Troy Larson

I'll tell you some things I've observed from good baseball broadcasters. First of all, sometimes when you call a play, you might anticipate a possible catch and then the runner is all the sudden is able to make it into third base because the fielder missed the ball. Tangents are a good thing when there's not much action going on. You might think that Dan Gladden has missed something. Really, you don't need to call every single pitch but most of them. ,You might think that Gladden has missed an out, but it could be that you maybe weren't listening at the time and missed something. The only time where I can see this happening is when they've some guest in the booth which I'm not a big fan of unless it's a former player. As for dead air, that can be a good thing in a baseball game. Gives you an idea of what the ball park sounds like. And the most important thing of all, Dan Gladden's commentary represents the Twins way. He will criticize when a play's not done fundamentally sound.

Original Post from http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/will-the-twins-carry-two-catchers/ Recently, there's been talk that the Twins will carry only two catchers. Those two catchers would be Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit. However, I don't think the Twins will keep only two catchers. Let's take a look at the reasons why I don't think this is the case. The original plan for Doumit heading into the season was for him to be the main DH. That plan might be up in the air right now due to the fact that Justin Morneau has stated that he'd prefer to DH to avoid suffering the concussion symptoms playing at first base. If this is the case, Then Doumit will probably be playing some at first base and or in the outfield depending on how the roster shakes out. With three catchers on the club, this would provide for more flexibility to put Doumit in the field or as the DH. Also, the possibility is there that either Mauer or Doumit is the DH and the other is behind the plate for a game. If the catcher that's behind the plate gets injured, then the catcher who's the DH would have to come in the game. This would mean the Twins lose the Dh and the pitcher would have to bat. Of course there could be an argument to be made that there are too many people on the club to play first base and in the outfield, along with being the DH. The talk now is Chris Parmelee has a good shot at making this club out of spring training with Morneau's recent comments. Therefore, you have another person to play first base if the catcher playing first base gets hurt. To look at the roster picture more closely, let's name the guys that will or could be on the roster for players that could DH and play first base and may also play in the outfield. Joe Mauer: First Base/DH Justin Morneau: First Base/DH Chris Parmelee: First base/Outfield Ryan Doumit: First Base/Outfield/DH Trevor Plouffe: First Base/Outfield/DH Luke Hughes: First Base/Outfield/DH I didn't name Joe Mauer as also possibly playing in the outfield although he played a little there last season. I don't think it's very likely that he'll be playing there this season for the fact that they've other options to play there and plus the fact Mauer hasn't played in the outfield a lot. Also, I didn't mention Chris Parmelee as a DH because I think the Twins would want him to play in the field. Plus, I think the Twins are more likely to have Parmelee on the club if the plan is to have Morneau be the primary DH. But, this leaves me with one last question. Who would take the open roster spot if the Twins do have only two catchers? The logical conclusion for who'd take the open roster spot would have to be a player who could play shortstop. the last possible player that could play shortstop would hav been Pedro Florimon, but he was sent to the Minor League camp this morning. Because of the roster picture, I still think the Twins will have three catchers on the team to start the season. It would allow for the flexibility to use one of them as a DH and keep that person in the game if the player catching gets injured. Even with the flexibility of having multiple players who can play at first base and in the outfield, along with DHing, the Twins would be wise to keep three catchers on the big league club this season.

