Building Blocks: Minnesota Twins (Mogul 2k6)

[mattynokes]

Minnesota Twins: Spring Training Notes
By Trent Cameron [March 1, 2021 at 7:21pm CST]

• MLB's Kelly Thesier reports non-roster invitee Reggie Campbell will be learning left field this spring where he'll likely make it his permanent position.
• The Star Tribune's Joe Christensen runs down the Spring Training roster battles. Christensen suggests that the 2B battle is really between Mark Kiger and Samuel Fernandez. If Fernandez wins, then Kriger is likely released per the clause in his contract and Richard Vibulatd assumes the bench role. He says Pierre Block, who is out of options, is in a real fight to keep his roster spot. He says James Caplinger and Ruben Monteiro are the front runners for the final two bullpen spots.
• MLB Network's Gavin Nokes says his inside sources say Jeff Kryzsko has all but lost a chance to make the team with the Kiger signing.

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Editor's Note: I'd like to point out that since I have an advantage with converting pitchers to starters or relievers as well as doing the Winterball aspects I'm going to hold myself to Waivers on players that are out of options. The process will be quite simple. I'll shop the player on the trade block. Whichever teams offer up for the player on the first click will be considered the claiming teams. I will then use the real waiver rules to determine who has priority. The "claiming team" must use the player on their MLB roster after the trade or it will be nulled and I will move on to the next team in line. Also moving forward I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts and roster moves and such.

[mattynokes]

Minnesota Twins: Spring Training Notes Part II
By Trent Cameron [March 30, 2021 at 8:32pm CST]

• Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune follows up his Spring Training roster battles article with a wrap-up on how each fared this spring. Mark Kiger has won the second base job while Ruben Monteiro and Pierre Block have sewn up the final bullpen spots. Here's a breakdown of how each competitor did:
  
  SECOND BASE BATTLE
  Mark Kiger - .244 / .333 / .372
  Samuel Fernandez - .258 / .292 / .403
  Richard Vibulatd - .262 / .327 / .321
  Jeff Kryzsko - .261 / .370 / .413
  
  BULLPEN BATTLE
  Pierre Block - 3.09 ERA, .271 OBA, 1.34 WHIP
  James Caplinger - 6.25 ERA, .333 OBA, 2.14 WHIP
  Ruben Monteiro - 2.37 ERA, .208 OBA, 1.26 WHIP
  
  
• MLB's Kelly Thesier reports Richard Vibulatd has passed waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Rochester.
• Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal wonders why Jeff Kryzsko didn't win the second base job when he out performed the other candidates. He offers up Kiger's veteran presence as a possible reason.
• ESPN's Jayson Stark says the talk of Spring Training was Derek Ward's introduction to professional baseball. The Twins turned the youngster loose and he went seven and a third innings; allowing just one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five.
  8:53pm MLB Network's Gavin Nokes answers a question submitted by YEAH DAAAWG:
  
  The reason for Kiger earning the spot over Kryzsko might be answered by politics. Kiger is the more experienced players and knowing GM Matty Nokes I thought, regardless of the "minor league" contract, when Kiger was signed it was a signal of who is going to be the Twins second baseman this year.
  
  But you also have to look at the fact that Kriger played exceptional defense this spring -- 3.00 RF next to Kryzsko's 1.67. Kryzsko has also only been in the system for two seasons and has had problems with striking out too much. He struck out in 23.1% of his PAs versus Kriger's 15.3% K rate.
  
  Overall, Twins fans shouldn't be discouraged, nor should Kryzsko be, by this decision. If anything this has opened the management's eyes to 3rd round pick of '18 out of Notre Dame. Kriger was a big community guy in San Diego and LA as well. He brings brings a lot of experience to the table and, remember, these are rebuilding years.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Why Kiger over Kryzsko? Kryzsko's numbers look better from the ones you posted right there. I'm sure you have a good reason, I'm just curious.

