has become a weapon for the emerging star. In addition to the heater, Strotman relies on his 'dip sinker,' comparing it to the pitch that Twins staple Tyler Duffey utilizes. Strotman also uses his curveball but is really honing in on improving his changeup in the offseason. The pitch had moments of brilliance last year but was inconsistent at times. Drew hopes to make this pitch a constant as he aims for a 'true mix' of pitches in 2022. Extra Innings Strotman was teammates with Royce Lewis, Jovani Moran, Ben Rortvedt and other Twins in the Arizona Fall League in 2019. Amidst the pandemic and shutdown, Drew took to Zoom to complete his college degree in Accounting! Despite having Tommy John Surgery between the 2018-19 seasons, Strotman feels healthy as ever and is thankful to overcome the mental hump following the surgery in addition to the physical side. Strotman started his own TV series review blog during the 2020 shutdown in order to stay out of the Florida heat. You can find it at BingeWorthy. A lifelong learner, Drew has become near fluent in Spanish and is currently working on learning Japanese. Tune in TONIGHT at 6pm CST for a new episode of Twins Spotlight featuring Twins Minor League Picher of the Year Louie Varland and his brother Gus who pitches in the Dodgers organization! View full article

Very kind of you, thanks! Always been a firm believer that showcasing the off-the-field features help fans feel more connected. After all, we're all human! Thanks for supporting TD.

Taylor and Tyler Rogers have emerged as household names in the MLB world. Their mother, Amy, reflects on the wild journey that has taken her twin sons from the backyard in Colorado to the game's biggest stage. The call was brief. Short and sweet. “Mom, I’m going to The Show.” Those were words Twins reliever Taylor Rogers spoke to his mother Amy in 2016 after receiving the news that he would be packing up his bags in Rochester, NY, and heading to Target Field. Coming out of a business meeting, it was a moment that Amy still cherishes like it was yesterday. “I told him to hold on a minute, and then I just yelled in joy,” she recalled. Yet Amy wasn’t the first person that Taylor shared the news with; the lanky lefty kept it to himself for 3-4 hours. The reason why? Taylor’s identical twin brother Tyler was still at practice when Taylor received his call of a lifetime. Taylor and Tyler Rogers have emerged as two of the most prolific relief pitchers in Major League baseball. Taylor was a 2021 All-Star and has earned his stripes as an anchor in the Twins bullpen. Tyler emerged as a breakout star for the San Francisco Giants, garnishing a 7-1 record and 2.22 ERA for the 2021 NL West champion Giants. The best stat? Taylor and Tyler are one of just ten sets of identical twins to play Major League Baseball together at the same time. Amy couldn’t be more proud of her sons. From hours in the backyard to playing at the game’s highest level, one thing has remained constant; their love and support of each other. Linked at the Hip Like many twins, Taylor and Tyler were close from a young age. When Amy wasn’t bussing them to baseball and basketball games the two lived in the family's backyard with a pair of gloves and a ball. “I think they pushed each other's talents,” Amy said. “They complimented each other all the time. They'd come inside, and Taylor would say things like ‘Wow, Ty, you're throwing really hard today,’ and vice versa.” The kindness and love wasn’t just for the brothers, they extended it to their mother too. “I’d get them a new bat and they’d say ‘Thanks Mom, we're gonna hit a home run today,” Amy recalled. “I have a huge bag of 50 baseballs that they signed for me, the only level I don’t have signed by is an MLB ball.” That love extended off the playing field and into the seats. Growing up in Colorado in the late 90’s/early 2000’s, the Rogers’ spent hours at Coors Field as the Rockies franchise grew. And while the high home run rate of the park didn’t scare them away from the mound, neither Taylor nor Tyler were prodigies from a young age. In fact, the two didn’t make the varsity roster until the back half of high school; Taylor his junior year and Tyler his senior year. Yet when Taylor found his stride, he hit the ground running, earning all-state honors his senior year that drew attention from Power Five conferences… and MLB Scouts. Taylor was drafted by the Orioles after his senior high school season in the 37th round of the 2009 Amateur Draft. The excitement was surreal, but it wasn’t his time. Taylor declined and committed to the University of Kentucky. Yet the situation planted a thought for Amy; her son had a chance to ‘make it.’ “He was focused on going to college so he went to Kentucky,” Amy said. “As he progressed through there, we began to realize that (playing professional baseball) was a possibility. Three years later, Taylor was drafted again, this time in the 11th round by the Twins. As a late-blooming right-handed pitcher, Tyler’s journey was a bit different than his brother's. “Tay had different opportunities being a left-handed commodity, Ty didn't have the same opportunities right away,” Amy said. “That was hard to navigate, especially with peer pressure from people who didn't understand it. People would make comments like ‘Why aren't you going to Kentucky?’ to him.” Tyler’s road to The Show went through Junior College in Garden City, Kansas where he developed his submarine delivery. That was followed by two years on the mound at Division I Austin Peay. Just a year after his brother was drafted by the Twins, the Giants selected Tyler in the 10th round of the 2013 draft. Fast-forward seven minor league seasons, Tyler received the call that he had dreamed of; a moment for Amy that was even more emotional than Taylor’s call up. “I'll admit, my reaction to Tyler’s (call up) was more emotional than Taylor’s; he was at the end of his seventh year in the minors and wasn't sure it was gonna happen. It wasn't so much about him going up to the big leagues, it was ‘This is happening for Tyler, he’s finally gotten here and he's living his dream.” Just like Taylor, Tyler made sure the first person to hear the news was his brother. Mother and Fan If there’s anyone that deserves a free subscription to MLB TV, it’s Amy Rogers. When she’s not at Oracle Park or Target Field she can be found glued to her sons’ games that span multiple time zones and start times. “I enjoy watching the dynamics of how the games come together, and then the role that Taylor and Tyler play when they come into the game,” she said. “That’s when I get amped up.” Yet nothing can replace times at the ballpark for Amy. The visual of seeing her sons’ success in the flesh is priceless. “Being in the stands at Target Field when it's the bottom of the 9th with a two-run lead, two outs, two strikes, and everyone is standing and cheering, it’s so surreal to think ‘Everyone is cheering for my son’.” Yet while the cheers are loud, the boos and heckling also loom. Despite the occasional negativity, Amy has learned to persevere. “When you head off to places like Dodger Stadium, people aren't necessarily fans of you," she said. "When those (negative) people say things, I cheer even louder to make it known who I am. It doesn't matter if (Taylor and Tyler) get the save or if they blow it, I’m still standing.” How Far They’ve Come Amy smiles as she reflects on the journeys of her sons. “They really just wanted to have fun,” she said. "Obviously every kid dreams of playing MLB, but that wasn’t their end goal. They just wanted to have fun.” And while she’s proud of their baseball accolades, there’s even greater pride in the relationship that they’ve built. When Taylor was named to the All-Star game in 2021, Tyler was there to watch. The favor was returned at the end of the 2021 season. Since Taylor was on IL, the Twins allowed him to head west to watch his brother pitch for the division-winning Giants. It was Taylor’s first time watching Tyler pitch in the big leagues. “When Taylor saw Tyler enter the game, he was dialed in,” Amy said. “He walked all the way down the concourse and down to the field. He didn’t care who was in front of him.” That brotherly love is nothing new. It’s something that Amy feels lucky to have witnessed and experienced since the boys were young. “What I like is that they share the same values and interests, but they're still their own people,” she said. “Each of them have individual traits that they contribute to the world." From the days of youth to adulthood, she describes Taylor as Type A and organized in contrast to the free-flowing and outgoing personality of Tyler. “Even though they’re twins, there's still that first and second-born child dynamic,” she said. The few minutes of age that Taylor has on Tyler doesn’t halt the potential that both men have on the mound. Taylor looks to forge back to health and dominance in 2022, and Tyler will gun for a stellar follow-up campaign coming off a breakout season. In fact, the two teams are slated to face off from Aug 26-28 at Target Field in 2022. It will be the first time that the Rogers’ twins compete head-to-head at the MLB level. Wins aside, Amy can rest easy at night with the young men that she has raised both on and off the field. “I’m most proud that they remember where they came from, they stay humble, and honor their teammates. I just feel like they're really good people that have grown into their positions and haven't let it go to their head. They're really appreciative of what they've got.” Special thanks to Amy Rogers for taking time for this story and sending some photos. View full article

Fans may remember Hank Conger as a staple in the league during his catching days for the Angels, Rays, and Astros. The former journeyman may now be the most valuable asset on the Twins coaching staff. You can't go wrong with a guy named Hank. Hank Aaron, Hank Williams, Hardware Hank. Add Hank Conger to the list. The Twins announced on December 10th that Hank Conger will fulfill duties as catching and first-base coach for the 2022 Minnesota Twins. Conger spent 2021 coaching in the Korean Baseball League (KBO) and is well-known for being a 'clubhouse rock' during the Houston Astros 2015 playoff drive. Conger played professional baseball from 2009-18, including seven seasons in the majors. Most notably, Conger was a staple for the Los Angeles Angels from 2010-14, spending 251 games beyond the dish for the Halos. He finished his MLB career with a .221/.294/.366 slash line alongside 31 HR and 114 RBI. Similar to Mike Redmond in the Joe Mauer era, Conger was never an elite superstar, spending most of his time backing up Chris Iannetta, Jeff Mathis, and (old friend) Jason Castro. Yet like Redmond, Conger's value to an MLB roster was valuable beyond numbers in terms of knowledge. In fact, Redmond's post-playing career has the potential to be a blueprint for Conger (with hopefully more wins). Redmond and Conger had very different MLB careers; one played 13 seasons, the other's career was just over half of that. Redmond was a career .287 hitter, Conger's career average was closer to the Mendoza Line than it was to Redmond's average. The beautiful thing? None of that matters. What does, however, is that both men were backup catchers who played on successful teams. Conger never won a World Series like Redmond did with the '03 Marlins, yet played on multiple playoff teams, including the '14 Angels and '15 Astros (alongside two winning 'playoff-less' seasons in Los Angeles). And just because he wasn't the top guy doesn't mean that Conger's experience won't be extremely valuable in a coaching role for the Twins. The catcher is the quarterback of the baseball field; there's no arguing that the man beyond the dish is responsible for retaining the most information, strategically calling formations and shifts, and possessing miniscule information that can break or break baseball games. Conger did all of that with three different teams, different coaching staffs, and a plethora of different pitchers. Conger caught household names like Dallas Keuchel and Jered Weaver alongside countless rookies making their MLB debuts. So? Isn't that part of the job description for all catchers? Yes, but factor in Minnesota's young pitching staff and uncertainly in the catching department and Conger is a one-two punch of relatable, yet wise. Barely older than Twins ace Kenta Maeda (who will miss the 2022 season), Conger 'gets it' when it comes to today's game. He