Brian Mozey

I didn't say ever. I just meant this year because Berrios will be coming up in September more than likely. I'm not saying Duffey is a bad pitcher because his stats in Triple-A are impressive. I'm saying that Berrios is looking just as good as Duffey, so the spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Duffey will be in the rotation in years to come, but as for this year, Saturday will be his make or break start.

Tyler Duffey, a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester to start Saturday against the Cleveland Indians. The start on Saturday will be a make or break start with starting pitcher Jose Berrios eyeing a turn in the majors. Duffey, a 24-year-old pitcher from Texas, will be starting his second game in his big league career. His first start didn’t go as planned against the red hot Toronto Blue Jays in a 9-7 loss where he gave up six runs in two innings. With that start in the minds of Duffey and the Twins organization, this upcoming start is his last chance to prove himself in the majors. His stats in Triple-A have been impressive throughout the season, but those stats need to transfer into the MLB. Duffey has a 2.54 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP over this season in Triple-A Rochester with 122 strikeouts over 138 innings. His latest start happened on August 11 where Duffey pitched six scoreless innings with five strikeouts resulting in a 7-0 win for Rochester. Duffey has one chance to impress the Twins franchise; otherwise Berrios is waiting in the wings to take over the rotation spot. Berrios has been the top-pitching prospect in the Twins farm system and has shown outstanding numbers in Triple-A this season. Berrios is ranked 25 in the MLB.com Prospect Watch list and ranked 3 in the Minnesota Twins farm system. Berrios started the 2015 season in Double-A Chattanooga where he posted a 3.08 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP with 92 strikeouts over 90 innings. Then, on June 30, Berrios was promoted to Triple-A Rochester where his stats included a 3.02 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP with 43 strikeouts over 44 innings. When starting pitcher Tommy Milone went on the 15-DL with a flexor strain in his left elbow, Berrios was in consideration of being called up to the Twins. Later, the decision was made to call up Duffey against the Toronto Blue Jays. The consideration happened again within these past couple weeks when Phil Hughes went on the 15-DL with inflammation in his lower back. There were a couple spots open on the 40-man roster and one opening on the 25-man active roster. Once again, Berrios wasn’t the choice to be promoted and instead Duffey was brought up to pitch for August 15 game and Trevor May was brought up from the bullpen to start on August 14. Berrios has the highest chance to be promoted in September and show he deserves a spot in the rotation for seasons to come. I have a feeling that he will impress the franchise and he will become a number two or three, maybe number one, pitcher in the future. With prospects like Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano, Byron Buxton and, soon, Jose Berrios, the Minnesota Twins are relying on their young players to carry the team to a playoff season. Along with veterans like Joe Mauer, Brian Dozier, Torii Hunter and Trevor Plouffe, the young players will be able to learn from seasoned professionals to guide the Twins in a new direction. The Twins aren’t out of contention yet for the American League Wild Card, so if things can turn around quickly, I can see the team making a run at the postseason this year.

During the off day on Monday, the Minnesota Twins activated outfielder Byron Buxton from the 15-DL and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester. With this move occurring late in the season, it looks like the Twins will keep outfielders Torii Hunter, Aaron Hicks and Eddie Rosario in their regular positions. With September call-ups coming in a couple weeks, I would expect the Twins to call him up and use him in the rotation of outfielders. The Twins are 12 games back from the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central Division and three games back from the Los Angeles Angels in the American League Wild Card. Even though the Twins are in the race for the Wild Card spot, they have a tough September schedule playing two series against the Detroit Tigers, a series against the Kansas City Royals, a series against the Los Angeles Angels and a series against the Houston Astros. With the tough schedule ahead, the Twins need to look ahead and start playing their top prospects that should be contributing big in the 2016 season. Players like Buxton or starting pitcher Jose Berrios should get some playing time in September to get a feel of the majors and they’re ready to play in the big leagues. Buxton is batting .368 in 19 at-bats with four RBIs and four runs at Rochester. Buxton was brought up to the Twins in middle of June and started rough with a .189 batting average and only one stolen base. That stint only lasted until the end of June when he landed on the DL with a thumb injury after sliding into second base. Buxton came to the majors from Double-A and never played in Triple-A in his career, until now. This opportunity at Rochester and the numbers he’s been showing during his time there are important and impressive. Buxton could and should be called up during the September call-ups for the Twins because he’s ready to stay up here for his future career. The only problem with promoting Buxton to the big leagues is that there will be four premier outfielders and only three spots to place them in. The four outfielders will have to share playing time during September or one will be a bench player for rest days. There will need to be changes in the outfield rotation because these dynamic outfielders are going to need their playing time. Overall, the Twins are faced with a problem, but a good problem. They have too much talent and not enough space. It’ll be nice to have those young players start making an impact for the future of the Twins franchise. First Eddie Rosario, then Miguel Sano and now, Byron Buxton.

