via GIPHY

Well said, Yoda. This is a talented Twins team that could come together and make a serious run… but that talent could also all get hurt in the first week of the year like last season and end up in 3rd place again in the Central Division. While I can’t predict the future, I can give you a good idea of what it will look like if 5 of the Twins most important pieces succeed or fail, and how they all fit together.

Miguel Sano

Some good news for the Twins: Miguel Sano's boot was removed today and he will begin rehabbing tomorrow.

— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) March 22, 2019

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Miguel Sano finds himself at a crossroads heading into the 2019 season. After another freak injury slowed the start of his 2019 Spring Training, he once again finds himself behind the 8-ball. And after a season where he found himself demoted all the way to Single A, Sano has a lot to prove in what might be his final shot. If Sano plays well, then he will stick around and become a staple of this franchise for the foreseeable future. If he struggles again, we may see the last of him in a Twins uniform.

 What success looks like: Miguel Sano can hit home runs, we know that. In his rookie season in 2015 he hit 18 home runs in 80 games. His numbers dipped a little in 2016 but he still hit 25 dingers in 116 games. Sano’s most productive season was 2017, when he hit 28 homers and drove in 77 runs in 114 games. Even in a disastrous 2018, where he only played in 71 games and batted a putrid .199, Sano still hit 13 home runs.

 Sano will miss the first few weeks of the season, but seeing that he’s never played more than 116 games in an MLB season, he’ll have plenty of time to put up numbers as big or bigger than in seasons past. The addition of Marwin Gonzalez will afford Sano more time to ease in as a DH, while he finishes his recovery. That should help his bat come around more quickly. Baseball-Reference projects him to hit 19 home runs in 2019.

 What failure looks like: Injury-ridden.

If Sano suffers a setback in his rehab and misses most of May or his conditioning suffers due to his walking boot, that’s caused him over a month of conditioning. Or if Sano isn’t able to play 3rd base, due to injury or poor conditioning. All of these injury and health factors could lead to Sano having another disastrous season and likely a trip elsewhere next year. Outside of injuries and weight/health, if Sano doesn’t show improved plate discipline, he’ll never reach his potential.

 What 2019 Miguel Sano looks like: Give me the over on those projected numbers. Sano is hungry to prove he can stick at the major league level and I think he does it. Put me down for .260 30 home runs and 100+ RBIs (all in 130-ish games).

 BOLD Sano prediction (because above wasn’t bold enough): Sano forces the Twins to buy at the Trade Deadline, singlehandedly, with 10 plus home runs in July.

Byron Buxton

Man #Twins CF Byron Buxton is having some kind of spring.

2-for-3 today with a run scored and 2 SB.

13-for-29 .448 AVG/1.451 OPS with 5 R, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 3 SB, 2 BB, and only 4!! K's (12.9% K rate)

— Christopher Soto (@SotoC803) March 18, 2019

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Another Twin in need of a big bounceback campaign, Buxton has been slowed by injuries and inconsistency throughout his young career. We have seen flashes of his potential, and if he can put it together for a full season (and stay healthy) he’ll be a great CF at the Major League level. If not, he will join Miguel Sano in needing a change of scenery.

What success looks like: Byron Buxton’s biggest flash of optimism happened in the second half of 2017, when he hit 11 home runs down the stretch with a .300 BA. His defense is already good enough to warrant him being in the lineup every day, when healthy, and some “back to the basics” with his swing has resulted in monster numbers in spring training.

Success would be Buxton flying all over Target Field, making acrobatic catches and hitting gaps with the stick, increasing his confidence and allowing him to finally unlock his full potential. Success for Buxton this year would be nearly 150 games played with the production that resembles the end of his 2017.

What failure looks like: Injured… again.

Another big talent and more injury concerns… If Buxton gets hurt early on and can’t stay on the field, all of the progress we’ve seen in Spring Training could be for not. Beyond injuries though, if Buxton again struggles with off-speed pitches and takes hits to his confidence early, who knows where his career goes..

What 2019 Byron Buxton looks like: If Buxton’s Spring Training numbers are any indication, he should be in line for a huge bounce-back campaign. Baseball-Reference has him projected for .237 with 8 home runs. I’m taking the (way) over on those numbers. If (BIG if) we get 150 games from him, 15 home runs, 90 runs scored and a batting average around .270 that would be a massive win for the Twins.

BOLD Buxton prediction: Buxton steals 50 bases and is only caught 5 times.

NELSON CRUZ

As I detailed in December, Nelson Cruz has done damage on fastballs up this past season. In demoing with MLB Network, Cruz said he made attacking high fastballs a priority.

