Devlin Clark

If you're like me, you find yourself scrolling baseball reference pages or Wikipedia to see what former Twins players are up to, post playing career. Maybe you're not like me, maybe you actually have a life. Well, I don't, but I do enjoy doing Wikipedia and bREF rabbit holes. Recently, I was talking with a friend on Twitter and he asked me what I thought the worst trade in Twins history was, the ones that came to mind immediately were more recent: Sam Dyson, Mitch Garver, Taylor Rogers, etc. But I decided to stick with the trades made since 2000. The reason for that is that is when the Twins really became relevant again, when we knew that contraction wasn't going to be moving our team. With that said, I scoured long and hard looking at almost every trade we've made since 2000 and although the Jamie Garcia trade is up there, I still think the trade I'm going to outline below is worse and I'll list my criteria. 
As always, please let me know what you think, follow me on Twitter @Devlin_clark84 and without any further wait, let's get to it:
Before I tell you what the trade is, I want to lay out the parameters of how I came about this. First of all, ALL stats shown below are courtesy of baseball reference. I wanted to also show the production over a 5 year period as I felt that this gives us a great sample size and can exclude fluke or lucky seasons, one offs, etc. So here is the breakdown:
I will say that some of the post trade stats are incomplete and you'll see why as we progress.
The trade happened on November 6, 2009. We will be looking at the 2008,09 seasons for each player, the 2010 season, as well as the 2011,12 seasons to see a wide scope of production and to try and fairly explain why this is the worst trade in Twins history. 
The Twins trade 24 year old Centerfielder Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee for SS JJ Hardy. 
Let's look at the 2008,09 seasons for both players so we can get a scope of who and why the trade was made.
(Stats shown below are for both seasons combined)
Gomez (age 22 and 23 seasons): 290 games, .248 AVG, 10HRs,87RBIs, 73 OPS+, 2.6 WAR. 
Hardy(age 25 and 26 seasons): 261 Games, .260 AVG, 35HRs, 121RBIs, 98 OPS+, 5.3 WAR
Coming into the trade, based on nearly 300 games the last two seasons, the Twins were going to be the clear beneficiaries of the trade. Hardy not only had better numbers, but also played a premium up the middle position. The Twins were poised to win the trade. Let's look at how the 2010 season played out for both guys (avert your eyes, Twins fans):
Gomez(age 24 season in 2010): 97 Games, .247 AVG, 5 HRS, 24RBIs, 18SBs, slashed .298/.357/.655 which produced a WAR of 0.6. 
Surely, Hardy would have a better season with the Twins than Gomez had with the Brewers? Well...
Hardy (age 27 season in 2010): 101 Games, .268 AVG, 6HRs 38RBIs, slashed .320/.394/.714 which produced a WAR of 1.3
Not as bad as Gomez, but still not great. Despite this, after the 2010 season, the Twins still looked like the obvious winners on this trade, it's when you look at not just the next two seasons, but what happened next that show this to be the worst trade in Twins history.
On December 9th, 2010 the Twins and Orioles pulled off a trade. The Twins sent SS JJ Hardy and UTIL Brendan Harris to the Orioles. We got $500,000 in return and two minor leaguers, Brett Jacobson and Jim Hoey.
It's what happened next that show my point:
Gomez (2011-12 season with Milwaukee, ages 25,26 seasons): 231 Games, .248AVG, 27HRs, 75RBIs, 53SBs, 94 OPS+ which is a 4.5 WAR combined. 
Hardy(2011-12 in his age 28,29 seasons):
287 Games, .252 AVG, 52 HRs, 148 RBIs, 96 OPS+, good for 7.5 WAR. 
Hardy in the 3 seasons following the trade(2011,12 and 13) hit 30,22 and 25 HRs respectively. 
Gomez became a first time all star in 2013 and again in 2014. He finished ninth in MVP voting in 2013 and sixteenth in 2014. He also won a Gold Glove in 2013. 
Hardy won a Gold Glove in his second season in Baltimore in 2012 (also in '13), as well as the Silver Slugger and became an All Star in 2013. 
So why is this the worst trade ever for the Twins? Let's examine what they got from a numbers standpoint:
Brett Jacobsen never made the majors. So since I am using MLB stats, he's a non factor in this trade. Jim Hoey in 2011 for the Twins:
26 Games, 5.47 ERA, 75 ERA+, 5.58 FIP, good for a whopping -0.6 WAR. 
To summarize what the Twins gave up, received and then how the players did after the trade: 
From the trade in 2010 to the end of the 2012 season the Twins got a WAR of 0.7 (1.3 from the Hardy 2010 year, and a -0.6 from Hoey in 2011.) Hoey never played again after 2011 in the majors. 
The Brewers thrived and got 5.1 WAR between 2010-12 with Gomez and those weren't even his best years. (In 2013 he had a massive 7.6 WAR season and in 2014 had a 4.7 WAR season, all told, the five years after the trade through the end of 2014, Gomez produced a total of 17.4 WAR.)
The Orioles also won the trade with Hardy, getting a 7.4 WAR player the next two seasons, who played a premium position, was an All Star, Silver Slugger and GG winner. From 2010-14, Hardy was worth a massive 15.4 WAR(1.3 of those was 2010 with MIN)
So the Twins ended up getting $500,000, a player who never made the majors, and a pitcher who produced a -0.6 WAR, and gave up a SS who produced 14.1WAR the next four seasons and a CF who produced a 14.8 WAR and finished top-20 MVP twice. 
When you factor everything in, the fact the Twins were going to be the winners based on the two previous years of Hardy and Gomez' careers, the fact that Hardy produced a higher WAR then Gomez in the first full season of the trade, and then the ineptitude of the Twins to give him up and get absolutely nothing back (literally a Negative war player) makes this, for me, the worst trade in Twins history. 
As always, leave a comment below and let me know what your thoughts are! Can you think of a recent trade where we got less back and other players produced more in the last twenty three years?https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hardyjj01.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gomezca01.shtml

Its the debate that never ends. Whose on your all time Twins team? We all agree on the consensus top 4 of Carew, Killebrew, Oliva and Puckett. But after that who? Are you taking Guzman over Gagne? Gladden over Mack? Aguilera over Nathan? 
This is a lot harder than you think because you have a budget, $33 is the budget. You have to create the BEST Twins team with just $33 and *ALL* positions must be represented.
What strategy are you gonna use? What positions are you gonna pay up for? Are you gonna take Killebrew at 1st over Morneau and Hrbek? Are you gonna go with the top 4 mentioned above and use $20 of your $33 there? 
Let's have some fun and see some unique lists. Remember, the entire objective is to create the best Twins team you can, using just $33 dollars. 

