Nick Nelson
@nicknelson.bsky.social
Writer, marketer, baseball fan www.twinsdaily.com
Great Twins teams have always been led by great #3 hitters: Oliva in 1965, Puckett in 1987/91, Mauer in 2006, Cruz in 2019.
Who will anchor the next contending Twins lineup? Today at @twinsdaily.com I reviewed five candidates.
twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Who will anchor the next contending Twins lineup? Today at @twinsdaily.com I reviewed five candidates.
twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Who Is the No. 3 Hitter of the Future for the Minnesota Twins?
Great teams almost always have great hitters batting third. Who will anchor the next winning Twins lineup?
twinsdaily.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Great Twins teams have always been led by great #3 hitters: Oliva in 1965, Puckett in 1987/91, Mauer in 2006, Cruz in 2019.
Who will anchor the next contending Twins lineup? Today at @twinsdaily.com I reviewed five candidates.
twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Who will anchor the next contending Twins lineup? Today at @twinsdaily.com I reviewed five candidates.
twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Here's a wild 2025 Twins stat I just came across: They got a .656 OPS from the #3 spot in the batting order, lowest of any. Worse than the #9 spot. MLB average was a .780 OPS.
November 8, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Here's a wild 2025 Twins stat I just came across: They got a .656 OPS from the #3 spot in the batting order, lowest of any. Worse than the #9 spot. MLB average was a .780 OPS.
"I have huge doubts about the ability of the Twins to field even a reasonably competent bullpen next year, given how little they have to work with. But the addition of Hawkins and his wealth of experience gives me a little more faith and optimism."
Wrote about the very impressive new bullpen hire for the Twins: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Twins Hire LaTroy Hawkins to Lead Reconstructed Bullpen
One of the most experienced relievers in MLB history takes over a bullpen that figures to be very green.
twinsdaily.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:43 PM
"I have huge doubts about the ability of the Twins to field even a reasonably competent bullpen next year, given how little they have to work with. But the addition of Hawkins and his wealth of experience gives me a little more faith and optimism."
Wrote about the very impressive new bullpen hire for the Twins: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Twins Hire LaTroy Hawkins to Lead Reconstructed Bullpen
One of the most experienced relievers in MLB history takes over a bullpen that figures to be very green.
twinsdaily.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Wrote about the very impressive new bullpen hire for the Twins: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Hiring LaTroy Hawkins as bullpen coach is one of the best moves the Twins have made in a while, IMO. Not just nostalgia speaking; his qualifications are absurd.
Twins bullpen is gonna be a big ol' experiment. Having one of the most experienced RPs ever overseeing it = very good.
Twins bullpen is gonna be a big ol' experiment. Having one of the most experienced RPs ever overseeing it = very good.
November 7, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Hiring LaTroy Hawkins as bullpen coach is one of the best moves the Twins have made in a while, IMO. Not just nostalgia speaking; his qualifications are absurd.
Twins bullpen is gonna be a big ol' experiment. Having one of the most experienced RPs ever overseeing it = very good.
Twins bullpen is gonna be a big ol' experiment. Having one of the most experienced RPs ever overseeing it = very good.
Why can't the Twins get good results from good coaches?? 🤔
New @twinsdaily.com: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
New @twinsdaily.com: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
The Twins Seem to Hire Well, But Can't Actualize Impact
Twins coaches are always in-demand, but can't seem to get it done in Minnesota.
twinsdaily.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Why can't the Twins get good results from good coaches?? 🤔
New @twinsdaily.com: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
New @twinsdaily.com: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Had a fun chat last night with @sweetloumn.bsky.social and @greggtmasterson.bsky.social about Derek Shelton's (re-)introduction, the purpose of press conferences, the direction of the franchise, and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfnn...
Don't Call It A Rebuild: Reaction To The Derek Shelton Press Conference
YouTube video by Twins Daily
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Had a fun chat last night with @sweetloumn.bsky.social and @greggtmasterson.bsky.social about Derek Shelton's (re-)introduction, the purpose of press conferences, the direction of the franchise, and more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfnn...
I am not going out of my way to criticize the Shelton hiring, or anything related to the Twins. I'm actively LOOKING for reason to believe in their leadership and vision. They just can't seem to provide any!
November 5, 2025 at 5:22 PM
I am not going out of my way to criticize the Shelton hiring, or anything related to the Twins. I'm actively LOOKING for reason to believe in their leadership and vision. They just can't seem to provide any!
Shelton presser thoughts:
He was super evasive when asked about the Twins' intentions re: effort to contend. Which probably says enough in and of itself.
"I'm not using the word rebuild ... We're going to develop young players." I mean okay
He was super evasive when asked about the Twins' intentions re: effort to contend. Which probably says enough in and of itself.