understands the tricks of the trade that make teams successful in the 21st century and will be able to relate on a personal level. Plus, it appears that Conger is a genuinely easy person to enjoy based on reviews by former teammates and media personnel. The second half of that one-two punch is perhaps the most important; navigating the uncertainly of the Twins' catching department. Mitch Garver, Ryan Jeffers, and Ben Rortvedt will almost certainly fulfill the 2022 season beyond the dish. How that will look? We'll have to wait and see. Both Garver and Jeffers (more specifically, Garver) have shown moments of brilliance behind, and at the plate, yet have lacked the consistency to become MLB staples at the position. Newcomer and Verona, Wisconsin, native Ben Rortvedt is the most talented of the three on the defensive side of the ball but hopes to sprout his offensive value in 2022. Match that with the fact that the '22 team will be without Kenta Maeda, Jose Berrios, and perhaps Michael Pineda makes for an interesting situation. Conger's experience and leadership will be vital in developing relationships and communication between young, inexperienced pitchers and the catching staff. Conger has his work cut out for him, yet this could be the first stepping stone towards a successful career on the coaching side of Major League Baseball. The resume and cover letter look excellent, we'll see if the chips fall the right way. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook, or email View full article

This is amazing! Going to post it on our social channels. Will be sure to credit you.

2021 was a difficult year for many, including the Minnesota Twins community. As hope and brightness of the new year prevails, we take time to honor and reflect on members of the Twins family that left us this past year. Baseball is a very human game. Stats and numbers lead to titles and accolades, yet the core of our nation’s pastime is bound in the men who took the field. Men of all different backgrounds, positions, creeds, and personalities; some who cemented their name in baseball history and others who were lucky enough to dance with their childhood dream for just a short period of time. Maybe you grew up watching some of these names on television with your parents. Perhaps some are inked in some of your fondest memories that enriched a lifelong love of the game. Others you may just be learning of as you read this article. Regardless of knowledge, each of these individuals painted their own canvas in the history of a game and the Minnesota Twins organization that we all love. And while we miss them dearly, we smile at the memories and stories of how they impacted the game of baseball. Joe Altobelli (May 26, 1932- March 3, 2021) Outfielder and First Baseman for the 1961 Twins A son of Rochester, New York, Altobelli played in 41 games for the 1961 Twins. That tenure included 21 hits and three home runs. Even though Altobelli’s tenure for the Twins was brief, his impact on the game was massive. Most notably, Altobelli took over the Earl Weaver-led Baltimore Orioles in 1983 and managed the club to a World Series in his first season at the helm. Contrary to many managers at the time, Altobelli was known for his kindness and compassion towards players. After over a decade of coaching, Altobelli returned home in 1991 to serve as General Manager of the Rochester Red Wings for three seasons. In 1997, he became the color commentator for the Wings’ home games, a role that he would hold through the 2009 season. Altobelli became known as “Mr. Baseball” in Rochester. His number is the first to be retired in team history. Mike Bell (December 7, 1974- March 26, 2021) Bench Coach for the 2020 and 2021 Twins The Twins community mourned the loss of Bench Coach Mike Bell, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer just prior to the 2021 season. Bell was coming off of his first season with the Minnesota Twins. A member of a family rich with baseball history, Mike was the true definition of a 'baseball man' according to Rocco Baldelli. Yet perhaps his greatest quality was the love that he had for those surrounding the game of baseball. “He brought that passion to the field as our bench coach. He was an amazing bench coach because he was amazing with people,” Baldelli said in an interview after Bell's passing. Mike's brother David is the current manager of the Cincinnati Reds. When the two teams met for an interleague game in June, a touching ceremony was held in honor of Bell. Twins' beat writer Do Hyoung-Park wrote a beautiful piece touching on the ceremony. You can read it here. The Twins wore patches on their jerseys throughout the 2021 season to honor and remember Bell. While Mike's time in Minnesota was brief, it is extremely clear that he touched the lives of so many throughout the baseball community. Jim 'Mudcat' Grant (August 13, 1935- June 11, 2021) Pitcher for Twins from 1964-67 A giant in baseball history, Mudcat Grant passed away in June at the age of 85. Grant broke barriers in the game, most notably becoming the first black pitcher to win 20 games in a season. That incredible milestone took place in 1965, where Grant went 21-7 with a 3.30 ERA and played an instrumental role in the Twins' journey to the World Series. That incredible season earned him all-star accolades and a sixth place finish in MVP voting (teammates Zoilo Versalles and Tony Oliva finished first and second in voting). Grant spent 14 seasons in the MLB amongst seven teams. His career stat line is impressive; 145-119 with a 3.63 ERA and 21.1 WAR. Yet his greatest legacy will be his advocacy for equality and representation in Major League baseball. His efforts will forever be remembered and honored as the game continues to strive to be more equitable. Mike Marshall (January 15, 1943- June 1, 2021) Pitched for the Twins from 1978-1980 Known for his screwball and incredible durability, 'Iron Mike' passed away at the age of 78. A perennial Cy Young candidate and eventual winner in the early 70's (the first reliever to win the award), Marshall was a bullpen staple for the Twins in the late 70's. The Adrian, Michigan, native's best season in Minnesota took place in '79, where he appeared in a league-leading 90 games and touted a league-leading 32 saves. Those numbers and a 2.65 ERA earned him MVP and Cy Young votes in what would be his last 'elite' season. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Marshall's career was that he completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology in 1978 while he was with the Twins. He was a huge advocate for eliminating arm-related pitching injuries and carried that with him as he demolished milestones in baseball. John Swol of TwinsTrivia.com chatted with Marshall about his unique tactics and excellent career, check it out! Ray Miller (April 30, 1945- May 4, 2021) Manager for the Twins in 1985 and 1986 Serving as a crucial olive branch after a miserable start to the 1985 season, Ray Miller passed away at the age of 76. Miller was named skipper of the Twins for the '85 season after the team fired Billy Gardner following a 27-35 start. Miller weathered the storm, leading the young Twins to a 50-50 record to finish the season. He lasted midway through the 1986 season and was replaced by Tom Kelly. Chuck Schilling (October 25, 1937 – March 30, 2021) Member of Twins Roster for the 1966 season A member of some high-quality Red Sox teams (and good friend to Carl Yastrzemski), Schilling was traded from the Sox to the Twins in exchange for Nimrod, MN, native Dick Stigman. And while Schilling never played a game for the Twins, he had an excellent tenure with the Red Sox, garnering team MVP status in his 1961 rookie season. Dwight Siebler (August 5, 1937 – June 16, 2021) Pitched for the Twins from 1963-67 A native of Platte Center, NE,, Siebler passed away at the age of 83. The RHP spent the entirely of his major league career with the Twins, garnering a 3.45 ERA in 48 appearances. Siebler appeared in just seven games during the '65 World Series run but pitched in a career-high 23 games the following season. Jim Snyder (August 15, 1932 – March 9, 2021) Second Baseman for the Twins from 1961-62, 1964 Best known as manager of the 1988 Mariners, Snyder played three seasons for the Twins in the early 1960's. And while he only tallied 103 MLB plate appearances, he achieved the dream that all youth ballplayers dream of; one MLB home run on July 16, 1964 in a 6-0 victory over the Washington Senators. Wayne Terwilliger (June 27, 1925 – February 3, 2021) Coach for Minnesota Twins and St. Paul Saints Veteran, player, and beloved coach. Known as 'Twig' by many, Terwilliger served as the Twins' first-base coach for both World Series titles in '87 and '91. Terwilliger began coaching with the Twins in 1986 under Ray Miller and stayed on the staff when Tom Kelly took over managerial duties. An excellent player in his own right, Terwilliger actually played for the St. Paul Saints in 1952 and would come full circle, serving as the Saints' first base coach from 1995-2002. Twig truly embodied the phrase 'love of the game.' After serving in World War II, Terwilliger spent 62 years in profession baseball. He was so well-liked that the Twins gifted him a fishing boat when he retired from the team in 1994. Loved by many, Terwilliger was a staple of baseball in the state of Minnesota and will be remembered for an eternity. Stan Williams (September 14, 1936 – February 20, 2021) Pitched for the Twins from 1970-1971 Nicknamed "Big Daddy" the 6'5 Williams spent two of his 14 MLB seasons with the Minnesota Twins. Williams posted an outstanding 10-1 record with an 1.99 ERA in 1970. A starting pitcher earlier in his career, Williams' 1970 season is cemented as one of the most dominant relieve pitching campaigns in Twins history. Have any fond memories of the players and coaches listed above? Share your story below! View full article

From his World Series heroics to jubilant personality, Kirby Puckett is regarded by most as the greatest player to ever don a Twins uniform. As a 1997 baby I never had the chance to watch Kirby Puckett play in person. Yet his 1991 game six catch and walk off homer are by far the most watched pieces of baseball content that will ever grace my life. Thirty years doesn't diminish the goosebumps that prevail when watching two of the most prolific moments in Twins (and baseball) history. Those moments present Kirby not as a player, but an essence of glory and an overarching sense of a legend that is cemented in history. But as a player, he was pretty damn good too. One can point to any spot on Puckett's 12 year MLB career stat line and find talking points that are pretty impressive. The tip of the iceberg is Puck's .318 career batting average and 51.2 WAR coupled with six gold gloves, a batting title, and two shiny rings. Not to mention, the man made the All-star game in ten of his 12 seasons and was named the MVP of the '93 Mid-summer Classic. That's all great, but the tip of an iceberg fails to share the entire story of the mass. Puck was an impact player right out the gate. His 1984 rookie season consisted of a .296 batting average, 165 hits (he would go on to lead the league in this category four times), and only 69 strikeouts in 583 plate appearances. The man knew how to get on base! Kirby finished the season third in the vote tally for American League Rookie of the Year behind the Seattle duo of Alvin Davis and Mark Langston (Puckett's career turned out to be a bit more fruitful). It didn't take long for Puckett's name to enter the MVP conversation. He first received votes in 1985 and would go on to receive them in eight of his remaining ten seasons. Funny enough, he never actually won the award. Yet it isn't MVP votes that win titles. That comes from consistency, availability, and drive. Those three things were arguably Kirby's biggest contributions to the Twins. Need a break from you in-laws over the holidays? Spend 30 minutes on Puckett's Baseball Reference page to brighten the mood. The consistency is unbelievable. Puck never had a season with a batting average that dipped below .280. His lowest was a .288 average in that 1985 season, still knocking 199 hits in a league-leading 691 at-bats. Puck could perform because he was practically always available. Seldom was it that Kirby played in under 150 games in a season. His lowest was 108 in 1994 due to the MLB lockout. And while all that is great, Twins fans will remember Puckett for