Thrylos

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the Twins trade moves, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Jon Heyman reports that the Baltimore Orioles are looking into Fransisco Liriano. Meanwhile Jason Stark reports that the Orioles are "all but out of the rent a picher business, unless the price is too cheap to turn down", which does not make it a match for Liriano. Welcome to trade deadline conflicting talk. Apparently a week after the interim GM Terry Ryan said that the Twins are listening on anybody, an "annoyed Twins' person", as Jon Heyman tweets contradicts his interim GM as far as trading Josh Willingham goes. David O'Brien at the Altanta Journal and Costitution writes that the Atlanta Braves have not pursued Fransisco Liriano Joel Sherman suggests that the Twins hope that Carl Pavano and Matt Capps are healthy enough to move them this August in a waiver deal. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7653114270_3e9c917c6f_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the Twins trade moves, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Jon Heyman reports that the Baltimore Orioles are looking into Fransisco Liriano. Meanwhile Jason Stark reports that the Orioles are "all but out of the rent a picher business, unless the price is too cheap to turn down", which does not make it a match for Liriano. Welcome to trade deadline conflicting talk. Apparently a week after the interim GM Terry Ryan said that the Twins are listening on anybody, an "annoyed Twins' person", as Jon Heyman tweets contradicts his interim GM as far as trading Josh Willingham goes. David O'Brien at the Altanta Journal and Costitution writes that the Atlanta Braves have not pursued Fransisco Liriano Joel Sherman suggests that the Twins hope that Carl Pavano and Matt Capps are healthy enough to move them this August in a waiver deal. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7653114270_3e9c917c6f_z.jpg

The point is, that, unlike Liriano, the Twins do not have to trade Willingham or Span or even Morneau, so they are waiting for a team to really give lots back. Makes sense. I would think that the Cubs would want prospects and they would not be scouting the Sux MLB team. Unless they maybe scouting someone like Casilla or Fien or Swarzak or something along those lines from the Twins

Originally posted at The Tenth Inning Stretch ----- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the TWins trade moves, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Add another team to the list of teams interested in Franscisco Liriano: the Arizona Diamondbacks. LEN3 writes that the scouted Liriano along with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays last Tuesday. Cubs? Maybe they were scouting someone else. Some interesting bits from Jason Stark's latest. He says that the Twins are looking for "a young ready to go" starter for everyone they trade. Also he indicates that Fransisco Liriano is "guaranteed" to be traded, probably after his next start. He also ranks what the Twins want in return for their position players as: a. Josh Willingham ("so expensive, it made me laugh"), b. Denard Span ("more pricey") c. Justin Morneau ("pricey"). Also indicates that the Twins do not want to pay for any of the $19 Million Morneau is owed, in a trade. In the same piece, he indicates that the Los Angeles Dodgers have talked to the Twins about Morneau. Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale says that the Dodgers will add a bat and a starter. Ken Rosenthal mentions that the Cincinnati Reds have been looking at Denard Span, but the price seems to be high and they might have to look at rentals instead. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7646566684_b881c7c6aa_o.jpg

Originally posted at The Tenth Inning Stretch ----- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the TWins trade moves, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Add another team to the list of teams interested in Franscisco Liriano: the Arizona Diamondbacks. LEN3 writes that the scouted Liriano along with the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays last Tuesday. Cubs? Maybe they were scouting someone else. Some interesting bits from Jason Stark's latest. He says that the Twins are looking for "a young ready to go" starter for everyone they trade. Also he indicates that Fransisco Liriano is "guaranteed" to be traded, probably after his next start. He also ranks what the Twins want in return for their position players as: a. Josh Willingham ("so expensive, it made me laugh"), b. Denard Span ("more pricey") c. Justin Morneau ("pricey"). Also indicates that the Twins do not want to pay for any of the $19 Million Morneau is owed, in a trade. In the same piece, he indicates that the Los Angeles Dodgers have talked to the Twins about Morneau. Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale says that the Dodgers will add a bat and a starter. Ken Rosenthal mentions that the Cincinnati Reds have been looking at Denard Span, but the price seems to be high and they might have to look at rentals instead. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7646566684_b881c7c6aa_o.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the TWins, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals had internal discussions about Jamey Carroll and other middle infielders. It seems that they will be making a move soon. From the is Josh Willingham available front: Ken Rosenthal tweets that a General Manager says that he is available but the Twins really want a lot for him (which is a good thing). Take another team off the Fransisco Liriano sweepstakes. The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to closing a deal with the Astros for Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros get Rudy Owens, a 24 year old LHP who is repeating AAA this season and is 8-5 with 3.14 ERA and 1.168 WHIP, 6.5 K/9 and 3.4 K/BB)Robbie Grossman a 22 year old toolsy CF who is hitting .262/.374/.403 with 7 HRs in AA and Colton Cain a 21 year old LHP who is pitching in high A with 4.20 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 6.1 K/9 and 2.04 K/BB. Not top 100 prospects and only Grossman was on BA's list of the Pirates' top 10 prospects at number 8. The extension agreement of the Philadelphia Phillies with Cole Hamels this morning takes another LHSP off the market, thus increasing Fransisco Liriano's value both to the Twins as a trade chip and to himself as a free agent this off-season. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6879271410_905aef624a_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- This continues the dialy trade talk updates for the Twins and of action around the league that influences the TWins, up until the deadline. You can find all the older updates here, in reverse chronological order. Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: According to Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals had internal discussions about Jamey Carroll and other middle infielders. It seems that they will be making a move soon. From the is Josh Willingham available front: Ken Rosenthal tweets that a General Manager says that he is available but the Twins really want a lot for him (which is a good thing). Take another team off the Fransisco Liriano sweepstakes. The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to closing a deal with the Astros for Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros get Rudy Owens, a 24 year old LHP who is repeating AAA this season and is 8-5 with 3.14 ERA and 1.168 WHIP, 6.5 K/9 and 3.4 K/BB)Robbie Grossman a 22 year old toolsy CF who is hitting .262/.374/.403 with 7 HRs in AA and Colton Cain a 21 year old LHP who is pitching in high A with 4.20 ERA, 1.240 WHIP, 6.1 K/9 and 2.04 K/BB. Not top 100 prospects and only Grossman was on BA's list of the Pirates' top 10 prospects at number 8. The extension agreement of the Philadelphia Phillies with Cole Hamels this morning takes another LHSP off the market, thus increasing Fransisco Liriano's value both to the Twins as a trade chip and to himself as a free agent this off-season. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6879271410_905aef624a_z.jpg

I think that a lot of what he is asking for depends on the team that asks.

