Twinkie Press

Twinsboy wants what he wants

2006-04-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Twins 7
Oakland 6
Jebus, I love it when the twinks win games. Although Twinsboy did not get to go to the home opener, he watched it on the "TB"TV. This, my dear readers, is what baseball is about. Sticking our loss record in the loo and starting anew. From the defensive excellence of L. Castillo, to the longball antics of T-fat and Dr. Morneau, and jumping up and down yelling at the press that we're not done yet. My friends, this is looking like the "beginning" of a wonderful season.

As the school year winds down, Twinsboy will be able to do post-game re-caps, as well as various other stuff that I haven't thought of yet.

Twinsboy's 2006 Season Preview : Starting Lineup

2006-02-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

Now, for the second part of my 2006 Twins Preview:

*All of these players are listed in my preferred batting order.*

-=- Starting Lineup -=-

1. Luis Castillo -- 2B
The Twins' first offseason need was to aquire a steady second baseman. The Twins found their man with Castillo. He has proven himself to be a steady producer, weather batting lead off, or in the 2 hole. His most recent experience, however, would be in the No. 2 spot, as he batter behind Juan Pierre when he was with the Marlins. He can hit very well, especially from the right side of the plate. As a switch hitter, he is a pull hitter from the right side, but is an opposite field hitter from the left, and gets most of his infield singles from the left. A very patient hitter, he isn't afraid to go to two strikes to get on base, or to see the right pitch. If he gets on base, he is an agressive base runner, but his steals have decreased dramatically from a "serious" leg injury a few years ago. Never the less, wherever he is hitting, he will definately be steady hitter in the lineup.

2. Shannon Stewart -- LF
The Twins' leadoff hitter for the past three years, I beleive that Shannon is now better suited for the 2 spot. Shannon has always been a patient hitter, and having two smart hitters at the top of the order will definately benefit the team. Shannon has expressed his indifference towards where he bats in the lineup, as long as he's in it. Unlike last year, our lineup has a lot of protection in the top 6 spots. If you think about it, it makes sense. Pitchers won't want to throw crumbs to Shannon OR Castillo, because if either or both of them get on base, they still have to face Joe Mauer, Rondell White, Torii Hunter, and Justin Morneau. Basically, our top two parts to our order are interchangeable, which is a plus for us.

3. Joe Mauer -- C
Ah .... Joe Mauer. Now that the knee injury is no longer an issue, Joe Mauer can foucus more on his hitting and technique during the spring, and he can work more with the pitching staff - now that he's dropped out of the WBC. Not that his hitting was sub-par in2005, but the media put too much pressure on him, for just coming into his first full season in the majors. If he wasnervous at all, he didn't show it. Easily the best draft pick the Twins ever made so far, Joe Mauer has the possibility to become the best young catcher in baseball, and he won't be 25 for 2 years yet. He has already shown offensive prowess and should improve for years to come. If he can start hitting more dingers, and pull the ball more, he'll easily be the best "catch" in baseball.

4. Rondell White -- DH
Another of the Twins' off-season moves, Rondell White adds a proven hitter as our DH. That is something that the Twins lacked last year. He may not put up "Big Papi like" numbers, but make no mistake, he is a good hitter. His numbers were smaller at Comerica, but he can hit the ball a long way at a hitter's park like the Dome. He can murder fastballs, but can have some problems with off-speed pitches. He has had injury problems in the past, but as a full time DH, that problem should take care of itself. He also provides a veteran presence, that gets along with Torii, which is also a big plus. The media has made this an under-rated move, but it could have more benefits than ever.

5. Justin Morneau -- 1B
This guy is the Twins' best chance at 30+ dingers this year. After a dissapointing 2005, which could've had many reasons *cough*appendicitis, chicken pox, hit in the head, cyst removal.* So far, he has had a quiet off-season, and will be ready for Spring Training. He has the potential to be a very, very, very dangerous hitter, and will benefit from having more experienced hitters around him. By the end of the year, he could foul off the pitches that fooled him, which shold allow him to draw more walks this season. And, he has the potential to hit for average, if he sttles down at the plate. Expect big things from him in the future.

6. Torii Hunter -- CF
One of the main reasons the Twins "failed" last year, was the absence of Torii. His closest chance for a career year was tragicall cut short when he broke his ankle in a July game against Boston in Fenway. In the past, Torii has had to bat higher in the order, when the Twins didn't have steady offensive production. He is an agressive hitter, and has hit more homers when he pulls the ball to the right side. He is known to swing at pitches out of the strike zone, and it brings down his average. I think that the 6 hole is perfectly suited for him, because it allows for him to be more agressive, and it isn't as costly when he strikes out, as if he was as the top of the order.

