Kelly's Corner

Hot Stove season and Minor League Free Agents

2009-11-18T15:32:48Z

After taking some time off over the past week, I'm back on the beat and just in time for the Hot Stove season to really start heating up.

This week is an important one, not just in terms of the BBWAA awards that are being announced. The exclusive negotiating period that teams have with their free agents comes to an end on Thursday night at 11 p.m. CT and that means the official start of free agency. While many expect it to be a slow start

Another important date for clubs is Friday, as they must set their 40-man rosters. This is the time when teams can protect players from being eligible for the Rule 5 Draft, which takes place on Dec. 10. The Twins currently have 35 players on their 40-man roster -- not including their five free agents. There are bound to be additions to that roster this week, although it's not likely to be five players as the Twins often leave at least one spot open in case they want to make a selection in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft.

I also wanted to pass along another tidbit for you. Baseball America has released its complete list of Minor League free agents. The Twins have eight and they are as follows:

RHP: Frank Mata (AA), Oswaldo Sosa++ (AA)
LHP: Reid Santos (AAA)
1B: Brock Peterson (AAA)
2B: Alejandro Machado+ (AA)
3B: Brian Buscher (AAA)
OF: Matt Moses (AA), David Winfree (AAA)

Before free agency takes center stage, the focus today will be on the American League Manager of the Year announcement. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is among the contenders for the award yet again. It could be another case of a runner-up finish for Gardy, as Angels manager Mike Scioscia is considered the favorite. I'll have more on that later in the day, after the award is announced.

Mauer and Hardy connection

2009-11-06T22:52:17Z

One of the reasons that J.J. Hardy was excited about joining the Twins was that it gave him the opportunity to once again be teammates with catcher Joe Mauer.

The two first met when they were both around 15 years old and playing for the U.S.A. Junior National team. They would play on many of the same national teams over the next few years, and were even roommates back in 2000 when the junior national team took the silver medal in Edmonton, Canada.

Hardy said the two have stayed in contact, although not much over the phone as he joked that Mauer has changed his phone number a few times in recent years. But during the two series between the Twins and Brewers every year, the two took some time to catch up.

Now Hardy is looking forward to hitting in the same lineup as Mauer once again.

"I've actually hit in front of Joe Mauer before on a couple of the USA teams that we played on together when we were 15, 16 years old," Hardy said. "It worked out well for me back then."

The Twins' plans are to work this winter on signing Mauer to a contract extension. Hardy certainly supports the idea of having the catcher around for the foreseeable future.

"I know they're already working on it, and I'm excited about that," Hardy said early on Friday afternoon in an interview with MLB.com "I really like him. We clicked right from the start."

More thoughts from GM Bill Smith

2009-11-06T21:12:06Z

In addition to discussing the J.J. Hardy/Carlos Gomez trade, Twins GM Bill Smith was asked to address some of the other pressing offseason issues during the conference call this afternoon. Here are some tidbits that I pulled out to pass along:

-- Smith said that the Twins will definitely tender a contract to left fielder Delmon Young

"Absolutely, he's going to be tendered a contract," Smith said. "Delmon had a good year last year, he grew up a lot, I know some of the numbers aren't where anyone, especially Delmon Young, wants them. He grew up a lot, he matured a lot, I think he became a good teammate.

"I know Ron Gardenhire's very high on him," Smith added. "Joe Vavra, I had a talk with him the other day, and I think people are optimistic Delmon has a chance to blossom, hopefully in 2010 and realize some of the great skills he has."

--Smith didn't rule out the possibility of pursuing a second baseman or third baseman this offseason. He did acknowledge that Manager Ron Gardenhire will likely keep Nick Punto in the lineup at some spot next season.

"We're not locking anybody into any positions," Smith said, although he did say Hardy was their shortstop. "Nick is a valuable player on this team. He can play second. He can play third. He can play short. He can play just about anywhere. Our manager likes having him in the lineup and some of the energy and defense he brings. Wherever he's playing, he's going to be a part of it somewhere."

--Smith also gave a non-update on the status of talks with Joe Mauer about a possible contract extension, saying that the club isn't about to release any details about it. "We'll let you know," Smith said, meaning that they'll only announce if/when something gets done.

-- There is also no news to report on whether the Twins will pick up Michael Cuddyer's $10.5 million option for 2011. The club has until Monday to make a decision on it.

--When asked about the future of 3B Joe Crede in Minnesota, Smith said that he's been in contact with Crede's agent, Scott Boras, and left open the possibility that he could return.

Gomez's thoughts on the trade

2009-11-06T20:52:22Z

Thanks to our wonderful Brewers reporter Adam McCalvy, I thought I'd pass along what Carlos Gomez had to say on today's trade that sent him to Milwaukee for SS J.J. Hardy. Needless to say Gomez is excited about the opportunity to get to play every day.

"[Twins GM] Bill Smith called me and said, 'I have good news and bad news,'" Gomez said. "I wanted the bad news first and he said, 'I traded you. We needed a shortstop.'"

"It's going to be good for you," Smith then told Gomez, "because you need to play."

Gomez's playing time had been limited with the Twins in 2009 due to the logjam of outfielders, but in Milwaukee he'll have the center field job all to himself. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin acknowledged that his club would not pursue free agent center fielder Mike Cameron this winter due to the trade. So the veteran will go elsewhere after playing center for Milwaukee for the past two season.

It means that the speedy Gomez and his Gold Glove-caliber defense will be on display for Brewers fans throughout the 2010 season. It marks a return to the National League for Gomez, who came to the Twins in the Johan Santana trade with the Mets in Feb. 2008.

"Coming back to the National League is exciting," said Gomez. "It means you have a chance to play every day. Even if you don't start, you're probably going to get a chance as a pinch-hitter. In the American League, if you don't start, you don't play.

"But I don't have pinch-hitting in my mind. I want to play every day."

Both Smith and Melvin assured Gomez that he would indeed get that thanks to this trade.

"I don't want to be a backup player. I'm too young to be a backup," he said. "If Milwaukee wanted me, they know I can play every day. They want me to be an exciting player, but to make more contact, work the count. Get on base.

"It's going to be exciting. I can't wait to start."

Welcome to Minnesota, J.J. Hardy

2009-11-06T20:32:26Z

As you've now all read, the Twins filled one of their biggest offseason holes this morning by acquiring shortstop J.J. Hardy from the Brewers in exchange for outfielder Carlos Gomez.

We got a chance to speak with Hardy on a conference call this afternoon and I thought I'd share with you his thoughts -- some of which didn't get into my story.

What were your initial thoughts on the trade?

"I feel like it's actually going to work out good for both teams, both organizations. Obviously the Twins had two center fielders, the Brewers had two shortstops, and they both needed the opposite.

"For me, I'm excited about the trade. I definitely knew I was going to get traded from the day they did send me down [to Triple-A Nashville in August]. I felt like that was their plan, I didn't know who [I'd get traded] to, but once I got the call this morning I was pretty excited about it. I think the change of scenery will be good for me."

How do you describe what happened last season (when he batted .229 w/ 11 HRs) ?

"I don't want to think about anymore. It's over, I was happy when it ended. It was just kind of a nightmare year for me. Even when I was up there, I wasn't at a level I wanted to perform at, and then when I got sent down, it just made things worse.

Can you pinpoint when things went wrong?

"I got off to a really slow start. I feel like there's been several years now that I've gotten off to a slow start and be able to bounce out of it. This year was different for me, I just feel like I never could really get comfortable, and it just kind of snowballed from the first month that was not good."

What is that gives him confidence looking ahead to 2010?

"I don't think the change in the teams is going to be that big of a deal, I don't think the change in leagues is going to be that big of a deal for me. I told myself come probably May, when I was still struggling and when I got sent down in August, that all that I needed was for the season to end and I'll be normal again. Every year, I go about the same thing in the offseason, I come to spring training and I feel ready to go, and I feel that's what's going to happen next year."

Terry Ryan earns AFL Award

2009-11-04T21:45:16Z

Former Twins general manager Terry Ryan has been named the Arizona Fall League's 2009 Roland Hemond Award.

Ryan received the award before Tuesday night's AFL contest between the Peoria Javelinas and Scottsdale Scorpions. He was presented his award by Hemond and Arizona Fall League executive director Steve Cobb.

