Twins Talk: A Minnesota Twins podcast - podcast cover

Twins Talk: A Minnesota Twins podcast

Twins Talk
Twins Talk brings you everything you need to know about the Minnesota Twins, from detailed analysis to lighthearted banter to Joe Mauer fan fic. Made by Twins fans, for Twins fans.
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Episodes

Pitch to Contact Episode 76: The Rebuilding Minnesota Twins

John and Ben are back to discuss a busy and disappointing trade deadline from the Twins, including dealing away Carlos Correa, Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Louie Varland. They take a look at the players left on the roster currently, the best prospects acquired at the deadline, and why there may still be a bit of hope on the horizon. Plus, they beg, as always for the Pohlads to finally sell the team so the directionless Twins can find their future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

Aug 02, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 76

Pitch to Contact Episode 75: Buxton’s MVP Case, Buy or Sell, and the MLB Draft Breakdown

John and Ben are back to look at Byron Buxton’s MVP-esque first half and the Twins’ strong two weeks heading into the All-Star break. Plus, a breakdown of the Twins’ new top draftees and a debate over whether the Twins should buy or sell at the trade deadline. Plus, Ben sets a new record for unrelated tangents in a single episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 75

Pitch to Contact Episode 74: Should the Twins Sell at the Trade Deadline?

The trade deadline is around the corner and the Twins have an important decision to make. John and Ben share their thoughts on a potential trade deadline sell-off and why it may make sense to trade players like Jhoan Duran or Joe Ryan in the right circumstances. Plus, the usual breakdown of the week’s games with strong showings from the recently healthy Royce Lewis and the young starting pitchers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jul 08, 20251 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 74

Pitch to Contact Episode 73: Another Bailey Ober Referendum

After Bailey Ober’s latest disastrous week (seven home runs surrendered in two starts!!), John and Ben talk about Rocco Baldelli’s frustrating management, Derek Falvey’s unwillingness to put Ober on the IL despite his clear health struggles, and the long term impact it could have on Ober down the line. Plus, they break down this week’s games including encouraging signs from Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, and Brooks Lee while Joe Ryan and Byron Buxton continued their All-Star campaigns. Le...

Jul 01, 20251 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 73

Pitch to Contact Episode 72: Are the Twins good at Baseball?

The Minnesota Twins are now 3-12 in their last 15 games and have been one of the worst teams in baseball outside of their 13 game win streak. John and Ben banter about the state of the franchise as a whole while evaluating manager Rocco Baldelli and GM Derek Falvey, and why it won’t matter until they find a new owner. Then they break down the previous week’s slew of disappointing games and pitcher blowups while Byron Buxton has been putting up MVP numbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jun 24, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 72

Pitch to Contact Episode 71: Is Bailey Ober Broken?

John and Ben break down the Minnesota Twins’ disappointing 1-5 week and why Bailey Ober has been struggling for a few weeks. They break down all the game action from disappointing pitching performances to surprisingly strong weeks from Brooks Lee and Willi Castro. Plus, a look at Royce Lewis’ latest leg injury and what it means for the Twins this season and going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jun 16, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 71

Pitch to Contact Episode 70: A’s, Jays, and Shoulder Pains

John and Ben break down the Twins’ success week in Sacramento against the A’s and less successful series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Then they break down the monumental loss of Pablo Lopez, the (hopefully) shorter loss of Zebby Matthews, and the next starting pitchers the Twins have if someone else goes down. Plus, a look at Bailey Ober’s plummeting velocity, signs of life from Royce Lewis, and Trevor Larnach’s sneakily good season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Jun 09, 20251 hr 22 minSeason 1Ep. 70

Pitch to Contact Episode 69: Lucky Number 13

All it took was an MLB-best 13 game win streak, but the Twins are firmly back in the playoff picture after sweeping the hapless Orioles and taking a series against the Brewers. John and Ben recap the Twins’ elite run and the special pitching performances that made it possible. Plus, a breakout from Trevor Larnach, signs of life from Brooks Lee and Ryan Jeffers, and a comical $50 million outfield collision. The Twins are back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

May 19, 20251 hr 25 minSeason 1Ep. 69

Pitch to Contact Episode 68: Twins Trending Upwards

John and Ben break down the Twins week of games, dropping three very winnable games against the Cleveland Guardians and stealing a series from the Red Sox in Boston. They look at the starting rotation’s strong overall numbers, despite some luck from Chris Paddack and Simeon Woods Richardson, and why the offense is still struggling despite strong weeks from Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers. Plus, an exciting update on Royce Lewis’ and Willi Castro’s imminent return. Learn more about your ad choices....