Its the debate that never ends. Whose on your all time Twins team? We all agree on the consensus top 4 of Carew, Killebrew, Oliva and Puckett. But after that who? Are you taking Guzman over Gagne? Gladden over Mack? Aguilera over Nathan? 
This is a lot harder than you think because you have a budget, $33 is the budget. You have to create the BEST Twins team with just $33 and *ALL* positions must be represented.
What strategy are you gonna use? What positions are you gonna pay up for? Are you gonna take Killebrew at 1st over Morneau and Hrbek? Are you gonna go with the top 4 mentioned above and use $20 of your $33 there? 
Let's have some fun and see some unique lists. Remember, the entire objective is to create the best Twins team you can, using just $33 dollars. 

Its the debate that never ends. Whose on your all time Twins team? We all agree on the consensus top 4 of Carew, Killebrew, Oliva and Puckett. But after that who? Are you taking Guzman over Gagne? Gladden over Mack? Aguilera over Nathan? 
This is a lot harder than you think because you have a budget, $33 is the budget. You have to create the BEST Twins team with just $33 and *ALL* positions must be represented.
What strategy are you gonna use? What positions are you gonna pay up for? Are you gonna take Killebrew at 1st over Morneau and Hrbek? Are you gonna go with the top 4 mentioned above and use $20 of your $33 there? 
Let's have some fun and see some unique lists. Remember, the entire objective is to create the best Twins team you can, using just $33 dollars. 

The Twins have struggled to score runs, that's no secret. The nine runs they scored on Saturday were the most they'd scored in the last six games. The offense is striking out at not just an alarming pace; but a record breaking one as well. They're currently on pace to catch the 2021 Cubs, who set the all time record. The Twins have 667 coming into today's game against TOR, in 65 games (10.26/game). Gallo and Michael A. Taylor lead with 62 each. But is this the Twins biggest problem and should it be something they try to address at the trade deadline?
The Twins pitching staff has been much better than the offense, well, the rotation has. The entire staff has the second best ERA in baseball at 3.46, just behind HOU at 3.28. The Twins as a staff are also number two in all of MLB in strikeouts with 617, behind TOR with 625 and second in quality starts with 32, behind only Seattle's 33. So what's the problem? The Twins are having one of the best season for pitching they've had in a decade. The problem is allowing runs late in the game. 
(Courtesy of ESPN, these stats are before the 6/11 game vs TOR)
So what inning has been the most problematic? If we use the graph below, it tells us the 7th innings. That's the inning that the SP usually gets pulled and the bullpen comes in. When you have Lopez with anERA over 4 that's a recipe for disaster. Factor in Jax, Pagan and Alcala and this bullpen has been total, garbage (outside of Duran, Headrick and a few select others.)
If the Twins have any hope of staying above .500 and winning the division and ending the 0-18 streak in October (you know which streak I'm talking about, and it's not The Undertaker's) they will need to acquire bullpen help. I truly think despite the strikeouts, the offense can scrap runs across, there's too many good hitters not too. 
My suggestion for Falvey and Co: Dont wait until the trade deadline to make a move. Do it now, build a lead in the worst division and baseball, and enjoy the summer. (Photo courtesy of ESPN)

"Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends; heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart kid, you'll never go wrong"That iconic line spoken by "Babe Ruth" to Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez, moreso than any line truly encapsulates what The Sandlot is all about. 
Benny befriends the new kid. We all have either been a Benny or Scott Smalls, trying to fit in, make new friends,waiting for someone to reach out with a warm smile and a friendly hand.
In 2018, for the 25th Anniversary of The Sandlot, I had the amazing privilege to interview the writer, director, and narrator of that film; David Mickey Evans.
We talked about a variety of topics including how the origin of the film was based on a true experience, what our favorite scenes are, how the swimming pool scene was filmed, what the movie means to people, and much more. 
The Sandlot transcends baseball films. Yes, on its surface it's a baseball film, but underneath its more. It's about commoradarie, friendship, coming of age, struggling to be accepted, and much more that kids throughout time have battled with. 
I have included time stamps below so you can see what we talked about. If you love baseball and baseball movies, this is an interview you absolutely CANT miss.
As always, my sincerest thanks to David Mickey Evans for taking 31 minutes to be on the show.
https://youtu.be/z2ak0H5rrvE
You can find The Show About The Show on my YouTube Channel (MLBTheShowPodcast) and follow me on Twitter @Devlin_Clark84.
           3:08
Origins of The Sandlot, where the idea came from and growing up in the CA valley and also details how Hercules was a real neighborhood dog.  7:00 - 
Did they know that they were making something special? How special the movie was.  9:00 - 
Why they decided to shoot in Utah? 10:34 - 
Why the friendship between Benny and Smalls is so relatable. Was Benny always the one who was going to be the good guy? 13:02 - 
How great the adult cast was and what it was like working with James Earl Jones,how he was added after a few weeks of filming and how all his scenes were shot in a single day.  16:20 - 
How the swimming pool scene happened, how it resonated with most teenage boys. Based on real life experience. The hilarious "advice" he gave Squints, what Squints asked him about the scene.  21:04 - 
Fourth of July scene is both of our favorite scenes. He talks about that scene, how it went down. He shot that entire scene in 2 hours.  24:30 - 
How the iconic last PF Flyers came about.  The slogan played into the scene.  26:40 - 
How often does he keep in touch with the kids from the movie? 28:30 - 
What ever really happened to Bertram? He got really into the 60s and nobody ever saw him again, plus his favorite line from the movie.  If you like more interviews about baseball movies, comment down below and I will keep making them and sharing them. The Sandlot is much more than a movie: it's magic. 


 