The award is presented annually to recognize baseball executives who have provided at least 15 years of outstanding service to professional baseball and served the Arizona Fall League in a key leadership capacity. It's named after Hemond, who helped start the league in 1992 after spending two years selling the concept of a six-week offseason league to baseball's general managers and owners.

Ryan, who has been a member of the Twins front office since 1986, is currently in his seventh year as a member of the Arizona Fall League's oversight committee.

"I thank the Twins for the longevity I've had in the organization and also the ability to work with the Fall League," Ryan said in his speech after receiving the award. "I'm proud of what we accomplished here. I'm proud of Roland for creating this league."

"We've tweaked it and I think we are getting close to being very satisfied with the way it's operated," he added. "Once again, I'm very humbled to receive this award."

Ryan has served as a senior advisor to Twins general manager Bill Smith for the past two years after stepping down from the GM position at the end of the 2007 season. He held the role of Twins GM for 13 seasons (1995-2007) and during his tenure the club won four American League Central titles (2002-04, 2006).

In addition to his role with the Twins, Ryan has also played a significant part in helping to develop the Fall League and he expressed his pride in what it's now become.

"This is the best developmental league in the game," Ryan said. "We have the best trainers from the Minor Leagues here. We have the best players and the best managers and coaches. We have the best of everything, the facilities and the travel."

Ryan also used his speech to encourage the players who are currently taking part in this year's Fall League.

"Any organization that has any idea about development comes in and covers this league," Ryan said. "Players, just to let you know, you are not very far away. If you are in this league, it means you are good.

"Your organization thinks highly of you and you are just a phone call away. Keep playing the game the right way, keep trying and ultimately you will surface in the big leagues and stay there."

Twins 2009 Diamond Award Winners

2009-10-26T17:06:48Z

The Twins announced the recipients of the 2009 Diamond Awards, which are voted upon by the Twin Cities Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Here are the winners:

Calvin R. Griffith Most Valuable Twin -- Joe Mauer
Joseph W. Haynes Pitcher of the Year -- Joe Nathan
Charles O. Johnson Most Improved Twin -- Michael Cuddyer
Bill Boni Outstanding Rookie of the Year -- Jose Mijares
Dick Siebert Upper Midwest Player of the Year -- Mauer
Mike Augustin Media Good Guy Award -- Denard Span
Bob Allison Leadership Award -- Cuddyer

The Twins also select a few winners of their own, here they are:

Carl R. Pohlad Award for Community Service -- Justin Morneau
Kirby Puckett Award for Alumni Community Service -- Rod Carew
Sherry Robertson Award for Minor League Player of the Year -- Ben Revere
Jim Rantz Award for Minor League Pitcher of the Year -- David Bromberg

The awards will be given out at the Fifth Annual Diamond Awards Dinner, which will take place on Jan. 28, 2010, at the Hilton Minneapolis. The event will benefit brain, nerve and muscle disorders research at the University of Minnesota

Nathan, Morneau undergo minor clean-up surgeries

2009-10-22T16:34:54Z

Twins closer Joe Nathan and first baseman Justin Morneau each underwent "clean-up" surgeries on Tuesday to have bone chips removed, general manager Bill Smith confirmed in an email on Thursday.

Nathan saw Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. on Monday after team doctors recommended a minor clean-up to his right elbow. Andrews confirmed the recommendation and on Tuesday morning, Andrews performed the surgery to remove two bone chips from Nathan's right elbow. Nathan is now back home in Knoxville, Tenn. and is expected to make a full recovery before Spring Training, Smith said.

Morneau had been bothered by a bone chip in his right wrist during the season. On Tuesday, Twins hand specialist Dr. Tom Verecka removed the chip and Morneau is also expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training.

Game 3 Twins vs. Yankees: Trying to stave off elimination

2009-10-11T19:39:49Z

Yankees (2-0)
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera
Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16)

Twins (0-2)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Jason Kubel, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, 3B
Jose Morales, DH
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (14-12, 5.10)

A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier

Game 2: Trying for a split

2009-10-09T19:31:12Z

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire shuffled his lineup as expected, starting Carlos Gomez in center field with Denard Span in right and Jason Kubel as the DH.

