Blog Archives

Perhaps It Is Time For The MLB To Adopt The ‘Boomerang Concept’ For Drafting Rounds In The Amateur Draft

The MLB should consider doing what all 'even level playing field' sports pools do and that is to use the boomerang method of each draft round. A team that drafts 1st in round one would draft last in round 2, before picking 1st in round 3 again and so forth. It wouldn't alleviate tanking altogether - with the best talent still being absorbed in the top 10 most times, but it would level out the middle rounds for sure.

The MLB should consider doing what all ‘even level playing field’ sports pools do and that is to use the boomerang method of each draft round. A team that drafts 1st in round one would draft last in round 2, before picking 1st in round 3 again and so forth. It wouldn’t alleviate tanking altogether – with the best talent still being absorbed in the top 10 most times, but it would level out the middle rounds for sure.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) 

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We have all gone into pools/player drafts where we drew the worst card possible and then picked last.  To offset the sting of this a lot – in the ‘interest of fairness’, the draft worked like a boomerang.

If there are 30 guys picking, the 30th guy picks the last selection in the 1st round, but then he is able to pick 1st in the 2nd round.  Maybe it is time for the MLB to take this action for its Amateur Draft each year?

There has been so much talk about tanking by the teams like Phillies, Braves, Reds, Brewers, Padres and Rockies all following the path paved by the Cubs, Astros, Royals, Pirates, Nationals, Rays and Twins in yesteryear.

KC and Pittsburgh both had 2 decades of shame before they turned their franchises around to respectability.  The Rays (once named the Devil Rays) failed to top 72 wins for the first 9 seasons since their inception to the MLB in 1998. before showcasing 80 wins for every year since 2008. Read the rest of this entry

Minnesota Twins State Of The Union: Looking For The Playoffs In 2016

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up - and will only produce one playoff team in 2016. The management needs to realize that the next 2 or 3 years represent the best time for the organization to take back the helm of the AL Central like they did from 2001 - 2010.

The Twins finished 2nd in the AL Central and could be the Houston Astros type of 2015 club in 2016. If you think they can finish 2nd in the AL Central one more time, it may be enough to secure a Wild Card Spot. I think the AL East will beat each other up – and will only produce one playoff team in 2016. The management needs to realize that the next 2 or 3 years represents the best time for the organization to take back the helm of the AL Central like they did from 2001 – 2010.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) 

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The Minnesota Twins know how to build a winner.  From 1992 – 1999 the team was not the greatest team around and they gradually built a ton of players through the draft like Torii Hunter, Justin Morneau and later Johan Santana, Francisco Liriano and Joe Mauer.

Being a good franchise means a smart game plan, and especially when you are a smaller market.

From 2001 – 2010 the club won 6 AL Central Titles and were always on the verge of sneaking through.  They never seemed to have great depth Starting Pitching to move past clubs in the postseason (despite having Santana).

After the club moved into Target Field, it should have alleviated some of the financial concerns the organization had.  They were in the top 10 for total team salary.  Except for the core was getting older.  Veterans were traded and the management focused on replenishing the Minor League System.

Lean years followed from 2011 – 2014, and it cost Ron Gardenhire his job after the 2014 campaign. Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 21, 2015

Photo: David Kohl, Associated Press

Photo: David Kohl, Associated Press

Bryan Price goes on a wild profanity filled tirade. But while he apologized for the tone, he still doesn’t understand the main underlying problem with his rant.

Meanwhile I am nervous for Marlins manager Mike Redmond’s job security and I remember the opening of Field of Dreams.

If you build Episode 907 of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast. they will come.

Alfredo Simon, Luis Valbuena, Matt Kemp, Anthony DeSclafani, Andrew McCutchen, A. J. Burnett, Robinson Cano and Trevor Bauer all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball?

