Seth Stohs

Although I'm more for the long-term view, I would have had no problem with them giving Jackson four years or Sanchez five years. I think they will develop in 2013 and hopefully start that move up toward contending in 2014 and contend in 2015... Those younger free agent types will still be a big part of that. I wouldn't be in favor of giving big money to someone like Ryan Dempster since he'd older and wouldn't be around for the good times. His value would be in a potential trade. (my opinions, of course)

According to Twins PR Director Dustin Morse (via twitter):

Nick's right in saying that, for 2013, it hasn't been a great offseason. They were a bottom half offense in 2012 and took away Span and Revere and haven't added anyone. Pitching-wise, they've added Worley, which is nice, and we'll see how he heals and how he adjusts to the AL. But as of right now, I think that the 2013 season outlook looks worse than 2012's. Of course, lots of things could happen, like Morneau and Willingham could each hit 40 homers and Plouffe could suddenly hit 30, and Hicks or whoever plays CF could be rookie of the year, and Parmelee is better than expected, and Correia and Pelfrey can be close to league average, and Scott Diamond's Cinderella season lasts another and some other guys could step up. Or, the opposite could happen. We don't know. I do think that, aside from the Correia signing, I love the direction that I see the Twins going. Loved the two trades for the long-term. I do eagerly anticipate a 2015 rotation of Gibson, Hendriks, Diamond, Worley, Meyer and May (OK, five of them). I think there is something to be excited about. And, along with Mauer, there are some exciting bats coming too. But the point of Nick's post is that, he thinks that along with thinking long-term, enough care needs to be given to 2013 to maintain a fan base. Frankly, I won't (and most of you who come to sites like this) miss a game on TV regardless of if they win 100 or lose 110, but I know there are a lot of fair-weather fans out there and the Twins are in jeopardy of losing them.

I am a big fan of Anthony Slama and I want him to get a shot, but I think that Thielbar has the best chance of being successful in the big leagues than Slama. And Pressly certainly has more upside. Slama's topping out at about 87 right now. Thielbar has been compared to me by people who have seen him to Glen Perkins out of the bullpen.

By definition for my prospect lists, yes. Will he be in my Top 50? Probably not.

I'm actually completely comfortable with St. Peter's comments to you, ABG. I don't feel like the Twins owe it to anyone to give away their inside secrets. Just because Billy Beane was willing to let an author follow him around and see pretty much everything doesn't mean that's how it should be done. Don't get me wrong. I too want to know all of the inner workings of the front office, but it would be silly for them to do that. I think it's silly to think that HR, RBI and ERA and Wins are all that the team looks at. If Goin was willing to talk about Pitch F/X, that likely means there are about a dozen or more things that he didn't want to talk about. I won't pretend to understand the Correia signing, but I'm also not going to pretend I'm smarter than the people in the Twins front office either. I have to believe that they make their decisions based on many different factors, some statistical. Maybe that's naive, and since they don't share their secrets it's obviously debatable with every transaction/decisions, but again, I have no problem with them keeping their secrets to themselves.

According to his twitter feed, he and his wife got an early start from Beloit this morning. If you don't follow AJ on Twitter, you should do so and follow him from Minneapolis to Ft. Myers.

Took me a minute on the photo, but then I did literally Laugh Out Loud. Looking forward to installment #2. That's a lot of miles to cover!

I'm sure he'd be willing to, but that isn't going to happen. He's a 1st baseman.

I'm ok with not signing Myers. He's just been moved around between starting and the BP so often. , and well, there's this: Boston Red Sox - Visiting player hit wife, police charge - The Boston Globe -

Achter out of the bullpen is actually rather intriguing. He throws in the mid-90s now and has a very good second pitch. My definition of "Prospect" is anyone who is eligible to be rookie of the year. So, by that definition, Colabello is a prospect in my mind, that maybe not in the top 50.