Original Post from http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/will-the-twins-carry-two-catchers/ Recently, there's been talk that the Twins will carry only two catchers. Those two catchers would be Joe Mauer and Ryan Doumit. However, I don't think the Twins will keep only two catchers. Let's take a look at the reasons why I don't think this is the case. The original plan for Doumit heading into the season was for him to be the main DH. That plan might be up in the air right now due to the fact that Justin Morneau has stated that he'd prefer to DH to avoid suffering the concussion symptoms playing at first base. If this is the case, Then Doumit will probably be playing some at first base and or in the outfield depending on how the roster shakes out. With three catchers on the club, this would provide for more flexibility to put Doumit in the field or as the DH. Also, the possibility is there that either Mauer or Doumit is the DH and the other is behind the plate for a game. If the catcher that's behind the plate gets injured, then the catcher who's the DH would have to come in the game. This would mean the Twins lose the Dh and the pitcher would have to bat. Of course there could be an argument to be made that there are too many people on the club to play first base and in the outfield, along with being the DH. The talk now is Chris Parmelee has a good shot at making this club out of spring training with Morneau's recent comments. Therefore, you have another person to play first base if the catcher playing first base gets hurt. To look at the roster picture more closely, let's name the guys that will or could be on the roster for players that could DH and play first base and may also play in the outfield. Joe Mauer: First Base/DH Justin Morneau: First Base/DH Chris Parmelee: First base/Outfield Ryan Doumit: First Base/Outfield/DH Trevor Plouffe: First Base/Outfield/DH Luke Hughes: First Base/Outfield/DH I didn't name Joe Mauer as also possibly playing in the outfield although he played a little there last season. I don't think it's very likely that he'll be playing there this season for the fact that they've other options to play there and plus the fact Mauer hasn't played in the outfield a lot. Also, I didn't mention Chris Parmelee as a DH because I think the Twins would want him to play in the field. Plus, I think the Twins are more likely to have Parmelee on the club if the plan is to have Morneau be the primary DH. But, this leaves me with one last question. Who would take the open roster spot if the Twins do have only two catchers? The logical conclusion for who'd take the open roster spot would have to be a player who could play shortstop. the last possible player that could play shortstop would hav been Pedro Florimon, but he was sent to the Minor League camp this morning. Because of the roster picture, I still think the Twins will have three catchers on the team to start the season. It would allow for the flexibility to use one of them as a DH and keep that person in the game if the player catching gets injured. Even with the flexibility of having multiple players who can play at first base and in the outfield, along with DHing, the Twins would be wise to keep three catchers on the big league club this season.

Originally posted at http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/Recent-Events-Give-More-Opportunities-For-Players-To-Step-Up/ Hello Twins fans and I'm back from Fort Myers where I went to one spring training game. I also listened to a lot of basketball action and went for walks on the beach. Withrecent events that have taken place in the Twins camp I think it's time to revisit the roster picture. First of all, Tsuyoshi Nishioka was sent to the minor league camp early last week. Although he'd been doing ok at the plate this spring (.240 average, 1 RbI and 1 tripple in 25 at bats), he was like a sieve in the infield. Nishioka was projected to be on the roster as a utility infielder, but now that roster spot is open. Who gets that roster spot could be based upon some other factors that I'll go over. One of the factors would have to be what role Justin Morneau plays on the team. There's talk now that he might be the DH with a revolving door at first base consisting of Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit and Luke Hughes. There's also the possibility that Chris Parmelee could potensially be in the mix for the first base position. Parmelee this spring has been given plenty at bats (42) with a batting line of .286/.362/.571 with 3 HR and 8 RBI with 10 runs scored. Parmelee however has only played as high as Class AA in the minors, but does have a little major league experience since he played last September with the Twins. The Twins front office has said that they're not afraid to promote someone from AA level. Another factor that could determine who fills Nishioka's spot on the Twins roster is the fact that manager Ron Gardenhire has announced that Josh Willingham will move to his more natural position which is left field. Willingham was projected as the Twins starting right fielder, but it was apparent that Willingham is better suited for left field. With Willingham now in left, this means that right field is open. Initially, it was projected that the starting outfield would be a platoon of Ben Revere and Trevor Plouffe in left, Denard Span in center and Willingham in right. So, who will play in right field? I know one thing. The starting everyday right fielder will not be revere. He doesn't have a strong throwing arm and you want your right fielder to have a strong arm. Plus the fact that Revere has been playing all over the outfield suggests that he might be considered as the fourth outfielder. This would also add some more speed on the bench which the Twins could use late in games for pinch running purposes. As for Trevor Plouffe, he's been slowed recently by a sore hamString. This spring Plouffe is batting .276/.344/.310 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. The fact that he has no options makes it likely that Plouffe will be on the Twins to start the season barring any injury. And, I've not mentioned that Parmelee started today's game in right field. I think the fact Parmelee has had a solid spring has made him a possible candidate to start the season with the club. There's one other option I've not discussed. Joe Benson is one of the Twins most prized prospects in the higher minors. Like Parmelee, he too has only played as high as AA. Also like Parmelee, Benson has played in the Majors last fall. This spring, Benson has batted .250/.311/.425 with 2 HR and 10 RBI with 4 runs scored. I think that Benson also has a shot at making the club perhaps as the starting center fielder and Denard Span moving to right. A couple of other possible players that might have a shot at making the club are Sean Burroughs and Mike Hollimon. Both have had solid springs at the plate. Hollimon is leading the Twins in batting average at .474 in 19 at bats with 1 HR and 5 RBI. Burroghs has a .290 average with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Also, both have had major league experience. I think Burroughs has a better shot at making the club than Hollimon since the Twins have given him more at bats, but I think these players are not as high on the list of potensial players to fill Nishioka's open roster spot. And of course I've not mentioned Brian Dozier. Well, the only way he will make the club is if he has an opportunity to play shortstop every day. Right now, Jamey Carroll is the everyday shortstop. Who fills the open roster spot depends on how well the players do the rest of spring training. Also, the role morneau plays on this club will determine if they might want someone to be able to play first base. I actually think that Morneau will be playing the majority of games at first since I've not heard of any reason he can't play there. The only thing is he's not done well at the plate, but the signs are there that he's coming around as far as hitting goes. In the end, it's more opportunities. Opportunities for players to step up and make a good impression.