1) ditto 2) that too 3) ditto 4) it was having the high picks plus several supplemental picks this year 5) Exactly 6) Both he and Jones were drafted this year 7) If they do not get rid of him they will have to carry him with the big team next year. If they get anything for him or an improved offer if add him to a deal, that is a bonus. See: addition by subtraction plus a younger non-prospect for the minors.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Ken Rosenthal suggests that the Carlos Quentin and Edwin Encarnacion contract extensions (for 3 years at about $10 million per with all incentives), make Josh Willingham more desirable (he still has 2+ years at just $7 million per) but he suggest that Twins will have a high price and "would want a major return". Jon Heyman reiterrates that the Twins are not in a hurry to trade him but also says that if they change their mind, there will be a "mile long" line of suitors. Jon Morosi also indicates that the "Twins have yet to put" him on the trade market WithRyan Dempster to the Atlanta Braves trade (which is still pending Dempster's approval), 3 things are happening that involve the Twins: a. The Atlanta Braves are no longer a suiter for Fransisco Liriano b. Fransisco Liriano will likely be the next Domino to fall in the SP market (according to Ken Davidoff who correctly reported before it happend that Dempster will be the first.) Given that one of the Braves' top pitching prospects, 22 year old Panamanian Randall Delgado, who pitched in the majors this season and last and was rated 46th top prospect in baseball this year and 35th last year by Baseball America, involved in the return package to the Cubs, expect a similar or better return for Liriano. And c. The Washington Nationals that are 3.5 games ahead of the Braves would like to improve also. The have been associated with Denard Span and Fransisco Liriano in the past. Speaking of returns on pitchers, the Miami Marlins trade Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers for 22 year old Jacob Turner RHSP #22 BA prospect, 22 year old C Rob Brantly with a .311/.359/.461 line in AA and now in AAA, and 22 year old LHSP Brian Flynn who just went to AA. They also swapped compensatory picks (a first in MLB). Sanchez and Infante is pretty much the equivalent of Fransisco Liriano and Alexi Cassila... Pretty good return. Heyman reports that the New York Yankees have talked to the Twins about Denard Span, but "did not like the price in prospects", so they went the Ichiro Suzuki way, which cost them the equivalent of Jeff Manship (D.J. Mitchell) and a guy they picked off waivers a couple weeks ago (Danny Farquhar; now try to pronounce that last name with a New York accent...) Jon Morosi reports that the Los Angeles Angels like Liriano and he is quoting former Twins' Centerfielder Torii Hunter, in support. Also lists Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves as teams looking for SP, without knowing whether they are interested in Liriano. You can cross the Braves off the list now. The Justin Morneau to the Los Angeles Dodgers rumours that started yesterday in LA, are rehashed in the Twin Cities today. Tim Brown writes that the Twins are having discussion about Morneau but they are asking the other teams for an existing major leaguer in return plus to take his full contract. Hard to believe that they would want a major leaguer in return, based on what Terry Ryan has been saying publicly.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is the Twins Trade Talk the past 24 hours or so: Ken Rosenthal suggests that the Carlos Quentin and Edwin Encarnacion contract extensions (for 3 years at about $10 million per with all incentives), make Josh Willingham more desirable (he still has 2+ years at just $7 million per) but he suggest that Twins will have a high price and "would want a major return". Jon Heyman reiterrates that the Twins are not in a hurry to trade him but also says that if they change their mind, there will be a "mile long" line of suitors. Jon Morosi also indicates that the "Twins have yet to put" him on the trade market WithRyan Dempster to the Atlanta Braves trade (which is still pending Dempster's approval), 3 things are happening that involve the Twins: a. The Atlanta Braves are no longer a suiter for Fransisco Liriano b. Fransisco Liriano will likely be the next Domino to fall in the SP market (according to Ken Davidoff who correctly reported before it happend that Dempster will be the first.) Given that one of the Braves' top pitching prospects, 22 year old Panamanian Randall Delgado, who pitched in the majors this season and last and was rated 46th top prospect in baseball this year and 35th last year by Baseball America, involved in the return package to the Cubs, expect a similar or better return for Liriano. And c. The Washington Nationals that are 3.5 games ahead of the Braves would like to improve also. The have been associated with Denard Span and Fransisco Liriano in the past. Speaking of returns on pitchers, the Miami Marlins trade Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Detroit Tigers for 22 year old Jacob Turner RHSP #22 BA prospect, 22 year old C Rob Brantly with a .311/.359/.461 line in AA and now in AAA, and 22 year old LHSP Brian Flynn who just went to AA. They also swapped compensatory picks (a first in MLB). Sanchez and Infante is pretty much the equivalent of Fransisco Liriano and Alexi Cassila... Pretty good return. Heyman reports that the New York Yankees have talked to the Twins about Denard Span, but "did not like the price in prospects", so they went the Ichiro Suzuki way, which cost them the equivalent of Jeff Manship (D.J. Mitchell) and a guy they picked off waivers a couple weeks ago (Danny Farquhar; now try to pronounce that last name with a New York accent...) Jon Morosi reports that the Los Angeles Angels like Liriano and he is quoting former Twins' Centerfielder Torii Hunter, in support. Also lists Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves as teams looking for SP, without knowing whether they are interested in Liriano. You can cross the Braves off the list now. The Justin Morneau to the Los Angeles Dodgers rumours that started yesterday in LA, are rehashed in the Twin Cities today. Tim Brown writes that the Twins are having discussion about Morneau but they are asking the other teams for an existing major leaguer in return plus to take his full contract. Hard to believe that they would want a major leaguer in return, based on what Terry Ryan has been saying publicly.