World Series Notes

The Minnesota Twins are not in the World Series. However, I've still paid attention to playoff baseball as the Texas Rangers dismantled the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants took down the Philadelphia Phillies. The World Series features two teams that have NEVER won a World Series (by that, I mean the San Fransisco Giants have never won a World Series since they moved there in 1957). So, one team will win it's first World Championship. The Texas Rangers hadn't even won a playoff series before this postseason and have now won 2 in a row. I like both teams and just hope to see a fun series.

Minnesota Twins Top Prospects

The Minnesota Twins have a philosophy that stresses promoting from within. Many of the Twins players have come up through the Minnesota Twins minor league system. That being said, here is my rankings of the Minnesota Twins top prospects going into next season.

1- Kyle Gibson - starting pitcher that rose through the ranks to AAA in his first season.
2-Aaron Hicks - enormous potential, if he develops power he is a 5 tool prospect with speed, a good arm, good fielding, and good eye at the plate
3- Miguel Sano - very young but his upside is unlimited. could be the future shortstop for the Twins in 5 years (he's 16!)
4- Ben Revere - speedy outfielder has a knack for finding a way to get on base. unfortunately lacks power but he could play well at his niche - fielding, hitting for average, and stealing bases. tasted the big leagues this season for the Twins
5- Max Kepler-Rozycki - I'm really high on this kid. He's from Germany and has the look of a big league player. He's still very young and I hope someday can be a main contributor from the outfield. He held his own in rookie ball.

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.

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.