Seth Stohs

He's as good as it goes. No one has more sources in the Twin Cities. There's zero reason to believe he isn't correct on this one.

Especially a guy with a 15-season career with nearly an .800 OPS, nearly 200 home runs, nearly 400 doubles...

Yeah, at this point, I don't really care about the specifics... I just know that there is at least a second team to drive up the asking price. The Twins are going to get a huge haul!!

This afternoon, KSTP and 1500 ESPN's Darren Wolfson provided a very interesting update on the Brian Dozier trade discussions. The Dodgers are still in, but now we hear that the St. Louis Cardinals are 'very much in' on Dozier too. What could it mean? Image courtesy of Jeff Curry, USA Today This afternoon, KSTP and 1500 ESPN's Darren Wolfson provided a very interesting update on the Brian Dozier trade discussions. The Dodgers are still in, but now we hear that the St. Louis Cardinals are 'very much in' on Dozier too. What could it mean? While it's no surprise that the Dodgers are still in it heavily, the Cardinals being 'very in it" is new information. So immediately the thoughts jump to... Who do the Cardinals have that might entice the Twins? A quick look at the Baseball America Top 100 Midseason Prospects list provides some insight. For a little background information, in that midseason ranking, Jose Berrios ranked #20 and Jose De Leon ranked #25. Here are the Cardinals prospects who are among the Top 100: #2 - RHP Anthony Reyes #75 - RHP Luke Weaver #88 - RHP Jack Flaherty #89 - OF Harrison Bader Alex Reyes and Luke Weaver were called up to the Cardinals on the same day. Reyes went 4-1 with a 1.57 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in 12 games (including five starts). In 46 innings, he walked 23 and struck out 52. In 14 starts at AAA Memphis, he went 2-3 with a 4.96 ERA (ah the joys of the International League). In 65.1 innings, he walked 32, but he struck out a remarkable 93! (Note - my assumption is that Reyes is in about the same category as Julio Urias, likely unavailable.) Luke Weaver came up and made nine appearances (8 starts). He went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP. In 36 innings, he walked 12 and struck out 45. He went 6-3 with a 1.70 ERA in 12 starts in AA before making just one start at AAA before his big league promotion. Reyes is 22-years-old and signed with St. Louis in 2012 as an 17-year-old. Reyes throws really, really hard (upper-90s) and has a sharp slider. The 23-year-old Weaver was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2014 (27th overall) out of Florida State. Weaver is the more polished pitcher, which means he has more control. His upside obviously isn't quite as high but he will almost certainly be a mid-rotation starter with a chance to be something more. Jack Flaherty was the Cardinals' supplemental first-round pick in 2014 (34th overall) out of high school in California. He went 5-9 for Palm Beach as a 20-year-old this past year. Obviously he's a little further out, but the upside is there. Harrison Bader is a right-handed hitting outfielder who was the Cardinals' third-round pick in 2015 out of Florida. He split the 2016 season between AA and AAA. In 82 AA games, he hit .283/.354/.497 (.851) with 12 doubles, four triples and 16 home runs. He moved up to AAA and played in 49 games. He hit .231/.298/.354 (.652) with seven doubles, a triple and three home runs. He's likely a year away, but there is some power potential there. There would certainly be more to any such deal that just one (or maybe two?) of the above, but these would be the headliners. The Cardinals have second baseman Kolton Wong - who the Twins drafted in the 16th round in 2008 out of high school - signed for four years and $24.25 million with an option for 2021). Maybe he is part of the return as well. The Cardinals acquired Jedd Gyorko from the Padres a year ago. He had been pretty much awful for a couple of years. He went to St. Louis and hit 30 home runs. He's signed for the next three years at $29 million. He played in 128 games, but no more than 46 games at any one of the four infield positions. So, they could still have both on a roster. The Giants have Joe Panik (a 2015 All-Star) as their second baseman, so either Panik or Dozier would likely move to third base. Eduardo Nunez is probably the incumbent at third base. The Nationals have Daniel Murphy at second base. Now, he could move to first base, but Ryan Zimmerman still has a lot of money owed and that's about the only position he can play. It is certainly good to hear some more specifics on teams that might have interest in Dozier. Hearing that the Cardinals might be one of those teams is very intriguing because they have Reyes and Weaver, two very good pitching prospects, which would push the Dodgers - possibly - to offer more. What are your thoughts on the rumors? View full article

Per Baseball America... Andrew Albers signed with the Braves. Marcus Walden signed with the Red Sox.

