LimestoneBaggy

Is Neshek available? I mean if we're putting the band back together and all.

Seth, any word on Kolton Kendrick's bad start (small sample), and Trey Vavra?

Jokin, If you haven't already, this would be a great separate thread to unpack what you're delving into here. I'd lurk the stuffing out of that one...

I don't remember the TD thread, but the Twins website lists when they sign here: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=min

Drew Butera (2013, 122 PA): . 198 .270 .279 .550 Chris Hermann (2015, 57 PA): .196 .268 .353 .621 I'm not saying it isn't without it's downsides (few appearances/40 man issues), but I don't think I'd automatically dismiss it as an option.

Mike Pelfrey is our best pitcher....I don't know anything about baseball

Athletic, humble, good arm, struggles with accuracy and the deep ball. Intelligent, but shows passion and grit. Good leader, but could use work going through his reads....

I'm not exactly enamored with Tonkin (would rather see Lester or AJ get a shot)...won't consider Meyer for now as I think he needs a confidence boost... but I'd rather see Tonkin in an extended role than Stauffer, at least Tonkin shows potential.

This is one of those decisions in a vacuum that will drive you nuts....then you look at how they situated the initial 40-man, and it makes sense now.....I'd be surprised to see Beresford getting a shot prior to September unless they jettison some 40-man filler.

I think we are on related regions of the argument here. I'm not sold that they really had a "plan to win" as in a plan to make it to the playoffs this year at all. I think they had a plan to be competitive by signing a few pieces and if everything breaks right (and I mean everything), they make the playoffs or get close (it may very well be the same plan every team that has a marginally-talented roster takes). If everything goes according to "the plan", they stay competitive, make a profit, and keep people interested (or even more interested based on what is to come) for the next season. Essentially, I believe the marketing strategy is a piece of the plan with player acquisition, talent development, etc. Even though they've been beating the drum for four years of bad baseball, one decent year saves a lot of jobs and interest. Also, I wouldn't be too quick to assign trade value on players in May. While I tend to agree with your thoughts on their value now....miracles do happen....

I don't know. It seems to me the plan is pretty self-evident. 1. Pick up some guys to keep the beer and hot dogs selling (you can agree or disagree if these were the guys you wanted, but they were purchased). 2. Watch the development of the minors for some mid to late-season calls ups. 3. Tread water near .500. 4. Likely be out of the playoff hunt, and if all goes okay, trade Milone, Hunter, Stauffer, Boyer, and any other marginal player, if possible. 5. September: Call up youth (keep the hot dogs and beer selling even though the season is over). 6. 2016: Sell hope for the future. Seems like the plan.

You still go with #10, but you make sure to make the awkward lean look intentional. Go Twins.

Great Article!. Thanks. Also, Nick Burdi's 90 mph slider.........(wipes drool off face).

I don't think that's what is meant by "pressing". There are times when you try to hard to do something instead of letting muscle memory and ability take over. Sure it's not the perfect way of explaining it, but the general notion is their brain is likely getting in the way of what they can physically achieve if the mind a bit.

I think there is way too much stock placed in "they were laughing after losing". I've lost games and been absolutely irate at myself for leaving plays.....five minutes into that, a guy walks up and says, "Well you sure sucked tonight"....and I laugh and agree. So a reporter is let in 30 minutes after the game, misses all my anger, see's five seconds of laughter, and all the sudden...geez, the Baggy sure doesn't care... Doesn't mean I don't care, I just have a sense of humor. I firmly believe attitude problems (as far as not caring about losing or "becoming accustomed to losing") are statistical outliers that are extremely overblown.

I can understand the opinion expressed in this article, even if I don't agree with it, but: "Is this the expression someone who is doing all he needed to do to win and lead by example. Is this the expression of someone who expects his team to win? Or is this the expression of someone who looks defeated and solemn? Rhetorical question." I don't believe this is a fair characterization. Let's take some pictures of anyone at work periodically and see what we can find.