Originally posted at http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/Recent-Events-Give-More-Opportunities-For-Players-To-Step-Up/ Hello Twins fans and I'm back from Fort Myers where I went to one spring training game. I also listened to a lot of basketball action and went for walks on the beach. Withrecent events that have taken place in the Twins camp I think it's time to revisit the roster picture. First of all, Tsuyoshi Nishioka was sent to the minor league camp early last week. Although he'd been doing ok at the plate this spring (.240 average, 1 RbI and 1 tripple in 25 at bats), he was like a sieve in the infield. Nishioka was projected to be on the roster as a utility infielder, but now that roster spot is open. Who gets that roster spot could be based upon some other factors that I'll go over. One of the factors would have to be what role Justin Morneau plays on the team. There's talk now that he might be the DH with a revolving door at first base consisting of Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit and Luke Hughes. There's also the possibility that Chris Parmelee could potensially be in the mix for the first base position. Parmelee this spring has been given plenty at bats (42) with a batting line of .286/.362/.571 with 3 HR and 8 RBI with 10 runs scored. Parmelee however has only played as high as Class AA in the minors, but does have a little major league experience since he played last September with the Twins. The Twins front office has said that they're not afraid to promote someone from AA level. Another factor that could determine who fills Nishioka's spot on the Twins roster is the fact that manager Ron Gardenhire has announced that Josh Willingham will move to his more natural position which is left field. Willingham was projected as the Twins starting right fielder, but it was apparent that Willingham is better suited for left field. With Willingham now in left, this means that right field is open. Initially, it was projected that the starting outfield would be a platoon of Ben Revere and Trevor Plouffe in left, Denard Span in center and Willingham in right. So, who will play in right field? I know one thing. The starting everyday right fielder will not be revere. He doesn't have a strong throwing arm and you want your right fielder to have a strong arm. Plus the fact that Revere has been playing all over the outfield suggests that he might be considered as the fourth outfielder. This would also add some more speed on the bench which the Twins could use late in games for pinch running purposes. As for Trevor Plouffe, he's been slowed recently by a sore hamString. This spring Plouffe is batting .276/.344/.310 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. The fact that he has no options makes it likely that Plouffe will be on the Twins to start the season barring any injury. And, I've not mentioned that Parmelee started today's game in right field. I think the fact Parmelee has had a solid spring has made him a possible candidate to start the season with the club. There's one other option I've not discussed. Joe Benson is one of the Twins most prized prospects in the higher minors. Like Parmelee, he too has only played as high as AA. Also like Parmelee, Benson has played in the Majors last fall. This spring, Benson has batted .250/.311/.425 with 2 HR and 10 RBI with 4 runs scored. I think that Benson also has a shot at making the club perhaps as the starting center fielder and Denard Span moving to right. A couple of other possible players that might have a shot at making the club are Sean Burroughs and Mike Hollimon. Both have had solid springs at the plate. Hollimon is leading the Twins in batting average at .474 in 19 at bats with 1 HR and 5 RBI. Burroghs has a .290 average with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Also, both have had major league experience. I think Burroughs has a better shot at making the club than Hollimon since the Twins have given him more at bats, but I think these players are not as high on the list of potensial players to fill Nishioka's open roster spot. And of course I've not mentioned Brian Dozier. Well, the only way he will make the club is if he has an opportunity to play shortstop every day. Right now, Jamey Carroll is the everyday shortstop. Who fills the open roster spot depends on how well the players do the rest of spring training. Also, the role morneau plays on this club will determine if they might want someone to be able to play first base. I actually think that Morneau will be playing the majority of games at first since I've not heard of any reason he can't play there. The only thing is he's not done well at the plate, but the signs are there that he's coming around as far as hitting goes. In the end, it's more opportunities. Opportunities for players to step up and make a good impression.

