The SKOR North Twins Show - A Minnesota Twins Podcast

Torii Hunter made his TV debut and it was a hit. We're sincerely sorry for that bad pun. We'll do better. Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the possible value of a guy like Torii Hunter, and why a local TV broadcast (or a grinding coaching job) won't be the only avenue open to him. It's also bobblehead giveaway week! And what's next for Byron Buxton? Is he back on track? Does he need more work...

Optimism Reigns on this bonus episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast, from Monday's Mackey & Judd show on 1500ESPN. Phil Mackey, Judd Zulgad and Derek Wetmore discuss 3 reasons for genuine optimism with regard to the 2017 Twins season. What's gone wrong with Kyle Gibson? And how much longer is he going to be pitching for the Twins? Also, a discussion about the ethics of self-policing in baseball...

Derek Falvey and Thad Levine have implemented some smart processes, and Phil Mackey is on board. Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss 3 such changes on this episode of the Touch 'Em All podcast. And you can win a Brian Dozier bobblehead by answering this trivia question correctly! Listen to the episode for details. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:...

Joe Mauer was shifted to an extreme degree this weekend, and he doesn't seem interested in adjusting to pull the ball to right field. Bert Blyleven pointed that out on TV--are his criticisms accurate? Also, watch what pitchers are doing to Byron Buxton when he gets to two strikes. It'll tell you a lot about what they think of him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...

The 5-1 Twins have gotten off to a great start to the year, and you can't take that away from them. Do you expect any of this to last? Will the Twins contend this year? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore from 1500ESPN discuss that on the latest episode. On the flip side, what are the concerning things you've seen so far from the Twins? What's wrong with Byron Buxton? Can he straighten it out at the pla...

Derek Wetmore joins the Mackey & Judd show on 1500ESPN to talk about the Twins good start to the season. What positives have you seen that you didnt expect? They talk pitching, the hit (and walk) parade, and Jason Castro's early impact. Then its all discussion on Byron Buxton and whether or not the Twins should already be concerned. Lastly, theres a trade rumor out there about Ervin Santana. W...

The Twins are using advanced metrics to make lineup decisions. What do you think about that? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore are answering opening day questions on what the lineup looks like, how it will play out this season, and what to expect from some of the most important contributors. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n...

Who will win the World Series this year? Who are the postseason teams? Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore and Judd Zulgad discuss. But also, will Phil Hughes allow over or under 34 home runs this year? Will Joe Mauer ground into over/under 10 double plays? A little Over/Under game on the Twins on this show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...

All three of these guys we're talking about might be stars. But none of them are surefire bets. Miguel Sanos downside is what? Cleanup hitter? Buxton's downside is glove-first speed guy who cant hit in the big leagues? Berrios' downside is what? Fifth starter? Sixth starter? Which one of these guys is most like to reach his upside? Sano is probably the safest bet to be productive overall. Which is...

The Twins are thinking differently about their approach to success than they did under Terry Ryan. At least thats the conclusion that Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore have come to. On this episode of the podcast, Mackey and Derek talk about examples theyve heard from spring training, and get specific about why you can legitimately be optimistic the Twins picked the right leaders. A unique insight fro...

With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers and Phil Mackey back in Minneapolis, the boys dive DEEP into a geeky pitching discussion. It seems as if the Twins' new front office gurus are bringing more advanced conversations to the organization when it comes to pitching. Plus, Phil and Derek discuss a couple unorthodox lineup possibilities for the Twins. And much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...

With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers and Phil Mackey back in Minneapolis, the boys dive DEEP into a geeky pitching discussion. It seems as if the Twins' new front office gurus are bringing more advanced conversations to the organization when it comes to pitching. Plus, Phil and Derek discuss a couple unorthodox lineup possibilities for the Twins. And much more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...