Very good adjustment for the old dog.pic.twitter.com/d0IE63dk2X

— Parker Hageman (@ParkerHageman) March 25, 2019

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Cruz was the big free agent addition for the Twins this offseason. With an offense that already boasts several impressive young players, he felt like a perfect fit as the veteran DH. Cruz has been remarkably consistent throughout his career, and will be a welcome addition to the middle of the lineup. The biggest question with Cruz is whether or not his numbers dip (down to .256 & 97 RBI…) last year was just a blip on the radar or a sign of gradual decline. The Twins will happily take Cruz, even on a “down year”

What success looks like: Cruz has averaged 40 homeruns over the last 5 seasons in both Seattle and Baltimore. While it is very easy to hit homeruns in Baltimore, it isn’t as easy in Seattle, so his numbers look very good, overall. Target Field initially was labeled a “pitchers park” but it seems that the offense has started to catch up. If Cruz can replicate his numbers over the past few years and be one of the leaders in the clubhouse, his addition will go down as one of the better signings the Twins have had in recent memory.

What failure looks like: If the 2018 season was not just a down year for Cruz and he declines at an even faster pace..Or, if he battles injuries and isn’t able to stay on the field. Those are really the only 2 factors that can lead to Cruz having a season deemed “a failure”

What 2019 Nelson Cruz looks like: Nelson Cruz is projected to hit 34 home runs and drive in 101 runs in 2019. I will again take the over because Cruz is hungry to prove last year was a fluke. Plus he loves hitting at Target Field.

BOLD Cruz prediction: 45 home runs for Cruz, and a Silver Slugger award for his efforts.

Trevor May

And I think that Trevor May will be their best reliever all year long and could be a fantastic closer! https://t.co/tHCYEG5rTi

— Seth Stohs (@SethTweets) January 29, 2019

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Unlike the offense, the Twins really didn’t throw any money into their pitching staff other than Martin Perez and Blake Parker. Craig Kimbrel is still twiddling his thumbs waiting for the phone to ring, but don’t get me started on that. Someone on this roster will have to get some saves. And I think Trevor May should be the one to get the shot. Rocco Baldelli hasn’t named a closer officially, and probably won’t for a while, but May has the stuff to thrive.

What success looks like: May grabs the closer role and never lets it go. He has the personality to handle the ups and downs of the job and would do the Twins a huge favor by stepping up and succeeding. May doesn’t rely on contact, and can blow hitters away. He becomes the latest in a long line of closers who fall into the role, including LaTroy Hawkins, Eddie Guardado, Joe Nathan and Glen Perkins.

What failure looks like: May has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a Tommy John procedure that had him out for most of last season. If he struggles early, that could lead to a massive jump in his numbers and loss of confidence. Any prolonged inability to get hitters out could lead to a trip down to Rochester… or off the team completely.

What 2019 Trevor May looks like: Projections right now for May line up more with a late inning set-up reliever as opposed to a closer. I’m going to just throw these numbers out as what he could have: 75 appearances, 90 innings, 115 K’s and an ERA under 2.50. He is going to have a big year folks.

BOLD May prediction: 35 saves for May, and three playoff saves as well.

Rocco Baldelli

Rocco Baldelli says the #MNTwins bullpen strategy for at least the start of the season will be to play matchups and situations, but he's just going to let things play out and is open-minded to changing that. pic.twitter.com/pdSvdFnPsN

— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) March 25, 2019

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We finish with the Twins first year manager because he will be pivotal to this team’s success (or lack thereof). Baldelli was brought in because he is forward-thinking and innovative. The managers he has worked for are some of the most forward thinking and well-respected minds in the game. But how will he handle his first challenge? How will he handle his first late-game bullpen meltdown? How Baldelli reacts when the game is on the line will be nearly as important as how his players perform.

What success looks like: Baldelli employs some of the same tactics his former manager Kevin Cash has in Tampa Bay, and they lead to the team enjoying early success. While Cleveland falters, the Twins keep pace and make meaningful additions at the Trade Deadline and end up making the playoffs.

What failure looks like: The Twins struggle out of the gate. Baldelli turns out to be more of a Gabe Kapler than Kevin Cash, and the team ends up selling off assets at the deadline.

What 2019 Rocco Baldelli looks like: I expect Baldelli to manage aggressively, and to not be afraid to try new things. He will falter, as all managers do, but I think Baldelli enjoys success in his first year as Twins manager. The Twins are projected to win 80 games in 2019. Put me down for the over.

BOLD Baldelli prediction: 93 wins and Manager of the Year for Baldelli.

So there you have it, some of the names that are most pivotal to Twins’ success in 2019. Will they? Won’t they? I have no idea. One thing I do know though:

Willians Astudillo is on the #MNTwins’ Opening Day roster.

