#mntwins

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

For the first time since the first of the season, the Minnesota Twins complete a three-game sweep of an opponent, and again it is the Kansas City Royals. And while the quality of the opponent may not have been what it has, David and Dan find plenty to praise, from Pablo Lopez's complete-game shutout to the offensive awakening in the first two games of the series. Dan is fascinated by the ongoing details of the players-only meeting in Atlanta, while David has dramatically changed his tune about the play of Max Kepler. Begrudgingly, Dan praises Rocco Baldelli for his lineup and pinch-hitting choices, while David asks the important questions, like which Hogwarts house his co-host would fit into best. They look around the league and then make their picks for the Orioles series, which will send the Twins into the All-Star break. 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

Sure, it was the Atlanta Braves, who showed themselves to be the best team in the National League. But the Minnesota Twins' showing in this series -- a sweep by the Braves -- was perhaps their most dismal of the season. David and Dan find flaws in all sorts of places, from Rocco Baldelli to Tommy Watkins to Carlos Correa ... and so many more. David walks through Joey Gallo's odyssey to third base in Game 2, while Dan questions another baserunning gaffe in Game 3. They discuss what might be at play with the Twins' 0-for-23 effort with runners in scoring position, and they wonder whether this is going to be a turning point for the positive or the negative in their prospects, now as the second-place team in the AL Central. 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

First in dramatic fashion and then in a more measured one, the Minnesota Twins take two of two against the rival Milwaukee Brewers in a quick two-game set to start a 10-game home stand at Target Field. David and Dan praise the work of Carlos Correa, whose two big hits in the series -- including his first-career walk-off home run -- were huge factors in the victories. David has lots to say about the bat flip on that homer, while Dan is sure that Brian Anderson is somehow on Max Kepler's secret payroll to make the Twins' outfielder look better out in right. David can hardly contain his love for Donnie "Barrels" Solano and Eddie Julien, while Dan questions how much real consideration Rocco Baldelli gives key decisions like when to pinch hit and what he might want to name his twin children. They also look around the league at the Oakland Athletics' recent winning streak as well as the success of a pair of one-time Twins. 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

For the first time in two weeks the Minnesota Twins win a series -- over the Houston Astros no less, and in Texas. David and Dan admire the work of various members of the Twins lineup, none of whom is named Byron Buxton or Carlos Correa. They also are skeptical that the Twins were even trying to win this series considering the starting nine put forth in Game 3, though it worked out better than either hoped. The roles of Jorge Lopez and Brock Stewart have certainly become interesting, and there seems to be good reason to ask whether Matt Wallner should be playing right field instead of the struggling Max Kepler. They point out the importance of Royce Lewis in this lineup and highlight the strong start of Louis Varland, who did what few pitchers have been able to do this year in keeping the Astros in check. Finally, their discussion of baseball reaches down to the high school level, where one team suffered a quirky, heartbreaking loss, and to the 9U level, where another team enjoyed a walk-off win. 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

After a lackluster Game 1, the Twins' bats came alive in a huge way the rest of the series to help Minnesota take two of three against the Chicago Cubs. It capped a 4-2 homestand and, as Hoges points out, looked a whole lot like the series before against the Padres. Filling in for David, Hoges highlights the efforts of Joey Gallo, Alex Kirilloff and Carlos Correa during the Twins' run eruption, in which basically every Twins' player had a part. Hoges also highlights just how good the Twins' starting pitching has been this season, while Dan praises Rocco Baldelli's shrewd lineup moves that spurred the big games with the bats. They discuss whether the rotation has enough depth to endure further injury and whether the team's struggle against left-handed pitching is something to be concerned about. They also look around the league at a team managed by a former Minnesota bench coach and wonder why that team is stealing bases and his former team rarely does the same. 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

Despite a dismal showing in Game 1, the Minnesota Twins came back to take two of three from the visiting San Diego Padres to restore some hope in the hearts of both David and Dan, who weren't feeling too great after the first game. They discuss the bad defense that characterized the 6-1 loss as well as the timely hitting and top-notch pitching that characterized the two victories. Dan heaps plenty of praise on Alex Kirilloff and the courageous Kyle Farmer, while David shines a positive light on the relief pitchers who mostly held in check a talented Padres lineup. They discuss the big hits by Kirilloff (Game 2) and Carlos Correa (Game 3), who delivered arguably the play of the series on a beautiful day at Target Field. David wonders whether it is better to have great pitching and poor hitting than the opposite. The grades segment once again gets contentious, as David has plenty of criticism for Dan's "rubric." 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

