Twins Talk brings you everything you need to know about the Minnesota Twins, from detailed analysis to lighthearted banter to Joe Mauer fan fic. Made by Twins fans, for Twins fans.
John and Ben break down the Minnesota Twins' disappointing 1-5 week and why Bailey Ober has been struggling for a few weeks. They break down all the game action from disappointing pitching performances to surprisingly strong weeks from Brooks Lee and Willi Castro. Plus, a look at Royce Lewis' latest leg injury and what it means for the Twins this season and going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben break down the Twins' success week in Sacramento against the A's and less successful series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Then they break down the monumental loss of Pablo Lopez, the (hopefully) shorter loss of Zebby Matthews, and the next starting pitchers the Twins have if someone else goes down. Plus, a look at Bailey Ober's plummeting velocity, signs of life from Royce Lewis, and Trevor Larnach's sneakily good season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All it took was an MLB-best 13 game win streak, but the Twins are firmly back in the playoff picture after sweeping the hapless Orioles and taking a series against the Brewers. John and Ben recap the Twins' elite run and the special pitching performances that made it possible. Plus, a breakout from Trevor Larnach, signs of life from Brooks Lee and Ryan Jeffers, and a comical $50 million outfield collision. The Twins are back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben break down the Twins week of games, dropping three very winnable games against the Cleveland Guardians and stealing a series from the Red Sox in Boston. They look at the starting rotation's strong overall numbers, despite some luck from Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson, and why the offense is still struggling despite strong weeks from Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers. Plus, an exciting update on Royce Lewis' and Willi Castro's imminent return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Twins went 5-1 this week but lost standout rookie Luke Keaschall in the process. John and Ben break it all down along their usual weekly game recaps. Plus a closer look at how Brooks Lee is figuring things out, Carlos Correa and Trevor Larnach finally getting some good luck, and Joe Ryan's new, elite sweeper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Even with a long season, there's only so much of a hole a team can dig themselves out of. John and Ben look at the 7-15 Twins and how likely it is they can turn things around. Plus, they break down Griffin Jax's surprising struggles, Luke Keaschall's electric MLB debut, Jhoan Duran's new pitch, and some good news on the injury front for Pablo Lopez and Royce Lewis. And, much to John's dismay, Chris Paddack looks pretty good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Twins tied their worst start in their long history, but started showing some signs of life against the Tigers. Ben goes solo to rant against the Pohlads putting the Twins in a terrible spot, Derek Falvey's weaknesses, and the bad vibes around the team. Plus Edouard Julien's return to form, Jose Miranda's incompetence, and a positive Pablo Lopez injury update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben are back for the first weekly recap of the season. They break down the good, the bad, and the ugly (especially on offense) and provide a few reasons why things aren't as bleak as they may seem. Plus, John's anti-Chris Paddack agenda finally pays off. Someone give Zebby Matthews a call! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben return to preview the Twins 2025 season which begins with, of course, a laundry list of injuries. They discuss Royce Lewis' latest leg issue, Brooks Lee's chronic back injury, and why Brock Stewart, Michael Tonkin, and Mickey Gasper's IL stints will have a major impact on the Opening Day roster. Plus, they go through 8 big questions that will define the Twins' 2025 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a long, dark winter, the Minnesota Twins finally acquired some players as Spring Training began. John and Ben break down the Danny Coulombe, Harrison Bader, and Ty France signings and what it means for the rest of the roster. They also talk about the new Twins TV streaming service and their secret breakout candidates for 2025. (Spoiler: Ben weirdly likes Mickey Gasper). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben make their long-awaited 2025 debut by breaking news that… the Twins have still made 0 notable offseason acquisitions. They discuss the Twins expecting to have a new owner in place by Opening Day and the Ishbias continued prominence in the sale. Plus a look at the intriguing Twins/Padres trade rumor centered around Christian Vazquez and Dylan Cease, and a potential three team deal with the Orioles that could net the Twins a new first baseman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben breakdown all of the Twins non-moves of the offseason, from the front office promotions to Michael Tonkin's surprising return (folks… it's rough out there). Plus a look at the Juan Soto contract and it's ripples throughout the league, Max Kepler joining the Phillies, Carlos Santana returning to Cleveland for the third time, and Rule 5 draftee Eiberson Castellano. Finally, they muse on potential trade targets for the Twins and Ben irresponsibly dreams of an acquisition of Heliot Ramos or Wyatt Langford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben make their grand return to talk about the World Series, Shohei Ohtani, and all of the Twins news and notes through the offseason so far. Most importantly, they analyze how the Pohlads selling the team could impact the 2024 offseason and how Derek Falvey and Co. have to plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a dismal final week with the Twins choking away their playoff spot, John and Ben discuss the symptom's behind the collapse and how they can improve heading into 2025. Plus, they break down the news of Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli's returns and Joe Pohlad's comments on the Twins potential 2025 payroll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben return with unfortunate news: the Minnesota Twins are out of the playoff picture for the first time since April. They go over the terrible ownership decisions that have led to this collapse, the futures of manager Rocco Baldelli and GM Derek Falvey, and how 2024 can still be salvaged. There's six games left and the Twins are one game out. It's now or never. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben return to discuss the Twins' interesting week, beating the Angels while narrowly avoiding a sweep against the Reds. They talk about Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa's sudden return to the lineup, what can be expected from them in their still injured states, and how much they will play in the final two weeks. Plus, Matt Wallner is Good, Royce Lewis is alive, and the rookie starting pitchers are officially out of gas after several bad starts in a row. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben (unfortunately) discuss the Twins' abysmal weekend in Kansas City, despite the pitching staff's rebound. They discuss how to get the offense back on track and the dire need for Royce Lewis to rediscover his early season magic. Plus, significant signs of progress from Edouard Julien, injury non-updates on Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, and David Festa looking like a playoff-caliber starter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben are back to recap a disappointing week for the Twins that somehow has them in the exact same place in the standings thanks to Cleveland falling down to earth. They discuss the best start of David Festa's career, the worst start of Zebby Matthews', and Pablo Lopez rounding back into ace form ahead of the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben discuss the current playoff picture and how likely it is that the Twins could the division and end up with the top seed in the AL. Plus they provide encouraging injury updates on Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, and break down the week's games highlighted by Zebby Matthews' debut, an insanely clutch week from Carlos Santana, and an all-time bullpen blow up by Jorge Alcala. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben recap the Twins' biggest series of the season against the Guardians that ended in a disappointing split. Plus they provide a major update on Joe Ryan's injury and the impact to the Twins' starter depth, including Zebby Matthews' imminent MLB debut. Plus an overdue rant on the Twins' struggles with the bases loaded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After yet another sweep against the White Sox, the Twins are back within striking distance of the AL Central crown, and potentially the top seed in the playoffs. John and Ben break down the Twins' recent run of success including concern for Simeon Woods Richardson, hope for David Festa, and Byron Buxton and Bailey Ober's return to dominance. Plus they preview next weekend's big series with the Cleveland Guardians and put the White Sox's historically bad season into some context. Spoiler alert: they're the worst MLB team since the 19th century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There's no better way to honor our 50th episode than celebrating Willi Castro's All-Star selection. John and Ben talk about Castro's immense value to the Twins, the rash of injuries to Minnesota's 4 best hitters, and Brooks Lee continuing to impress in his MLB debut. Plus a full recap of the week's games and a preview of the Twins' draft strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We know, Hamilton references are outdated, but when Jose Miranda ties the MLB record for consecutive hits, you have to invoke his more successful cousin. John and Ben reunite to talk about Miranda and his late All-Star push, the Cleveland Guardians' unsustainable winning run, Royce Lewis' latest IL stint, and the Twins' pair of Top 100 Prospects (Brooks Lee and David Festa) who's MLB debuts couldn't have been more different. Plus a recap of the last week's games and how the Twins have morphed into a consistently great team and one of the best offenses in baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, it's Ben doing a solo pod to bring you all things Twins. He takes a look at Minnesota's success across the West Coast the past two weeks, breaks down all of the games, and even makes a case for Willi Castro making the All-Star team. Just like we all predicted ahead of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John is back to talk about the Twins' solid 6-1 week against the Colorado Rockies and the Oakland Athletics. He recaps very solid weeks from Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis and takes a look at the AL Central race for the remainder of June. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben are back to talk about the Twins' disastrous 1-5 week, including getting swept by the Yankees and their two MVP candidates. They also take a look at the prospects in AAA who could come up and provide a spark to their struggling offense (Austin Martin, come on down), and why the schedule spells good news for the Twins and bad news for the Guardians.. Plus, a look at why Bailey Ober and Pablo Lopez aren't nearly as bad as they seem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After a COVID-induced hiatus, John and Ben return to talk about Royce Lewis' imminent return from the IL ahead of a matchup with the Evil Empire, Edouard Julien's struggles, and why Jose Miranda and Trevor Larnach put the Twins in a tough spot, but in a good way. Plus, the usual breakdown of the past week's games with a stellar rebound from Pablo Lopez and some concern for Joe Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben return to recap the last week of Twins games, taking series from the Mariners and Blue Jays. They go deep on the Twins' starting pitchers regaining their top form and break down how winning and Cole Sands' early season success have oddly put the bullpen in a tough spot. Finally, they highlight Max Kepler's insane 3 week stretch since returning from an early season IL trip, including his incredible performance in late game, clutch situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After their sausage-fueled 12-game winning streak, the Minnesota Twins are right back in the playoff race. John and Ben break down the last week of Twins games, including the end of both the streak and Rally Sausage. They look at the keys behind the sudden turnaround, including Edouard Julien's breakout, Max Kepler's return, and the stellar bullpen performance. Finally, they briefly discuss Ryan Jeffers' chance at starting the All-Star Game. Plus injury updates on Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, Brock Stewart, and Justin Topa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John recaps the Twins' much-needed 7-0 week against the White Sox and Angels. He takes a detailed look at what worked for the Twins offense this week and whether it's truly sustainable. Plus, they talk about some worrying signs for Twins pitching and whether that can be fixed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben recap the Twins' terrible 1-5 week against the Orioles and Tigers. They take a detailed look at what's gone wrong for Louie Varland this season and how he can learn from several pitchers on the Twins' staff. Plus, they talk about some signs of life for the offense despite the lack of runs, and celebrate Max Kepler and Carlos Correa's likely returns this week to push guys like Kyle Farmer and Carlos Santana out of the lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sure, it's only one start, but Simeon Woods Richardson sure looks like he wants to stick in the Bigs. John and Ben break down a series loss to the Dodgers and an encouraging split with the Tigers. Plus, they look at Joe Ryan's career day, Pablo Lopez's early season struggles, and offensive signs of life from Ryan Jeffers, Edouard Julien, and Austin Martin. Most importantly, this week officially marks the time when the Twins won the Jose Berrios trade. Stop the count. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben break down what was supposed to be the Twins' first full week of games, but weather dropped the game count to five. It was probably for the best with the offense' struggles early on. They look at the pitching staff's impressive performance, despite not having their best stuff, Alex Kirilloff's much-awaited breakout, Carlos Correa's new OBP skills, and Edouard Julien and Matt Wallner's struggles after their breakout rookie campaigns. Can someone please get a hit with men on base??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Twins won their opening series against the Royals, but lost Royce Lewis in the process. John and Ben look at the highs and lows of the weekend, including an Ace performance from Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton's triumphant return to the field, and the worst start of Bailey Ober's career. Plus they break down how Lewis' latest long(ish)-term injury impacts the rest of the Twins' lineup and presents an opportunity for Alex Kirilloff to reestablish himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Twins kickoff their 2024 season on Thursday and John and Ben are back to preview anything and everything Twins. They predict the Twins best hitters, pitchers, record, top prospects, and something crazy they think will happen this season. Plus a breakdown of all of the Twins' recent injuries, including Jhoan Duran, Caleb Thielbar, Justin Topa, and Anthony DeSclafani (RIP pitching depth) and a brief discussion on the Shohei Ohtani situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Twins Spring Training games are officially underway! John and Ben bring all of the Twins' early headlines to the table, including Joe Pohlad's discouraging comments about the payroll. They also take a look at what Jay Jackson and Steven Okert bring to the table and the importance of Chris Paddack and Louie Varland's new pitches. Finally, they end with a bit of prospect talk on the development of Emmanuel Rodriguez and Brooks Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Twins are back from their hiatus on improving their baseball team, so John and Ben are back from a hiatus of their own. They break down the impact of losing Jorge Polanco (spoiler alert: they're going to be fine), where Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa fit in the Twins' pitching hierarchy, and how it paved the way for the Carlos Santana acquisition. Plus they take a look at the two prospects the Twins picked up. Finally, they give an update on the Twins returning to Bally Sports North for 2024 and how Amazon's short-term streaming investment could end up helping Minnesota fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The offseason dead zone is finally coming to an end with the Winter Meetings beginning today! John and Ben preview the Twins' plans in Nashville and look at which free agent pitchers the club should target. Plus they go over all the news and rumors from the Twins and around the league as the Hot Stove begins to heat up (plus a sprinkle of analysis on your FIRST PLACE Minnesota Timberwolves). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben breakdown all the news and notes around the Twins for the last couple weeks including the reduced payroll, Dick Bremer's retirement, all the roster moves, and an update on the TV situation. Finally, they look at which realistic starting pitchers they should target if they need to replace Sonny Gray. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben give their thoughts on the World Series so far before diving into decisions the Twins will have to make in the next two weeks to kick off the offseason, starting with $10 million team options on the longest tenured Twins, Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco. Then they look at the Twins' smart piece of business when they acquired Sonny Gray back in 2022, and how that sets them up well this offseason whether he re-signs or goes elsewhere. Finally, the guys debate which eligible prospects the Twins should protect from the Rule 5 Draft, including top prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez, speedy Austin Martin, and slugger Yunior Severino. Plus, which surprise prospects will make the 40-man roster this year? Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben put the finishing touches on a magical season from the 2023 Minnesota Twins after losing to the Astros in the ALDS. From Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner's magical rookie years to Pablo Lopez's emergence as an ace, they break down all the ways this season sets the Twins up for 2024 and beyond. Plus, a breakdown of Byron Buxton and Alex Kirilloff's offseason surgeries and how they impact the Twins' roster-building priorities, and a quick look at the AL and NL Championship Series.. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Twins are back in the ALDS! John and Ben recap the weird big-brain strategy match between the Blue Jays and the Twins in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series and look ahead to the ALDS matchup against the Houston Astros. Who's got the better starting pitching? Who will be the potential Game 4 starter? Which manager will get out of his team's way to a series win? All that, and more in this episode! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben give their raw reactions after Game 1 in the AL Wild Card Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays. The 0-18 streak is finally broken, thanks to future Wild Card Series MVP Royce Lewis' day at the plate, Twins' ace Pablo Lopez, and some timely lineup decisions from Rocco Baldelli. Plus, a look forward to Game 2! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben give their way-too-detailed look at the Twins' Wild Card Series with the Toronto Blue Jays, including how they've found success against Kevin Gausman, a secret plan to take down Yusei Kikuchi, and why the Twins bullpen and lineup are perfectly designed for a series against Toronto. Plus, a look at what Byron Buxton's potential role could be on the playoff roster, and some very encouraging news on Royce Lewis. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Hey just wanted to check in here at the end of the show notes to say that we love the Minnesota Twins a frankly unhealthy amount and there is a lot riding on breaking this 20 year playoff losing streak. Please win a game. Also the series. But let's just start with a game. Please. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Minnesota Twins are the 2023 AL Central champions! With the division title and playoff seeding all but wrapped up, John and Ben talk about key things to look for from the Twins in the final week, including the tight AL West race. Plus your usual weekly game recap, and a preview of the team's the Twins could end up facing in the Wild Card round. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben recaps a competitive Twins series with Tampa Bay and a relative handling of the White Sox. Then, with the division title all but wrapped up, he takes a look at the moves that got the Twins to this point and what a potential playoff roster could look like. Plus updates on Byron Buxton, Brock Stewart, and John's nemesis Chris Paddack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John recaps the staggering offensive output from the Twins against the Guardians, as well as a solid series win against the Mets at Target Field where Max Kepler narrowly missed adding a grand slam to the team weekly total. Plus, a few updates on some reinforcements to the Twins bullpen and offense! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben does a solo pod breaking down a disappointing Twins series loss to the Guardians and multiple resilient comebacks against the Rangers. He looks ahead to the next week which will give the Twins yet another chance to finish off the Guardians once and for all. Plus, did the Guardians claim all those pitchers just to mess with the Twins?? And who the hell is Andrew Stevenson? Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Another week is in the books and the Twins have extended their commanding division lead after taking 3 of 4 from the Texas Rangers. John and Ben look at the Twins strategy for the rest of the season, the importance of working in rest for Bailey Ober, how to save the bullpen (Chris Paddack is coming…) and why this next week will define the last month of the season for the Twins. Plus a live reaction to Michael A. Taylor's walk-off walk against the Rangers! Fans First Sports Network is giving away 4 FREE TICKETS to the Week 1 NFL game of YOUR CHOICE UP TO $5,000! Go to contest.fansfirstsports.com and enter your information for a chance to win! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben banter about Dallas Keuchel unbelievably taking a perfect game into the 7th inning, Pablo Lopez solidifying his ace status, the young guys leading the lineup to greener pastures, and Byron Buxton's hopeful return to center field. And of course, a complete recap of the Twins' games. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ben are back to recap a weird week of Twins baseball, losing 3 of 4 against the lowly Detroit Tigers while taking 2 of 3 from the red hot Philadelphia Phillies. Plus they talk about Pablo Lopez's Cy Young candidacy, Emilio Pagán's surprising reliability, and Dallas Keuchel's predictable implosion. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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