Since 1961 the Twins have had some huge Home Runs hit against them (looking at you Didi Gregorious and Tom Lawless), but they've also hit their fair share of big ones. Most have come in the World Series, but two in particular in my mind, have been huge regular-season home runs. Below, I outline all of them and the reasons why I ranked them where I did. If you have any comments, please let me know below!
• 6. Brian Dozier--July 10, 2015 vs Tigers
The Twins came into this game 42-40 and were set up for a mid-July battle with the division rival Tigers. The Twins trailed six to one going into the bottom of the ninth, then the Twins bats came alive off Tigers closer Joakim Soria. After a two-run single by Danny Santana brought the Twins back to within a run at six to five, Brian Dozier stepped up and cranked the first pitch, with two runners on, into the LF bleachers for the win. The win, erased a 6-0 Tigers lead in the 8th inning, to this writer, is the most dramatic walkoff HR ( second biggest regular season HR in Twins history), in Target Field history. Listen to Dick Bremers call on this if you haven't, I can listen to it over and over. 
https://youtu.be/5denizzi9yg 
• 5. Jacque Jones--April,1, 2002 vs Royals
After an entire off-season of contraction rumors from MLB, Bud Selig, and many news media outlets, Jacque Jones took the 2nd pitch of the season from Jeff Suppan and deposited it over the fence. Statement made. The Twins were here to stay, and it was a perfect way to kickoff what would be a special, but heartbreaking, season for the Twins and their fans. This HR, by extension the season, showed everyone nationally that the Twins deserved to be in MN, in MLB and weren't going to roll over and move to NC. Still one of my favorite HRs. It makes this list due to the statement it made after an off season of controversy and an unknown future. 
https://www.mlb.com/video/jones-goes-deep-twice-in-opener?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
• 4. A.J. Pierzynski--October 6, 2002 vs A's
The Twins were tied with the A's at two games each with a deciding game five, to determine who faced the Angels in the ALCS. With flamethrower Billy Koch on the mound, AJ Pierzynski stepped up and took the first pitch he saw over the RF fence to give the Twins a 4-1 lead. (Ortiz later homered to extend it to five to one). This wasn't the game-winner, but it was the most important as it extended the lead and gave the Twins the ability to win the game in the ninth, even if they gave up runs (which they did). It's the HR that's become synonymous with that series, and in my view, is the 4th most important one in Twins history, given the situation, and who it came off of. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5denizzi9yg 
• 3. Dan Gladden--October 17th, 1987 vs Cards
One of the most iconic HRs in Twins history is also one of the most important. The Twins, in their second WS in franchise history, had the Dome field advance. The crowd of 55,171 were waiving Homer hankies and waiting for something to cheer about, in the fifth inning, (newest) Twins HOFer Dan Gladden gave them just that. He deposited the second pitch from right-hander Bob Forsch over the LF fence into the bleachers. This lands at number three on the list because it took place in a WS game, it was Game one and for all intents and purposes, sealed the win for the Twins. It's one of the biggest and most iconic HRs in Twins history, but it's not even the most important one from this series by a Twin, what are the two above it? 
https://youtu.be/G3vPnlkBrog
• 2. Don Baylor,Kent Hrbek--October 24th, 1987.
This is kind of a cheat to add two guys to this spot, but honestly, they both deserve it, given the circumstances. With the Twins down five to two going into the bottom of the fifth, they scored a run on a Gaetti rbi, and then Don Baylor came up with the Twins down 5-3, and promptly hit a two-run home run off lefty John Tudor to tie the game at five. The Twins scored again that inning and made it six to five. In the sixth, Hrbek hit a GS to centerfield to give the Twins a 10-5 lead at the time. The Twins don't win this game, and therefore the series, without either of these two gigantic home runs, in the most clutch spots, with their season on the line. These land at two on the list because when I asked TK once at Twinsfest where ranked these he replied "behind Kirby, in front of everyone else". That was good enough for me!
https://youtu.be/r6tPmCoVVNI
https://youtu.be/bGqlEL54hr8
• Kirby Puckett--October 26,1991 vs Braves
What else was it going to be? In the 11th inning, after telling Chili Davis he was thinking about bunting, to which Davis replied "bunt my a**", Kirby took a Charlie Leibrandt changeup on the outer half of the plate, into the LF bleachers, sending all 55,155 Twins fans into exuberant cheers, and giving the Twins new life in the series, after getting absolutely destroyed in ATL and coming back to MN down three games to two. It wasn't just that it was an extra-inning game. It was just that it was the World Series. It wasn't just that the Twins won the WS the next day, this comes in at number one because...it was Kirby. The best player, a fan favorite and a player that I, and many many other fans in the Twins Cities and all around Twins Territory idolized, just hit the biggest HR in team history. In the eyes of this (at the time 7-year-old)fan, it made Kirby something even more than a player, and almost larger than life. There wasn't anything he couldn't do on the field, this proved it. This was also the moment that I became a Twins fan and is the one lasting memories from my childhood that I will never forget. That day, Kirby went from a man to something more. A hero in all Twins fans eyes, it is also the day my love affair and undying fandom (and a lifetime of heartbreak, apparently) began.
https://youtu.be/Dig7fkSg6EY
 

My 6-4-3 on Sundays Twins Game
Sunday was the game many Twins fans were hoping for. After two consecutive close games, both by 2-0 wins, the Twins were able to put up seven runs today. four of them coming off the bat of off-season free agent signed Joey Gallo. He was 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI. 
The Twins start the season 3-0. They start a three-game series against Luis Arraez and the Marlins on Monday, but before that let's look at what happened today:
Max Kepler drew a five-pitch walk to start the game. Maybe this will be what gets him going and allows him to relax at the plate. He was left stranded. He had a hard hit out to end the third inning with runners on. He's been hitting more hard line drive outs than weak ground balls and fly outs.  Jose Miranda stays hot and extended his hit streak in the second with a single to center. He's really seeing the ball well.  Ryan Jeffers in his 2023 debut shot a broken bat single through the infield in the second for an RBI and 1-0 lead for the Twins. He had another RBI single, this time to center, in the fourth, scoring Gallo. RISP The Twins have done a nice job of getting guys around to score, when they were on base in scoring position. compared to the Royals who were 0-18.  Joey Gallo had his first three extra base hits of the season today, including a massive home run into right field of 431 feet. Hard contact in back to back at bats. Great sign for Gallo. His second one of the season and day was in the seventh and extended the Twins lead to 6-1.  Joe Ryan was absolutely dealing today. Other than a solo home run, which was the first run of the season for the Royals, it was Ryan's day. He was changing speeds, but also got his velocity up to 95.7 in the first inning. His final line is 6IP, 3H (1HR), 1ER, 2BB, 6Ks. The home run came on a 3-2 pitch. Ryan had Olivares 1-2 and missed the outer corner the next two pitches. It was extremely close.  4 Things I liked to see
Byron Buxton continues to get on base at the DH position.  Trevor Larnach continues to reach base with a single in the seventh and an RBI single (two outs) in the eighth.  Joey Gallo and the offense getting going. Three extra base hits, two home runs and four RBI. He can be the key off-season signing if he hits 40 home runs. They need him to be at his All-Star and Gold Glove level.  Seven of the hits the Twins had today were with two outs. Other than one of the Gallo home runs, every other Twins run was scored with two outs.  3 stats about the series
Twins were 9-for-26 (34%) and Royals were 1-for-20 (5%) with RISP.  The Twins were also patient, drawing 11 walks in three games. Twins pitchers recorded 25 strikeouts (8.3/game) over the series with game totals being 11, five and nine.  This wasn't the cleanest game for the Twins, but it was a stark contrast to the close pitchers duels we saw the first two games. The Twins escaped with a win and ended up 3-0 to start the season. Ryan and Gallo carried the team today as they embark on a road trip to Miami. Your first place Minnesota Twins take on the Miami Marlins tomorrow with Tyler Mahle making his 2023 debut against Johnny Cueto. 
 

