2016 Twins: The Quest for .500

[azdevil2004]

Hello Everyone!

I've enjoyed reading some dynasty threads from other OOTP players and am giving a shot at it for the first time. I will be actively managing each game of the season and providing summaries of each gameday if I have time, if not it may be summaries of each series.

Also, I will be writing each recap from the point of view of a sports writer/journalist for the newspaper.



As the 2016 Minnesota Twins begin their season, the owner's goal for the year is simple: Play close to .500 ball.

However, with a roster that showcases a pitching rotation of only 1 player above 3 stars (Phil Hughes 3.5) and 2 starting pitchers that are evaluated as 1 star or lower (Kyle Gibson 1, Tommy Milone 0.5), the Twins secondary goal has to be improving the pitching rotation.

With a penny-pinching owner, and nearly 25% of Minnesota's team salary devoted to one player (Joe Mauer, $23m out of $107.8m), the incoming GM will have to make the tough decision of whether to keep the locally "Very Popular" Mauer to keep the fan base happy or find a way to get Mauer off the books.

Thankfully, Minnesota has some young, up and coming talent, including three, 4-star talented players (Byron Buxton, Byung-ho Park, and Miguel Sano). Also, Minnesota holds two top-10 prospects in their farm system of RHP Jose Berrios and LF Max Kepler. But, how many years will Minnesota be able to keep these young, future stars until they are ready for that next big contract extension? Right now at the beginning of the season, there is only $1.6m available this year for contract extensions.

Along with the goal of playing .500 ball, how will the new GM balance this short-term goal while looking ahead to building a team that can maybe in the long-term be able to realistically forecast returning to the playoffs?

One thing is for sure, this may be a long first year for the new GM, and starting the season off on the road against the heavy hitting Baltimore Orioles does not make it any easier.

[azdevil2004]

April 4, 2016



WP: Brach (1-0)
LP: Runzler (0-1)
SV: Britton (1)
HR: Park, MIN (1) Kim, BAL (1)

BALTIMORE – Minnesota’s Byung-ho Park's first game in the MLB did not exactly start the way he envisioned: an inning-ending double play groundball in the first inning. Park, from South Korea, clobbered an impressive 53 home runs in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) during the 2015 season before signing with the Twins for this season.

As the bottom of the 3rd inning arrived, Joe Mauer delivered the first RBI of the game to take a 1-0 lead and Park would step up to the plate for his 2nd major league at-bat. This time Park decided he was ready to begin adding a tally to the “HR” section of his MLB player card by smacking a 2-run blast that measured 413 feet.

Although the Twins grabbed a 3-0 lead in the third inning, the advantage would be short-lived. The Orioles answered back in the bottom of that same inning with 4 runs, starting with a run scoring single from J.J. Hardy and then later another South Korean player’s first MLB home run. A 3-run blast from Hyun-soo Kim against Minnesota’s Phil Hughes.

After 7 innings, the game was tied at 4, and the Twins would go to the bullpen after Hughes’ opening day campaign of 6.2 innings. If the first game was any indication on Minnesota’s ability to confidently bring in arms from the bullpen, new Minnesota GM and Manager Ryan Heintz will quickly begin to search the waiver wire for bullpen help. Dan Runzler (L, 0-1) entered the game in the bottom of the 8th, giving up 2 hits and 2 earned runs as Baltimore would add one more run in the inning to take a 7-4 lead.

The ninth was shut down by Orioles’ closer Zach Britton (SV, 1) as the game came to an end. Despite the loss, Heintz commented “It was good to see our young guys come out and have some good ABs and to see guys like Park and Mauer begin the season on a high note. Hughes gave us nearly 7 good innings, our bullpen guys just need to be ready when their name is called to come in, throw strikes, and get outs. We have a day-off tomorrow, but then the final 2 games against Baltimore to still try and take this series.”

[azdevil2004]

April 6, 2016



WP: Santana (1-0)
LP: Brach (1-1)
SV: Jepsen (1)
HR: Park, MIN (2) Rosario, MIN (1) Plouffe, MIN (1) Kim, BAL (2) Trumbo, BAL (1)

BALTIMORE – The 2nd game of the young season already began to bring a feeling of déjà vu. Minnesota would grab an early 3-run lead thanks to another 3-run blast from Byung-ho Park, but this time in the 1st inning. Then, in the 3rd inning, Baltimore’s Hyun-soo Kim would cork his 2nd home run in as many days, too.

