John Bonnes

There will be more specials, giveaways and prizes at this year’s Winter Meltdown than ever before, but we also have fewer tickets available than ever before, so make sure you’re here on Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM. Today we can announce Three Olives will be offering a cocktail at a special price. Plus, another hint about our main guest. There will be more specials, giveaways and prizes at this year’s Winter Meltdown than ever before, but we also have fewer tickets available than ever before, so make sure you’re here on Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM. Today we can announce Three Olives will be offering a cocktail at a special price. Plus, another hint about our main guest. Three Olives has supported Twins Daily’s events several times over the past few years, and this year they’ll be offering a premium vodka cocktail called the “Routine Pop Fly” for the price of a rail drink. Besides drink specials, we'll have a special panel talking Twins and special guest Twins alum. Plus, every guest gets a free pint glass AND two free 612 Brew craft beers with which to fill it. Over the next few days, we’ll let you in on more goodies, including who our special guest will be. Yesterday we gave out our first hint. Since we got a guess of Glen Perkins in the comments, today’s hint will be: Hint 2: He was on the Twins team that went 71-33(!) over their last 104 games of the season. Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown will be January 26th from 5:00-7:30 at Brother’s Bar & Grill. You’ll be in town going to TwinsFest anyway, so stop by, have a couple of beers, get a free pint glass, a Routine Pop Fly, meet some special guests, and bask in the warm glow of the hot stove with other Twins fanatics. Tickets go on sale at Twins Daily at 8:00 on Tuesday the 15th for $40. We’ll announce more soon, so stop by Twins Daily to get all the news and collect all the hints. View full article

This year’s Winter Meltdown is going to be crazier than ever so you’ll want to grab some of the few remaining tickets on Tuesday morning at 8:00. In the meantime, we will unveil a host of new giveaways and prizes for those lucky enough to get a ticket. Plus, we’ll start giving hints as to who this year’s special guest will be. This year’s Winter Meltdown is going to be crazier than ever so you’ll want to grab some of the few remaining tickets on Tuesday morning at 8:00. In the meantime, we will unveil a host of new giveaways and prizes for those lucky enough to get a ticket. Plus, we’ll start giving hints as to who this year’s special guest will be. Today we can display this year’s Winter Meltdown pint glass, sponsored (as it has every year) by 612 Brew and designed by our own Brock Beauchamp. Every guest gets a free pint glass AND two free 612 Brew craft beers with which to fill it. But that’s not all - not by a long shot. Over the next few days, we’ll let you in on all the goodies in store, including who our special guest will be. Until that big reveal, we’ll help you narrow the field a bit with some hints. Hint 1: He’s an MLB All-Star. Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown will be January 26th from 5:00-7:30 at Brother’s Bar & Grill. You’ll be in town going to TwinsFest anyway, so stop by, have a couple of beers, get a free pint glass, meet some special guests, and bask in the warm glow of the hot stove with other Twins fanatics. We’ll announce more soon, so stop by Twins Daily to get all the news and collect all the hints. Above: previous years' designs View full article

Aaron and John talk about projecting Nelson Cruz, the shrinking reliever market, games by Robert Kasak, Adalberto Mejia's odds of snagging a rotation spot, Ron Gardenhire's anniversary, losing Aaron Slegers, and mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/ep_406_FINAL.mp3 Sponsored by Simple Contacts, Mack Weldon, RxBar & 612 Brew. View full article

Aaron and John discuss the Minnesota Twins signing slugger Nelson Cruz. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/ep_405_FINAL.mp3 View full article

Thank you for posting this. The Profar case is an interesting comp, though his shoulder injury makes everything harder to compare, especially regarding the return they got in a trade. I don't think we're talking about something similar with Buxton, unless the toe injury is recurring or the migraines are a concussion symptom or something else chronic. (Or at least I hope this is the case.) The main point here seems to be that the move sours the relationship with Buxton, which is probably true. The question is how that affects things when or if Buxton has the power in their dynamic. Ironically, this team hopes that shift happens, as it would mean Buxton is becoming the player they expected. I don't see Byron becoming a "me-first" guy, or at least not any more than any other ballplayer is. His head is on straight. But I suspect the relationship between him and the Twins no longer has a lot of fuzziness around it. It's now a business relationship, and the Twins certainly did their part to move it in that direction with their decision. Buxton has every right to treat it as such, and would be wise to do so.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.