May 05, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 68

Pitch to Contact Episode 67: Twins up, Keaschall Down

The Twins went 5-1 this week but lost standout rookie Luke Keaschall in the process. John and Ben break it all down along their usual weekly game recaps. Plus a closer look at how Brooks Lee is figuring things out, Carlos Correa and Trevor Larnach finally getting some good luck, and Joe Ryan’s new, elite sweeper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 67

Pitch to Contact Episode 66: It’s Getting Late Early

Even with a long season, there’s only so much of a hole a team can dig themselves out of. John and Ben look at the 7-15 Twins and how likely it is they can turn things around. Plus, they break down Griffin Jax’s surprising struggles, Luke Keaschall’s electric MLB debut, Jhoan Duran’s new pitch, and some good news on the injury front for Pablo Lopez and Royce Lewis. And, much to John’s dismay, Chris Paddack looks pretty good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Apr 21, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 66

Pitch to Contact Episode 65: The Worst Start in Franchise History, But Some Good News

The Minnesota Twins tied their worst start in their long history, but started showing some signs of life against the Tigers. Ben goes solo to rant against the Pohlads putting the Twins in a terrible spot, Derek Falvey’s weaknesses, and the bad vibes around the team. Plus Edouard Julien’s return to form, Jose Miranda’s incompetence, and a positive Pablo Lopez injury update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Apr 14, 202545 minSeason 1Ep. 65

Pitch to Contact Episode 64: Copium

John and Ben are back for the first weekly recap of the season. They break down the good, the bad, and the ugly (especially on offense) and provide a few reasons why things aren’t as bleak as they may seem. Plus, John’s anti-Chris Paddack agenda finally pays off. Someone give Zebby Matthews a call! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 09, 20251 hr 14 min

Pitch to Contact Episode 63: Twins 2025 Season Preview

John and Ben return to preview the Twins 2025 season which begins with, of course, a laundry list of injuries. They discuss Royce Lewis’ latest leg issue, Brooks Lee’s chronic back injury, and why Brock Stewart, Michael Tonkin, and Mickey Gasper’s IL stints will have a major impact on the Opening Day roster. Plus, they go through 8 big questions that will define the Twins’ 2025 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 29 minSeason 1Ep. 63

Pitch to Contact Episode 62: Twins Baseball is Back!

After a long, dark winter, the Minnesota Twins finally acquired some players as Spring Training began. John and Ben break down the Danny Coulombe, Harrison Bader, and Ty France signings and what it means for the rest of the roster. They also talk about the new Twins TV streaming service and their secret breakout candidates for 2025. (Spoiler: Ben weirdly likes Mickey Gasper). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 17, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 62

Pitch to Contact Episode 61: No News is Bad News

John and Ben make their long-awaited 2025 debut by breaking news that… the Twins have still made 0 notable offseason acquisitions. They discuss the Twins expecting to have a new owner in place by Opening Day and the Ishbias continued prominence in the sale. Plus a look at the intriguing Twins/Padres trade rumor centered around Christian Vazquez and Dylan Cease, and a potential three team deal with the Orioles that could net the Twins a new first baseman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 61

Pitch to Contact Episode 60: Twins Rumor Roundup

John and Ben breakdown all of the Twins non-moves of the offseason, from the front office promotions to Michael Tonkin’s surprising return (folks… it’s rough out there). Plus a look at the Juan Soto contract and it’s ripples throughout the league, Max Kepler joining the Phillies, Carlos Santana returning to Cleveland for the third time, and Rule 5 draftee Eiberson Castellano. Finally, they muse on potential trade targets for the Twins and Ben irresponsibly dreams of an acquisition of Heliot Ramo...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 60

Pitch to Contact Episode 59: Offseason News and Notes and the Selling Pohlads

John and Ben make their grand return to talk about the World Series, Shohei Ohtani, and all of the Twins news and notes through the offseason so far. Most importantly, they analyze how the Pohlads selling the team could impact the 2024 offseason and how Derek Falvey and Co. have to plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 59

Pitch to Contact Episode 58: Dead on Arrival

After a dismal final week with the Twins choking away their playoff spot, John and Ben discuss the symptom’s behind the collapse and how they can improve heading into 2025. Plus, they break down the news of Derek Falvey and Rocco Baldelli’s returns and Joe Pohlad’s comments on the Twins potential 2025 payroll. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 58

