Building Blocks: Minnesota Twins (Mogul 2k6)

From time to time I go looking back at league files from previous leagues I've been in. The league was Mogul League Baseball II. I ran the Portland Pilots (Arizona Diamondbacks) and I also sat in as the interim GM of the Minnesota Twins on two different occasions. Both teams were 100+ loss squads when I inherited them. Through 8 seasons I was finally able to build the Pilots into a playoff team. The Twins hadn't really had an active GM in some time and in between my stints as the interim boss that GM's activity was sporadic, so they're still in need of a desperate rebuild. That makes them a good candidate to start a dynasty from. It should also be noted that the league went through contraction and re-alignment. Six teams were dissolved and I did some further re-aligning to even out the divisional competition. So that's where I leave it as...

Ground Rules

Version: Mogul 2k6 (8.53)

• Farm System Max of #8
• Fair Trades
• Realistic Re-Signings
• Off-Season Free Agent Signings Using Mizerak's Negotiator App
• Winterball (See Rules Below)
• Added Waiver Rules Here
• Added Buyout / Team Options Rules Here
• Added Scouting Chart Here

Not a whole lot of rules as overall I'm going to hold myself to "fair play" and not take advantage of the AI. I might used the Trade Approval Thread for my bigger trades just to get an outside opinion.

Code:

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Winterball Rules
- I am allowed to send 5 players to Winterball per off-season
- Players must not have an overall above 79 or a peak above 84 (79/84 max)
- During Winterball I can choose to improve 1 or 2 items in predicted stats
- The improvements will be minimal and will come at a cost of lowering another predicted stat in order to retain the same rating
- Overall rating can increase slightly, but Peak rating must stay the same

Types of Winterball

Discipline Training: +Control, +Eye, -Power, (Position Players) / +Control, +Movement, -All Pitching Abilities (Pitchers)

Resistance Training: +Power, +Arm, -Contact, -Eye, -Range (Position Players) / +Power, -Control, -Movement (Pitchers) / -Health (All Players)

Speed, Agility, and Flexibility Training: +Speed, +Range, -Power (Position Players) / +Endurance, -Power (Pitchers)

Fielding Drills: +Arm, +Range, +Fielding, -Offensive Abilities (Position Players)

Cardio Training: +Health, -Random Abilities

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What I'll Cover

• I've tried the series-by-series approach and have failed to keep my own interest
• I plan to do a month-by-month look at the team with possibly splitting July into two segments
• I want to focus on the Twins and won't be posting a lot of happenings around the league

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November 7, 2020

After contracting three seasons ago the league is struggling with competitive balance. The AL East didn't feature a team below .500 while the AL Central Champion had a sub-.500 record. The Oakland A's could look to lock up the AL West for many years to come with the lack of competition. The NL East has struggled for years to field NL Pennant worthy teams. In the NL Central the Astros were the team of the past, winning three World Series from 2011 to 2014 and going to a fourth in 2015, but it's battle between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh as of late. The NL West is also very deep with three above-.500 teams. Here's a look at Major League Baseball's new appearance and how the teams fared in 2020...

American League

AL East
Baltimore Orioles: 81-81
Boston Red Sox: 94-68 / AL Wildcard
Carolina Skyhawks: 72-90 (NL East)
New York Yankees: 89-73

AL Central
Chicago White Sox: 63-99
Detroit Tigers: 77-85 / AL Central Champ
Minnesota Twins: 62-100
St. Louis Cardinals: 86-76 (NL Central)

AL West
Los Angeles Angels: 77-85
Oakland A's: 129-33 / AL West Champ
Portland Pilots: 95-67 / NL Wildcard (NL West)
Seattle Mariners: 71-91

National League

NL East
Atlanta Braves: 86-76 / NL East Champ
Philadelphia Phillies: 58-104
Toronto Blue Jays: 103-59 / AL Champ (AL East)
Washington Nationals: 70-92

NL Central
Cincinnati Reds: 94-68
Houston Astros: 58-104
Pittsburgh Pirates: 104-58 / World Series Champ
Texas Rangers: 65-97 (AL Central)

NL West
Las Vegas Aces: 69-93 (AL West)
Los Angeles Dodgers: 102-60 / NL West Champ
San Diego Padres: 84-78
San Francisco Giants: 55-107

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November 13, 2020

Mauer, 155 Hits Shy Of 3,000 Inks New Deal With Twins

Joe Mauer has only known one franchise, not just during his major league career but, during his entire professional career and it'll be more of the same for at least another season. Mauer, who has now spent nearly 20 seasons in the Minnesota organization, has signed a $4.5M contract for 2021 with a team option for 2022.

