Seth Stohs

The Twins could also just put Hamilton right back on waivers. They would have had a late waiver spot/position, so maybe they would just need to get him past a few more teams and then they could keep him in the organization on a minor league deal.

The offseason may have progressed slowly, but the Twins front office continues to cross things off of their To-Do List. After signing Nelson Cruz, the Twins have now added reliever Alex Colome to their roster, signing him to a one year, $6.25 million contract with an option for 2022.The 32-year-old Colome has spent the past two seasons with the Chicago White Sox and accumulated 42 saves while posting a 2.27 ERA. He was an All Star in 2016 with the Rays when he posted a 1.91 ERA and had 37 saves. The next season, he had 47 saves. Colome has a lot of late-game, closer experience. He’s got 138 saves over his eight MLB seasons. While his strikeout rate has gone down the last couple of seasons, his overall performance has been very good. It’s probably because his pitch-mix is more conducive to weak contact than missing bats. Over the past two seasons, he has thrown a 90 mph cutter over 70% of the time. The other 30% of the time he throws a mid-90s fastball that averaged 94.5 mph in 2020. Now, will he be named the Twins next closer as Bob Nightengale mentioned in his tweet? Clarification: It is a mutual option for 2022 at $5.5 million. If Colome declines it, the Twins don't have to pay the $1.25 million. The Twins could still add another reliever, or sign more guys to minor league deals. With this move, the Twins roster will be at 40. At 5:45, watch an all-new Twins Daily Offseason Live in which we'll discuss the signings of Nelson Cruz and Alex Colome. Click here to view the article