Heiker Meneses spent the last two years between Chattanooga and Rochester. He announced the other day that he is returning to the Red Sox organization for the 2017 season.

The Bravos de Margarita retired Yorman Landa's number a couple of nights ago...

The Twins used their 10th-round pick in June on Brandon Lopez, a shortstop from the University of Miami. He wasn't able to sign for a couple of weeks because he helped lead the Hurricanes to the College World Series in Omaha. After signing, he was sent to Elizabethton where he spent about a month. In 27 games, he hit .337/.470/.413 (.883) with five doubles and a triple. He was promoted to Cedar Rapids. He played in 18 games and hit .286/.393/.329 (.721) with three doubles. It was a strong first impression in the organization, especially the defense he played and his ability to get on base. Image courtesy of David McQueen (photo of Brandon Lopez) The Twins used their 10th-round pick in June on Brandon Lopez, a shortstop from the University of Miami. He wasn't able to sign for a couple of weeks because he helped lead the Hurricanes to the College World Series in Omaha. After signing, he was sent to Elizabethton where he spent about a month. In 27 games, he hit .337/.470/.413 (.883) with five doubles and a triple. He was promoted to Cedar Rapids. He played in 18 games and hit .286/.393/.329 (.721) with three doubles. It was a strong first impression in the organization, especially the defense he played and his ability to get on base. Today, we catch up to the talented shortstop. We thank Brandon Lopez for taking time to answer our questions. Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in south Florida, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players? Brandon Lopez (BL):I've always been a Marlins fan growing up in South Florida. My favorite players growing up are Derek Jeter and Troy Tulowitzki. I would always make sure to watch them play and try to pick out certain things they did to better my game.SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities? BL:The best memory of my high school career has to be winning states my senior year. I also played basketball in high school for two years.SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and was there any question that you wanted to go to Miami? BL:Growing up in South Florida, it was a childhood dream of mine to go to Miami. When I was offered a scholarship there sophomore year of high school, it was a no-brainer for me and my family.SS: What were a couple of your highlights from your two college years at Miami? How great was the College World Series experience? BL: Hitting a go ahead home run in the ACC tournament was one of my most memorable highlights. Playing in Omaha was definitely one of the best experiences in my career. Playing in front of 30,000 fans is a feeling that words cannot explain how incredible the feeling is.SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? What was your interaction with the Twins scout? BL:I did speak with a lot of scouts before, including the Twins. Once I got the call from the Twins, I knew this was the perfect team for me.SS: The Twins took you in the 10th round. How did you find out that you had been drafted? How busy was your phone at that moment? BL: Well, at the moment we were getting ready to play a super regional game against Boston College. I had given my phone to my trainer in case my agent called with any news. My trainer came out during our stretch and told me the news. and all my teammates congratulated me t was awesome.SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the college game to the professional game, both on and off the field? BL: There isn't the biggest adjustment because Miami did a great job preparing us for the next level. The biggest adjustment is playing everyday as to college just the weekend series.SS: You put up great numbers in Elizabethton, and now have been very good in Cedar Rapids. Are you at all surprised to have experienced such success already, and what do you think has been the biggest reason for the success? BL: I'd say the whole college experience and playing four years helped me develop my game every year. Also that baseball is a game of failure and it doesn't matter who you are, you're going to have bad days. The key is to stay confident in your game and abilities throughout the year.SS: At this very early stage in your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths? BL:My biggest strengths are my defense and my ability to get on base.SS: What are the areas of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve? BL: Driving the ball in the gaps for power more often.SS: What do you have planned for the offseason? What was your major in school? BL: Hanging out with my family and friends back home and also heading to New York City for New Years. My major was sociology.SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career? BL: My mom and dad are my role models. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.SS: Favorite Baseball movie? BL:Major LeagueThank you again to Brandon Lopez for taking to to let us get to know him. Please feel free to discuss and ask questions in the comments below. View full article

Signed with the A's for a minor league contract...

