Latest news with #MinnesotaTwins
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Hall Of Fame Manager Says 'It's Easier To Win Now' In Today's Home Run Obsessed Game
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Tony La Russa won three World Series championships in his Hall of Fame career, including managing his team to six appearances, and in a recent interview on Monday with Randy Karraker and Matthew Rocchio of STL Sports Central, said that, "It's actually easier to win now if you just play the game correctly". ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 27: Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa rides around the field before Opening Day between the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on March... ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 27: Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa rides around the field before Opening Day between the Minnesota Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on March 27, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. More Photo byDuring the interview, La Russa was talking about Albert Pujols when Mark McGwire suffered an injury in 2001. La Russa said that Pujols told him he needed to hit for more power because of McGwire's absence. La Russa says he told the young Pujols, "We play hard contact all over the field, the higher your average, the more rallies you start, and if you've got the power, it'll be there, you'll in fact hit more home runs." La Russa may have struggled during his return to the dugout with the Chicago White Sox, but his baseball mind is a sharp as it was during his World Series runs with the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals. Starting rallies and scoring runs has always been the way to win games against good pitching, and with pitchers continuing to evolve through the years, they have gotten better and better at limiting hitters. La Russa would continue to say that the problem in today's game is that batters go up and swing as hard as they can three times, trying to hit for extra bases. Each season, fewer and fewer hitters are reaching the .300 mark, with not one qualified hitter in the National League this season hitting .300 at the All-Star break. If a team implemented La Russa's strategy and were successful in starting rallies and turning in crooked numbers, then they would be able to win more games against teams that are obsessed with hitting home runs. More MLB: World Series At Spring Training Ballpark? MLB Reportedly Finds Solution To Rays Problem
Newsweek
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Byron Buxton Bluntly Shuts Down Ongoing Twins Trade Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Minnesota Twins aren't winning nearly as many games this season as everybody seemed to expect. Because of that, they're seemingly left scrambling for trade deadline moves. Rather than buying at the deadline, it seems like the Twins will be sellers. Pitchers like Joe Ryan have been mentioned, though there don't seem to be any confirmed reports that he's being discussed. Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax are quite intriguing trade candidates, too. They have team control and are putting together excellent seasons. Outfielder Byron Buxton is finally putting together a healthy campaign and he's been incredible. There are a few media outlets suggesting he could be traded, but it doesn't make much sense. During the All-Star break, the star outfielder was asked about the possibility of him being traded at some point this season. When asked, Buxton shut down the rumors. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins reacts during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins reacts during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images "I can't be traded. I got a no-trade clause. I'm a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life," Buxton said when asked about potentially being traded. "So that's the best feeling in the world, knowing I get to walk into a clubhouse and it's going to say 'Twins' for the rest of my life." If you're a front office exec at the MLB trade deadline thinking, 'hey, maybe the Twins would move Byron Buxton'... just put the phone down. "I can't be traded. I gotta no-trade clause. I'm a Minnesota Twin for the rest of my life. So that's the best feeling in the world,… — Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 15, 2025 There seemingly haven't been any confirmed trade reports suggesting Buxton would be dealt and it makes sense why. The star outfielder wants to stay in Minnesota, and he has the ability to do so because of his no-trade clause. If Buxton is completely unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, which appears to be the case, the rumors should end here. There shouldn't be any more discussion about him as a trade candidate. Instead, we should look into how excellent of a season he's having. More MLB: Why Padres 'Trade Deadline Dream Scenario' Makes Perfect Sense For San Diego
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cubs Linked To Massive Trade For Pair Of Twins Star Pitchers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Chicago Cubs have been solid over the last few years, but they haven't been anything special. This offseason, it seemed like the Cubs front office was committing to going all in to win this year. The Cubs swung trades for stars like Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker. They even reportedly pursued Alex Bregman in free agency. Now, Chicago will likely be quite aggressive ahead of the trade deadline. If they can land the right players, the Cubs could be the World Series favorites by August. Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently reported the Cubs were showing strong interest in a trade for star relievers Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran of the Minnesota Twins. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 09: Jhoan Duran #59 (L) and Ryan Jeffers #27 of the Minnesota Twins celebrate the win against the Chicago Cubs after the game at Target Field on July 09, 2025 in... MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 09: Jhoan Duran #59 (L) and Ryan Jeffers #27 of the Minnesota Twins celebrate the win against the Chicago Cubs after the game at Target Field on July 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Cubs 4-2. More"The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, hoping to acquire at least one of them," Nightengale wrote. "The Twins also are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds." Chicago is no stranger to spending prospect capital to land the players it wants. The Cubs have top prospects like James Triantos, Kevin Alcántara, and a few others who are seemingly blocked by big league talent. Using these prospects as trade bait in a deal to land Jax, Duran, or both would be the best-case scenario for the team. The Cubs' bullpen and pitching staff have been weak points for the team. Adding one or two star pitchers with multiple years of team control would patch one of these holes in a huge way. This idea makes perfect sense for the Cubs. It wouldn't be shocking if these rumors continued throughout July. More MLB: Red Sox Starter 'Will Be Sacrificed' Following $200 Million Alex Bregman Update
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alabama in the 2025 MLB draft: Tracking every Crimson Tide selection
The 2025 MLB draft has now officially arrived. Yes, an annual event where multiple Alabama Crimson Tide baseball players take the next step in their careers up to the professional level, the program is once again set to be well represented this year where numerous players could hear their names called. Advertisement Taking place over the MLB's annual All-Star break, the 2025 MLB draft will originate from Atlanta, Georgia this year, and will be a two-day event lasting from Sunday, July 13 through Monday July, 14. The draft will begin with the first round Sunday night, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN and MLB Network live from the Coca-Cola Roxy in The Battery Atlanta. Following the first round, the second-and-third rounds will also take place Sunday night, while rounds 4-20 will be completed Monday. Here is a look at every Alabama player selected during the 2025 MLB draft, as well as when and by which team. This post will be updated throughout the 2025 MLB draft from Sunday, July 13 from Monday, July 14 Advertisement Riley Quick, Right-Handed Pitcher - Minnesota Twins Coming off the board between the first-and-second rounds, Quick was Alabama's first player selected in the 2025 MLB draft, taken in Competitive Balance Round A with the No. 36 overall pick by the Minnesota Twins. Across his three seasons at Alabama, the redshirt sophomore owns a 10-4 record with a 3.72 ERA, two saves, and a 101:46 K:BB ratio across 87 innings pitched. Kade Snell, Outfielder - Chicago Cubs Alabama's 2025 team captain was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB draft, taken at pick No. 151 overall by the Chicago Cubs. Over two seasons at Alabama, Snell slashed .347/.435/.547 with 16 home runs and 82 RBI, while also posting a 1-0 record with a 6.08 ERA and 23:7 K:BB ratio across 23.2 innings pitched. Advertisement Richie Bonomolo Jr., Outfielder - New York Yankees Bonomolo was selected in the seventh round of the 2025 MLB draft, taken at pick No. 224 overall by the New York Yankees. During his lone season at Alabama, the junior outfielder slashed .311/.416/.526 with eight home runs, 52 RBI, and 16 stolen bases across 59 games, each of which he started. Jonathan Stevens, Right-Handed Pitcher - Minnesota Twins Alabama's first selection came during the 15th round when Minnesota drafted former Crimson Tide right-handed pitcher Jonathan Stevens. Selected with the No. 479 overall pick, Stevens, who entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason, did not see action during his two seasons at Alabama. Advertisement Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 2025 MLB draft: Tracking every Alabama baseball selection
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Tigers Pursuing Trade For Pair Of Star Pitchers From AL Club, Per Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Detroit Tigers have already shocked the world this season. After a solid year last season and a very productive offseason, Detroit has put itself atop the league as one of the best teams. The Tigers surged into the All-Star break with the best record in baseball despite not having the star power that the other top teams have. Even with all this success, the Tigers need to be aggressive at the trade deadline. Detroit could use a few bullpen arms to add alongside Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest at the back end of games, and a trade would be the best way to find the new arms. USA Today's Bob Nightengale recently reported the Tigers were showing strong interest in a trade to acquire Minnesota Twins relievers Griffin Jax and/or Jhoan Duran ahead of the trade deadline. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 13: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning at Target Field on July 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Pirates... MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 13: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning at Target Field on July 13, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Pirates defeated the Twins 2-1. More"The Philadelphia Phillies have been extensively scouting Minnesota Twins relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins, hoping to acquire at least one of them," Nightengale wrote. "The Twins also are drawing strong interest from the Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds." The Tigers' biggest roster hole is in their bullpen. If they can patch this hole with two star pitchers like Jax and Duran, there's a chance they're looked at as World Series favorites down the stretch. To make this idea even better, the Tigers are one of the only teams in baseball with the prospect capital available to make a deal like this happen. Detroit's system is loaded from top to bottom. Trading some of these prospects for two solid pitchers won't hurt the future of the franchise. More MLB: Red Sox Starter 'Will Be Sacrificed' Following $200 Million Alex Bregman Update
