Spring Training Almost Here!

If you don't have a fire in your belly for spring training and the greatest sport known to mankind, consider this: Rich Anderson, the pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins, has already set the starting pitching for the Twins' first three exhibition games. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano and Jason Marquis will start the exhibition games 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

The Minnesota Twins, who struggled with, among other things, starting pitching last year, have 33 pitchers coming in to spring training. A couple of those guys have to be able to pitch... At least enough to round out the starting rotation.

If Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn are healthy, they'll round out the rotation, at least for the beginning of the season. Essentially that would mean Brian Duensing would go back to the bullpen, where he will join Glen Perkins, Joel Zumaya and Matt Capps. This is assuming, of course, that all of the aforementioned pitchers remain healthy and on top of their game... Or that their game is at least better than the next person's game.

Anderson spoke out about Matt Capps and his relationship with the mound and Minnesota Twins fans, "It broke my heart every time people booed him before he even got to the mound." I believe that fans didn't completely grasp what Matt Capps was going through last season, meaning that we booed him in ignorance. Which... is brutal. I also think there is a point to be made that Twins fans were so frustrated and disappointed in the Twins that it was easy to boo Capps because he was often at the transition point that led the Twins from a win to a loss.

Basically, the Twins have to play better this year. And Twins fans need to remain some of the most loyal fans in the MLB.

Twins Deals Closed So Far

To the disappointment of many Minnesota fans, the Twins found their closer in singing Matt Capps to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million that includes a $6 million option for 2013 with a $250,000 buyout.

Capps blew nine saves in 25 chances last year and held a 4.25 ERA. The Twins lost Joe Nathan to the Texas Rangers. The Twins remain confident he'll bounce back next year after dealing with forearm issues throughout the season.

Minnesota dealt Slowey to the Rockies for a player to be named. On a side note, I saw the Rockies at Coors Field this summer and they have quite a few talented players (despite their record) so I hope we get a good one. The way the Twins have been working in the offseason, chances are we won't though.

The Twins also selected right-handed pitcher Marty Popham from the Indians organization and lost right-handed pitcher Shooter Hunt to the Cardinals organization in the Minor League phase of the Rule 5 Draft.

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.

Twins with Huge Wins Over the Weekend

The Twins had two very impressive wins this weekend after a crushing defeat. Earlier in the week, the Twins lost by blowing a 7 run lead. Matt Capps of course had an extremely rough outing and the Twins blew a huge lead.

Fast forward to this weekend. Twins get a huge win over Zach Greinke and the Milwaukee Brewers. Greinke is a certified ace and had done really well against the Twins in the past, but struggles a little bit on the road.

The Twins then got a series with the Rays off to a great start. They faced a for sure All Star and ace of the of Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff in David Price. They knocked him around early, scoring 4 runs in the first three innings. All in all it was a great outing for Twins and hopefully they can keep up this momentum.

Tampa Bay Rays Take 3 of 4 From the Minnesota Twins

It wasn't the way the Minnesota Twins had hoped it would go, but at least we finished on a strong note. The Minnesota Twins let 2 victories slip out of their hands and Johnny Damon made them pay. Matt Capps and Joe Nathan both struggled as Carl Pavano and Scott Baker threw gems. Capps has now replaced Nathan for the time being as the Minnesota Twins closer. So, were 15 games in and sitting at 5-10. We have some work to do, but at least we're not the Boston Red Sox.

Next up is a 4 game series at the Baltimore Orioles. Starts tonight. Let's go Twins.

Matt Capps and Glen Perkins Get Deal

Matt Capps and Glen Perkins avoided arbitration, signing one-year deals for $7.15 million and $700,000. The $7.15 million seems high, and it is indeed high. However, it is a contract I will take as opposed to signing Matt Guerrier or Jesse Crain to three year deals. Capps is on the book for one more season as opposed to three. I also like the $700,000 for Perkins. Clearly Perkins has struggled recently but it's a low risk potentially high reward. He was a former first round pick and I still believe in the guy.

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.

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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.