While Mauer isn't the .300+ hitter he once used to be, he's still a very adequate ~.270 hitter and still posses quality gap power and plate discipline. The big drop off in his game is his defense. Anymore he's quite average and has a subpar arm. Standing at 2,845 hits the 37 year old has one big challenge in his way - the most hits he's totaled in the past three seasons has been 154, one off of the number to reach the hallowed 3,000. It seems likely that he'll fall just short of 155 hits on the season and the Twins could opt to pick up his option, but it would have to be as a designated hitter as top prospect Aaron Weaver will be more than ready for the show in 2022.

The Twins had three more expiring contracts to deal with, but opted to non-tender each player. Here's a breakdown of each individual:

2B Tim Vail - He's been the Twins starting 2B for the past three seasons and has only missed a total of seven games during that stretch. A $4.5M Arbitration figure turned the Twins away after Vail put up a career best .622 OPS in 2020.

SS Daniel Hallarian - Hallarin was just a place holder until young gun Sam Miller was ready to take over. Now that Miller is in place and Hallarian's .197 career average price was expected to jump from $2.25M to $4M, Minnesota will look elsewhere for a utility infielder.

RF Steve West - West has been a nice leadoff hitter for the Twins as he's swipped at least 35 steals in his four full years of starting. He also posted a batting average above .300 and an on-base percentage of over .355 in two of years. He could wind up back in Minnesota, but West was looking for a long-term contract and GM Matty Nokes wasn't willing to offer that type of deal to an older player during the rebuild. If he remains unsigned in January or February, Nokes might come calling.

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Twins 2020 Off-Season Transactions

11/13: Re-Signed C Joe Mauer on a one year contract with a one year team option; Non-tendered contracts to 2B Tim Vail and SS Daniel Hallarian; Granted Free Agency to RF Steve West; Released P Corey Hayne

12/1: Purchased the contract of RP Martin Ingatius from Double-A New Britain; Purchased the contract of RP Kenny Bliss from Triple-A Rochester

Twins 2021 Transactions

2/10: Signed Free Agent RF Steve West on a one year contract with a one year mutual option

2/11: Acquired RP Tim Raymond from the Portland Pilots in exchange for prospect 1B Ezra Oliva

2/17: Acquired 2B Samuel Fernandez from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for SP Leo Nunez

2/28: Acquired SP James Caplinger from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for prospect 1B Wes Darius; Signed 2B Mark Kiger on a one year contract

3/30: Optioned CF Elvis Campos, RF Paul Jordan, SP Ben Trollo, SP Brian Siano, SP James Caplinger, SP Nick Davis, RP Kenny Bliss, and RP Brian Kovanda to Triple-A Rochester; Optioned RP Martin Ingatius to Double-A New Britain; Outrighted 2B Richard Vibulatd to Triple-A Rochester

4/1: Signed Free Agent LF Noah Turmell on a one year contract

4/13: Recalled LF Noah Turmell from Triple-A Rochester; Optioned 1B Marc Near to Triple-A Rochester

4/28: Designated RP Pierre Block for assignment; Recalled RP Kenny Bliss from Triple-A Rochester

5/1: Released RP Pierre Block

6/7: Placed SP Eric Williamson on the 15-Day DL, retroactive to June 4, with a finger stress fracture; Recalled SP Ben Trollo from Triple-A Rochester

6/21: Activated SP Eric Williamson from the 15-Day DL; Optioned SP Ben Trollo to Triple-A Rochester

6/30: Placed 3B Greg Beville on the 15-Day DL, retroactive to June 27, with a dislocated shoulder; Recalled 2B Richard Vibulatd from Triple-A Rochester

7/23: Activated 3B Greg Beville from the 15-Day DL; Designated 2B Richard Vibulatd for assignment

7/27: Acquired prospects 3B Lucas Stevens and RP James Robbins from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for 2B Richard Vibulatd and SP Eric Williamson; Recalled SP Ben Trollo from Triple-A Rochester

7/30: Acquired prospect SS Marcus Watts from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for SP Orlando Padilla; Recalled RP Brian Kovanda from Triple-A Rochester

7/31: Acquired prospect 2B/CF Mike Schultz from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for 3B Greg Beville; Acquired C Chris Darusmont from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for prospect 2B Chris Mareth

8/8: Placed C Joe Mauer on the 15-Day DL with a stretched ankle ligament; Recalled 1B Marc Near from Triple-A Rochester

8/24: Activated C Joe Mauer from the 15-Day DL; Optioned 1B Marc Near and SP Ben Trollo to Triple-A Rochester; Recalled SP Nick Davis from Triple-A Rochester

