John Bonnes

She would likely say that's exactly what I deserve. :-)

Aaron and John talk about the Twins' ugly series loss to the Yankees, trade deadline targets big and small, Trevor May moving into a setup role, Byron Buxton being out longer than expected, Johnny Cueto coming to the AL Central, why Danny Santana is getting so much leeway, Yankees-loving girlfriends, Ervin Santana missing the playoffs, and being naked and cold. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/GATG_07262015_final.mp3 Image courtesy of Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports View full article

How the F can Duffey have only given up ONE home run in 123 innings this year?!? That's just nuts. Nineteen starts and one home run? On the one hand, I think that's the very definition of unsustainable, especially because he gave up 17 last year. And it almost certainly a driving force for that 2ish ERA. On the other hand, I just need to see this. Does he throw a medicine ball up there?

Two points about this: 1) About the players: I look at Nottingham and think :"Gonaslves" or "Kepler". That is, they are guys that were down the ladder a bit but have put themselves in the discussion for having a real valuable major league career on the basis of the first half of the year. I suspect that at Houston's discussion boards, when talking about trading prospects, there were plenty of people who listed Nottingham as off-limits because of the excitement around him this year. It is similar to how people might do that for Gonsalves this year for an expiring major league second (or even third, given the market) tier player. Would we be willing to give up Gonsalves for ... I'm trying to come up with the name of the second or third best available player at a position of need that is also going to become a free agent and coming up blank. I don't think we would. So it's not a bad trade for Beane from that standpoint. 2) About the market: And I also think Beane might be looking at the starting pitching market and wondering just how much the bottom might fall out if he waited any longer. There are a ton of really good pitchers that could be available; is Kazmir even in the top five that will be traded? Barely, right? And if Beane waited for the better pitchers to be moved, would there have been anyone left to take home as the bar started flicking the lights?

Well, I don't think it is because they were showcasing anyone for a trade. I thought it was because they thought he was essentially the best person to help shore up the bullpen. At first, I thought Molitor was easing him in slowly, but now I wonder what is going on, too. Here's the thing: May is a thoughtful guy. As such, he's also seemingly very "team first" but this also seems like the sort of thing that could mess with his mind a bit. I'd much rather he be starting regularly, or being relied upon in big situations. He seems like the kind of guy that is going to drive himself a little crazy if he isn't getting some significant responsibility.

Aaron and John get together for a midweek, podcast-only episode to talk about the Twins lusting after Troy Tulowitzki, the ups and downs of midseason trades since 2000, making your face look good with Harry's razors, which prospects have the potential to make everyone sad, misremembering Doug Mientkiewicz, having beer on the rooftop patio at LynLake Brewery, and mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Episode_205_Troy_Tulowitzki_Mayor_of_Speculation_City.mp3 Image courtesy of Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins' rough start to the second half, Miguel Sano's ankle injury, Glen Perkins' imperfection, potential trade deadline targets, the appeal of fixing from within, where to bat Brian Dozier in the lineup, what to do with a struggling Kurt Suzuki, television ratings, and being confident in not collapsing. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/GATG_07192015_final.mp3 Image courtesy of Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports View full article

Hi guys, Got this today: updated odds for the various teams to win the World Series. The Twins odds have gone up (since the beginning of the month) and so have the Royals. Tigers chances fell from 6% to 4%. The first column is their odds on 7/1. The second is their current odds. Odds on 7/1/15 Current Odds Kansas City Royals 8/1 6/1 St. Louis Cardinals 7/1 8/1 Washington Nationals 7/1 8/1 Los Angeles Dodgers 8/1 17/2 Pittsburgh Pirates 14/1 10/1 Chicago Cubs 16/1 14/1 Los Angeles Angels 25/1 14/1 San Francisco Giants 10/1 14/1 Houston Astros 16/1 16/1 New York Yankees 20/1 16/1 Baltimore Orioles 20/1 25/1 Boston Red Sox 28/1 25/1 Detroit Tigers 16/1 25/1 Minnesota Twins 33/1 25/1 Toronto Blue Jays 20/1 25/1 New York Mets 25/1 33/1 Tampa Bay Rays 25/1 33/1 Texas Rangers 25/1 33/1 Cleveland Indians 33/1 40/1 Chicago White Sox 66/1 50/1 Oakland Athletics 50/1 50/1 San Diego Padres 40/1 50/1 Seattle Mariners 50/1 50/1 Atlanta Braves 75/1 75/1 Arizona Diamondbacks 150/1 100/1 Cincinnati Reds 150/1 150/1 Miami Marlins 150/1 150/1 Colorado Rockies 200/1 300/1 Milwaukee Brewers 1000/1 500/1 Philadelphia Phillies 1000/1 1000/1