Aaron and John talk about the Twins walking a fine line between patient and inactive, retiring Joe Mauer's number, Target Field vs. Metrodome payroll numbers, the latest on Nelson Cruz and free agent pitching help, the Winter Meltdown selling out, and mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Episode_404_FINAL.mp3?dest-id=74590 Sponsored by Robinhood. View full article

Aaron and John talk about Nelson Cruz and Edwin Encarnacion rumors, the Twins' remaining bullpen and rotation options, Byron Buxton's first public comments since September, Tyler Jay going unpicked in the Rule 5 draft, Lance Lynn getting a three-year deal, and lots of mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Image courtesy of © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports Aaron and John talk about Nelson Cruz and Edwin Encarnacion rumors, the Twins' remaining bullpen and rotation options, Byron Buxton's first public comments since September, Tyler Jay going unpicked in the Rule 5 draft, Lance Lynn getting a three-year deal, and lots of mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/ep_403_final.mp3 Sponsored by Able Brewery + Seedhouse, Animales BBQ, Sota Stick and Away Travel. View full article

Sorry, the presale tickets have sold out. We'll release a portion of full price tickets when we announce the special guest. Thank you so much for your support, and Happy Holidays! How about an intimate holiday gathering with … Joe Nathan? LatTroy Hawkins? Scott Erickson? These are just a few of the special guests at Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown, and this year we’re limiting the size to half of last year’s sellout crowd. Plus, you can buy presale tickets for just $25 (regular $40) through 12/25. We are offering this quietly, to people that visit the site in the dead of winter. Sorry, the presale tickets have sold out. We'll release a portion of full price tickets when we announce the special guest. Thank you so much for your support, and Happy Holidays! How about an intimate holiday gathering with … Joe Nathan? LatTroy Hawkins? Scott Erickson? These are just a few of the special guests at Twins Daily’s Winter Meltdown, and this year we’re limiting the size to half of last year’s sellout crowd. Plus, you can buy presale tickets for just $25 (regular $40) through 12/25. We are offering this quietly, to people that visit the site in the dead of winter. The Meltdown is Saturday, Jan 26th, from 4:30-7:30. That's the same night you'll be in town anyway, going to Twins Fest. It'll be at Brothers Bar in downtown Minneapolis, just two blocks from Twins Plaza. It includes a pint glass (you can see previous years’) and two free 612 Brew beers. Plus, you could have met all of the above guests and many more at our Meltdowns. (We're not letting the cat out of the bag yet who are special guests are this year until after the new year.) There will also be some sweet raffle and game prizes, and lots of time to talk Hot Stove and order some of Brothers great food. Finally, this year we’ll be donating proceeds to a local non-profit, which we’ll also announce soon. Warning: These sell out. So even if your holiday shopping is done, you might want to grab some ASAP. Or let your family know that THIS is what you really want. Or buy a pack and give your friends, family and coworkers a night to remember in the dead of winter. We'll see you there. BUY HERE NOW. View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins signing All-Star second baseman Jonathan Schoop and utility infielder Ronald Torreyes, what the current payroll looks like, what's next on the offseason to-do list, agreeing with Ricky Nolasco about late-night pizza, and arguing about really dumb stuff. Click here to listen. Aaron and John talk about the Twins signing All-Star second baseman Jonathan Schoop and utility infielder Ronald Torreyes, what the current payroll looks like, what's next on the offseason to-do list, agreeing with Ricky Nolasco about late-night pizza, and arguing about really dumb stuff. Click here to listen. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Episode_402_final.mp3?dest-id=74590 Sponsored by Casper Mattresses and Tin Whiskers Brewery. View full article

