#byronbuxton

Given some time to let the end of the season settle in, David, Dan and Hoges get together for one last episode to recap the 2023 Minnesota Twins baseball season. They start with a discussion of the retirement of longtime broadcaster Dick Bremer and share their thoughts on what to make the of payroll reduction and the lack of a TV deal for next season. Then, they look back at their season predictions ventured back in March, followed by a a season-long version of their usual segments, with discussions about Rocco Baldelli, their favorite moments of the season and the MLB rule changes. Finally, they wrap up with a shorter look toward 2024 and what changes might still be coming.

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Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

With the AL Central Division title already secured, the Minnesota Twins won two of three at home against the Oakland Athletics, and they did so while trying out new lineup combinations and treating pitchers very, very carefully. David and Dan discuss how the Twins are using this time to prepare for the postseason, which begins after one final regular-season series this weekend. They look at the highlights on the field, like Matt Wallner's grand slam and Andrew Stevenson's dash around the bases, and they also look to the decisions Rocco is making now and how those might change in the Wild Card games. Dan wants to know whether Byron Buxton could return and be effective in centerfield, while David wonders whether Rocco will change his pinching ways in the postseason. They also look around the league at a series of milestones for coaches and players, both former and current. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

With their ace on the mound in Game 3 ... er, Game 1 ... er, Game 2 ... the Minnesota Twins win two of three against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates and the process extend their lead in the AL Central Division to a season-high six games with 12 series left in the regular season. David and Dan discuss the excellent starts by Pablo Lopez, Sonny Gray and Dallas Keuchel, the last of whom was the focus of much dismissal (by these two hosts included) after his last performance for the Twins. David and Dan both have criticisms for Rocco Baldelli's handling of the series, specifically the loss in Game 2. Dan wonders how much the Twins are willing to tinker with the 40-man roster, while David wants to know whether Byron Buxton's eventual return will really include time in center field. They look around the league at some savvy fielding plays by the Blue Jays and Angels, a hot streak from a Mariners' outfielder and an emotional apology from Mets star Pete Alonso. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

In dramatic fashion, the Minnesota Twins finished off a sweep of the Chicago White Sox, giving them three sweeps in their last five series. David and Dan look back at the dramatic finish to Game 3 as well as the exciting comeback in Game 2 and the thundering start to Game 1. They examine the play of Byron Buxton, the down series for Eddie Julien and the way pink eye impacted the way Rocco Baldelli was able to manage the series. They praise the play of Alex Kirilloff and the steady presence Carlos Correa has been the last couple of weeks, and they look forward to how this roster might change when Jorge Polanco and (eventually) Royce Lewis and Nick Gordon return. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

Back from the All-Star break, David and Dan discuss the Minnesota Twins' three-game sweep of the lowly Oakland Athletics, which somehow leaves them both unsatisfied, despite the Twins' return to first place in the AL Central. They question whether the offensive outburst has more to do with the opponent than any meaningful change for the Twins, and they worry a bit about the performance by the Twins' starting pitchers. David is very conflicted about his bench choice, Willi Castro, while Dan once again eagerly gives the Beast title to a relief pitcher. They wonder whether it is time to drop Byron Buxton a few spots in the lineup, and they look at the recently released 2024 MLB schedule. One thing they both heartily agree on: The automatic strike zone can't come soon enough. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

Joe Ryan's complete game shutout - the Twins' first in more than five years - headlined a memorable couple of wins at the end of Minnesota's four-game series with the visiting Boston Red Sox. Along with the breakout of Byron Buxton, Ryan's performance was a noteworthy, promising way for the Twins to finalize a split in the series and in the 10-game home stand. David, for one, is beyond optimistic that the first-place Twins (still 38-38 on the year) have finally turned a corner. Dan isn't so sure, given the dubious state of Boston's pitching staff. Dan also still has questions for Rocco Baldelli, though he also praises the way he identified "rock bottom" early in the series. David wonders whether Max Kepler has pulled a Jake Cave, and Dan longs for the return of lefty reliever Caleb Thielbar. They also look around the league at a couple recent instances of catchers "blocking the plate" - or so they were deemed. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

Andrew "Hoges" Hoganson fills in for a traveling David to discuss the first-place Minnesota Twins' disappointing split of a home series with the Cleveland Guardians, two games apiece. The series featured a marvelous comeback and shutout followed by two offensive duds, leaving both Hoges and Dan to ponder just how opposite this series felt from the games between these teams last year. They discuss how Rocco Baldelli's hands were tied due to injuries to Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, and they also look at how the reliability of bullpen arms has shifted just over the last couple of weeks. Dan asks again when the Twins will simply move on from right fielder Max Kepler, while Hoges wonders who exactly could be counted among the team's "A" lineup right now. They both heap praise on the heroics of Royce Lewis, who seems to be OK after a scary Game 4 injury, and they look ahead to the next series -- a key three-game set at Tampa Bay. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

