Baseball Is Back! What Did You Miss Twins Edition
As pitchers and catchers begin to report around Major League Baseball today, Spring Training is about to get under way in full swing. While the Twins still have a couple of days before their first full squad workout, the offseason has provided plenty of excitement. Heading into the 2015 season, we should probably understand everything that took place.
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While some may contend that the baseball season is too long, it truly is the offseason that deprives us of the greatest game on earth. The Twins did their best to keep us entertained this winter however, and there were plenty of highlights. In a season that should bring more positives than negatives for the first time in a while, the offseason paved the way for a turnaround.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest highlights for the Twins to take place since last season.
Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (left) celebrates with third baseman Mike Moustakas (8) after scoring a run against the San Francisco Giants in the second inning during game seven of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals Represent The AL Central In The World Series
In case you’ve already forgotten, the AL Central was front and center during the World Series. Of course the Detroit Tigers bullpen imploded as expected in the playoffs, but it was the Kansas City Royals earning an eventual World Series berth. Making their first appearance since winning it all in 1985, the Royals forced a pivotal game seven against the San Francisco Giants. Despite looking like a team of destiny, they ran into a buzzsaw in the form of Madison Bumgarner and fell just short.
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire (35) in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Terry Ryan Moves On From Ron Gardenhire
On September 29, 2014 Terry Ryan made the move that fans seemed split as to whether or not it was coming. The Minnesota Twins had decided to move on from long time manager, Ron Gardenhire. While he was a great manager for the organization, four straight season of 90 losses had the front office looking for the fall guy, and unfortunately that designation typically gets placed on a manager. Gardy was offered another position within the organization but remains in Florida enjoying his time off.
May 11, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins coach Paul Molitor (4) bench/catching coach Terry Steinbach (36) and manager Ron Gardenhire (right) in the dugout before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Twins Clean Out Coaching Staff
Along with the removal of Gardenhire, the Twins decided to let the entirety of the coaching staff walk as well. Expectations were that Terry Steinbach, Paul Molitor, Tom Brunansky, and a few others may be brought back in one capacity or another. The biggest move in the firing of the coaching staff was that long time pitching coach Rick Anderson was no longer going to be employed with the club.
May 17, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins coach Paul Molitor looks on from the dug out in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Twins Hire Former Player, Paul Molitor
On November 3, 2014, the Minnesota Twins made it official and decided to hire Paul Molitor as their next manager. While he was involved in a limited capacity as a coach in previous seasons, Molitor was seen as the heavy favorite for the managerial role. He found competition in names like Doug Mientkiewicz, Chip Hale, and Torey Lovullo. The Twins introduced Molitor officially as their next manager on November 4 and also decided to bring back Tom Brunansky as their hitting coach.
Credit: StarTribune.com
Neil Allen Hired As Twins Pitching Coach
Arguably the most important hire of the Twins offseason remained the man who would lead the pitching staff back to competence. While Rick Anderson had served solid years in the organization, he no longer was getting results. The Twins pulled Neil Allen from the Tampa Bay Rays Triple-A Durham affiliate, and named him their pitching coach on November 25. Allen was expected to bring a fresh look to the organization, and hopefully reposition the pitching staff as an asset for the organization.
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Twins Welcome Back Fan Favorite
In the dead of the winter, the Twins gave fans a Christmas present a couple of weeks early. December 2 saw the club come to agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million deal with Torii Hunter. The deal included a full no trade clause, as well as the notion that Torii would provide leadership to the youth in the organization. His bat is something the Twins still could use, even while his defense has significantly faded. He was introduced officially later in the week.
Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches during the first inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Lands A Pitcher
Just days after signing Torii Hunter, the Twins went out and addressed their biggest area of need, starting pitching. On December 11, the club came to terms on a four-year deal with right-handed pitcher Ervin Santana. After dabbling into the idea of signing him a year ago, the Twins handed Santana a long-term deal and solidified their rotation with a quality veteran starter. The Twins Cities were now officially ready to #SMELLBASEBALL.
Aug 17, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Stauffer (46) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Padres 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Stauffer Bolsters The Bullpen
The Twins had made their two big moves of the offseason, but weren’t done bolstering their roster as a whole. On December 23, the organization inked the veteran reliever to a one-year deal and seemingly upgraded their bullpen. While the move didn’t carry the same weight as the first two transactions, Stauffer should be a reliable source of relief for the Twins in 2015.
May 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The glove and cap of Minnesota Twins center fielder Danny Santana (39) in the dugout at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Hosts Another Successful TwinsFest
Using Target Field as the backdrop once again, TwinsFest 2015 went wonderfully. The Twins were able to utilize their beautiful stadium as a great venue, and plenty of fans braved the cold to make the three-day event a near sellout once again. With tons of prospects on hand, including everyone from Byron Buxton to Nick Gordon, fans got a glimpse at the future of the organization.
Mar 28, 2014; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Aaron Hicks (32) dives into third base on a steal against the Boston Red Sox during their game at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Twins Head For Spring Training
As the first couple of weeks in the month of February flew by, the Twins found themselves making the trek down to Fort Myers, Florida. Spring Training is now ready to get underway and the Twins will embark on their 2015 journey through the Grapefruit League. With Jose Berrios, Miguel Sano, and Byron Buxton all in big league camp, there should be plenty of highlights from the youngsters.
It’s been a long time since we last had the opportunity to sit back and feast our eyes on baseball; thankfully the wait is finally over. Welcome to the 2015 Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball season!
Next: Spring Training: Twins Looking For A Hero
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