Twins Weekly Web Review
By Paula Minell
Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
A weekly look at must-read articles on the Minnesota Twins and MLB.
MINNESOTA TWINS NEWS AND NOTES
Jim Rantz Announces Retirement Minnesota Twins Press Release
A 52 year tenure with the team comes to an end
The Twins announced another staff change this week. But unlike two weeks ago, when the team let go or reassigned six coaches, Senior Director of Minor League Operations Jim Rantz went to the team and announced his intent to retire at the end of the year. Rantz spent 52 years as part of the team, signing with the Senators a year before the franchise moved to Rantz’s home state of Minnesota.
The “Worm Killer”, Kyle Gibson, Enjoying Success in the Desert by Michael Longoria / puckettspond.com
Twins star pitching prospect recovering strong from TJ surgery
Prospect starting pitcher Kyle Gibson has put in strong performances with the Peoria Javelinas in his first two starts after returning from Tommy John surgery. Longoria digs deeper into Gibson’s stats and explores Gibson’s ability to induce ground balls.
Detroit’s Mr. October is named Delmon by Howard Sinker / startribune.com
Former Twin sets Tigers’ postseason home run record
At times, Twins fans have felt exasperated by the performance of former Twin Delmon Young after he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. This season, Young has set a new postseason home run record for the Tigers, and Twins fans wonder why Young seems to play better in a Tigers uniform than he did as a Twin. Howard Sinker challenges frustrated fans, suggesting Young’s feat might not be as exciting as it seems.
AROUND MLB
Source: A-Rod keen on Miami by Wallace Matthews and Andrew Marchand / ESPNNewYork.com
Despite rumors, Yankees deny A-Rod trade talks
To say New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez has struggled this postseason would be an understatement. Adding to the pressure, rumors swirled this week that the Yankees and the Marlins were working out an offseason trade for A-Rod, with the biggest question being just how much the Yankees would eat of the $114 million dollars owed to the third baseman on the remaining five years on his contract. The Yankees organization have disputed the rumors, but skeptics think a deal is in the offing.
Tim Lincecum to Start Game 4 Of NLCS For San Francisco Giants by Josh Sanchez / fansided.com
Out of the Pen and onto the Mound
The San Francisco Giants make changes to their postseason pitching plan in an effort to even the NLCS series. Currently down 2-1 against the Saint Louis Cardinals, they hope bringing Tim Lincecum back into the rotation will keep them from making Game 5 a do-or-die situation.
A-Rod plays field, Hits on gals at ALCS game by Emily Smith / nypost.com
After being pulled from the game, A-Rod searches for solace in the stands
Much as it pains me to include two links about Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez in this week’s list, it’s hard to pass up this story. After being pulled from a Game 1 of the ALCS, A-Rod does not focus his attention on his team’s struggle on the field. Instead, he is caught hitting on a couple of blonds in the stands. With the help of the ball boy, he scores their digits, continuing to flirt with them until teammate Derek Jeter exits the game with a fractured ankle.