"I'm not using the word rebuild ... We're going to develop young players." I mean okay
November 4, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Shelton presser thoughts:
He was super evasive when asked about the Twins' intentions re: effort to contend. Which probably says enough in and of itself.
"I'm not using the word rebuild ... We're going to develop young players." I mean okay
He was super evasive when asked about the Twins' intentions re: effort to contend. Which probably says enough in and of itself.
"I'm not using the word rebuild ... We're going to develop young players." I mean okay
Over the weekend at @twinsdaily.com I wrote about the biggest challenge the Twins front office will face this offseason, even if they have some money to spend.
MN has become a very unattractive destination for in-demand players and coaches: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
MN has become a very unattractive destination for in-demand players and coaches: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Does Anyone Want to Come Here?
The Twins have turned themselves into a very unattractive destination for in-demand talent.
twinsdaily.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Over the weekend at @twinsdaily.com I wrote about the biggest challenge the Twins front office will face this offseason, even if they have some money to spend.
MN has become a very unattractive destination for in-demand players and coaches: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
MN has become a very unattractive destination for in-demand players and coaches: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Twins seem really stuck in the middle with their decision-making. They are sending many signals of a long-term rebuild about to commence. But then why target a bunch of MLB-ready guys at the deadline, and why hire a 55-year-old manager who's been around the block?
October 31, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Twins seem really stuck in the middle with their decision-making. They are sending many signals of a long-term rebuild about to commence. But then why target a bunch of MLB-ready guys at the deadline, and why hire a 55-year-old manager who's been around the block?
Throwing a little pre-Halloween/birthday bash at Mortimers Bar on Lake and Lyndale tonight. Gonna be live music of varying styles, costumes, decor, fun. Come on out, all are welcome!
Doors at 8, $10 cover, 21+
Doors at 8, $10 cover, 21+
October 30, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Throwing a little pre-Halloween/birthday bash at Mortimers Bar on Lake and Lyndale tonight. Gonna be live music of varying styles, costumes, decor, fun. Come on out, all are welcome!
Doors at 8, $10 cover, 21+
Doors at 8, $10 cover, 21+
Derek Shelton is a likable guy who has proven he can maintain solid vibes for a hopeless team going nowhere. I fear that's the main reason he was selected.
October 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Derek Shelton is a likable guy who has proven he can maintain solid vibes for a hopeless team going nowhere. I fear that's the main reason he was selected.
It’s my birthday! The big 4-0. Out enjoying this beautiful day for a bit. Appreciate yall! ✌️
October 29, 2025 at 8:43 PM
It’s my birthday! The big 4-0. Out enjoying this beautiful day for a bit. Appreciate yall! ✌️
Combination of AI advancement with the capitalistic urge for ruthless business efficiency is gonna lead us to dark, dark places and I for one am not here for it.
October 29, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Combination of AI advancement with the capitalistic urge for ruthless business efficiency is gonna lead us to dark, dark places and I for one am not here for it.
I remain baffled by the way a lot of fans view Matt Wallner -- basically as an expendable guy on his leg with the Twins.
Wallner has a career 127 OPS+ in the majors. That would rank in top 10 in Twins history. For reference: Allison 127, Hrbek 128, Oliva 131.
Wallner has a career 127 OPS+ in the majors. That would rank in top 10 in Twins history. For reference: Allison 127, Hrbek 128, Oliva 131.
Today's installment in the "Road to a Rebound" series takes a look at the step back for Matt Wallner in 2025. In my opinion, a lot less concerning than most of the other down years from Twins hitters: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Road to a Rebound: Matt Wallner
Wallner's BABIP and RISP numbers went from great to horrible. How much stock do we put in that?
twinsdaily.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I remain baffled by the way a lot of fans view Matt Wallner -- basically as an expendable guy on his leg with the Twins.
Wallner has a career 127 OPS+ in the majors. That would rank in top 10 in Twins history. For reference: Allison 127, Hrbek 128, Oliva 131.
Wallner has a career 127 OPS+ in the majors. That would rank in top 10 in Twins history. For reference: Allison 127, Hrbek 128, Oliva 131.
Today's installment in the "Road to a Rebound" series takes a look at the step back for Matt Wallner in 2025. In my opinion, a lot less concerning than most of the other down years from Twins hitters: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Road to a Rebound: Matt Wallner
Wallner's BABIP and RISP numbers went from great to horrible. How much stock do we put in that?
twinsdaily.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Today's installment in the "Road to a Rebound" series takes a look at the step back for Matt Wallner in 2025. In my opinion, a lot less concerning than most of the other down years from Twins hitters: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
This was Trevor Larnach one year ago. It would be foolhardy for the Twins go give up on him so they can save like 3 million bucks, IMO.
October 24, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This was Trevor Larnach one year ago. It would be foolhardy for the Twins go give up on him so they can save like 3 million bucks, IMO.
