The SKOR North Twins Show - A Minnesota Twins Podcast

Bartolo Colon starts Tuesday night for the Twins against the Yankees as the baseball world watches. What does this signing and start say about the current state of the Twins? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore from 1500ESPN in the Twin Cities discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins have apparently told other teams this year that they plan to be "measured buyers" at the non-waiver trade deadline. Is that the right call? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss their trade-deadline philosophies, and give a few names that the Twins should target in any deal.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 battling with the Indians and Royals in the American League Central; are they good enough to hang around with the other contenders? Derek Wetmore is in studio at 1500ESPN to address that question with Judd Zulgad and Matthew Coller. Plus, one theory about why the Twins should target some buy-low pitching -- and the big problem with pulling off that move. And why the Cubs-White Sox Jose Quintana trade should scare the Twins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With help from your questions and comments, Phil Mackey takes to Facebook Live during the MLB All-Star Game to discuss the 10 best old, washed up signings in Twins history; Why the Twins will know their fate within 2 weeks; And much more on this bonus episode of Touch 'em All!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Minnesota Twins are in the thick of a postseason race, but maybe they're playing a bit over their head as far as "true talent" is concerned. Should they trade ace Ervin Santana? Would that be a good way to capitalize on value--even if you're in postseason contention? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore debate that topic on this episode of Touch 'Em All.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 contenders or pretenders? Or are they pretending contenders? Or...contending pretenders? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the state of the 2017 Minnesota Twins, and use one key game against the Boston Red Sox as an example of how good they can be. Jose Berrios vs. Chris Sale wasn't a lopsided mismatch, but Sale had the edge. Also, should the Twins call up prospect Zack Granite? Who would lose their roster spot? Byron Buxton? Eddie Rosario? Kennys Vargas? More info on this episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios at the top of the rotation -- and a drop-off after that -- could you make the case that the Twins would be a more dangerous team in October than in the regular season?Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Derek Wetmore of 1500ESPN debate that idea. How would Minnesota's bullpen play into it? Will they need to add pieces to be a serious postseason contender? Are they still a year away in their rebuilding process?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indians came to Target Field and showed up the Twins this weekend. Cleveland overtook first place in the division. Many people expect them to win the Central, and now they're in the driver's seat. Should the Twins fold up the tents and go home? Or could they add some pieces? Who should they target in trades? How much of the future would you be willing to give up for a better shot this year?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pros and cons of trading away your future if you're the Twins. Should they do it? Should they pivot and be sellers this trade deadline? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss. If you want to #TrustTheProcess, consider the message it sends to some important people inside the clubhouse. And lastly, what's going on with Byron Buxton at the plate? Why can't he just make good on some of the good flashes that he shows sporadically?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins surprised a lot of us by drafting Royce Lewis first in the MLB Draft. Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss what went into that selection. They ask if it's the right pick. They talk about the Twins' apparent strategy and why it could pay off down the road. Also: Do you think Royce Lewis is going to be a star?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will the Minnesota Twins make the playoffs? Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey tackle this question in the latest episode of Touch 'em All. Also included: How much would you pay for a weird piece of sports memorabilia? Which key Twins position player does Phil think gets traded (hint: Not Dozier)? And some warranted praise for the Twins in an area that often goes unpraised.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins have a big decision to make at the No. 1 pick. Hunter Greene? Brendan McKay? Kyle Wright? Someone else? Derek Wetmore stops by the Mackey & Judd show to give his thoughts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the Twins target former Rnagers closer Sam Dyson in a trade? He was recently DFA'd after struggling mightily this season, and might just be the kind of reliever that would make sense in Minnesota. Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad to talk about Dyson, Robbie Grossman and Jose Berrios.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins have been the worst bullpen in the American League, and after a rock-bottom series against the Astros, they've added 2 new arms: Alex Wimmers and Randy Rosario. Will those two solve the immediate problems? Does the front office deserve blame for not starting the season with a better relief corps? Who could fix their issues? Lastly, in the big-picture: how should the Twins approach building their pitching staff?Also: Twins Trivia for a Brian Dozier t-shirt.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins gave up a record-setting inning to the Houston Astros in a come-from-ahead loss on Memorial Day. The Twins bullpen has exceed expectations at times this season, but now things have started to come unglued. The question now becomes: Are the Twins a good enough team that they should consider trading prospects for a good late-inning reliever or two? Or should they keep their eye on the long-term rebuild?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins were down early against the Orioles, but their comeback uncovered a lot of things we need to know about this current club. They go beyond the cliches of the Twins being a "resilient" bunch. Phil Mackey shares with Derek Wetmore his 6 thoughts from Monday's win. Topics include: Miguel Sano's MVP pace, Max Kepler/Jorge Polanco, Robbie Grossman, Tyler Duffey as a reliever, Kyle Gibson (and the end of pitcher wins as a stat).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you simulated the rest of the season 10 times, how many times would the Twins make the playoffs? Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey & Judd Zulgad to tackle that topic. Plus, 3 drivers to give Twins fans optimism the rest of the way: Byron Buxton, Jose Berrios and Defensive Runs Saved.