“People ask me what I do in the winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” Roger Hornsby Part I: Arrival in Fort Myers and Baseball March 2013 Hammond Stadium: I’m sitting in the 90-degree heat (down the third base line) with my then four-year-old son. I’m in-between bullpen and dugout, and we’re close enough to get that in-person feeling that only Spring Training can provide. I’ve got my trusty Prospect Handbook at the ready, and I’m explaining to the boy about the next batter up, Oswaldo Arcia. To underplay this moment in time, I was pretty excited, and God help me I love this team (seriously find help). In any case, I’d been following Arcia’s statistics since the Appalachian league, and watching him saunter up to the plate was like the first time I had a beer with my old man (and people say Spring Training doesn’t matter). As he steps in the box, I lean down and read some general facts about Arcia, explain to my son why I’m so interested in this guy, and pretty much go full-on man crush. As I’m looking down to tell the story (most of which was likely lost on the boy in his current sugar-induced state), I hear this ungodly sound; the sound of wood being summarily destroyed like a tree being struck by lightning. I lurched my head, spilled my drink, and located the majestic flight of a well-struck ball on an aerial voyage to the deep right field foul territory, and then he struck out. This is why Spring Training is great. It’s your chance to forget a four-year losing dump of filth and despair, and for some magical moments, escape Grand Forks, North Dakota for a warmer climate. It’s enchanted turf (arguably holy ground) where your fandom is the same as your four-year-old’s. It’s a game that doesn’t matter other than to see that one game (or if you’re lucky more than one). I’d try to explain why this is so great, but words largely escape me, but, if I could, it’s like reaching into the past and finding our younger selves truly understanding what sports should be: entertainment. But what do I know, I just like beer and baseball. So, why are you reading this? It’s about two weeks away from Spring Training, and you’re either thinking about a last minute trip to Fort Myers or you’re curious about what Spring Training trip is like? Well, apart from other (better written) articles on this site, I’m going to add to the noise (indulge myself). As usual, I’m late to the party. To save you the time, if you’re looking for an insider’s guide to bars and/or Fort Myers beach, this isn’t for you. If you’re looking for insight into watching practices or the scouting of players, best to read the trip reports that are inbound shortly. The Twins Daily team, Halsey Hall, and other nail this every year. I don’t have the time, at this point in my life, to bum around The following will be a trip report/link-o-Gleeman to my experiences, and my recommendations for a family trip. If people enjoy this article, I’ll expand it as we go, and maybe provide a trip report. By the way, if you’re lucky enough that your kids and significant other will want to spend time with you at a ball game on your vacation, congrats, you’ve made it into a special club with me. But onto the information. Location, location, location: RSW Airport: http://www.flylcpa.com/ Map: http://www.flylcpa.com/shoppinginfo/ LB’s Thoughts: This is a nice little airport to start your vacation. Every time I step off that plane, the wall of heat hits in the jet bridge, and I get that feeling of pure excitement that only an escape from the great white snowball from hell grants you. First stop, if the Sanibel Bean is still selling coffee on Concourse D, get a cup for yourself and your significant other. It’s a really good cup of coffee, but for those who choose Starbucks instead, please private message me your parents landline number and I’ll console them to the best of my ability. I suppose one could argue that I’m loopy from the Ativan (I get flight anxiety thinking about airplanes); fair point, but I digress. ***Cheapo Point: Due to Spring Break in March, I’ve often found better deals on flights and rental cars flying into Orlando and then driving the three hours. Obviously this isn’t for everyone, but you also can hit a theme park or two by extending your vacation (and you can win some brownie points with the kids if they aren’t the baseball nut you are…not a problem with my kids who are as nuts as their dad). If you are picking up a rental vehicle, it’s a very simple process (http://www.flylcpa.com/rentalcars). Otherwise outside pick up is a breeze. Otherwise, you can enjoy the somewhat middle of nowhere that is the airport, and hand-to-God, on the way to-and-from, they have signs that warn of “Panther Crossing”. If you can safely park, exit, and avoid any roaming panthers, for your sake, for your daughter’s sake, take a photo with your children near the sign. Hotel/Where to Stay: I’m going to