In continuing our "Road to a Rebound" series at @twinsdaily.com, today I took a deep dive on Royce Lewis and his spiral, which has lined up almost exactly with that of the Twins at large.
Fixing him is vital to fixing this team: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Fixing him is vital to fixing this team: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Road to a Rebound: Royce Lewis
Lewis finally looks healthy physically, but his swing remains in a state of disrepair.
twinsdaily.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
In continuing our "Road to a Rebound" series at @twinsdaily.com, today I took a deep dive on Royce Lewis and his spiral, which has lined up almost exactly with that of the Twins at large.
Fixing him is vital to fixing this team: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Fixing him is vital to fixing this team: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Today at @twinsdaily.com I kicked off a new series, "Road to a Rebound," examining what several key Twins hitters need to do in order to turn around their wayward offensive performance. First up, Brooks Lee: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
Road to a Rebound: Brooks Lee
What does Brooks Lee need to do to turn things around after a disappointing season?
twinsdaily.com
October 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today at @twinsdaily.com I kicked off a new series, "Road to a Rebound," examining what several key Twins hitters need to do in order to turn around their wayward offensive performance. First up, Brooks Lee: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
The main problem faced by Twins: hitters throughout the roster who are too young/cheap to give up on, but have played too poorly to trust/trade. Leaves the team in a very tough spot: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/... @twinsdaily.com
The Core Conundrum: Twins Hitters Are Trending Downward Across the Roster
The Twins are lacking any momentum in a wayward group of bats.
twinsdaily.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The main problem faced by Twins: hitters throughout the roster who are too young/cheap to give up on, but have played too poorly to trust/trade. Leaves the team in a very tough spot: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/... @twinsdaily.com
This was a good, albeit harrowing read from @nightengalejr.bsky.social: www.startribune.com/the-twins-de...
The Twins were a very bad defensive team in 2025, one of the main reasons they were a complete drag to watch, and there's no clear path to significant improvement.
The Twins were a very bad defensive team in 2025, one of the main reasons they were a complete drag to watch, and there's no clear path to significant improvement.
The Twins defense was statistically poor in 2025, and solutions aren’t readily apparent
Sports Info Solutions rated the Twins as the second-worst fielding team in MLB.
www.startribune.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:37 PM
This was a good, albeit harrowing read from @nightengalejr.bsky.social: www.startribune.com/the-twins-de...
The Twins were a very bad defensive team in 2025, one of the main reasons they were a complete drag to watch, and there's no clear path to significant improvement.
The Twins were a very bad defensive team in 2025, one of the main reasons they were a complete drag to watch, and there's no clear path to significant improvement.
In the late Metrodome era, "The Twins Way" was a guiding principle. Today it's merely a street sign outside of Target Field.
On field and off, team leadership is signaling an intent to return to their old identity: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
On field and off, team leadership is signaling an intent to return to their old identity: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
For Good or Bad, On Field and Off, Twins Franchise Looks Ready to Lean Back Into the 'Twins Way'
All indications suggest Twins leadership is longing for the days of low-budget piranha ball.
twinsdaily.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:57 PM
In the late Metrodome era, "The Twins Way" was a guiding principle. Today it's merely a street sign outside of Target Field.
On field and off, team leadership is signaling an intent to return to their old identity: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
On field and off, team leadership is signaling an intent to return to their old identity: twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/...
My view: Pohlads are longing for a return to "The Twins Way."
They say their (mid-pack) spending levels became unsustainable. Falvey talks about building an identity around "fundamentals" and "details."
Interviewing Nick Punto for manager feels like the deadest giveaway yet.
They say their (mid-pack) spending levels became unsustainable. Falvey talks about building an identity around "fundamentals" and "details."
Interviewing Nick Punto for manager feels like the deadest giveaway yet.
October 16, 2025 at 12:12 AM
My view: Pohlads are longing for a return to "The Twins Way."
They say their (mid-pack) spending levels became unsustainable. Falvey talks about building an identity around "fundamentals" and "details."
Interviewing Nick Punto for manager feels like the deadest giveaway yet.
They say their (mid-pack) spending levels became unsustainable. Falvey talks about building an identity around "fundamentals" and "details."
Interviewing Nick Punto for manager feels like the deadest giveaway yet.
Sounds like the Twins are viewing Ramon Vazquez as a candidate for manager.
Here's a video the Red Sox put out a couple years ago introducing him as their bench coach: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAh...
Here's a video the Red Sox put out a couple years ago introducing him as their bench coach: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAh...
Your New Bench Coach: Ramón Vázquez
YouTube video by Boston Red Sox
www.youtube.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Sounds like the Twins are viewing Ramon Vazquez as a candidate for manager.
Here's a video the Red Sox put out a couple years ago introducing him as their bench coach: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAh...
Here's a video the Red Sox put out a couple years ago introducing him as their bench coach: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQAh...