twinssporto

Unfortunately for Sano, you, me and the rest of the Twins fan base that FOREVER looks more like 3 years the way he's going now.

I was going to write up a long post today about Sano but Ted was quicker. That being said I think there is more to discuss besides his weight. I mentioned this the other day in a different post but I think the Twins organization has some serious concerns about Sano. The way Molitor spoke the other day it sounds like they are trying to work on his attitude as much as the weight. https://www.twincities.com/2018/02/09/twins-frustrated-mlb-investigation-into-miguel-sano-unresolved/ I am really rooting for Sano but as Ted mentioned in his article I think most of his issues have been self-inflicted. I would be shocked if Sano starts the season at 3B. In fact, I don't think the Twins will put him in the field until he drops 40lbs. People and athletes alike get injured all the time. Even if his entire lower body was immobilized thats not an excuse to gain that much weight. Its not how far or how long he does aerobic exercises it what he puts in his mouth. The Minnesota Twins dietician (Kate Moran) is hopefully on full code red alert now. Either way, this is not how I wanted to see Sano come into spring training. On a more funny note I read an article in the StarTrib yesterday about Sano and some of the comments people were making made me double over in laughter. Here's just a few: I bet a Sano bobblehead doll would weigh 68 pounds.You know who I feel the most sorry for? That reinforcement rod in his shin.If he hits an infield grounder can the Twins use a designated runner?Don't MLB base paths have road weight restrictions on them?Sano for Archer trade. Its like a two for one.

I think this a great trade. Odorizzi could provide some very good results the next year or two. I was encouraged by the article on him that the Tampa Bay Times did after his last start in 2017. Odorizzi said he's never felt better as a pitcher and was excited to take the momentum he had in September into next year. Time will tell. By the way, here is chart I found on "Beyond the Box Score" that shows pitching aging curves by total fWAR. Just thought it was interesting to see. I would like to see this through 2017. I also edited post to include 20+ game starter aging curves. http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/4041081/Aging_2.png http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/4041249/Aging_3.png

Totally agree. People misreading the market is not rare. I'm no exception. Loved Enron at $56, Worldcom at $44....wife put me on stock probation too.

You know a free-agent signing is weak when the front office says this: "Sanchez is also considered a veteran leader who can help mentor younger pitchers. He could be valuable in that role this spring, even if he doesn't make the club". If I read one more time about an older FA bringing veteran leadership to the team I'm gonna be sick. Can't Kaat fill that role? I thought thats why we hired him...

I agree its a big jump. It would be great to see some long-term stats on how pitchers do jumping from AA to Majors. I'm sure the analytic guys in MLB have some of that data. I personally think you are going to see players spending less time in the minors as these "new baseball" people mix up the status quo thats been going on for the last 50+ years. Not saying its right or wrong but this new generation seems more willing to break with tradition occasionally.

I'm going to Tweet some pics of me throwing the ball with my kid in the yard today. I might qualify for a starting spot in the rotation this year...

This is something to consider: The Twins have been very quiet on the topic of not signing Darvish. I have looked at numerous web sites, Startrib, Pioneer Press, ESPN, etc...very few comments from the Twins FO. Has anyone seen a quote or post from the Twins FO? My guess is there is a lot going on right now. I'm not thrilled with their plan B or C but something is cooking in a big way. If the FO doesn't do anything the pitch forks will be coming out of the hay stacks (to quote River Brian in another post)... You heard it here first. Trust me. I'm a Twins fan!

I'm not a CPA but Mauer calling Florida home avoids paying MN income tax on his other earnings, I.e investment accounts, real estate income from other areas, outside income from advertising, etc., etc.

That's typically how it works. However...your home domicile plays a role too. For instance, I believe Mauer is a Florida resident. It makes a difference.

I thought a decision was imminent this week? Again, can we please rename this thread? Still waiting...

Maybe a better way to say this would be: Where else could we make a better return on our investment?

I agree the front offices are getting more "sensible" and they are taking money out of the overpaid end of the system. However, I don't agree that it won't go back into the system. What's wrong with managing your cash wisely? Why do the Yankees and the other big market teams always do so well? They use their cash reserves to sign free-agents instead of trading away their farm prospects to build a team. If the Twins new FO can make consistent and wise FA choices (i.e., not signing Darvish to a 7 year deal) they should be in a good position going forward to offer early extensions to their younger guys before reaching free agency (Buxton) and also have the cash reserves to jump on a good FA player when the opportunity presents itself.