— Dan Hayes (@DanHayesMLB) March 25, 2019

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THIS is the one thing I am most happy about. Let Astudillo be the everyman. Let him play everywhere. Win or lose we should have fun with it. Because if it isn’t fun, what the hell is the point?

via GIPHY

Seth Toupal | MinnesotaSportsFan.com

Twins LOSE on walkout from Upton; 11 runs not enough:

The Twins were on a run like most didn’t think they had in them. Tonight looked like they won their 7th straight behind MORE hitting.

Mauer looks like he found a time machine. He went 2-5 tonight with a 2B and HR while tallying 5 RBI. He also made this catch:

Joe-Joe driving in 5 with a 2B and HR. AND playing D like this.. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/kCBaG1x6aV

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 13, 2017

Rosario and Buxton also both had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Berrios needed all the help he could get. He struggled to even get through the 1st inning, giving up 5 runs in that inning alone. He would only go 3.1 innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits.

Molitor would have to depend on his bullpen again. A bullpen that has been the achilles heel all year-long. Well, until they traded away their best bullpen pitcher. Ever since then, they have been a different staff.

But tonight, as the game would roll along, the Twins bullpen would show weakness. Dillon Gee was rock-solid for 3 innings but struggled to get through his 4th. He would be replaced by Trevor Hildenberger after giving up a run. Not long after that, Hildenberger would give up a 2-run homer that cut the lead to just 1: 11-10.

Belisle would have to come in to get the last out of the 8th, which he did. Sano got a chance with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the 9th, but struck out. He did have 2 hits on the night, however.

That would prove costly. After a bloop hit to start the bottom of the 9th, red-hot Justin Upton came to the plate. Torii Hunter was in the booth pleading for Belisle to NOT throw Upton a fastball anywhere near the upper-half of the zone. Belisle should have listened.

Belisle threw exactly that. Upton’s ball is still going. The Twins’ streak would end at 6 and they will go for the series’ win on Sunday. It would be a big deal for the Twins to leave Detroit with a win. They will head home to face Cleveland for 3 and Arizona for 3, right after. That will be the toughest 6-game stretch the rest of the season.

If they can make it out, still in the playoff hunt, things take a turn in their favor. Read more about that here.

Tre Jones announcing commitment Sunday:

The chances he goes to the Gophers aren’t very good… But they are better than every single team other than 1…

⏳ pic.twitter.com/hlAF9UmxHz

— Tre Jones (@trejones03) August 12, 2017

Twins top draft pick, Royce Lewis quickly called up to (A) Cedar Rapids:

Royce Lewis did something most prospects aren’t able to do. It was announced today, and Lewis played his first game there today, that he was called up to (A) Cedar Rapids. By moving to Cedar Rapids from the Gulf Coast League, Lewis skips the Appy League in Elizabethton. Normally, rookies hope to rise to Elizabethton by the end of their rookie campaign. It is a really good sign that Lewis was able to skip that step altogether and join the team in Cedar Rapids already.

The #MNTwins have promoted 2017 #1 overall pick Royce Lewis to the @CRKernels. Is there precedence for this? https://t.co/f7cMlAAmsQ

— Twins Daily (@twinsdaily) August 12, 2017

Here is his THIRD hit in his FIRST game with Cedar Rapids:

#RoyceLewis‘s THIRD hit of the night is an RBI single. #batting1000 #MNTwins #CRKernels pic.twitter.com/2JlmVyOd70

— TCAnelle (@TCAnelle) August 13, 2017

Make that 4-4…

That’s FOUR! #RoyceLewis #CRKernels #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/W2ZPPy99wW

— TCAnelle (@TCAnelle) August 13, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

After leaving us to think about Vikings Football and Andrew Wiggins for Kyrie Irving deals a, couple weeks ago, they now have us dreaming of MLB playoff births.

The Twins are now 2 games over .500 and would even be in the playoffs if the season ended after Friday’s games. A glance into the record this season would tell you the Twins have been VERY average all season long.

They haven’t gone on long winning streaks (6 – current) but have also been able to avoid long losing streaks (4). In the early months they would finish just barely above .500; later months would fall just short of that mark.

Baseball-Reference:

Really, the hot start to August (8-3) does nothing more than make up for the fall-off they had in July. And, that’s what the record shows: 58-56.

But what if we look a little deeper…

We have heard a lot this year about how the Twins have played at home vs. away this season. The discrepancy is definitely there.

Baseball-Reference.com

However, this is a hard number to rely on. Let’s look a LITTLE bit closer:

There is another discrepancy available to us that tells a bigger story:

#MNTwins have 48 games remaining. 33 of them are vs teams BELOW .500@Twins are 39-26 vs. teams BELOW .500 this year… pic.twitter.com/bDPE1pXVtX

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

So, the Twins are very good against bad teams (duh..). Well, they happened to have a lot of bad teams on the schedule for the rest of the season.

Once finished in Detroit, the Twins will come back to Minnesota to open up a 3 game series against the Indians. Depending on how the next couple games vs. Detroit go, the series could decide the 1st place team in the Central, once finished. Then, the Diamondbacks come to town. They are currently 13 games over .500.

If the Twins can escape those two series in-tact, the schedule REALLY turns in the Twins’ favor. The next 8 series (27 games) are against teams who total at 54 games BELOW .500.

Once that stretch ends, the Twins will have just 13 games left…

This is NOT saying the Twins will make the playoffs for the first time since 2010. BUT, Brian Dozier will have a VERY GOOD opportunity to prove his opinions right. That the Twins will, and can, make the playoffs RIGHT NOW. That retooling for the future doesn’t need to be as drastic as some think…

So, there you have it Brian. Go prove your front-office wrong. I haven’t gotten my Homer-Hanky out in a while. I am sure I can find it though…

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan
@RealMNSportsFan

Sources: Baseball-Reference.com

Photo: Pioneer Press

Twins (58-56) WIN 6th straight:

The Twins’s bats stayed hot tonight against Detroit and they take game 1 of the series 9-4. This recent streak has been pretty incredible. They got their first 3 runs off an Eddie Rosario HR and then 2 more in the 5th off a Max Kepler bomb.

This also happened:

Byron Buxton at it again #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/tJWCQWlyO2

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Gibson had the same reaction as you:

Gibson’s reaction to Buxton’s catch #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/VCgP3gvQq3

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Gibson was pretty good through 4 but found the same issues that have plagued him all season, in the 5th. Gibson has REALLY struggled when facing lineups the 3rd time around. He was pulled after 4.1 innings after giving up 2 runs; the second on a seeing eye single. Pressly came in to face the ever-dangerous Miguel Cabrera and got him to fly out to RF on his first pitch.

The Tigers would get a run in the bottom of the 6th. The Twins hitters don’t like when that happens. Dozier would get an RBI triple in the 7th followed by a Kepler base hit, his 3rd RBI of the game, and the Twins led 7-3 heading to the 8th.

If you score ON the #MNTwins pitchers, the hitters are coming for you like you scored WITH their little sister.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Mauer would continue his hot streak in the top of the 9th as he would hit a bases-loaded 2 RBI single to stretch the lead to where it would finish at 9-4.

Oh yeah, Kepler decided he wanted to get in on the fun in the outfield in the 8th:

Kepler’s turn! #MNTwins #OnlyRainDrops pic.twitter.com/9ecK0diMmq

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 12, 2017

Vikings @ Buffalo Reaction; Injury Updates:

I gave my reaction in yesterday’s MSF Daily. I have collected some other reactions both on Twitter and articles:

Here is Nick Swardson giving Chad Greenway some advice on how to watch a Vikings game. I have no gripes with it. The prep sounds about right:

Get in a padded room, wear a diaper, w/ a baseball bat & mannequin (that also can be used as a sex doll for TD’s), & a gallon of Fireball.

— Nick Swardson (@NickSwardson) August 11, 2017

Wobby:

1st OL needs to be better. DEF was good. Pass rush solid. Kickers very good. Rookies off to good start. I like Coley.

— Mike Wobschall (@wobby) August 11, 2017

Stacy Coley had himself a big debut last night with 3 catches for 67 yards.

?: https://t.co/mDHDxqU09d pic.twitter.com/MNqBm9sWe0

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

All eyes are on the starting center battle.

?: https://t.co/ANInwv0dwT pic.twitter.com/zWqWjxSF70

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

Sad news for Bishop Sankey…

JUST IN: Source says #Vikings RB Bishop Sankey suffered torn ACL on Thurs. night in Buffalo. @GoesslingStrib reports https://t.co/EZTEuJ6izj pic.twitter.com/VEm6PkRMYv

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 11, 2017

Lynx get new logo too:

A look into the future. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come in the 2018 season!

A post shared by minnesotalynx (@minnesotalynx) on Aug 11, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT

MSF Daily by Eric Strack

Timberwolves Jerseys officially released:

Well it took forever. We waited and waited and waited. BUT just like the logo reveal, we were disappointed. Now, just relax Timberwolves’ faithful. The jerseys aren’t terrible. They just aren’t really that great… I will wait to see what the alternates look like and hopefully they will make me feel better.

It’s interesting. Most agree that their favorite jerseys were the first two styles. The ’88-’89 uniforms are one of the greatest in sports history. “Old Shep” should have never left.

Anyway, hopefully these grow on me. Here they are:

New take x Bold vibe. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 10:01am PDT

The new threads have dropped. Bring on the New Era. #NewEraNewThreads

A post shared by Minnesota Timberwolves (@timberwolves) on Aug 10, 2017 at 8:20am PDT

Twins (57-56) SWEEP Brewers for 5th straight win:

The Twins leave Wisconsin on fire. No, they haven’t lit themselves aflame to rid the Sconnie smell from their clothes.  Not even flame can fix that stench.

