Today is the final game of 2025 for my Local Nine, the Minnesota Twins. It was rough season that led to a salary dump at the trade deadline.

What Went Wrong?

• The Pohlad Family: The Twins have terrible owners. The season started with the hope that they would sell the team and someone more interested in winning baseball than making a profit would take over. Alas that never happened.
• Flawed Model: The Twins were built around power. No power materialized. Nor should it have been expected. Even an arm-chair manager like me could tell that that was a flawed plan. What happened? After predictably failing, then unpredictable dumping 30% of the team and a ton of salary, the same leadership suddenly got the idea that they should be relying more on speed and athletes. Wow! Talk about obvious.
• Injuries: Injuries are a part of the game, but the Twins specialize in having great-potential but brittle players. And just plain bad luck.

What Went Well?

• A Healthy Byron Buxton: ‘Nuff said!
• Some Promising New Guys: Luke Keaschall, Kody Clemens
• Room Made for Some Young Guys: Brooks Lee

What Does Next Year Promise?

• Optimism
• Hope

I for one can’t wait!