John and Ben are back to talk about the Twins’ disastrous 1-5 week, including getting swept by the Yankees and their two MVP candidates. They also take a look at the prospects in AAA who could come up and provide a spark to their struggling offense (Austin Martin, come on down), and why the schedule spells good news for the Twins and bad news for the Guardians.. Plus, a look at why Bailey Ober and Pablo Lopez aren’t nearly as bad as they seem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 46
After a COVID-induced hiatus, John and Ben return to talk about Royce Lewis’ imminent return from the IL ahead of a matchup with the Evil Empire, Edouard Julien’s struggles, and why Jose Miranda and Trevor Larnach put the Twins in a tough spot, but in a good way. Plus, the usual breakdown of the past week’s games with a stellar rebound from Pablo Lopez and some concern for Joe Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 45
John and Ben return to recap the last week of Twins games, taking series from the Mariners and Blue Jays. They go deep on the Twins’ starting pitchers regaining their top form and break down how winning and Cole Sands’ early season success have oddly put the bullpen in a tough spot. Finally, they highlight Max Kepler’s insane 3 week stretch since returning from an early season IL trip, including his incredible performance in late game, clutch situations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 44
After their sausage-fueled 12-game winning streak, the Minnesota Twins are right back in the playoff race. John and Ben break down the last week of Twins games, including the end of both the streak and Rally Sausage. They look at the keys behind the sudden turnaround, including Edouard Julien’s breakout, Max Kepler’s return, and the stellar bullpen performance. Finally, they briefly discuss Ryan Jeffers’ chance at starting the All-Star Game. Plus injury updates on Royce Lewis, Byron Buxton, Broc...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 43
John recaps the Twins’ much-needed 7-0 week against the White Sox and Angels. He takes a detailed look at what worked for the Twins offense this week and whether it’s truly sustainable. Plus, they talk about some worrying signs for Twins pitching and whether that can be fixed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 29, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 42
John and Ben recap the Twins’ terrible 1-5 week against the Orioles and Tigers. They take a detailed look at what’s gone wrong for Louie Varland this season and how he can learn from several pitchers on the Twins’ staff. Plus, they talk about some signs of life for the offense despite the lack of runs, and celebrate Max Kepler and Carlos Correa’s likely returns this week to push guys like Kyle Farmer and Carlos Santana out of the lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Sure, it’s only one start, but Simeon Woods Richardson sure looks like he wants to stick in the Bigs. John and Ben break down a series loss to the Dodgers and an encouraging split with the Tigers. Plus, they look at Joe Ryan’s career day, Pablo Lopez’s early season struggles, and offensive signs of life from Ryan Jeffers, Edouard Julien, and Austin Martin. Most importantly, this week officially marks the time when the Twins won the Jose Berrios trade. Stop the count. Learn more about your ad cho...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 40
John and Ben break down what was supposed to be the Twins’ first full week of games, but weather dropped the game count to five. It was probably for the best with the offense’ struggles early on. They look at the pitching staff’s impressive performance, despite not having their best stuff, Alex Kirilloff’s much-awaited breakout, Carlos Correa’s new OBP skills, and Edouard Julien and Matt Wallner’s struggles after their breakout rookie campaigns. Can someone please get a hit with men on base??? L...
Apr 08, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 39
The Twins won their opening series against the Royals, but lost Royce Lewis in the process. John and Ben look at the highs and lows of the weekend, including an Ace performance from Pablo Lopez, Byron Buxton’s triumphant return to the field, and the worst start of Bailey Ober’s career. Plus they break down how Lewis’ latest long(ish)-term injury impacts the rest of the Twins’ lineup and presents an opportunity for Alex Kirilloff to reestablish himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 38
The Minnesota Twins kickoff their 2024 season on Thursday and John and Ben are back to preview anything and everything Twins. They predict the Twins best hitters, pitchers, record, top prospects, and something crazy they think will happen this season. Plus a breakdown of all of the Twins’ recent injuries, including Jhoan Duran, Caleb Thielbar, Justin Topa, and Anthony DeSclafani (RIP pitching depth) and a brief discussion on the Shohei Ohtani situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Twins Spring Training games are officially underway! John and Ben bring all of the Twins’ early headlines to the table, including Joe Pohlad’s discouraging comments about the payroll. They also take a look at what Jay Jackson and Steven Okert bring to the table and the importance of Chris Paddack and Louie Varland’s new pitches. Finally, they end with a bit of prospect talk on the development of Emmanuel Rodriguez and Brooks Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 36
The Twins are back from their hiatus on improving their baseball team, so John and Ben are back from a hiatus of their own. They break down the impact of losing Jorge Polanco (spoiler alert: they’re going to be fine), where Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa fit in the Twins’ pitching hierarchy, and how it paved the way for the Carlos Santana acquisition. Plus they take a look at the two prospects the Twins picked up. Finally, they give an update on the Twins returning to Bally Sports North for ...
Feb 05, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 35
The offseason dead zone is finally coming to an end with the Winter Meetings beginning today! John and Ben preview the Twins’ plans in Nashville and look at which free agent pitchers the club should target. Plus they go over all the news and rumors from the Twins and around the league as the Hot Stove begins to heat up (plus a sprinkle of analysis on your FIRST PLACE Minnesota Timberwolves). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 34
John and Ben breakdown all the news and notes around the Twins for the last couple weeks including the reduced payroll, Dick Bremer’s retirement, all the roster moves, and an update on the TV situation. Finally, they look at which realistic starting pitchers they should target if they need to replace Sonny Gray. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 33
John and Ben give their thoughts on the World Series so far before diving into decisions the Twins will have to make in the next two weeks to kick off the offseason, starting with $10 million team options on the longest tenured Twins, Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco. Then they look at the Twins’ smart piece of business when they acquired Sonny Gray back in 2022, and how that sets them up well this offseason whether he re-signs or goes elsewhere. Finally, the guys debate which eligible prospects the...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
John and Ben put the finishing touches on a magical season from the 2023 Minnesota Twins after losing to the Astros in the ALDS. From Royce Lewis, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner’s magical rookie years to Pablo Lopez’s emergence as an ace, they break down all the ways this season sets the Twins up for 2024 and beyond. Plus, a breakdown of Byron Buxton and Alex Kirilloff’s offseason surgeries and how they impact the Twins’ roster-building priorities, and a quick look at the AL and NL Championshi...
Oct 16, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 31
The Twins are back in the ALDS! John and Ben recap the weird big-brain strategy match between the Blue Jays and the Twins in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series and look ahead to the ALDS matchup against the Houston Astros. Who's got the better starting pitching? Who will be the potential Game 4 starter? Which manager will get out of his team's way to a series win? All that, and more in this episode! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wher...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 30
John and Ben give their raw reactions after Game 1 in the AL Wild Card Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays. The 0-18 streak is finally broken, thanks to future Wild Card Series MVP Royce Lewis' day at the plate, Twins' ace Pablo Lopez, and some timely lineup decisions from Rocco Baldelli. Plus, a look forward to Game 2! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad ch...
Oct 04, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 29
John and Ben give their way-too-detailed look at the Twins’ Wild Card Series with the Toronto Blue Jays, including how they’ve found success against Kevin Gausman, a secret plan to take down Yusei Kikuchi, and why the Twins bullpen and lineup are perfectly designed for a series against Toronto. Plus, a look at what Byron Buxton’s potential role could be on the playoff roster, and some very encouraging news on Royce Lewis. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 28
The Minnesota Twins are the 2023 AL Central champions! With the division title and playoff seeding all but wrapped up, John and Ben talk about key things to look for from the Twins in the final week, including the tight AL West race. Plus your usual weekly game recap, and a preview of the team’s the Twins could end up facing in the Wild Card round. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your a...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Ben recaps a competitive Twins series with Tampa Bay and a relative handling of the White Sox. Then, with the division title all but wrapped up, he takes a look at the moves that got the Twins to this point and what a potential playoff roster could look like. Plus updates on Byron Buxton, Brock Stewart, and John’s nemesis Chris Paddack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 18, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 26
John recaps the staggering offensive output from the Twins against the Guardians, as well as a solid series win against the Mets at Target Field where Max Kepler narrowly missed adding a grand slam to the team weekly total. Plus, a few updates on some reinforcements to the Twins bullpen and offense! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Sep 11, 2023•28 min•Ep. 25
Ben does a solo pod breaking down a disappointing Twins series loss to the Guardians and multiple resilient comebacks against the Rangers. He looks ahead to the next week which will give the Twins yet another chance to finish off the Guardians once and for all. Plus, did the Guardians claim all those pitchers just to mess with the Twins?? And who the hell is Andrew Stevenson? Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podca...
Sep 04, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Another week is in the books and the Twins have extended their commanding division lead after taking 3 of 4 from the Texas Rangers. John and Ben look at the Twins strategy for the rest of the season, the importance of working in rest for Bailey Ober, how to save the bullpen (Chris Paddack is coming…) and why this next week will define the last month of the season for the Twins. Plus a live reaction to Michael A. Taylor’s walk-off walk against the Rangers! Fans First Sports Network is giving away...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 23
John and Ben banter about Dallas Keuchel unbelievably taking a perfect game into the 7th inning, Pablo Lopez solidifying his ace status, the young guys leading the lineup to greener pastures, and Byron Buxton’s hopeful return to center field. And of course, a complete recap of the Twins’ games. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 21, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 22
John and Ben are back to recap a weird week of Twins baseball, losing 3 of 4 against the lowly Detroit Tigers while taking 2 of 3 from the red hot Philadelphia Phillies. Plus they talk about Pablo Lopez’s Cy Young candidacy, Emilio Pagán’s surprising reliability, and Dallas Keuchel’s predictable implosion. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 21
John and Ben talk about their experience at Joe Mauer’s Twins Hall of Fame induction ceremony, break down the Twins’ successful week, including a weekend sweep of the Diamondbacks, break down how the young players have revived the offense (with some help from Max Kepler), talk about Joe Ryan’s terrible injury-induced stretch, and openly question why Joey Gallo is still on the team. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your...
Aug 07, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
After weeks of speculation on potential Trade Deadline additions (or subtractions) the Twins did absolutely nothing. John and Ben break down the Twins baffling lack of moves at the trade deadline, try to piece together the front office’s thinking, and the issue with standing pat when your team has easily fixable holes. Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
Aug 02, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 19
A post-ASG break hot streak has put the Twins 5 games above .500. John recaps a week against the Mariners and White Sox. Finally, a quick round of news and injury updates! Follow us on Twitter: @TwinsTalkPod Follow Ben: @BenJones_5 Follow John: @thejohnke Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jul 24, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 18
A sweep of the A’s has the Twins back in first place of the AL Central. John and Ben recap a weekend of weird performances versus the dismal A’s and what the Twins can take away from it. Then, they recap the Twins’ draft picks, including who has signed, who has yet to sign, and who likely won’t sign at all, and give their favorite late round picks that could pan out to be future contributors. Finally, the guys go DEEP on potential trade deadline acquisitions, from top line talent to bargain bin ...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 17