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is this week's installment, heavily influenced by the upcoming trade deadline: I decided to give daily trade talk updates for the Twins, up until the deadline. You can find them all from newer to older here. Look for today's version to be up soon. One of the most intriguing names that were thrown around as a possible return for Fransisco Liriano is Garrett Richards, of the Angels. He did not break through yet, but he has Verlander-like stuff, and he is 24. Verlander was an average pitcher (look at WHIP not Wins) before his age 26 season or so. Danny Lehmann and Shairon Martis were promoted to Rochester from New Britain, Matt Summers, Jonathan Goncalves and Clint Dempster promoted from Beloit to Ft. Myers. Mason Melotakis and Zack Jones promoted from Elizabethton to Beloit. Kennys Vargas after serving his 50 day suspension, started the season in Beloit (and promptly hit a home run at his first plate appearance.) Andrew Ferreira was assigned to Elizabethton while Rene Tosoni went to New Britain through a rehab with the Miracle after starting the season in Rochester. The Twins' released AA RHP Brad Jacobson last Wednesday from New Britain When Ryan Doumit started at LF in a day game last Thursday against the Orioles, it mark the first time he ever played the position in an official game in professional baseball. He had never played a game in the LF in the Majors or the Minors. The Twins have spend $6.7 million more for bonuses for 2012 rule 4 draftees than they did in 2011. A total of $12.6 million Congratulations to Samuel Deduno for his first MLB win on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals Jeff Manship was named International League Pitcher of the Week for last week. He was 2-0 in 2 starts (12 IP) and had a 2.25 ERA. He will be out of options next season and the Twins need to make a decision on him, since he has not pitched well in 3 bried stints in the majors. I would not be surprised if he is added to a trade this coming week. Don't look, but very quietly Darrin Mastroianni is putting better numbers than both Ben Revere and Denard Span. He is hitting .276/.353/.421 with 2 HRs and 9 SB (as many as Span) in just 86 PAs. He should be part of the discussion for a starting job as Span's replacement when traded and possibly a part of the Twins' future OF. He is just 26 (same age as Trevor Plouffe.) At least he earned a bit more playing time. Would be interesting to see more Revere/Span/Mastroianni lineups, with Willingham at DH, Doumit at C and Mauer at 1B (at least until Span gets traded.) I would not be surprised if Carl Pavano hangs his cleats, revealing that he would need surgery on his injured shoulder, some time soon Not Twins' related, but, darn, this is a darn good article about Mike Lynn (and if you don't know who Mike Lynn is, you better read) The Twins' product of the week is the Minnesota Twins Sportulahttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B00857HNHI. A perfect accessory for the grilling season. Big Twins' logo grill spatula with an integrated bottle opener on the handle... A must have. The parting shot today is of the guy in the Kansas City game. Yeah in the game when the Twins were wearing blue Dickies overalls for uniforms. Which guy? That guy: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7619158536_defe7a6c5f_o.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is this week's installment, heavily influenced by the upcoming trade deadline: I decided to give daily trade talk updates for the Twins, up until the deadline. You can find them all from newer to older here. Look for today's version to be up soon. One of the most intriguing names that were thrown around as a possible return for Fransisco Liriano is Garrett Richards, of the Angels. He did not break through yet, but he has Verlander-like stuff, and he is 24. Verlander was an average pitcher (look at WHIP not Wins) before his age 26 season or so. Danny Lehmann and Shairon Martis were promoted to Rochester from New Britain, Matt Summers, Jonathan Goncalves and Clint Dempster promoted from Beloit to Ft. Myers. Mason Melotakis and Zack Jones promoted from Elizabethton to Beloit. Kennys Vargas after serving his 50 day suspension, started the season in Beloit (and promptly hit a home run at his first plate appearance.) Andrew Ferreira was assigned to Elizabethton while Rene Tosoni went to New Britain through a rehab with the Miracle after starting the season in Rochester. The Twins' released AA RHP Brad Jacobson last Wednesday from New Britain When Ryan Doumit started at LF in a day game last Thursday against the Orioles, it mark the first time he ever played the position in an official game in professional baseball. He had never played a game in the LF in the Majors or the Minors. The Twins have spend $6.7 million more for bonuses for 2012 rule 4 draftees than they did in 2011. A total of $12.6 million Congratulations to Samuel Deduno for his first MLB win on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals Jeff Manship was named International League Pitcher of the Week for last week. He was 2-0 in 2 starts (12 IP) and had a 2.25 ERA. He will be out of options next season and the Twins need to make a decision on him, since he has not pitched well in 3 bried stints in the majors. I would not be surprised if he is added to a trade this coming week. Don't look, but very quietly Darrin Mastroianni is putting better numbers than both Ben Revere and Denard Span. He is hitting .276/.353/.421 with 2 HRs and 9 SB (as many as Span) in just 86 PAs. He should be part of the discussion for a starting job as Span's replacement when traded and possibly a part of the Twins' future OF. He is just 26 (same age as Trevor Plouffe.) At least he earned a bit more playing time. Would be interesting to see more Revere/Span/Mastroianni lineups, with Willingham at DH, Doumit at C and Mauer at 1B (at least until Span gets traded.) I would not be surprised if Carl Pavano hangs his cleats, revealing that he would need surgery on his injured shoulder, some time soon Not Twins' related, but, darn, this is a darn good article about Mike Lynn (and if you don't know who Mike Lynn is, you better read) The Twins' product of the week is the Minnesota Twins Sportulahttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B00857HNHI. A perfect accessory for the grilling season. Big Twins' logo grill spatula with an integrated bottle opener on the handle... A must have. The parting shot today is of the guy in the Kansas City game. Yeah in the game when the Twins were wearing blue Dickies overalls for uniforms. Which guy? That guy: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7619158536_defe7a6c5f_o.jpg

