John Bonnes

It appears that LoMo is indeed, the big story. Fortunately, there are already lot on the site for him. And, yes, even if Romero absolutely dazzles this spring, he would need a number of injuries to put him the discussion to make the team.

We’re still waiting on the Twins big story of the week even as a smaller story played out. The Twins introduced Erick Aybar to the press today and he said all the right things. That was expected. The modus operandi of this front office is already well known when it comes to signing veterans: they need to be team leaders, they need to be competent, and they need to fill a need. We’re still waiting on the Twins big story of the week even as a smaller story played out. The Twins introduced Erick Aybar to the press today and he said all the right things. That was expected. The modus operandi of this front office is already well known when it comes to signing veterans: they need to be team leaders, they need to be competent, and they need to fill a need. It’s that last criteria that is the only question. In theory, moving Eduardo Escobar to full time duty at third base opens up a utility infielder spot that Aybar could fill and it sounds like that’s his focus. “I’ll be here for everything. Play second, third, short, outfield, whatever,” said Aybar. “I’m here to play baseball.” Depending on injuries and possible suspensions, that might make sense for him. If not, and he’s willing to spend a month in Rochester, injuries happen. But the bigger story is that he signed a minor league deal, which means he does not need to be added to the 40-man roster, which means the Twins minted a newly open roster spot which was not for Aybar and for which there is no explanation. That open spot is still the biggest story of the week, even if we don’t know what the story is yet. Game Notes And Baseless Speculation The Twins tied the Orioles last night 1-1. If you’re interested in who did what, here is a link to the box score and recap. I’m determined to ignore all individual results this early in spring training, my theory being that no data is better than noisy misleading data. We’ll see how long I can maintain that stance, because LORD but I miss talking about real baseball games. But it’s a fairly easy resolution to keep for this game due to the lineup the Twins provided. This was a road game, and it was sandwiched by the season opener (which featured a lot of Opening Day starters) and tomorrow’s home opener (which will likely feature a lot of Opening Day starters). So the best known players in the lineup were Robbie Grossman, Ehire Adrianza, Kennys Vargas & Zach Granite. The only pitchers likely to make the club were starting pitcher Adalberto Mejia and reliever Taylor Rogers. It did give manager Paul Molitor a chance to talk pregame about Mejia and his impressions of him last year. “I think we saw things at times that were able to get your attention, in terms of his ability to compete against some pretty good lineups,” replied Molitor when asked about Mejia. He also mentioned that Mejia needs to work on his consistency, command and pitch count issues. Mejia certainly appears to have worked during the offseason. He looks considerably thinner, and says he lost 13 pounds training, including flipping tractor tires. He also lost a lot of weight back in 2016, which was his breakout year in the Giants’ minor league organization. Mejia had a good outing, but perhaps more telling is that Mejia wasn’t “piggy-backing” with anyone in today’s start. Early in camp, since starting pitchers are only throwing a few innings, it’s not uncommon to have two starting pitchers pitch in the same game. This is especially true if a couple of guys are competing for a single spot in the rotation, since it makes it slightly easier to have them both slot into that same spot in the rotation. That’s piggy-backing. Mejia wasn’t piggybacking with anyone Saturday night. By most objective observers, he was already fairly safe to win a spot, especially with Ervin Santana out for a few weeks (and provided that 40-man roster spot isn't used for a big name pitcher). This is yet another data point that suggests going into spring training, that it is his spot to lose. The Rotation Sets Up Kyle Gibson will be pitching the home opener on Sunday afternoon. Phil Hughes will start Monday at home versus the Cardinals. Jose Berrios will be starting Tuesday night when the Red Sox drive across town to Hammond Stadium. Still no word on when we’ll first see Jake Odorizzi, but he would line up for one of the split squad games (probably the home game versus the Rays) on Wednesday afternoon. Anibal Sanchez will be piggy-backing with someone. Hughes would make sense, since they're seemingly competing for the same spot. But it might also be Jose Berrios, as Sanchez is viewed as mentor to younger pitchers. View full article

I'm doing some research myself on this topic for a possible story, but thought I'd reach out to people whose memory or research skills are better than mine. I'm trying to find Twins players who we were sure would be on the Opening Day roster, but ended up hurt in spring training. I'd like to go back at least the last five years. Here's what I have so far. 2018 - Ervin Santana 2017 - Trevor May, JT Chargois, maybe Kennys Vargas 2016 - ??? 2015 - Ervin Santana suspension, 2014 - ??? 2013 - Scott Diamond? Anthony Swarzak Thanks, John

The footwork thing....we'll see. I tend to give guys with a really good arm a lot more leash at SS than others. A strong arm can make up for a lot of ... awkwardness. It can even make up for range if the shortstop plays back further in the field, and that's especially true at the major league level where the ground balls are hit harder and the fields are smoother. And by the accounts I've heard, Gordon has a lot of arm. The struggles last year against left-handers scares me more. That's the second year he's done posted about a 530 OPS against LH pitchers. On the other hand, I don't think he has even 500 AB against them in his entire minor league career, and he was just 21 years old. It could also only mean he won't be a star, not that he won't be a regular. If a LHed shortstop can hit right-handers at a good clip, he's good enough overall to be an everyday player.