Today would not be a good day for the starting pitcher for either team. Baltimore’s Chris Tillman lasted only 2 2/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs. Ervin Santana for the Twins would finish six innings, but gave up 8 runs, and 5 of them also earned.

By the top of the 7th inning, Baltimore lead 8-6. The Twins would load the bases and Trevour Plouffe stepped to the plate. The count quickly went to 0-2, but after an error on a foul ball, the count eventually evened at 2-2 and the next pitch was a Grand Slam homer to put the Twins on top 10-8.

Baltimore would get one more run in the 8th to draw closer, but in the ninth inning, Minnesota closer Kevin Jepsen (SV, 1) would preserve the lead and give Baltimore its first win of the year. After the game, Manager Ryan Heintz commented, “We came out swinging today, but we cannot rely on scoring 10 runs every game. However, the bullpen guys came in and did what they needed to do to hold the lead and then Kevin closing it out.”

[azdevil2004]

April 7, 2016



WP: Gibson (1-0)
LP: Jimenez (0-1)
SV: none
HR: none

BALTIMORE – It would be fitting that Minnesota jumped out to another 3-run lead in this rubber match of the series, just as they had done each of the first two games. After Ubaldo Jimenez walked his 4th batter of the game which resulted in the first run of the game for Minnesota, Joe Mauer doubled in 2 more runs to extend the lead to 3-0 in the top of the 2nd.

Zeroes would be put up over the course of the next several innings until LF Eddie Rosario connected on a bases clearing triple to put Minnesota up 6-0 in the 5th inning. But, the zeroes would continue in the box score for Baltimore. SP Kyle Gibson (W, 1-0) (7 2/3 innings) and RP Ryan Pressly (1 1/3 innings) would combine to pitch a shutout, only giving up 3 hits and striking out 8.

With a final score of 9-0, Manager Ryan Heintz joked, “I said yesterday that we can’t rely on scoring 10 runs every game. Well, I was still correct, but scoring 9 runs while keeping the Baltimore big hitters from scoring is a manager’s dream. I was really happy to see our pitching and more specifically Kyle Gibson be able to have a great first performance of the year.”

The Twins will now travel to Kansas City to take on the World Champions in a 3 game series beginning tomorrow.

[faithful2thecall]

It'll be interesting to see how you do. You may have seen my dynasty where I'm struggling in my 2nd season as just the manager. If I get fired and have to reboot I'll probably be both the manager and GM with all the complaints I've made about GM Terry Ryan's incompetence.

One thing I noticed recently is that as soon as my reputation improved from Inexperienced to Average the team started playing better.

[azdevil2004]

April 8, 2016



WP: Milone (1-0)
LP: Hochevar (0-1)
SV: Jepsen (2)
HR: Escobar, MIN (1) Gordon, KC (1) Morales, KC (1)

KANSAS CITY – “Those first three innings you got a sense of why these guys were the world champs last year,” said Manager Ryan Heintz after Kansas City jumped out to a 6-1 lead.

SP Tommy Millone of Minnesota would last only 5 2/3 innings and surrender 7 runs, but surprisingly enough, would leave the game in line to be eligible to earn the win. In the top of the 6th, the Twins exploded for 5 runs. Through 6 innings, every member of the Twins had at least 1 hit besides SS Eduardo Escobar.

Well, Mr. Escobar certainly did not want to be called out like that in the box score of today’s game so instead he poked a Grand Slam home run in the top of the 7th to take a commanding 13-7 lead. The Royals would make the game interesting by adding 4 more runs throughout the final few innings, but ultimately Millone (W, 1-0) would earn his first win of the year as the bats continued to stay hot for Minnesota.

Through four games, Minnesota has scored a MLB-leading 36 runs and 7 SB. Six players have at least 4 RBI or more, too. With the inconsistency in pitching from the Twins, you have to believe Manager Heintz is going to enjoy this surge of hitting while it lasts.

[azdevil2004]

April 9, 2016



WP: Kennedy (1-0)
LP: Nolasco (0-1)
SV: Davis (2)
HR: Sano (1)

KANSAS CITY – Ian Kennedy (W, 1-0) of the Royals was ready to pitch for their late owner having heard the sad news that owner David Glass had passed away due to a prolonged illness. His son, Sean Glass, will now take over as the owner of the club.

Through the first six innings, Kennedy had only given up three singles across different innings and racked up 8 K’s. This pushed KC out to a 3-0 lead as the game entered the 7th inning.