Since 1961 the Twins have had some huge Home Runs hit against them (looking at you Didi Gregorious and Tom Lawless), but they've also hit their fair share of big ones. Most have come in the World Series, but two in particular in my mind, have been huge regular-season home runs. Below, I outline all of them and the reasons why I ranked them where I did. If you have any comments, please let me know below!
• 6. Brian Dozier--July 10, 2015 vs Tigers
The Twins came into this game 42-40 and were set up for a mid-July battle with the division rival Tigers. The Twins trailed six to one going into the bottom of the ninth, then the Twins bats came alive off Tigers closer Joakim Soria. After a two-run single by Danny Santana brought the Twins back to within a run at six to five, Brian Dozier stepped up and cranked the first pitch, with two runners on, into the LF bleachers for the win. The win, erased a 6-0 Tigers lead in the 8th inning, to this writer, is the most dramatic walkoff HR ( second biggest regular season HR in Twins history), in Target Field history. Listen to Dick Bremers call on this if you haven't, I can listen to it over and over. 
https://youtu.be/5denizzi9yg 
• 5. Jacque Jones--April,1, 2002 vs Royals
After an entire off-season of contraction rumors from MLB, Bud Selig, and many news media outlets, Jacque Jones took the 2nd pitch of the season from Jeff Suppan and deposited it over the fence. Statement made. The Twins were here to stay, and it was a perfect way to kickoff what would be a special, but heartbreaking, season for the Twins and their fans. This HR, by extension the season, showed everyone nationally that the Twins deserved to be in MN, in MLB and weren't going to roll over and move to NC. Still one of my favorite HRs. It makes this list due to the statement it made after an off season of controversy and an unknown future. 
https://www.mlb.com/video/jones-goes-deep-twice-in-opener?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
• 4. A.J. Pierzynski--October 6, 2002 vs A's
The Twins were tied with the A's at two games each with a deciding game five, to determine who faced the Angels in the ALCS. With flamethrower Billy Koch on the mound, AJ Pierzynski stepped up and took the first pitch he saw over the RF fence to give the Twins a 4-1 lead. (Ortiz later homered to extend it to five to one). This wasn't the game-winner, but it was the most important as it extended the lead and gave the Twins the ability to win the game in the ninth, even if they gave up runs (which they did). It's the HR that's become synonymous with that series, and in my view, is the 4th most important one in Twins history, given the situation, and who it came off of. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5denizzi9yg 
• 3. Dan Gladden--October 17th, 1987 vs Cards
One of the most iconic HRs in Twins history is also one of the most important. The Twins, in their second WS in franchise history, had the Dome field advance. The crowd of 55,171 were waiving Homer hankies and waiting for something to cheer about, in the fifth inning, (newest) Twins HOFer Dan Gladden gave them just that. He deposited the second pitch from right-hander Bob Forsch over the LF fence into the bleachers. This lands at number three on the list because it took place in a WS game, it was Game one and for all intents and purposes, sealed the win for the Twins. It's one of the biggest and most iconic HRs in Twins history, but it's not even the most important one from this series by a Twin, what are the two above it? 
https://youtu.be/G3vPnlkBrog
• 2. Don Baylor,Kent Hrbek--October 24th, 1987.
This is kind of a cheat to add two guys to this spot, but honestly, they both deserve it, given the circumstances. With the Twins down five to two going into the bottom of the fifth, they scored a run on a Gaetti rbi, and then Don Baylor came up with the Twins down 5-3, and promptly hit a two-run home run off lefty John Tudor to tie the game at five. The Twins scored again that inning and made it six to five. In the sixth, Hrbek hit a GS to centerfield to give the Twins a 10-5 lead at the time. The Twins don't win this game, and therefore the series, without either of these two gigantic home runs, in the most clutch spots, with their season on the line. These land at two on the list because when I asked TK once at Twinsfest where ranked these he replied "behind Kirby, in front of everyone else". That was good enough for me!
https://youtu.be/r6tPmCoVVNI
https://youtu.be/bGqlEL54hr8
• Kirby Puckett--October 26,1991 vs Braves
What else was it going to be? In the 11th inning, after telling Chili Davis he was thinking about bunting, to which Davis replied "bunt my a**", Kirby took a Charlie Leibrandt changeup on the outer half of the plate, into the LF bleachers, sending all 55,155 Twins fans into exuberant cheers, and giving the Twins new life in the series, after getting absolutely destroyed in ATL and coming back to MN down three games to two. It wasn't just that it was an extra-inning game. It was just that it was the World Series. It wasn't just that the Twins won the WS the next day, this comes in at number one because...it was Kirby. The best player, a fan favorite and a player that I, and many many other fans in the Twins Cities and all around Twins Territory idolized, just hit the biggest HR in team history. In the eyes of this (at the time 7-year-old)fan, it made Kirby something even more than a player, and almost larger than life. There wasn't anything he couldn't do on the field, this proved it. This was also the moment that I became a Twins fan and is the one lasting memories from my childhood that I will never forget. That day, Kirby went from a man to something more. A hero in all Twins fans eyes, it is also the day my love affair and undying fandom (and a lifetime of heartbreak, apparently) began.
https://youtu.be/Dig7fkSg6EY
 

2-0. That's been the theme of the 2023 season so far, for the 2023 Twins. Two days after defeating the Royals 2-0 behind two runs in the 6th inning, and some very timely infield defense, the Twins managed to scrape across runs and turn it over to the bullpen. Sound familiar?

Here is my 6-4-3 on Saturday's 2-0 victory. Six things or players who stuck out to me, during today's game. Four things I really liked to see, and updates on three former Twins who had a good day!

