But if for only one game, it was the pitching staff — led by rookie starter Joe Ryan and scoreless appearances from unknown relievers, Jhoan Duran, Jorge Alcala and Danny Coulombe — who kept the Twins within striking distance of the Seattle Mariners on Opening Day.

Jhoan Duran, 100mph Fastball and 96mph Splinker, Overlay. pic.twitter.com/zvXXoxIint

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2022

Offense Lacking, Pitching Not

Unfortunately, the highly touted offense, especially Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa, failed to drive in runs when given opportunities. Both superstars went 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position. A solo homerun from newcomer, Gio Urshela, was the only run the Twins got on the scoreboard. Correa did have one of four Minnesota hits and his glove can’t be left out of this equation. He saved a run or two with his play at shortstop.

Carlos Correa showing off his platinum glove in his new colors! ???????? pic.twitter.com/Hiycite6nk

— Just Baseball (@JustBBMedia) April 8, 2022

Joe Ryan is the first Opening Day starter the Twins have trotted onto the mound since 1969. He certainly wasn’t perfect, surrendering a 2-run HR to Mitch Haniger in the first inning and struggling to locate his fastball all day, but Joe Cool battled and certainly held up his end of the bargain (4 IP 2 R, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K), especially given the circumstances.

Gary Sanchez: Almost a Hero

Down 2-1, the Minnesota Twins gave one more heart-stopping run at a victory in the bottom of the 9th inning. Luis Arraez manufactured a pinch hit single to leadoff the inning but it was followed by two-straight strikeouts. Then with two outs, Gary Sanchez connected with 2-2 pitch from Seattle closer Drew Steckenrider.

Sanchez thought he had walked off the Mariners in his first game as a Twin. Dick Bremer was convinced of the same fate. They were both wrong. Jesse Winker caught it at the left field fence and the game was over. Seattle wins 2-1.

Gary Sanchez thought he was still at Yankee Stadium pic.twitter.com/IQnaswvRfP

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 8, 2022

Now, the 0-1 Minnesota Twins will look to get back to .500 tomorrow with Sonny Gray on the hill.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Catcher Ben Rortvedt is headed to the Yankees along with Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, sources tell ESPN. Catcher Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela are going to Minnesota.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 14, 2022

What is happening?

It’s difficult to know what this move means for the Twins competitiveness this season. There have been conflicting reports coming from respected national baseball reporters (Rosenthal vs Nightengale) on whether or not the Twins plan flip Sanchez, much like they did with Kiner-Falefa.

With moves they had made leading up to this one, it felt like the Minnesota front office was well on its way to fielding a competitive team baseball team, come April 7. And while this trade doesn’t necessarily signal a rebuild, it’s certainly a step backwards for their immediate chances.

But what’s clear, is how much money they will save now and into the future. Josh Donaldson was on the books for $23 million in 2022 and $21 million in 2023. Sanchez and Urshela will combine to make just $14 million in 2022 and both are scheduled to be free agents when the season is over.

Twins' payroll is roughly $95 million right now, about $40 million below their recent spending levels.

They're back to needing a shortstop, with Carlos Correa and Trevor Story still unsigned.

They still need a starting pitcher, but there are no high-end free agents remaining.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) March 14, 2022

What Falvine does with money they’ve saved is what will dictate their relevancy in the upcoming season. If the Minnesota Twins really want to win now, they’ll double down and deal for more and better pitching. Currently, they sit $40 million short of what they paid in 2021 player salaries.

Stay tuned.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan