My time here as the Twins beat writer is coming to an end as you all have read in my last post. But before I departed for my new job with the LPGA, I wanted to introduce the new Twins beat writer for MLB.com, Rhett Bollinger, to everyone. He soon will have a blog of his own and you’ll get a chance to enjoy his work there. For now, though, here is his introduction to Twins fans and I know that you’ll all welcome him with open arms like you did with me five years ago.

Hi all!

So I’m the new guy covering the Twins for MLB.com.

I want to introduce myself as the Twins beat reporter, but first of all, I want to congratulate Kelly on her wonderful new job with the LPGA. I’m sure she’ll do great things there just like she did with us at MLB.com. I certainly have big shoes to fill (or small ones, as some
of you have pointed out) and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Anyways, here’s a little bit of my background:

I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, growing up in Glendora, a suburb of Los Angeles. I attended USC – –  where I covered the football, basketball and baseball teams – –  before joining MLB.com in 2008 as an associate reporter covering the Angels.

I stuck around MLB.com after that season, covering mostly the Angels and Dodgers with plenty of other assignments in between the last two seasons. It was a great experience serving in somewhat of a utility role, and I feel it helped prepare me for the Twins beat.

I’ve actually never been to Minnesota, however, but have heard great things about the state and of course, Target Field. So if you have any advice, send it my way.

I’m obviously very thankful for this opportunity, and appreciate all the support Twins fans have already showed via Twitter.

Speaking of Twitter, you can follow me at @RhettBollinger and I’ll have my own blog here by early next week. In the meantime, feel free to email me at rhett.bollinger@mlb.com.

I look forward to bringing you coverage here at MLB.com and can’t wait for Opening Day.

– Rhett