[mattynokes]

YEAH DAAAAWG: Answered your question here.
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Minnesota Twins Baseball
March 30, 2021

Minnesota Twins 2021 Season Preview

THE LINEUP (Contact, Power, Speed, Eye)

1. RF Steve West (84, 59, 93, 74)
2. 2B Mark Kriger (72, 76, 65, 81)
3. LF James Norris (78, 91, 48, 76)
4. 1B Chris McNees (74, 96, 49, 70)
5. 3B Greg Beville (75, 86, 78, 78)
6. CA Joe Mauer (77, 73, 65, 80)
7. DH Eric Filler (72, 85, 77, 76)
8. SS Sam Miller (87, 74, 85, 75)
9. CF Edgar Cadena (69, 81, 60, 89)

THE BENCH (Contact, Power, Speed, Eye)

• 2B Samuel Fernandez (77, 74, 60, 88)
• OF Jimmy Queen (72, 78, 69, 95)
• 1B Marc Near (72, 79, 48, 73)
• 3B Mike Jameson (74, 70, 73, 77)
• CA Gary Spector (71, 81, 49, 67)

THE ROTATION (Endurance, Control, Power, Movement)

1. Chris Cook (83, 85, 90, 85)
2. Matt Durkin (71, 79, 73, 84)
3. Orlando Padilla (80, 89, 83, 70)
4. Harvey Sawyer (95, 82, 70, 80)
5. Heath Cunicelli (75, 87, 73, 84)

THE BULLPEN (Endurance, Control, Power, Movement)

• CL: Paul Tignor (34, 68, 89, 81)
• SU: Ryan Wagner (39, 75, 80, 77)
• MR: Tim Raymond (18, 83, 63, 84)
• MR: Eric Williamson (67, 91, 62, 93)
• LR: Pierre Block (42, 77, 72, 79)
• LR: Ruben Monteiro (76, 74, 84, 70)

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Editor's Note On Trade Fairness: Savor the flavor on those skill ratings. I generally won't post them, as you'll be introduced to any new Twin via screenshot, but I wanted to give you guys a feel for what the team has since all of them are either well past their prime or generated players. Also added two stories to this post.

[mattynokes]

Minnesota Twins Baseball
March 30, 2021

Minnesota Twins 2021 40-Man Roster

CATCHERS
Player Name             Age	Overall	        Salary		Options Left
Mauer, Joe		37	77		$4,500,000	2
Spector, Gary		26	74		$327,000	3
Darusmont, Chris	27	69		$327,000	3*
Weaver, Aaron		24	79		$327,000	3

INFIELDERS
Player Name             Age	Overall	        Salary		Options Left
Filler, Eric		23	80		$327,000	3
McNees, Chris		22	89		$327,000	3
Near, Marc		25	69		$327,000	2*
Fernandez, Samuel	26	73		$327,000	3
Kiger, Mark		41	74		$800,000	0
Stevens, Lucas		28	64		$327,000	3*
Jameson, Mike		31	71		$327,000	0
Miller, Sam		25	92		$327,000	3
Richey, Steve		20	78		$327,000	3

OUTFIELDERS
Player Name             Age	Overall	        Salary		Options Left
Cadena, Edgar		32	82		$2,000,000	2
Campos, Elvis		27	68		$327,000	2*
Jordan, Paul		25	69		$327,000	2*
Norris, James		26	90		$327,000	3
Queen, Jimmy		27	71		$327,000	1
West, Steve		32	73		$1,500,000	0
Turmell, Noah		27	88		$3,750,000	3*

PITCHERS
Player Name             Age	Overall	        Salary		Options Left
Caplinger, James	27	72		$327,000	3*
Cook, Chris		24	92		$3,780,000	3
Cunicelli, Heath	28	77		$327,000	2
Davis, Nick		25	68		$327,000	3*
Durkin, Matt		39	77		$327,000	2
Monteiro, Ruben		25	73		$327,000	1
Sawyer, Harvey		26	84		$327,000	3
Siano, Brian		23	72		$327,000	3*
Trollo, Ben		23	76		$327,000	2*
Kovanda, Brian		24	76		$327,000	2
Ignatius, Martin	23	67		$327,000	3*
Tignor, Paul		29	79		$327,000	2
Wagner, Ryan		38	78		$327,000	0
Bliss, Kenny	        24	77		$327,000	3*
Raymond, Tim		33	75		$327,000	3
Sepulveda, Justin	24	69		$327,000	3