9/7: Recalled 1B Marc Near, CF Elvis Campos, RF Paul Jordan, SP Ben Trollo, SP Brian Siano, and RP Martin Ingatius from Triple-A Rochester; Recalled 3B Lucas Stevens from Double-A New Britain; Purchased the contract of C Aaron Weaver from Triple-A Rochester

9/16: Purchased the contracts of 3B Steve Richey and RP Justin Sepulveda from Triple-A Rochester

11/11: Re-Signed LF Noah Turmell on a three year contract; Re-Signed 2B Samuel Fernandez, 3B Mike Jameson, SS Sam Miller, LF James Norris, SP Harvey Sawyer, and RP Tim Raymond on one year contracts; Exercised one year team option on C Joe Mauer; Non-Tendered Arbitration to C Gary Spector and RF Jimmy Queen; Granted Free Agency to 2B Mark Kiger, SP Matt Durkin, RP Paul Tignor, and RP Ryan Wagner; Decline one year mutual option on CF Steve West, granting him Free Agency

11/15: Signed Free Agent SP Joe Drew on a four year contract

11/15: Purchased the contract of SP Martin Cavell form Triple-A Rochester; Purchased the contract of 1B Eduardo Monteiro from Double-A New Britain

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November 14, 2020

Twins Positional Players Off-Season Outlook

Here we'll be going over each of the 46 players in the Minnesota Twins organization. We'll break them down position-by-position and offer our insight on what the Twins might do to enhance their organization. Overall the Twins are playing the waiting game on many of their prospects and are in the rebuild.

Catcher (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Joe Mauer: (77, 37, 2021) - Mauer is still much the face of this franchise and brings needed veteran experience with the young up-and-coming prospects. He'll be pushed by Aaron Weaver, but should hold down the starting job for at least the 2021 season.

Gary Spector: (74, 26, Arbitration '21) - Is a quality fielder with some pop in his bat and draws comparisons to ex-MLBer David Ross. We'll everything, but his arm. Spector is solid backup in terms of spelling Mauer. He handles the pitching staff very well, but has a noodle for an arm.

Aaron Weaver: (78/99, 24, No Exp) - The Twins are looking for him to round out his contact hitting, but he does everything else at least up to major league par -- some well above the average. If it wasn't for Mauer, Weaver would be the starting catcher. He could become restless in Triple-A Rochester, something worth keeping an eye on.

First Base (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Chris McNess: (89/99, 22, Arbitration '22) - McNess reminds many of an Adam Dunn. He has enormous power potential and while he'll strikeout a lot, he'll get his fair share of walks too. In the same year as he was drafted from Southern Mississippi, he would go on to win the AL Rookie of the Year. If he keeps this up he'll be the new face of the franchise once Mauer hangs 'em up.

Eric Filler: (83, 23, Arbitration '22) - The converted third baseman had a rough year -- hitting only .224 as a designated hitter. At 23 scouts still say his potential is quite limited, but he can still be a serviceable DH for some years to come. He just needs time to adjust.

Marc Near: (69/79, 25, No Exp) - Near was acquired from the Portland Pilots at the '16 deadline and was highly regarded at the time. It's safe to say he's fizzled out -- noted by his .754 OPS in AAA last season. However with his ability to play the corner outfield spots he still has a future as a backup in the Twin cities.

Eduardo Monteiro: (67/78, 23, No Exp) - Monteiro has struggled to move through the system and even though he's just managed to move to Double-A in five seasons he'll remain in the Twins system until a younger, more promising player pushes him for playing time.

Wes Darius: (65/75, 23, No Exp) - Darius, a former first round pick in 2018, has also fizzled out. It looks like he'll be competing with Montiero for the New Britian first base job this spring. The loser will likely be dealt away.

Second Base (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Richard Vibulatd: (67, 28, Arbitration '21) - Vibulatd is nothing more than a utility infielder who plays each of the three infield spots adequately enough. With him being the only second baseman on the roster with experience, it's likely the Twins will look out of the organization for a starter.

Jeff Kryzsko: (73/80, 23, No Exp) - If it wasn't for his need to work on pitch recognition the Twins might be settling for Kryzsko as their stopgap 2B. It's still a possibility that if he improves by Spring Training that the job could be his, but it's likely that he'll be headed by to Rochester and Minnesota will sign a Free Agent.

Chris Mareth: (63/75, 24, No Exp) - He's a put the ball in play type of player (23 K in 510 PA in '20). Too bad that's essentially the only thing he does well. He could continue to improve and be in line for a bench role, but he's likely to eventually be overshadowed by the next player on our list...

Adam Piro: (50/76, 21, No Exp) - He was a late round draft pick last January and he has decent upside. He's adequate offensively for his age, but is rather poor defensively. If he can improve upon his fielding he could one day become a reserve infielder for the Twins.

Third Base (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Greg Beville: (88, 28, 2023) - Beville will struggle to put up an .800 OPS, so it's unlikely that he's the ultimate solution at the hot corner. Even though he takes a lot of walks, his contact skills are only average. He hasn't lived up to his power potential either. He's shown bouts of power, but hasn't consistently hit more than 25 home runs.

Mike Jameson: (70, 31, 2021) - Jameson has mainly seen his MLB career take place in Portland and Minneapolis. His career batting numbers aren't anything to ride home about (.560 OPS), but it's his defense at the corner infield positions that have kept him around the majors. You might think that the Twins most certainly can do better in Free Agency, but his familiarity to the GM is another factor in him keeping his job.

Steve Richey: (73/99, 20, No Exp) - In just two pro seasons Richey has sped through the system, touching Double-A New Britian last year. That's likely where he'll start to the season and some speculate if he could be in line for a September cup of coffee. He projects to be a middle of the lineup hitter and will be a great player to pair with McNess.

Ezra Oliva: (65/81, 25, No Exp) - Oliva was once thought to be a high quality prospect, but hasn't done anything to prove that theory in his three seasons in Minnesota. With Richey pushing him for playing time, Oliva could be traded this off-season to fill a need.

Reggie Campbell: (61/81, 20, No Exp) Campbell, a second round draft pick in 2018, shows to have a high quality eye and a very good glove. He doesn't have a very strong arm, so a move to first base or left field could be in his future. He hasn't developed quite like Minnesota had hoped, but at 20 there's still time to turn it around.

Short Stop (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Sam Miller: (92/99, 25, Arbitration '21) - He earned the nickname "Hoover" with his defensive ability and rightfully so as he was your AL SS Gold Glove winner. Too bad, at this point, the nickname fits his offensive ability as well. Although he put up good numbers in the minors, so it may be just a matter of time before his bat comes around.

Left Field (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

James Norris: (90/96, 26, Arbitration '21) - Norris hit 46 doubles and 43 homers last year as he earned himself a trip to the All-Star game. He should continue to only get better and lock himself into the Twins' future plans.

Center Field (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Edgar Cadena: (82, 32, 2023) - Cadena is definitely earning his ML keep because of his well above average fielding skills. Offensively he does have plus power, but has terrible pitch recognition and is only a career .221 hitter. As you'll see with the only other CF in the system, acquiring a future starter will be a key need this off-season.

Elvis Campos: (68/69, 27, Arbitration '22) - Overall Campos is a subpar ball player. He does have decent power to go along with a decent arm, but is still borderline for even a backup role in the majors. It's likely the Twins will bring in some competition in Spring Training.

Right Field (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Jimmy Queen: (71, 27, 2021) - Queen is average offensively with an amazing eye, but is very poor defensively. He's nothing more than a place holder until a better reserve outfielder comes along.

Paul Jordan: (69/71, 25, No Exp) - Picture Edgar Cadena, but in right field, and without strong defense. Now you have the talents of Jordan. He does have good range and has shown the ability to play all three outfield positions, but makes too many mental errors.
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Suggested Twins Off-Season Moves

• Trade Ezra Oliva and one of Wes Darius or Eduardo Monteiro
• Acquire starting second baseman and corner outfielder
• Add depth to short stop and left field

Draft Needs

• Catcher (depth)
• First Base (depth)
• Center Field
• Right Field

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November 14, 2020

Twins Pitching Off-Season Outlook

The pitching side of things is much more bleak than the positional side, where the Twins have four quality players at the major league level with a few more quality prospects. It'll take some work but, even more than the needs to find future starters in positions like center field or second base, the Twins should be looking at a pitcher heavy draft.

Veteran Starting Pitchers (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Chris Cook: (92, 24, 2025) - From day 1 out of the University of Tennessee this #1 draft pick has been thrown into the rotation. He struggled mightily at first, but has been improving over the past two years and recorded an AL best 228 strikeouts.

Harvey Sawyer: (84/90, 26, Arbitration '21) - Sawyer was a highly regarded minor league prospect, but has been awful to date in the big leagues. He's yet to post an ERA under 6.00, hold opponents under a .300 batting average, or give up under 1.50 HR/9. If it wasn't for a rebuild movement, he'd likely be out of a job. I'd look for 2021 to be his last chance to straighten things out in a Twins uniform.

