Minnesota Twins Win First Spring Training Game Against Boston Red Sox

The Minnesota Twins officially began the spring training schedule. They took on the Boston Red Sox last night in Fort Myers, Florida. Do these games really mean anything? No, to be honest. However, I'm just itching for baseball season and the schedule started so it got me a little excited. Only a few starters played in the game and a lot of the guys in the lineup probably wouldn't get recognized by a casual Minnesota Twins fan. Really wish I was in Fort Myers, Florida right now.

Minnesota Twins Payroll for 2011

The new payroll is expected to be at about $115 million in the 2011-2012 season.
After topping out around $101 million last season, a franchise high, general manager Bill Smith is shattering that mark with the most expensive team in Twins history with a payroll likely to tip $115 million. They cleared up $10.1 million in letting Hardy and Hudson go, where Alexi Casilla and Tsuyoshi Nishioka will make $3.85 million. The bulk of the payroll comes from the fact that he has 15 players under contract worth a guaranteed $89.89 million. I approve of Mr. Smith's moves this offseason.

Will Carl Pavano Resign?

Carl Pavano was fantastic for the Minnesota Twins last season. He went 17-11 with 7 complete games. Now the question is, will Carl Pavano resign with the Minnesota Twins? It seems like it is between the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals. It had been reported that he is seeking a 3 year contract. Much like Jim Thome, Carl Pavano is a valuable player that I think many fans hope return. Hopefully the "Pavstache" returns.

TwinsFest 2011 Moved to Blaine

So, if you haven't heard, the Metrodome collapsed. That meant that TwinsFest 2011 at the Metrodome would be in jeopardy. It has now been announced that TwinsFest 2011 has been moved to the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. It remains scheduled for January 28 to 30. TwinsFest 2011 admission prices are $9 for adults and $5 for children 14 and under.

Minnesota Twin Legend Harmon Killebrew Has Cancer

Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew was diagnosed this week with esophageal cancer and will undergo treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he has a home. It is a rare form of cancer but it definitely is one that takes a vigorous approach to overcome. Killebrew has an optimistic outlook, setting a goal to recover in time to make his trademark appearance during spring training in Fort Myers, Florida in February. Best wishes to Harmon Killebrew and we are all praying for you!

Minnesota Twins Secure Rights to Tsuyoshi Nishioka

The Minnesota Twins have won the right to negotiate with 26-year-old infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka on a major league contract. Apparently the sum to earn the right to negotiate with the Japanese star costed around $5 million. Nishioka led Japan's Pacific League with a .346 batting average this season and had 206 hits, becoming the first Pacific League player to get 200 hits since Ichiro Suzuki. He led the Marines to this year's Japan Series championship. The Twins have 30 days to work out a deal with Nishioka. He could play either shortstop or 2nd base.

Justin Morneau Upset About Target Field

Last week, Minnesota Twins 1st baseman Justin Morneau voiced his concerns and frustrations with Target Field's dimensions. It is a tough ballpark to hit home runs at. Morneau stated “Right-center to left-center is ridiculous." He then went on to state, “You start to develop bad habits as a hitter when you feel like you can only pull the ball to hit it over the fence. You take those habits on the road.’’

The Twins record at home last season was 53-28 in 2010, the best in the American League. The team decided to not change Target Field's dimensions. The Minnesota Twins president, Dave St. Peter, pointed to that fact in defending the decision to retain Target Field’s dimensions. The Twins hit 52 home runs at Target Field and hit 91 on the road.

Minnesota Twins Pick Up Jason Kubel's Option

The Minnesota Twins reportedly picked up Jason Kubel's $5.25 million option for 2011 and turned down Nick Punto's $5 million option for 2011. After having a career year in 2009, Jason Kubel hit 21 home runs and batted .249 in 2010. The hope is that Jason Kubel can come back strong in 2011 and be that player he is capable of being. Also, I'd like to see thank you to Nick Punto for all the hustle he had as a Twins player. We will see where he goes this offseason.

Michael Cuddyer to Get Knee Surgery

Michael Cuddyer will need surgery on his right knee. Apparently it bugged him since the beginning of the season but stated it did not affect his playing ability. The outfielder has only played for the Minnesota Twins and has been a warrior in terms of ability to play different positions and play nearly all season long. Here's to hoping for a fast recovery for Michael Cuddyer.

That's a Wrap: Twins Swept Out of ALDS

It's hard to even write this, as I'm a lifelong Twins fan. The season is officially over and ended abruptly. Twelve postseason losses in a row is hard to fathom right now. Being the first team in and now the first team out is hard to stomach. I'll have more analysis during the week, but for now I'll just leave it at this. It was a good ride winning the AL Central and 94 games, but it feels like a lot was left to be desired.

The Sting Continues: Yankees Up 2 Games to None

It hurts. The New York Yankees have defeated the Minnesota Twins 6-4 and 5-2 in the first 2 games of the ALDS playoffs. Both games were at Target Field, which mean the Minnesota Twins are traveling once again to New York. Down 2-0 in a best of 5 game series makes it a really tall order. CC Sabathia and Andy Pettite have shut down the Twins offense essentially in both games. New York simply has had our number. We need to take game 3 or the series is over. It may seem like an insurmountable deficit but hey, that's why they play the game.

I leave this picture because of the overwhelming Twins fans that may be down and out. The chances may be stacked against us but let's not quit. Why can't it be us that takes down the New York Yankees?

Why Not Us?

TWINS-YANKEES, ROUND 4

It's official: The Minnesota Twins will take on the New York Yankees in the first round of the ALDS playoffs. Every Twins fan would love nothing more than to beat the Bombers this year. Do I even need to mention that this is the 4th time since 2003 that the Minnesota Twins are playing the New York Yankees in the AL playoffs? In 2003, we were defeated 3 games to 1 in the ALDS. In 2004, we were again defeated 3 games to 1 in the ALDS. In 2009, we were swept 3 to 0.

This is the first time we will have homefield advantage. This is the best lineup with our 1-9 hitters we have had since the World Series Teams of 1987 and 1991. The first game is Wednesday at 7:37 followed by Thursday at 5:07, both Central Time at Target Field. More analysis later this week.

Minnesota Twins Swept in Detroit

The Minnesota Twins were swept by the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. It was a weekend to forget and hopefully it will not carry into Cleveland or back at Target Field. Some high notes though included Danny Valencia's two home run day on Saturday, including a grand slam to bring his season total to 7. The lineups the team was using was a little different this weekend, as manager Ron Gardenhire wants to give adequate rest to the primary starters. Fortunately for us, we have already clinched and this series should not be pivotal for going into October.

Pick Your Poison: New York Yankees or Tampa Bay Rays

The Minnesota Twins will play either the New York Yankees or Tampa Bay Rays (barring a crazy collapse and Boston Red Sox streak) in the first round of the AL playoffs. They will most likely face the Wild Card Winner, or, whoever finishes 2nd in the AL East. So, as a Twins fan, who would you rather face? The Bombers have dominated the Twins in the past (last 2 playoff exits came from them and we are 3-16 in our last 19 against them) and the Rays have a Cy Young candidate and speedy line up. Both teams are talented and experienced. As Twins fans, we just have to see how it plays out since we can't control who will finish where. However, I like our chances just as much as anyone else's, whether we play the Bombers or the Rays. e

MINNESOTA TWINS SWEEP CLEVELAND INDIANS, WIN AL CENTRAL DIVISION

There will be no Game 163 this year. The Minnesota Twins have won the American League Central Divison. Again. That makes it back-to-back and now 6 times in the last 9 years. They swept the Cleveland Indians by scores of 9-3, 6-4, and 5-1. The 6-4 clinching game came on a rally from a 4-1 deficit started in the 6th inning. Heroes were all across the board as everyone contributed to this sweep. After the Twins rallied, the players stayed in the clubhouse and waited to see if the Oakland Athletics would hang on to defeat the Chicago White Sox. They did just that and then the celebration ensued. Champagne was sprayed all over the clubhouse. A few hundred fans waited in the stands. Congratulations to the Minnesota Twins!