The Brewers didn’t stand a chance all series against this team. They came in with a point to prove: That they aren’t giving up on this season. They left Miller Park with a 7-2 parting gift and will now make their way further east to meet Detroit, for a 3 game set, before heading home to face the Indians.

Dietrich Enns went just 2.1 innings, giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. The bullpen was PHENOMENAL from there. That is not a typo.

Eddie and Dozier kept their hot bats going, during the series, while Buxton, Polanco, and Joe-Joe seemed to have figured something out. I am just hoping it continues.

Buxton gets an RBI on a solid base hit the other way! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/CJ7qcSwqd9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Buxton 2 more RBI and I think I died and went to heaven. It is better here.

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

If Buxton and Polanco keep hitting….

…how much are World Series tickets?#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/OT21ZEgQ3o

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

When you are winning and having fun.. well.. baseball jokes:

Winning is fun #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/2UUxJPAFa9

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 11, 2017

Vikings WIN 17-10 @ Bills in first preseason game:

The Vikings were able to win again under Mike Zimmer in a preseason game. He is now 12-1 in preseason games.

However, things didn’t look as smooth for the first unit offense. The offensive line looked eerily similar to the one that ruined last season. The running game couldn’t get going behind it and the best offensive plays of the short night, for the 1st team, were screen plays…

Dalvin Cook looks shifty like we have heard but it was tough to get too much of a look with the space he had to run.

BUT, there IS a bright side! We won AND it’s only the first preseason game. Here is Adams from Heinicke on what would be the winner:

@Vikings at @buffalobills ? pic.twitter.com/IOvfLc01yF

— sjfreshgobomb (@DML_NE_Patriots) August 11, 2017

Here is Coach Zim’s reaction to the game:

? TUNE IN: Coach Zimmer takes the podium after first preseason win https://t.co/GAhdw5i7R8

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2017

Tre Jones to announce commitment on Sunday:

The time has come. Tre Jones is announcing his commitment on Sunday. Minnesota is still on his list AND 3 of his best friends have already committed to the U of M. However, don’t get your hopes up Gopher Bball fans. Most people who are plugged in have him going to Duke just like his brother.

However, we will still be watching. You never know right? right?

I am blessed to be in this position. I appreciate all the schools that have recruited me. I will be making my college decision on Sunday. ??

— Tre Jones (@trejones03) August 10, 2017

Apple Valley point guard Tre Jones (@trejones03) to make college choice Sunday. @Marcus_R_Fuller writes: https://t.co/j9lc3e8LdC #Gophers pic.twitter.com/UItOYdOviE

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 10, 2017

Wolves get primetime spots on Christmas and Opening Week:

Our Minnesota Timberwolves are blowing up right before our eyes. Is this team really going to bring Minnesota into a trendy team to cover and to play for? Maybe… until they get here in the winter…

Anyway, the Wolves will be playing in the most primetime spots this year as the NBA wants to show off one of its up-and-coming, star-studded teams.

The #KiaTipOff17 Schedule! ?⛹?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:00pm PDT

The 2017 #NBAXmas Schedule! ?❄️?

A post shared by NBA (@nba) on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Vikings @ Buffalo – PS Game 1 – Thursday: 6:00 PM

We get to watch REAL FOOTBALL tomorrow and there is SO MUCH to be watching for! Who will play Center? Dalvin Cook! Michael Floyd will see a lot of playing time. Taylor Heineke trying to take backup job from Keenum. How do the CBs fall? Who plays the 3rd LB spot?

Wobby and PA are on the scene as usual with Vikings.com:

“The big key for me is let’s have the first defense completely obliterate Buffalo’s offense.” – @PAOnTheMic

?: https://t.co/u7j9KkUqq0 pic.twitter.com/t9udni0vON

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 10, 2017

Timberwolves Jerseys release Thursday:

Finally. We FINALLY get to see the Timberwolves Jerseys on Thursday. It feels like forever since the logo was dropped. It is starting to seem like we already have a pretty good idea of what they will look like as hints have been dropped from everyone between NBA 2K to KAT to Wiggins. The only one not biting? Mr. TWolves Web Editor himself: Kyle Ratke.

Hey Timberwolves fans, stoked to be sharing our new uniforms for this season, hope to see each and every one of you there when we get started in October – thanks for all your support, see you at Target Center this fall!

A post shared by Karl-Anthony Towns (@karltowns) on Aug 9, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

A post shared by Andrew Wiggins (@22wiggins) on Aug 9, 2017 at 9:10am PDT

Are these the new #Twolves unis? #PowerOfThePack pic.twitter.com/nllnJu379M

— Howlin’ T-Wolf (@howlintwolf) August 8, 2017

I have never been to New Jersey. I think it’d be fun, though. https://t.co/rYV4J3M7s6

— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) August 9, 2017

Twins (56-56) WIN @ Brewers for 4 straight; Go for sweep Thursday:

The Minnesota Twins are on fire right now. They have gone across the border, been able to manage the TERRIBLE stench that fills your nostrils, which is a feat of epic proportions all in itself and beaten down the Brewers in the first 3 games of a 4 game set.