Probably not the team of the furthest future...

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. News came out on Thursday evening that Edwin Encarnacion has signed a three year, $60 million contract with Cleveland. Encarnacion's season came to an end at the hand of Cleveland in the playoffs this year. After pushing their way into the World Series and coming up short in a Game 7 against the Cubs, Cleveland is adding a major impact bat, arguably the best bat on the free agent market. Image courtesy of Dan Hamilton, USA Today If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. News came out on Thursday evening that Edwin Encarnacion has signed a three year, $60 million contract with Cleveland. Encarnacion's season came to an end at the hand of Cleveland in the playoffs this year. After pushing their way into the World Series and coming up short in a Game 7 against the Cubs, Cleveland is adding a major impact bat, arguably the best bat on the free agent market. Things have been interesting this offseason in the American League Central. Let’s check out where the four teams are and what more they might want to do. Might as well start with the defending AL Central and American League champions. CLEVELAND Signing Edwin Encarnacion is a big deal. Mike Napoli is a nice player and continues to show great power but Encarnacion is one of the best hitters in baseball. He has a tremendous eye. He puts the ball in play, and he can hit the ball a mile. You have to wonder if Chris Colabello knew about this signing when he agreed to a minor league deal with the team earlier in the week. Cleveland had been pretty quiet this offseason to this point, but they should have been. They have terrific starting pitching. Their bullpen is stacked. They have a terrific lineup that will now only be enhanced in the middle. Not only is Cleveland trying to defend their AL Central crown, but this is the kind of move that makes them a legit World Series contender again. DETROIT The Tigers are that team that could go in either direction. In the last couple of offseasons they have lost the two 2016 Cy Young Award winners (Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello). Justin Verlander may have deserved the American League Cy Young Award in 2016, and Jordan Zimmerman missed a lot of time in the first season of his huge contract. But Miguel Cabrera is still there. Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez aren’t getting younger. They did trade Cameron Maybin right after the conclusion of the season, but they have been quiet. There were rumors of them dealing JD Martinez, but at least to this point it hasn’t happened. Unless they are surprisingly able to keep all of their pitching healthy, it’s hard to think they can compete with Cleveland. Are they good enough right now to be a Wild Card contender? Maybe. KANSAS CITY The Royals added outfielder Jorge Soler from the Cubs, but to do so, they traded Wade Davis, one of baseball’s best closers. The Royals, after representing the American League in the World Series the two previous years, went backwards in 2016, finishing 81-81. During the Winter Meetings, there were a lot of rumors about the Royals looking to make some trades involving some of their talented players that are about to get expensive.To this point, Davis is the only player they have traded. They haven’t done much in free agency either. They brought back Drew Butera. Rumors have seemed to quiet in Kansas City. Maybe they are going to spend to keep their talent. I doubt it. They’re going to have to make some tough decisions on players such as Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakus, Lorenzo Cain and others. They do still have a strong bullpen, even with the loss of Davis. CHICAGO The White Sox were one of the biggest winners at the Winter Meetings. They were able to trade Chris Sale to Boston in exchange for baseball’s top prospect Yoan Moncada, a triple-digit throwing phenom in Michael Kopech, and two more solid prospects. The next day they traded outfielder Adam Eaton to the Nationals in exchange for their three top pitching prospects (Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning). There continue to be rumors that they are making every attempt to trade Jose Quintana (for another king’s ransom, and understandably so). Could they also trade third baseman Todd Frazier? And I’m a little surprised that they haven’t already traded closer David Robertson. Clearly they are not looking to compete for division titles the next couple of years, so there really is no