side-step this one a bit by saying there are options for almost any group/budget. Where you like to stay is largely dependent on your own factors. That being said, I’ve been exceeding lucky in this area as I’ve hit on some nice hotels with ridiculously good deals in the past. Keeping in mind that I prefer the quiet places, I prefer to stay in Cape Coral (just northwest of Fort Myers). The Resort at Marina Village (http://www.westincapecoral.com/) was a huge hit for us, but alas, it was bought out by the Westin Corporation and the rack rate tripled overnight (if you check out their rates, I didn’t pay nearly that). I’ve also stayed on Sanibel Island, but find that the amount you pay to stay on the island hasn’t been worth it for me when staying off island typically doesn’t involve more than a half-hour drive. If I had unlimited cash, I’d probably stay here (http://www.southseas.com/) or here (http://tween-waters.com/). As to staying on Sanibel, I’ve done it. Largely you overpay for what you get, but the location is unbeatable (walking out to the beach every morning is pretty awesome). As to Fort Myers, I’ve always wanted to stay here (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rswsb-sanibel-harbour-marriott-resort-and-spa/?pid=corptbta&scid=b661a3c4-9c47-48c8-9e13-75b66089dd79) as it’s right before the causeway to Sanibel Island/Captiva (and the view is great), but haven’t done this one yet. May someone could drop a comment. Spring Training: Spring Training Page: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/spring_training/index.jsp?c_id=min Ball Park Info: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/spring_training/ballpark.jsp?c_id=min The Food: http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?sid=t509&ymd=20100511&content_id=9976912&vkey=team5 General 40-Man Roster: http://twins.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=min Spring Training Invitees (Guys Who Likely Will Play in the Minors): http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=min Pre-Renovations Panoramic Shot (Just to Give an Idea): http://www.leeparks.org/images/panoramas/LC-sportscomplex-pano2.swf Post-Renovations Dramatic Picture Gallery (Oh The Glory): http://mlb.mlb.com/photos/gallery.jsp?content_id=62285112&c_id=min Seating Chart http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/images/spring_training/y2015/hammond_seating_chart.jpg LB’s Thoughts: You likely know all of the above, but I like my links to be easily accessible. Where to sit: As to where to sit, in my humble opinion, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, however, for my money I try to get 217, 115, or 114, this is my preferred seating; because the Twins bullpen area. This is a great spot to watch bullpen sessions, see players hanging out, or just to feel close to the players (and generally fairly easy to get when you are not getting first priority when the ticket window opens to us general folk). While you can often hang out and just look, the ushers have, from-time-to-time, been known to clear people from the walkways (please be kind to the folks doing their job). The downside, it’s in the sun the whole game, and it can be lighting hot. For the shade, I’d stick to the right field sections in the 208-205 area. These tend to be shaded (and likely others, I just haven’t sat in these sections enough). I sat in 103 once, it was awesome. I think I would say that about any seat though. As a side note, I've met some great ushers, trash collectors, vendors who are more than willing to talk stadium/Fort Myers/baseball (and even give the boy a game-used baseball). What to Do: Drink beer, find people in the stands that recognize your Prospect Handbook and then talk to them. Walk around the park with your kids. Drink beer. If the renovations are completed (man I need to get caught up on Halsey’s posts), there could be much more. The old souvenir shop was absolutely terrible. Very small, to a point where they limited people inside at some points. February 22 is just around the corner….for the ribbon cutting. What to Eat: Admittedly, I haven’t been there since prior to the renovations. Before that time, the food was terrible (my opinion, let the angry comments begin…). I’m not a picky guy (seriously), but the food wasn’t even in the same ballpark as Target field. I’m hopeful they’ve fixed that, because otherwise, stick to a hot dog and a beer (or 10 beers, make your significant other drive home). What to Drink: Beer. Again, I’m pretty handcuffed by not having been there is a few years. I’ll update this section after the first game if interest exists. If there is an interest in Part II, let me know and I’ll cover the things to do in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel and Captiva. If you have questions or an interest, let me know and I'll do the best I can (or hopefully the community will) to update or answer questions accordingly.