Is Storen back? I thought he was out for the season. Alex Meyer would be nice but not sure that the Nats will let him go.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- With the non-waiver trade deadline just 8 days or so away, I decided to have a pretty much daily look at the talk surrounding the Minnesota Twins' activity in the trade market. To do this, I need to do establish a "baseline" of what is already been reported. So I am listing (with public sources) the players who have been mentioned in trade talks and the teams linked to them. From tomorrow on, the news will be posted as they come on a daily or so basis. I am excluding players currently in the DL, even though they have been mentioned in trade talks, like Carl Pavano and Matt Capps. Here is the list: Denard Span: New York Yankees (apparently the Yankees have asked and think that the "Twins are asking too much" for Span. Also, in the same piece is listed that the Twins would rather trade Span than Willingham), Washington Nationals, Florida Marlins (mainly due to previous interest.) Cincinnati Reds (also the Nationals are mentioned in this Twins Cities' reference.) Also this Cincinnati reference mentions the Reds as suitors. Fransisco Liriano: Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees (scouted him), New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds. Several of these teams listed here as "believed to have interest in him and here. Here says that there are "8-10" teams interested in him, without naming names. Josh Willingham: Los Angeles Dodgers (reported that they "checked" on him) Justin Morneau: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays (most recently in this piece that also lists the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7629811708_82df8bb17b_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- With the non-waiver trade deadline just 8 days or so away, I decided to have a pretty much daily look at the talk surrounding the Minnesota Twins' activity in the trade market. To do this, I need to do establish a "baseline" of what is already been reported. So I am listing (with public sources) the players who have been mentioned in trade talks and the teams linked to them. From tomorrow on, the news will be posted as they come on a daily or so basis. I am excluding players currently in the DL, even though they have been mentioned in trade talks, like Carl Pavano and Matt Capps. Here is the list: Denard Span: New York Yankees (apparently the Yankees have asked and think that the "Twins are asking too much" for Span. Also, in the same piece is listed that the Twins would rather trade Span than Willingham), Washington Nationals, Florida Marlins (mainly due to previous interest.) Cincinnati Reds (also the Nationals are mentioned in this Twins Cities' reference.) Also this Cincinnati reference mentions the Reds as suitors. Fransisco Liriano: Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees (scouted him), New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds. Several of these teams listed here as "believed to have interest in him and here. Here says that there are "8-10" teams interested in him, without naming names. Josh Willingham: Los Angeles Dodgers (reported that they "checked" on him) Justin Morneau: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays (most recently in this piece that also lists the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds. http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7629811708_82df8bb17b_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is this week's installment (back from the hiatus of the All Star Break) : The newest promotions in the Twins' system: RHP Dan Sattler and OF Evan Bigley to Rochester, RHP Marty Popham to New Britain, RHP Dallas Gallant, LHP Steven Evans, SS Stephen Wickens to Beloit. On the other hand, Steven Hirschfeld and David Bromberg returned to New Britain from Rochester. Joe Benson started his rehab with the GCL Twins a couple weeks ago, moved to Miracle last week and today he is back at AA New Britain Rock Cats 1B Matt Rizzotti (AA), LHP Bart Carter (A) and Venezuelan 3B Jairo Pérez (A+) were released by the Twins' organization. Pérez' release is a mystery because he has been performing well lately, and all indications point that it was not preformance-based. Newly drafted Twin Jake Proctor was transfered to the GCL 60-day DL because of a concussion Speaking of the draft, the Twins have signed 27 of their 43 picks. A complete list with known bonuses is here. Lots of trade scenarios for the Twins are coming out of thin air right now and the interim GM said that there will be no untouchables. Wheeling and dealing Ryan? Speaking of trades, Gardenhire is decreasing Matt Capps' trade value by deciding to keep him in a set-up role "for now" This is a great article on Trevor Plouffe. Kind of old news, but since it has never been mentioned, here it is: The Twins' players who made the jump from the Dominican Summer League to the Gulf Coast League this season are: Jose Ramirez, Melciades De La Cruz, Randy Rosario, Yoman Landa and Felix Jorge. A certain Twins' reliever has been hanging with music celebrities The documentary on Miguel Sano, Pelotero (Ballplayer), is now available on itunes. Apparently Gardenhire is holding a certain baseball hostage The Twins' product of the week is Minnesota Twins: The Complete Illustrated Historyhttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=0760336849. A must read for Twins' fans covering the franchise history from the 1961 move on... The parting shot today is of the one and only BOSS: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7498088018_24d4442b8a_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Here is this week's installment (back from the hiatus of the All Star Break) : The newest promotions in the Twins' system: RHP Dan Sattler and OF Evan Bigley to Rochester, RHP Marty Popham to New Britain, RHP Dallas Gallant, LHP Steven Evans, SS Stephen Wickens to Beloit. On the other hand, Steven Hirschfeld and David Bromberg returned to New Britain from Rochester. Joe Benson started his rehab with the GCL Twins a couple weeks ago, moved to Miracle last week and today he is back at AA New Britain Rock Cats 1B Matt Rizzotti (AA), LHP Bart Carter (A) and Venezuelan 3B Jairo Pérez (A+) were released by the Twins' organization. Pérez' release is a mystery because he has been performing well lately, and all indications point that it was not preformance-based. Newly drafted Twin Jake Proctor was transfered to the GCL 60-day DL because of a concussion Speaking of the draft, the Twins have signed 27 of their 43 picks. A complete list with known bonuses is here. Lots of trade scenarios for the Twins are coming out of thin air right now and the interim GM said that there will be no untouchables. Wheeling and dealing Ryan? Speaking of trades, Gardenhire is decreasing Matt Capps' trade value by deciding to keep him in a set-up role "for now" This is a great article on Trevor Plouffe. Kind of old news, but since it has never been mentioned, here it is: The Twins' players who made the jump from the Dominican Summer League to the Gulf Coast League this season are: Jose Ramirez, Melciades De La Cruz, Randy Rosario, Yoman Landa and Felix Jorge. A certain Twins' reliever has been hanging with music celebrities The documentary on Miguel Sano, Pelotero (Ballplayer), is now available on itunes. Apparently Gardenhire is holding a certain baseball hostage The Twins' product of the week is Minnesota Twins: The Complete Illustrated Historyhttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=0760336849. A must read for Twins' fans covering the franchise history from the 1961 move on... The parting shot today is of the one and only BOSS: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7498088018_24d4442b8a_z.jpg

Oops... he is 28. Fixed. Thanks!