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 buyers or sellers this year? It's too early to know, obviously, but we want to know if there's any case to be made for standing pat instead of giving up on this year -- even if you're "rebuilding," as the Twins are. Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss that, and share their opinion about Jose Berrios' great 2017 debut with the Twins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you buying stock in Jose Berrios after his great first outing? Does his emergence change the landscape for the Twins in terms of competing for a postseason spot this year? Are they ahead of schedule to be playing meaningful games in October? Or is this just a fluke that will fade over the summer. Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad to discuss.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many players do you think will be on the Twins roster in 2019 from the current club? How confident are you? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss their ides on this episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast, and there's really only one player they disagree on. The bottom line: You can probably fairly expect a lot of roster turnover if the Twins are going to get to where they want to be in the next 2 or 3 years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins just got smoked by the Red Sox, but Derek and Phil find multiple reasons why #OptimismReigns for the Minnesota Twins. Topics include Miguel Sano's blood-thirsty nature, the front office putting mediocre players on notice, Mike Pelfrey's continued MLB employment and Jose Berrios Watch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Miguel Sano is playing like an MVP candidate right now, and that has Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad wondering: Who says no to a contract extension right now? That was the topic of conversation on Monday's Mackey & Judd show, with Wetmore as a guest. Also: Draft chatter on Hunter Greene and Brendan McKay; and the flaws of Terry Ryan's recent trades.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 Derek Wetmore discuss how quickly the Twins can get back into regular contention. Hint: Mackey thinks the process should take much less time than originally advertised, especially when you look at this current lineup. Plus, when will Jose Berrios be recalled?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 off to a good start, and we're wondering how much we should believe in them. Phil, Judd and Derek discuss the hot start for the pitching staff. How good do you think they'll be the rest of the year?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Torii Hunter made his TV debut and it was a hit. We're sincerely sorry for that bad pun. We'll do better. Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the possible value of a guy like Torii Hunter, and why a local TV broadcast (or a grinding coaching job) won't be the only avenue open to him. It's also bobblehead giveaway week! And what's next for Byron Buxton? Is he back on track? Does he need more work? Would you send him down if he doesn't start making more contact?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Optimism Reigns on this bonus episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast, from Monday's Mackey & Judd show on 1500ESPN. Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Derek Wetmore discuss 3 reasons for genuine optimism with regard to the 2017 Twins season. What's gone wrong with Kyle Gibson? And how much longer is he going to be pitching for the Twins?Also, a discussion about the ethics of self-policing in baseball. Did Twins-Tigers go too far? Is Miguel Sano in the wrong? Are the Tigers?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have implemented some smart processes, and Phil Mackey is on board. Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss 3 such changes on this episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast. And you can win a Brian Dozier bobblehead by answering this trivia question correctly! Listen to the episode for details.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Mauer was shifted to an extreme degree this weekend, and he doesn't seem interested in adjusting to pull the ball to right field. Bert Blyleven pointed that out on TV--are his criticisms accurate? Also, watch what pitchers are doing to Byron Buxton when he gets to two strikes. It'll tell you a lot about what they think of him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 5-1 Twins have gotten off to a great start to the year, and you can't take that away from them. Do you expect any of this to last? Will the Twins contend this year? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore from 1500ESPN discuss that on the latest episode. On the flip side, what are the concerning things you've seen so far from the Twins? What's wrong with Byron Buxton? Can he straighten it out at the plate? A little Twins trivia to start the show. And tune in next week for a bobblehead giveaway in our next edition of Twins Trivia!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Wetmore joins the Mackey & Judd show on 1500ESPN to talk about the Twins good start to the season. What positives have you seen that you didnt expect? They talk pitching, the hit (and walk) parade, and Jason Castro's early impact. Then its all discussion on Byron Buxton and whether or not the Twins should already be concerned. Lastly, theres a trade rumor out there about Ervin Santana. Would it make sense for the Twins at some point to move their ace in a trade? What goes into that decision? Do you think it will happen?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 using advanced metrics to make lineup decisions. What do you think about that? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore are answering opening day questions on what the lineup looks like, how it will play out this season, and what to expect from some of the most important contributors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who will win the World Series this year? Who are the postseason teams? Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad discuss. But also, will Phil Hughes allow over or under 34 home runs this year? Will Joe Mauer ground into over/under 10 double plays? A little Over/Under game on the Twins on this show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All three of these guys we're talking about might be stars. But none of them are surefire bets. Miguel Sanos downside is what? Cleanup hitter? Buxton's downside is glove-first speed guy who cant hit in the big leagues? Berrios' downside is what? Fifth starter? Sixth starter? Which one of these guys is most like to reach his upside? Sano is probably the safest bet to be productive overall. Which is the most important to the long-term future to the Twins? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss on this bonus episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast.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 thinking differently about their approach to success than they did under Terry Ryan. At least thats the conclusion that Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore have come to. On this episode of the podcast, Mackey and Derek talk about examples theyve heard from spring training, and get specific about why you can legitimately be optimistic the Twins picked the right leaders. A unique insight from an old video of Derek Falvey. And the theory Thad Levine said earlier this year, that might sound like its at odds with the new-school approach the Twins are taking.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers and Phil Mackey back in Minneapolis, the boys dive DEEP into a geeky pitching discussion. It seems as if the Twins' new front office gurus are bringing more advanced conversations to the organization when it comes to pitching. Plus, Phil and Derek discuss a couple unorthodox lineup possibilities for the Twins. And much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers and Phil Mackey back in Minneapolis, the boys dive DEEP into a geeky pitching discussion. It seems as if the Twins' new front office gurus are bringing more advanced conversations to the organization when it comes to pitching. Plus, Phil and Derek discuss a couple unorthodox lineup possibilities for the Twins. And much more!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This bonus Touch 'em All radio content brings Derek Wetmore, from Fort Myers, onto the Mackey & Judd Show to discuss three main subjects: Could Byungho Park still be a reliable contributor in 2017? Where should Joe Mauer bat in the Twins lineup? And will Byron Buxton begin the season as the Twins' leadoff hitter?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From a practice field outside Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (apologies for the random wind gusts), Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore drink two full pitchers of Twins Kool-Aid. That's right, this is the "Optimism Reigns" episode of the podcast, where Phil and Derek list five reasons to feel good about the Twins in 2017. We won't spoil the whole episode in this description, but let's just say Twins fans should feel good about the front office, a certain center fielder named Byron Buxton, and regression to the mean.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Mauer said he believes the Twins are a better team with him on the field. Derek Wetmore, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss whether they agree or disagree in this radio segment from Fort Myers, Florida. What should Mauer's role be in 2017? And does he still possess any of the built-in valuable traits that made him such a great player in his prime?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the daunting challenge facing Derek Falvey and Thad Levine -- fixing the Minnesota Twins' post-Johan era pitching staff. Phil rattles off some trends you won't believe. Plus, what can the Twins learn from teams in their own backyard? And what is a realistic timeline for improved pitching?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Wetmore, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss Byron Buxton's 2017 Fangraphs projection on 1500 ESPN. What type of production should we expect to see from Buxton this year? Beyond this year? And what should Buxton's approach at the plate be going forward? This, and more, on a bonus episode of Touch 'em All.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Derek Wetmore unveiled his latest Twins 25-man roster projection on 1500ESPN.com, so he and Phil Mackey go through it on this podcast. Which non-roster invite is likely to make the team? Should Jose Berrios start the season in the minor leagues? And which platoon makes the most sense for the Twins? Plus, much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baseball Prospectus projects the Twins to finish 80-82, which would be a massive improvement from last season's historically bad season. With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers for spring training, he and Phil Mackey discuss the Twins chances to actually be relevant in 2017. What would that path look like? Mackey unveils one realistic way to shave 50 runs off last season's terrible pitching performance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are the two most important players for the Twins in 2017 and beyond. What does each have in store this year? Derek Wetmore previewed the 2017 season for each of them. It's not the deep stats dive you might expect, but rather a 30,000-foot overview of where each rising star sits as spring training begins.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

'Not to start something here, but I'm going to ask you about Joe Mauer's role on the Twins.'Derek Wetmore joined Judd Zulgad and Brian Murphy this week to talk about Joe Mauer's role, how much he'll play, when he should sit in 2017, and also why Byung Ho Park is still an intriguing bat, despite the fact that he was DFA'd by the Twins late last week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins DFA'd Byung Ho Park to make room on the roster for reliever Matt Belisle. They also DFA'd Pat Light to clear a spot for Ehire Adrianza. What should we make of the Park move? Are the Twins done signing players? Will Adrianza make the team? Who will start in left field: Robbie Grossman or Eddie Rosario?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Should the Twins sign a free-agent reliever?Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad to talk about the available options linked to the Twins.If the Twins dont sign a reliever, who are the closer candidates on the roster? Wetmore gives the 4 options at closer next season for Minnesota, starting with Glen Perkins. If that doesnt work out, then what?Also, some thoughts on the Dodgers and Twins failed trade talks, and why Los Angeles was right to not give into huge demands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from TwinsFest, Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore and Cory Provus talk to a host of guests about the new direction of the Twins and about the upcoming 2017 season. Guests include Max Kepler, Derek Falvey, Michael Tonkin, Jacques Jones, Thad Levine and Jason Castro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Twins apparently passed on an opportunity to acquire highly-touted pitching prospect Jose De Leon, who went from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Tampa Bay Rays this week, in exchange for infielder Logan Forsythe. Did the Twins make the right decision holding out for more? Or should they have pounced on a chance to land De Leon? With Derek Wetmore out sick, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss on their radio show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Byron Buxton burst onto the scene in September of 2016, and showed why he has superstar potential. Phil Mackey thinks Buxton will be a 4-WAR playerin 2017, according to Phil Mackey. He and Derek Wetmore debate that topic on this short episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.