MLB Network's 20 Greatest Games

Not being able to watch the Super Bowl postgame because of the winning team, I had to start channel surfing. I came across the MLB Network's Top 20 Games in MLB History. They profiled Game #16: Game 163 with Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers. It truly must be a good game if a game that happened less than two seasons ago is already considered one of the greatest baseball games played all-time. The one-hour special has Michael Cuddyer in studio analyzing the game and giving some insider information along the way. That game truly was a legendary game and if anyone has the MLB Network, check the listings and be sure to watch it!

Francisco Liriano and Minnesota Twins Reach Deal

The Minnesota Twins and Francisco Liriano avoided arbitration over the weekend, agreeing to a 1-year, $4.3 million deal. The new one-year deal is a signficant raise for Liriano, who last year through arbitration with the Twins agreed to a $1.6 million deal. The two sides met exactly in the middle this time as the pitcher asked for $5 million and the club countered with an offer of $3.6 million. Liriano went 14-10 last season with a solid 3.62 ERA. He had scoreless inning streaks of 23 and 21. This is a very affordable deal. The deal leaves only Delmon Young left in the arbitration process.

John Gordon Is Retiring After the Season

The Minnesota Twins announced Friday that longtime radio announcer John Gordon will retire following the 2011 season. Gordon has done the play by play for the Minnesota Twins since being hired before the 1987 season, when the Twins won a World Series title.The 2011 season will mark the 70-year-old Gordon's 25th as a member of the Twins radio broadcast team. He will reduce some of his duties this season, announcing 15 spring training contests and 90 regular season games.

Jim Perry Elected to Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame

Jim Perry is set to join the existing 22 members of the Twins Hall of Fame this summer. The starting pitcher pitched with the Minnesota Twins from 1962 to 1973. In his 17 year career he amassed 215 wins and 1,576 strikeouts. He was a 3 time All-Star and won the 1970 American League Cy Young. His brother Gaylord is a member of the Hall of Fame as a pitcher. Welcome aboard Jim Perry!

TwinsFest 2011 A Success

As you may know, TwinsFest 2011 was moved to the National Sports Complex in Blaine because of the Metrodome collapse. The festival sold out very quickly and for good reason. The Minnesota Twins continue to be one of the most popular teams in the Midwest and definitely for Minnesotans. It is a team that the people here are proud about. Many of the players were at TwinsFest including Joe Mauer, Denard Span, Danny Valencia, Kevin Slowey, Brian Duensing, Ben Revere, and Anthony Slama. If you have any good TwinsFest 2011 stories, post them here!

Minnesota Twins System Ranked #7 in MLB

The Minnesota Twins farm system was ranked #7 in the MLB by baseball guru Keith Law last week. This is what Mr. Law wrote about the Minnesota Twins system: "A sneaky-good system, it's not loaded with big names but boasts a few impact guys and a ton of depth. This is more than just the Twins' usual assortment of strike-throwing fourth starters and speedy outfielders, a testament to good drafting and some major investments in the international arena, where they've been as aggressive as any club."

The Kansas City Royals are #1, with the Rays, Braves, Jays, Phillies, and Angels as the only teams in front of the Twins.

Bert Blyleven Will Have His Number Retired

Bert Blyleven will be receiving another honor. The new Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven will have his No. 28 jersey retired by the Minnesota Twins in July. The Twins announced on Thursday they plan to hold Bert Blyleven Day when Minnesota hosts the Texas Rangers on July 16. He'll be the 6th Twins player with his number retired, joining Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek, and Kirby Puckett. Blyleven ranks first on the Twins career list in complete games (141), shutouts (29) and strikeouts (2,035) and is second in wins (149) and innings pitched (2,566 2/3). He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1970 for Minnesota.

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.

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.

Minnesota Twins Sign Carl Pavano to 2 Year Deal

The Minnesota Twins have agreed to resign starting pitcher Carl Pavano to a 2-year deal worth $16.5 million. This is a big boost for the rotation, as Pavano went 17-11 last season with a 3.75 ERA. Not to mention he had 7 complete games. The deal I believe is very reasonable and it isn't long term. It is a good deal for both sides. Welcome back 'stache!

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.

Will the Twins Push For Any Other Free Agents?

There are still some household names looking for some teams in the free agency pool. Now, most are "over the hill" and past their prime. However, as we know, some players still have some left in the tank and play for the "something to prove" point. Here are still some possibilities:

Andruw Jones

Vlad Guerrero

Troy Glaus

Jorge Cantu (still only 26)

Manny Ramirez

Do you think that the Minnesota Twins will pursue any of these players? Sure, the Twins won't even propose a large sum (which they shouldn't), but would it be worth to invest in a low risk-high reward scenario?

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!

TwinsFest 2011 Sold Out

Apparently the Minnesota Twins are a popular team around here. TwinsFest 2011 has already sold out. TwinsFest 2011 will be in Blaine this year, like stated below. It's the first time it's sold out in the 23 years of existence. The max capacity is 25,000. Up to 60 current and former players are expected to attend.

Bert Blyleven Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Bert Blyleven, you are now a Hall of Famer. The Minnesota Twins color analyst had to wait until his 15th try, but hey, better late than never right? Bert Blyleven pitched for the Minnesota Twins from 1970 to 1976, and again from 1985 to 1988. He won a World Series with the team in 1987 and in 1979 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was elected with 79.7% of the vote. He currently ranks 5th all-time in Strikeouts, 9th all-time in Shutouts, and 27th all-time in Wins. At the time of his election he was the only eligible member of the 3000 strikeout club, and the only person with 50 or more shutouts, not in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Bert!