being the heart and soul of the organization in some of it's brightest days. The Twins were graced with some incredible players like Hrbek, Viola, Aguilera, and Gladden, but it's safe to say that Kirby was the backbone of the Twins' glory days. Puckett's heroics in game six of the 1991 World Series must be associated with his leadership and words of inspiration before the game. With their backs against the wall after losing three in a row (including an absolute whooping in game five) Kirby encouraged his team to 'jump on his back.' Something must have worked. Kirby delivered, the Twins won, and the 1991 World Series will forever be one of the greatest championships ever played in sport. And on a personal level, the legacy of Puck has always been special to me. As a chubby kid with little self-confidence, my mother would read me his children's book before tough days at school, sporting events, and difficult situations. Kirby Puckett: Be the Best You Can Be; it still sits on my television stand as a small reminder of self-love and inspiration. Kirby wasn't perfect, none of us are. Yet the impact that he had and still has on baseball and the Minnesota Twins organization is unprecedented. There are few organizations in sports that have what Kirby Puckett and the Minnesota Twins have/had. Everyone has their favorite Puck memory. Take some time to think of yours. Hopefully it brings a smile to your face on this Christmas Day. Read Previous "12 Days of TwinsMas" articles here: #12 - Torii Hunter #11 - Chuck Knoblauch #10 - Jim Kaat #9 - Frank Viola #8 - Kent Hrbek #7 - Tony Oliva #6 - Johan Santana #5 - Bert Blyleven #4 - Joe Mauer #3 - Harmon Killebrew #2 - Rod Carew #1 - Kirby Puckett View full article

If there is any baseball player that could do it all, Harmon Killebrew would be that guy. He was an outstanding power hitter, he could play first base, third base and left field. His nicknames “The Killer” and “Hammerin’ Harmon” left little to the imagination as to what he was known for. Just a Small Town Boy If there was ever a small-town all-American youth, Harmon Killebrew is it. Killebrew grew up in a small town eastern Idaho where he worked as a farm hand and carried 10 gallon-95 pound milk buckets daily. It’s no wonder that he was able to hit sluggers when he got older. Harmon Killebrew was a tri-sport athlete in high school in Idaho. He played basketball, baseball and was the star quarterback of his football team. Killebrew was a natural athlete, a natural talent. Harmon Killebrew intended to play at the University of Oregon and was offered an athletic scholarship, but he turned it down. Harmon Killebrew ended up attending the College of Idaho and playing in the Idaho-Oregon Border League. Stellar Player, Incredible Man Killebrew showed out in semi-pro ball; so much that Idaho senator Herman Walker dropped a bug in the ear of Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith (father of Calvin) about the state’s crowned yet uncovered jewel. That led to a $50,000 contract for Griffith and inked the start of a career that would not only serve as the greatest of a ballplayer from Idaho, but one of the most prolific in the history of Major League Baseball. Harmon spent 22 years in the majors, 21 of which were with the Twins/Senators organization. Killebrew was rock-solid for Washington, consistently flirting with and surpassing a .300 batting average and earning all star accolades in 1959. Yet when the train left D.C. and headed west to Minneapolis, Killebrew’s true talent was untapped. Ten all-star appearances, an MVP award, and five HR titles later, Killebrew’s lore as a hall of famer was cemented. Yet after years of incredible accolades Harmon is remembered by most as a great ballplayer but an even better person. Kind to teammates, fans, and even umpires, Killebrew was the pinnacle of a gentleman that had the utmost respect for those around him. That genuine demeanor carried into his life off the field following retirement from baseball. Killebrew spent time with the A’s, Angels, and Twins as a broadcaster and continued to grow the game of baseball for those of all ages. And if you need more proof on how beloved Harmon was, find another former played who had an entire episode of the David Letterman show dedicated to him. Killebrew passed away in 2011 following a battle with Esophageal Cancer. The Twins released this statement following his passing. "No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins Territory than Harmon Killebrew. Harmon will long be remembered as one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game and the leader of a group of players who helped lay the foundation for the long-term success of the Twins franchise and Major League Baseball in the Upper Midwest. However, more importantly Harmon's legacy will be the class, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day as a Hall of Fame-quality husband, father, friend, teammate and man." Harmon Killebrew was the full package as a player and person. It’s no surprise that his silhouette embodies the MLB logo to this day. And while he’s no longer with us, his kind demeanor, heroic home runs, and genuine personality bring back fond memories to Twins fans that span almost the entirety of the organization’s history. Read Previous "12 Days of TwinsMas" articles here: #12 - Torii Hunter #11 - Chuck Knoblauch #10 - Jim Kaat #9 - Frank Viola #8 - Kent Hrbek #7 - Tony Oliva #6 - Johan Santana #5 - Bert Blyleven #4 - Joe Mauer #3 - Harmon Killebrew #2 - Coming Soon! View full article

It's called a feature story. Not every article out there has to be one that involves debate. Features are intended to share unique perspectives...it's okay to finish reading an article and not have anything to argue/debate/discuss. Twins Daily is all about providing different perspectives- some articles/opinion pieces that spark debate (which there are plenty of), features, analyses, etc. I didn't write this story because the Twins are having a crummy offseason, I wrote it because it's important to share stories from a variety of lenses and while other writers may be more intrigued to write about stats and roster moves, I enjoy writing off-the-field stories that capture the game from a different viewpoint.