Orlando Padilla: (81, 28, 2021) - Padilla was a very solid starter in San Diego and was adequate a season ago as a spot starter for the Twins. This season he should look to get one of the rotation spots.

Leo Nunez: (78, 37, 2021) - Nunez sports a career 4.45 ERA and .255 OBA. His 2020 numbers in the Minnesota rotation check out almost to a tee of those numbers. He'll continue to hold down a rotation spot during the rebuild as long as he's close to those career marks.

Matt Durkin: (77, 39, 2021) - In '20 Durkin showed he still has something left in the tank after spending a couple of disappointing seasons in Texas. He's another player who GM Nokes has ties with from his Portland days.

Heath Cunicelli: (77, 28, 2022) - Signed to a three year minor league deal last off-season after being cut by the Reds and out of major league action since 2015. Cunicelli posted a 4.19 ERA and .231 OBA in 15 starts for the Twins. He shows good control and movement and should have staying power as a bottom of the rotation pitcher.

Eric Williamson: (75, 36, 2022) - He's another player familiar to GM Nokes. During his days in Portland Williamson become quite a respectable starter with very high quality control and movement. His problem is that his heater (if you'd call it that) probably couldn't even strikeout a little leaguer. His career best K/9 was 3.75 while in Atlanta during the 2018 season. He's been in the bullpen as of late, but he could very easily wind up in the rotation.

Ben Trollo: (75, 23, Arbitration '22) - Trollo saw the majors at an early age, 21, and has shown better development with some time at Triple-A Rochester. He's probably not talented enough to hold down a rotation spot, but he could surely be a long reliever who gets some spot starts.

Ruben Monteiro: (73/78, 25, Arbitration '23) - No relation to the Twins' 1B prospect, Eduardo, Ruben has seen some time in the show, but not likely enough to make him a Super Two. He has a good fastball, but that's really about it. He may actually have a better future as a reliever than a starter.

Prospect Starting Pitchers (Rating, Age, MLB Exp)

Martin Cavell: (70/88, 21, None) - Drafted in the same year as Chris Cook, Cavell too has quality upside. The biggest thing scouts have noticed is his low home runs allowed totals. It took him awhile to get used to Double-A ball last season, but with another stint as a Rock Cat he should do fine with moving to Triple-A in 2022, if not late this season.

Marc Shelden: (67/85, 20, None) - Shelden is another pitcher who doesn't give up many home runs. In fact his last season his Manager joked that he, "doesn't even know what it means". He might be right as Shelden surrended just nine homers in 169.1 innings of work.

Brian Siano: (72/77, 23, 30 Days) - Siano was a reliever at Arizona, but the Twins think his arm is durable enough to handle a starter's role. During his four years as a Wildcat hitters never hit better than .190 against him in a full season. He also brings plus control to the table.

Nick Davis: (68/74, 25, 14 Days) - Davis is a former second round pick whom the management thought was a steal. Coming out of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh he appeared to have a rubber arm and a devastating slider. Seven years later and Davis would be in a dog fight just to get a long reliever job.

Fred Kangas: (65/70, 22, None) - Kangas was another one of the Twins late round picks a season ago. Out of U.C. Irvine he showed great command of his pitches and that continued at Single-A Fort Myers as evidenced by his 1.98 BB/9. His potential is very limited, but if he can continue throwing strikes he could get a crack at the show.

Veteran Relief Pitchers (Rating, Age, Signed Through)

Paul Tignor: (79, 29, 2021) - Tignor has quality pitches and was a solid short reliever for the Angels. He's closer material in Minnesota even though his big knock is giving up a few too many home runs -- 1.26 HR/9 since 2019.

Ryan Wagner: (78, 38, 2021) - Wagner had been out of the majors for two seasons before being picked up the Twins last season. He struggled a lot, but he's back due to his career 4.12 ERA and .243 OBA and probably because (what you've likely noticed) is a downright putrid pitching situation in Minnesota.

Brian Kovanda: (78/82, 24, Arbitration '21) - Kovanda has been very inconsistent in his 112 career appearances to this point. He doesn't the greatest control nor has he shown to limit batters to hit (.295 career BAA), but he does have a plus fastball and he's young enough to warrant more patience in his development.

Pierre Block: (75, 27, Arbitration '21) - Block's days in Minnesota are likely numbered. His career numbers are 5.23 ERA, .288 OBA, and 1.55 HR/9 in 168.2 career innings. Though with not much veteran experience he could stick as a middle man for one more season.

Prospect Relief Pitchers (Rating, Age, MLB Exp)

Kenny Bliss: (77/83, 24, 30 Days) - Bliss has struggled dearly with control out of the rotation and now been moved to the bullpen. He'll likely spend most of the season in Triple-A getting accustomed to life as a reliever. He feature a high 90's heater, so if the conversion goes well the Twins could have themselves one fine reliever.