PS- check out this Sports Illustrated with Jim Thome on the cover!

The Minnesota Twins Lose 2 of 3 to Oakland A's

The Minnesota Twins hosted the Oakland Athletics over the weekend at Target Field. The Oakland A's won on Friday and Sunday, while the Twins were victorious on Saturday. A 3-1 loss on Friday night was avenged with a 4-2 victory on Saturday. Rookie third baseman Danny Valencia homered both days including a huge 3 run homer on Saturday in the 6th inning. The Minnesota Twins lost the rubber match on Sunday, where Francisco Liriano was roughed up in 5 innings. Denard Span and Jason Kubel did not play in the series and hopefully will return soon. Rookie Ben Revere got his first starts in center field and was 2-4 on Sunday for his first two hits of his career. Next up is the Cleveland Indians at home.

How Sweep it Is: Minnesota Twins Takes All 3 Games from Chicago White Sox

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Chicago White Sox 8-5 last night to push their AL Central lead to 9 games and magic number to 8. Carl Pavano got his 17th win of the season, Delmon Young hit his 18th home run, and Matt Capps earned his 13th save. Things started a little dicey, when Carl Pavano came up and in on Paul Konerko. Konerko was hit in the nose by the pitch and stayed in the game while the trainer was attempting to pull him from the game. Mark Buerhle retaliated when they hit Michael Cuddyer the next inning. The AL Central is now virtually locked up and the Minnesota Twins are back home against the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. We now are tied with the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees for most wins in the American League.

For any Minnesota Twins tickets, check out Ticket King!

Minnesota Twins Take Down Chicago White Sox 9-3

The Minnesota Twins defeated the Chicago White Sox 9-3 in the opening game of a 3 game set in Chicago. The win puts Minnesota 7 games up on Chicago with 18 games left. Clearly nothing is over until it's over, but barring a major collapse, Minnesota should expect an AL Central crown. Francisco Liriano went 6 innings to earn his 14th victory of the season. Delmon Young hit his 17th home run of the season on his 25th birthday, JJ Hardy was 2-4, and Denard Span had a bases clearing Alex Rios error (bobble in center field) to end with 4 RBI's.

Jesse Crain also got out of a big jam and struck out MVP candidate Paul Konerko and slugger Manny Ramirez with the bases loaded in the 7th inning. Crain has been unbelievable since June. The Minnesota Twins now stand 86-58 and only trail the New York Yankees (88 wins) and Tampa Bay Rays (87 wins) in wins in the MLB. Keep an eye with those two teams as it will most likely determine who the Twins could face in the first round of the playoffs, as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Minnesota Twins Take 2 of 3 from Cleveland Indians

On Friday night, Fausto Carmona threw a gem and the Minnesota Twins lost 2-0 to the Cleveland Indians. Carl Pavano pitched wonderfully for the Minnesota Twins, going 8 innings and only surrendering 2 runs, but Carmona went 9 innings and only gave up 3 hits. On Saturday night, after a long rain delay, Jim Thome hit a 12th inning solo home run that gave Minnesota the 1-0 lead and victory. Matt Capps came in to close it out. On Sunday afternoon, Minnesota scored 5 runs in the 1st inning and cruised to a 6-2 victory. They still hold their 6 game lead over the Chicago White Sox with 19 games remaining.

Minnesota Twins Push Lead to 6 Games

The Minnesota Twins gained a half game in the standings over the Chicago White Sox yesterday, thanks to the Detroit Tigers. The Twins are currently 6 games up over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central standings with 22 games to play. However, after back-to-back Game 163's, nothing is over until a team is mathematically eliminated. It is a position the Twins are more than happy to take, but they realize nothing has been earned yet - an AL Central Crown or playoff birth. All they have to worry about is winning ballgames and the rest will come.