Download attachment: perkins_suzuki_Hi5_US_720.jpg Single: The Single Award came from Idina Menzel at the opening ceremony for the All-Star Game. Not one, but two amazing performances. First, Menzel sang "Forever Young" for the thirty amazing teachers who were nominated by their respective teams. Then she sang a beautiful "Star-Spangled Banner" with a breath-taking flyby. The Minnesota Twins and MLB chose a great artist to sing the National Anthem and Menzel nailed it. Double: Mike Trout took home the MVP for the Double Award. Trout hit a triple that scored Derek Jeter in his first at-bat. His second at-bat he made an out, but on his third at-bat he hit an RBI double that scored the winning run. Mike Trout is a very young and talented baseball player, he respects the game and I know he will see many All-Star appearances and hopefully a World Series title. Triple: Derek Jeter earns theTriple Award tonight for his farewell. As a Minnesota Twins fan I have always disliked the Yankees but I have to say that Jeter's farewell was unbelievable. He got a standing ovation when he was introduced in the starting lineup. He also received a standing ovation in the bottom of the first before his at-bat. Adam Wainwright and Jonathan Lucroy should be commended for letting Jeter have his moment. After the game, Jeter told the media that he had never faced Wainwright and his stepping off the rubber showed Wainwright's character. The biggest moment came at the top of the fourth when Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexi Ramirez came in to replace him. Jeter had another moment to thank the fans, players, coaches and baseball in general for his great years. The ovation was big enough for Jeter come out from the dugout and tip his cap. Derek Jeter is the most respected player in baseball and even though he's a Yankee he deserves a standing ovation. He knows how to play the game right and respects all the players past, present and future. Home Run: Glen Perkins and Kurt Suzuki, the hometown heroes, receive the Home Run Award for their finishing of the All-Star Game. The American League was up five to three against the National League in the top of the ninth and guess who comes out of the bullpen? Glen Perkins! And guess who's waiting at the pitchers mound for Perkins? His teammate, Kurt Suzuki! John Farrell couldn't have scripted this any better for Twins fan at Target Field. Being a Minnesota Twins fan for 18 years it was a great way to see the All-Star Game end. Overall, the Minnesota Twins and MLB did a great job with the 2014 All-Star Game in Minneapolis. Click here to view the article

Phil Hughes had a short night on the mound sadly due to an injury. In the top of the fourth inning Chicago White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn hit a hard ground ball up the middle. Phil Hughes was trying to get out of the way but the ball hit his right shin/ankle. Hughes couldn't finish the play because of the pain and Dunn was safe at first. After walking around the mound for a couple minutes the training staff advised Hughes to come out of the game. Phil Hughes pitched three innings and gave up two runs with four strikeouts before his injury. Hopefully the X-rays are negative and he can pitch his next start. With Kyle Gibson and Ricky Nolasco out with injuries the starting staff is diminishing and we can't lose another starting pitcher. Hope for the best because losing Phil Hughes could be big this season.