Pitch to Contact Episode 57: Now or Never

John and Ben return with unfortunate news: the Minnesota Twins are out of the playoff picture for the first time since April. They go over the terrible ownership decisions that have led to this collapse, the futures of manager Rocco Baldelli and GM Derek Falvey, and how 2024 can still be salvaged. There’s six games left and the Twins are one game out. It’s now or never. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 57

Pitch to Contact Episode 56: Correa and Buxton Return, Rookies Running on Fumes

John and Ben return to discuss the Twins’ interesting week, beating the Angels while narrowly avoiding a sweep against the Reds. They talk about Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa’s sudden return to the lineup, what can be expected from them in their still injured states, and how much they will play in the final two weeks. Plus, Matt Wallner is Good, Royce Lewis is alive, and the rookie starting pitchers are officially out of gas after several bad starts in a row. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 1Ep. 56

Pitch to Contact Episode 55: Powerless

John and Ben (unfortunately) discuss the Twins’ abysmal weekend in Kansas City, despite the pitching staff’s rebound. They discuss how to get the offense back on track and the dire need for Royce Lewis to rediscover his early season magic. Plus, significant signs of progress from Edouard Julien, injury non-updates on Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, and David Festa looking like a playoff-caliber starter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Sep 09, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Pitch to Contact Episode 54: Positives and Negatives From the Twins’ Rookies

John and Ben are back to recap a disappointing week for the Twins that somehow has them in the exact same place in the standings thanks to Cleveland falling down to earth. They discuss the best start of David Festa’s career, the worst start of Zebby Matthews’, and Pablo Lopez rounding back into ace form ahead of the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 04, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 54

Pitch to Contact Episode 53: Carlos Santana Appreciation & Putting the Royals in Their Place

John and Ben discuss the current playoff picture and how likely it is that the Twins could the division and end up with the top seed in the AL. Plus they provide encouraging injury updates on Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, and break down the week’s games highlighted by Zebby Matthews’ debut, an insanely clutch week from Carlos Santana, and an all-time bullpen blow up by Jorge Alcala. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Aug 20, 20241 hr 41 minSeason 1Ep. 53

Pitch to Contact Episode 52: Chasing Cleveland, Joe Ryan Injury Update, Zebby Matthews Hype

John and Ben recap the Twins’ biggest series of the season against the Guardians that ended in a disappointing split. Plus they provide a major update on Joe Ryan’s injury and the impact to the Twins’ starter depth, including Zebby Matthews’ imminent MLB debut. Plus an overdue rant on the Twins’ struggles with the bases loaded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 13, 20241 hr 28 minSeason 1Ep. 52

Pitch to Contact Episode 51: The White Sox are Worse Than You Think

After yet another sweep against the White Sox, the Twins are back within striking distance of the AL Central crown, and potentially the top seed in the playoffs. John and Ben break down the Twins’ recent run of success including concern for Simeon Woods Richardson, hope for David Festa, and Byron Buxton and Bailey Ober’s return to dominance. Plus they preview next weekend’s big series with the Cleveland Guardians and put the White Sox’s historically bad season into some context. Spoiler alert: t...

Aug 05, 20241 hr 21 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Pitch to Contact Episode 50: Willi Castro, All Star

There’s no better way to honor our 50th episode than celebrating Willi Castro’s All-Star selection. John and Ben talk about Castro’s immense value to the Twins, the rash of injuries to Minnesota’s 4 best hitters, and Brooks Lee continuing to impress in his MLB debut. Plus a full recap of the week’s games and a preview of the Twins’ draft strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 50

Pitch to Contact Episode 49: Not Throwing Away His Shot

We know, Hamilton references are outdated, but when Jose Miranda ties the MLB record for consecutive hits, you have to invoke his more successful cousin. John and Ben reunite to talk about Miranda and his late All-Star push, the Cleveland Guardians’ unsustainable winning run, Royce Lewis’ latest IL stint, and the Twins’ pair of Top 100 Prospects (Brooks Lee and David Festa) who’s MLB debuts couldn’t have been more different. Plus a recap of the last week’s games and how the Twins have morphed in...

Jul 08, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 49

Pitch to Contact Episode 48: West Coast Winning

This week, it’s Ben doing a solo pod to bring you all things Twins. He takes a look at Minnesota’s success across the West Coast the past two weeks, breaks down all of the games, and even makes a case for Willi Castro making the All-Star team. Just like we all predicted ahead of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 01, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 48

Pitch to Contact Episode 47: All Aboard the Correa Hype Train!

John is back to talk about the Twins’ solid 6-1 week against the Colorado Rockies and the Oakland Athletics. He recaps very solid weeks from Carlos Correa and Royce Lewis and takes a look at the AL Central race for the remainder of June. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 47
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