Martin Ignatius: (66/83, 23, None) - While he's behind in his development Ignatius is just what you want in a reliever. He has a quality fastball and held Double-A hitters to just 0.52 HR/9 last season. The Twins could surely use a speedy development this season, but they'll remain patient.

Justin Sepulveda: (68/76, 24, None) - Sepulveda is awesomely average in terms of his talent. He's been a slow riser through the system, but turned in a good campaign in 2020. Another year and he could be battling for a bullpen spot.

Sam Faraglia: (67/76, 22, None) - Faraglia turned in a 3.68 ERA and a .263 OBA. He does feature nice control and has the ability to strike out hitters, but his secondary pitchers are behind in the development process. There's not much upside to him, but he could turn into a solid enough middle reliever.
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Suggested Twins Off-Season Moves

• It's simple -- get some youth!!!

Draft Needs

• Selecting a pitcher in the first round is a must
• College or High School arm, it doesn't matter

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December 12, 2020

2020-21 Off-Season Training Results

2B Jeff Kryzsko: Discipline Training - Improved Eye / Decreased Power

2B Adam Piro: Fielding Drills - Improved Fielding and Range / Decreased Contact, Power, and Eye

3B Reggie Campbell: Resistance Training - Improved Arm / Decreased Eye

RP Martin Ignatius: Discipline Training - Improved Control and Movement / Decreased Power

RP Sam Faraglia: Discipline Training - Improved Movement / Decreased Control and Power

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January 17, 2021

2021 Minnesota Twins Draft Review

1st Round: Pick #4: SP Derek Ward, Brooklyn, NY
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He's a top notch pitching prospect. All of his skills are in the least average. He should become a quality control/movement guy. He could be ready for the show by the time he's 20 or 21. You also have to like the fact that he's pretty low risk as he's essentially major league ready.

2nd Round: Pick #28: 2B Phil Harwood, Flushing, NY
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We're were eying 2B Corey Moore at #4, but the Giants gobbled him up with the first pick in the draft. Even though Moore is an extreme talent, we feel Harwood is a great secondary option. He's hit well over .400 for the past three seasons, he should become an exceptional defender, and he has an amazing eye with a 1 strikeout in every 65 plate appearances as a senior. He too could be on the fast track to the majors.

3rd Round: Pick #52: RP Cristian Garcia, Panama City, Panama
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This draft was pretty thin in terms of outfield talent and having already grabbed a quality starting arm and our future second baseman we felt we could take a risk with Garcia in the 3rd round. He's extremely raw, but his potential is through the roof.

4th Round: Pick #76: SP Jarrad Nelson, Blackwell, OK
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Nelson looks to be a quality innings eater and should develop above average control and movement. His potential isn't all that great, but we're talking about a fourth round pick. Overall, you have to be pleased with picking up an arm like him this late in the draft.

5th Round: Pick #100: SP Josh Murphey, Milledgeville, GA
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We went back to a more raw talent with a tad better potential in the fifth. It's amazing that a player with his potential was still available. You would think that someone would look beyond the current skill set. We list him as a starter because he's started a good amount during his high school career and we're going to stretch his arm out and build his as if we plan on putting him in our rotation in the future.

6th Round: Pick #124: 1B Jack Tomchak, Long Beach State
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With our last pick there weren't really many viable options left. Sure there were some decent project pitchers and infielders, but we already got a couple of project arms and we don't want hopefuls to be clogging up the batting orders for more promising positional prospects. Here we get a guy with some decent pop who needs work on his approach at the plate. If he can develop some contact/discipline he could wind up as a pinch hitter for us down the road.

Overall it was a very successful draft. We feel we came away with a top of the rotation starter, our future second baseman, and a few other arms to develop in the minors. Considering our needs and what was available I'd give us an "A" grade.
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Even though it's pretty early in the dynasty what do you guys think about the format and content so far?

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I know, it's probably a bit corny to use MLBTR, but it's a nice way to introduce some team rumors instead of the same old 'Minnesota Twins Baseball' heading.

Twins Quiet So Far, Is The Pot Beginning To Stir?
By Trent Cameron [January 18, 2021 at 1:43 CST]

The Minnesota Twins have been very quiet so far in the off-season. They appear to be not wanting to get tied down to multi-year contracts. They still have needs of getting a starting corner outfielder, figuring out their starting second baseman, and getting a middle reliever. Additionally they can probably use another bench bat and another option to put in the bullpen mix. Here's what they could be looking at...