Aaron and John talk about the Minnesota Twins signing Jake Odorizzi and Anibal Sanchez, not signing Yu Darvish, Jermaine Palacios' scouting report, the value of reverse splits, old friends Trevor Plouffe and Hector Santiago finding new MLB homes, projected payroll levels, the impact of Josh Kalk, and the state of the Twins' starting rotation. Sponsored by Pick and Shovel Wear and Casper Matresses. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_356_Jake_Odorizzi_and_Anibal_Sanchez.mp3?dest-id=74590 View full article

I'm interested to see how Mauer reacts to a contract year. That's never happened before. (Unless you want to count his first three years on the team, when, I suppose, the Twins could have cut him if they wanted to. But that would've been ludicrous.) Once he finished his "serf" years, he signed a four-year deal that bought out his first free agent year. Then he signed his big deal with a year left on that deal (and right after his MVP season). So this year is unique to his career. One of the underlying knocks against Mauer by his critics is that he's resistant to change. A free agent year certainly encourage a player to raise their level and show some new skills. If Mauer is able to do some of the things his critics say he should be able to do (pull the ball, swing at the first pitch, hit with power, lead in the clubhouse), one would thing the incentive to do so would be raised a bit this year.

It's continuing a tradition now, I think. They started doing that, I think, two years ago, and it definitely helped with selling out the home opener even after several years of crummy teams. They're continuing, I think, because it worked. But if they have a few good years in a row, I can see them going back to something like they used to do - fridge magnets or posters - and saving sweatshirts for another game.

The Twin just sent out their annual job openings press notice. Here it is in case you want to work at Target Field this summer: Job fairs scheduled for Target Field Delaware North hiring for seasonal, part-time positions for 2018 season BUFFALO, NY and MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Delaware North Sportservice, the food and beverage partner of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins, today announced it will host a series of job fairs for part-time, seasonal positions at Target Field for the Twins’ upcoming 2018 season. The job fairs will be held at Target Field, Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center and at the Sabathani Community Center in the coming weeks, a full schedule is below. Open positions include cashiers, cashier leads, supervisors, culinary workers, in-seat vendors, bartenders, warehouse porters and stockers, servers and food prep workers. Candidates must be highly motivated, and customer-oriented. All positions are event-driven and allow for flexible scheduling. Successful candidates will earn competitive pay, free uniforms, meals and will receive paid training. All candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.careers.delawarenorth.com. Job Fairs: Feb. 13 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Feb. 15 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Feb. 16 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Feb. 22 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Feb. 23 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Feb. 27 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. March 6 Sabathani Community Center 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 7 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. March 8 Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. March 9 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. March 14 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. March 16 Target Field 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Locations: Target Field: 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403 Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center: 505 15th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55454 Sabathani Community Center: 310 E 38th Street Room 120, Minneapolis, MN 55409 About Delaware North Delaware North is one of the largest privately held hospitality and food service companies in the world. Founded in 1915 and owned by the Jacobs family for 100 years, Delaware North has global operations at high-profile places such as sports and entertainment venues, national and state parks, destination resorts and restaurants, airports, and regional casinos. Our 55,000 employee associates are dedicated to creating special experiences one guest at a time in serving more than a half-billion guests annually. Learn more at www.DelawareNorth.com. # # #

I don't know if the moderators have the time to re-open this topic or not, as I expect tempers might run high on it and require moderation. If they do, I'd suggest this: 1) You can choose to believe it or not. If you don't, I'd suggest your time is best spent with other threads. 2) If you do believe it, understand that this is one person in the organization expressing their opinion, and it isn't necessarily a decision-maker. In fact, it sounds like it is not. He certainly does not speak for the organization. 3) We'll be watching closely for uncivil discourse and ready to deal infractions/bans, so keep it VERY civil.