On Sunday morning, the Minnesota Twins officially announced the signing of shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Soon after, Simmons (along with Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli) talked to the media.It quickly became evident that there was a strong interest from both the Twins and Simmons throughout the offseason. Derek Falvey pointed out, “One of the things that became clear to us in conversations with his agent and his representation was how much he had interest in Minnesota and how much this felt like a good fit for him from the outside looking in so once we heard that, had some conversations, this was clear that we could potentially find a good path forward. We’re thrilled to welcome Andrelton to our team here in Minnesota.” Simmons felt the Twins interest right away which is obviously important. “I guess just kind of I was seeing who was interested in me. That’s No. 1. You’ve got to be honest. You can’t go play with somebody that doesn’t show appreciation for what you do. I think the Twins showed that.” Beyond that, Simmons believes that Minnesota provides a place where he can win. “They also are a team that the last couple years have shown that they belong in the conversation of the best of the best teams because they’ve been consistently winning their division, competing for a playoff spot. They’ve been a team that whenever they came into town the last couple years I’ve been playing in Anaheim, they gave us some headaches so I’m glad I don’t have to deal with that right now.” Simmons is 31-years-old and was born in Curacao. Asked how many languages he speaks, Simmons said, “Four-and-a-half. I haven’t been practicing French. Unless we get some French players and have some conversations, I still have a lot to remember on the French.” Baseball players young and old likely have watched YouTube videos of Simmons making great plays at shortstop. Kids dream of becoming the next Andrelton Simmons with the glove. Simmons grew up watching the great shortstops of the game, but it likely comes as no surprise who his favorite player was, fellow Curacao native Andruw Jones. “I have to say, growing up, Andruw Jones was the big name. Even though he wasn’t a shortstop, but his defense and what he brought to the table. Everybody was aware of how great he was. I think that’s one of the inspirations.” But there were shortstops he looked up to as well. “I had guys like Derek Jeter. I liked the way he went about his business and he was so good at it. He was another person. Then I had Omar Vizquel who I grew up watching. Seemed like he never made a mistake. Guys like that kind of help, be somebody, like an idol, or a couple of idols I had growing up. People I learned a lot from. I try to pay a lot of attention to guys who I think are really good at what they do. Those are some of the guys that I try to pick every little detail that I can that can benefit me.” Baldelli was excited to see the Twins bring in Simmons. With the goal of getting better each year and winning a World Series, bringing in a player with Simmons background is important. First, his defense will make the team better, but he may also bring additional value to the team. “We are talking about honestly one of the most cerebral ballplayers in the game and I think there’s a ton he’s going to be able to bring to the table and both lead by example but also probably show us a few things too. Myself included. I’m looking forward to watching him go out there, not just during the games, but even before the games and all the conversations that go along with it.” Simmons knows his role as a leader on the defense. “I know what I bring to the table. When I'm on the field, I bring awareness. I try to, I wouldn't say educate, but keep everybody on their toes, making sure everybody knows what the next play should be. Where we should get the out or 'watch out for this runner, he's trying to steal. Make sure every base is covered.” But Baldelli knows that it is going to help his already-strong pitching staff too. “We have one of the best, I think, pitching staffs as a whole in the American League, and for us to be able to compliment that group with basically one of the greatest defenders of our generation, and to be able to put Andrelton at the shortstop position, which also allows us to really solidify everything going on in the rest of our infield as well. It doesn’t just add to our defense. I think it’s going to add to the way our pitchers throw the ball and go about their business, and I just think that the ability to help ourselves on that side of the ball in such a dynamic way was something that we couldn’t resist.” Simmons on Shifting When the Twins signed Josh Donaldson a year ago, he was asked about the shift and if he liked it. He said at that time that he wasn’t a big fan of it, but that he would do what the team asked. The Twins do a lot of shifting, so Simmons was asked for his thoughts on shifting in baseball. “For me, growing up before the shift became a big thing, I always went on what I saw. It’s an educated decision on what you feel like is going to happen, where the ball is gonna be hit. As more data was put into figuring out where guys are gonna hit baseballs, I always enjoy that input on positioning. Like, what information do you have on this guy, on where he hits the ball. It’s always a good thing to know it.” He continued, noting that he enjoys the conversation on the reports. “I enjoy when I can have a discussion, if it’s something like I don’t feel like this guy is gonna hit the ball here, in certain situations this guy might try to ... there’s maybe sometimes my own way of processing things. I like to discuss, with either the manager or the defensive coordinator, and try to understand why, and share my own input. Try to come up with the best decision for where to position. I like the idea of shifting, but I always like to understand how and why.” Baldelli on Polanco, Arraez Reactions to Simmons Signing One crucial piece to this equation is how Jorge Polanco and Luis Arraez might react to the news that their roles will change. Rocco Baldelli said that he has talked to both players before and since the deal. "Any time we’re going to be adding or potentially making a change with any of our players, one thing we like to do is just make sure that the players who are going to be affected by it are involved in the discussion and in a timely manner. We like to be the ones to explain what’s going on and not let our players hear it elsewhere. So I was able to get a hold of Polo and Luis, who I gave a call to as well, when we came into an agreement with Andrelton." He continued, "So I talked to Polo that night, and really the way that discussion went was very, very straightforward, where we explained that we were signing Andrelton, how it would affect Polo. And frankly, Polo, he stepped up almost immediately as a teammate, as a competitor. He said, ‘I want to be the best second baseman I can be.’ If that’s what best for the team, I want to do what’s best for the team. I want to win. He said, ‘You know that,’ and you know that’s who he is as a person. And Polo proved that he can play a major league shortstop and do it well. Is that always easy for guys to take, when you’ve proven you can do something? No, but it really shows his character, it shows who he is, and frankly any time we do need him to play shortstop, he said on the phone, ‘Anytime you need me to play, I will be there to play.’" Regarding Arraez, Baldelli noted, "And Luis echoed the same sentiment: “Whatever you need me to do, I’m going to be ready. Anytime I’m in the lineup, wherever I’m playing, I’m happy. You know that. I’m going to be ready to go.’ So it makes things easier on the staff and on the organization when you have guys with that kind of character who are willing to do anything to win.” Royce Lewis on the Addition of Simmons In an interview during the Twins Virtual Twins Fest, Royce Lewis was asked by Cory Provus for his thoughts on the Twins signing Andrelton Simmons. Lewis responded by saying, “I thought it was an amazing move. He’s a great defensive shortstop. I mean, for me personally, I can’t wait to learn from the guy.” Lewis continued, “It’ll be really interesting to learn. Hopefully I won’t bother him too much by asking him too many questions about the defense, but he can swing it too and he’s a great addition to the team.” On Sunday, Baldelli was asked about Lewis’s response to the signing. “Yeah, this is also something you can kind of pat Royce on the back about too. Royce is obviously a tremendously talented young man but also a guy that knows he still wants to learn. He still wants to get better. That’s his goal every day when he shows up to the ballpark. I think this is a great opportunity for the guys on our Major league team but also our young players too.” In addition, Baldelli discussed the organization’s belief in Lewis, his ability to play shortstop, and he hinted that Lewis and his development was possibly another reason to bring Simmons in. Certainly Lewis is the reason that the Twins wanted a one-year deal with the Gold Glover. I know Major League Spring Training is actually a really important time for a lot of young players. Not to just get out there and be in the big league clubhouse but actually watch the way that other guys go about their business and watch what they do. Royce is a guy that is such a talent that I think he could play several positions at the Major league level and do it well. But I do believe he has the ability to play a very good shortstop and that’s what we want him to continue to keep working at. He’s going to get exactly where we want him to be. This is another kind of tool and another opportunity for him to improve his game.” Simba on Simba Simmons was asked about the origins of his nickname, “Simba.” “It started in Atlanta in the minor leagues my first year in Danville, Virginia. Paul Runge was the manager and I don’t know why, but Day 1 I think he just made the decision. He was just like, ‘yeah, I’m not going to call him Andrelton or Simmons, I’m just gonna call him Simba.’ I guess everybody kept hearing that when he kept saying Simba over and over again. I guess it just stuck. I don’t mind it. I like the movie. I like the character. So no harm done. I enjoy the name right now, honestly.” Click here to view the article