Trevor Plouffe would lead off the 7th inning with a single to left field and two batters later, Miguel Sano connected on a 2-2 pitch for a 404 ft. home run that would cut the deficit to 3-2.

Minnesota would enter the 9th inning ready to face KC’s closer Wade Davis. Byung-ho Park singled to start the inning and Manager Ryan Heintz brought in a pinch-runner with the idea of stealing 2nd base to get a player in scoring position.

But, the young manager may have forgot to check who was behind the plate for KC: Gold glove winning Salvador Perez. Eduardo Nunez would attempt to steal on the first pitch and be thrown out at 2nd base for Minnesota’s first caught-stealing of the year in 8 attempts. When asked after the game on the decision to steal, Heintz replied, "Against the world champs we needed to take a gamble in the 9th to put some pressure on their closer. But, obviously the gamble did not pay off this time." Davis (SV, 2) would proceed to strike-out the remaining 2 batters to earn his 2nd save of the year.

Tomorrow, the Twins and Royals will conclude the 3-game series to see who will take the rubber match. This is Minnesota's 2nd rubber match game in just the first 2 series of the year. Afterwards, Minnesota will travel home to prepare for the first home games of the year against the Chicago White Sox.

[azdevil2004]

April 10, 2016



WP: Hughes (1-0)
LP: Ventura (0-1)
SV: none
HR: Park, MIN (3) Rosario, MIN (2) Sano, MIN (2) Dozier, MIN (1)

KANSAS CITY – Both Yordano Ventura and Phil Hughes were looking to rebound from their first starts of the year in which both of their respective teams lost against their opponents. For the first few innings each team would see-saw back and forth with taking the lead and losing the lead. Through 4 innings, KC lead 4-3.

The top of the 5th inning, the Twins would hit already their 3rd grand slam of the year! This time from the bat of Brian Dozier. This would knock Ventura out of the game and force KC to go to their bullpen as Minnesota took the lead 7-4.

That wouldn’t be all for the Twins. The next inning, Minnesota would tally 5 more runs to extend the lead to 12-4 with 14 hits through 6 innings. By the time the game was over, the final score was 17-4 which resembled more of a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Twins’ bats have been hot through the first six games of the season, propelling the club to a 4-2 start and two consecutive series wins. Now, the team travels home to take on the Chicago White Sox with the hopes of showing the home fans their display of firepower.

[azdevil2004]

April 11, 2016



WP: Rodon (1-1)
LP: Santana (1-1)
SV: Robertson (4)
HR: Escobar, MIN (2) Frazier, CWS (1) Jackson, CWS (2)

MINNESOTA – Apparently Chicago’s SP Carlos Rodon (W, 1-1) did not receive the memo that the Twins’ offense had been regularly scoring close to double digit runs in the majority of their games this year. Instead, Rodon struck-out 6 batters and did not give any runs during his 5 2/3 innings. The Twins were not able to get any momentum going and the few times runners were on base, Chicago would induce double play balls to quickly end the inning.

In the top of the 4th, Chicago’s Todd Frazier and Austin Jackson hit back-to-back home runs against Ervin Santana. Although Santana would give up a total of 4 runs in 7 innings, he also would strike out 8 batters and keep the score relatively close for his team to try and mount a comeback.

The Twins would get one run from a solo homer from Eduardo Escobar in the 7th, but David Robertson would earn his 4th save of the year for Chicago in the final inning.

Manager Ryan Heintz was unhappy with the team’s effort in their first home game in front of their fans. “We’ve been knocking the cover off the ball over the past 6 games, so it was disappointing not to continue that today. But, our focus remains the same to come back the next game and try and get a win to compete for another rubber match for the series.”

[azdevil2004]

April 13, 2016



WP: Latos (1-1)
LP: Gibson (1-1)
SV: Petricka (1)
HR: Eaton, CWS (1)

MINNESOTA – From the very first batter, the Twins would find themselves fighting from behind. Adam Eaton started the game with a leadoff homer and from there, Chicago would not give up the lead. Adding 3 more runs in the 2nd inning, it was quickly 4-0 Chicago and Mat Latos (W, 1-1) wouldn’t need any more help
.
After six innings, Minnesota would scratch their way back to be down only 1 run, but a combination of Dan Jennings (H, 3), Zach Putnam (H, 3), and Jake Petricka (SV, 1) would keep Latos’ win intact.