Gotta like that 1.350 OPS my second year!! Oh, and the strikeout my freshman year was against Kerry Ligtenberg of the Gophers, then the Atlanta Braves! The pitch was a good 5-6 inches outside though. More important, check out Coste's college numbers: Chris Coste Concordia College, Moorhead - Baseball

Yeah, I acknowledged in my e-mail to him that it was 12 questions... with multiple parts in each. HA!

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1275-12-Questions-With-Chris-Colabello

Welcome to 2013!!! As we start getting excited about the Twins and their minor league 2013 seasons, we have a 12 Questions interview with the player that could arguably called the best story in the Twins farm system in 2012. When I asked for who readers would like to see an interview with, the name Chris Colabello came up frequently. After not getting drafted and then spending seven seasons playing in an independent league, the Twins gave him a chance to play some first base in AA in 2012, and he responded very well. In 134 games for New Britain, he hit .284/.358/.478 (.836) with 37 doubles, 19 home runs and 98 RBI while being touted as a terrific defensive first baseman. Following the season, he went to play winter ball in Mexico and put on a show. In 57 games, he hit .332/.399/.644 (1.043) with 13 doubles, 17 home runs and 44 RBI. His efforts were certainly noticed by the Twins as he was extended an invitation to big league spring training. Before the holidays, Colabello returned from Mexico, and last week, he was willing to take the time to answer 12 Questions for us. I have been doing Q&As with Twins players for a half-dozen years, and in all honestly, this one is one of my favorites. I think you will enjoy it too. Feel free to comment or ask questions in the Comments. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2972[/ATTACH] 12 QUESTIONS WITH… Chris Colabello Twins Daily (TD): Growing up in Framingham, Massachusetts, should we pretty easily assume who your favorite team was? Who were some of your favorite players? Chris Colabello (CC): As a kid I definitely liked the Red Sox, but I think more than anything else I was a fan of the game. I really loved the Mariners because I got to watch Ken Griffey Jr. bring a whole new type of youthful energy to the game. In '95 watching them beat the Yankees and seeing him have such a huge impact on the series made me really understand how special he was. I also had a huge amount of respect for Cal Ripken because of his ability to go out and compete each and every day for so many years. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2975[/ATTACH]TD: Tell us about your high school career (baseball and/or other extra-curriculars). CC: Playing baseball at Milford High School, and getting to play Milford Legion baseball was a special thing in Massachusetts. The town has a very rich baseball tradition and I was just thankful to be a part of such good teams and a deep rooted passion for the game. I was a year ahead school-wise, because I started school in Italy when I was little, so physically, I think I was behind a lot of the kids I was playing with and against. It definitely helped me mature a whole lot quicker. I don't think I really got myself on the map until my second year of legion baseball after my senior season when my team went all the way to the American Legion World Series and really came into my own as a hitter. TD: Tell us about your collegiate days at Division II Assumption College. (Coaches, highlights, I believe it was near your hometown, etc) CC: At Assumption, I was blessed with the opportunity to go in and be an everyday player right away, and also to play very close to my family. My first year I was definitely impressed with how many good players there were at the Division II level and it took some time to get adjusted to the level of competition. My sophomore year, our conference went to wooden bats which I think helped me grow as a hitter. My junior year I got the opportunity to play in the New England All Star game at Fenway Park and later that summer in the NECBL with and against guys like Andrew Bailey and Kevin Slowey. TD: Despite an impressive four-year career at Assumption, you went undrafted. Did you think you’d be selected? Had you talked to scouts? CC: After my senior year, I thought I would be drafted, especially after the summer I had the year before in the NECBL. I had heard from a bunch of different teams, but unfortunately, draft day came and went without hearing my name called. TD: You then spent seven seasons playing for the Worcester Tornadoes where you continued to rake each and every year. What kept you playing in the independent league, and were you getting any feelers from affiliated ball any time? CC: Independent baseball taught me a lot about myself. I was blessed to play for Rich Gedman who taught me so much about the game, and most importantly that as long as I had a uniform on, that there was a chance someone would see me. Every year it seemed like there was a team or two who had some interest, but nothing ever came to fruition other than in '06 when I went to camp with the Tigers. I promised myself that as long as I felt like I was having fun playing the game, that it was feasible for me financially, and that I was getting better, I would continue playing. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2973[/ATTACH]TD: When did the Twins talk to you and what was the process of getting signed like for you? It was just a minor league deal and no invite, but that had to be something you were excited about. CC: I first heard from the Twins in January of 2011, when my agent Brian Charles (who was more of just a friend with a kind heart at the time) told me they were interested. After about two weeks I eventually worked out for the John Wilson who I believe covers the Northeast Region, and two days later I was signing a contract. I was ecstatic to be able to get the opportunity to go into camp and compete for a job. TD: How would you compare the Can-Am League to what you saw in AA New Britain in 2012? What were your goals coming into last spring and the season, and in general, how did you feel about the season? CC: I would say that in AA everyone for the most part everyone is on their way up the ranks, and has a tool or set of tools that distinguishes them. In Indy ball you are dealing with a wide variety of players, from guys who have been with an organization as high as AAA or even the big leagues, to guys who are just coming out of college. I would say that in terms of pitching, there are a lot more power arms on every roster, where in Indy ball you might only have one guy like that on every team. Most guys in Indy ball are trying to reinvent themselves, come back from an injury, or have somebody notice them, in hopes of getting another opportunity. In terms of how my season went, I would say there was definitely a learning curve in adjusting to affiliated baseball. My first two months had a lot of ups and downs, but I think that was part of the process of adjusting and forgetting about trying to impress people each and every day. Once we got into June, I think I started feeling comfortable in my own skin and became much more consistent, the more I trusted in myself. My biggest goal going into every season is to be able to make adjustments and be in the moment to the best of my ability. I think even though that took some time, I was able to do that, and it turned out to be a pretty good year. That being said, I still think there is a lot of room to improve in terms of putting together a complete season from start to finish. TD: You’ve been one of the best hitters in the Mexican League this winter. Have you played winter ball in previous offseasons, and what does playing winter ball do for you as a player? CC: Winter ball has been a great experience. This was my first time playing during the off-season, and I think there has been a lot more growing and maturing that has happened here as well. Anytime you go to a new place, there is pressure to be successful and to try and impress people around you, and this winter has been the same. I think the transition happened a lot quicker down here. You are competing against guys that are anywhere from up and coming prospects to guys that have been playing for 15 to 20 years, so I guess in that regard it's a lot like Independent ball. There are certainly a lot of talented players in the winter leagues, and I think the experience will continue to help me improve. TD: The Twins invited you to big league spring