Another St. Paul Saints home stand, another couple of series victories for the home team. It's almost becoming repetitive to talk about how good this team is - almost. At 36-10, following five victories out of seven games to start July at CHS Field, the boys are starting to boarder on ridiculousness - if they haven't passed that threshold already. The first three games of the home stand were played against the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks starting Friday, July 3rd. The Saints won two of three using great starting pitching performances to take the first and last games of the series, extending their winning streak to thirteen straight series to start the year. In the first game, Kramer Sneed went 7.2 innings allowing only two runs while striking out six in route to a 4-2 victory. Two days later Pedro Hernandez sung , leading the Saints to a 3-2 victory by tossing 8.2 innings allowing two runs and mowing down nine Redhawks.Ben Szeremeta writes about the Saints regularly at SaintsTrain.com The second half of the homestand saw the Ottawa Champions visit St. Paul for the first time to play a four game set. Once again the Saints won the series taking three of the four games. Fourteen series victories in row! This time it was the Saints offense that carried the team to victory. In the first game Alonzo Harris put on a show going 4-6 with two runs scored, four RBI, and a home run. In the final two wins Angelo Songco put the team on his back going a combined 6-7 with four runs, two doubles, two RBI, and a go ahead two run blast in Wednesday's 5-3 win. The bomb to right was Songco's 100th career professional home run. Congrats Angelo! My MVP for the series is the entire Saints team. I know this sounds like a cop out to pick the whole team. But really, with the way they played there is no way to pick one MVP and feel good about everyone you left out. During the home stand there was outstanding starting pitching, shutdown bullpen work, and big time clutch hitting from a number of different players. Even though I now need to invest in a bigger home stand MVP trophy to fit all the names on it. It's a team game and the team won. I feel good about it. On the entertainment side of the ball the week long home stand had plenty of fun to satisfy everyone. Back-to-back firework shows started the weekend. The first night being the Saints regular Friday night show, and the second being the City of St. Paul's 4th of July super show. Prior to the big show starting Saturday night, which was late due to an extra inning game, there was a very large crowd gathering outside the ballpark to get a seat for the festivities. It was amazing to see so many people on the streets awaiting the start. Once they did get going they did not disappoint any of the almost 10,000 people in the park or the estimated 3,000 more outside. Back to the Future's 30th Anniversary night brought us some of the best in between inning entertainment ever. The Saints staged a three-part Kinky Spin the Bottle contest that followed the story of the movie. It was a hilarious way to pay homage to a classic. From Biff picking on George, to Marty seeing siblings disappear from his picture, and finally George decking Biff and kissing his wife to restore the picture. It was great. For us, the fun at the ballpark was everywhere this time around. Literally, everywhere. We started off in the Saints picnic area Friday at the Twins Daily BFF party, and then watched fireworks from the "Crowley Perch", an open area next to the suites where Saints organist Andrew Crowley plays. We also tok pictures from the photographer corner in the visitors’ dugout during a game and then we even sat in our seats for three-quarters of a game. Once again it was a great time at the ballpark watching our favorite team continue to win, and our favorite entertainers continue to make us laugh and smile. The Saints immediately left CHS field to start their next road trip the following night in Winnipeg. The Goldeyes proved to be a worthy foe in the four game series, halting the Saints fourteen series winning streak by splitting the games two apiece. Even with the split the Saints still have not lost a series all season. Again, they have not lost a series through the entire first half of the season. As of Tuesday, July 14th the Saints have a 16 game lead over Sioux Falls in the North Division. They also own the best record in the league at 38-12(!) Next up on the team's travels is a stop in Sioux Falls. The Saints and Canaries are set to play four games starting Wednesday the 15th. Let's start another series winning streak and get the division lead up to 20 guys! The boys of summer return to Lowertown this weekend, July 19th, to start a long Sunday to Sunday eight game home stand. The Winnipeg Goldeyes and Lincoln Saltdogs both visit CHS Field for four games each. Mid-July is one of our favorite times of the year. This is because our friends that live in Mexico come to town for a couple weeks. And of course, we always go to a Saints game. Last year their two boys were even able to run in an in between inning race. I can't wait to see what fun we all get into this year. Go Saints!!! TRAIN! Image courtesy of Szer Design View full article

