Justin Morneau is set to become the latest ex-Twin to rejoin the organization in their post-playing career. Like O.J. did with his legal defense team, Minnesota is adding a plethora of off-the-field assistance.

Morneau returning is almost as much of a feel good story for Minnesotans as Millie getting Vikings’ tickets:

Vikings gift 99-year-old fan with tickets to Sunday’s game https://t.co/iXyXLPxCdK pic.twitter.com/Lm4Xo7eJTn

— Pioneer Press (@PioneerPress) January 9, 2018

#SKOL

The way I see it, hiring the 2006 AL MVP is more of a PR move than anything. There is nothing that suggests he will add much, if any, REAL value in his role as a special assistant. I know Morneau played 14 years in the big leagues, but so have a hell of a lot of other guys.

Regardless, my frustration doesn’t lie with bringing back our beloved Canadian. It lies with the lack of actual roster moves we’ve made this offseason. Outside of the bullpen, the Twins have made ZERO additions towards their 2018 MLB team. At least this latest free agent rumor has more potential than the Nick Buss signing.

Twins Have Shown Interest In Chris Tillman https://t.co/PziePA11X5 pic.twitter.com/6ebWlyjS9R

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 8, 2018

Along with Minnesota, Detroit and Baltimore (the franchise he’s pitched for his entire career), are also interested in acquiring Chris Tillman’s services.

The free agent is a 29 year-old, right-handed starting pitcher with a career 4.43 ERA over 1,118.1 innings pitched. In addition to his to low 90’s fastball, he bolsters a slider/cutter, curveball, and change-up. Due to shoulder issues, the 2013 All Star didn’t begin pitching last year until mid-May. Just like the Twins in the 2017 playoffs, this guy is a wildcard.

His stats from last season are bad enough to cause sea-sick-esque nausea.

• 1-7 Win/Loss Record
• 7.84 ERA
• 1.892 WHIP

The California Native’s drop in velocity resulted in some of the worst pitching numbers throughout the entire majors. In fairness to Tillman, there’s a good chance his health was less than 100%.

Per reports, he is looking for a one year “prove it” type of deal, in hopes of acquiring more of a demand in the 2019 free agent market.

As for my opinion, I’m against signing Tillman. Like they teach you in junior high health class, about using drugs and alcohol, I’m just saying no.

Outside of Mike Zimmer, no one has a crystal ball that shows them the future. Whether or not Tillman has the ability to be anything close to his former All-Star self remains to be seen. Either way, the shoulder issues, parlayed with those 2017 statistics are obvious red flags.

If you scratch last season and peel back the onion to 2016, it shows he had an impressive 16-6 record. However, rip that sucker back another layer and you’ll see that he closed that season with a lackluster two wins over his final six decisions. In the event he does sign with Minnesota, I hope I’m eating crow while watching him perform well above his cost.

Yes, Yu Darvish carries a more expensive price tag than Tillman. With that being said, if you have champagne taste and champagne money, you buy f*cking champagne. Unfortunately, sometimes, the Pohlad’s taste buds resemble that of a Wisconsinite.

Damnit. What a waste. I either need their pockets, or they need my palate.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

It was announced on Wednesday that the Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with the 2017 Pacific Coast League (“PCL”) Batting Champion, Nick Buss.

The 31 year-old spent last season hitting .348 while playing for the San Diego Padre’s AAA affiliate. It is fully anticipated that Buss’ Twins tenure will begin in Rochester.

Stand up, Twins Nation!

Okay, okay. That reference MAY have been a stretch. Not all champs are treated alike. Buss’ batting crown isn’t QUITE up to the standards set by the late Muhammad Ali.

As mentioned earlier, his accomplishment came in the PCL. That league is one of the three (International & Mexican) leagues at the AAA level.

The Twins AAA affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings, are part of the International League. Meaning, when Buss starts his season with Rochester, he’ll be facing a SIMILAR level of competition compared to last year. The two leagues aren’t exactly apples to apples. Even though they’re at the same minor league level, the PCL is known for having a higher offensive output.

Seat belts everyone!

The @Twins signed 2017 PCL Batting Champ, Nick Buss, to a minor league deal this week! https://t.co/hWcR4G4oYC pic.twitter.com/BMMSwrlywP

— Rochester Red Wings (@RocRedWings) January 4, 2018

Oh, shit… Is it just me or is that a terrible nickname? “The Magic Nick Buss.” It’s like my elementary-school-teaching mother chose it. Not good.

Regardless, Buss, an outflieder, was originally drafted in 2008 by the Dodgers. The 8th round selection has played in 44 career MLB games. Of those games, 8 were with the Dodgers, while the other 36 were as a member of the Angels. In exactly 100 big league at bats, Nick Buss has 18 hits (1 HR) and 25 strikeouts.

With the left-handed hitting, USC product destined for Rochester, the agreed upon contract is a minor league deal. The Twins are young, talented, and have depth in the outfield. Only time will tell whether or not this season brings Buss his first MLB action since 2016.

This isn’t a big fish by any means, but it’s a fish nonetheless. As for whether or not Minnesota will land a monster this off-season, that remains to be seen. Those big boys are difficult to net. They’re experienced and slippery as all hell:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com