Twins Reach Back to Their Recent Past, Sign Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer, and LaTroy Hawkins to be Special Assistants to the New Front Office.
When the casual fan looks at the two most recent Twins’ seasons, many of the players between both ball clubs were in place on both squads. After they lost Glen Perkins and Phil Hughes early on in 2016, veteran leadership roles were undefined.
Minnesota needed new veterans to step up and lead the way. Guys like Trevor Plouffe, Eduardo Escobar, and Joe Mauer. Mauer is the first to tell anyone listening that he leads better with his play on the field.
Escobar relates well with the Latin American players, and Plouffe stepped up well this year to assume extra responsibilities too. But one voice from 2015 was missing – loud and clear. And that belonged to Torii Hunter.
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Hunter helped transform the young Twins that struggled in 2014 into contenders in 2015. His post-game dance parties kept the team loose, and created bonds needed to get through the long 162-game schedule.
Many of the young players and even reporters noted how tight the locker room atmosphere became during some of the losing streaks this past season.
Feeling that the Twins lacked mentors closer in age to the young players, Minnesota hired recent retirees Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer, and LaTroy Hawkins as special assistants to Derek Falvey and Thad Levine.
All three players were part of the Twins revival in the early 2000’s. Hunter’s influence on young outfielders has been praised by teammates in Los Angeles, Detroit, and at Target Field.
Cuddyer was a vaunted draft pick as an infielder, and made the transition to the outfield. He learned to adapt to help any team he played with to make valuable contributions. Playing the outfield, first, second, and third base – Cuddyer proved his versatility could as important as his bat.
His motto, “Play hard, dream big” epitomized his career with the Twins, Rockies, and the Mets. In his third season with Colorado, Cuddyer won the National League batting title. He too, is a master at keeping the players focused on the field, and loose off it.
A self-taught magician (check out his greatest hits on YouTube), Cuddyer’s tricks in the dugout and clubhouse helped take the edge off a long road trip. His honest, hard-working approach on the field earned him the respect of his teammates – young and old alike.
Finally, Hawkins is the picture of consistency. His 21-year career was topped by his entrance into an elite group – the 1,000 Game Pitched Club. The 16th, and last, member – Hawkins pitched in 1,042 games during his career, for 11 clubs. He retired after the 2015 season at age 42.
As for their new roles? From the Twins, these three “will (1) ultimately be responsible for serving as a resource for players and coaches in the mental and fundamental aspects of the game. (2) They will work alongside the Baseball Operations staff and uniform personnel to ensure development in player understanding of culture, talent evaluation and organizational vision. (3) In addition, all three will play a part in supporting the Twins community efforts, being involved in charities and community work throughout Twins Territory.”
Further breaking down each former players’ responsibilities, Hunter will help with the minor league draft, scouting, and help during the trade deadline. He will also help improve “teaching an understanding of Major League expectations, environment, and culture.”
Hawkins will help with identifying pitching prospects in scouting and also with trade deadline preparations. He will also help define organizational pitching philosophies. I think we’ve heard the last “pitch to contact” reference that will ever be linked to the Twins organization.
Cuddyer’s responsibilities seem to overlap Hunter’s at nearly every turn. Depending upon how much time will be asked of each former player, it seems as if they want constant attention paid to the young clubhouse.
All three ex-Twins have experienced success in Minnesota. All three were part of an American League Central title-winning team at the Metrodome. They all experienced the pain of being traded, and having success in a new home.
Tackling a subject like clubhouse atmosphere is a new approach. If helping build camaraderie can lead to wins, Falvey and Levine will be hailed as trail blazers. If it does nothing, it still is a win for the Twins for their image, for their charities, and for broadcasts if either player swings by the booth during the season. Welcome back!