FWIW, Ober was way, way happier after this start than the last one. He was frustrated, noticeably so, in Clearwater. Downright cheerful today. I know that's not exactly the soundest analysis, but I also don't think it's nothing.

Ober done after 4 1/3. Strange outing. Some good -- velo ticked back up, 3 Ks (as many as he had in previous starts combined). Some bad -- 3 walks (also as many as in previous starts combined) and overall iffy location. Too much of the time he was either out of the zone or in the middle of the zone.

Ober's velocity is up a bit today compared to last time but his location hasn't been great.

Twins are optioning Kreidler and Wagaman, so roster continues to get clearer. Would seem to indicate Tristan Gray is in a good place to make the team. Still a few things to settle but getting closer and closer.

Night night sweet dreamies Just a little reminder (from me to you): You are worthy. You deserve the good things. You have a heart full of love and you deserve that love right back. Say it out loud. Repeat it often. Start believing it.

One more nugget from Shelton's postgame: sounds like he specifically likes Buxton in the 2 spot and is leaning toward hitting him there, with less clarity on who will lead off.

Also Shelton flatly said Funderburk is on the team. Which isn't necessarily shocking but counts as news. Roster continues to get clearer.

Twins option Roden, indicating Outman will presumably be the LH half of a LF platoon.

A second inning for Funderburk. Shelton recently mentioned unprompted that he's capable of that. I think he's going to make the team, and I think his ability to get 4-5-6 outs is one reason.

Also if you saw the post on the other site that Matt Bowman opted out of his contract, that's... mostly true but kind of not totally accurate. (1/2)

I actually have a hunch that Shelton may be tipping his hand today about a potential regular season batting order. Keaschall 4 Buxton 8 Wallner 9 Bell 3 Jeffers 2 Larnach DH Lewis 5 Martin 7 Kreidler 6 Swap out Kreidler for Lee, and if you told me this was the Opening Day order I'd believe you.

As expected, Martin is back in the lineup today, playing LF and batting 8th.

FYI re: Joe Ryan's velocity, since I've been asked about it and I asked him about it. He's right about where he was last spring. Last spring, per the amazing folks at MLB.com research, Ryan averaged 92.0 in the two statcast-tracked games he pitched, and topped out at 94.1

Per Shelton, Austin Martin is expected to play tomorrow.

This is a delightful read.

IIRC Port Charlotte usually has good music, but they just played some bro country song that steals the riff from Rebel Rebel, and, well... whatever I did to deserve that, I apologize and I would like to make amends.

Walker Jenkins is scheduled to DH in a minor league game today.

Just remembering Ben Sheets. There was a guy. (i freaking loved watching him pitch)

Y’all I’m not even halfway through it and this new Gladie album… yes lord, yes.

Second wave of Twins moves today as Andrew Chafin and Gio Urshela are released. Like Hendriks, they had opt-out clauses and were informed they would not make the team.

Show someone who absolutely rocks a hat (that isn't Indiana Jones)

Loved covering Woodrow. Interesting, thoughtful, funny dude. Pretty good pitcher too.

And now it's official, Zebby Matthews optioned to St. Paul, meaning Abel will start the season in the rotation.

Twins officially announced Joe Ryan as Opening Day starter.

Twins have granted Liam Hendriks his release.

Twins have announced starters for the remainder of spring. Today: SWR Tomorrow: Ryan Sunday: Bradley Monday: Ober Tuesday: Abel

I need Guenther joining Binotto at Audi, and then an entire spinoff season of DtS focused just on the two of them.

oh hell yes

Buxton is starting today but over the next few days there's a pretty good chance that he'll be in Minor League games more than on the big field. They can do things like have him lead off every inning and then pinch-run. Main thing he needs is ABs, and that's how he gets them.

Martin is currently running in the outfield. Certainly seems like a good sign. You never know when it comes to head injuries, but I think overall you have to be encouraged with how it's going.

Also Larnach is expected to be back in the lineup tomorrow.

Per Shelton, Austin Martin "went through a workout today and actually did some baseball activities." Definitely encouraging news.

Night night sweet dreamies Sometimes it’s our own expectations that quietly break our hearts. Life can be heavy, so be gentle with yourself. You deserve the same kindness you give to others

2025 James Ellwanger, another guy who has caught Twins' front office attention this spring, throwing 98-99 with his four-seamer and 95 with his cutter. Oh, and there was a sinker at 96.

Kaelen Culpepper 2-run double followed by Emma Rodriguez RBI triple. Got a feeling it's not the last time I'm going to write that.

Yeah, I've been to most of these places and there's basically not an actual small town on the list.

Quentin Young: large human.

There's a lot of excitement about Hill this spring, and, uh, I can see why.

Twins LH prospect Dasan Hill just hit 100.1 mph.

Ok but this one doesn’t suck.

I don’t know why we are experiencing a drum and bass revival here in the mid-20s, but among the many bad things going on in the world, that is a small good one.

Shutting down from Hammond Stadium, and y'all, the end is very much in sight. That's 23 Grapefruit League games down, 7 to go, and we're 10 days from Opening Day. Gnight, and I'll skeet at you tomorrow. And yes, I will be making the trip to Clearwater.

Put a Gaggia and a Eureka Mignon in the dugout, you cowards.

Delighted to report that in 2026 in Fort Myers, we are once again lighting mups.

Martin was removed due to a concussion, per Twins.

Keaschall was pulled early after that HBP but said he’s totally fine.

Ryan seemingly done for the day. 4 5 1 1 1 6, that's certainly an upgrade from last time out 92.8 average on the 4-seam, that's down from last year but up from last outing.

Austin Martin out of the game after 3 innings. It did look like he landed a little awkwardly trying to make the play on Davis last inning. He took his at-bat and got a hit, but didn't come out for the top of the fourth. Outman in RF.

This is a weird, old-man reference, but Keaschall reminds me a little bit of peak Edgar Renteria in that he just hits freaking everything hard. Just constant line drives all over the place.