Guessing it doesn't make sense to Scott Boras.

Kirilloff has zero days of MLB service time. Same as Duran, Balazovic, Lewis, Larnach. His service time hasn't started. He was added to the 40-man roster for the playoffs. Had he not been, he obviously would have been added in November. So, the scenarios/options are these: 1.) Have him up from Opening Day... have him for 6 years. 2.) Start him in St. Paul, call him up in three weeks (about)... have him for 7 years (4 years of arbitration). 3.) Start him in St. Paul, call him up in mid-June... have him for 7 years (3 years of arbitration).

Good start to the list. Will be fun to see how your rankings continue.

On Tuesday night, news broke that the Twins were signing Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmonsto a one-year, $10.5 million contract. Moments after those reports, we discussed it on a new episode of Offseason Live.The Twins had arguably the best defensive center fielder in baseball already. Now they have the best defensive shortstop in baseball too after signing four-time Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons to a one-year, $10.5 million contract. Shortly following the news, Seth Stohs, Matthew Taylor and Nate Palmer discussed the transaction on a new episode of Offseason Live. How good is Simmons' defense, and what does that mean for the Twins? Where might he fit into the lineup? And what moves remain for this Twins front office. We discuss it all and answered a ton of listener questions along the way. Check it out! Watch below: Tune into future live broadcasts on Twins Daily's Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube page. It's be an interactive show where viewers help steer the conversation via comments and questions. You can also catch every episode in audio form by subscribing to our podcast. In the meantime, check out previous episodes of Offseason Live and see what's upcoming: Ep 1: (Thurs, 10/8)Ep 2: (Tues, 10/13)Ep 3: (Thurs, 10/15)Ep 4: (Tues, 10/20)Ep 5: (Thurs, 10/22)Ep 6: (Tues, 10/27)Ep 7: (Thurs, 10/29)Ep 8: (Thurs, 11/5)Ep 9: (Thurs, 11/12)Ep 10: (Tues, 11/17)Ep 11: (Weds, 12/2)Ep 12: (Weds, 12/16)Ep 13: (Weds, 12/30)Ep 14: (Weds, 1/6)Ep 15: (Tues, 1/12)Ep 16: (Mon, 1/25)Ep 17: (Tues, 1/26) Click here to view the article

For me, it's still Lewis... But I've also been on record (on Twitter) as saying Kirilloff will win a couple of batting titles and an MVP. So, that's pretty good. I also don't think there is a huge difference between Kirilloff and Larnach, prospect-status-wise.