Indeed... The "hot" is kind of a mis-nomer. I have been doing these for a few years now, started calling them the wrong thing, so they got stuck. It is a cumulative performance list. Kinda handy to see overall performance during a particular season so the players who are steadily good (or better than good) are recognized... Conversly, with the not-so hot list, I am looking at season-long laggers, not folks who had a bad week or 2 or 3.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch --- This is the third version of the 'who is hot in the Twins' minors' series for 2012. The Rookie leagues are in full swing, promotions and cuts have happened and a lot of things have changed from the last "who is hot" list. Lots of new blood, and I have been intentionally delaying this to include the Rookie league players. I am using 25 PA and 9 IP as a cut-off. Again, this is not a particular "fragment in time", but year-to-date cumulative performance. Injured players (like Eddie Rosario) are included. Players currently on the 25 man roster (like Liam Hendriks) or the MLB-DL (like PJ Walters) are not included. The "who is not" list will come later this week after the Holiday. Here is the list, going from AAA to Rookie. The clubs represented are AAA Rochester Red Wings, International League, AA New Britain Rock Cats, Eastern League, A+ Fort Myers Miracle, Florida State League, A Beloit Snappers, Midwest League, Advanced Rookie, Elizabethton Twins, Appalachian League, Rookie, Gulf Coast League Twins, and Foreign Rookie Dominican Summer League Twins. (does include yesterday's games) : http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/7098789651_02fb66b359_z.jpg Catchers: Kyle Knudson (RHB, 24, A/A+) .308/.379/.404 1 HR, 17 RBI, 118 PA Matthew Koch (RHB, 23, A) .278/.399/.477, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 185 PA Jairo Rodriguez (RHB, 23, A) .287/.355/.398, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 124 PA Michael Quesada (RHB, 22, Rk+) .375/.464/.542, 6 RBI, 28 PA Infielders: Miguel Sano (RHB, 19, A) .244/.361/.509 18 HR, 57 RBI, 388 PA Eddie Rosario (LHB, 20, A) .293/.362/.473 7 HR, 40 RBI, 9 SB, 271 PA Niko Goodrum (SHB, 20, Rk+) .306/.443/.735 2 HR, 14 RBI, 61 PA Travis Harrison (RHB, 19, Rk+) .354/.436/.479 1 HR, 4 RBI, 55 PA Stephen Wickens (RHB, 23, Rk+) .483/.543/.690 4 RBI, 35 PA Aderlin Mejia (SHB, 20, Rk) .353/.378/.500 6 RBI, 38 PA Outfielders: Matt Carson (RHB, 30, AAA) .278/.351/.429, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 299 PA Wilkin Ramirez (RHB, 26, A+/AA/AAA) .268/.290/.468, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 238 PA Aaron Hicks (SHB, 22, AA) .257/.348/.408 7 HR, 36 RBI, 18 SB, 288 PA Oswaldo Arcia (LHB, 21, A+/AA) .304/.371/.500 8 HR, 43 RBI 295 PA Nate Roberts (LHB, 23, A) .295/.431/.466 3 HR, 14 RBI, 110 PA Romy Jimenez (RHB, 21, Rk+) .439/.467/.976 5 HR, 16 RBI, 45 PA Candido Pimentel (SHB, 21, Rk+) .326/.367/.413 5 RBI, 50 PA Derek Rodriguez (RHB, 20, Rk) .429/.556/.643 1 HR, 4 RBI, 36 PA Adonis Pachero (LHB, 20, Rk-DSL) .313/.374/.518 8 RBI, 92 PA 1st basemen/DH: Chris Colabello (RHB, 28, AA) .251/.319/.476 13 HR, 57 RBI, 299 PA Steven Liddle (LHB, 24, A) .294/.419/.490 1 HR, 5 RBI, 62 PA Rory Rhodes (LHB, 20, A/Rk+) .278/.345/.444 5 HR, 28 RBI, 165 PA DJ Hicks (LHB, 22, Rk+) .281/.410/.469 1 HR, 8 RBI, 39 PA RH Starters: Sam Deduno (28, AAA) 2.14 ERA, 1.167 WHIP, 9.86 K/9, 2.09 K/BB (42 IP) Cole DeVries (27, AAA) 4.37 ERA, 1.214 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 5 K/BB (70 IP) BJ Hermsen (22, A+/AA) 2.90 ERA, 1.108 WHIP, 4.45 K/9, 3.39 K/BB (93 IP) Tyler Jones (22, A) 2.63 ERA, 1.061 WHIP, 11.85 K/9, 4.50 K/BB (27.1 IP) Matthew Summers (22, A) 3.75 ERA, 1.219 WHIP, 6 K/9, 2.06 K/BB (96 IP) Kuo Hua Lo (19, Rk) 0.75 ERA, 0.417 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, INF K/BB (12 IP) Angel Mata (19, Rk) 2.03 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 6.75 K/9, 1.11 K/BB (13.1 IP) Junior Subero (20, Rk-DSL) 0.56 ERA, 0.563 WHIP, 6.75 K/9, 12 K/BB (16 IP) Damian Defrank (19, Rk-DSL) 2.33 ERA, 0.931 WHIP, 6.52 K/9, 2.33 K/BB (19.1 IP) LH Starters: Andrew Albers (26, AA) 3.77 ERA. 1.270 WHIP, 6.78 K/0, 6 K/BB (71.2 IP) Corey Kimes (22, Rk+) 3.86 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.33K/BB (14 IP) RH Relievers: Carlos Gutierrez (25, AAA) 5.06 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 11.25 K/9, 6.67 K/BB (16 IP) Anthony Slama (28, AAA) 0.40 ERA, 1.132 WHIP, 14.69 K/9, 3.08 K/BB (22.2 IP) Casey Fien (28, AAA) 4.50 ERA, 1.205 WHIP, 7.77 K/9, 2.71 K/BB (44 IP) Luis Perdomo (28,AA/AAA) 2.56 ERA, 1.007 WHIP, 9.85 K/9, 3.13 K/BB (45.2 IP) Deolis Guerra (23,AA/AAA) 3.83 ERA, 1.095 WHIP, 8.94 K/9, 2.88 K/BB (49.1 IP) Lester Oliveros (24, AA/AAA) 2.63 ERA, 1.062 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 3.33 K/BB (37.2 IP) Dakota Watts (24, A+/AA) 1.13 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, 7.88 K/9, 2.8 K/BB (16 IP) Bruce Pugh (22, A+/AA) 1.71 ERA, 1.214 WHIP, 9.21` K/9, 2.69 K/BB (42 IP) Matthew Houser (24, A+) 2.30 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, 