David and Dan have a fundamental disagreement over whether giving up a grand slam is worse than walking in a run, the latter of which is a key factor in the Minnesota Twins losing two of three at home to the visiting San Francisco Giants. They discuss the impact of playing with a depleted lineup as well as the turbulent season endured by the Twins' bullpen. They wonder whether Rocco Baldelli needs to tinker more with the lineup and also whether that tinkering should extend to using an opener to help the Twins' starters avoid their first-inning difficulties. They also ask whether Byron Buxton is a legitimate contender to hit 30 home runs and to steal 30 bases this season, and they discuss how exactly it is that a team like Minnesota actually leads a division right now -- a division that any AL East team would be comfortably ahead in. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

Technically the Minnesota Twins lost two of three games to the Dodgers in Los Angeles this week, but neither David nor Dan are fully willing to admit it based on how the end of Game 1 went down, thanks to some bad umpiring. They discuss that as well as the Twins' bounce-back victory in Game 2 and a lackluster performance in Game 3. David returns and defends himself against the many attacks he feels he suffered from Dan and Hoges last episode while also trying to take the high road above the criticism. Dan praises the work of starter Bailey Ober, while David is forced to admit that he probably should have just taken Byron Buxton in Puckett's Picks for this series. They discuss the pending roster move to replace the injured Nick Gordon and wonder what the circumstances will be on June 1, when Royce Lewis is eligible to return from the 60-day IL. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

An extra-innings victory in Game 3 helps the Minnesota Twins avoid being swept by the fourth-place Chicago White Sox, but it's hard for David and Dan to find a ton of positives in this series loss. Their bullpen struggled, their bats had difficulty getting hits in key situations, and now they head to Cleveland -- still as a first-place team in the down AL Central Division. David and Dan praise the play of Nick Gordon and Byron Buxton, respectively, and find plenty of shade to cast on the performances of Jose Miranda and Trevor Larnach. They wonder about the role of replay in baseball as well as who might be a candidate to lose a roster spot to Alex Kirilloff. They also look around the league at the rough start for the Oakland Athletics and the responses of players who were asked about the rules changes thus far. Thanks for listening; go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

For the first time since 2001, the Twins won the season series with the New York Yankees after taking two of three this week at Target Field. David's giddiness over the victory can hardly be contained, though Dan is a bit more tempered. Both wish they had tried harder to win Game 3, when Rocco Baldelli sent the B squad out, along with a clearly ailing Kenta Maeda. Nevertheless, they celebrate the big hits and important pitching performances in the first two games, including the play of Byron Buxton and Joey Gallo, who finally got a chance to play against the Yankees. Dan rants about the ticker and Dick Bremer's near-spoiler on Tuesday, while David asks whether this pitching staff could finally be the one to win not just a playoff game but an entire series. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

While Byron Buxton started the series with a leadoff home run, there wasn't much else for the Twins to cheer for, as, for the first time since May, they play a series and fail to win a game. The Brewers had little trouble against troubled Twins starters Dylan Bundy and Chris Archer, leading David and Dan to wonder: Who exactly is going to start for this team the rest of the season? They discuss Buxton's contributions to the team after missing the last series due to an injection in his knee, and they dive into the excellence of Jose Miranda and the ineptitude of the Twins' pitching in general. They ask about how much Wes Johnson's departure has hurt that pitching staff, while they also laugh a bit about Juan Soto's contract situation with the Washington Nationals. Thanks for listening, and as always, go Twins.

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series

A series victory was within Minnesota's grasp, but when playing the New York Yankees, the best-laid plays go oft awry for the Twins. They lose two of three to the Pinstripes at Target Field. But while David and Dan wonder about Rocco's next-game-up bullpen management, they also point out the many positives: The Twins chased three Yankees starters early, Byron Buxton got back on track, and Carlos Correa returned to the lineup. They also assess the performances from Minnesota's starting pitchers -- the remains of an injury-battered starting rotation -- and they discuss whether Jose Miranda is here to stay (David is staunchly in Miranda's corner). Finally, Dan shares his frustration about more talk of banning the shift next season. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain

The Gran Group with Edina Realty
TWIN CITIES AREA REALTORS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR HOUSING NEEDS!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Music: "Minnesota Twins Theme" (1961) written by Ray Charles and Dick Wilson. Arrangement and performance by Jason Cain.

Twitter:
@MNfortheWin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MNfortheWin
Website:
https://mnforthewin.buzzsprout.com/

Puckett's Picks Scoring

1pt per Base (H/BB/HBP) | 1pt per SB | 1pt per RBI
-1pt per K | -1pt per Error | -1pt per GIDP

Tie Breaker
1. Most HRs
2. Least Ks
3. Least LOB

Listeners always pick first, lowest score between Dan/David/Hoges picks second for next series