training. The invite alone has to be amazing, but what are you most looking forward to in spring training? (Side question: Are you playing for Italy in the WBC?) CC: I am definitely honored and grateful that the Twins have invited me to camp. I can't thank the Twins enough for just signing me in the first place, but to get an invite to camp this year is truly an honor. There are so many things I am looking forward to that I don't even know where to start, but I guess the biggest thing is the opportunity to go out and compete with guys that have been playing at the highest level, and watch the way they go about their business. In terms of the WBC, I think that would be a tremendous experience but my first priority is to the Twins. If the Italian team asks me to be on their final roster, I will discuss it with the powers that be, and do whatever they think is best. TD: Looking to 2013, what are some of your goals? Are there certain statistics or numbers that you look at the judge yourself? CC: As I said before, I think going into the year, my biggest goal is to be able to adjust and be in the moment to the best of my ability. Hitting is so much more about process than it is about results. If you can make a commitment to taking care of the process, the results will take care of themselves. Having had the experience now of 2012, I want to be able to go out every day, continue to work hard, and be as consistent as possible. If I can do that day in and day out, I think the numbers will end up pretty close to where they should be. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2974[/ATTACH] TD: I played in college (D3) with Chris Coste, who went on to become The 33-year-old rookie and played with the Phillies when they won the World Series. What would it mean for you to get a big league call-up? CC: My dream for as long as I can remember has been to play in the Major Leagues. As long as I have had a uniform on, that is the one constant that has driven me each and every day. Watching guys like Chris Coste, and John Lindsey (who I got to play against in the Can-Am League, and down here in Mexico) realize that dream, has been added inspiration throughout the journey. John and I had lunch together a few weeks ago, and told me that we were part of a fraternity. To be able to represent myself, my family, the Twins, and the guys who have taken that route to the Major Leagues would truly be an honor. TD: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career as a baseball player? CC: First and foremost, my dad. He has been there through everything with me in my life, not only as a player, but as a person. He has helped mold me into the man I am today. Rich Gedman, is right up there in that category and has become like family to me. He has taught me so much about the game and about myself that I can't even begin to describe how much of an impact he has had on me. Lastly, my good friend Bobby Tewksbary who played independent baseball with me for a couple years and now owns an indoor facility up in Nashua, NH. I can't tell you how many late nights we have spent together talking about the game and being accountable for your swing, and how many buckets of flips and BP he has thrown me. TD: How would you describe yourself as a hitter? If you were a scout, what would the report be? CC: That's a pretty tough question to answer without sounding too conceited... haha. I guess first and foremost, since I was a kid, I have always wanted to be viewed as a complete hitter. From when I was very little, I was very aware of what it meant to hit .300, so I think that played a big part in me wanting to be a guy who was a threat to do that every year. I also wanted to be able to do that, without sacrificing the ability to drive the ball gap to gap, and drive the ball out of the park. I guess my biggest strengths would be my ability to drive the ball from gap to gap, and handle the bat with two strikes. TD: Favorite baseball movie? CC: I guess I would say either Bull Durham or The Rookie. Mainly I think because I can relate to both characters in terms of how my baseball career has progressed Thank you Chris for the time you took to respond to our questions! Best wishes in the New Year, and at big league camp and whatever the 2013 season brings you!