 

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Royals Vs Angels Preview 2014 ALDS

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence.  They have the best 1 - 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience.  Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run.  They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

The Angels are finally back in the postseason after a couple of years absence. They have the best 1 – 9 lineup in the AL, an extremely deep and revamped Bullpen, and starters like Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have lots of playoff experience. Add a roster full of World Series heroes of not so long ago, and it could be a recipe for a long postseason run. They also have the luck of the draw with playing the Royals in the 1st Round, with only having to face James Shields once, while their top duo of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are slated to tow the hill in 4 of the 5 games.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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No time to rest for the tired and weary.  After an emotional, and jaw dropping game for the Royals on Tuesday night, they will fly to Anaheim to meet the top seeded  Los Angeles Angels in the LDS Round.

You have to realize that Mike Scioscia is running the gauntlet on the running prowess of Kansas City even as we speak,

There will be no 2 – 3 or extra jackrabbit’s for the Royals squad, who were definitely aided by a lax Roster enforcement for Wild Card play, and also by the early game injury to Geovany Soto.

Chris Iannetta and Hank Conger will have to be ready for the speed demon club, that features several guys who can swipe bags on a whim.

If there is one thing going for Kansas City right now it is rhythm of repetition having played on Tuesday, while the Halo’s have been licking their chops in Orange County all week at the beach.

The Angels clinched so early, it would have been about 15 days since they have played a meaningful game in Game #1. Read the rest of this entry

How All Of The Twins Hitters Were Acquired: 2014 Roster Tree

The Twins won World Series in 1987 and 1991 based on a great number of Draft Picks.  When the team struggled for a decade after the 91 Title, the club used another core of players drafted for another successful run.  Now after a 3 year plus hiatus from contention, the club has been stockpiling great talent in the Minors, and maybe ready for another run really soon.

The Twins won World Series in 1987 and 1991 based on a great number of Draft Picks. When the team struggled for a decade after the 91 Title, the club used another core of players drafted for another successful run. Now after a 3 year plus hiatus from contention, the club has been stockpiling great talent in the Minors, and maybe ready for another run really soon.

How All Of The Twins Hitters Were Acquired:

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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Quite frankly, the Twins Roster Tree for the hitters was pretty uneventful.

The majority of the players were drafted by the team – or signed as a Free Agent.  The greatest form of a chain of transactions revolve around Eduardo Escobar.

The Twins Utility Infielder can be traced all the way back to them drafting A.J. Pierzynski.  That trade enabled the franchise for a string of Division wins based on the players brought back.

Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano were key contributors for almost a decade each.  Liriano was dealt in 2012 for the Utility Infielder.

Josh Willingham and Kurt Suzuki highlight the club’s Free Agent signings.  These guys may be made available for the pending Trade Deadline.

The Twins are an organization that has built within a couple of separate times for lengthy success runs.

In the late 80’s and early 90’s, the franchise parlayed drafts of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Frank Viola, Chuck Knoblauch and Scott Erickson into 2 World Series wins. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of June 2014

Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers.  I see their rationale.  The A's have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division.  Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL.  While I don't endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I ranked them #1 in power rankings

Welcome to your new World Series Favorite. according to the oddsmakers. I see their rationale. The A’s have the best record in the Majors, and also the biggest lead within their Division. Oh yeah..this club has back to back West Titles, and a deep lineup in a parity league that is the AL. While I don’t endorse them as the favorite for the World Series right now (based on predicting playoffs solely), there is no doubt I ranked them #1 in power rankings

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Thursday June.26, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 31 Days Rec

1.  ***Oakland A’s (2) 48 – 30:  17 – 10:  The A’s are still the best team in the Majors for the last 2 1/2 years.  Coco Crisp on another hot spell.

Josh Donaldson and Brandon Moss both in the top 5 for HRs, and Sonny Gray/Scott Kazmir among several starters for ERA, WHIP and quality starts.

Yoenis Cespedes has the power numbers to be a perfect complement to the top guys, and the bar can always be raised higher.

Sean Doolittle is authoring one of the greatest Bullpen efforts ever for a Closer. A 53/1 Strikeout to Walk ratio is beyond filthy.

2.  ***Detroit Tigers (3) 42 – 32: 14 – 13:  A nice rebound after they dropped out of 1st place temporarily.

Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez will exceptional June’s, and Miguel Cabrera is still on pace for 130 RBI.

Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer had sub-par starts, but look to correct themselves now.

Joe Nathan is making the late innings nervous for Tiger’s fans, after they had to endure Joaquin Benoit, Phil Coke, Jose Veras and Jose Valverde over the last few years. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings: Month Of May

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Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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*** Denotes Division Leaders

Records are before play Monday May.26, 2014

RK Team   Last Wk Rnk  ()      Current Rec –  Last 16 Days Rec

1.  ***San Francisco Giants 32 – 19 (3) 10 – 4:  The Giants have the best team in the Majors record wise, and have done so without dominate pitching, and Buster Posey hasn’t taken off yet.

The San Fran players are using the ‘someone is always on fire’ offense.  Even Brandon Hicks is clobbering HRs out of 2B.  Depth prevails here.  4 Games up on the Dodgers.

2.  ***Oakland Athletics 31 – 20 (2) 8 – 5:  The A’s did lose 3 straight to the Blue Jays, however they had scored 76 runs in 11 Games prior, and pasted 10 on the board yesterday.

Brandon Moss is an underrated slugger, and Josh Donaldson has 4 separate game HR streaks this year.

Showing that depth at Starting Pitching can do well even if players go down with TJ Surgery. Read the rest of this entry

Minnesota Twins State Of The Union For 2014

The Minnesota franchise has been through predicament before.  From 1987 - 1991, the club won World Series and was one of the best clubs in the timeframe, but this was followed by a losing stretch from 1993 - 2001.  The Twins then reeled off 6 Division Titles, and built a new baseball park from that success.  Now they have suffered 3 straight 90+ Loss seasons, and look to run into a 4th straight.

The Minnesota franchise has been through predicament before. From 1987 – 1991, the club won World Series and was one of the best clubs in the timeframe, but this was followed by a losing stretch from 1993 – 2001. The Twins then reeled off 6 Division Titles, and built a new baseball park from that success. Now they have suffered 3 straight 90+ Loss seasons, and look to run into a 4th straight.  The young pieces are there to turn this thing around in the next few years, however Miguel Sano went down to a season ending injury. while Alex Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia struggled in their Rookie Years.  Byron Buxton, the top Baseball prospect is also going through a minor injury ailment to his left wrist.  On a bright note, Kyle Gibson made the Starting Rotation.

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Miguel Sano being hurt for the entire was a definite early downer to begin the spring.  This team still has many young new  core players, and have finally listed Kyle Gibson as a Starter in the Rotation in the #5 slot.

Oswaldo Arcia, Aaron Hicks and Byron Buxton may also provide a big splash to the franchise that is needed for many years moving forward.

You add in 3B Trevor Plouffe and SS/2B Brian Dozier possibly earning spots for the long-term, and the majority of their lineup with be made up from players from their early to mid – 20’s.

The year starts with Joe Mauer moving over to 1st, the departure of longtime veteran Justin Morneau, and 2 former players are trying to resurrect their careers with Minnesota.

Jason Kubel and Jason Bartlett are both back in the Twin Cities trying to make the squad. Read the rest of this entry

30 MLB Team Power Rankings FEB 2014

Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): 

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Not withstanding the last few signings in the MLB, noteworthy is Bronson Arroyo to the Diamondbacks, and Paul Maholm to the Los Angeles Dodgers, these will not effect the grand scheme for the rankings of all clubs.

Nelson Cruz is still available, and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t ink a deal with the Mariners.  This would put them slightly ahead of the Angels if done, as oppose to a dead heat right now.

There are no real surprises to be had here.