Tonight they won 4-0 behind BARTOLO. They have turned things around and put themselves just 1.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

Colon DOMINATED. He pitched 7 full innings and gave up 0 runs. That’s right. I can barely play softball at the age of 28 while Bartolo Colon is dominating the best hitters in the world at age 44.

He was helped out by a bevy of players including Polanco, Dozier, and Sano all picking up RBI. They are now back to .500 at 56-56.

.@BrianDozier prefers home runs. pic.twitter.com/NmeC2i31uj

— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2017

Being PJ Fleck: Episode 2 Aired Wednesday:

PJ Fleck is just an incredible human. Episode 2 dug a little deeper into the death of his son. What a sad story that is… and the reason for Row The Boat, a slogan that was created for Fleck’s son but is used throughout all aspects of his life.

Fleck just seems excited to be in Minnesota. He looks like a kid in a candy store.

However, when the kids get in front of him, and he says this multiple times, he is a teacher. He seems just as interested in making good humans as he does in winning football games. Hopefully those two will be synonymous.

Fleck hasn’t even hit the sidelines yet for the Gophers so things could really start to go south if winning doesn’t follow all the hype. I thought about this as I was watching the half-hour special: He talks about the need to row even harder when things go bad. About how many people, outside the Western Michigan locker room, pulled their oar out of the water when he went 1-11 in his first season with the Broncos. If Fleck does have a rough season, which I don’t believe he will, WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP ON THIS GUY?

He has been through more than most and yet you can’t slap the smile off his face.

He already sold me but I might be stalker status buy the time this 4th episode finishes… wait until he starts winning games..

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Matt Kalil Blames Everyone in MN, but himself:

MN is MEAN and it’s OUR fault Matt Kalil SUCKS. Just ask him: https://t.co/qzeNXES7nj

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) August 9, 2017

Twins (55-56) hitters stay HOT and BELT the Brewers; Sano is back:

Miguel Sano played in his first game back after being hit in the hand by a pitch a few games ago. The Twins hitters have been on fire lately and tonight was no exception. Max Kepler hit an early 2-run HR and the Twins led 2-1 before Mejia put 2 guys on and then left the game with an injury. Duffy came in and couldn’t save his injured starter, allowing both of Mejia’s runners to score, making it 4-2. But then, in the bottom of the 4th, Rosario started the inning with a HR of his own, making it a 4-3 game. Buxton would then get on and steal 2nd on a TERRIBLE pick-move pitcher in ex-Twin Matt Garza. Castro would end up walking anyway and Polanco would follow with the same result. That loaded the bases for Dozier who didn’t waste any time. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Dozier sat back on an outside fastball and smashed it the other way, over the flower pots in right field for the Twins’ first grand slam of the year! Max Kepler, not wanting to be outdone, would come up right after Dozier and hit his second HR of the night to make it an 8-4 game. The next inning, Rosario would hit HIS 2nd of the game… Are you kidding me?… 9-4 Good Guys. But, 4 RBI wasn’t enough for Dozier. He would single in Castro from 2nd base later in the 5th and they would head to the 6th inning leading 10-4. Polanco stayed hot and hit the ball well all game. He tripled home Rosario in the 7th to make it 11-4. Thats how the game would end. The Twins gained a game on 4 or 5 of the teams that are ahead of them in the wild card race. They now trail by just 1.5 games from the final WC spot.

Last day in Mankato for the Vikings:

Mankato has been home to the Minnesota Vikings training camp for 52 years. Today was the last day they will spend there. It was a bittersweet moment for many as the Vikings are set to open a state-of-the-art practice complex in Eagan next year. However, whenever you have spent that long doing something, there is always going to be that dread to leave. Here is the Star Tribune’s recap of this year’s events with a lot of pictures.

Final walkthru Mankato for @Vikings pic.twitter.com/foNvJsrwTU

— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) August 8, 2017

The Vikings break their huddle one last time in Mankato: pic.twitter.com/WHrDkhX7SD

— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) August 8, 2017

USA Today picks Gophers Football to finish 4-8 this season:

I know PJ Fleck is trying to tamper down expectations. However, I have a hard time believing things will be this bad:

Not rowing the boat: USA Today predicts #gophers will go 4-8 (2-7 in the Big Ten) in P.J. Fleck’s first year. https://t.co/BuCSZSwZXk pic.twitter.com/PMNxRcqJmD

— Star Tribune Sports (@StribSports) August 8, 2017

Darren Wolfson put this up from practice today. This team can’t be that bad:

Fleck & WR Eric Carter on Croft vs. Rhoda, plus a bevy of highlights from today’s open #Gophers practice. Video shot by @CharlieWeierke. pic.twitter.com/c9EKUQ48Om

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 9, 2017

New Timberwolves Jerseys leak?