*  = Currently Using Option
#  = On 60-Day DL

Total Count: 36

[mattynokes]

Minnesota Twins Baseball
March 31, 2021

Minnesota Twins 2021 Minor Leagues Overview

Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A)
C Aaron Weaver (78/99)
2B Jeff Kryzsko (73/80)
IF Richard Vibulatd (67)
CF Elvis Campo (68/69)
OF Paul Jordan (69/71)
SP Ben Trollo (76)
SP Brian Siano (72/77)
SP James Caplinger (72)
SP Nick Davis (68/74)
RP Kenny Bliss (77/83)
RP Brian Kovanda (76/80)
RP Justin Sepulveda (68/76)

New Britain Rock Cats (Double-A)
1B Eduardo Monteiro (68/80)
2B Chris Mareth (63/75)
3B Steve Richey (73/99)
SP Martin Cavell (70/88)
RP Martin Ingatius (67/84)

Fort Myers Miracle (Single-A)
IF Adam Piro (54/76)
LF Reggie Campbell (59/78)
SP Mark Shelden (67/85)
SP Fred Kangas (65/70)
RP Sam Faraglia (67/76)

Elizabethton Twins (Rookie Ball)
1B Jeff Tomchak (63/65)
2B Phil Harwood (72/88)
SP Derek Ward (79/93)
SP Jerrad Nelson (61/77)
SP Josh Murphey (51/91)
RP Cristian Garcia (48/96)

[mattynokes]

Opinion Needed!!!

The Question: Do we sign him? Turmell would be our right fielder. Steve West would move to the bench and Jimmy Queen would be optioned to AAA. The easy answer is yes because he's an upgrade or that I could shop him at the deadline. But remember that I'm not going to be taking advantage of the system and with rebuilding the upgrade isn't the obvious answer.

We're well within out budget and can afford him on the $3.75M/1 Year that he's asking for. I don't think there's any more information that can help your opinion and even if there is, just go on what you know. Giving some reasoning on your opinion will help it get more considered than just saying "sign him" or "don't sign him".

[futuremarlinsgm]

Opinion Needed!!!

The Question: Do we sign him? Turmell would be our right fielder. Steve West would move to the bench and Jimmy Queen would be optioned to AAA. The easy answer is yes because he's an upgrade or that I could shop him at the deadline. But remember that I'm not going to be taking advantage of the system and with rebuilding the upgrade isn't the obvious answer.

We're well within out budget and can afford him on the $3.75M/1 Year that he's asking for. I don't think there's any more information that can help your opinion and even if there is, just go on what you know. Giving some reasoning on your opinion will help it get more considered than just saying "sign him" or "don't sign him".

In order to bolster your lineup, I would sign Turmell with an option for next season and then try Steve West in CF since it appears West has great speed which sometimes means good range. That way, you could have your three best outfielders out there.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

I would sign him. He's only 27 years old, so he's young enough to be a part of the rebuilding process going forward and still help you out after your team returns to respectability.

[Alloutwar]

Sign him! looks like a great bat, and decent fielder to boot! Even when you are rebuilding, you have to field a decent team, make some moves to keep the fanbase involved and rooting. However, I would typically be using Mizerak's negotiator - so I would be checking his fit to team, and if he has an MN-area roots to see if he would be interested.

I am liking this dynasty - nice presentation, and holy heck a lot of work you've put in already. Count me as a fan.

One question - is there a reason you aren't using the player photo packs, for created players? I find it helps me in realism/attachment and such. The randomized Action photos were around in 2k6 i think - 2k7 had them for sure.

[Tannhauser]

This looks awesome! Keep up the great work!

Tremmel doesn't seem to be too expensive for a signing and if he does join, he'll probably be one of your team's better players and give you a solid outfield.

[mattynokes]

Twins Sign Noah Turmell
By Trent Cameron [April 1, 2021 at 3:29pm CST]

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal just announced that the Twins have signed Noah Turmell to a contract for the 2021 season. Many were surprised that, first, the Tigers didn't re-sign the gap slugger and, secondly, that he went the whole course of the off-season unsigned by any team. The 27 year old outfielder hit .306 / .349 / .448 last season and will be an instant upgrade for the Twins. Though with missing all of Spring Training he'll likely head to Rochester or New Britain for a week or two to get back into the swing of things.

Turmell has much to play for. He spoke out about feeling a bit disrespected by Detroit not offering him a contract and is thrilled to be a division to have a chance to play against them, a lot. The terms of the contract are $3.75M for the season and a smart move by his agent and demanding a no-trade clause so the Twins can't flip him once the season starts going downhill without his approval.

Contrary to suggestions by futuremarlinsgm on SM News, it does not appear that Edgar Cadena will be the one losing his starting spot. Despite his poor arm, Cadena won a Gold Glove in 2016. Steve West is the likely candidate to move the bench where he'll be a speedster that the bench has been lacking.
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Editor's Note: Answering some of the technical concerns, obviously I decided to sign him, so much of the input has been answered. I didn't use the negotiator app because we're in-season and as far as I'm concerned they're all fair game now, but to only a one year deal. If no one else signed him during the off-season it's realistic that he'd sign with about any team offering him, and even more likely that he really would want some revenge against Detroit and value an AL Central team a bit more. To re-sign him I will have to use the negotiator app, though. Also a new rule that I'm making myself follow to help with the Winterball / Pitcher Conversion that the CPU doesn't do. I'll have to buyout contract at 100% and have payouts if I don't pick up Team Options.

[mattynokes]

40-Man Roster
2021 Transactions
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Turmell Called Up
By Trent Cameron [April 12, 2021 at 5:05pm CST]

On their off day, MLB's Kelly Thesier reports, the Twins think that Noah Turmell has had enough time in Triple-A Rochester. Turmell has it .320 with an .846 OPS in 12 games for the Red Wings. His offense couldn't come a better time as the Twins have gotten off to an AL worst .224 team average in the first 11 games. Making room for Turmell, Marc Near has been optioned to Rochester. In Near's lone at-bat so far he popped up to Rangers 2B Nelson Bardem while pinch hitting (Rangers now in NL) for Pierre Block.

Edgar Cardena had all the reason to believe that he'd keep his starting spot once Turmell was called up, but his robust .108 average will send him to the bench, for now. Steve West can't breathe too easily as it's likely the team will play "hot potato" between whichever of the two is swinging the hot bat.
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Editor's Note: I'm continuing to make updates on the Roster and Transactions posts, so I'll be including them above every article during the season.

[mattynokes]

April In Review
May 1, 2020





Around The League
4/1 - Mariners 1B Brian Tanner hits 500th home run
4/3 - A's C Julio Rivera hits 300th home run
4/5 - Tigers trade SP Justin Verlander to Astros
4/9 - Texas (re-) signs Free Agent SP Eric Moody
4/11 - Angels trade LF Marshall Kendall to Padres
4/16 - Red Sox SS Hanley Ramirez collects 3000th hit
4/20 - Pirates LF Jose Diana hits 300th home run
4/22 - Braves SP Felix Hernandez wins 250th game
4/22 - Padres 1B Jeff Welch hits 400th home run
4/24 - Cardinals 1B Earl Lassiter is out for 4 weeks (Broken Finger)

[mattynokes]

40-Man Roster
2021 Transactions
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Minnesota Twins Baseball
May 1, 2021

Minnesota Twins April: Notes & Stats

• SS Sam Miller is supplementing his quality glove with a productive bat and has been rewarded with a move to the leadoff spot
  
  
• While RF James Norris is hitting an awful .126, it's much better than where it was -- .077
  
  
• C Joe Mauer has came swinging the bat early ... Though his defense is really showing his age
  
  
• Even though CF Steve West is hitting alright, MVP quality next to Edgar Cadena, he's struggling defensively in center field
  
  
• SP Chris Cook is struggling so far and hasn't seemed to find consistency all month long
  
  
• SP Heath Cunicelli is impressing, including a complete game shutout in his last start
  
  
• SP Orlando Padilla is getting rocked to a tune of .355 (batting average) and will be replaced by Eric Williamson in the rotation
  
  
• Management has had it with RP Pierre Block and has designated the fifth year veteran for assignment ... They've called up Kenny Bliss to replace Block