The Orioles, Blue Jays and Pirates have had the worst offseasons, while the Rangers, Royals, Rays, Giants, Yankees, Cardinals and Dodgers have helped out their causes for the upcoming campaign.

30 MLB Team Power Rankings MAR 2014

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The Minnesota Twins Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward

In 2014, Joe Mauer will be in year #4 out of the 8 YR/$184 MIL extension that he signed.  The 30 Year Old native of Minnesota returned more to what his usual Career numbers resemble in 2013 - with a 3 Slash Line of .324/.405/.880.  Perhaps the club will now move him to 1st base permanently with the departure of Justin Morneau.  The 2009 AL MVP, and former 3 time Batting Champion is now the Active Leader for Batting Average at .323 - and has a lifetime .405 OBP. Mauer is a 6 time ALL - Star - and will need to continue his offensive flair making #23 MIL annually until the end of the 2018 season.

In 2014, Joe Mauer will be in year #4 out of the 8 YR/$184 MIL extension that he signed. The 30 Year Old native of Minnesota returned more to what his usual Career numbers resemble in 2013 – with a 3 Slash Line of .324/.405/.880. Perhaps the club will now move him to 1st base permanently with the departure of Justin Morneau. The 2009 AL MVP, and former 3 time Batting Champion, is now the Active Leader for Batting Average at .323 – and has a lifetime .405 OBP. Mauer is a 6 time ALL – Star – and will need to continue his offensive flair making $23 MIL annually until the end of the 2018 season.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

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With Justin Morneau leaving the club via a trade at the deadline this campaign, the Twins are starting to resemble the ‘Metrodome’ style – version of the team in terms of having a lower payroll .

Joe Mauer ($23 MIL in 2014) is the only player that stands to make over $10 Million next year.

As of right now, the players they have signed, Josh Willingham, Kevin Correia, Ryan Doumit, Glen Perkins and Jared Burton are the only Veteran’s signed long – term – and they make $23 MIL as a collective unit.

At 5 players – and only $46 MIL on the books, the Twins have a chance to go shopping on Free Agents.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

2013 Twins Mid season highlights – Best of the year Anyway – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised

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The Minnesota Twins Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)

Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 27 years.  Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success.  The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again.  Stocked with several young prospects, we could the club turn around to be a contender again in the next few years.

Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 27 years. Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success. The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again. Stocked with several young prospects, we could the club turn around to be a contender again in the next few years.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

The Minnesota Twins have had 3 – 90+ Losses Seasons in a row.  This came right on the heels of the franchise having made the playoffs 6 out of 9 years.

All of those Post Season Appearances were made as Division Champions from the AL Central.

The Twins had enough smarts about them to understand where they were in the 1990’s.  The management knew the club was better off building within – rather than spending via Free Agency.

From 1993 – 2000, the team never finished better than 4th in the Division they played.  The club drafted really high for this time period, and had a nice renaissance by the time 2001 started.

For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.

Joe Mauer 2013 Highlights

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Its Gut Check Time For The Rangers: Indians + Rays In The AL Wild Card Driver Seats

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar.  They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats.  The club also lost Manny Machado to injury.  The magic number to eliminate the club is just 3.

Baltimore entered last Friday night just 1 game behind the playoff bar. They were swept in a 4 game series down in Tampa Bay, in a wraparound series, that included a devastating 18 inning loss among the tough defeats. The club also lost Manny Machado to injury yesterday. The magic number to eliminate the team is just 3.  The guys end the regular season with 6 straight at Camden Yards.  The only real meaningful resolutions will be if Chris Davis can crack 4 Home Runs, to tie Ken Griffey Jr. (56 HRs) for the most HRs by a LHB in the AL for the last 52 years?