• Reports are they were in talks with Steve West just days before the Amateur Draft. West had been asking for a 4 or 5 year deal worth north of $3M per season. It's now been said that his demands have substantially dropped. If his price comes into the $1M-$1.5M and he'll accept a one or two year then he could find himself back in Minnesota. West put up his worst season as a Twin last year, hitting .271 with only a .312 OBP.
• MLB's Kelly Thesier suggests the Twins shop Leo Nunez to fill one of their needs. The Twins do have six or seven options for the rotation, so she could have a point.
• Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the Twins have yet to shop prospects Ezra Oliva, Wes Darius, or Eduardo Monteiro. The market might not be jonesing for any of these so-called "prospects", but some team would surely take a flier on these guys and offer an unneeded veteran.
• The Twins have shown interest in free agent second baseman Dennis Lopez, according to Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune. Lopez hit .272 last season and has hit at least 24 HRs in the past three seasons. The downfall is that he'll only walk about 30 times in around 700 plate appearances while he'll strikeout about 140 times.

So, what's to make of all of these rumors? We feel a signing of Steve West is inevitable, whether it's sooner or later in this off-season. Nunez could get the Twins their needed fill-in second baseman. We say "fill-in" because many project Phil Harwood to be in the majors much earlier than the usual high school prospect. Though with sending Jeff Kryzsko for some off-season fine tuning they may be fine with handing him the job to keep the seat warm for Harwood. Our money is on two of those prospects to be gone by the end of Spring Training. Minnesota can likely fetch their bullpen and bench depth with these players.

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February 11, 2021

Twinkies Start Making Their Moves

Nearly a month after the draft and just a week until pitchers and catchers report the Twins make a pair of moves on back-to-back days -- but none concerning pitchers. Yesterday the Twins finally came to an agreement with RF Steve West. The two parties had seriously began talks late last month, but were rumored to be stuck on the number of years desired. West wanted a multi-year contract, but the Twins only wanted to guarantee him a one year deal. The two sides eventually found some middle ground and West inked a one year deal with a mutual option for 2022. The deal is reportedly worth $1.5M for both seasons -- this doubles the salary of the four year contract he signed with the squad prior to the 2017 season.

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Minnesota finally started shopping their prospects, Ezra Oliva and Wes Darius. It appears now that the Twins prefer to keep Eduardo Monteiro. Nothing of real interest has came up for Darius yet, but GM Matty Nokes was able to seal a deal involving Oliva very quickly in exchange for reliever Tim Raymond from the Portland Pilots. It was Nokes who noticed Raymond at the end of the 2018 season while serving as the Pilots' Scouting Director. After the then 30 year old finished the season in Triple-A Raymond won a bullpen spot and has put up a 3.18 ERA and .262 OBA in over career 180 innings.

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Editor's Note On Trade Fairness: Initially I shopped Oliva as-is and Raymond turned up. However the Pilots are very deep at 3B and after noticing the Oliva wasn't the greatest fielding 3B I deemed a position change realistic. I shopped him again as a 1B and Raymond turned up again. The Pilots do feature a quality MLB veteran in Manny Munoz (91, Age 25) and have a top prospect in Cameron Wilcox (67/99, Age 19), but they don't have anything in AA or AAA. Oliva can come right in a continue developing without hindering Wilcox's development and potentially be a nice bench bat for Portland. Even with his pretty solid stats Raymond would be a middle reliever at best for Portland. They also have three quality RP prospects who appear close, if not ready right now; Bradley Crosby (79/94, Age 25), Byron Jamieson (80/85, Age 23), and Matt Southwell (76/91, Age 22). Additionally they have some other aging parts who can fill a middle man role adequately enough. With Raymond in his 30s and in the final year of his deal, I think it makes sense for them to get something usable in the future for a guy who is easily replaceable.

I'm reading. And to answer your question in one of your posts above, I like your format/styling/everything. Keep it up :).

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Rumor Round-Up: Minnesota Twins
By Trent Cameron [February 17, 2021 at 3:17 CST]

With one day away from pitchers and catchers reporting the Twins have been public about wrapping up some deals on their two known shopped player; Leo Nunez and Wes Darius. GM Matty Nokes says he'd prefer to allow Nunez to open camp with his new team instead of having to change teams in the middle of camp.

• Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports the Twins are very close to a deal that would send Nunez to Philadelphia for a backup infielder. It's doubtful that the player would be 2B Fredrick Valente as he likely still has solid value, but it could be former first round pick 2B Samuel Fernandez or, if the Twins must settle for a prospect, SS Zach Smith.
• MLB's Kelly Thesier points out the the Twins have endured some tough sledding in shopping 1B Wes Darius. Thesier suggests the Astros as a possible suitor in which the Twins get reliever Dwight Rubinshteyn or Blair Johnson. Rubinshteyn sports a career 5.21 ERA while Johnson does have a better career ERA at 4.66, he has allowed 1097 hits in 875 innings.
  
  5:28pm: Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune announces a deal has been finalized between Philadelphia and Minnesota. Per the Rosenthal rumor the Twins will get 2B Samuel Fernandez for Leo Nunez.

This is a good low-key deal for both teams. The Phillies direly need pitching depth and have a lot of uncertainty in the front of the bullpen as well as inconsistency from their back end starters. Fernandez will likely compete with prospect Jeff Kryzsko for the 2B job in Spring Training.

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Editor's Note On Trade Fairness: Philly has a real bare roster and that's for their entire organization. 38 players total in fact. While they're a bit bare on both the positional and pitching side of things, they're much worse in the pitching department. Fernandez has only total 15 plate appearances in his two seasons on the bench. He isn't getting used much and here they get a pitcher to fill a spot so they aren't forced to play a prospect who isn't ready.

YEAH DAAAAWG: Glad you like it
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February 25, 2021

Twins Unveil Target Field

Target Field was originally supposed to be built eleven years ago, ready for the 2010 season. The Twins struggled to receive approval for funding a new ballpark from the State of Minnesota. Just when it looked like the plan was going to be approved in 2006, it was denied once again. After that the organization dropped the proposal and continued playing at the Metrodome. Ten years later the proposal, with some slight variations was brought back up and this time it was approved. In the end the plan has worked out coincidentally on a nice time line. As they prepare to embark on a new chapter in the housing of the Twins, they have also opened a new chapter in their management with bringing in GM Matty Nokes.

"The people of St. Paul-Minneapolis have been waiting a long time for this stadium and I'm proud to be apart of it's inaugural season. I hope the fans are as excited about this stadium as I am about the future of this franchise and the players who will put on a show for them in between the lines of Target Field. There's a lot of unique things at the ballpark and I'd encourage not just Twin fans, but any baseball fan to come take a look at our new facility."

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The majority of fans attending Twins games will enter through Target Plaza, a park-like gathering area, outside of the right field entrance gate. This landscaped area will feature a 1,500 pound bronze glove, player statues of Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Kirby Puckett; a wall tribute to Minnesota ballparks, and the Metropolitan Stadium flagpole. One of the most unique features at Target Field will be the home run display (seen in picture below), celebration feature. Located in center field, this large feature, is the Twins original "Shaking Hands" logo from 1961-1981. It features Twins characters, Minnie and Paul that will light up when a Twins player hits a home run. Twins fans hope that the team will be able to build on the success they had at the Metrodome, at Target Field over the coming years.

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I really like this dynasty. Good format and I love how you have a rumors report. Something I may consider adding in my dynasty. Keep up the good work.

futuremarlinsgm: Thanks. It's always encouraging to hear my ideas are liked enough to use in someone's dynasty.
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Twins Wrap Up Roster On Eve Of Spring Training
By Trent Cameron [February 28, 2021 at 3:53pm CST]

Spring Training starts tomorrow and according to our notes the Twins still had two things on their "To-Do List". They needed to add another option off the bench and they had yet to deal Wes Darius. Here's a rundown of the two moves they made:

• SI's Jon Heyman reported earlier this morning that Minnesota has dealt prospect 1B Wes Darius to the LA Angels for pitcher James Caplinger. Caplinger put up a 5.96 ERA and a .290 OBA as a rookie in 2020 and was a candidate for the long relief role once again, but Heyman notes that he was expendable after LA signed Elizardo Ramirez earlier this month.
• Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune reports Minnesota has signed Mark Kiger to a minor league deal and have invited him to Spring Training. Kiger would be in-line to make $800K if he makes the roster.

Kiger will compete for the 2B job. He has a career .290 average and a .383 on-base percentage. However, in his last season as a starter (2018) he hit .248 with a .339 OBP. The Caplinger deal will give Minnesota the freedom for their 1B prospects to roam freely. Caplinger will compete for the last two bullpen spots with Pierre Block, Ruben Monteiro, and Ben Trollo

FREE AGENT SIGNING RECAP
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TRADE RECAP
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Editor's Note On Trade Fairness: As stated above with signing Ramirez, Caplinger was likely headed to start the season in Triple-A. They have a handful of other insurance pitchers and actually flipped their offer between Caplinger and Mark Robak. They have absolutely NO first base prospects in the minors and this allows them to try and make the most out of Darius.