The SKOR North Twins Show - A Minnesota Twins Podcast

*Derek Wetmore: "This Twins offense has the potential to be great" *The impact of the Marwin Gonzalez addition *Can the pitching staff be good enough? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Highlights from the press conference to introduce Marwin Gonzalez, the Multi-Positional Everyday Player, to the Minnesota Twins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Marwin Gonzalez agreed to a 2-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. This show presents 5 thoughts on what it means for Minnesota, with Derek Wetmore and Dan Hayes. This completes the "low-key great offseason" for the Twins. 1. What does this say about the offseason commitment in regard to the payroll for the Twins? 2. What position(s) will he play for this club? 3. Can you make the case that he shou...

*How Machado's deal could impact the AL Central *Are the Twins relying on too many guys to "bounce back"? *Convinced Miguel Sano gets it? Or is it still wait and see? *Will the Twins name a closer? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

*Derek Wetmore predicts 25-man roster *Will Willians Astudillo make the cut? *Thad Levine has early thoughts on spring training, including Miguel Sano. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

The Twins signed Jorge Polanco to a contract extension. Do we like the signing? What are the other comparable deals around the league? They also agreed that Max Kepler gets his extension. Do we like THAT deal? And are there other deals in the MLB that we think mirror his? Does this mean they should go get your big-name free agents? Would you go get closer Craig Kimbrel? What changes about the wint...

The Twins could be looking at contract extensions for some of their young core, and Phil Mackey, Ramie Makhlouf and Derek Wetmore discuss what a new deal could look like for Byron Buxton. Also, more "reckless speculation" on Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. 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 added Lucas Duda on a minor league deal, and Phil Mackey and Ramie Makhlouf discuss why it makes some sense for the Twins to take a flyer on the 33-year-old. Later, Dan Hayes of The Athletic joins for a more in-depth look at Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

The best prospect in the Minnesota Twins farm system is ... Alex Kirilloff. There's plenty of talk about Royce Lewis -- and it's been deserved -- but the person getting overlooked too often is Kirilloff, says Derek Wetmore. Phil Mackey chimes in on the underrated prospect who could be "on the radar" for a callup as early as 2019, per Mackey. Also: Who are you stone-cold counting on for a bounce ba...

Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore, Ramie Makhlouf and Manny Hill give their optimistic outlook on the Twins in 2019. Also, Derek has thoughts on who could potentially represent the Twins in the All-Star Game in Cleveland in July. Later, the guys go over some proposed rule changes in MLB. Should the DH be applied to both leagues? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notic...

The range of outcomes is bigger for Byron Buxton than most -- or all -- MLB players. Will he be an American League All-Star this year? Ramie Makhlouf says that he will, and is on the record with that bold prediction. Will J.O. Berrios repeat as a Twins ASG representative? Which other players are on that list? We have 9 candidates -- including 3 darkhorses -- that could legitimately make the all-st...

The Twins apparently don't want to swing for the fences with this year's crop of superstar free agents. They have to eventually, right? Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf dig into the Craig Kimbrel reports, plus much more on the future of the Twins and free agency. Who are the biggest names at the top of the class in 2020? 2021? Will Nolan Arenado find himself in a Twins uniform in the future? Mike...

Should the Twins be in on Craig Kimbrel? Do you want Minnesota to sign the market's premier reliever to add to the bullpen? Ramie Makhlouf, Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey debate the idea of the Twins going after the 30-year-old flamethrower reliever. Mackey explains why the Twins should be in, Wetmore tells us why it may not be a good idea -- and why the Twins won't do it this year. How about some...

Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf talk all things Twins, as Derek has takeaways from Twins Fest over the weekend. Byron Buxton has apparently gained 21 pounds. Will this help with his durability? Also, more on the Twins payroll debate; It sounds like the Twins will not be in on Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, but should they be? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...

Have the Twins done enough spending this winter to be competitive in 2019? Derek Wetmore pins Dan Hayes to ask the tough question. What's Byron Buxton up to these days? Some early positive signs from new Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. And are you optimistic about the immediate future of the Minnesota Twins? All that, plus Jerry Bell and Joe Nathan are headed to the Twins Hall of Fame. Our thanks to...

Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf discuss the long-going Twins Payroll debate. Should the Twins spend more, or are they playing the cards right? Later, Dustin Morse joins for a look ahead to Twins Fest this weekend. Also, more on the Hall Of Fame announcement and Derek has some thoughts on Miguel Sano and Jose Berrios. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

Does Martin Perez move the needle? What does his signing mean for the pitching staff? Is he really going to be slotted into the rotation? And do you get the sense that the Twins don't view themselves as contenders right now? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the 2019 offseason as a whole, and Phil is back at the payroll debate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pri...

Phil Mackey and Ramie Makhlouf have some optimism on the Twins in 2019 after taking a look at their potential everyday lineup. Is 84 wins a possibility? Derek Wetmore joins to discuss that and has more takes on the Twins offseason. Should they remain busy in free agency? Also, Mackey poses a question: Would you trade Byron Buxton for a front line pitcher? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

Phil Mackey announces some exciting, major changes at 1500, beginning right now! For starters, we’ve got a new name now – SKOR North (and SKORNorth.com)… And an expanded menu of Minnesota sports content across multiple platforms. You’ll be able to find SKOR North LIVE & LOCAL on AM 1500 (between noon & 7 weekdays), starting with a daily Vikings show at NOON on weekdays called Purple Daily....

Former Twins player Darin Mastroianni joins the show to discuss the importance of veteran leadereship, and why Nelson Cruz will help the Twins win. Derek Wetmore asks Mastroianni about the impact that Cruz can make. There were also some great stories about his former managers, Paul Molitor and Ron Gardenhire. Plus, how players like Jamey Carroll and Justin Morneau helped teach him how to become a...

The Twins officially signed Nelson Cruz and DFA'd Aaron Slegers on Thursday. Derek Wetmore and Jake Depue analyze the move, the best and worst outcomes, Derek Falvey "The Economist." Topics: -Nelson Cruz, Professional Leader -Which players will see the most impact on the Minnesota Twins' roster? -Are you worried about a decline in performance? -How is Cruz the ageless wonder? -How many home runs w...

Nelson Cruz's agent joined Darren Wolfson on 1500ESPN to talk about the newest addition for the Twins. Thad Levine helped to recruit Nelson Cruz, according to Cruz's agent, on this show from Thursday, December, 27. Jonathan Schoop also helped to recruit the underrated slugger to his new team -- and also helped sell the Twins on Cruz. Cruz's agent talked about the recruitment process, Cruz's leader...

What'd you think of Joe Mauer's number retirement ceremony? Are the Twins going to make splashy moves this winter? How good do you think THEY think they are? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

It's official. Joe Mauer's No. 7 will go up in the limestone in left field at Target Field this summer. We learned that at an event at Cretin Derham Hall on Tuesday morning. Kent Hrbek broke the news to Mauer, who was at an apparent loss for words over the honor. Highlights from the press conference in this episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Byron Buxton was sent out in September and told to go home and get healthy. Speaking to the media at a recent charity event, he made it known that he wasn't happy with management's decision to shut him down. Phil Mackey thinks Buxton needs to pump the brakes on his public comments -- while Derek Wetmore argues that Buxton has every right to be mad. Other topics discussed: Nelson Cruz, Alex Kirillo...