#roccobaldelli

For the first time since 2002, the Minnesota Twins clinched a playoff series victory, taking the second game of a best-of-three against the Toronto Blue Jays. They advance now to face the Houston Astros on Saturday in the ALDS. David, Hoges and Dan discuss the game against the Blue Jays and look forward to the series against the Astros. They discuss the good start from Sonny Gray and the brilliant performance by the Twins' bullpen, including another great 8th inning from Griffin Jax and a shut-down 9th from Jhoan Duran. They also question the decision by Toronto's manager to pull former Twins starter Jose Berrios in the fourth inning, and they praise the work of Gray and Carlos Correa in getting a key pick-off at second to end one of the Blue Jays' many scoring chances. They also look toward the next series and wonder whether Bailey Ober has a spot on this roster and whether there might be any other changes to the roster. They also reflect on the many comments from Twins players about the significance of the moment, and they dare to hope that this is still early in a Minnesota playoff run. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

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.

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

It is official: The Minnesota Twins are the 2023 AL Central champions. Hoges joins Dan (and so, for a bit, does David) to discuss the clinching series and then all the questions still to be settled over the next week. Will Royce Lewis play? Will (ahem) Joey Gallo have a roster spot? And who will pitch out of the bullpen? They also praise the work of the front office nabbing guys like Kyle Farmer and Willi Castro, as well as their patience and steadfastness with Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco, even when they were ineffective or injured for significant stretches this year. They also praise Rocco Baldelli (happy birthday, sir) for his management this series and his pre-celebration pep talk, and then they look around the league at a quirky pitching matchup and the wild card races. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

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 get one win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and they seem quite content with just the one, losing a series to one of the best teams in the Majors. Dan and Hoges discuss the myriad questions this team has surrounding its roster the rest of the way, including whether players like Nick Gordon, Brock Stewart, Byron Buxton and Chris Paddack will find their way on a potential playoff roster. They also look back at the decisions Rocco Baldelli made during the series and the handful of memorable moments from players like Royce Lewis (who else?), Willi Castro and Max Kepler, who continues to prove his doubters wrong. The listeners have nearly locked up a season victory in Puckett's Picks, but Dan is holding out just a little bit of hope and turns in a different direction heading into the four-game series in Chicago. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

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 fourth time in five series, the Minnesota Twins won more than their opponents did, taking two of three from the visiting New York Mets. With their lead in the AL Central Division at 7.5 games, David and Dan are both feeling pretty good, though they have lots of questions about who exactly will be on a postseason roster and in what capacity. They discuss the good pitching outings, especially the one from Pablo Lopez, as well as the oddities on the base paths and in the announcing booth. There is much to be said about Max Kepler's big play in Game 2 as well as how Rocco Baldelli handled the end of Game 3. They also wonder a bit about the team's Roberto Clemente Award nominee, and they look forward to a tight finish in the race for Puckett's Picks. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

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

It finally happened: The Minnesota Twins used two starters in one game, and it helped them to a comeback win in Game 4 that gave them a series win (3 out of 4) against the visiting Texas Rangers. Hoges fills in for David to discuss the series with Dan, and he has plenty of praise for Royce Lewis, who came through with clutch hits throughout the series. Dan heaps his praise on Dallas Keuchel, who set aside his ego and gave the Twins five key innings in Game 4. They both are impressed with the work of the bullpen (aside from Griffin Jax's Game 3 effort) and they see plenty to like about the hitting, which has turned it around in a big way since the All-Star Break. They also discuss the shenanigans of Game 2, and then they look around the league at news about Shohei Ohtani and Terry Francona. Finally, they look forward to the next series: a three-game showdown against the second-place Cleveland Guardians at Target Field. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

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!

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 play a stinker of a series, and David is back on the podcast with plenty of firepower. He has a couple questions for Rocco Baldelli, and he also offers his thoughts on the career of new Twins Hall of Famer Joe Mauer. Dan offers further defense of the Twins' great, and he also defends the changes he made to his grading rubric. They discuss the shortcomings of the offense and bullpen in particular that contributed to Minnesota's losing three of four to the Detroit Tigers, and they wonder who, if anyone, can infuse this offense with some life and this team with some hope. They also look around at many headlines from Major League Baseball, including a friendly bet between brothers that might not have been the smartest idea. Thanks for listening, and go Twins.

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 being swept the series before, the Minnesota Twins take two of three against the St. Louis Cardinals in games that weren't always beautiful -- but they were effective. Filling in for David, Andrew Hoganson praises the work of Matt Wallner, who again comes through with some key plays for the Twins. Hoges also asks why Rocco Baldelli isn't giving Ryan Jeffers more time at catcher, while Dan again brings up the silliness of the review process, which this time went well for Rocco. Dan also asks for Hoges' take on the glut of lefties and the lack of moves at the trade deadline. They look back at last season and consider whether this team is in a better spot than those Twins, and they look around the league at a solid no-hitter and a trade that almost was. Plus, they discuss the weird situation with the towel following Jhoan Duran's wild pitch in the final moments of the series. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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 ended a six-game losing streak emphatically with a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants, who previously had only visited Minnesota for one series since the Giants moved out West. Filling in for a vacationing David, Hoges praises the play of baseball superstar Carlos Correa, who had perhaps his best series with the Twins, and Dan jumps on the Jake Cave bandwagon after the oft cast-off centerfielder also has his best series with the Twins this season. They discuss whether Rocco Baldelli's team-meeting speech deserves credit for the turnaround series, but they also wonder if Rocco really knows the difference (again) between low- and high-leverage situations (specifically when Emilio Pagan is available to pitch). They also end with a discussion of Julio Rodriguez's new contract with the Mariners and whether that sort of deal is something the Twins should explore with their young stars. Thanks for listening, and go Twins! 

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

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 were overmatched in a two-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it is perhaps comforting for David and Dan that they no longer need to play a team that looks an awful lot like the New York Yankees in stature and mystique. Back together after being apart the last three series, David and Dan find the Twins in second place for the first time in a long while, and they find it hard to see a ton of bright spots in this two-game performance against the Dodgers. They discuss Rocco Baldelli's management of his pitchers, and Dan wonders whether the manager's punishment for his unkind words to the league is an admittance that the replay booth in New York got that call wrong last series. Though they are confident Minnesota is still the best team in the AL Central, they boys are eager to see the Twins put together a winning streak as their competition gets a bit weaker the next few series. Thanks for listening, and go Twins!

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

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

Against a playoff-caliber team, the Minnesota Twins earn a four-game split at Target Field with the Toronto Blue Jays. But it felt like a series the Twins could have won if not for an overturned call in the 10th inning of Game 4. Hoges -- filling in again for David -- was at the game for it and has lots to say about the way that replay was handled by the MLB crew in New York City. He and Dan praise Rocco Baldelli for his display of emotion and for his articulate critique of the process in his postgame interview. They also discuss the excellent play of Jose Miranda and Nick Gordon, who anchored a lineup riddled with injuries and days off. They praise the hustle of Jake Cave and Gordon, and then Dan asks Hoges whether Carlos Correa should be worried about his job security at shortstop. Hoges wonders what it will take for this season to be perceived as a success, and they end with a look around the Majors at the haplessAngels, the death of Vin Scully and a dominant White Sox pitcher. Thanks for listening; go Twins!

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

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