John Bonnes

Aaron and John talk about the Twins digging an even bigger hole, Alex Kirilloff's arrival, why the team needs Andrelton Simmons back, the math behind Byron Buxton's signature moments, why Nick Gordon came up to sit on the bench, Alexander Colome vs. Ron Davis, and Mitch Garver vs. Ryan Jeffers. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Listen Here Now Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about one of the weirdest weeks in Twins history, what happens next following multiple positive COVID tests and canceled games, the domino effects of Josh Donaldson's return, why it might be time for Alex Kirilloff's arrival, and the 60/40 nature of baseball decisions. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Listen Here Now Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about a very good opening weekend for the Twins that was almost great, Josh Donaldson's latest leg injury, Byron Buxton's scary power, Jose Berrios vs. Corbin Burnes, Luis Arraez the hitting machine, and the state of the bullpen. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Listen Here Now Click here to view the article

Aaron and John dissect the latest Twins' news, break down the team, their concerns and hopes, and give their official predictions on the number of Twins' wins. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Listen Here Now Click here to view the article

One of sabermetrics' earliest tools, Expected Runs, challenged bunting's status as a universal good. Click here to view the article

Palmer, Thorn and their computer gave us 24 numbers that challenged (and verified) many of baseball's tenets. What were they? John Bonnes explains from Fort Myers. Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about the return of 10,000 fans to Target Field, Randy Dobnak's new slider, Jake Odorizzi's deal with the Astros, some Tyler Duffey worries, and the latest on Josh Donaldson, Andrelton Simmons, and J.A. Happ. YYou can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Listen Here Now Click here to view the article

A one-minute history lesson on sabermetrics and the development of the Run Expectancy Matrix. Click here to view the article

Now that we know fans can go to games, how do you get your hands on some tickets? Following today's press conference with the Twins, John tells you the latest details. Click here to view the article

We've got live baseball again. Today Governor Tim Walz announced an easing of restrictions around live events and shortly thereafter, the Twins announced the "safe return of our fans to Target Field" starting with April 8th's home opener.Specifics have not been announced, but you can expect crowd management to look a lot like it does at Twins' games in spring training, with about 25% capacity. We also don't know now how many tickets, if any, will be available to the general public, since season ticket holders will likely get the first opportunity for tickets. In spring training, some tickets were available to the general public, but they sold out within hours of going on sale. Yesterday, John Bonnes provided this one-minute captioned video from Fort Myers, previewing what fan attendance looks like in Hammond Stadium for Twins games right now. Here is the full announcement from the Twins: MINNESOTA TWINS STATEMENT ON NEW STATE GUIDELINES MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins today released the following statement regarding new state guidelines for large venues, as announced by Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health: “The Minnesota Twins organization is thrilled that the new state guidelines announced today by Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) pave the way for the safe return of our fans to Target Field for the upcoming 2021 season, beginning with our April 8 home opener. “Our singular focus remains on the health, safety and well-being of every person that enters Target Field; to that end, we are currently reviewing the new guidance to ensure our comprehensive re-opening plan adheres to all MDH and Minneapolis Health Department directives. We will announce next steps, including our full ballpark protocols and ticket plans, in the very near future. “We appreciate the continued partnership and dialogue with Governor Walz, MDH and City of Minneapolis officials throughout this process, and cannot wait to safely welcome Major League Baseball’s best fans back into Target Field. Win Twins!” Click here to view the article

FORT MYERS - With Governor Walz lifting restrictions on live events on Friday, John Bonnes provides a one-minute report from spring training about watching live Twins games, and what it means for attending games in Target Field in 2021. MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article

FORT MYERS - It's the eternal question, so let's take a minute to talk about how the Twins improved their pitching in a sneaky way. Click here to view the article

FORT MYERS - It was a picture perfect day at Hammond Stadium today. The weather was pretty good, too.Rain (Man), Then Thunder Josh Donaldson made his spring debut today and turned an 89 mph fastball into a 110 mph home run. The 3-run blast not only cleared the center field wall, it did so against the wind. “He's doing really well,” commented Twins manager Rocco Baldelli after the game. “He's in a good spot physically and he's got his plan put together and he's out there executing it every day.” Baldelli also said that Donaldson will be back in the lineup soon, probably right after the Twins off-day tomorrow. Thorpe Continues to Impress Lewis Thorpe continued to impress this spring. Starting the game, he struck out all three batters he faced on a total of 13 pitches. “His fastball life was exceptional,” said Baldelli. “Commanded the ball well throughout the inning. I mean, that’s just a really nice day of work. He should feel really good about himself.” In sort of an odd development, after that one inning, he went to the bullpen to get more work in and get his pitch count up. There was a good reason: Thorpe was granted an additional option this offseason, and there are five veterans in front of him for the starting rotation, so he’s on the outside looking in for the 26-man roster. But he’s certainly positioning himself to be near the front of the line if an opportunity arises. The Twins seem to view his future is that of a starting pitcher, more than an occasional bullpen swingman. Lineup Obsessing The Twins have played 8 games this spring and Max Kepler has hit leadoff for four of them and Luis Arraez for the other four. So that question has certainly not been settled. Yesterday it was Arraez’s turn, and he got on base in two of his three at-bats, with a diamond-cutter single and a walk. There was one mild surprise at the top of the order. This is the first game that Donaldson and Nelson Cruz have shared a lineup card, and Donaldson batted second (which is not unusual), but Cruz batted cleanup. You’ll recall that Cruz has mostly batted third with the Twins, but last Cruz batted cleanup in six of the first seven games, before going back to third in the lineup again. Batting between the two big right-handed bats was Jorge Polanco, who could be poised to have a big year, especially hitting left-handed. That’s something to keep an eye on for the rest of camp. Quick Hits Shortstop Andrelton Simmons had his first day in Twins camp today after getting past his visa challenges in Curacao. He got in some work, but also got to tour the complex and get to know his new teammates. Baldelli plans to get him into his first spring training game sooner rather than later. Outfielder Keon Broxton also had a 110-mph home run today. He’s also had a good camp, and provides and interesting option as a bench player. He brings a right-handed bat and can play center field too. But the 30-year-old isn’t on the 40-man roster, so he’s got an uphill climb compared to Jake Cave, Brent Rooker and even Kyle Garlick. The Twins 8-4 win was closed out by fireball prospects Matt Canterino (Twins Daily’s #9 prospect) and Josh Winder (an Honorable Mention candidate). Both had a chance to show off their 97 mph fastball. Former first round pick and shortstop prospect Nick Gordon talked to the media today. After missing last year battling Covid and having limited playing time in 2019 battling gastrointestinal problems, his main goal this year is to stay healthy. “I feel like this year is special for me in the sense of just being back on the field,” he admitted, “and I'll take that with open arms.” MORE FROM TWINS DAILY — Latest Twins coverage from our writers — Recent Twins discussion in our forums — Follow Twins Daily via Twitter, Facebook or email Click here to view the article