reason for a top closer. With the closer market as it has been this offseason, Robertson should be able to bring back another nice prospect haul. The White Sox are punting the next couple of seasons to take a run with a new core in a couple of years. They went from one of baseball’s worst minor league systems to having one of the top ten systems in baseball. They also signed lefty Derek Holland to take Sale’s spot in the rotation (no, he’s obviously not replacing the production of Sale, but he can be a solid contributor. MINNESOTA So, what have the Twins done, coming off of their 103-loss season in 2016? Well, first they hired Cleveland’s assistant GM Derek Falvey to change the direction and lead the organization. Then he hired Thad Levine - previously the long-time assistant GM in Texas - to be the team’s new General Manager. The new regime went into the offseason aggressively. They targeted Jason Castro and were able to sign him. It was a clear sign that things will be different in the Twins front office. Castro hasn’t hit well the last three years, but he’s consistently been a top pitch-framer. The thought is that what he does with the bat is a bonus. However, if he can convince the home plate ump that borderline pitches are strikes instead of balls, he will help his pitching staff. There have been Brian Dozier trade rumors since the season came to a merciful ending, maybe even earlier. Things are pretty quiet right now. It could mean that talks have backed off. It could be that the Twins and Dodgers are giving each other the Christmas weekend to collect their thoughts. Who knows? It could be the calm before the sto… trade. The Twins are a few years ahead of where the White Sox are trying to get. Their high-level prospects are here. They took their lumps in 2016. You’ve heard it before, but the Twins have the talent to win ten more games in 2017 than they did in 2016 just by the progression of the likes of Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Jose Berrios, Ryan Pressly, JT Chargois. Over the next couple of seasons, the Twins will likely also get contributions from several of the following: Mitch Garver, Stephen Gonsalves, Tyler Jay, Nick Gordon, Fernando Romero, Felix Jorge, Kohl Stewart, Jake Reed, Nick Burdi, Trevor Hildenberger and more. Will they all pan out? Of course not. That’s not how it works. Surprisingly, there has been little talk about Ervin Santana this offseason. Teams know what they are getting in him, and the fact that Jason Hammel is currently the best free agent starting pitcher on the market, you would think there would be more interest in a quality pitcher at a reasonable rate for just two years. Do the Twins need to trade Brian Dozier this offseason? Absolutely not. If they don’t get a package that Falvey/Levine are thrilled with, they should hold on to him. As much as it might be fun to see a 2018 rotation including Berrios, De Leon, Romero and Gonsalves, the Twins should absolutely expect to get more than just one pitcher with four MLB games under his belt for a guy like Dozier. The Twins won’t compete with Cleveland in 2017, but they should be greatly improved. Short-term, it’d be far better to keep Dozier and Santana. Long-term, which is clearly the more wise, logical view that the front office should be looking at, most would say that adding a couple of top prospects to help them in 2019 and beyond is the more important goal. The other thing to remember for Twins fans (and for the other teams), there is still a lot of offseason to go. The White Sox are likely to trade at least one more start (Quintana, Roberton, Frazier). The Twins are still quite likely to make a trade involving established veterans for near-MLB ready talent. Detroit? They probably should start selling off ,but maybe they won’t. Kansas City could also trade some of their stars. Cleveland might be done, but they are also in the catbird seat. The Encarnacion signing certainly indicates to their fans that they’re looking to be even better than they were in 2016. It just feels like there is still a lot more to happen, transaction-wise, in the American League Central following the holidays. Who knows, maybe even during the holidays! 