Jim Thome Stepping Back Into the MN Batters Box

Jim Thome will be returning to Target Field with the Indians pretty soon here and its about time you get ready.

September 16-19, the Twins will host the Indians at Target Field. With it seeming like both teams are out of contention, the game has lost its playoff excitement, but you can bet fans will still turn up to Target Field in the masses.

Why? Jim Thome. Minnesota misses the big guy and can't wait to give him a welcome back round of applause. Can't wait to tune it! I only wish I could be there!

Jim Thome Hits 600th Home Run

Welcome to the 600 home run club, Jim Thome! Jim Thome hit his 600th home run Monday night against the Detroit Tigers.

Thome is the eighth player in major league history to hit 600 home runs in his career. The future Hall of Famer joins an elite group that includes Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez.

Delmon Young Traded to Tigers

Delmon Young was traded to the Twins' AL Central rival Detroit Tigers on Monday and did not disappoint in his debut with his new team. In his first at bat against Francisco Liriano, Young hit a home run in his first at bat as a Tiger. It was only Young's 5th home run of the season and Young finished the night 2-4 with just the RBI from the home run.

Young was traded for a minor league pitcher in Class A who has an ERA just south of 5 and was a former 10th round pick. Some trade...

The Twins won the game 9-6 and Young was barely the story of the night. Jim Thome hit his 599th and 600th home runs last night to join the 600 home run club. Thome had not hit a home run since August 4th. The Detroit Tigers honored him by posting a congratulatory message on the scoreboard after he hit number 600. Thome also received a standing ovation from the Detroit Tigers fan as he rounded the bases.

Danny Valencia Saves Season With Walk Off Single, Closer Thoughts

It looked like the Twins' season was all but over. Casilla flew out to left field, and Mauer was up to bat with one out. The Twins' were about to be 8 games back in the division, and likely would be trading key players at the deadline, but the Twins' fought back in a huge way, just like they have been doing all season. Mauer walked, and Cuddyer hit what looked like a single, but become a double because of his hustle. The Indians intentionally walked Jim Thome, bringing up Danny Valencia. Valencia hits a dinky fly ball to left field that drops and Cuddyer rounds third to score the game winning run. This is a huge win for the Twins that brought them to 6 games back of the 1st place Indians. They have to win again tonight if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Matt Capps pitched again last night and looked better than before. He clearly cannot handle the mental grind that comes with being a closer, as he leads Major League baseball with 18 blown saves over the past year. I think Joe Nathan is improving, but I would love to see Glen Perkins close. He's got closer stuff, the only thing you have to worry about with him is his mental toughness. He shouldn't have to worry about the mental part because when you are throwing a filthy slider along with a 97 mph fastball, you should be just fine. Gardy, just give him a shot, please.

Minnesota Twins Homestand

The Minnesota Twins have the talent - Mauer, Morneau, Thome, Kubel, Cuddyer, Young, Valencia, Span, Nishioka, etc. We know the 7-12 record is not an indication of what they are capable of. A lot of people will say it's the starting pitching or perhaps the new bullpen. Right now, the offense needs to swing the bats better. Let's just say the Twins have more to be desired in the offensive statistics categories and they will need to do more with the bats. The pitching has not gotten a lot of run support and that is part of the issue. We are 30th in runs scored and that stat must improve. Let's get after it on this homestand.

Can't Wait for Baseball Season

After the resigning of Jim Thome, I can't wait for the baseball season. I love the Minnesota Twins and the philosophy that they use. They win the right way and have been a first-class organization all the way through. They have great scouts and a great minor league system that has produced many quality Twins players through the years. Spring training will be right around the corner, followed by the best part of the year: Baseball Season.

Minnesota Twins Sign Jim Thome to a 1-Year Deal!

Jim Thome is coming back to the Minnesota Twins. After some rumors that the Texas Rangers were interested in Thome he has decided to return to the Twins, with a 1 year $3 million deal with incentives. Last season, Jim Thome hit .283 with 25 homers and 59 RBIs in 276 at-bats. He brought a big bat to the organization and is definitely a fan favorite. He ranks eighth on the all-time list with 589 homers and needs 11 to reach the 600 Home Run Club. Could he hit number 600 at Target Field? That would be a great milestone. Welcome back Jim Thome!

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.

Will Jim Thome Re-sign with Minnesota Twins?

Just about every Minnesota Twins fan has been paying close attention to whether Jim Thome will re-sign with the team or move along to another team. Fans are hoping and crossing their fingers that Jim Thome returns to the Minnesota Twins. Not a whole lot has been made about where he might possibly go, but it has worried most fans. The free agency period has upgraded some teams with Cliff Lee headed back to Philly, Zach Greinke to the Brewers, and Adam Dunn to the White Sox. The Minnesota Twins are hoping their upgrade may come in the form or re-signing their powerful designated hitter, Mr. Jim Thome.

Minnesota Twins Top Prospects

Hey, it's the offseason right? If you paid attention, the Minnesota Twins didn't make a huge splash this offseason. It just didn't happen. I'm okay with that though because we did upgrade in the infield with "Yoshi" and the contracts that Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier got were too much in my opinion. We also gained a draft pick because of Orlando Hudson leaving and still have a chance to resign Jim Thome and Carl Pavano.

Anywho, instead of talking about who we didn't get or who we should get, how about we talk about who we have. Here are my Minnesota Twins Top Prospects currently:

1) Kyle Gibson - could make the rotation as early as this season. Big arm, big guy and hopefully can upgrade our 4/5 starter

2) Aaron Hicks - unlimited potential with high baseball IQ. Smart player that "could" be a 5 tool player, has speed, can field, can hit for average, and hopefully hit for power.

3) Miguel Sano - extremely young and raw but has scouts drooling over his game already

4)Alex Wimmers - very good command and control, a prototypical Twins arm. I feel I value him more than some other critics have given him credit for.

5) Ben Revere- saw a glimpse of him last season. You're gonna see with what you get from him, he has speed, field, and hit for average. Won't be a power guy by any means but the guy has a love for the game and can slap the ball around (Juan Pierre in my mind).

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Who Will Be Back?

Here are the pending free agents for next year:

Nick Punto, JJ Hardy, Orlando Hudson, Jim Thome, Carl Pavano, Matt Guerrier, Brian Fuentes, Jesse Crain, Jon Rauch.

It will be interesting to see who gets brought back and who goes. Stay Tuned. My gut feeling is that Thome and maybe 1 from the bullpen are back.

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!

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.

The Minnesota Twins Stay Hot, Hold 3.5 Lead over Chicago White Sox

The Minnesota Twins are 81-57 as of September 7th. They have won 9 of their last 11 and remain 1st in the AL Central Division. Not to be out done, the Chicago White Sox have won 7 straight and stand 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins. The only teams with more wins in baseball than the Twins are the Tampa Bay Rays (83 wins) and New York Yankees (86 wins). The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 yesterday afternoon and will face them on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jim Thome hit his 585th home run, which hit the top of the flag pole in right field (estimated at 480 feet - wow). Jason Kubel also hit a home run.