• Byron Buxton remains hot at the plate. Buxton doubled to left in the first, a hustle double that resulted in Twins fans collectively holding their breath after he had the wind knocked out of him and was slow getting up. After a walk by Larnach, Jose Miranda singled to center to score Buxton. In the sixth, Buxton singled to right, and advanced to second on a passed ball by Perez, Miranda grounded into a fielders choice, advancing Buxton to third, he scored on a shallow sac fly which was made possible by a great piece of base running by Miranda who faked like he was going to tag, which caused the ball to be cut off, rather than have a play at the plate. Through two games as DH, Buxton is slashing .444/.444/.778. I love to see him pulling the ball, taking extra bases, being aggressive on the base paths and you've seen what the results are through the first two games.
• Christian Vazquez collected two more hits today and is batting .571 on the season. After calling an outstanding game two days ago with Lopez, and having seen Gray struggle after a seven-pitch first inning, Vazquez hasn't had any issues at the plate. Given he's in a timeshare with Jeffers, I have to think we will see Jeffers tomorrow in the series finale, as the Twins try to remain unbeaten. Having that veteran bat in the catcher position, usually a weak spot on offense, has been a pleasant surprise so far through two games.
• Sonny Gray-- Gray wasn't as sharp as he normally has been, issuing four walks in five innings. He's been trying a two-seam fastball and Morneau on the broadcast said he's trying to get a feel for it and see where he can be effective. Three of those four walks were in the third inning, yet he was able to hold the Royals off the scoreboard. Gray had his defense help him in the fourth with two guys on and one out. He got Nicky Lopez to ground into an inning-ending double play. He got the win but wasn't as sharp as he has been. His final line was (W-1) 5IP, 3H,0R,4BB, and 1K on 81 pitches, just 53 strikes.
• Twins bullpen-- For the second game in a row, the Twins bullpen pitched outstanding and was the highlight of the game. After Gray threw his five innings, the Twins bullpen consisted of Alcala, Jax, Thielbar, and J. Lopez. The bullpen pitched well and gave up just one hit and struck out four combined. Alcala, Jax, and Thielbar all recorded a hold, while Jorge Lopez recorded his first save of the 2023 season.
• Twins infield defense-- Once again, the infield defense, save for a Miranda error early in the game, was spectacular, showing range of motion, quick releases, and an awareness of the situation(which the Twins haven't had in recent years on defense) this was a welcome sight. They were aided again by two HUGE double plays by Lopez in the fourth and Isabel in the sixth, both of which ended any hopes of KC scoring. If the infield defense continues to generate double plays at this rate, (four in the first two games; and in BIG situations to get out of potentially dangerous innings) it will be another boost to the pitching staff.
• Strike rate of 49%. The Twins pitchers combined, continued to throw strikes, with the exception of Gray, whose command was hit and miss all day, the Twins threw 86 of 132 pitches overall for strikes and 20/35 (57.1%) first pitch strikes. The bullpen threw 34/49 pitches for strikes, a whopping 69.3%. Not issuing free passes and managing to get double plays, will continue to be crucial for the Twins bullpen as we get deeper in the season.

4 Things I really liked seeing

• Timely hitting--More clutch hits in the middle to later parts of the game, getting insurance runs for the Twins.
• Aggressive baserunning-- Buxton turned a single into a double, and later scored today and was also aggressive on opening day. The Twins being able and willing to be aggressive and take chances on the bases has paid off so far and gotten them extra runs.
• Continued to get out of jams-- The Twins have gotten out of two potential jams per game, via ground ball double plays. These have been huge for them as it's really handcuffed the Royals to a few extra-base hits and no real threats after.
• Bullpen success-- Through two games, the Twins bullpen has pitched 7.1, 1H,0R, 2BB, 4K. They've entered in the middle of the game both days and have been lights out after that. Given last season's struggles, this has been the brightest spot so far in the 2023 season so far, in my view.
3 Former Twins who had a good day:

• Mitch Garver-- The former Twins catcher hit a pair of 3R HRs today in a 16-3 win over the Phillies. He was two for four with 3R scored, 2HR, 6 RBIs and is hitting .500 in this young season.
• Josh Donaldson- Hit his first HR of the season in a 7-5 loss to the Giants. That was his only hit,
• Gio Urshela-- He was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI in a 13-1 routing of the Athletics.

The Twins have looked good so far and have yet to allow a run on the season, Gray wasn't as sharp as Lopez was, but he made enough pitches to get himself out of jams and keep his team in the game. The Twins will go for a series sweep tomorrow with Joe Ryan on the mound.

Since 1961 the Twins have had some huge Home Runs hit against them (looking at you Didi Gregorious and Tom Lawless), but they've also hit their fair share of big ones. Most have come in the World Series, but two in particular in my mind, have been huge regular-season home runs. Below, I outline all of them and the reasons why I ranked them where I did. If you have any comments, please let me know below!
• 6. Brian Dozier--July 10, 2015 vs Tigers
The Twins came into this game 42-40 and were set up for a mid-July battle with the division rival Tigers. The Twins trailed six to one going into the bottom of the ninth, then the Twins bats came alive off Tigers closer Joakim Soria. After a two-run single by Danny Santana brought the Twins back to within a run at six to five, Brian Dozier stepped up and cranked the first pitch, with two runners on, into the LF bleachers for the win. The win, erased a 6-0 Tigers lead in the 8th inning, to this writer, is the most dramatic walkoff HR ( second biggest regular season HR in Twins history), in Target Field history. Listen to Dick Bremers call on this if you haven't, I can listen to it over and over. 
https://youtu.be/5denizzi9yg 
• 5. Jacque Jones--April,1, 2002 vs Royals
After an entire off-season of contraction rumors from MLB, Bud Selig, and many news media outlets, Jacque Jones took the 2nd pitch of the season from Jeff Suppan and deposited it over the fence. Statement made. The Twins were here to stay, and it was a perfect way to kickoff what would be a special, but heartbreaking, season for the Twins and their fans. This HR, by extension the season, showed everyone nationally that the Twins deserved to be in MN, in MLB and weren't going to roll over and move to NC. Still one of my favorite HRs. It makes this list due to the statement it made after an off season of controversy and an unknown future. 
https://www.mlb.com/video/jones-goes-deep-twice-in-opener?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
• 4. A.J. Pierzynski--October 6, 2002 vs A's
The Twins were tied with the A's at two games each with a deciding game five, to determine who faced the Angels in the ALCS. With flamethrower Billy Koch on the mound, AJ Pierzynski stepped up and took the first pitch he saw over the RF fence to give the Twins a 4-1 lead. (Ortiz later homered to extend it to five to one). This wasn't the game-winner, but it was the most important as it extended the lead and gave the Twins the ability to win the game in the ninth, even if they gave up runs (which they did). It's the HR that's become synonymous with that series, and in my view, is the 4th most important one in Twins history, given the situation, and who it came off of. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5denizzi9yg 
• 3. Dan Gladden--October 17th, 1987 vs Cards
One of the most iconic HRs in Twins history is also one of the most important. The Twins, in their second WS in franchise history, had the Dome field advance. The crowd of 55,171 were waiving Homer hankies and waiting for something to cheer about, in the fifth inning, (newest) Twins HOFer Dan Gladden gave them just that. He deposited the second pitch from right-hander Bob Forsch over the LF fence into the bleachers. This lands at number three on the list because it took place in a WS game, it was Game one and for all intents and purposes, sealed the win for the Twins. It's one of the biggest and most iconic HRs in Twins history, but it's not even the most important one from this series by a Twin, what are the two above it? 
https://youtu.be/G3vPnlkBrog
• 2. Don Baylor,Kent Hrbek--October 24th, 1987.
This is kind of a cheat to add two guys to this spot, but honestly, they both deserve it, given the circumstances. With the Twins down five to two going into the bottom of the fifth, they scored a run on a Gaetti rbi, and then Don Baylor came up with the Twins down 5-3, and promptly hit a two-run home run off lefty John Tudor to tie the game at five. The Twins scored again that inning and made it six to five. In the sixth, Hrbek hit a GS to centerfield to give the Twins a 10-5 lead at the time. The Twins don't win this game, and therefore the series, without either of these two gigantic home runs, in the most clutch spots, with their season on the line. These land at two on the list because when I asked TK once at Twinsfest where ranked these he replied "behind Kirby, in front of everyone else". That was good enough for me!
https://youtu.be/r6tPmCoVVNI
https://youtu.be/bGqlEL54hr8
• Kirby Puckett--October 26,1991 vs Braves
What else was it going to be? In the 11th inning, after telling Chili Davis he was thinking about bunting, to which Davis replied "bunt my a**", Kirby took a Charlie Leibrandt changeup on the outer half of the plate, into the LF bleachers, sending all 55,155 Twins fans into exuberant cheers, and giving the Twins new life in the series, after getting absolutely destroyed in ATL and coming back to MN down three games to two. It wasn't just that it was an extra-inning game. It was just that it was the World Series. It wasn't just that the Twins won the WS the next day, this comes in at number one because...it was Kirby. The best player, a fan favorite and a player that I, and many many other fans in the Twins Cities and all around Twins Territory idolized, just hit the biggest HR in team history. In the eyes of this (at the time 7-year-old)fan, it made Kirby something even more than a player, and almost larger than life. There wasn't anything he couldn't do on the field, this proved it. This was also the moment that I became a Twins fan and is the one lasting memories from my childhood that I will never forget. That day, Kirby went from a man to something more. A hero in all Twins fans eyes, it is also the day my love affair and undying fandom (and a lifetime of heartbreak, apparently) began.
https://youtu.be/Dig7fkSg6EY
 