The Minnesota Twins lost two of three to the Red Sox in a curious series, one that left David asking about Rocco's wardrobe choices and Dan wondering why the Twins bother to play baseball in such a strangely dimensioned (albeit historic) venue. Still, the Twins remain in first place in the AL Central, and all things considered, it wasn't as terrible of an East Coast road trip as they've had in the past. David and Dan discuss the strong efforts at the plate from Max Kepler and Joey Gallo, who led a hitting barrage in Game 2. They also dissect the strange plays at the end of Game 1 and the management of the pitching staff following Kenta Maeda's early exit in Game 3. They also look around the league at the Athletics' potential move to Las Vegas and the enforcement of the rules around how much rosin is too much rosin. 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

After three episodes (a continent) away, Dan rejoins David on the podcast to discuss another stellar pitching effort in another series victory by the Minnesota Twins -- as well as more injuries, which continued to pile up. Still, David has a theory about at least Joey Gallo's, and he's optimistic about the progress of Jorge Polanco and Alex Kirilloff, both of whom are on rehab stints. Dan praises the play of Michael A. Taylor after spending plenty of time questioning why he's actually in the lineup at all, while David wonders whether Cole Sands actually has any place in Rocco's plans this season given his lack of usage so far. Dan unveils a  rubric to set straight the errant ways of David's series grades, and they both look forward, hesitantly, to the next series in New York City.
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 the season just a couple weeks away, the Twins look to have more roster questions now than they did a month ago due to injuries. Among those is the news that first baseman Alex Kirilloff might not be ready for Opening Day, prompting David and Dan to wonder: Who is going to play there regularly? Or will it turn into another platoon? They also look at the spring training performance of Bailey Ober and ask whether he has played the Twins into a six-man starting rotation -- and if so, what does that mean for the bullpen? The World Baseball Classic is in full swing, and David is looking for ways that baseball could better market what is a very cool event. They highlight the many Twins' connections at the WBC, one of which gives Dan the chance to talk about one of his favorite topics: the perfect game.
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 the baseball season opener just over three weeks away, the Twins' starting rotation couldn't look much better, even as the lineup starts to show some cracks created by minor(?) injuries. David and Dan take a look at who is healthy and who is not on their third spring training episode of the 2023 season. They also follow up on the two big rule changes limiting the shift and also the addition of a pitch clock, the second of which both are in favor of. They also discuss Paul Molitor's guest appearance at training camp as well as the egg toss team-building exercise won by -- who else? -- Kyle Garlick. Finally, at least one national outlet thinks that the Twins might have a dark horse MVP candidate, which especially emboldens Dan.
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

Major League Baseball has instituted a series of rules for this season, and because they love rules so much, David, Dan and Hoges have devoted a whole episode to discussing them. The extra-innings ghost runner is now permanent, and for the most part the guys have resigned themselves to it. The pitch timer is perhaps the most notable change and one that will likely have the most impact on the fan experience. Dan and Hoges think the rule limiting how often position players can pitch is just another example of baseball over-legislating; David takes another angle. Dan is certain that the change in the size of bases is going to have an outsized impact on the game, something Hoges and David are skeptical of. But one thing they can all certainly agree on: Banning the shift is a terrible idea.  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

After a busy, surprising offseason, the Minnesota Twins are back in Fort Myers (or at least the pitchers and catchers are) to open Spring Training 2023. They made plenty of transactions, including the signing of Joey Gallo and Christian Vasquez, the trading of Luis Arraez  for starting pitcher Pablo Lopez -- and, of course, the resigning of Carlos Correa, whose ankle had the Giants and Mets both tossing and turning before ultimately the shortstop decided to stay with the Twins. David and Dan recap those and the rest of Minnesota's offseason moves while taking a look at the roster in this episode, their first of the 2023 season. They also run through at an intriguing division realignment proposal while looking forward to what should shape up to be a competitive Twins season. Thanks for listening, and as always, go Twins.

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

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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

All but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs even heading into this series against the Kansas City Royals, the Minnesota Twins looked worn out and unmotivated in a three-game sweep at the hands of their division rivals. David and Dan discuss the few bright spots in the performances of Carlos Correa and Matt Wallner, and they wonder whether either of them will start next season on the Twins' 26-man roster. David requests a rather significant changeover of the coaching staff, while Dan praises Rocco's benching of Gilberto Celestino, even if it was done later than it should have been done. They dive back into the rule change coming next year that shortens the distance between bases, and they make their selections in a Puckett's Picks race that is coming down to the wire. 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