If you follow that logic all the way through then let the players pool their money together and buy out all the owners. Now the ballplayers own the teams. Not likely to happen...

Totally agree with this assessment. If Darvish can't find a home with a 6 or 7 year contract sit the year out or take another deal with fewer years.

I'm all for signing one of these guys to a one year contract. Why not? Seems like an excellent idea if the player and agent get desperate. I never expected the Twins would get close to signing Darvish this offseason. However, a couple of days ago I've done 180 degree turnaround. I actually think the Twins are still going to sign Darvish. Here's why: 1. Milwaukee supposedly offered a 4 year contract. Twins 5 years. Cubs are in this too but I don't think they want to increase the payroll that much. 2. The other big market teams are out of this for compelling reasons (payroll penalties). 2. Darvish wants 7 years. He can ask for that all day long but if nobody is offering that he has only 3 options: lower his expectations, sit the year out or sign a BIG one year contract (unlikely). 4. The Twins are a competitive team, with a great lineup, a great defense and a pitchers ballpark. 5. What's left? Not a lot except for the Twins...

Note to Moderators - This thread should be re-titled: "Still Waiting..."

Interesting write-up. Thank you.

Great story, thanks for sharing. Kirby is still one of my all-time favorite Twins. I remember driving home from baseball practice as a kid listening to Kirby's first game on WCCO. My coach at the time said this guy is gonna be good. Seth - I was at Cooperstown for Kirby's induction as well. Remember it like it was yesterday. My sister worked for the Marlins (still does) and got me tickets to the event. The Marlins were playing the Reds for the Hall of Fame game that year so she got to come along too. Ended up having coffee with Pete Rose the following day...Interesting story. No sense deflowering the nice Kirby story with that story...Will save for another time.

John - Thanks for starting this thread. I've been on this site for a few years now and love it. It's my "go to" place for Twins information. All of my contributions have been through the forum sections only. I've even done a number of game thread introductions. I contribute because its fun and I enjoy the banter amongst other Twins fans. Now that I better understand the blog portion I will make a few attempts at contributing that way as well. Can't promise anything riveting but will give it a shot. I don't think anyone who is really passionate about writing about the Twins will be doing it for a few bucks here and there. They will do it because they think they have a good point to make or an observation that will be appreciated by other Twins fans. Couple of quick thoughts on developing/encouraging more bloggers: 1.) If you see a good post in the forums section, PM the author and encourage them to expand or develop their idea further in a blog. 2.) If you read a decent blog that might not yet be ready for the front page reach out to that individual and say good job. That might be the only encouragement they need to try another one. The more people write the better they get. Its intimidating to put yourself out there and write something for everyone to see but if you want more people to do it they might need to be nurtured somewhat. A little recognition goes a long way.

Good for Paul! Good for Falvey and company too. Can you imagine the blow back from the average Twins fan out there if we would have let Paul go and he wins MOY??? Mr. Pohlad looks sage now too.... I'm going out to my deer stand this morning to ponder these things some more.

Nobody that I know of on here or elsewhere said to focus only on analytics and ignore relationships. My point (obviously poorly expressed) was that I think a younger team like the Twins would fare better under a more qualitative management approach than with a management style designed for more veteran type players (and possibly a more analytics driven approach). I don't know what the players thought of Molitor last year. Dozier's comments were said a week ago about this year. I'm not sure if anything changed from last year or not. Wish I had better access to the players to dig a little deeper into that subject!

I'm glad they kept Molitor. It seems silly to mess around with a cohesive team atmosphere with great chemistry. Dozier came right out and said he supported Molitor 100% and also said he speaks for the entire team when he says that. I love the new analytical approach to things in baseball but I sometimes think focusing on only that component blinds people in their approach to coaching, instructing, managing, etc. (I'm going to post a topic on this subject soon). At this point I think a more qualitative approach to managing a young team is better than a quantitative approach. Molitor does provide a unique perspective after playing for 20 years. He most likely has been apart of toxic clubhouses and cohesive clubhouses. After all these years in baseball I would bet he's learned what not to do as well as what motivates a team (analytics aside). As a Manager, either of baseball players, employees or soldiers it's his or her job to get the most out of their people and guide them in the direction you want them to go. I also don't think he earned the players respect this year but he earned it last year. Close relationships and mutual respect are usually forged in difficult times not great times...

Hildenberger - do you want cheese or bacon on the berger?

Buxton is a stud. No if's, and's or butt's about it. WOW!!!!!