Today a supposed leak of the new Timberwolves jerseys came from a CNet article… we think… I just looked at the article and I don’t see it anymore. Here is the picture but I find it interesting that @ConradBurry has been tagged in multiple pictures of the “supposed” leaked unifoms and hasn’t said anything about them all day. He was the one that leaked the Timberwolves Logo before it debuted. We will see.

New #Timberwolves Jerseys I think they look pretty nice certainly could’ve been a lot worse pic.twitter.com/N1yV5GBmdm

— Elijah Crawford (@El1jahCrawford) August 8, 2017

Kaprisov did NOT sign extension to remain in KHL?

Kirill Kaprisov is a russian hockey prospect who’s NHL rights are owned by the Wild. He is one of the best young prospects in the world but the Wild have NEVER met with him face-to-face and many are worried they never will. So, this was a topic of conversation today:

Kirill Kaprizov has denied that he had signed an extension in the KHL, says Minnesota is very much an option once his contract is up.

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) August 8, 2017

However, no other sources are reporting on this, including our beloved Michael Russo. MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Taylor doubles down on max-contract for Wiggins; wants defensive commitment from Wiggins first:

Monday, it was reported by Jon Krawczynski that Glen Taylor stated, again today, that the Timberwolves are committed to signing Andrew Wiggins to a max extension. It would keep Wiggins in Minnesota for the next 6 seasons. However, there was a stipulation. According to Krawczynski, Taylor wants to sit down with Wiggins and hear about his commitment to being a better 2-way player. Here is AP Guy’s full article.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor tells AP he is ready to give Wiggins max, but 1st wants meeting to hear from AW that he’s committed to improving

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

But this is vintage Taylor. Always wants to close a deal with a handshake and a frank conversation.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

Wiggins’ agent Bill Duffy is expected in town next week for face-to-face negotiations. Can’t imagine a deal is that far behind

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) August 7, 2017

This is a classic Taylor move. Twitter had interesting reactions to Taylor’s sentiment. Some love the old school approach he is taking while others are a little more critical. David Pan, over at HowlinTWolf.com (@HowlinTWolf) captured some of those reactions.

Bleacher Report lists Vikings #17 in Power Rankings:

The hype train for the Vikings is about dead, when you ask “experts” around the NFL. It is kind of interesting being they were picked to win the super bowl by a lot of people, last season with mostly the same team. Then, they crumbled our hopes and dreams in a slow, pain filled, agonizing death, from weeks 6-17.

Chris Simms even admits a desire to rank the Vikings as high as 12th, but couldn’t get himself to do it without seeing improvement from the offensive line first.

This is all a bunch of bullshit. I don’t see any reason why the Vikings can’t win the North. Middle fingers.

Latavius Murray activated off PUP List:

In a move that was anticipated, if not expected, Latavius Murray was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) on Monday. We are all hopeful to see him soon, if not on Thursday. However, it may take some time to bring him up to speed and get him in pads before putting him out there at full speed, getting hit by 1-3 year players, trying to make an impression, in hopes of landing a roster spot.

.@LataviusM has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform List and will practice today.

?: https://t.co/uKSv8kmwls pic.twitter.com/HcUBLCz3pA

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 7, 2017

Twins (54-56) WIN in game 1 of 4 vs Brewers at Target Field:

It wasn’t the night defensively that Molitor hoped for. The Twins committed 4 errors, Buxton with 2 of them. But the Brewers would give it back in the 7th. The Brewers were playing a crazy shift, with Rosario on 3rd, allowing him way off the base. He faked home drawing the Brewers pitcher to flinch, which is a balk, bringing Rosario home. That was the winning run when all the dust settled. The Twins gained a game on the Royals and Rays for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Here is Rosario’s big 7th inning thanks to FS1 and Clippit.TV

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Twins WIN today to halve series with Rangers:

The Twins participated in an interesting game today with the Rangers. The first inning was hard to watch. If you made it through, you would have seen Jose Berrios struggle, giving up 5 runs in the 1st alone.

Then, in the bottom half of the 2nd, it started raining hard enough to stop the game in a the middle of a Jason Castro at-bat. Apparently that is exactly what Berrios needed. He buckled down after that and held the powerful Rangers’ hitters to 0 runs through the next 4 innings.

The Twins were able to start the comeback, after the retched 1st half-inning by Berrios, with a Max Kepler BOMB to right field in the 2nd. Then, after the rain break… but in the same inning, Dozier hit a 2-run shot to left field to make it a 1-run game. The 3rd HR for the Twins came from Rosario, to tie the game in the 3rd. By the 4th inning, the Twins had the lead when Grossman scored Escobar with a double off the right field wall.

