You’ve probably noticed an awful lot of changes about the Twins over the past few weeks. Obviously it starts with an overhauled roster. But that’s not the only thing. At their manager’s request -- nay, insistence -- Minnesota has gotten more assertive on the basepaths. On the year, the Twins rank 22nd in Major League Baseball with a total of 72 stolen bases in 133 games. Over the past seven days, they lead the Majors with 10, including five just in Wednesday night’s 9-8 loss to the Blue Jays. Manager Rocco Baldelli has challenged his team to run the bases with aggression. He’s giving a lot more green lights when it comes to stolen-base opportunities, and he also wants his players looking for every chance to take an extra base. That means being alert on every pitch when they’re on base, making assessments as to whether it’s time to run, rather than waiting for a signal from the bench. It means thinking double from the instant they leave the box on a base hit. It means thinking first-to-third when they’re on base and a teammate hits a single. It’s a mindset. “I like it when I talk about something with the group, and then see a response,” Baldelli said. “And sometimes you can talk about things and not really see much change. In this instance, I think we’ve seen a lot change. It’s only been a few games, but it was I think a really well-received challenge. And giving our players responsibility to watch and learn and react and use their awareness, instincts, and show us their ability to play the game. Giving guys the green light on the bases really puts a lot of the onus on them. And I think they want that. I think they actually feel good about it. And it gives them chances to just play. To just show what they can do on the field, show their ability.” |
The Twins do have a somewhat more athletic roster than they did before the Deadline, with Austin Martin and James Outman added to the mix. But it’s not just the speedier players Baldelli wants thinking about running. He wants the thought process to be there for everyone. “I mean I would love to try to steal bases,” said Kody Clemens, who tallied his second steal of the year and the third of his career on Wednesday. “It’s more so just trying to get the right timing on jumps and stuff like that but it’s always a plus when you can get guys to second base. Any singles or walks, now he’s letting guys steal whenever they want. I think it’s going to be awesome to watch.” There are some exceptions. In situations where it’s obviously, unquestionably the wrong choice to try to steal, players will be held back. And it doesn’t mean go on every pitch. But there are bases to be had. And playing against aggressive teams can be no fun. Teams like the Brewers and Rays have demonstrated that to the Twins this year. Baldelli knows there will be some downside. If you push aggressively, sometimes it’s going to cost you. But the upside is not just the extra bases gained. It’s an extra level of engagement from players, an energy that should permeate throughout the game. “It absolutely will force guys to be more dialed in, engaged, watching the game, watching the finer points of what’s going on when they might not be at the plate,” Baldelli said. “Or their at-bat’s not about to come up. But they’re in the dugout and there’s always something to do. There’s always something to watch and there’s always something to pick up when you’re out there on the field and there’s a game going on in front of you.” |
MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
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Pablo López took another step forward in his rehabilitation on Tuesday night, throwing four innings for Triple-A St. Paul at Toledo. He threw 68 pitches, 46 for strikes, and got 14 swinging strikes. López allowed three runs on six hits, striking out five without allowing a walk. The club has not announced when his next start will be, but it is most likely that he would pitch again for St. Paul on Sunday, again at Toledo. That could put him in line to return to the Major League rotation on the Twins’ next road trip, perhaps on Sept. 5-6 in Kansas City. The right-hander has been out since early June due to a teres major muscle strain in the back of his right shoulder. |
As I write this, the Twins are just about to finish up a road trip to Chicago and Toronto. When they get back home, they’ll host the Padres starting Friday, and one of the year’s most anticipated giveaways is set for that series. On Saturday night, the first 10,000 fans will receive a replica of the new Joe Mauer statue. For tickets, visit this link. Also coming on the homestand is Bark at the Park, set for Tuesday, Sept. 2. When you purchase a special ticket package for the event, you’ll receive a Twins-branded dog food and water canteen as well as admission to the game. Details can be found here. |
AND, FINALLY, THE PLAYLIST |
I’m not in Toronto, but the team is, so it seems like a good time for a playlist of some favorite Canadian artists. Alanis Morrissette, “Not the Doctor” Metric, “Help I’m Alive” Tegan and Sara, “Back In Your Head” Broken Social Scene, “Cause = Time” Barenaked Ladies, “The Old Apartment” |
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