8.04 K/9, 2.63 K/BB (47 IP) AJ Achter (23, A/A+) 2.30 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, 10.72 K/9, 4.67 K/BB (47 IP) Michael Tonkin (22, A/A+) 1.35 ERA, 0.971 WHIP, 12.51 K/9, 5.25 K/BB (45.1 IP) Tim Atherton (22, A) 0.44 ERA, 0.823 WHIP, 13.94 K/9, 3.20 K/BB (20.2 IP) Josh Burris (20, Rk+) 0.82 ERA, 0.727 WHIP, 9.82 K/9, 4 K/BB (11 IP) Javier Vargas (19, Rk-DSL) 1.33 ERA, 0.836 WHIP, 5.31 K/9, 6 K/BB (20.1 IP) LH Relievers: Caleb Thielbar (25, A+/AA/AAA) 1.34 ERA, 0.851 WHIP, 12.27 K/9, 2.5 K/BB (47 IP) .ose Gonzalez (22, A+) 5.31 ERA, 1.230 WHIP, 8.63 K/9, 3.25 K/BB (40.2 IP) Nelvin Fuentes (23 A/A+) 2.74 ERA, 1.289 WHIP, 8.44 K/9, 2.86 K/BB (42.2 IP) Clint Dempster (22, A) 2.56 ERA, 1.263 WHIP, 7.11 K/9, 1.8 K/BB (31.2 IP) Matthew Tomshaw (23, A) 2.91 ERA, 1.147 WHIP, 6.62 K/9, 3.57 K/BB (34 IP, 5 GS) David Hurlbut (22, A) 1.53 ERA, 1.213 WHIP, 8.04 K/9, 3 K/BB (47 IP, 5 GS) Corey Williams (21, A) 3.13 ERA, 1.313 WHIP, 9.64 K/9, 2.22 K/BB (37.1 IP) Brett Lee (21, Rk+) 1.00 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 6 K/9, 6 K/BB (9 IP) Jadison Jimenez19, Rk-DSL) 1.93 ERA, 1.143 WHIP, 5.14 K/9, 1.33 K/BB (14 IP)

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch --- This is the third version of the 'who is hot in the Twins' minors' series for 2012. The Rookie leagues are in full swing, promotions and cuts have happened and a lot of things have changed from the last "who is hot" list. Lots of new blood, and I have been intentionally delaying this to include the Rookie league players. I am using 25 PA and 9 IP as a cut-off. Again, this is not a particular "fragment in time", but year-to-date cumulative performance. Injured players (like Eddie Rosario) are included. Players currently on the 25 man roster (like Liam Hendriks) or the MLB-DL (like PJ Walters) are not included. The "who is not" list will come later this week after the Holiday. Here is the list, going from AAA to Rookie. The clubs represented are AAA Rochester Red Wings, International League, AA New Britain Rock Cats, Eastern League, A+ Fort Myers Miracle, Florida State League, A Beloit Snappers, Midwest League, Advanced Rookie, Elizabethton Twins, Appalachian League, Rookie, Gulf Coast League Twins, and Foreign Rookie Dominican Summer League Twins. (does include yesterday's games) : http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/7098789651_02fb66b359_z.jpg Catchers: Kyle Knudson (RHB, 24, A/A+) .308/.379/.404 1 HR, 17 RBI, 118 PA Matthew Koch (RHB, 23, A) .278/.399/.477, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 185 PA Jairo Rodriguez (RHB, 23, A) .287/.355/.398, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 124 PA Michael Quesada (RHB, 22, Rk+) .375/.464/.542, 6 RBI, 28 PA Infielders: Miguel Sano (RHB, 19, A) .244/.361/.509 18 HR, 57 RBI, 388 PA Eddie Rosario (LHB, 20, A) .293/.362/.473 7 HR, 40 RBI, 9 SB, 271 PA Niko Goodrum (SHB, 20, Rk+) .306/.443/.735 2 HR, 14 RBI, 61 PA Travis Harrison (RHB, 19, Rk+) .354/.436/.479 1 HR, 4 RBI, 55 PA Stephen Wickens (RHB, 23, Rk+) .483/.543/.690 4 RBI, 35 PA Aderlin Mejia (SHB, 20, Rk) .353/.378/.500 6 RBI, 38 PA Outfielders: Matt Carson (RHB, 30, AAA) .278/.351/.429, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 299 PA Wilkin Ramirez (RHB, 26, A+/AA/AAA) .268/.290/.468, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 238 PA Aaron Hicks (SHB, 22, AA) .257/.348/.408 7 HR, 36 RBI, 18 SB, 288 PA Oswaldo Arcia (LHB, 21, A+/AA) .304/.371/.500 8 HR, 43 RBI 295 PA Nate Roberts (LHB, 23, A) .295/.431/.466 3 HR, 14 RBI, 110 PA Romy Jimenez (RHB, 21, Rk+) .439/.467/.976 5 HR, 16 RBI, 45 PA Candido Pimentel (SHB, 21, Rk+) .326/.367/.413 5 RBI, 50 PA Derek Rodriguez (RHB, 20, Rk) .429/.556/.643 1 HR, 4 RBI, 36 PA Adonis Pachero (LHB, 20, Rk-DSL) .313/.374/.518 8 RBI, 92 PA 1st basemen/DH: Chris Colabello (RHB, 28, AA) .251/.319/.476 13 HR, 57 RBI, 299 PA Steven Liddle (LHB, 24, A) .294/.419/.490 1 HR, 5 RBI, 62 PA Rory Rhodes (LHB, 20, A/Rk+) .278/.345/.444 5 HR, 28 RBI, 165 PA DJ Hicks (LHB, 22, Rk+) .281/.410/.469 1 HR, 8 RBI, 39 PA RH Starters: Sam Deduno (28, AAA) 2.14 ERA, 1.167 WHIP, 9.86 K/9, 2.09 K/BB (42 IP) Cole DeVries (27, AAA) 4.37 ERA, 1.214 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 5 K/BB (70 IP) BJ Hermsen (22, A+/AA) 2.90 ERA, 1.108 WHIP, 4.45 K/9, 3.39 K/BB (93 IP) Tyler Jones (22, A) 2.63 ERA, 1.061 WHIP, 11.85 K/9, 4.50 K/BB (27.1 IP) Matthew Summers (22, A) 3.75 ERA, 1.219 WHIP, 6 K/9, 2.06 K/BB (96 IP) Kuo Hua Lo (19, Rk) 0.75 ERA, 0.417 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, INF K/BB (12 IP) Angel Mata (19, Rk) 2.03 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 6.75 K/9, 1.11 K/BB (13.1 IP) Junior Subero (20, Rk-DSL) 0.56 ERA, 0.563 WHIP, 6.75 K/9, 12 K/BB (16 IP) Damian Defrank (19, Rk-DSL) 2.33 ERA, 0.931 WHIP, 6.52 K/9, 2.33 K/BB (19.1 IP) LH Starters: Andrew Albers (26, AA) 3.77 ERA. 1.270 WHIP, 6.78 K/0, 6 K/BB (71.2 IP) Corey Kimes (22, Rk+) 3.86 ERA, 1.286 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.33K/BB (14 IP) RH Relievers: Carlos Gutierrez (25, AAA) 5.06 