That’s how the Twins would win. 6-5 after the bullpen was able to hold up for 4 entire innings. Matt Belisle was handed the closer role, for today anyway, after the Kintzler trade at the break.

Here are the Twins HR’s courtesy of Tom Froemming:

The #MNTwins got home runs from Max Kepler, Brian Dozier and Eddie Rosario in their 6-5 win over Texas today. pic.twitter.com/2jAeFsXEqs

— Tom Froemming (@BaseballByTom) August 6, 2017

Glen Perkins moving up to (AA) and says he is nearing return:

Glen Perkins is nearing a return with the #MNTwins and is set to make three rehab appearances with AA Chattanooga: https://t.co/RKxhIWPiPl

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 6, 2017

Amir Coffey is 1 of 20 invited to the Nike Skills Academy: 

#Gophers guard Amir Coffey is among 20 college players invited to Nike Skills Academy Aug. 15-20 in Los Angeles 〽️??@GopherMBB @coffeyshop_ pic.twitter.com/v5BxYFjSdQ

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) August 6, 2017

2018 Gophers Bball commit Daniel Oturu goes off in tournament and gets us excited:

Coming off a great AAU season, #Gophers commit Daniel Oturu had 30 points & 18 rebounds for @CDHRaiderBall to open Pacesetter Sweet Sixteen. pic.twitter.com/tY18ljcEP5

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) August 6, 2017

In fifth place game, Cretin-Derham Hall behind Daniel Oturu’s 29 pts, 14 rebs & 8 blks beat Minneapolis North #pacesettersweet16 @oturu65

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) August 6, 2017

In three Pacesetter Sweet 16 games this weekend, future Gopher center @oturu65 averaged 26.7 ppg for @CDHRaiderBall. ?〽️⭐️

— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) August 6, 2017

Devan Dubnyk made the Top 10 NHL Goalies List my NHL.com:

Your Top 10 Goalies Right Now! #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/et7wcXhu7n

— NHL (@NHL) August 7, 2017

We are going to LOVE Dalvin Cook; Sammie Sleeves hitting Diggs DEEP:

“The hype has already started.” – @dalvincook

?: https://t.co/KiOjYsHoAX pic.twitter.com/PZvOCc7OBr

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 6, 2017

Showing off the wheels ??

?: https://t.co/n3xLv51bpk pic.twitter.com/dMgGQk8VK3

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 6, 2017

PJ Fleck has his Social Media Team pulling me in:

An ELITE first week of practice!! Excited to see our team competing WITH each other to “Change Our Best” everyday!! #RTB #HYPRR #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/xeefPmkBZs

— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) August 6, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan

Vikings sign Linval Joseph to 4-year extension:

The Vikings have focused on resigning their defensive stars this offseason. Linval Joseph is the 3rd (Rhodes and Griffen) but may not be the last. He signed a 4-year extension worth $50 Million today, $31 Million of which is guaranteed. It looks like the Vikings are trying to make it a priority to get Hunter, Barr, and Kendricks signed to long-term deals.

Twins LOSE vs the Rangers:

The Twins’ hitters couldn’t figure out Cole Hamels tonight. Gibson gave up a 2-run HR in the first and then buckled down. He was able to make it through 5.1 innings, giving up 3 runs. When Gibson is on the mound you need to be happy with 5.1 and just 3 runs. But the Twins couldn’t get any offense rolling. They would lose 4-1. Here is the recap from Twins Daily.

Offensively, it wasn’t pretty. But this was:

How about this catch by Eduardo Escobar? Wow. #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/b4AR1LaPEP

— Tom Froemming (@BaseballByTom) August 6, 2017

Twins FIRE 4 scouts:

Interesting little tidbit by Levelle Neal III tonight. The twins have fired 4 scouts that were a part of the old regime as they continue to mold the organization to fit their wants and needs.

Last night of Training Camp in Mankato:

The Vikings are wrapping up their last practice in Mankato tonight. There were a lot of memories shared throughout the last couple weeks. The Vikings will move to Eagan next year. We had no ties to Mankato here, and we are based in Eagan, so we are exited about the move.

This happened tonight though. It is pretty cool:

Random fan started a decent #SkolChant on his own. Not too shabby, guy in the white Teddy jersey pic.twitter.com/8deGk2585H

— Drew Mahowald (@DrewMahowald) August 6, 2017

And this pass/catch:

Sam Bradford continues to shred up the intermediate stuff… drops a dime to Wright over Waynes and Barr for 70 Yard TD pic.twitter.com/NA9t3yYyPP

— Luke Inman (@Luke_Spinman) August 6, 2017

MSF Daily by Eric Strack @RealMNSportsFan