It's just a fun feature! Baseball is a very human game- why not feature those off the field stories?

There are few that know the baseball lifestyle better than moms. Get to know some of the wonderful mothers in the Twins' organization and how they've lived and led their sons' journey. Allison Mason sat alongside her five-year-old young son Ryan outside of the t-ball fields in Auburn, California in her car. As the first day of T-ball practice awaited, a situation arose. What should have been a moment of excitement was one of confusion and concern. Ryan refused to get out of the car. No pitching involved? Nope, not for me. "He wouldn't play T-ball when he was five and he wouldn't play baseball when he was six because the coaches pitched," Allison recalled. "By the time he was seven and was finally allowed to pitch he was chomping at the bit to be in the full windup." Most kids need the grassroots staple of baseball to develop basic skills. Not Ryan. In a world of kids on first, Ryan was well on his way to third base and headed home. That full trip around the bases is now inches from touching home plate. Coming off a strong 2021 season Ryan Mason has established himself as one of the strongest pitchers in the Twins Minor League Organization. After dabbling with excellence upon belong selected by the Twins in the 2016 draft, Ryan dominated in 2021, posting a 4-2 record and 2.67 ERA out of the bullpen. On July 31 his success earned him a promotion from AA Wichita to AAA St. Paul, his highest ascension on the ladder to Major League Baseball. Mason is on the cusp of achieving the dream that every boy fantasizes about in his backyard from a young age. Yet from the days of watching Ryan refuse Tee-ball, to pitching at his home-state university, to sitting on the fringe of the highest level of baseball, Allison's experience has remained constant. Proud and grateful. Young Talent Allison reflects on her son's journey through baseball; a mother of two, Ryan fell in love with the game at an early age thanks to his older brother Jeff. "His older brother was doing all the sports. baseball, soccer, basketball, all of it," Allison recalls. "As a younger brother, Ryan wanted to be out there and he wanted to be the same age as his brother so he could do all of it." Like many younger brothers, Jeff's baseball equipment would become Ryan's once he was big and old enough to fill it. The only exception was gloves, as Jeff was a lefty pitcher and Ryan throws with his right arm. And while many hours were spent with Jeff in the backyard, Ryan had a knack for tuning up his fastball in the living room... at inconvenient times. "We were in the living room and he was two and half years old; I can remember him setting up four couch cushions and he would pitch from the windup into the cushions," Allison said. "He would hit his spot 99% of the time. At the time it was annoying because we were trying to watch TV and I can remember saying 'Ryan can we give it a rest, can we please just sit down for a while,' and he would just keep doing it." It became apparent that Allison and Bob's son had a special gift from a young age. When Ryan was seven and finally able to pitch, he would scare the opposition out of the batter's box because he threw so hard for his age. "I can remember other parents commenting 'What is he doing? Why is he doing this?' and I just responded with 'he lives for this," Allison said. "He couldn't wait for that moment to be on the mound." From Auburn's 'Nugget League' through the local Little League, Ryan established himself as one of the premier baseball players in the state by the time he was a high schooler. And while Allison was just happy to see her son succeed, an offer to play for the University of California Golden Bears was a dream come true. "We never dreamt that big for him, we were just really, really glad that there were options," Allison said. "When Cal called, we were just like 'wow this is a DI, Pac-12 opportunity." Ryan was a stalwart for the Golden Bears, compiling a 26-11 record and 3.25 ERA over four years. He even went viral thanks to a pretty impressive pregame feat that landed him some airtime on ESPN and four million views over social media Ryan's success for the Golden Bears streamlined him to professional baseball. For Allison, the relationships that he built in Berkeley were equally as impactful as the success on the field. "Some of his best friends to this day are from that program," including his coach," she said. Bound in Auburn Auburn, California sits just northwest of the state capital of Sacramento. Far from the hustle and bustle of LA and San Diego, its population of just over 13,000 is a tight-knit community. Nestled in the town is the Mason's lumber store, where locals will come to check in on the progress of the finest athletes the community has ever seen. Yet Ryan's legacy expands beyond the walls of Auburn Hardwoods; Ryan's story is a staple in the NorCal town. "The high school keeps tabs on him, little league coaches, there's a whole community here that has his back and are watching him every step of the way," Allison said. Tears of Joy Each time Ryan gets the news that he has been promoted to a higher level of play, his mother is one of the first to know. "It's just tears, every single time. I'm the first one that he calls. It's fantastic, I'm