Twins manager Paul Molitor on Monday was named one of three finalists for AL Manager of the Year, joining Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona and the Houston Astros’ A.J. Hinch. I expect Molitor to win the award for one reason: The impressive turnaround he helped orchestrate to win 85 games this past season and qualify... Continue Reading »

Twins hitting is heating up. Byron Buxton, Jorge Polanco and Daniel Palka all homered in split-squad action on Sunday, while the pitching is still a work in progress. The result was two losses and more questions about Phil Hughes and Ryan Vogelsong. Hughes, who is working his way back from season-ending surgery last year, didn’t... Continue Reading »

Hang on: Joe Mauer plays first base for the Twins. That was my immediate reaction after learning the Twins had won the rights to negotiate a contract with first baseman Byung Ho Park, a veteran ballplayer for the Nexen Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization. The winning bid was apparently close to $13 million, according... Continue Reading »