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We continue to get to know more and more of the Minnesota Twins minor leaguers and recent draft picks today. Tyler Beardsley was the Twins 16th round pick this past June out of California State - Sacramento. After signing, Beardsley was sent to Elizabethton. He pitched 34 innings in seven games (five starts) and went 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA. He walked six and struck out 33. He was promoted to Cedar Rapids where he made five more starts before being shut down for the year. He went 1-2 but had a 3.86 ERA. He will likely begin the 2017 season back with the Kernels but should have an opportunity to pitch in Ft. Myers if things go well. Image courtesy of David McQueen (photo of Tyler Beardsley) We continue to get to know more and more of the Minnesota Twins minor leaguers and recent draft picks today. Tyler Beardsley was the Twins 16th round pick this past June out of California State - Sacramento. After signing, Beardsley was sent to Elizabethton. He pitched 34 innings in seven games (five starts) and went 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA. He walked six and struck out 33. He was promoted to Cedar Rapids where he made five more starts before being shut down for the year. He went 1-2 but had a 3.86 ERA. He will likely begin the 2017 season back with the Kernels but should have an opportunity to pitch in Ft. Myers if things go well. Take a few minutes to get to know right-handed pitcher, Tyler Beardsley, the player and the person. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in southern California, who was your favorite team to follow? Who were some of your favorite players? Tyler Beardsley (TB): Being a southern California guy, I have always been a big fan of the Angels and still am to this day. As a kid I would always go to their games with my friends and family. Some of my favorite baseball players I enjoyed/enjoy watching were Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey, Mike Trout, Garrett Richards, and Kris Bryant.SS: What were some of the better memories of your high school baseball career? Did you play other sports or were you involved in other activities? TB: My favorite memories about playing high school baseball were creating lifelong friendships with every one of my teammates. My freshman year of baseball, I was a part of a league championship team. Going into my senior year I decided to play basketball and also won a league championship that year. Little things like this I will cherish forever. Always nice to hang out with your former teammates and talk about those memories.SS: What was the recruitment process like for you out of high school, and what was it about Cal State-Sacramento that made you want to pitch there? TB: Coming out of high school I believe I had two junior colleges who were interested in me. Honestly, I didn't pitch very much in high school but happened to start one game in Wasco and had a coach who took interest in my pitching ability. I spoke with him after the game, and he had great things to say about me. I took a visit up to the college and loved everything about it. After that, I decided to go to College of Sequoias for two years. During my sophomore year, I was recruited by Sacramento State and believed it would be a perfect fit. I loved everything they had to offer me. Incredible coaching staff and a great program that is continuing to grow to be a top Division 1 baseball program.SS: What was the experience for your at Cal State-Sacramento? What were some of your highlights and favorite moments in your four years there? TB: I had an incredible experience at Sacramento State. Not only was I given the opportunity to play baseball, but I was able to work on my degree at the same time. One of these days, baseball will come to end, so it was important for me to study something that I was interested in. Criminal Justice was my major and I'm hoping to become a California Highway Patrol in the future. My two years at COS I was a part of a championship team in 2014 and made it all the way to the state finals. The two years I was at Sacramento State, my favorite moment was getting the win in the final two innings when playing fifth-ranked LSU in Baton Rouge in front of about 13,000 fans and about 30 Hornet fans along the left field foul line.SS: Did you have the chance to speak with many scouts before the draft? Where did you think that you might be drafted? What was your interaction with Twins scouts before the draft? TB: Before the draft I spoke with quite a few scouts. At the time, I wasn't really worried about where I was going to be drafted. I was just looking for an opportunity to continue to play the game that I love and just make the best of it. My interaction with the Twins was slim, but I knew they were interested in me. I was very excited that the Twins picked me in the 16th round. Great