proud every single time," she said. By now, the national pastime is second nature to Allison and the Mason family. Yet with time comes change and growth, including Allison's perspective when her son takes the mound. "When I was watching him pitch at Cal I was living and dying by the outings that he had," Allison said. "If he had a bad outing my heart would hurt for him." After a few years of watching Ryan pitch at the professional level, her mindset shifted from a roller coaster to one word. Grateful. "Being able to watch every game on MiLB.TV of Ryan and his teammates, I wasn't living and dying by every game anymore. I was just grateful for every single opportunity. My husband and I learned to step back and not ride the roller coaster, we're just grateful." Ryan has played 132 games for the Twins organization. And while the number is certain to grow, Allison is just proud of her son and his journey from tee-ball dropout to a world-class pitcher. "Ryan is someone who is able to rise to the occasion, you don't know how long this is going to last and we're just grateful to watch it. Ryan has traveled all over the place and met so many people and lifelong friends and it's all through this connection of baseball." Are YOU a mother of a player in the Twins organization? We'd love to hear you and your son's story. Email David Youngs (dyyoungs15@gmail.com, @CYoungsAward on Twitter) for more information! Check out Seth's Episode of Twins Live with Ryan Mason! View full article

A bleak year for the Minnesota Twins didn't cloud the incredible efforts of one player. Congrats to Jorge Polanco on being named our MVP for the 2021 season! Other Twins Daily 2021 Award Winners Twins Daily 2021 Awards: Most Improved Twins Daily 2021 Awards: Pitcher of the Year Twins Daily 2021 Awards: Rookie of the Year Even the gleaming optimist would struggle to tally a fruitful list of positives from the Twins rocky 2021 season. Let's face it, 2021 was a wash. Players underperformed, a cesspool of injuries plagued, and the team as a whole fell mountains short of preseason expectations. There's plenty of content out there about the ladder issues. Yet as an optimist myself, it would be cruel not to highlight some of brilliant performances that took place in a deeply-needed 'normal' year of Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins. Losing sucks, but at the end of the day there are reasons for Twins fans to be optimistic. The players below prove why. Honorable Mention for Twins Daily 2021 Most Valuable Player (listed in reverse order of votes received) 3B Josh Donaldson (18 Votes) After a less-than-ideal first season with the Twins, Donaldson was stellar this season. The Bringer of Rain posted a 3.2 Offensive WAR and was an extra-base hit machine, tallying 26 homers and 26 doubles. Donaldson's .247 batting average doesn't do justice for how impactful he was in the Twins lineup. On top of that, his defense was rock-solid, as demonstrated by his 2.2 Defensive War. Will Donaldson remain a Twin for the final two years of his four-ear contract? Given his impact this year, I sure hope he does, When healthy, the man is a force on both sides of the ball. CF Byron Buxton (33 Votes) If it weren't for the injury-crutch there's a good chance that Buxton would be atop this list...and atop standings for league-wide awards. In just 61 games Buxton slashed .306/.358/.647 (1.005) with 72 hits (23 doubles), 19 homers, and 32 RBI. Arguably the fastest player in baseball, Buxton stole nine bases on 10 attempts and was as Buxton-esque as ever patrolling center field at Target Field. There's a lot of speculation regarding Buxton's future in Minnesota. Yes, health is an issue but my goodness, if you can't see that Buxton is a generational player, please open your eyes. Also Receiving Votes: Baily Ober (13), Luis Arraez (12), Jose Berrios (8), Michael Pineda (6), Nelson Cruz (4), Taylor Rogers (4), Max Kepler (1), Caleb Thielbar (2) Twins Daily 2021 MVP: 2B Jorge Polanco (50) Mention Jorge Polanco's name to Twins fans a year ago and one would likely be met with discouragement and vitriol. My oh my have the tables turned. While the whole Andrelton Simmons project at shortstop didn't exactly work out, Polanco's shift to second base rejuvenated the former all-star with the caliber of elite performance that we all knew he was capable of. Polanco finished the 2021 season with a .269/.323/.503 (.826) slash line, knocking 158 hits, 97 runs, 33 home runs, and 98 RBI. The speedy infielder also stole 11 bases in 17 attempts and touted a team-leading 4.8 offensive WAR. Polanco was a beacon of light all season for the Twins offense. After a slow April, Polanco's batting average hovered in excellency each month as the season progressed. And despite a subpar September (.245/.273/.547), Polanco still managed to knock eight homers (only second to his nine HR in August) and compile 58 total bases (26 H, 8 2B, 4 BB). Polanco's 33 homers put him fourth on the list amongst all MLB second basemen. The 28-year-old also ranks fourth at the position for RBI (98), and fifth for slugging percentage (.503). Coming off of his eighth season with the organization it's clear that Polanco is a player that the Twins are comfortable investing in. If that wasn't the case they would have taken advantage of numerous opportunities to trade