They had scouts watching Cespedes and Aroldis Chapman. With he new rules for International signings, of course they will. If only to get something in their reports on him for down the road.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1270-12-Questions-With-Austin-Malinowski

Happy New Year’s Eve, Twins Daily!! Hopefully you have enjoyed our first year at Twins Daily and that we can continue to make strides and improve our Twins coverage. Your feedback is always welcome. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve, but don’t forget to be safe! Today, we are bringing you another 12 Questions interview. Austin Malinowski was the Twins 16th round pick in 2011 after he was named the Minnesota High School Player of the Year. He played for Centennial High School in Circle Pines, MN, and had committed to play for the University of Arizona. On the final day he could, he reached an agreement and signed with the Twins. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2960[/ATTACH] Too late to play in 2011, his debut came in 2012 with the Gulf Coast League Twins. They lefty pitched well. He went 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA. In 31.2 innings, he gave up 35 hits, walked 11 and struckout 32 batters. He made six starts and came out of the bullpen five times, but he is definitely viewed as a starting pitcher. He just turned 19 one month ago and is certainly one to watch as he develops and moves up the farm system. Recently, Malinowski took the time to answer some questions for Twins Daily. Enjoy, and please feel free to ask questions in the comments below. 12 QUESTIONS WITH… Austin Malinowski Twins Daily (TD): Growing up in Minnesota, should we pretty easily assume who your favorite team was? Who were some of your favorite players? Austin Malinowski (AM): Of course my favorite team was the Twins. But some of my favorite Twins were Johan and Torii Hunter. TD: Tell us about your high school career (baseball and/or other extra-curriculars). AM: In high school, I played 3 sports (football, basketball and baseball). Other than that I didn't have much time for anything else because I also played legion ball for 3 summers. [ATTACH=CONFIG]2961[/ATTACH] TD: The Twins drafted you in the 16th round in 2011. You had committed to Arizona, but signed with the Twins. How difficult was that decision to sign with the hometown team rather than play at a southern college program? How many times did you change your mind? AM: I still think about my decision to sign sometimes. They have a great program, and I always wanted to go to a big time school. When they won the national championship last year, I knew I could have played a big role on that team, but I'm in the position they want to be in already. Signing was the right choice. TD: What were you hearing before the draft? Were you expecting to go around where you did, and did you have much communication with Twins scouts before that? AM: Honestly, I was hearing I would actually go in the top ten rounds. So when I dropped to the 16th, it was a little surprising. But I did a Twins showcase and they attended quite a few of my games before the draft so I knew they were looking at me. TD: After signing, your first real experience came on the Instructional League in Ft. Myers. What did you learn right away that fall? AM: I learned that pro ball was much more difficult than anything I had done before. I struggled for the first time in a long time so I learned how to pitch rather then throw like I did before. TD: You pitched in the GCL in 2012. How would you describe your adjustment to pro baseball and what did you learn from that first season? AM: The pro season is so long. I think that is the biggest difference and challenge for me. Staying healthy and consistent over a long season is tough. I had to grow up quickly mentally because if I didn't pro ball wouldn't be too kind. I just had to mature on the field. TD: I assume you’ll be at Twins Fest signing autographs again this year. Had you been to Twins Fest previously, and what was your impression of that event as a member of the Twins organization? AM: Yes, I will be at Twins Fest. I was invited there last year, and I thought it was really cool. So many Twins fans are supporters of the young minor leaguers as well as the big league stars. Great fans. TD: I believe you came back to Minnesota for the offseason. As you begin to workout and throw in preparation for the 2013 season, what is your routine? AM: Well starting after the New Year, I’ll be throwing every day at Augsburg. I’ll wake up early, drive down there, and get my throwing and some conditioning done. Drive back home and work out at the YMCA near me. Go home, eat lunch, and relax. TD: Looking to 2013, what are some of your goals? Are there certain statistics or numbers that you look at the judge yourself? AM: Some of my goals are to improve my mental toughness every day. This will help everything else. But I would like to at least play for E-Town. I would love to finish the year in Cedar Rapids. Two biggest stats for me are WHIP and ERA so it's important I keep those two low. That will help the team I'm on and obviously help me make a name for myself. TD: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career as a baseball player? AM: First of all, my dad was the one who helped me get started playing and my high school coach Lynn Buehner and my legion coach Rollie Goertzen was a huge influence on me. But during my pro career, Eric Rasmussen and Henry Bonilla have helped me improve a lot. TD: How would you describe yourself as a pitcher? If you were a scout, what would the report be? AM: I'm a pitcher who doesn't want to get beat throwing off-speed stuff. I have a good 2-seam fastball that moves a lot. My slider and changeup are good out pitches but can be inconsistent. 3/4 arm slot. I just like to challenge guys and try to get quick outs. Thank you to Austin! We definitely appreciate the time he spent to respond. As I said above, he is certainly a prospect worth watching the next couple of years as he develops.

Butera and Colabello are very different and have little to do with each other in terms of the roster. Yes, because if Mauer and Doumit are going to be in the lineup most days, Butera (or some backup catcher) is needed. Also, I think too many people make a big deal about Colabello's age. Is he too old for his level of competition? That only really matters for top prospects, not for role players and I think we all know that he's a role player. It isn't his fault that organizations didn't give him a shot until he was 28, and then the Twins put him in AA. All he could do was perform, and he did. We're talking about a bench guy, part time 1B, part time DH, pinch hitter. His age isn't as important.

Grimes was moved to Catcher during Instructs. Duffey was unbelievable, and we'll see how things go going forward. HE was a 5th round pick. Chargois was a 2nd round pick. He was also hurt, so we didn't see what he could be. Can't really make anything from College pitchers dominating in E-Town. But I do like all those arms that the Twins drafted in 2012!