organization and I hope to be a part of it as long as possible.SS: When you did hear your name in the 16th round, where were you? What your reaction and the reaction of those close to you? TB: When I heard my named called in the 16th round, I was with my family here in my hometown Tehachapi. It was the best day of my life. This is something I have been dreaming about since I was a little kid. Friends, family, and coaches were blowing up my phone congratulating me for a couple days. I will never forget that day for as long as I live.SS: What has the adjustment like for you, from the amateur/college game to the professional game, both on and off the field? TB: I would have to say it was a little bit of an adjustment coming into the minor leagues. One thing that was new to me was playing almost every single day. In college I was about four times a week. I believe I had four days off in about four months. That was one major adjustment but another would be the competition is a lot better. I was pleased the way everything turned out in my first short season. Learned a lot and I’ll be ready to go next year.SS: To what do you attribute your success in the Elizabethton and in Cedar Rapids? TB: What made me successful while playing in Elizabethton and Cedar Rapids was just playing the game the right way. I wasn't trying to do too much. Whether it's making sure I'm throwing strikes each start or getting outs any way I could or just showing up to the field on time. Little things like this are noticed throughout the organization and can go a long way. I just tried to do the little things the right way for the time I was there. Another thing I wanted to do was try to be consistent with each start. This is something that is tough to do, but that is the game of baseball and that's why I love it so much.SS: What was it like pitching in Cedar Rapids in the playoff hunt and in the playoffs? What was the atmosphere like there? TB: During our playoff hunt, it was important for us to put together wins late in the year. I was called up around August, and when I got there I knew we were in a spot where we needed to win a few games so that we could clinch a playoff spot. I made about five starts while I was in Cedar Rapids and each one of those starts I did my best to put us in a position to win each game. I was put on the DL for playoffs but got a great look on what it's like to pitch in the playoffs. Atmosphere was great at each game we played.SS: What pitches do you throw, and what would you consider your out pitch? TB: Fastball, Slider, curveball, and change-up are the pitches I throw. I would have to say my slider can definitely be my out pitch. Still working on it because I just started to throw a slider about a year ago.SS: At this very early stage in your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths? TB: Being 22, i feel like I have so much more to learn about the game of baseball whether it's the mental, or physical part of the game. I believe I've got much more room to grow so that i can become a better baseball player.SS: What are the areas of your game that you would like to spend time working to improve in the offseason and going forward? TB: I'm focused on getting as strong as possible this offseason and really getting my body right for this long upcoming season. I need to be absolutely ready to go for spring training and getting on a full season team.SS: Are you be going back to school in the offseason? What is your major in school? TB: I will not be going back to school this off season.Hoping to go back to school this next off-season but for now I'm enjoying the time off with my family and friends. While in college I was studying Criminal Justice. I want to become a CHP in the future.SS: What are some of the things you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball? TB: When I'm not playing baseball, I like to be outdoors for the most part. I love fishing, shooting guns, riding motorcycles, camping, etc.SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career? TB: Each and every one of my coaches, family members, teammates, and trainers that I had throughout college have helped me get to where I am today. Can’t thank them enough for their support throughout my college career.SS: Favorite baseball movie? TB: The Sandlot would have to be my all-time favorite baseball movie.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Again, thank you to Tyler Beardsley for taking time to respond to our questions. Please leave a comment or ask questions down below! View full article