7. Tony Batista --3B
Definately the most ..uh.. intriging aquisition that was made this year. There isn't a whole lot stuff t osay about him, except that he has a really goofy batting stance, has some interesting stats, and can hit for power. He doesn't hit for average at all, but some how still manages to drive home runs. He is average at third base, but that's about it. At least his contract is Non-guarenteed, so if he under-under performs, we can drop him at little cost.

8. Jason Kubel -- RF
In my mind, he is the obvious choice for the RF spot after the departure of Jaque Jones, but the knee injury will be the road block for him. Even if he doesn't win the job out of Spring Training, he will probably have it buy July or earlier. He has some good power, and can hit for average, but not playing baseball for a year can really take it's toll. This will be the biggest question at camp, but shouldn't be an issue once Kubel is "fully" recovered.

9. Jason Bartlett -- SS
Bartlett required some time at AAA last year, after winning the job out of spring training. He was medicore at best, untill late into the season, where he showed some promise. But then again, he is young, and expectations were high, for almost everyone last year, and with a "year" of MLB experience, he should calm down, and be more comfortable on the roster.

NEXT UP: BULL PEN

Twinsboy's 2006 Season Preview : Starting Rotation

2006-02-18T09:57:00.000-08:00

As Winter turns to spring, many fans cannot help but preview their teams chances in the next season. I happen to be one of those fans. So, I will start my previews with the Starting Rotation.

-=-Starting Five -=-
With Spring Training about to begin, I think that this is the safest prediction.

1. Johan Santana -- Ace
Many teams would kill to have a guy like Johan as their best pitcher. Who would've thought that "that prospect" from the Astro's farm system would now be the best starting pitcher in baseball? Anyways, after his Cy Young season, we pretty much know what to expect from Johan. You are going to get a ton of strikeouts with a very low ERA. One of the best parts about him: he's just turning 27. He uses a combination of three outstanding pitches -- an overpowering fastball, a knee-buckling curve, and an almost illegal change. Really, the only "downside" to him, is how he does before the All-Star break. He is definately a better pitcher afterward, posting a 1.59 ERA afterwards. He is still an awe-inspiring pitcher, but at the young age of 27, he will eventually be the same pitcher Pre-All Star break, as he currently is after it. Expect big things from him for many years to come.

2. Brad Radke
Despite shoulder problems at the end of the 2005 season, Brad has said that he is now at 100%, and ready to go, for possibly the last time. Brad has said that if his shoulder doesn't hold up, he will retire after this season. Brad has been a steady productor for this team, ever since he became our ace in the 1996 season. He is the definition of a control pitcher, and can adjust to hitters from at-bat to at-bat. Brad is easily a 16+ game winner, but he has had poor run support in the past. If the Twins' bats pick up this season, that will no longer be a problem for him. Because he is control pitcher, he doesn't walk batters much -- only walking about 1 batter per nine innings. If his shoulder holds, he will still be a very effective pitcher. Hopefully, he can also provide a mentor to Scott Baker, who is a very similar pitcher.

3. Carlos Silva
Wow. That's all I can say about this guy. Wow. Again, the Twins seem to have a knack for finding "mediocre" pitchers, and turning them into outstanding ones. For what we gave away for him, this should be considered a steal. He does give up a lot of hits, but he gets out of a lot of jams with his sinking fastball, which results in a lot of double plays. With solid up-the-middle defense with Castillo and Bartlett, this guy will be one people who benefits the most. You can expect a lot from him this year, if he performs at his normal standard.

4. Kyle Lohse
Personally, I beleive that the Twins have given him all of the chances that he deserves. Make no mistake, he could be a talented pitcher -- somewhere else. Last year, he had his best ever ERA, but that was about it for him. He can be a good pitcher when he keeps his head on straight. But, with the up-and comer Fransisco Liriano in the wings, and now that Scott Baker appears to be ready for a full time spot in the srarting five, many fans, myself included beleive that when Liriano is ready, after starting at AAA or having a spot in the bull pen, dear Kyle will be no more than trade bait at the All Star Break. I hear that Boston is nice during the summer.

5. Scott Baker
This is a very promising kid, and from the small sampling we got from him during last year, he is fully able to take over a staring job. He showed impressive control and pitching prowess in many different game situations throughout the year, and didn't panic whenever he got into trouble and got out of the inning fine. He could be effectively compared to Brad Radke, as he is a control pitcher who can strike out batters. He will have some competition from Fansico Liriano is spring training, but Lriano will likely start the season at AAA, or in the Bull pen.

6. Fransisco Liriano
Ah..what can we say about him..besides wow. Younger than Joe Mauer, and blew up AAA last year, he has already been called "Johan Santana II." But, can you blame them? He had some control problems when he was promoted to the Majors last year, but that's nothing a little more time in AAA or getting over some nerves wouldn't cure. Trust me, if he gets over his control, which is the only obstacle in his way as of now, he will have replaced Kyle Lohse in our starting five by the trading deadline.