Gardenhire joked in his press conference that Gomez "irritates people. Sometimes me." He was teasing, but the Twins are hoping that Gomez can help add a little speed to their lineup. Gardenhire said he also thought it would help not to have Kubel in the outfield in case of rain tonight. So the skipper will have his better defensive outfield out there tonight.

Due to the changes, Jose Morales will not be in the starting lineup. While Morales looked a little overwhelmed during his first two at-bats in the tie-breaker game at the Metrodome on Tuesday, Gardenhire said that he's not afraid to use Morales as a pinch-hitter tonight.

Jesse Crain reported to Gardenhire that his sore groin felt good today. But the club won't really know if he's available until he plays catch during batting practice.

Twins (0-1)
Denard Span, RF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, DH
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Carlos Gomez, CF
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03)

Yankees (1-0)
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Nick Swisher, RF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Jose Molina, C
Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier

Tidbits for Game 1

2009-10-07T22:15:24Z

Here is some news and nuggets from manager Ron Gardenhire's pre-game meeting with the local media.

-- Gardenhire said that the team arrived at their hotel a little after 4 a.m. ET. The plane ride wasn't any more raucous than normal. It was actually fairly quiet, he said. The players and the staff were both a little drained today following Tuesday's craziness but Gardenhire didn't think it would take long into the game for the energy to return.

--Gardenhire told the national media that the Twins are TBA for Game 3 of the series, with both Carl Pavano and Scott Baker as options. Still, it appears that Pavano is the one likely in line for the start.

--Everyone in the bullpen is available for tonight's game, Gardenhire said. The relievers who didn't see much time on the mound are Jon Rauch (4 pitches), Jose Mijares (7 pitches) and Ron Mahay (4 pitches).

-- As you can read on the website, the Twins decided to go with 12 pitchers and 13 position players for this series. After using nearly everyone out of the 'pen last night, Gardenhire said there was no choice but to go with that number. Also, the club needed four starters since Scott Baker was required to pitch Game No. 163.

Bring on the Yankees: Game 1 ALDS

2009-10-07T19:47:28Z

Twins (87-76)
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Brendan Harris, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: LHP Brian Duensing (5-2, .364)

Yankees (103-59)
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37)

A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier

Game 163: Twins vs. Tigers

2009-10-06T18:36:34Z

It's all come down to this.

For the second straight season, the Twins are playing in Game 163 but this year the group seems a bit looser, perhaps something that a little bit of experience will do for you.

The Twins certainly seem happy to be playing in the Dome. Sure, the home field advantage is great but it was also 46 degrees and pouring rain when I arrived at the Metrodome today. Next year, the club won't have the roof to their advantage anymore.

Here are a few interesting facts from the Twins game notes today:

-- Since the All-Star Break, the Twins are 41-32 while the Tigers have gone 38-37. The Twins have outscored the Tigers over that time (379 runs to 320), but Detroit has the advantage in ERA (4.53) compared to the Twins (4.71).

-- Joe Mauer leads the AL batting race by 14 points going into his final day. Mauer's average is sitting at .364 while Ichiro finished the season at .352. Mauer will join a select group of players who have won three-or-more AL batting titles including Nap Lajoie, Ty Cobb, Harry Heilmann, Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, George Brett, and Wade Boggs.

UPDATE: The turf in right field is doing OK, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. There are often a few soft spots following a football game due to the bleachers being unrolled out in right field. But Jason Kubel said it wasn't anything that he couldn't handle.

There were quite a few Twins players in attendance for Monday night's Vikings-Packers at the Metrodome. Among those who watched the game from field level were Denard Span, Joe Nathan, Nick Punto, Delmon Young, Jesse Crain and Carl Pavano. The group received a huge ovation from the crowd when they were shown on the jumbotron and Nathan said they couldn't walk up and down the aisles without getting plenty of high-fives from fans.

As for Gardenhire, he watched the game at home. He had plenty of interest, not just because he's been a long-time Brett Favre fan.

"I had a lot of fantasy players playing, and I lost," Gardenhire said.

So what did he think about Favre's performance.

"He was my fantasy quarterback," Gardenhire said. "He just didn't give it to Adrian enough for me."