Aaron and John review the Detroit Tigers series and breakdown the Twins remarkable first half of the season. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Episode_203_Half_Way_Home.mp3 View full article

If Mays is demoted to AAA to keep him strong as a starter, I'm going to lose my S. There are a few areas that are completely baffling to me: SS is one and the bullpen is the other. I'm hoping - against any rational expectations of what I've seen so far - that May comes in and settles roles in the bullpen by gradually taking over an 8th inning setup role. That is probably pie-in-sky given the comments above, but for the Twins to hedge bets on weak options while seemingly it's "all hands on deck" everywhere else is going to drive me crazy.

I'll add this: if this team is playing meaningful games in September - and I think that is very probable at this point - I'm going to be beside myself with joy. Lord, could this be a fun late summer and fall. And I don't want anything more that that. I mean it. Give me one random September weekday night where The Voice Of Reason and I feel like we NEED to go to a bar to watch the game with a community and have great passionate baseball conversations with strangers, and this year = "Success". I think we're two months from this. I can hardly wait.

As I right this, the Twins are one game away from the All-Star break. They have faced the two teams closest to them in the Wild Card race and swept one (BLT) and took two of three against the other (DET) including a win that I would describe as magical. We've had three months of suprise results to help us forget four years of losing. We've seen them throw one giant monkey - er, tiger - off their back. We've seen a prospect come up and look instanty comfortable in the cleanup spot. We've added a $55 milion pitcher in the last week. And even in some of their weaker areas (SS and CF) we are seeing signs of life. They are seven games over .500. They are three game clear of the nearest Wild Card team. They are trending upward. They have lots of trade chips, and seemingly the will to use them. So, do you believe yet? Give me up to three answers: 1) How many wins will they end with? 2) Will they make the playoffs (even if it's only as a Wild Card)? 3) Why do you say that? I'll go.... 1) 88 wins (64 losses) 2) Yes, as a Wild Card, but it won't matter because theyll win the Wild Card game 3) The veterans bought enough time for some of the young guys in the lineup (and rotation) to find their way. We'll remember this as 2002, not 2001.