Manager Ryan Heintz: “We had opportunities, we just left too many runners on base in key situations. The bullpen did their job to not allow any more runs as we worked to climb back into it, but Chicago’s bullpen did an even better job of shutting us down.”

Chicago improves to 7-2 on the season and riding a 5 game winning streak. Minnesota falls to 4-4 on the year and looks up from the basement of the AL Central to see Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and KC ahead of them.

[azdevil2004]

April 14, 2016



WP: Sale (2-0)
LP: Milone (1-1)
SV: none
HR: Sano, MIN (3)

MINNESOTA – The Twins came into today’s game trying to avoid a sweep at the hands of the division leading Chicago White Sox. But, seeing ace Chris Sale on the mound for Chicago certainly made the sweep seem more likely.

However, the bottom of 2nd would be the best opportunity for Minnesota to try and put up some runs against Sale. After a double from Trevor Plouffe and a walk to Eddie Rosario, Manager Ryan Heintz signaled in a successful double steal to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and 0 outs. The next batter, Kurt Suzuki, would ground out, but bring home the first run of the game. Unfortunately for the home fans, the following batters could not deal any additional damage.

After tying the game in the 3rd, Chicago would then erupt for 5 runs in the 4th inning thanks to six singles off of Tommy Milone (L, 1-1) in the inning. Chicago would take the lead of 6-1 and watch Chris Sale (W, 2-0) dominate through 7 1/3 innings.

The only bright spots for Minnesota in this game were Miguel Sano’s 3rd home run of the year and a scoreless 4 2/3 innings from the bullpen in relief of Millone.

[azdevil2004]

April 15, 2016



WP: Nolasco (1-1)
LP: Richards (0-2)
SV: Jepsen (3)
HR: Dozier, MIN (2)

MINNESOTA – When the Los Angeles Angels come to town you know your pitching has to be on point against the likes of Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, and Kole Calhoun. Today was Ricky Nolasco’s (W, 1-1) opportunity to try and keep the Angels’ scoring to a minimum.

Pujols would drive in the first run of the game on a 3rd inning double, but Nolasco would minimize the damage by only giving up 2 earned runs on the evening through his 6 innings of work. Brian Dozier came through in the bottom of the 4th and a runner on 3rd to hit a 2-run home run to center to put Minnesota on top 3-2. From there it would be up to the bullpen to hold on to the lead.

A combination of Trevor May (H, 2), Fernando Abad (H, 2), Ryan Pressly (H, 1) and Kevin Jepsen (SV, 3) were able to sustain the 3-2 advantage throughout the rest of the game to give the Twins their first home win and to also snap a 3-game losing streak.

Minnesota Manager Ryan Heintz mentioned in his post-game press conference, “To keep the Angels big hitters from doing too much damage was the reason we were able to hold onto the lead after the 4th inning. I’ve been impressed in the bullpen’s development from the first few games until today. Ricky also pitched a solid 6 innings and kept his walk total down.”

[azdevil2004]

April 16, 2016



WP: Patton (1-0)
LP: Pressly (0-1)
SV: none
HR: Dozier, MIN (3) Escobar, MIN (3) Scott, LAA (1) Calhoun, LAA (1) Trout, LAA (1)

MINNESOTA – Through the first 10 games, Minnesota had been performing exactly to the owner’s expectations at a .500 record (5-5). And this 11th game would have the drama that could put the Twins back to a winning record.

The game remained close throughout and Minnesota would cut the lead to 4-3 for LAA. In the 8th inning, the Angels had 2 men on base and 2 outs. Left-handed hitting Luke Scott came up to the plate and Manager Ryan Heintz elected to leave the righty Casey Fien in the game instead of bring in a lefty to create a lefty on lefty match-up. The decision would result in a 3-run blast for Scott and it appeared LAA was on their way to a victory.

As the bottom of the 9th came up and a 4-run lead, Minnesota’s chances were very slim against closer Huston Street. Miguel Sano would walk, but Street then struck out the next 2 batters. With 1 out left in the inning the drama began. Trevor Plouffe: Single. Eduardo Escobar: 3-run home run. Kurt Suzuki: Single. Byron Buxton: Single. Joe Mauer: RBI Single to tie the game! Byung-ho Park would step up with an opportunity to walk-off with a victory, but would groundout to take the game to extra innings.