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

2013 WILDCARD Race Breakdown in AL

Team                         W –  L   GBL Games Left Upcoming in Sequence

Tampa Bay Rays       87 – 69     –   ( 3 @ NYY, 3 @ TOR)

Cleveland Indians     86 – 70     –   ( 2 vs CWS, 4 @ MIN)

Texas Rangers           85 – 71    1   (2 vs HOU, 4 vs LAA)

Kansas City Royals  83 –  73   3.0  (2 @ SEA, 4 @ CWS)

New York Yankees   82 – 74   4.0   (3 vs TB, 3 @ HOU)

Baltimore Orioles     81 – 75   5.0  ( 3 vs TOR, 3 vs BOS)

We have had some clarification occur over the last week in the AL Wild Card Race as the Rays and Indians have both won 4 straight in their goal to make the playoffs.

The Yankees went 3 – 3 for the week, including a heart – wrenching loss to the Giants late on Sunday,  It must have pained them even more to see the Rays come back in the late innings versus the Orioles.

Had Baltimore won that game, the Yankees would start the series in New York versus the Rays tonight with a chance to cut their deficit to them by 3 games via a sweep.

The Bronx Bombers then waltz into Houston, where they might win their last 3 games.  However, with Tampa’s come from behind win yesterday, it makes their Magic number versus the Yanks to 3. 

Manny Machado’s Gruesome Injury – Sept.23/2013

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Minnesota Twins Organization: Payroll, Depth Charts + Rosters, (MLB + MiLB)

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Sunday, June.23/2013

Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last years.  Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success.  The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again.

Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 26 years. Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success. The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website  here  

You guys are all in for a treat.  Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website.  He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs.  We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams. 

Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective.  If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.

In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball.  He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job.  So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!

Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis.  After you click on it….Bookmark it.  There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page.  Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!

For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Twins Organization click here.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 25, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-05-25 at 11.09.45 AM

Lots of topics on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

Instant replay opponents still have nothing. It’s the anniversary of the release of Star Wars and I try to start a new rumor regarding Don Mattingly, the Dodgers and Ron Gardenhire.

Chris Young, Jordan Zimmermann, Michael Cuddyer and the one hit wonder Anibal Sanchez all owned baseball on May 24, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 25, 2013

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Minnesota Twins Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward

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Friday February 1, 2013

Mauer is the highest paid player on the Twins gathering $23,000,000 every year through the 2018 season. He is the face of the Twins. He is going to be dangerous if he can continue to hit like he did in 2012.

Mauer is the highest paid player on the Twins gathering $23,000,000 every year through the 2018 season. He is the face of the Twins. He is going to be dangerous if he can continue to hit like he did in 2012.  Only trailing Pujols in Lifetime Average amongst Active Hitters (.325 to .323), Mauer should take over this Category relatively soon.

Kyle Holland (MLB Reports intern):

In 2012, the Minnesota Twins had a very below average season, disappointing many Twins fans. Coming off an atrocious 2011, they were looking for a good season ahead of them. Who could blame the fans, right? They had some key players coming back after an injury stricken summer in 2011. They were coming back healthy and nothing could stop the Twins from returning to the playoffs. But all was not well as they only had 3 more Wins than in 2011. It’s not like their payroll was even that small either. They were in the middle of the pack with a $94,085,000 payroll. That’s only slightly less than the White Sox and the LA Dodgers, both very close to playing in October.

This year, it appears the Twins payroll has actually dropped. Right now, their 2013 payroll is $73,050,000, considerably less than 2012. Mauer is really their only superstar on the Twins, with Morneau close behind him. On the mound, Carl Pavano just got hurt slipping on his driveway while shoveling snow so he won’t be ready for at least the start of the season, probably longer. Glen Perkins can be used as a starter when needed or be taken out of the bullpen so he’s a solid player to have in the Twins’ pitching repertoire.  They also received Vance Worley from Philadelphia recently and if he can pitch like he did in 2011, he is going to be a man the Twins fall in love with. So with all of these solid players on the Twins, let’s take a look at the Twins 2013 payroll.

Joe Mauer 2012 Highlights: Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance is advised:

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