Throughout the past couple months David Price has had to deal with rumors of being traded. He already told the media about a month go that he didn't like hearing the rumors. He just wanted the Tampa Bay Rays to make up their mind. It's unclear if Price will be dealt because the Rays have less than a week to trade him. David Price is an ace and could be in the talks for Cy Young this year with a 3.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 183 strikeouts, and 11 wins over 163 innings. It's hard to get rid of a pitcher like that because the Rays need something big in return. The another problem with this trade is that the Rays are starting to get on a hot streak. The Tampa Bay Rays have been playing some great baseball this month and are now 7.5 games back in the AL East and 4 games back in the AL Wild Card. When the rumors started circulating about Price being traded, the Rays were done and looking towards next year. Now they might want to keep Price around throughout the rest of the season because there's a good possibility that the Rays might make the postseason and go far. I'm glad there's only less than a week left until the Trade Deadline because then the rumors stop until this offseason. Hopefully the Rays keep David Price as their ace and continue strong until the end of the season. But if the Rays trade him this week, I hope they trade him to a contending team because I would love to see Price with a ring at the end of this season.

I know it's a little late for yesterdays game but here's my Around the Bases for the Monday win against the Cleveland Indians. Single: Starting pitcher Kris Johnson earns the Single award for a well thrown game. Johnson didn't get the win but he continues to grow as a pitcher in the Major League level. Last night's game was Johnson's third game this year. His first game was May 1st and he pitched four innings and gave up zero runs. He gave up five runs in four innings a couple weeks ago for his second game. And last night he gave up two runs in five innings which is a normal outing. I believe there is a bright future ahead for Kris Johnson if he continues to practice and learn. Double: Catcher Kurt Suzuki has had an amazing year and his performance last night deserves the Double award. When the Twins signed Suzuki in the offseason, they expected to sign him because of his defense but his offense has surprised everyone. Last night Suzuki went 3 for 4 with a double, two singles, and two RBI's. Suzuki has a batting average of .311 this year and has been a part of rumors for being traded. Hopefully the Twins keep him for the future because it's hard to find catchers with that kind of All Star talent. Triple: My Triple award goes to outfielder Josh Willingham for his go ahead home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Twins were tied 3 to 3 and Willingham hit a line drive homer that barely reached the seats in left field. That home run was a big moment in last night's game and hopefully will spark a run in the noticeable future. It would be nice to see the Twins end their season on a run. Home Run: All Star Glen Perkins receives my Home Run award for the night with his 23rd save of the year. This is his first save since closing out the All Star Game last week. It's nice to see Perkins back in a rhythm again and hopefully he can continue to save more games this season. I know there have been some rumors about Glen Perkins being traded but that's the stupidest idea. The Twins have built Perkins into a saver. They trust him in these situations and Perkins is a fan favorite and has become the hometown guy. Glen loves Minnesota and it would be an awful end to both the Minnesota Twins and Glen Perkins. Keep him for a few years and you'll be happy about keeping him. I promise!

Actions speak louder than words. That phrase was shown heavily at the end of the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels game. The game got interesting from the bottom of the eighth to the end of the game. The bottom of the eighth got started with a single from Efren Navarro and with a person on first and one out closer Fernando Rodney came in. Rodney pitched out of the jam and after the last out in the eighth he proceeded to do his tradition. Fernando Rodney has a tradition that after every game he saves he shoots an invisible arrow into the sky. Rodney has never come into the eighth inning as a closer so after the third out in the eighth he shot his arrow. In the bottom of the ninth the Angels were down 5 to 4 and the drama unfolded. Outfielder Mike Trout started the inning off against Fernando Rodney with a walk. Afterwords, Albert Pujols hit a double that scored Mike Trout and the tying run. When Pujols reached second base he mocked Rodney by shooting an arrow at Mike Trout and Trout shot an arrow right back at him. This is one of the funniest actions I've seen in a long time in baseball. Overall, Fernando Rodney deserved the action from Pujols and Trout after what he did in the eighth inning. Rodney will think twice before shooting his arrow again until the end of the game. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?categoryId=2521705&id=11240217 The highlights of the ninth is at the end of the video.