him away. The investment has paid off, yet there's still work to be done. Polanco posted a defensive WAR of 0.7 this season and totaled a .961 Fielding Percentage with 17 errors (15 at 2B). Those numbers are solid but aren't going to win any Gold Gloves. Yet that misses the point of the greater picture. Polanco looked infinitely more confident at second base compared to his days at shortstop. There's a great chance that the confidence in the field correlated directly to his enormous year at the plate. Baseball is an incredibly difficult sport on the mental side of the game and Polanco's newfound confidence is a huge win for the future of the Twins organization. At the end of the day Polanco truly was the most valued player on this season's roster. He stayed healthy (in comparison to others), was a staple in the field, and hit for power and consistency from both sides of the plate. Hopefully the Twins can wrangle up a high-quality shortstop to complement Polanco up the middle. If so, the Twins could have one of the stronger infields in all of MLB. How do you feel about the choice of Jorge Polanco as the teams Most Valuable Player in 2021? View full article

The smoking hot bats of Jose Miranda and Gilberto Celestino were extinguished by a plethora of walks from the Saints on Saturday evening in Toledo. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS 2021 was a wild year across the Twins organization. Yet through the ups, downs, and everything in between there were a few individuals that stood out. Congrats to all of our award winners! Twins Daily 2021 Minor League Hitter of the Year: Jose Miranda Twins Daily 2021 Starting Pitching of the Year: Louie Varland Twins Daily 2021 Relief Pitcher of the Year: Jovani Moran Short Season Awards Twins Daily 2021 Short Season Hitter of the Year: Kala'i Rosario Twins Daily 2021 Short Season Pitcher of the Year: Samuel Perez TRANSACTIONS Twins recall LHP Charlie Barnes from Triple-A St. Paul. Barnes will start Sunday's season finale for the Minnesota Twins. John Gant was placed on the Injured List. SAINTS SENTINEL Toledo 8, St. Paul 5 Box Score A leadoff homer from Jose Miranda and a ninth-inning rally weren't enough to light a flame for the Saints to overcome the Mud Hen bats on Saturday. On the very first pitch of the game Miranda launched a high fastball over the left-center field wall to give the Saints an early 1-0 lead. Miranda's shot was his 30th on the season. He's now one of only 12 players across Minor League Baseball with 30 or more homers this season. Despite the early momentum, Miranda's blast would be one of only the five runs plated for St. Paul. The other four runs came in a ninth inning two-out rally with the Saints trailing 8-1. Miranda led off the inning with a double (24) and eventually scored thanks to a bases-loaded walk from Drew Maggi. B.J Boyd followed that up with a two-run RBI single that scored Mark Contreras and Gilberto Celestino. Sherman Johnson kept the magic alive by following Boyd's lead with an RBI single that scored Maggi from third. Yet some happy endings are just too good to be true. In the next at-bat Drew Stankiewicz grounded out to end the valiant comeback effort. The Saints out hit Toledo drastically (11 to 5) but were plagued by runners left in scoring position (4-for-15) and a decade of walks from the pitching staff St. Paul starter Drew Strotman lasted only one inning, giving up four walks, three runs, and two hits while striking out one. The performance was Strotman's shortest outing since June 3rd when he was still pitching for the Durham Bulls. The eye sore shouldn't be dwelled on too much as Strotman is 3-1 in five starts in September minus today's outing. Strotman wasn't the only St. Paul pitcher that struggled against an electric Toledo offense. Relievers Edgar Garcia and Chris Nunn gave up a combined five runs on two hits and three walks in five innings. Yet despite the struggle reliever Vinny Nittoli provided a bright spot for the Saints pitching staff. Nittoli pitched the final two innings and was perfect, not allowing a single run or hit and striking out four batters. Saturday was Nittoli's best outing for the Saints in his young tenure with the Twins organization. The 30-year-old RHP was signed by the organization on August 31st after a year-long stint with the Mariners organization. While it may not have shown in the final score the Saints saw three players record multi-hit games. Miranda and Drew Stankiewicz both recorded two-hit games, with Stankiewicz roping his first triple of the year in addition to a single. Twins Daily Top 20 Prospect Gilberto Celestino tagged two singles and a double on the night, his seventh three-hit game of the 2021 season. Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention the Saints look to end their historic season on a high note in tomorrow's season finale. TWINS DAILY SAINTS PLAYERS OF THE GAME Hitter of the Game: Jose Miranda- 2-for-5, 2B, HR (30), 2 R, RBI Pitcher of the Game: Vinny Nittoli- 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 4 K PROSPECT SUMMARY #6 Jose Miranda (St. Paul)- 2-for-5, 2B, HR (30), 2 R, RBI #13 Gilberto Celestino (St. Paul)- 3-for-4, 2B, R, BB, K #16 Brent Rooker (Minnesota)- 0-for-3, K SUNDAY'S STARTING PITCHER St. Paul @ Toledo (12:05PM CST) LHP Andrew Albers (7-4, 3.75 ERA) View full article