Kyle Lohse: Cry-baby or Victim?

2006-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, Kyle Lohse won his arbitration case against the Twins for the second year in a row. The poor guy will be paid 3.95 million this year, instead of the Twins offer of 3.15 million. The only good you can get out of this depressing news is that by July 31st, Lyle will probably be wearing a different team's uniform. I hope he likes Boston's weather. As we get closer to the deadline, I will most likely do an evaluation on places he could go to, and what we could possibly get from him.

Oh well.
For your inconveinience, this Arbitration Re-enactment will be done with words on cyber space, untill Twinsboy gets his own site.

Lyle: Mr. Arbitrator, nothing I ever did this season was my fault. As you can see, I am perfect, so nothing could be my fault. I din't get enough friggin run support this past season, and the hole mess with Gardy's door? The door provoked me. What was I going to do? Let the door mock me and let the cool guys in the clubhouse think I'm crazy? Of course not.

Scott-friggin-Boras : You heard my client, he has been victimized, so just hand over the money fools!

SO, in your opinion,
Kyle Lohse --- Victim? Or Crybaby?

No! My Nightmares Have Manifested Themselves Into Flesh!

2006-02-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

Well readers, incase you haven't heard noticed the various wails and moans coming from Twins Territory in the past day or so, our beloved Twins have encounted a new menace. From within. Yes, Ruben Sierra, has signed a minor leauge contract with the Twins.

Now don't get me wrong, Ruben is a pretty awesome first name. Who wouldn't want to be namedafter a sandwich? I would. A very tasty sandwich at that. But come on, he and Juan are like...arch rivals by now or somthing.

In case you weren't there to see that ill-fated game, here is a quick re-enactment. (For my conveinience, this re-enactment will NOT be portrayed by sock puppets. Ha.)

Juan: (*throws pitch to Mr. Sandwhich*)
Ruben: (*Hits ball. Ball goes away. FAR away.*)
Juan: (*Various curse words*)

Twinsboy apologizes for the numerous errors in his post. Typing at the School's macs is not Twinsboy's favorite way to post. Twinsboy also wishes he could have his laptop surgically attached to him, but we all can dream.

Split Drumstick + Headache = No Picks

2006-01-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

Well, in the split instant after I hit myself in the head with a split drumstick, I had a sudden realization that it was foolish of me to try to attempt to pick division outcomes before spring training started (Especially before the #$^#World%$#%BaseBall$%^$%^Classic.) So, I have delayed all progress on Twinsboy's Picks untill after the whole freaking event is over. Apologies to all who were eagerly anticipating my sure-to-be-hit input.

Yay! Go Twinsfest!

2006-01-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

I went to Twinsfest today! It was totally awesome! Igot a ton of autographs too. Let's see... I have Scott Baker and Liriano on the same ball now, I got Joe Nathan by himself, and a bunch of minor leauge players also. The Baker/Liriano one could become pretty valuable in a few years. Other than that, there isn't much Twins news to report, apart from Jason Kubel falling on his knee (Don't worry, he's fine.) And Torii Hunter and Justin Morneau made up their differences as of Friday.

Pitchers and Catchers report next month!

Rejoice! For Twinsfest Is Upon Us!

2006-01-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well, for the first time this offseason, Twinsboy can see a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, my friends. We have hibernated for months now, and we finally start to awaken from our off-season slumber. For Twinsfest, yes Twinsfest, is upon us at last. For Twinsboy went to buy his autograph baseballs for Twinsfest today.

And as a side note, the semester is over, and I will finally have more time to update. Hazah!

Oh well.....

2006-01-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Corey Koskie has been traded to the Brewers. I knew that a deal would never make it through, but still, it would've been nice seeing the guy again.

I apologize profusely for not posting for a bit, it's almost the end of the semester, and I've been bogged down with homework. I'll post as often as I can, and I'll even give a report on my day(s) at Twinsfest.

Twinsboy's picks still yet to come.

20 days untill Twinsfest!!

Twinsboy's Picks: Volume I

2006-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Hello to all Twins fans, and welcome to Volume I of Twinsboy's Picks! This week's segments will be about the teams from the AL EAST division.

Allright, I have to admit it, I hate saying this, but here is my prediction for the AL EAST:

1. New York Yankees (Again)
2. Toronto Blue Jays (If no blockbuster trade is made by the Bo Sox)
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Tama Rays

Next up: In-depth reporst on NY, TOR, and BOS

Happy New Year To All!