https://www.mlb.com/twins/video/lopez-on-starting-opening-day?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
The new rules regarding larger bases, pitch clocks, and banned shifts didn't seem to bother the Twins on Opening Day. Baldelli's bunch pieced together a sparkling 2-0 win behind 5.1 very solid innings by off-season trade acquisition Pablo Lopez. (Although he wasn't the only Lopez who pitched well).

The Twins didn't hit any home runs, they didn't resemble the 2019 Bomba Squad. But they did resemble a team built with depth and bench players who can give you quality, MLB level at bats, and not give them away.

I will be highlighting my 6-4-3 below, what is it? 6 things or players who stuck out to me during today's game, 4 things I really liked seeing, and updates on 3 former Twins, who have had a pretty good Opening Day!

So sit back, read your 2023 Media Guide (or Twins handbooks from previous years), pour yourself a drink in your Twins Winter Meltdown glass, and enjoy:
6 Things or Players who really stood out to me:
Pablo Lopez-- It always starts with your starter. When you get a good strong quality start (or better!), you keep your team in the game, and especially on Opening Day, you give your team a chance to get you runs and win, and that's what he did. His line was pretty stellar: 5.1 IP, 2H, 3BB, 8Ks. In a sentence: Pablo shoved. He was in control all day, and when he did get into a jam I'm the 5th, he managed to stay calm and induce your standard 3-2-4 double play. Byron Buxton-- What can I say about this guy that hasn't been said? He is the engine that makes this team go. You saw it when they needed a spark and he hit an oppo triple to RCF that the KC CF missed and Buxton made third (He later scored on the very next AB on a single up the middle by Larnach, but more on that later). He really makes this lineup longer and better, even as the DH. He was 2-4 today with a single in the 1st and a triple and run scored in the 6th. His run scored put the Twins ahead 1-0, and was the first run scored of the season. More of this all year please! Trevor Larnach-- Larnach had maybe the best day of any Twins hitter, as an oft injured player with a very high ceiling, 2023 was seen as a crucial season for him, some even saying a make or break. He drove in Buxton with a single (up the middle, which is great to see him taking the ball back up the middle) giving the Twins a 1-0 lead. After a Buck Farmer walk gave the Twins runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, newly acquired Donovan Solano came up a single to RF to score Larnach and give the Twins, and Lopez all the insurance and runs they'd need. 2-0. Very encouraging start for Larnach as 2023 is an important season for him and he remains a HUGE bat for the Twins if he stays healthy. Twins infield defense. They got two HUGE Double Plays, both off the bat of MJ Melendez, at important times. None more so than the beautiful Gallo to Vasquez to Gordon, 3-2-4 Double Play to get the Twins and Pablo off the field, and out of trouble, after the Royals had mounted their only threat of the day. If the Twins infield defense, led by Correa, can continue to be solid, reducing errors, mental mistakes and taking advantage of ground balls hit at them(and producing 2 puts from them), that is a HUGE benefit for Twins pitchers this season. It will be something to monitor as the season progresses. Twins Bench-- After Farmer and Solano (combined 2-3 with a walk and RBI) replaced Nick Gordon and Joey Gallo (combined 0-4 with a K) at the plate, the Twins scored their two runs, one coming off the previously mentioned single from Solano. This is the kind of bench depth the Twins have lacked in past years, real, quality depth. Guys who give you good, smart, MLB ABs and don't get overwhelmed by the moment. (See not Jake Cave, Gilberto Celestino, etc, the last few years). If the Twins bench can continue to produce like they did, next man up, so to speak, that will be a big advantage for the Twins, and for Rocco, especially in late inning games when he's going based on match ups. Twins Bullpen-- Just because they're last on the list doesn't mean they're last in my heart. The Twins bullpen was one word today: outstanding! After Thielbar replaced Pablo Lopez in the 6th inning with 1 out, the bullpen went 3.2 hitless innings. That's right, no hits allowed by the pen. They struck out 2. It seemed like whoever Rocco brought in was always in control, and the Twins minimized any damage. This was, to me, the best part of the game today, especially given the issues the bullpen faced last year. The 3.2 innings were thrown between Thielbar, Lopez Jax, and Duran. All of them, except Duran, getting a Hold, while Duran recorded his first save of the 2023 season. 4 things I really liked seeing:
Offense never gave up. They were mostly shut out for the first five innings by Grienke, but the bats came alive in the 6th and produced 2 runs without a home run. One of them by a non starter (Solano). Good to see. Quality start by Lopez in his Twins debut, 5.1 IP 2 H, 3 BB, 8 Ks. Not much to say that I didn't say earlier. Today was his day. Buxton kickstarting the offensive scoring with an opposite field triple. He's such a difference maker for this team. Let's hope he stays healthy. Rocco's decisions, I liked his call to pull Lopez at 81 pitches and turn the game over to the bullpen, especially given how good they were (and can be) against a lowly KC team. He also made the right call to pull Gordon and Gallo for Farmer and Solano, which ended up securing the Twins an insurance run! 3 former Twins who had a good day on Opening Day:
Robbie Grossman (the human OBP machine) hit a big 3R HR in the Rangers game to tie it at 5, and help them later to secure the win after a very shaky start by DeGrom. Spencer Steer-- Former Twins prospect Spencer Steer hit a HR on Opening Day for the Reds, it was his 3rd career big league Home Run. Congratulations, Spencer. Luis Arraez, in his first AB as a Marlin, he roped a single down the LF line in typical Arreaz form. He later had a run producing 2B and finished 2-4 as the Marlins fell to the Mets 5-3. This was a great win for the Twins, a team win. One of the few wins in the last 3 years where I never really felt the Royals were going to make a run or tie the game, or where the Twins would give up the lead. They were in cruise control from start to finish. If the Twins continue this style and level of crisp, solid play, throughout the summer, it will be a VERY fun summer at Target Field.
 