Tigers (86-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Curtis Granderson, CF
Placido Polanco, 2B
Magglio Ordonez, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Carlos Guillen, DH
Ryan Raburn, LF
Brandon Inge, 3B
Gerald Laird, C
Ramon Santiago, SS
Pitching: RHP Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.04)

Twins (86-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Scott Baker (15-9, 4.36)

A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier

Down to the Final game: Twins vs. Royals 10/4

2009-10-04T17:20:11Z

For the third time in four years, the Twins division hopes will come down to the final game of the season. And with the Twins and Tigers tied atop the AL Central, the Twins hold their own fate. If they win, there will be at least one more game in the Metrodome -- either a tiebreaker or Game 3 of the ALDS.

Since it's the final regular season game at the Metrodome (well at least on the 162 game schedule), the Twins will host an hour-long ceremony after today's game ends to celebrate the 28 years here. It's going to be interesting to see how that will go since it will take place win or lose.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he didn't watch the Tigers 4-1 loss to the White Sox last night. He was in his hot tub with his wife, Carol, while his daughter Tiffany was watching the game inside. Carol had been checking the scores a little on her cell phone, but Tiffany came outside to give updates as well. It created a funny moment when Tiffany informed them, 'It's tied," and Carol concerningly said, "They tied it up?"

"No," Tiffany said. "You're tied."

Gardenhire just shook his head retelling the story, 'Entertainment,' he said.

The Twins skipper was just happy to come into Sunday knowing that a win means his club's season will be extended at least one game.

"From where we've been it's actually nice to have it come down to one ballgame," Gardenhire said. "We've been chasing the whole time. The last day of the season and we're deadlocked again. Now we know what we have to do, we have to win. But we've known that for three weeks -- that we have to win. It hasn't changed on our side of it. But at least we're dead even."

Justin Verlander is pitching for the Tigers today. So the Twins enter the contest feeling like they need a win to force a one-game tiebreaker on Tuesday at the Dome. If that game takes place, it will be Scott Baker for the Twins pitching against the Tigers' rookie Rick Porcello.

Royals (65-95)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Mike Jacobs, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
John Buck, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Luis Hernandez, SS
Pitching: RHP Luke Hochevar (7-12, 6.24)

Twins (84-76)
1st place in AL Central, tied
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Carl Pavano (13-12, 5.07)

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Raise the Curtain: Twins vs. Royals 10/3

2009-10-03T18:47:14Z

The Twins face another must-win situation on Saturday and the task is less than enviable as they take on Royals ace and AL Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke.

While the Twins lost to Greinke last Sunday, they had chances in the contest and after scoring 10 runs on Friday night the club is hopeful that they can find a way to get the ace today. Of course, it is National TV today and a chance for Greinke to show voters that he indeed does deserve the award.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said that the entire bullpen is available today, despite last night's game where nearly everyone had to be used to get through the win.

Brian Duensing is available out of the bullpen again today. If the Twins need someone early to help out starter Nick Blackburn, who is pitching on three days rest, Duensing would be the first one to go. If the Twins are still one game back on Sunday, Carl Pavano will get the start on short rest instead of Duensing -- or if the Twins have to use Duensing today then Pavano could also get the nod.

While Gardenhire said that Joe Mauer was exhausted after last night's game, the catcher was behind the plate again today. Just shows you that it's pennant chase baseball and everyone can bounce back at this time of year.

Also, the curtain has been raised today as the Twins expect a nearly packed house for the second to last game at the Metrodome. Should be plenty of excitement as the Twins try to put pressure on the Tigers before their game with the White Sox later tonight.

Royals (65-95)
4th place in AL Central, 20 games back
Willie Bloomquist, LF
Mitch Maier, CF
Billy Butler, 1B
Mike Jacobs, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
Miguel Olivo, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Luis Hernandez, SS
Pitching: RHP Zack Greinke (16-8, 2.06)

Twins (84-76)
2nd place in AL Central, 1 game back
Denard Span, CF
Orlando Cabrera, SS
Joe Mauer, C
Jason Kubel, RF
Michael Cuddyer, 1B
Delmon Young, LF
Jose Morales, DH
Matt Tolbert, 3B
Nick Punto, 2B
Pitching: RHP Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.08)

A reminder you can follow me on Twitter @kellythesier