Yup, it's just an opinion... I hated the trade probably more than anyone when it happened. But the Twins needed a new closer. Jon Rauch was absolutely horrible. Maybe he would have turned it around, but who knows? And Capps wasn't great either. I think the bigger issue is that he was re-signed. Hated that trade probably more than any other trade that the Twins have made, when it was made. But I don't put it near the Brunansky/Herr trade on the list of bad trades.

it's strange to me that $8 million for one year of a left-handed starting pitcher who has had a sub-4 ERA in 5 of the last 6 seasons is an 'overpay', but so many people want to pay Nelson Cruz whatever he wants... I like this signing. He's probably the Twins #3. He could be their top guy. Yes, he's 38, but he's not reliant on velocity. If he stays healthy, which he has, I think this is a really solid signing for the Twins.

Several reports from national writers report that the Twins have agreed to terms with veteran left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ.On Wednesday afternoon, the Twins were back in the news, making a second major-league move. The team added a veteran with a lot of experience and a lot of success. The $8 million deal matches what Toronto signed Robbie Ray for earlier this offseason. MLB Trade Rumors had Happ as their 41st ranked free agent and predicted he'd get a one-year, $6 million deal. FanGraphs had him ranked 45th and their Craig Edwards predicted he'd get this exact deal. Happ had a $17 million option that would have been triggered had he made 10 starts or pitched 61 1/3 innings last season. The Yankees made sure he only made nine starts, and Happ wasn't too pleased about it. (Tom Froemming contributed to this article as well) SEE ALSO Where Can the Twins Add the Most Value? Why Didi Gregorius is the Best Shortstop Fit for the Twins The 10 Best Twins Targets Among Remaining Free Agents Free Agent Faceoff: Kiké Hernández vs. Tommy La Stella Click here to view the article

Yup, this was Bill Smith. I hated it at the time... and I still don't think it was good. That said, Capps was really good for the Twins that year. They may not have been a playoff team without him. Ramos had some good years, but he fought injuries too. There were certainly some question marks at the time.

Luis Ramirez was their pitching coach in recent years. Unfortunately, Ray Smith and Jeff Reed are no longer in the organization.