This looks like the most compelling home series the Twins have played in five years. Is it the worst possible time to play the Tigers, or the best? On the one hand, the Tigers offense is clicking, they’ve won four of their last five series, and they’re 7-2 already this season versus Twins, the team they need to catch if they want to return to the postseason. On the other hand, the Tigers are barely above .500, they just lost their star player, their pitching has been abysmal, and a losing series (or, god forbid, a sweep) could make them re-evaluate their status at the trade deadline. The Tigers' road to their fifth straight divisional Central Division championship has been bumpy. After averaging 92 wins per year for the last four years, the Tigers have been struggling to clear .500. Their offense has been their savior; ranking third in the American League in runs scored. However, a lot of that was fueled by Miguel Cabrera and his 1.034 OPS, and he’s not going to be around for this series – or for this month. Cabrera has a Grade 3 calf strain and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, meaning the Tigers won’t have him back until mid-August, two weeks after the trade deadline. However, his absence hasn’t significantly slowed down the potent Tigers lineup. In the five games he’s been out, they’ve still averaged more than seven runs per game. Manager Brad Ausmus can still write high-powered names in the lineup, like J.D. Martinez (24 HR), Yoenis Cespedes (800+ OPS) and Viktor Martinez, who has a 1.111 OPS since Cabrera was put on the disabled list. The Tigers enter today’s game 2.5 games behind the Twins, meaning a series win would put them right back in the mix for the Wild Card race. On the other hand, a series loss would put them back down to .500 and 4.5 games back. If they fall much further, the Tigers are going to need to make a tough decision. That’s because a few of their best players - starting pitcher David Price, closer Joakim Soria, and Cespedes - will become free agents at the end of the year. As General Manager Dave Dombrowski found out this summer with Max Scherzer, losing players like that for nothing can really hurt the future of a team. He’ll need to at least entertain the idea of swapping those players for players that can help them in 2016, when perhaps pitcher Justin Verlander (6.75 ERA) returns to form and Cabrera is again healthy. For those reasons, it’s hard to know for which team this is a bigger series. But make no mistake – it’s big. Let’s look at the pitching matchups. Thursday – 7:10 – David Price (8-2, 2.54) vs Mike Pelfrey (5-5, 3.94) Mike Pelfrey might be looking forward to a restful All-Star break more than most; he’s had three bad starts of his last five. Price, meanwhile, has a 1.90 ERA since June 1. The Tigers have a great opportunity to reassert their season-long dominance in the first game of this series. Friday – 7:10 – Justin Verlander (0-2, 6.75) vs Ervin Santana (0-0, 2.25) Both teams’ destinies are tied closely to these two starters who have been out most of the season. Verlander missed time with a triceps strain and had been inconsistent in his four starts since. Santana faced an 80-game suspension for PED use but was dominant in his first start last Sunday. Saturday – 3:05 – TBA, but probably Alfredo Simon (8-5, 4.18) vs. Phil Hughes (7-6, 4.19) Those stats couldn’t be much closer for these two, but the expectations couldn’t be much further apart. Hughes is supposed to be the Twins workhorse, and has been with 111.2 IP, but a slow start and WAY too many home runs have hurt his overall numbers. Simon has been hanging on to the Tigers’ back of the rotation for well over a year. Sunday – 1:10 – TBA, but probably Shane Greene (4-6, 5.82 ERA) vs. Kyle Gibson (7-6, 3.04) Greene is in the minors, but looks to be the likely callup. He was in Detroit’s rotation until he was demoted to Toledo in the beginning of June. Gibson has looked increasingly dominant each month of the season; his K/9 rate by month: April – 2.4, May – 5.4, June – 8.2, July – 9.0. Image courtesy of Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins calling up Miguel Sano for his MLB debut, Ervin Santana joining the rotation after an 80-game suspension, demoting Trevor May to the bullpen instead of Mike Pelfrey or Tommy Milone, reviewing the St. Paul Saints' new ballpark, Alex Meyer's quick return to Triple-A, Jose Berrios and Jorge Polanco moving one step closer, and why singing on a podcast is generally a bad idea. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click the Play button below. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/GATG_07052015_final.mp3 View full article

Twins Daily's "Saints and BFFs (Baseball, Food, & Fireworks)" July 3rd event was an enormously good time. Most of the 140+ guests showed up right about the time the ballpark opened at 5:30. We made our way through the brand new ballpark to a picnic area in left field for a buffet of hot dogs, brats, burgers, potato salad, dessert, etc hosted by the Saints and "Bill Murray" (who you can see posing with various MinnCentric writers below). After walking around the new ballpark with its unique architecture, most headed to the reserved seats. There was a lot of visiting, especially behind our section as there was a pretty consistent caravan between the Twins Daily seats and the craft beer area just a couple of sections away. The Saints won and nearly immediately afterwards was the impressive fireworks display. Thank you everyone for coming to the event. And if you didn't make it, don't give up hope. We may have another Saints event later this season. Here are a few more pictures: Image courtesy of Szer Design View full article

