The SKOR North Twins Show - A Minnesota Twins Podcast

Patrick Reusse and Derek Wetmore wonder what it would be like to restart baseball in Arizona stadiums with no fans. Could MLB restart its games by playing only in Arizona? How would the logistics of that work? Is that how MLB will get in as many games as possible in 2020? Pat's Imaginary opening home stand with Twins teams of yesteryear "playing" their "games" at Target Field this week. As he notes, the imagination wanders while in quarantine. Reusse shares his theory that satire doesn't play as well any more. From Lou Holtz jokes, all the way to Richard Pitino, Dennis Green and now, imaginary games at Target Field. Plus, this week on "Reusse Picks a Random Twins Team From The Past and Talks About It" features the 1977 Twins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Which pro sport will come back first? Do you think it's inevitable to have a season restarted with no fans in attendance? And then what would teams do about roster moves if there were no minor league seasons underway? Finally, Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad discuss Judd's column about what people around the league miss the most about opening day (April 2 would have been the Twins home opener at Target Field). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad recap the last Twins playoff win in the 2004 Game 1 ALDS at Yankee Stadium; (11:00) Since then, the Twins are 0-16 in postseason play; (28:39) Michael Cuddyer joins to give his memories of the victory; (44:00) What was missing from the 2004 team that would’ve pushed them over the top; (50:00) What series against the Yankees did the Twins have the best shot at a series win?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trevor Plouffe answers 5 Deep Questions on the SKOR North Twins Show with Derek Wetmore. Today's chat includes Plouffe's ultimate BP group, his favorite Opening Day memories, the 'easy' road in his MLB debut and his viewing recommendations during quarantine! And if you haven't seen it, check out Plouffe's latest podcast on "Talkin' Baseball" where he interviews Brian Dozier and relives some great Twins stories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Minnesota Sports Rewind, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad recap the last Twins playoff win in the 2004 Game 1 ALDS at Yankee Stadium; (11:00) Since then, the Twins are 0-16 in postseason play; (28:39) Michael Cuddyer joins to give his memories of the victory; (44:00) What was missing from the 2004 team that would’ve pushed them over the top; (50:00) What series against the Yankees did the Twins have the best shot at a series win?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the news that the league and players union have an agreement, we dig in on what a restarted MLB season would mean for the Twins. Pat Reusse on Derek Wetmore have some questions. What will happen to the payroll next year? The agreement for the owners to advance salaries for MLB players. What would a new spring training looks like? Bigger rosters? Twins roster moves late last week. The reality of missing out on seeing a great ballclub in action early in 2020. What would happen to the Twins' roster if there is no season this year? SKOR North Recs from Reusse: Ozark, The Valhalla Murders, Recalling the Arizona Cardinals season, Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Flashback: The 1972 Twins, on a hit new segment: Reusse Picks a Random Former Twins Team and Talks About It. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the latest Minnesota Sports Rewind, Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Derek Wetmore recap the 2006 Twins team which featured an MVP in Justin Morneau, Cy Young winner Johan Santana, and batting champion Joe Mauer. What would have happened if Francisco Liriano hadn't gotten hurt? Who was your favorite Twins "Piranha?"; (26:19) Justin Morneau joins the show to talk about what he remembers the most about the team; (42:00) Was this the greatest Twins team to never win a World Series?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You cool with Luis Arraez hitting leadoff? What about Josh Donaldson no. 2? Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey kick around their hypothetical Twins opening day lineup, and confess to missing baseball. Right there with you, Twins fans!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pat Reusse's suggestions for what to watch and listen to during this time with no Major League Baseball. This is a bonus short episode to get us all through what would have been opening week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Reusse reveals the guy that he watched in spring training and thought he had the look of a guy about to have a big year, on this episode of the SKOR North Twins Show with Derek Wetmore. And stick around for story time with Pat at the end of this show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jake Depue chats with Twins pitcher Randy Dobnak to discuss spring training getting shut down, how he's preparing at home, and whether he thinks about who gave him his only 4-star Uber rating.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are you going to do about trimming a 162-game schedule? How do you handle service time? And what are we going to do about the July 31 Trade Deadline?? Our aspiring Commissioner and friend Ramie Makhlouf answers these questions and more, on this episode of 5 thoughts, with Derek Wetmore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They probably won't play 162 in 2020, but Twins President Dave St. Peter said that all sides have an incentive to play as many games as possible whenever the MLB season gets going again. Doubleheaders, an extended calendar and possible neutral-site postseason games could all be in play! We decided to share this interview with listeners of the SKOR North Twins Show. It originally appeared on SKOR North during Mackey & Judd with Ramie (they have a podcast, too). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've got some questions on what happens now that MLB has put everything on hold and the Twins have sent their players home from spring training. What happens to the length of the season? When will we restart? Will the first game include crowds? Patrick Reusse and Derek Wetmore have a ton of questions, and none of us have the answers right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MLB announced Thursday that the league will delay the start of its regular season by at least 2 weeks and cancel spring training games over concerns about the spread of the coronavirus. Judd Zulgad has the report from Fort Myers, with Derek Wetmore. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Falvey joins Judd Zulgad in Fort Myers to talk about the encouraging spring training the Twins are having. Plus, an in-depth chat on Byron Buxton's health and the ongoing conversations with the Twins. Also, Kenta Maeda, the trade target they wouldn't let get away. And the postseason experience littered around the Twins' clubhouse. Fun chat on this episode of the Twins Show, with the team's president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the Twins pay off this bet with a World Series appearance? A trophy? Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad talk about the veteran qualities that they've brought into the clubhouse this year, and there's no way that it's by accident. Will it work? Also, an update on the coronavirus as it continues to affect Major League Baseball and the Twins. Judd has the early speculation on what might happen to the Twins' early-season series in 2020. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Byron Buxton says he's studied film this winter of how some great centerfielders interacted with the outfield wall: Ken Griffey Jr., Torii Hunter and Kevin Kiermaier. Will that help him stay healthy all summer in 2020? Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad try to untangle the whole thing, on this SKOR North Twins Show. We also sent Judd to Fort Myers, Florida, to figure out how long Nelson Cruz intends to play baseball. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With roughly 2 weeks left in spring training, Patrick Reusse ponders more on how the Twins final roster will shape out once the team is ready to start the regular season. Will Byron Buxton get enough of a look to be ready for opening day? If not, who will be the man in center field? Patrick also tells Derek Wetmore & Manny Hill who has stood out the most so far this spring, and why he's a little worried about Eddie Rosario's production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mandy Bell, who covers the Cleveland Indians on a daily basis, joins the show to tell us: the Indians are embracing the role of underdogs in the A.L. Central. Mandy also tells us about the return in the Corey Kluber trade, the contract situation with MVP candidate Francisco Lindor, and much more insight on the Twins' biggest foes in the American League Central. Mandy is on twitter, @MandyBell02. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The If/Then game! Example: If the Twins get a full healthy season from Byron Buxton, then they will finally beat the Yankees in October. You get the idea. Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey kick around a few crucial if/then scenarios, PLUS dig in on the idea that the Twins front office may have solved one of the team's biggest weaknesses when it comes to winning when it matters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What part of the Twins entering 2020 are you the LEAST sure about? On this crossover, Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf go over Byron Buxton (off the board), the pitching, Eddie Rosario and Mitch Garver. It's a great conversation about regression, confidence, and the state of a great ball club, on SKOR North Live [M-F, 12-2p on SKOR North].See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Which players are most important to the Twins being successful this season? Pat Reusse joins Jake Depue for an all-Fort Myers edition of the Twins Show. Pat points out that with these Twins, it's rare to win a job in spring training. Other topics include: How good can the Twins be if everyone stays healthy? The importance of diversity on the Twins coaching staff. The Astros scandal and the marketing of baseball.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MLB spring training is different in 2020 than in year's past, and the Twins are no exception. Pat Reusse explains the differences in today's camp, and how Rocco Baldelli probably perceives the preseason exhibitions. Derek Wetmore and Manny Hill join the conversation, and other topics include Royce Lewis, Lewis Thorpe, Nick Gordon, Trevor Larnach, Brent Rooker and Alex Kirilloff. And one of the big questions of the year: How many games will Byron Buxton play this season?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How good can this Twins team be? Jake Depue and MLB.com beat writer Do-Hyoung Park discuss. Park sheds light on how this year's clubhouse differs from last year, what last year's ALDS taught them, and the behind-the-scenes impact of Josh Donaldson. Park and Depue also discuss the Astros scandal and it's impact on baseball. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Kepler returns to make his spring training debut, Eddie Rosario explains his ambition, and Byron Buxton is on the slow track back. Is the Twins' outfield trio in line for big things in 2020. Derek Wetmore is joined by Jake Depue from Fort Myers, where it is sunny and warm but a little windy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last season Twins starter Jose Berrios was on top of the world when he hit a midseason lull. Why did that happen to a guy who is notorious for never missing a workout? What could he -- and the Twins -- do to get him back on track in short order for the postseason? The Twins looked to answer that question, and they think they solves the riddle. The answer spilled over into the offseason for Berrios, and he and the team are optimistic about his 2020 outlook. Dan Hayes joins Derek Wetmore to talk about the offseason program and why it could mean big things for the Twins' budding ace. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do the Twins have the pitching to get it done in October? And are we really going to keep re-hashing this debate forever? Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf get to the heart of their disagreement over the 2020 Twins - Why Wetmore thinks that they can get it done and Ramie thinks they're an impact pitcher away. During the show, news broke that Yankees star Luis Severino will need Tommy John surgery. How does that impact New York's chances? And which club do you trust more to go add a starting pitcher: New York or Minnesota?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

José Berríos made his first start of the spring over the weekend, and Pat Reusse came away impressed. Pat talks with Derek Wetmore and Manny Hill about the 2020 outlook for José Berríos, and several other important storylines during Twins spring training. Also included in this show: How the Astros cheating scandal could affect the Players Union (MLBPA), and what Pat thinks is around the corner. Also, Miguel Sano is a serious Best Shape of His Life candidate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Royce Lewis and Torii Hunter have a bond over baseball, and each one has something to teach the other. "The teacher is the student; the student is the teacher," Hunter says. In this episode, Royce and Torii take us behind the curtain on what that means to them, and exactly how it has played out in the first two weeks of spring training. Royce also talks about 'conquering the monster.' He shares one thing that could help make him great, and when he met Torii in the pre-draft process. Torii's top advice for Royce and other youngsters: How do you bounce back from failure? Baseball - and life - is a journey. Wisdom is healed pain.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins are experimenting with Force Plates this spring training. What are they? And how will they make hitters and pitchers better? Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey dive into the weeds. Main takeaway: The Twins are intellectually curious and it's a great sign for the future of the organization. Plus, 10 contract extension candidates with the Minnesota Twins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Donaldson leading on and off the field in the early goings at Twins spring training. Derek Wetmore followed his first full day in Fort Myers, and reports on what he saw. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twins spring training is underway - and Josh Donaldson has arrived! Pat Reusse and Derek Wetmore discuss why they think Donaldson will have a positive impact on the club, and not just because he'll hit home runs. Also, Rob Manfred addressed the media as the Astros cheating scandal continues to drag on. Pat says that it could cost the Commissioner his job. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does on in the offseason for a Major League pitcher? For Jake Odorizzi, it was getting his contract out of the way and sticking with the program that produced his best big-league season, and a trip to the All-Star game. Hear the Twins pitcher explain how he thinks about his training program, the tools he uses, and why he thinks it's the best path for him -- and for the Twins -- in this interview with Derek Wetmore. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins traded for Kenta Maeda, hoping to bolster their starting rotation. He showed up to Twins spring training Thursday morning -- Happy Kenta Maeda Day, everyone! Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey with a scouting report on Maeda from two pitching experts. Plus, some thoughts on the depth and quality of Minnesota's starting rotation. Plus, an Astros cheating scandal rant. The episode formerly known as the Hot Stove Show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Twins President of Baseball Ops Derek Falvey joined the SKOR North Twins Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins report to Fort Myers, Florida, to start mounting their defense of the AL Central title. Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad kick around the 4 most pressing questions on the top of their mind as pitchers and catchers report to Hammond Stadium: the Marwin Gonzalez cheating fallout and reaction; Byron Buxton's health in 2020; Miguel Sano as a first baseman; and do the Twins finally have enough pitching to make a run in October? And Derek Wetmore joins Mackey & Judd with Ramie on SKOR North to discuss Twins spring training and the Marwin Gonzalez/Astros situation. What's the next step for Minnesota?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At last, the trade has been agreed upon. (Still pending medicals as of this recording!) Pat Reusse, Derek Wetmore and Manny Hill review the trade from the Twins' perspective, wonder what the heck the Red Sox are doing, and share their Spring Training Previews as we turn our attention toward Fort Myers, Florida.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The win-now move for the Twins has hit a snag. What's the deal and what happens next? Well, we can only speculate, but as it happens, we can handle that! Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey talk through the wrinkles of the Mookie Betts blockbuster, and what the Brusdar Graterol-Kenta Maeda holdup could mean for the Twins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kenta Maeda makes the Twins pitching staff better. Brusdar Graterol has an intriguing arm and promising future. That's the stuff it takes to get trades done in Major League Baseball. Our One Big Question for the day: Do you LIKE the move for Minnesota? Note: After the show, there were reports late Wednesday night that a medical snag could hold up the trade. More on that news at skornorth dot com, or on our free SKOR North app.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emergency Twins Show alert! Kenta Maeda is headed to the Twins in a 3-team blockbuster of a trade involving the Dodgers, the Red Sox and former AL MVP Mookie Betts! Derek Wetmore, Judd Zulgad and Jake Depue talk through the deal from a Twins perspective on this SKOR North Twins Show. Did they pay too steep of a price? What does the future hold for Graterol? Is Maeda a difference maker to the pitching staff? Can they win with this group in October? Plenty of questions to discuss but one thing is certain - 2020 figures to be an exciting time if you root for the Twins. Cliffhanger question: Who starts Game 3 of the ALDS for the Twins?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the Twins hit all of the home runs this year? Can they win the division if they don't? And now that the dust has mostly settled on the pitching staff additions, do you think the group is good enough to repeat as AL Central division champs? Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf kick around a few ideas for their spring training show prep as they get ready for Fort Myers correspondance. Homer Bailey, bullpening, and The Bomba Squad 2.0.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew Coller connects with SKOR North Twins prospects writer Jake Depue to discuss Major League Baseball's plan to reduce the number of minor league teams and how teams go about evaluating prospects. What could some of the effects be of MLB removing minor league teams? How do franchises view character? How much do statistics play a role in evaluation? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Mahomes won the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs - and his dad, you might remember, was a pitcher with the Twins in the 1990's. Patrick Reusse shares stories and his memories from Mahomes' time in Minnesota. Pat also talks with Derek Wetmore and Manny Hill about the recent Twins signing, Jhoulys Chacin, to a minor league contract, as well as their reported interest in Taijuan Walker. Other topics: Marwin Gonzalez's involvement in the Astros cheating scandal, Mookie Betts trade rumors, Ryne Harper traded for Sean McMahon and the start of a good winning window. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are the Twins in any hot water for this Astros cheating scandal? Marwin Gonzalez was on that 2017 Astros team, and there apparently is some evidence made public by an independent researcher that Gonzalez was given a whole lot of warning over which pitches would be coming during home games that year. How will the Twins address this? How will Marwin address it? What's the way forward - with the public and with his Twins teammates? Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey try to untangle this messy and uncomfortable conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Do the Twins have enough pitching to contend in the AL Central? Do they have enough to get past the Yankees and the Astros? Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf talk about the addition of Josh Donaldson and what it does for your confidence in the Minnesota Twins pitching staff -- not just in the summer but in October. Does Rich Hill scare you? And would you sign up for more Nelson Cruz?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patrick Reusse and Derek Wetmore discuss the tragic helicopter crash that took nine lives too soon, including Kobe Bryant. Pat remembers the surprise when learning about Kirby Puckett's declining health and his sudden loss. Plus, a discussion on John Anderson ("14"), the Twins Hall of Fame, Justin Morneau, Cesar Tovar, Al Worthington, and Pat's thoughts on Eddie Rosario's 2020 campaign. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

*Nelson Cruz contract extension on the horizon? "He seems to be one of those unique players who is giving Father Time the business," GM Thad Levine said. Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad discuss the implications of that, and what it could mean for the Twins now and in the future. *Is the roster good enough to win the 2020 World Series? *How should we treat the Rich Hill addition? Are the Twins just ignoring the injury history and age here?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Donaldson's addition to the Twins is significant. Obviously. What kind of impact he can make in the Twins clubhouse? Will the Twins make another impact move before the regular season starts, or is that more likely to happen before the July trade deadline? Derek Wetmore, Judd Zulgad & Manny Hill discuss. Plus, grading the Twins' offseason, including the coaching and player departures, and additions to the Bomba Squad.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Glen Perkins had a well-publicized dust-up with new Twins slugger Josh Donaldson. Hear Glen tell the story of the day they cleared the air, what he expects from Donaldson, why adding wins is the most important thing for the 2020 Twins ... plus, a story on new Hall of Fame inductee Derek Jeter!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.