Byron Buxton has been on fire these past few days and was looking forward to staying hot this weekend against Daytona and Brevard County. Sadly, he hasn't touched the field. Buxton was 9 for 15 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night, but Saturday and Sunday he hasn't seen the field. The reason why he's been out is because of Friday night when Buxton was hit by a pitch on his injured wrist. The Fort Myers Miracle are holding him out for a couple games to give him some rest and to ice that wrist as much as they can. So far today Buxton hasn't been placed in the lineup but he might come in during the late innings and substitute for a player. Hopefully these couple days of rest don't effect Buxton's hot streak or his health in the future. Let's just think on the positive side and he'll come back tomorrow, hit a couple home runs, and start from where he left off. Keep eyes on Byron Buxton. He could easily be in AA in August if he continues riding this hot streak.

Byron Buxton has been riding a hot streak at the plate since Wednesday. He went 3 for 4 on Wednesday night, 2 for 5 on Thursday night, and 4 for 6 on Friday night. Buxton just came off the disabled list from a wrist injury and has been looking good ever since. Last night he hit another home run against Daytona. This is his second straight game where he has hit a home run. Last night, Buxton had three singles, a home run, two walks, two RBI's, and three runs. It was a great performance from Byron Buxton. The game itself lasted 17 innings and resulted in a 11 to 7 loss for the Fort Myers Miracle. A scary moment happened though in the top of the eighth when Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch on his wrist. Yes, the wrist that he injured before. The commentators for the game said, "He was in visible pain and had an upset reaction." It didn't seem to effect him though because he continued to play center field and had a couple ground outs as well as a walk. You never want to see a player get re-injured after being out that long so it was good to see him stay in the game. Byron Buxton makes this game look easy and hopefully his hot bat continues for months to come.

Even though the Twins had a rough game losing 6 to 2 to the Rays I still found a few things to highlight in my Around the Bases. Single: My Single moment goes to Danny Santana for his returning game. Santana has been sidelined for a while due to a bone bruise on his left knee. The All Star game allowed him a few more days to get rested and tonight was his first game back on the team. Santana went 1 for 4 with a single and a strikeout. Not impressive, but at least he's back and healthy again. Double: Sam Fuld receives my Double moment for the night with his great sliding catch. In the top of the third with a man on first and no outs, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier hit a nice line drive to left field. It looked like a base hit but Sam Fuld timed it perfectly and slide to make the catch. It was a nice play and the best part was watching him throw the ball in on his back. Great play Fuld! Triple: Brian Dozier's defense won the Triple award. In the top of the third with two outs and Evan Longoria at second base, James Loney hit a ball through the middle. The only problem was that the shift was on for him and Brian Dozier was playing deeper than his normal position. Dozier slid to his right and scooped the ball up then noticed Longoria rounding third and heading home. He threw a dart to catcher Kurt Suzuki and got Longoria out undoubtedly. Dozier's offense has been great for the Twins this season but I believe his defense is what makes him one of the best second basemen in the American League. Home Run: With the second half of the season beginning players want to have a fresh start and Trevor Plouffe delivered tonight at the plate. He deserves the Home Run award because he went 1 for 4 tonight, but his one hit was a home run. Plouffe scored the only two runs in the game for the Twins tonight on a two run homer to left center field. In the bottom of the third with Dozier on first, Trevor Plouffe hit a line drive that just cleared the fence in left center. It's nice to see him hitting home runs again especially at the start of the second half of the season. Maybe this foreshadows a good ending for Plouffe at the end of the year.