https://www.mlb.com/twins/video/lopez-on-starting-opening-day?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
The new rules regarding larger bases, pitch clocks, and banned shifts didn't seem to bother the Twins on Opening Day. Baldelli's bunch pieced together a sparkling 2-0 win behind 5.1 very solid innings by off-season trade acquisition Pablo Lopez. (Although he wasn't the only Lopez who pitched well).

The Twins didn't hit any home runs, they didn't resemble the 2019 Bomba Squad. But they did resemble a team built with depth and bench players who can give you quality, MLB level at bats, and not give them away.

I will be highlighting my 6-4-3 below, what is it? 6 things or players who stuck out to me during today's game, 4 things I really liked seeing, and updates on 3 former Twins, who have had a pretty good Opening Day!

So sit back, read your 2023 Media Guide (or Twins handbooks from previous years), pour yourself a drink in your Twins Winter Meltdown glass, and enjoy:
6 Things or Players who really stood out to me:
Pablo Lopez-- It always starts with your starter. When you get a good strong quality start (or better!), you keep your team in the game, and especially on Opening Day, you give your team a chance to get you runs and win, and that's what he did. His line was pretty stellar: 5.1 IP, 2H, 3BB, 8Ks. In a sentence: Pablo shoved. He was in control all day, and when he did get into a jam I'm the 5th, he managed to stay calm and induce your standard 3-2-4 double play. Byron Buxton-- What can I say about this guy that hasn't been said? He is the engine that makes this team go. You saw it when they needed a spark and he hit an oppo triple to RCF that the KC CF missed and Buxton made third (He later scored on the very next AB on a single up the middle by Larnach, but more on that later). He really makes this lineup longer and better, even as the DH. He was 2-4 today with a single in the 1st and a triple and run scored in the 6th. His run scored put the Twins ahead 1-0, and was the first run scored of the season. More of this all year please! Trevor Larnach-- Larnach had maybe the best day of any Twins hitter, as an oft injured player with a very high ceiling, 2023 was seen as a crucial season for him, some even saying a make or break. He drove in Buxton with a single (up the middle, which is great to see him taking the ball back up the middle) giving the Twins a 1-0 lead. After a Buck Farmer walk gave the Twins runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, newly acquired Donovan Solano came up a single to RF to score Larnach and give the Twins, and Lopez all the insurance and runs they'd need. 2-0. Very encouraging start for Larnach as 2023 is an important season for him and he remains a HUGE bat for the Twins if he stays healthy. Twins infield defense. They got two HUGE Double Plays, both off the bat of MJ Melendez, at important times. None more so than the beautiful Gallo to Vasquez to Gordon, 3-2-4 Double Play to get the Twins and Pablo off the field, and out of trouble, after the Royals had mounted their only threat of the day. If the Twins infield defense, led by Correa, can continue to be solid, reducing errors, mental mistakes and taking advantage of ground balls hit at them(and producing 2 puts from them), that is a HUGE benefit for Twins pitchers this season. It will be something to monitor as the season progresses. Twins Bench-- After Farmer and Solano (combined 2-3 with a walk and RBI) replaced Nick Gordon and Joey Gallo (combined 0-4 with a K) at the plate, the Twins scored their two runs, one coming off the previously mentioned single from Solano. This is the kind of bench depth the Twins have lacked in past years, real, quality depth. Guys who give you good, smart, MLB ABs and don't get overwhelmed by the moment. (See not Jake Cave, Gilberto Celestino, etc, the last few years). If the Twins bench can continue to produce like they did, next man up, so to speak, that will be a big advantage for the Twins, and for Rocco, especially in late inning games when he's going based on match ups. Twins Bullpen-- Just because they're last on the list doesn't mean they're last in my heart. The Twins bullpen was one word today: outstanding! After Thielbar replaced Pablo Lopez in the 6th inning with 1 out, the bullpen went 3.2 hitless innings. That's right, no hits allowed by the pen. They struck out 2. It seemed like whoever Rocco brought in was always in control, and the Twins minimized any damage. This was, to me, the best part of the game today, especially given the issues the bullpen faced last year. The 3.2 innings were thrown between Thielbar, Lopez Jax, and Duran. All of them, except Duran, getting a Hold, while Duran recorded his first save of the 2023 season. 4 things I really liked seeing:
Offense never gave up. They were mostly shut out for the first five innings by Grienke, but the bats came alive in the 6th and produced 2 runs without a home run. One of them by a non starter (Solano). Good to see. Quality start by Lopez in his Twins debut, 5.1 IP 2 H, 3 BB, 8 Ks. Not much to say that I didn't say earlier. Today was his day. Buxton kickstarting the offensive scoring with an opposite field triple. He's such a difference maker for this team. Let's hope he stays healthy. Rocco's decisions, I liked his call to pull Lopez at 81 pitches and turn the game over to the bullpen, especially given how good they were (and can be) against a lowly KC team. He also made the right call to pull Gordon and Gallo for Farmer and Solano, which ended up securing the Twins an insurance run! 3 former Twins who had a good day on Opening Day:
Robbie Grossman (the human OBP machine) hit a big 3R HR in the Rangers game to tie it at 5, and help them later to secure the win after a very shaky start by DeGrom. Spencer Steer-- Former Twins prospect Spencer Steer hit a HR on Opening Day for the Reds, it was his 3rd career big league Home Run. Congratulations, Spencer. Luis Arraez, in his first AB as a Marlin, he roped a single down the LF line in typical Arreaz form. He later had a run producing 2B and finished 2-4 as the Marlins fell to the Mets 5-3. This was a great win for the Twins, a team win. One of the few wins in the last 3 years where I never really felt the Royals were going to make a run or tie the game, or where the Twins would give up the lead. They were in cruise control from start to finish. If the Twins continue this style and level of crisp, solid play, throughout the summer, it will be a VERY fun summer at Target Field.
 