Parker, I seem to remember (cough, cough memory/eye test) that Mauer would get pitched down and in the same situation.

Before we riot, and I don't want to speak for everyone, but us guys in the back wanted to know if we could have some beer....and then riot? Maybe some wings too, but then we riot. Wait, we're out of pretzels?

"Vargas, shave those sideburns!"

1. Having good pick position doesn't mean you end up making the right pick. Buxton wasn't a "can't lose" pick. I thought it was pretty gutsy....kind of like Kohl Stewart. 2. I can't hold the lack of pitcher signings against Terry at this point. Unless I got paid a ridiculous sum of money (way, way over the top), I wouldn't want to pitch in Minnesota. I just can't bring myself to a position where I say Terry isn't doing a good job yet (unless it was his idea to keep Bartlett on....then get out the pitchforks....) I enjoyed the article though.

In 1987 and 1991, I was seven and eleven respectively. Download attachment: twin-celelbrate.jpg 1987 was the first year I “followed” the Minnesota Twins, and I can still remember my father, an ardent Yankees fan, complaining about the Twins that year. It was a beautiful time to be eight and hate the Yankees. Memories of the World Series are not very clear, but for some reason I swear I remember an Ozzie Smith back-flip (I hope that actually happened). Once they won that championship, I was hooked; still have a wall plaque of the 1987 championship team. The downside to this season was the advent of the Homer Hanky. To this day when the Twins have made a playoff push, I buy a load of these in the hope of a World Series Championship gift to my kids, nieces and nephews (these kids need a crazy uncle... don’t judge me). In 1991, I remember the Twins digging out of the cellar to get into a pennant race. I was an eleven-year-old baseball player with one tool: I was fast…and that was about it. Little did I know I was on a collision course with a future as a pinch runner on a mediocre Legion team. Looking back on those years I, obviously, had no idea what went into building the roster, or that the Metrodome was an albatross sucking the Twins to an eventual vortex of doom and despair for the remainder of the 90’s (much like silk shirts did to the male population around that time). Quite frankly, the two or three times I saw a baseball game in Minneapolis, I couldn’t believe that building was real. I came from a town of five hundred and seeing Kirby Puckett live was a life changing experience through the lens of a particularly crappy set of binoculars. Too bad I had to pee when he hit a homerun, but those trips were irresistible fun for an entire little league team. Now I am a father of three and I get the best of both worlds. I get to troll through blogs, Podcasts and forums discussing every aspect of the details of building a winning roster and I get to watch baseball through the eyes of a five-year-old boy who watches the season a game at a time. No matter how much time I spend reading arguments, posting infrequently and listening to Podcasts on long drives, watching baseball through a child’s eyes is one of my greatest joys. He doesn’t get the concept of a pennant race quite yet, although that is coming too fast for his old man’s comfort. Still, to him, each game is a championship. I’ll never forget our last trip to spring training. The Twins were playing the Cardinals, and in looking at my son, my mind’s eye took me back to the 1987 World Series, except I could smell the grass and see the players while my son eagerly watched in a sugar-induced haze. In this game, the Twins had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and a rally was starting. I can’t remember who, but someone struck out with the bases loaded to end the game (my son still hasn’t seen the Twins win in a live game). As he cried in the concourse, other Twins fans passed us by. They tried to console him….knowing in their hearts what it means to be a fan of a Minnesota sports team; they’ve been there. They could see, feel and perhaps taste “one of us” being born and passing through the ritual. I picked up my then four-year-old son and tried to explain the concept of spring training: just one game, it’s just a game. In the end, I carried him to the car (wife, other child, and two Grandmas in tow). We stopped for some orange juice and ice cream on the way back to our hotel. I could see the sting of that game in his eyes as he drifted off to sleep in his car seat. One day we will share in the glow of a good team. I sat through the 90s. I see good things coming…good things through a child’s eyes. Later that night, I had a beer, he some milk (not chocolate or his Mom may have disowned me). I said, let me tell you about Puckett, Hrbek, Gaetti, Gagne…and let me tell you about Arcia, Sano, Rosario, Meyer………. Click here to view the article

