John Bonnes

I haven't heard any news on Sakamoto in a long time.Got any links to news?

The last thing Twins fans want to hear is the benefit of moving forward with a frugal payroll. However, creating an offseason plan around a shoestring budget is at least valuable as a thought exercise. It’s foolish to do all these moves, but identifying a couple could free up money for a more expensive addition. So let’s identify a few bargains to fill some of the holes in the Twins 25-man roster… You can create your own blueprint using Twins Daily's Offseason Handbook, which you can download immediately and name your own price. Middle Infield Philosophy - This is the easiest position to fill. The Twins have a desperate need, but also have several middle infield prospects approaching the majors. The free agent market is deep, especially with second basemen. It makes sense to sign someone to a short contract, filling the need for the present and giving the future the time it needs to develop. Targets - I’d look to the more competitive shortstop market initially, moving Jorge Polanco to second base. Put shortstop Freddy Galvis at the top of the list, who is 29 years old, cost $15M over two years (per the Twins Daily Offseason Handbook) and brings a solid glove to help out the left side of the infield along with a little (13 HR in 2018) pop. I’d also stay involved in the bidding for shortstops Jose Iglesias and Jordy Mercer. If that doesn’t work, there are a ton of second basemen to consider even if the team is determined not to guarantee more than two years at a cost of $7M or so per year. Candidates include Ascrubal Cabrera, Ian Kinsler and even old friend Brian Dozier. (Hey, he and that left field porch were a good match.) This is the one area it’s almost impossible to screw up. The market will come to the Twins. Corner Infield Philosophy - In an ideal world, this is the area that the Twins will spend a lot of money. They need a middle-of-the-order hitter, and with spots open at first base and designated hitter, they should be thinking bat first and figure out where to play them later. Plus, this free agency has some bats, even beyond Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, that fit that bill. (Nelson Cruz seems like an ideal fit.) But this is supposed to be a frugal list, so I’m going to focus on strategy that leads to a couple of budget options. And those options start in-house, because after a few big names, this free agency class falls off a cliff. Targets - I expect the Twins will keep Tyler Austin in their plans for next year. Acquired from the Yankees, he is 27 years old and has posted a 937 OPS against southpaws over his career. Adding a left-handed bat to pair with him makes sense, even if it costs a bench spot. At the top of my wish list is 30-year-old Matt Adams, who slugged 21 home runs in only 306 AB - and twenty of those came against right-handed pitching. ‘Nuff said. He costs about $8M. A backup plan is Lucas Duda (~$4M), who is 32 years old and posted a 813 OPS against right-handers last year. I’ll tell you who I would’ve liked the second name to be: Joe Mauer. I wish him the best in his next career, but it’s a bummer that he is moving on when he was such a good fit for the Twins. He is cheap ($7M), gets on-base, good defensively, a veteran role model and hungry for the postseason. He would've been a nice fit. Instead, I suspect the Twins could just hang onto Robbie Grossman who can be sort of a Joe Mauer Lite: he gets on base (.355 OBP over his career, .367 last year), is just 29 years old, can play outfield in a pinch, and most importantly for this list, is still relatively cheap (~$4M). Those names likely will not generate any High Fives at your favorite watering hole, but such is the life of the bargain shopper. Tomorrow we'll look at two other markets that look promising as well: starting pitcher and relievers. Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about Joe Mauer making his retirement official, what his Hall of Fame case will look like in five years, the Twins' free agent options at first base and third base, Kennys Vargas going to Japan, reported interest in J.A. Happ, speculation about interest in Carlos Santana, and taking in the views at the new Bonnes Sky Cabin. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by Hopsy, Away Travel and Casper Mattresses. Click here to view the article

John and Aaron talk about big changes to the Twins' coaching staff, Bert Blyleven's reduced role with FSN, and the Twins' options for free agent help at second base and shortstop. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by 612 Brew, Harry's Razors and Simple Contacts. Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about new Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, how he differs from Paul Molitor, his unique baseball path, the difficulty in evaluating any manager, and what the Twins' coaching staff may look like under him. Plus, buying a condo, a longtime scout sues the Twins, Eduardo Escobar stays in Arizona and the identity of The Big Kielbasa. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link.http://traffic.libsy...3?dest-id=74590 Sponsored by Utepils Brewing, SeatGeek and Robinhood. Click here to view the article

FWIW, I remember a story either during the 87 World Series or immediately thereafter stating exactly this. I also think I remember something about this in a Twis history book - maybe Doug Grow's "We're Gonna Win Twins?" It's a fair point. But it's also worth noting that MacPhail's wheeling-and-dealing to add critical pieces was something that Griffith (or Fox) never would have done as GM, and that was in fact one of the narratives at the time when he sold the team. It may have needed both halves of the coin - Griffith's eye for young talent AND MacPhail's willingness to go beyond that core. (And maybe add to it Pohlad's willingness to spend some money, which seems quaint now, but was still several levels higher than Griffith's.)

The 1982 season ushered in a new era of Twins baseball, both with a new stadium and a new generation of Twins players. But there were new questions. It was becoming clear that the 1.4 million attendance threshold included in the Metrodome lease was not going to be met, giving Calvin Griffith the option of breaking the lease and perhaps moving to another market. Part 7 of a 12-part series that breaks Twins history into fun-sized chunks.You can find more here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Local business leaders responded by mounting a ticket-buying campaign of the cheapest unused tickets available to artificially inflate the attendance. For instance, on May16, 1984, the paid attendance was 51,683, but the number of fans present was closer to 8,700. Flirtations with other markets, particularly Tampa Bay, were made, but instead local banker and business executive Carl Pohlad purchased the team in the summer of 1984. On the field, the team was growing – and experiencing growing pains. The promise of brighter days was apparent in 1984 when the Twins suddenly competed for the division, even though they had finished just 70-92 the year before. They led the AL West for all of August and found themselves tied for first place as late as September 23. But six straight losses, including blowing a 10-run lead against Cleveland in the last series of the year, left them in second place. Those brighter days were also personified by a rookie call-up. Center fielder Kirby Puckett made his debut just 21 games into the season, hit .296 and finished third in the Rookie of the Year balloting. The next year he would collect his first MVP vote. These were previews. The feature presentation started in 1986 when Puckett hit .328 and added power to his resume, slugging 31 home runs. Over the next 10 years, he would finish in the top 10 of American League MVP voting seven times, make 10 straight All-Star teams, and win six Gold Gloves. His success endeared him to the fans, but not as much as his zeal for the game. The Twins would retire his number in 1997 and he was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001, his first year of eligibility. While Puckett signified an apparently brighter future, the Twins struggled in 1985 and 1986, in part due to an explosive bullpen. Closer Ron Davis became the symbol for the team’s failings, both supported and reviled by Twins fans. In 1985, after several blown games, a sympathetic newspaper story led to “I believe in R.D.” t-shirts becoming fashionable in the Metrodome. But equally popular was the trade that sent him and his 9.08 ERA to the Cubs in August of 1986. There were big changes in Twins offices, too. Part 7 of a 12-part series that breaks Twins history into fun-sized chunks.You can find more here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 Click here to view the article

Aaron and John pour their own beers at First Draft Taproom & Kitchen and talk about the Twins' narrowing their list of manager candidates, Derek Shelton's background and chances as an in-house option, Ryan Pressly's post-trade comments about working with the Astros vs. the Twins, laying out the 2019 payroll, upcoming arbitration decisions, and which areas the Twins definitely need to address this offseason. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by Sota Stick and Away Travel. Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins' managerial search including Rocco Baldelli and Hensley Meulens, Miguel Sano making headlines for the wrong reasons again, the ever-changing use of relievers in the playoffs, and reviewing preseason over/under picks for each AL team. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link.http://traffic.libsy...3?dest-id=74590 Sponsored by Casper Mattresses and RxBar. Click here to view the article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins' decision to fire Paul Molitor, the good and bad of his four-year tenure as manager, what the front office might be looking for in his replacement, and names to watch as the interview process begins. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link.http://traffic.libsy...3?dest-id=74590 Sponsored by Bombfell and Harry's Razors. Click here to view the article

Well, it certainly isn't scapegoating. The purpose of scapegoating is to take pressure off oneself. This is going to add additional pressure to Falvine. There are no more excuses in year three now.

I'm surprised nobody is mentioning Scioscia

USA Today's Bob Nightengale is reporting that Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor has been fired and a press conference this afternoon has been scheduled to announce it. Molitor managed the Twins for four seasons, two of which they exceeded expectations and two of which they did not. They finished this year 78-84, a disappointment after making it to the postseason last year with an 85-77 record.The team's 2017 season earned Paul Molitor Manager Of The Year Award honors, and a winner for this last season has not yet been announced, meaning he is still the reigning Manager of the Year. But his position as the Twins manager has been in doubt each of the last three seasons. In 2016, the Twins dismal start led to the dismissal of General Manager Terry Ryan, which would often mean a change in manager as well. But Twins ownership announced that any new GM would need to retain Molitor as manager. Which, of course, meant that questions emerged during the 2017 season as to whether new CBO Derek Falvey and GM Thad Levine would retain Molitor after their inaugural season was over, especially since Molitor's contract would also conclude after the 2017 season. A strong finish in 2017 and the resulting Manager of the Year award convinced both sides to extend the contract through 2020, though the amount of the contract was not announced. This year's disappointing start led to a trade deadline selloff when the Twins were out of the race by mid-summer, but there had been very little speculation that a coaching change was imminent. Comments from the Twins: “I would like to thank Paul for his tremendous dedication to the Minnesota Twins over his last four years as manager of this club,” said Twins Executive Vice President, Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey. “Paul’s roots here run deep and his commitment to the organization, his staff, and the players is special. I have every hope and desire that he remains a part of this club for many years to come.” “The importance and contribution of Paul Molitor to the Twins, our community and Major League Baseball cannot be diminished,” said Twins Owner Jim Pohlad. “On behalf of our family, I offer thanks to Paul for his four years as Twins manager and look forward to the continuation of our relationship with him.” Comments from Paul Molitor: “I was informed today that the Twins will seek a new manager for the 2019 season and I fully respect that decision. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity they gave me to serve in the role as manager for these past four years. I’m going to consider their genuine offer to serve in a different capacity to positively impact the Twins from a different role. Special thanks to my coaches and players I have had a chance to manage and I certainly appreciate the tremendous support I received from all of Twins Territory.” Click here to view the article

The Twins are facing the most pivotal offseason they've had in ... well, maybe ever. They have a team still young and on the verge of taking a next step, and they have unprecedented payroll room – maybe as much as $60 million – to help that team take that next step. The ninth annual Twins Daily Offseason Handbook will help you chart the decisions the team will be making to get ready for the 2019 season you can preorder now and receive it as soon as the World Series ends.Last year over 1,000 readers downloaded the Handbook to get a jump on the offseason. This year, we'll release it following the last out of the World Series. You can preorder now for whatever you think is fair (including zero, but recommended donation is $10), and you'll get it delivered to your inbox as soon as the Fall Classic concludes. *** CHECK OUT THIS OFFSEASON HANDBOOK FAQ FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS *** The Handbook includes everything you would need to know to rebuild the Twins into a championship contender. We'll break down the payroll and salaries, so you'll know how much you have to spend. We'll list free agent targets and trade options. We'll review the arbitration decisions you need to make. We'll give our opinions on blueprints the team could follow, and you'll have a place to show your own vision. Still not sure? You can download last year's here. We're sure you're going to love it, so preorder it right now. At Twins Daily, the offseason can be as much fun as the regular season. Preorder the 2019 Offseason Handbook Click here to view the article

Aaron and John head to Target Field to see Joe Mauer's (probable) final game, and talk about Mauer's great Twins career and the Twins' not-so-great season. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by Robinhood and Simple Contacts. Click here to view the article