The third home stand of the year at beautiful CHS Field started on Friday, June 19th as the top two teams from the Central Division visited St. Paul. The Gary SouthShore Railcats (2nd) and Sioux City Explorers (1st) both came to town for three games apiece. Like they have all year, the Saints continue to win series after series. Using great pitching and their explosive offense the home team took two of three from each visitor, making the Saints ten for ten in series victories this season. No words needed. Just enjoy the ride. Using both sides of the ball the Saints won two games against the Railcats by a combined score of 24-5. Pedro Hernandez and Dustin Crenshaw both tossed seven innings, allowing only three total runs. Mike Kvasnicka and Joey Paciorek hit back to back jacks in the fifth inning of Sunday's game to fuel the Saints love for runs. Ben Szeremeta writes about the Saints regularly at SaintsTrain.comAlong with three close, hard fought games between the league’s top two teams. CHS Field also saw a first in the Saints series against the Explorers: a coach was ejected from a game. Tuesday night Steve Montgomery, the manager from Sioux City, was given the boot for arguing balls and strikes, among other things. He was, let's say, a very animated manager and third base coach. My MVP for the home stand is Vinny DiFazio. Before I show you how good Vinny was at CHS Field this time around, keep in mind that these stats are for only the last six home games: .458 avg, 9 R, 11 RBIs, 2B, 3 BBs, and 3 HRs. Wow. The highlight was a clutch two-run bomb to break a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s win. He also recorded an RBI in nine straight games (June 10th-June 20th), a personal best. In addition to my MVP of the home stand honor Vinny also won the PointsStreak American Association Player of the Week (June 15th-21st) and the Rawlings American Association Player of the Month (June). He enters the month of July as the only player batting over .400 in the entire league. Keep it going Vinny! The week’s fun was highlighted by Saturday's 'Merica night. Where Ushertainers and employees dressed in their best USA or redneck outfits and everyone in attendance was encouraged to drink cheap beer and start watching NASCAR. The night even included a "best beer belly" contest. Again, no words needed. Prior to the game the Saints had the Budweiser Clydesdales lead a parade around the warning track. Before they went into the field we were able to see them up close. By luck their trailer was parked next to the tailgating lot where we just happened to be (imagine that). If you ever have the chance to see them in person, do it. It is incredible how big and majestic they are up close. This night also reminded us why we love the Saints Entertainment Team so much. When a game goes to extra innings there are no planned promotions remaining. This always leads to some of the best improvised and goofy moments of the night. Following Wednesday's day game the Saints started out on their next road trip. This time they visited the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks (June 25th-June 28th), winning three of four. Then off to the Lincoln Saltdogs for three more (June 30th-July 2nd). As of Wednesday night the teams had split the first two games, making the Saints 30-8 on the year. Come on boys - bring it home Thursday! Keep the series winning streak going! The Saints return home on Friday, July 3rd. They begin a seven-game home stand with three against the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks and then close it out with four versus the Ottawa Champions. Besides great baseball, the promotion lineup this week in St. Paul is one of the best we've seen in a while. One thing you should not miss is the Saints Fourth of July fireworks super show. It is always one of the best of the year at the ballpark - or anywhere for that matter. This season the show will get a little extra oomph. The oohs and aahs after the game will be for the City of St. Paul's official fireworks show. And, who isn't excited about Coach night and free tube sock giveaway on Wednesday, July 8th? Wonder if anyone will sport the socks and join Coach as he does a push-up for every Saints run scored. Finally, don’t forget that tonight, Twins Daily and other MinnCentric sites will be at the sold out Twins Daily Saints and BFFs (baseball, food, fireworks) Night. If you see one of us, say “Hi.” We love to talk baseball. We’ll see you at the ballpark. Go Saints!!! TRAIN! Image courtesy of Szer Design View full article