Originally posted at http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/When-Do-Fans-Get-Excited-For-A-New-Baseball-Season/ With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, I’ve been pondering on the Question. When Do fans get excited for a baseball season? The answers to this are numerous and I think it depends on the fan. There are those fans that just like to be at a baseball game, but I think more of them get excited when the weather gets warmer or when the players start to get ready for the season. For me personally, I think I get more excited for the baseball season when spring training starts, usually in mid February. I know the regular season is almost here and that I’ll be able to listen to the Twins games again on the radio. I even enjoy listening to Spring training games. Spring training allows me to follow the progress of players, especially those players that are competing for open roster spots. Also, spring training tells me that warm weather is almost here and it makes the remaining days of winter go by faster. And even in the offseason, especially during the week of TwinsFest, I get excited for the season. Just hearing the players talk baseball makes it seem not so cold outside. I know that in the next few weeks, spring training will be starting. And when I talk to my friends about baseball, even in the offseason I get excited for the season. However, when spring training comes around, then my excitement for a new season picks up. I know that soon I’ll be able to be outside at the ball park in the stands following the action by radio with the Twins broadcast team and vendors calling out ”hot dog” and ”beer” as they go bye selling their products. being in the stands allows me to feel like I’m at the ball park cheering for the Twins while following the game on radio. The recent warm weather we’ve been having has given me the urge to want to be outside at Target Field at a Twins game. I can’t wait for the season to start and I think most other baseball fans feel the same way I do.

Originally posted at http://troystwinsdugout.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/When-Do-Fans-Get-Excited-For-A-New-Baseball-Season/ With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, I’ve been pondering on the Question. When Do fans get excited for a baseball season? The answers to this are numerous and I think it depends on the fan. There are those fans that just like to be at a baseball game, but I think more of them get excited when the weather gets warmer or when the players start to get ready for the season. For me personally, I think I get more excited for the baseball season when spring training starts, usually in mid February. I know the regular season is almost here and that I’ll be able to listen to the Twins games again on the radio. I even enjoy listening to Spring training games. Spring training allows me to follow the progress of players, especially those players that are competing for open roster spots. Also, spring training tells me that warm weather is almost here and it makes the remaining days of winter go by faster. And even in the offseason, especially during the week of TwinsFest, I get excited for the season. Just hearing the players talk baseball makes it seem not so cold outside. I know that in the next few weeks, spring training will be starting. And when I talk to my friends about baseball, even in the offseason I get excited for the season. However, when spring training comes around, then my excitement for a new season picks up. I know that soon I’ll be able to be outside at the ball park in the stands following the action by radio with the Twins broadcast team and vendors calling out ”hot dog” and ”beer” as they go bye selling their products. being in the stands allows me to feel like I’m at the ball park cheering for the Twins while following the game on radio. The recent warm weather we’ve been having has given me the urge to want to be outside at Target Field at a Twins game. I can’t wait for the season to start and I think most other baseball fans feel the same way I do.