The Winter Meltdown is sold out, but you can still get tickets AND honor Joe Mauer AND support a good cause. Just join Joe, Twins Daily writers and Twins players and staff in fighting some terrible diseases by attending the 2019 Diamond Awards. John and other Twins Daily writers will host exclusive Twins Daily table(s), PLUS each attendee gets a VIP ticket to the Winter Meltdown two nights later. Yes, even if you got shutout for Winter Meltdown tickets, you can get one free. Here’s how. The Winter Meltdown is sold out, but you can still get tickets AND honor Joe Mauer AND support a good cause. Just join Joe, Twins Daily writers and Twins players and staff in fighting some terrible diseases by attending the 2019 Diamond Awards. John and other Twins Daily writers will host exclusive Twins Daily table(s), PLUS each attendee gets a VIP ticket to the Winter Meltdown two nights later. Yes, even if you got shutout for Winter Meltdown tickets, you can get one free. Here’s how. First, buy tickets to the 2019 Diamond Awards. Then, in the comments section, tell them you want to be at the Twins Daily table (or, like last year, tables). It’s usually awesome, but this year might be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Joe Mauer will be receiving a few awards and you can be sure the Twins will give him a classic sendoff. But also receiving awards will be Eddie Rosario, Jose Berrios, Kyle Gibson, Max Kepler, Corey Koskie and Jack Morris. It’ll be a star-studded event. It’s the night before Twins Fest, Thursday January 24th starting at 5:30 at The Depot. You can get all the information, here. Tickets are $150 each but the proceeds go to the University of Minnesota to cure some pretty terrible diseases, like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), ataxia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Parkinson’s disease. It is a great cause and a fantastic time and Twins Daily would love to share it with you. We would love to get a big group together and talk a lot of baseball or get your thoughts on the site. So to sweeten the pot, we’ll also give you a free VIP ticket to the Winter Meltdown on January 26th even though they sold out yesterday. This is truly a special opportunity to attend one of the Twins premier annual events that celebrates their team and their fans. (Actually, it’s a special opportunity to attend TWO such events.) Plus, it’s an exceptional cause and a chance to see the best of the Twins on one of the coldest weekends of the year. Let’s recharge our batteries and get ready for a great weekend and a great year together. If you have any questions or concerns, use the comments. But please click the link below and give it a try this year. You won’t regret it. BUY TICKETS OR LEARN MORE HERE View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins adding C.J. Cron as Joe Mauer's replacement, non-tendering Robbie Grossman, where Tyler Austin stands, picking through the best of the non-tenders, why Cron might be closer to Eddie Rosario than to Logan Morrison, mailbag questions from listeners, and why the Bonneses are very much like the Legends. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_401_final.mp3 Sponsored by Pick and Shovel, Harry's Razors and Simple Contacts. View full article

Today the big news will be a trade between the Mets and Mariners that brings secon baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz to the Mets. While it's fun to speculate, this deal likely could not have involved the Twins. Key to the deal is that Cano has a no-trade clause that he must waive, and doing so probably requires a return to New York City. But last I checked, we're four months from real baseball, so let's speculate anyway.... How much fun would it have been to add Cano and Diaz to the Twin roster for next year? Cano gprovides a middle-of-the-order hitter at second base, and still leaves lots of room to add more offense at first base and designated hitter. Diaz is a 24-year-old lights-out closer who is under team control for four more years. Some of the bigger offseason challenges are handled in one early move. Of course, the reason the Mariners made this deal is because Cano will make $24 million for the next six years. He also lost half of last season to a performance-enhancing drugs suspension. Plus, he's 35 years old. The reason he's available, and indeed the reason he almost has to be traded with Diaz, is because his contract is such a liability. We may find out the deal includes some money to help cover those salaries in 2021-2023, but right now we don't have any details. But it's also worth noting that the Mets aren't giving up a tremendous amount here. They're giving up "two top prospects" but the three names prominently mentioned include 19-year-old outifleder Jarred Kelenic (a 6th overall draft pick last year), and pitchers Justin Dunn and/or David Peterson. MLB.com's Pipeline lists Kelenic and Dunn as Top 100 guys, but late-Top 100 guys. By comparion, Twins prospects like Royce Lewis and Alex Kiriloff are top 10. Instead, a comparable package might have been Brusdar Graterol and Trevor Larnach (or any of the Twins #4-#9 prospects). Plus, the Mets are dumping a couple of questionable contracts themselves. Jay Bruce dealt with cascading injuries last year and will cost them $13M over the next two years. Swarzak had shoulder issues, lost his feel for the zone and is due $8M this year. Without including them, the package would've been even less. Of course, Minneapolis is not New York City, so to really make the deal a reality, they would've also needed to find something to entice Cano to waive his no-trade clause. Throwing additional money at a bad contract that is going to run until a guy is 41 doesn't seem wise. It certainly doesn't seem like The Twins Way®. But if the only thing standing between getting the deal done and it not getting done is a little more cash, maybe a $5M bonus next year sweetens the pot? This is the year that they have the money, right? It's a moot point, obviously. Mostly this deal intrigued me because I've been advocating a frugal approach on a middle infielder, but immediately pivoted into full-blow "WANT" mode when I saw the players available. But I'd be interested in what the community thinks. What kind of creative would have made sense for the Twins? Image courtesy of © Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Twins adding Nick Gordon and other prospects to the 40-man roster, not protecting Tyler Jay from the Rule 5 draft, reviewing the best free agent bullpen options, Paul Goldschmidt and Sonny Gray rumors, selling Alan Busenitz to Japan, Bill Evers adding some age to the coaching staff, and what to do when someone brings you 700 percent more food than you ordered. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_400_Final.mp3 Sponsored by Pick & Shovel and Lynlake Brewery. View full article