In extras, Luke Scott would come up with another big hit: A sacrifice fly to bring in Mike Trout to take the lead. LAA would add another insurance run to take a 2-run lead and Minnesota would be sat down in order in the bottom of the 10th to give the Angels the 9-7 (10) win over the Twins.

[azdevil2004]

April 17, 2016



WP: Santiago (1-1)
LP: Santana (1-2)
SV: none
HR: Pena, LAA (1)

MINNESOTA -- Hector Santiago threw 105 pitches in today's game with 5 K's and held the Twins to 4 hits and 0 runs. The only extra base hit from Minnesota was Eddie Rosario's 5th double of the year in the 2nd inning.

From there, LAA would cruise with most of the offense coming from lesser know players, Wily Mo Pena, Andrelton Simmons, and Yunel Escobar. Trout, Pujols, and Calhoun would finish the game hitless, but it wouldn't matter.

LAA improves to 6-6 while Minnesota finishes the night at 5-7.

[azdevil2004]

April 18, 2016



WP: Peralta (1-2)
LP: Gibson (1-2)
SV: none
HR: none

MINNESOTA -- The battle of two slumping teams was the theme of today's game. Milwaukee entered the game 4-8 against the 5-7 Twins. The game would be delayed after a few innings due to rain, but one team came out with energy, while the other appeared forgot there was a game still to play.

The game of tied 2-2 before the rain delay, and then after the delay, Minnesota would be outscored 5-1 the rest of the game.

Minnesota's Manager Ryan Heintz's frustrations could be seen after the game, "We've been unimpressive lately and if we do not get it corrected it can begin to spin out of control. I'm looking to see who will step up and be a leader on the field or who needs to be sent down to AAA."

[azdevil2004]

April 19, 2016

Byron Buxton was diagnosed with a sprained ankle and will be out for 2 weeks. He was placed on the 15-day DL and 23-year old Max Kepler from AAA was promoted to The Show. Kepler is batting .333, 2 HRs, 7 RBI in AAA this year.

Buxton had been struggling early on this year batting .222 with more strikeouts than hits (13 to 10).

[azdevil2004]

April 19, 2016



WP: Anderson (2-0)
LP: Milone (1-2)
SV: none
HR: Hill, MIL (1) Carter, MIL (2)

MINNESOTA -- Milwaukee would score 1 or more runs in every inning besides the 1st and 2nd and go on to blowout Minnesota.

Milone (L, 1-2) was hammered for 11 hits and 7 ER. The only bright spot for Minnesota in the game was Joe Mauer going 4 for 5 to raise his average to .351 on the year.

After starting the year 4-2, the Twins are beginning a downward spiral that may soon lead to big changes.

[azdevil2004]

April 20, 2016



WP: Nolasco (2-1)
LP: Garza (1-1)
SV: Jepsen (4)
HR: Plouffe, MIN (2)

MILWAUKEE -- "Nolasco kept our defense off the field and the Brewers off the scoreboard," said Manager Ryan Heintz after Minnesota's 4-1 win. Nolasco went 7 innings, striking out 7, and only allowing 1 run.

Trevor Plouffe went 3-4 with a HR and 2 RBI.

In other news, LF Max Kepler signed a 1-year extension worth $900,000 for next year.

[azdevil2004]

April 21, 2016



WP: Nelson (2-2)
LP: Hughes (1-1)
SV: none
HR: Rosario, MIN (3) Villar, MIL (1) Lucroy, MIL (2) Flores, MIL (1)

MILWAUKEE -- Phil Hughes would begin the game as a member of the Twins, and by the end of the day, be traded to Pittsburgh. GM/Manager Heintz commented, "It was time to make a move, and we were able to get a great player in return for a solid pitcher in Phil Hughes."

The Brewers would win the game behind 4 home runs and a 4 for 4 day from Ramon Flores including 3 runs and 3 RBI.

TRADE:

Minnesota receives: C, Francisco Cervelli, PIT
Pittsburgh receives: SP, Phil Hughes, MIN

[azdevil2004]

GM/Manager Ryan Heintz continued through the night shuffling parts of his team.

After acquiring catcher Francisco Cervelli who appears to be the Twins long-term option at catcher, the young catching prospect John Ryan Murphy was traded for pitching.

TRADE:

Minnesota receives: P, Yusmeiro Petit (3 stars) and AAA SP, A.J. Cole (1 star, potential 4 star)

Washington receives: C, John Ryan Murphy (2 star, potential 4 star)