In 1987 and 1991, I was eight and eleven respectively. 1987 was the first year I “followed” the Minnesota Twins, and I can still remember my father, an ardent Yankees fan, complaining about the Twins that year. It was a beautiful time to be eight and hate the Yankees. Memories of the World Series are not very clear, but for some reason I swear I remember an Ozzie Smith back flip (I hope that actually happened). Once they won that championship, I was hooked (still have a wall plaque of the 1987 championship team). The down side to this season was the advent of the Homer Hanky. To this day when the Twins have made a playoff push, I buy a load of these in the hopes of a World Series Championship gift to my kids, nieces, and nephews (these kids need a crazy uncle, don’t judge me). In 1991, I remember the Twins digging out of the cellar to get into a pennant race. I was an eleven-year-old baseball player with one tool, I was fast…and that was about it. Little did I know I was on a collision course to be a pinch runner on a mediocre Legion team. Looking back on those years I, obviously, had no idea what went into building the roster, or that the Metrodome was an albatross sucking the Twins to an eventual vortex of doom and despair for the remainder of the 90’s (much like silk shirts did to the male population around that time). Quite frankly, the two or three times I saw a baseball game in Minneapolis, I couldn’t believe that building was real. I came from a town of five hundred, and seeing Kirby Puckett live was a life changing experience through the lens of a particularly crappy set of binoculars. Too bad I had to pee when he hit a homerun, but those troughs were irresistible fun for an entire little league team. Now I am a father of three, and I get the best of both worlds. I get to troll through blogs, Podcasts, and forums discussing every aspect of the details of building a winning roster, and I get to watch baseball through the eyes of a five-year-old boy who watches the season a game at a time. No matter how much time I spend reading arguments, posting infrequently, and listening to Podcasts on long drives, watching baseball through a child’s eyes is one of my greatest joys. He doesn’t get the concept of a pennant race quite yet, although that is coming too fast for his old man’s comfort. Still, to him, each game is a championship. I’ll never forget our last trip to Spring Training. The Twins were playing the Cardinals, and in looking at my son, my mind’s eye took me back to the 1987 World Series, except I could smell the grass and see the players while my son eagerly watched in a sugar-induced haze. In this game, the Twins had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh and a rally was starting. I can’t remember who, but someone struck out with the bases loaded to end the game (my son still hasn’t seen the Twins win in a live game). As he cried in the concourse, other Twins fans past us by. They tried to console him….knowing in their hearts what it means to be a fan of a Minnesota sports team; they’ve been there. They could see, feel, and perhaps taste “one of us” being born and passing through the ritual. I picked up my then four-year-old son and tried to explain the concept of Spring Training; just one game; it’s just a game; and in the end, I carried him to the car (wife, other child, and two Grandmas in tow). We stopped for some orange juice and ice cream on the way back to our hotel. I could see the sting of that game in his eyes as he drifted off to sleep in his car seat. One day we will all share in the glow of a good team…. I too sat through the 90’s (even as a child). I see good things coming…good things through a child’s eyes. Later that night, I had a beer, he some milk (not chocolate or his Mom may have disowned me). I said, let me tell you about Puckett, Hrbek, Gaetti, Gagne…and let me tell you about Arcia, Sano, Rosario, Meyer……….

Nice write up. Good for Brock.