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 11.25 K/9, 6.67 K/BB (16 IP) Anthony Slama (28, AAA) 0.40 ERA, 1.132 WHIP, 14.69 K/9, 3.08 K/BB (22.2 IP) Casey Fien (28, AAA) 4.50 ERA, 1.205 WHIP, 7.77 K/9, 2.71 K/BB (44 IP) Luis Perdomo (28,AA/AAA) 2.56 ERA, 1.007 WHIP, 9.85 K/9, 3.13 K/BB (45.2 IP) Deolis Guerra (23,AA/AAA) 3.83 ERA, 1.095 WHIP, 8.94 K/9, 2.88 K/BB (49.1 IP) Lester Oliveros (24, AA/AAA) 2.63 ERA, 1.062 WHIP, 9.6 K/9, 3.33 K/BB (37.2 IP) Dakota Watts (24, A+/AA) 1.13 ERA, 0.938 WHIP, 7.88 K/9, 2.8 K/BB (16 IP) Bruce Pugh (22, A+/AA) 1.71 ERA, 1.214 WHIP, 9.21` K/9, 2.69 K/BB (42 IP) Matthew Houser (24, A+) 2.30 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, 8.04 K/9, 2.63 K/BB (47 IP) AJ Achter (23, A/A+) 2.30 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, 10.72 K/9, 4.67 K/BB (47 IP) Michael Tonkin (22, A/A+) 1.35 ERA, 0.971 WHIP, 12.51 K/9, 5.25 K/BB (45.1 IP) Tim Atherton (22, A) 0.44 ERA, 0.823 WHIP, 13.94 K/9, 3.20 K/BB (20.2 IP) Josh Burris (20, Rk+) 0.82 ERA, 0.727 WHIP, 9.82 K/9, 4 K/BB (11 IP) Javier Vargas (19, Rk-DSL) 1.33 ERA, 0.836 WHIP, 5.31 K/9, 6 K/BB (20.1 IP) LH Relievers: Caleb Thielbar (25, A+/AA/AAA) 1.34 ERA, 0.851 WHIP, 12.27 K/9, 2.5 K/BB (47 IP) .ose Gonzalez (22, A+) 5.31 ERA, 1.230 WHIP, 8.63 K/9, 3.25 K/BB (40.2 IP) Nelvin Fuentes (23 A/A+) 2.74 ERA, 1.289 WHIP, 8.44 K/9, 2.86 K/BB (42.2 IP) Clint Dempster (22, A) 2.56 ERA, 1.263 WHIP, 7.11 K/9, 1.8 K/BB (31.2 IP) Matthew Tomshaw (23, A) 2.91 ERA, 1.147 WHIP, 6.62 K/9, 3.57 K/BB (34 IP, 5 GS) David Hurlbut (22, A) 1.53 ERA, 1.213 WHIP, 8.04 K/9, 3 K/BB (47 IP, 5 GS) Corey Williams (21, A) 3.13 ERA, 1.313 WHIP, 9.64 K/9, 2.22 K/BB (37.1 IP) Brett Lee (21, Rk+) 1.00 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 6 K/9, 6 K/BB (9 IP) Jadison Jimenez19, Rk-DSL) 1.93 ERA, 1.143 WHIP, 5.14 K/9, 1.33 K/BB (14 IP)

Originally Published at The Tenth Inning Stretch --- Here is this week's installment: Here is an interesting article about the Twins getting stuck in the nineteenth century. This suggest to me that wholesale philosophy (and personnel) changes might be necessary to make them competitive in this century. The Twins have signed Ryan Doumit to a 2 year $7 million extension late last week. I think that it is a great deal esp. for that kind of money. Also, as I suggested last week when it was pretty much a done deal, the Twins have announced yesterday that they have signed 6'2" 190 lbs, 16 year old Dominican switch hitting SS Amaurys Minier to a $1.4 Million bonus, their second highest bonus to an international player after Miguel Sano. He is expected to develop power as well. After last season ended I gave evidence that Nick Blackburn does not belong to a major league rotation (and that Carl Pavano is a 4th or 5th starter at best), but maybe I misjudged (I hope so) Scott Diamond, because of the small sample size. But I have been showing that Blackburn (and Glen Perkins then) did not belong to a major league rotation since 2009, well before that ill-advised extension. Former Twins' pitcher Tony Davis signed a contract with the independent league Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association. Former Twins' CF Rich Becker also played for a bit with the RedHawks. Congratulations to New Britain Rock Cats LHP Andrew Albers, RHP B.J Hermsen and C Chris Herrmann who were selected to the Class AA Eastern League All-Star team Good news about Kyle Gibson: He is on schedule to pitch in games in August and possibly in the Arizona Fall League, after the season is over. I have intentionally been delaying the next versions of who is hot and who is not in the Twins' minors lists in order to get players from the rookie leagues. Expect them any time now. Nice article on Beloit's Drew Leachman by the Beloit Daily News. There we learn that his favorite baseball player is not a Minnesota Twins' player but a current Atlanta Braves' player. That's like drinking Pepsi Seven Up, while working for Coke. The Twins' product of the week is the 2012 Minnesota Twins Stars And Stripes caphttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B0075CVJ1A. Much better than what they wore last season, this one is a keeper Happy and Safe 4th of July to all! The parting shot today is of the Twins' sole representative in the 2012 All Star game. Go get them Joe. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6873269016_4f1ef33069_z.jpg