Aaron and John talk about Ervin Santana's finger surgery, Trevor May, Tyler Duffey, and the Twins' other in-house options for replacing Santana in the rotation, the price tag to acquire Chris Archer, how to look good, PECOTA comps for Miguel Sano and other prominent Twins, drinking beer at Modist Brewing, how to make Valentine's Day plans, the Twin Cities' best restaurants, and mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Image courtesy of © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Aaron and John talk about Ervin Santana's finger surgery, Trevor May, Tyler Duffey, and the Twins' other in-house options for replacing Santana in the rotation, the price tag to acquire Chris Archer, how to look good, PECOTA comps for Miguel Sano and other prominent Twins, drinking beer at Modist Brewing, how to make Valentine's Day plans, the Twin Cities' best restaurants, and mailbag questions from listeners. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_355.mp3?dest-id=74590 View full article

Aaron and John review Super Bowl week in Minneapolis, debate the slow offseason's causes, recap the Minneanalytics Sportcon event, and reveal Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA predictions for Minnesota Twins players and the overall team. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by Harry's Razors. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_354_Super_Bowl_And_PECOTA.mp3?dest-id=74590 View full article

Aaron and John talk about the latest Yu Darvish rumors, Glen Perkins' retirement, Joe Nathan's appearance at the Winter Meltdown, returning to KFAN for another season, exploding tires and ruined lunches, Super Bowl festivities, the Brewers' big push, and $36 guacamole. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by Bombfell and Simply Contacts. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/180128_final.mp3 Image courtesy of © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports View full article

It was also encouraging to see Law's take on Gordon's miserable 2nd half: that he is body just isn't big/mature enough to hold up to a full season like that yet. If so, last year's workload (and getting older/bigger) should help him hold up better this year.

I was really encouraged by the description of Gordon's defense. I had forgotten that he was also considered a possible pitcher in the draft, and the idea that he has a plus arm that he only shows when he really needs to is interesting. A plus arm can make up for a lot of range issues in the bigs.

Aaron, John and the Twins Daily crew interview Joe Nathan and Twins official scorekeeper Stew Thornley at Twins Daily's Winter Meltdown and answer questions submitted by the 500 attendees. Sponsored by Sota Stick. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Episode_352_Winter_Meltdown_2018.mp3 View full article

The Diamond Awards were held last night at The Depot in Minneapolis, including dinner, a silent auction, and an award ceremony and a big night of fund-raising for the University of Minnesota’s battles with neurological diseases. The centerpiece of the event is the award ceremony. Hosted by Dick Bremer, the Baseball Writer’s Association of America presents awards to Twins players, coaches and Midwest supporters. This year that included Brian Dozier, Ervin Santana and Joe Mauer. It also included Byron Buxton, who couldn’t be there to accept the award due to weather-related travel problems, which provided one of the more amusing moments of the night. The Diamond Awards were held last night at The Depot in Minneapolis, including dinner, a silent auction, and an award ceremony and a big night of fund-raising for the University of Minnesota’s battles with neurological diseases. The centerpiece of the event is the award ceremony. Hosted by Dick Bremer, the Baseball Writer’s Association of America presents awards to Twins players, coaches and Midwest supporters. This year that included Brian Dozier, Ervin Santana and Joe Mauer. It also included Byron Buxton, who couldn’t be there to accept the award due to weather-related travel problems, which provided one of the more amusing moments of the night. We had heard prior to the ceremony that Buxton would probably not be able to make the event to due difficulties traveling, but during the presentation of the award, we heard that they were holding out hope he might be able to make it on time. He did not, so they did what they usually do when a player cannot make the award ceremony: they record a short video, usually from their home or with a nice background, thanking everyone for the award. Buxton’s video came up, and there were immediate chuckles because the background was a window at a gate in an airport, overlooking a walkway to a plane that was absolutely not there. There were more poignant moments as well. A video detailed a military veteran’s battles with ataxia, Kent Hrbek talked a little about his father’s battles with ALS, and there was an award to Rick “Stelly” Stelmaszek where the Twins announced that Field 5 in Fort Myers would now be named after him. There was also a ton of money raised for the University of Minnesota, including a silent auction item that included a pair of Super Bowl tickets that went for $13,000. Twins Daily had two tables at the event, including Seth, Nick, John and their families, and hopes to continue to support the event even more next year. Look for details next year on how you can join us and put it on your calendar right now. If it holds true to its traditional date, it will be tentatively scheduled for January 24th, 2019. View full article

Aaron and John talk about the Minnesota Twins signing free agent reliever Addison Reed and what it means for the rest of the offseason, all while pre-gaming at Iron Door Pub. You can listen by downloading us from iTunes, Stitcher or find it at GleemanAndTheGeek.com. Or just click this link. Sponsored by RxBar and Casper Mattresses. http://traffic.libsyn.com/gleemangeek/Ep_351_Addison_Reed.mp3?dest-id=74590 View full article