This bonus Touch 'em All radio content brings Derek Wetmore, from Fort Myers, onto the Mackey & Judd Show to discuss three main subjects: Could Byungho Park still be a reliable contributor in 2017? Where should Joe Mauer bat in the Twins lineup? And will Byron Buxton begin the season as the Twins' leadoff hitter? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at...

From a practice field outside Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers (apologies for the random wind gusts), Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore drink two full pitchers of Twins Kool-Aid. That's right, this is the "Optimism Reigns" episode of the podcast, where Phil and Derek list five reasons to feel good about the Twins in 2017. We won't spoil the whole episode in this description, but let's just say Twins fans...

Joe Mauer said he believes the Twins are a better team with him on the field. Derek Wetmore, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss whether they agree or disagree in this radio segment from Fort Myers, Florida. What should Mauer's role be in 2017? And does he still possess any of the built-in valuable traits that made him such a great player in his prime? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...

From Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the daunting challenge facing Derek Falvey and Thad Levine -- fixing the Minnesota Twins' post-Johan era pitching staff. Phil rattles off some trends you won't believe. Plus, what can the Twins learn from teams in their own backyard? And what is a realistic timeline for improved pitching? See Privacy Policy at https://art19....

Derek Wetmore, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss Byron Buxton's 2017 Fangraphs projection on 1500 ESPN. What type of production should we expect to see from Buxton this year? Beyond this year? And what should Buxton's approach at the plate be going forward? This, and more, on a bonus episode of Touch 'em All. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:...

Derek Wetmore unveiled his latest Twins 25-man roster projection on 1500ESPN.com, so he and Phil Mackey go through it on this podcast. Which non-roster invite is likely to make the team? Should Jose Berrios start the season in the minor leagues? And which platoon makes the most sense for the Twins? Plus, much more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ht...

Baseball Prospectus projects the Twins to finish 80-82, which would be a massive improvement from last season's historically bad season. With Derek Wetmore in Fort Myers for spring training, he and Phil Mackey discuss the Twins chances to actually be relevant in 2017. What would that path look like? Mackey unveils one realistic way to shave 50 runs off last season's terrible pitching performance....

Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano are the two most important players for the Twins in 2017 and beyond. What does each have in store this year? Derek Wetmore previewed the 2017 season for each of them. It's not the deep stats dive you might expect, but rather a 30,000-foot overview of where each rising star sits as spring training begins. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...

'Not to start something here, but I'm going to ask you about Joe Mauer's role on the Twins.'Derek Wetmore joined Judd Zulgad and Brian Murphy this week to talk about Joe Mauer's role, how much he'll play, when he should sit in 2017, and also why Byung Ho Park is still an intriguing bat, despite the fact that he was DFA'd by the Twins late last week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...

The Twins DFA'd Byung Ho Park to make room on the roster for reliever Matt Belisle. They also DFA'd Pat Light to clear a spot for Ehire Adrianza. What should we make of the Park move? Are the Twins done signing players? Will Adrianza make the team? Who will start in left field: Robbie Grossman or Eddie Rosario? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:...

Should the Twins sign a free-agent reliever? Derek Wetmore joins Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad to talk about the available options linked to the Twins. If the Twins dont sign a reliever, who are the closer candidates on the roster? Wetmore gives the 4 options at closer next season for Minnesota, starting with Glen Perkins. If that doesnt work out, then what? Also, some thoughts on the Dodgers and Tw...

Live from TwinsFest, Phil Mackey, Derek Wetmore and Cory Provus talk to a host of guests about the new direction of the Twins and about the upcoming 2017 season. Guests include Max Kepler, Derek Falvey, Michael Tonkin, Jacques Jones, Thad Levine and Jason Castro. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

The Twins apparently passed on an opportunity to acquire highly-touted pitching prospect Jose De Leon, who went from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Tampa Bay Rays this week, in exchange for infielder Logan Forsythe. Did the Twins make the right decision holding out for more? Or should they have pounced on a chance to land De Leon? With Derek Wetmore out sick, Phil Mackey and Judd Zulgad discuss on...