Just some quick notes based on comments above: 1.) I had heard player issues with Jeff Smith, but they were from 6-8 years ago... My understanding is that he's got a pretty strong relationship with the current group that is reaching the big leagues now. And that included MIguel Sano. The benching for 4-5 games in New Britain all those years ago was much ado about nothing. Sano and Smith have a good relationship. 2.) As far as moving Hernandez from the dugout to the video room, it's like a 15 step walk. He'll likely still be very involved in talking to players throughout the game.

A big league job certainly trumps that. Pay is likely quite a bit more in the big leagues than managing in Ft. Myers.

Rudy Hernandez still an assistant coach... but won't be in dugout in games.

We posted that hours ago in the minor league signings thread...

Bolding done by me... Pickler's role is certainly interesting... Jeff Smith is a b it of a surprise. Means there'll be a new manager and a new hitting coach in Ft. Myers. Hmmm... TWINS HIRE JEFF SMITH AND JEFF PICKLER TO MAJOR LEAGUE COACHING STAFF Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have hired Jeff Smith and Jeff Pickler to the Major League coaching staff. Smith will serve as First Base Coach, oversee catching instruction and assist with baserunning instruction. Pickler will serve as Major League Coach and Coordinator of Major League Development. In his role Pickler will oversee outfield instruction, advise all coaches and players on game preparation and strategy, and coordinate communication between the major leagues and player development. Smith, 42, has managed or coached at various levels in the Twins minor league system for the last 12 seasons. He spent the last two as manager at Single-A Ft. Myers. Prior to that, he managed Double-A New Britain from 2010-14, managed at Ft. Myers from 2008-09, managed Single-A Beloit from 2006-07 and was hitting coach at the GCL Twins in 2005. Smith was selected by the Twins in the 20th round of the 1994 First-Year Player Draft out of Stetson (FL) University. He played nine seasons of minor league baseball from 1996-2004 with the Twins, Texas and Boston organizations. Pickler, 40, served the last two seasons as Special Assistant, Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Prior to that he worked for the San Diego Padres as a Pro Scout and Special Assignment Scout from 2010, 2012-14, Minor League Infield Coordinator for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2011, one season as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arizona in 2009 and three seasons as an Advance Scout and Special Assistant for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2006-08. Pickler was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Tennessee and played parts of eight seasons of professional baseball from 1998-2005. The former second baseman and leftfielder played in 904 career minor league games in the Milwaukee, Texas and Colorado organizations. In addition, the Twins have retained the following major league support staff for the 2017 season: Head Athletic Trainer Dave Pruemer, Assistant Athletic Trainer Tony Leo, Assistant Athletic Trainer and Rehab Coordinator Lanning Tucker, Strength and Conditioning Coach Perry Castellano, Director of Major League Video Sean Harlin, and bullpen catchers Nate Dammann and Ben Richardson. Below is the Twins coaching staff for the 2017 season: Manager – Paul Molitor Hitting Coach – James Rowson Bench Coach – Joe Vavra Assistant Hitting Coach – Rudy Hernandez Major League Coach – Jeff Pickler First Base Coach – Jeff Smith Pitching Coach – Neil Allen Third Base Coach – Gene Glynn Bullpen Coach – Eddie Guardado

Twins signed Matt Hague and Reynaldo Rodriguez to minor league contracts. ROCHESTER, NY – The Minnesota Twins have signed 2015 International League Most Valuable Player Matt Hague to a minor league contract with an invite to MLB Spring Training. Additionally, the Twins have re-signed Reynaldo Rodriguez to a minor league deal. Hague spent the 2016 season with Hanshin of the Japan Central League, batting .231/.339/.346 with 13 runs, six doubles, two homers and 11 RBI in 31 games with the Tigers. He was named the IL MVP in 2015 with Buffalo, leading the league with a .338 average, 177 hits, 245 total bases and a .416 on-base percentage while also finishing near the top in RBI (92, 2nd), walks (61, 3rd), doubles (33, T-3rd), slugging (.468, 4th) and runs scored (70, 5th). Hague is an IL veteran of over 600 games with a .302 career Triple-A batting average. The third and first baseman has appeared in 43 Major League games with the Pirates and Blue Jays, batting .226/.286/.262. Rodriguez has appeared in 192 games with the Red Wings over the last three years. He hit .220/.304/.329 with 21 runs scored, seven doubles, four homers and 12 RBI in 50 games with Rochester in 2016. He was named an IL Postseason All-Star and Rochester Team MVP in 2015 after batting .255/.307/.446 and leading the league with 81 runs scored and ranking among the leaders in doubles (34, 2nd), extra-base hits (57, 2nd) and RBI (80, 4th).

It is likely that it was a more memorable evening for Twins fans who interacted with Erickson that night than it was for Erickson himself. He made quite an impression! HA!

Juan Centeno signed yesterday with the Astros.