If you've got MLB.tv, watch some other teams games. A lot of homers and sports bros. Provus & company are very professional, well informed and add to the overall game experience... My opinion, for what it is worth 🙂
I was thinking the exact same thing! Feel the same way about Rocco's irrational use of Margot. Like he's not going to hide the terrible FO decisions for them.
I think previous trades by this FO have given them a reputation as poor negotiators at the deadline. I watched an Orioles game a few weeks back where Cade Povich was pitching (to the Orioles in the Jorge Lopez trade). The commentators absolutely raked Falvine over the coals for such a bad trade. Both Povich & Cano to the Orioles, smoke & mirrors Lopez to the Twins. If you are negotiating with a FO you feel are easy marks, you are going to push for top dollar. Seems Falvine are not savvy enough to push back until they get a real offer.
Not having acquired a viable 5th starter at the trade deadline keeps Varland the break glass in case of emergency guy if one of the starters goes injured, or goes beyond their innings limit. Don't think they can move him to the bullpen until the end of the season.
Do you think we'll see a waiver salary dump similar to what LAA did last year? There are probably a handful of teams that will decide they are out of the playoffs hunt in a few weeks.
It's not a manager thing. It is an organization obsessed with platooning. Only 2 Twins have enough plate appearances to qualify for MLB leader rankings... Castro and Santana. The best teams have the same lineup day after day. The Twins often have their best players on the bench to get that "platoon advantage".
Blackouts aren't about getting fans to the ballpark. They keep the content exclusive to the RSNs. MLB does not require the blackouts, the RSNs do. The RSNs push the blackout areas as far as they can.
From what I have read (take that for what it is worth) the pending agreement with Comcast is the structure they wanted initially. That is, to move the Twins to a higher priced sports tier. I don't see that making any cable subscribing Twins fans pleased 🫤
Excellent article Eric! 2025 and beyond will have far more impact on this trade deadline than 2024.
Ownership seems to be changing horses mid-stream. After signing large contracts with Buxton, Correa & Lopez, Joe is now talking about modeling Tampa and the Orioles. The switch is going to be frustrating and painful.