https://www.mlb.com/twins/video/lopez-on-starting-opening-day?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share
The new rules regarding larger bases, pitch clocks, and banned shifts didn't seem to bother the Twins on Opening Day. Baldelli's bunch pieced together a sparkling 2-0 win behind 5.1 very solid innings by off-season trade acquisition Pablo Lopez. (Although he wasn't the only Lopez who pitched well).

The Twins didn't hit any home runs, they didn't resemble the 2019 Bomba Squad. But they did resemble a team built with depth and bench players who can give you quality, MLB level at bats, and not give them away.

I will be highlighting my 6-4-3 below, what is it? 6 things or players who stuck out to me during today's game, 4 things I really liked seeing, and updates on 3 former Twins, who have had a pretty good Opening Day!

So sit back, read your 2023 Media Guide (or Twins handbooks from previous years), pour yourself a drink in your Twins Winter Meltdown glass, and enjoy:
6 Things or Players who really stood out to me:
Pablo Lopez-- It always starts with your starter. When you get a good strong quality start (or better!), you keep your team in the game, and especially on Opening Day, you give your team a chance to get you runs and win, and that's what he did. His line was pretty stellar: 5.1 IP, 2H, 3BB, 8Ks. In a sentence: Pablo shoved. He was in control all day, and when he did get into a jam I'm the 5th, he managed to stay calm and induce your standard 3-2-4 double play. Byron Buxton-- What can I say about this guy that hasn't been said? He is the engine that makes this team go. You saw it when they needed a spark and he hit an oppo triple to RCF that the KC CF missed and Buxton made third (He later scored on the very next AB on a single up the middle by Larnach, but more on that later). He really makes this lineup longer and better, even as the DH. He was 2-4 today with a single in the 1st and a triple and run scored in the 6th. His run scored put the Twins ahead 1-0, and was the first run scored of the season. More of this all year please! Trevor Larnach-- Larnach had maybe the best day of any Twins hitter, as an oft injured player with a very high ceiling, 2023 was seen as a crucial season for him, some even saying a make or break. He drove in Buxton with a single (up the middle, which is great to see him taking the ball back up the middle) giving the Twins a 1-0 lead. After a Buck Farmer walk gave the Twins runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out, newly acquired Donovan Solano came up a single to RF to score Larnach and give the Twins, and Lopez all the insurance and runs they'd need. 2-0. Very encouraging start for Larnach as 2023 is an important season for him and he remains a HUGE bat for the Twins if he stays healthy. Twins infield defense. They got two HUGE Double Plays, both off the bat of MJ Melendez, at important times. None more so than the beautiful Gallo to Vasquez to Gordon, 3-2-4 Double Play to get the Twins and Pablo off the field, and out of trouble, after the Royals had mounted their only threat of the day. If the Twins infield defense, led by Correa, can continue to be solid, reducing errors, mental mistakes and taking advantage of ground balls hit at them(and producing 2 puts from them), that is a HUGE benefit for Twins pitchers this season. It will be something to monitor as the season progresses. Twins Bench-- After Farmer and Solano (combined 2-3 with a walk and RBI) replaced Nick Gordon and Joey Gallo (combined 0-4 with a K) at the plate, the Twins scored their two runs, one coming off the previously mentioned single from Solano. This is the kind of bench depth the Twins have lacked in past years, real, quality depth. Guys who give you good, smart, MLB ABs and don't get overwhelmed by the moment. (See not Jake Cave, Gilberto Celestino, etc, the last few years). If the Twins bench can continue to produce like they did, next man up, so to speak, that will be a big advantage for the Twins, and for Rocco, especially in late inning games when he's going based on match ups. Twins Bullpen-- Just because they're last on the list doesn't mean they're last in my heart. The Twins bullpen was one word today: outstanding! After Thielbar replaced Pablo Lopez in the 6th inning with 1 out, the bullpen went 3.2 hitless innings. That's right, no hits allowed by the pen. They struck out 2. It seemed like whoever Rocco brought in was always in control, and the Twins minimized any damage. This was, to me, the best part of the game today, especially given the issues the bullpen faced last year. The 3.2 innings were thrown between Thielbar, Lopez Jax, and Duran. All of them, except Duran, getting a Hold, while Duran recorded his first save of the 2023 season. 4 things I really liked seeing:
Offense never gave up. They were mostly shut out for the first five innings by Grienke, but the bats came alive in the 6th and produced 2 runs without a home run. One of them by a non starter (Solano). Good to see. Quality start by Lopez in his Twins debut, 5.1 IP 2 H, 3 BB, 8 Ks. Not much to say that I didn't say earlier. Today was his day. Buxton kickstarting the offensive scoring with an opposite field triple. He's such a difference maker for this team. Let's hope he stays healthy. Rocco's decisions, I liked his call to pull Lopez at 81 pitches and turn the game over to the bullpen, especially given how good they were (and can be) against a lowly KC team. He also made the right call to pull Gordon and Gallo for Farmer and Solano, which ended up securing the Twins an insurance run! 3 former Twins who had a good day on Opening Day:
Robbie Grossman (the human OBP machine) hit a big 3R HR in the Rangers game to tie it at 5, and help them later to secure the win after a very shaky start by DeGrom. Spencer Steer-- Former Twins prospect Spencer Steer hit a HR on Opening Day for the Reds, it was his 3rd career big league Home Run. Congratulations, Spencer. Luis Arraez, in his first AB as a Marlin, he roped a single down the LF line in typical Arreaz form. He later had a run producing 2B and finished 2-4 as the Marlins fell to the Mets 5-3. This was a great win for the Twins, a team win. One of the few wins in the last 3 years where I never really felt the Royals were going to make a run or tie the game, or where the Twins would give up the lead. They were in cruise control from start to finish. If the Twins continue this style and level of crisp, solid play, throughout the summer, it will be a VERY fun summer at Target Field.