Byron Buxton continues to hit a hot bat. Like I said in my lastest blog, Buxton went 3 for 4 on Wednesday night's game against Daytona. Buxton carried his performance from Wednesday night into Thursday night against Daytona again. Thursday night Byron Buxton went 2 for 5 with a home run and a single. His home run came in the top of the ninth inning as a solo shot. The team would later win that game 7 to 5 with a save coming from Tyler Jones. It's nice to see Byron Buxton doing well after all of that time off with the injuries. Infielder and outfielder Danny Santana was playing with the Fort Myers Miracle last night as well. Santana has been dealing with a bone bruise on his left knee. Luckily the All Star break came up and he only missed a few games. Santana went 0 for 4 last night with the Miracle but did have a walk and a stolen base. That shouldn't worry the Twins much due to his stats in the big leagues. Santana has been hitting .328 in 134 at bats with 2 home runs and 16 RBI's along with 6 stolen bases. Welcome back Danny Santana and hopefully his defense and offense can contribute to a second half turn around for the Minnesota Twins.

I meant to say you have great points not I.

I have great points Wookiee of the Year. I agree with you on everything you just said. Maybe taking some time for these young players to grow is best.

Now that the All Star break is behind us it's time to start thinking about the Trade Deadline. July 31st is the last day where trades can happen for any baseball team. 14 days left until the Trade Deadline and there is much discussion on key players. Players like David Price, Ben Zobrist, Josh Willingham, Kurt Suzuki, and many more. The only big trade that has happened this season is between the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. The Athletics traded some key prospects for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel (the Cubs top two pitchers). The big name on the market right now is Tampa Bay Rays ace pitcher, David Price, and the talks for him have heated up tremendously. As of now the Seattle Mariners are making the biggest push towards Price and his teammate Ben Zobrist. The only problem is that the Rays want to bigger package then what the Cubs got for their two pitchers, and the Mariners aren't willing to deal out that kind of talent. The Mariners are eight games back from the Athletics in the AL West but they’re the leaders in the AL Wild Card. Having Price and Zobrist could not only help them make the playoffs but also have a better chance to go farther in the postseason. The Minnesota Twins will be sellers this year for the Trade Deadline. The Twins are 10.5 games back from the Tigers in the AL Central and are 6.5 games back from the Mariners in the Wild Card. It will be hard for the Twins to make it to the playoffs this season, therefore Josh Willingham and Kurt Suzuki have been in trade talks. Willingham will more than likely have to wait for Zobrist before he's traded because Zobrist is a utility player. The only team that seems interested in Kurt Suzuki right now is the St. Louis Cardinals because the Cardinals just lost their All Star catcher, Yadier Molina. Molina broke his finger and will be out for 8-12 weeks. The Cardinals are only a game behind the Brewers in the NL Central, so having Kurt Suzuki behind the plate and filling in for Molina would help them substantially. Overall, there have been many rumors about different players but nothing is set in stone. These next two weeks will be interesting and will definitely show who's contending and who's waiting until next year.

Yeah that's what I don't understand. We always wait with our talent.

I'd love some feedback if anyone wants to say something.

While the All Star break was happening for the MLB, Byron Buxton was showing why he should be in the All Star Game soon. Buxton went 3 for 4 on Wednesday night's game against Dayton. This is Buxton's sixth game since coming back from his injuries. Byron Buxton has been bothered with a wrist injury throughout the majority of the season. He came back in early May to play four games but then aggravated his wrist again to be put on the DL. Buxton is ranked number one for prospects in the Minnesota Twins farm system as well as MLB.com. He was invited to spring training in Florida this past March and did well but still had work to do. The Minnesota Twins were hoping to see him in September call ups this season, but the wrist injury might hold him back until the 2015 season. Byron Buxton is playing for High A Fort Myers Miracle right now and will be moving up to Double A before the end of the season. Buxton's 3 for 4 game included two singles, a triple, and a walk. It seems like that wrist is feeling better and hopefully his hot bat continues. I'd love to see him this September or next season because the Twins need some young players to fill some roles. Keep swinging the bat Buxton and we'll see you soon.

http://binaryapi.ap.org/0e23d8074b53490390f888e264c31212/940x.jpg Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder, Yasiel Puig, was chosen to participate in the Home Run Derby and was a starter for the National League during the 2014 All Star Game. Let’s just say Puig will cherish the memories of meeting new players but will want to forget his actual performance throughout these last couple of days in Minneapolis. Strike One: Monday night was the Home Run Derby which featured five players from each league. Puig was chosen by Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki to participate and he did not deliver. In the first round Yasiel Puig was eliminated from the competition because he didn’t hit a single home run. Every other player in the Home Run Derby hit at least one home run in the contest, but Puig hit zero. I don’t care what anyone says, that’s embarrassing. Strike Two: Last night Yasiel Puig started in right field for the National League, but it didn’t take long for him to be noticed in a negative way. In the bottom of the first, Mike Trout was up to bat with Derek Jeter on second base. Trout hit a liner into the right field wall that looked like an RBI double. Instead, Puig butchered the play and ran into the wall instead of waiting for the bounce. Because of Puig’s actions, Trout got a triple and later scored on a Miguel Cabrera home run. Strike Three: The most embarrassing moment(s) for Puig was his performance at the plate last night. Yasiel Puig struck out not once, not twice, but three times at the dish. The All Star Game is supposed to show the best players and their abilities, but Puig choked. I’m sure Puig is happy this event only lasted a couple days so he can forget the performance and start all over for the second half of the season. His performance during the Home Run Derby and the All Star Game was unbearable to watch. Maybe next year Yasiel Puig! Check out my blog at www.mozeysports.blogspot.com Thanks.

Single: The single moment tonight came from Idina Menzel at the opening ceremony for the All Star Game. Not one, but two amazing performances. First, Menzel sang "Forever Young" for the thirty amazing teachers that were nominated by their respective teams. Then she sang a beautiful "Star-Spangled Banner" with a breath taking flyby. The Minnesota Twins and MLB chose a great artist to sing the National Anthem and Menzel definitely proved it. Double: Mike Trout took home the MVP tonight and that earns my double award. Trout hit a triple that scored Derek Jeter in his first at bat. His second at bat he got out, but his third at bat he hit an RBI double that scored the winning run. Mike Trout is a very young and talented baseball player and has a bright future ahead of him. He respects the game and I know he will see many All Star appearances and hopefully a World Series title. Triple: Derek Jeter earns my triple award tonight for his farewell. As a Minnesota Twins fan I have always disliked the Yankees but I have to say that Jeter's farewell was unbelievable. Last night, Jeter got a standing ovation when he introduced in the starting lineup. He also received a standing ovation in the bottom of the first before his at bat. Big thanks to Adam Wainwright and Jonathan Lucroy for letting Jeter have his big moment. After the game, Jeter told the media that he never had faced Wainwright and stepping off the rubber shows Wainwright's character. The biggest moment though came at the top of the fourth when Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexi Ramirez came in to replace Derek Jeter. Jeter had another moment to thank the fans, players, coaches, and baseball in general for his great years. The ovation was big enough to have Jeter come out again from the dugout and tip his cap. Derek Jeter is the most respected player in baseball and even though he's a Yankee he deserves a standing ovation. He knows how to play the game right and respects all the players past, present, and future. Home Run: Glen Perkins and Kurt Suzuki, the hometown heroes, receive the home run award for their closing of the All Star Game. The American League was up five to three against the National League in the top of the ninth and guess who comes out of the bullpen? Glen Perkins! And guess who's waiting at the pitchers mound for Perkins? His teammate, Kurt Suzuki! John Farrell couldn't have scripted this any better for Twins fan at Target Field. Being a Minnesota Twins fan for 18 years it was a great way to end the All Star Game. The best moment was seeing Perkins receive the save after getting three outs in the ninth. Overall, the Minnesota Twins and MLB did a great job with the 2014 All Star Game in Minneapolis. Check out my blog at http://www.mozeysports.blogspot.com Thanks.