Originally Published at The Tenth Inning Stretch --- Here is this week's installment: Here is an interesting article about the Twins getting stuck in the nineteenth century. This suggest to me that wholesale philosophy (and personnel) changes might be necessary to make them competitive in this century. The Twins have signed Ryan Doumit to a 2 year $7 million extension late last week. I think that it is a great deal esp. for that kind of money. Also, as I suggested last week when it was pretty much a done deal, the Twins have announced yesterday that they have signed 6'2" 190 lbs, 16 year old Dominican switch hitting SS Amaurys Minier to a $1.4 Million bonus, their second highest bonus to an international player after Miguel Sano. He is expected to develop power as well. After last season ended I gave evidence that Nick Blackburn does not belong to a major league rotation (and that Carl Pavano is a 4th or 5th starter at best), but maybe I misjudged (I hope so) Scott Diamond, because of the small sample size. But I have been showing that Blackburn (and Glen Perkins then) did not belong to a major league rotation since 2009, well before that ill-advised extension. Former Twins' pitcher Tony Davis signed a contract with the independent league Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association. Former Twins' CF Rich Becker also played for a bit with the RedHawks. Congratulations to New Britain Rock Cats LHP Andrew Albers, RHP B.J Hermsen and C Chris Herrmann who were selected to the Class AA Eastern League All-Star team Good news about Kyle Gibson: He is on schedule to pitch in games in August and possibly in the Arizona Fall League, after the season is over. I have intentionally been delaying the next versions of who is hot and who is not in the Twins' minors lists in order to get players from the rookie leagues. Expect them any time now. Nice article on Beloit's Drew Leachman by the Beloit Daily News. There we learn that his favorite baseball player is not a Minnesota Twins' player but a current Atlanta Braves' player. That's like drinking Pepsi Seven Up, while working for Coke. The Twins' product of the week is the 2012 Minnesota Twins Stars And Stripes caphttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B0075CVJ1A. Much better than what they wore last season, this one is a keeper Happy and Safe 4th of July to all! The parting shot today is of the Twins' sole representative in the 2012 All Star game. Go get them Joe. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6873269016_4f1ef33069_z.jpg

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch --- Here is this week's installment: A first in Minnesota Twins' press coverage: A beat writer questions one of Gardy's decisions last Saturday, and Gardy lashes back at him “We’ll do the managing, and you should write.” Unfortunately for the ones who are doing the managing, pretty much everyone can manage a team to the worst record in the AL two seasons in a row. Congratulations to: Bobby Lanigan, Luis Perdomo and Caleb Thielbar who were promoted to AAA Rochester Red Wings from AA New Britain Rock Cats; to Dan Sattler, Dakota Watts and Edgar Ibarra who were promoted to the Rock Cats from the high A Fort Myers Miracle; and to Michael Tonkin and AJ Achter who were promoted to the Miracle from the A Beloit Snappers. Congratulations to Oswaldo Arcia of the AA New Britain Rock Cats for being the only Twins' representative in the 2012 Futures Game. 1B/OF Mark Dolenc (AA), C/RHP Tobias Streich (EST), C Billy Killian (EST), 2B Julio Torres (EST) and OF Erick Gonzalez (DSL) were released by the Twins The Twins have now signed 23 of their 40 2012 draft picks. Updated list with the bonus money is here The Twins unveiled their throw back uniforms that they will wear against the Kansas City Royals on June 30th. Unfortunately, they will be masquerading as a New York Giants' minor league affiliate, instead of wearing the proud colors of their franchise founding member of the AL, the Senators. I bet you did not know (I didn't) that a current Twins' player had background acting roles in TV shows like Knots Landing, Dallas and Saved by the Bell. Can you guess who? Here is an article on this player. Looks like other teams, in addition to the Twins, have problems spelling their players' names. Here is an interesting article on Twins' 1st round draft pick Byron Buxton and his life. Here is a great article about one of the long time Twins' minor league coaches. The Twins' product of the week is the Minnesota Twins Multi Magnet Sheethttp://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=biowriters&l=as2&o=1&a=B0028C249I. Comes really handy. The parting shot today is of one of the greater guys in the Twins' minors, LHP Tyler Robertston who will make his MLB debut for the Twins one of these days, after he was recalled from AAA Rochester Red Wingsyesterday to replace Matt Capps on the 25-man roster. He was the Twins' 3rd round pick in the 2006 draft. Chris Parmelee (1st round) and Joe Benson (2nd round) are the other players the Twins drafted in 2006 from High School and made it to the MLB. Brian Dinkelman (8th), Jeff Manship (14th), Danny Valencia (19th) and Anthony Slama (29th) were also drafted by the Twins in 2006 and made it to the majors but they were drafted out of college. A little known fact is that Tyler's dad, Jay Robertson, was also a professional pitcher in the Jays' organization in the late 70s, but never made it to the show. He was also a Twins' scout for a moon. I bet he is a proud dad these days. Robertson is wearing uniform number 64, last worn by Chris Parmelee last season and previously by September call up coaches Bill Springman in 2000 and Eric Rasmussen in 2009. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/7442983344_d2be7f2fa7_o.jpg