2006-01-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

Well, everyone, it is 2006. A new year, a new begining, and more importantly, a new season. Keep checking the site. I will be posting the first edition of Twinsboy's Picks, a personal report on all of the divisions in baseball, leading up to either Twinsfest or Spring training, depending on when I have the time to update. Untill then, Happy 2006!

Up next: AL EAST

A Dark Day in Hot Stove Land

2005-12-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well, my friends, dark times have come upon us. Jacque Jones signed a 3-year deal with the Cubbies, and, I am afraid I have even graver news. Johnny Damon, longtime Red Sock, and overall cool guy, has officially become a Yankee. Yes, Dark times are upon us, but don't let that get you down. Not much longer to Twinsfest. :)

It was nice knowing you, Jaque

2005-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

Well, we all knew this time would come, but I didn't expect it to feel so bad. Jaque Jones, longtime Twin, part of Soul Patrol II, and an all around nice guy, has officially declined salary arbitration from the Twins. It think it is best that we all put aside our memories of his wiff-fulness, and remember the good times we ad with Jaque. All I can say, is that I wish him luck on his next team.

Hoorah! An Actual Third Baseman!

2005-12-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

The Twins finally got up to somthing and signed Tony Batista to a one year deal, onThursday, although the exact terms aren't known yet. Twinsboy personally is overjoyed that the Twins actually have someone who is alive and can hit 30+ HRs, and possibly 90+ RBIs if he is in the right spot in the batting order. But don't worry Batista-haters, he won't be around long. Just for a year or two, untill Mat Moses can play in the Majors.

Bitch Sox Aquire Vasquez

2005-12-14T12:22:00.000-08:00

Pending physicals, the Bitch Sox aquired Javier Vasquez from the Diamondbacks for "El Duqe", a reliever and an above average prospect. Twinsboy is starting to get a sinking feeling, but do not worry, for not all hope is lost. Luis Castillo, Torii, Morneau, Stewie, and Mike Redmond all have done very well against Vasquez in the at-bats tey have aquired. Well, Twinsboy is noticing a pattern. Around a week after the Bitch Sox make a deal, the Twins make a deal too. I'm expecting Blalock in 7 days, TR. 7 DAYS!

Romero traded for prospect

2005-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

Today, in what seems like the only thing the Twins managed to accomplish during the meetings, the Twins traded J.C. Romero to the Angels for a minor leauge prospect. This almost seems like it was "too casual" of a deal for it not to play a roll in the Twins gaining some offense during the offseason. Still keeping my fingers crossed.

All I Want For Christmas is a Third Baseman.....

2005-12-08T15:27:00.000-08:00

Today, the Twins offered OF Jaque Jones arbitration, but in my personal opinion, they did it to ensure a draft pick when he signs with another team. Ohh... TR is so crafty.

Apart from that, so far no good during the winter meetings, but I have a feeling that something BIG is going to happen soon. Almost like the calm before a storm. TR is reported again today to have laid down some important groundwork for a possible 3-team deal for Hank Blalock. Keep your fingers crossed!

8 Twins to play in WBC

2005-12-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Johan Santana, Joe Mauer, Juan Castro, Jessie Crain, Justin Morneau, J.C. Romero, Carlos Silva, and Glen Willams are all going to play for their respective countries this off-season in the World Baseball Classic. Six different countries all have Twins on them, and it looks like Venezulea will have a considerably strong pitching staff with Johan Santana, but Carlos Silva will be there too, despite rehabing his surgically repaired knee. Weather this will bolster his recovery time or hinder it is the only remaining question.

Cuddles: DH?

2005-12-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

According to the Pioneer Press, the Twins are willing to resort to Cuddyer for a DH if they can't land one in the offseason. According to reports from Terry Ryan and other staff members, Cuddyer seems more at ease when he is on DH duty, and his numbers at the end of the season show it compared to a .263 season average, and a .308 average when he was playing any position other than 3rd, primarily DH. Will this be Gary's plan if the Twins fail to land a DH? Only time will tell. For the full article, go here.

Byrd-man to the Tribe

2005-12-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't expect my first real post to come Minutes after I started, but it appears that the Tribe has signed Paul Byrd to a two-year deal. We will just have to see what happens, but a little birdie (Pardon the pun, please.) tells me that a recent acquisition of the Twins has a .571 average over a few appearances against Byrd-man.
EDIT: On a side note, the Marlins continued in their fire-sale mode, and dealt Catcher Paul Lo Duca to the Mets for two minor league pitchers. (Sound familiar to anyone?)

Yay!

2005-12-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Let me be the first to say, "Welcome to the first edition of the Twinkie Press!"

No, not the delicious Twinkie, but the certain Twinkies who always* play every game to the last out, and make summer nights so magical. Yes, I am talking about the Minnesota Twins.

So, stop by for the latest news, and root, root, root for the Twinkies!