On Tuesday, the Twins minor league affiliates announced their managers and coaching staffs. Despite re-alignment and a couple of new affiliates, there were few changes from the scheduled assignments in 2020.The Twins made a commitment a year ago to have at least one bilingual coach (English and Spanish) at each of their affiliates. That remains the case. Also, each affiliate will have two pitching coaches among their four coaches. ST. PAUL SAINTS - TRIPLE-A The Saint Paul Saints announced their first coaching staff as a Twins affiliate. Toby Gardenhire was named the manager. He managed in Cedar Rapids in 2018 and in Ft. Myers in 2019. He had been assigned to manage in Rochester in 2020. Note - The Saints held a press conference to introduce Toby Gardenhire as the Saints first AAA manager. Read Parker's story: Saints Throw a Gardy Party in 2021. Gardenhire’s hitting coach will be Matt Borgschulte. He filled that role in Ft. Myers in 2019 and in the GCL in 2018. The team will have two pitching coaches. Mike McCarthy spent 2018 and 2019 with the Red Wings. Bello has spent four seasons as a pitching coach in the Twins system, including at Pensacola in 2019. Tyler Smarslok will be the team’s infield coach. He joined the organization before the 2020 season. WICHITA WIND SURGE - DOUBLE-A The Wichita Wind Surge will be also joining the Twins affiliation in 2020 as their Double-A team. They announced today that Ramon Borrego will be their manager. He has been in the organization since he was a player in the 1990s. He managed Double-A in 2019. Ryan Smith was the Cedar Rapids hitting coach in 2019, his first year in the organization. He moves up to Double-A in 2021. Luis Ramirez is in his 16th season with the Twins, his first at Double-A. He spent 2019 in Ft. Myers. Virgil Vasquez, who pitched in the big leagues, is also a pitching coach for the Wind Surge. He has been a coach since retiring in 2015. (He even threw a no-hitter for New Britain in 2014) Finally, Joe Mangiameli is the team’s catching coach. 2020 was his first season in the organization. CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS - HIGH-A The Cedar Rapids Kernels will now be the team’s High-A affiliate. Brian Dinkelman was the Kernels hitting coach for a few years before becoming their manager in 2019. He moved to Cedar Rapids when he became a coach there and now remains manager as the team moves up a level. Bryce Berg will be the Kernels hitting coach. He spent several years as a coach at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, before joining the Twins last year. Mark Moriarity came to the Twins from the University of Mary in Bismarck before the 2020 season. He will be a pitching coach. So will Richard Salazar who has held that role in Elizabethton in recent years. Jairo Rodriguez joins the staff as a coach as well. This will be his 14th season in the organization as a player or coach. (Here is a Get to Know him article from 2016) Read Jeff Johnson's article on the Kernels coaching staffat The Gazette in Cedar Rapids. FT. MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS - LOW-A The Ft. Myers Mighty Mussels now become the Twins Low-A affiliate. Aaron Sutton left Montana State-Billings last year to be the manager in Ft. Myers. Brian Meyer was hired a year ago from Butler. He is the hitting coach. Peter Larson and former big leaguer Carlos Hernandez will be the team’s pitching coaches. GCL TWINS - ROOKIE LEVEL As you know, there will not be a team in Elizabethton in 2021, so the team’s rookie team will only be the GCL Twins. Their manager in 2021 will be Takashi Miyoshi. This is his fourth season in the Twins organization. He has coached previously in Elizabethton. He was set to be the GCL manager in 2020 as well. Shawn Schlecter, a Minnesota native, will serve as the team’s hitting coach. Jared Gaynor, who was in the DSL a year ago, will now be a pitching coach in the GCL. So will former big-leaguers Calvin Maduro. Dan Urbina was a pitching coach in the DSL in 2019 as well. He will take on that role in the GCL. Yeison Perez, who caught in the Twins organization until 2018, becomes a coach in the GCL as well. DSL TWINS - ROOKIE LEVEL Seth Feldman will be the Dominican Summer League manager for the second season. Ricardo Nanita, who played 16 professional seasons through 2018, will be one hitting coach. So will Steven Rosen who joined the Twins from Notre Dame before the 2020 season.Kevin Rodriguez will again be a pitching coach. So will Joey Skracic who enters his first season as a coach. Jimmy Alvarez will also remain in a coaching position. MINOR LEAGUE FRONT OFFICE AND COORDINATORS Alex Hassan begins his second season as the Twins Director of Player Development. (Get to know him from this 2019 article) Drew MacPhail returns as his assistant director. Tommy Bergjans has been promoted to an assistant director of player development as well. Mauricio Mena will also fill that role. Kevin Morgan will be the field coordinator. He spent 25 years in the Mets organization before joining the Twins last year. Tucker Frawley will be the assistant field coordinator and coordinator of skill development after spending a dozen years at Yale. The organization’s minor league hitting coach will again be Donegal Fergus. Michael Thomas remains the catching coordinator. Billy Boyer is the infielder coordinator. Mike Quade is back as an outfield coordinator. With JP Martinez joining the Giants as their assistant pitching coach, Justin Willard is now the pitching coordinator. Zach Bove will be the assistant pitching coordinator. Nat Ballenberg will be a special projects pitching coordinator. Click here to view the article

https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1351252616311832576

This kid must be 16... but man, he looks young. And I feel old!! https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1350186902654128128

https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1350122208270577672

Freddy La Flor: $1.1 million. https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1350090738881753092

Rainer Rodriguez: https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1350106058396561409