5 Little known facts about the newest Twins' OF, Clete Thomas

The Twins have announced that they have selected OF Clete Thomas on waivers from Detroit. Clete Thomas bats left-handed and has played in all 3 outfield positions, but he has more experience in Right Field. After Darin Mastroianni, he is the second OF on waivers claimed by the Twins in 2012. He will take Scott Baker's 40-man roster spot and a corresponding move (either demoting Ben Revere who has options or waiving ineffective LHB Sean Burroughs) will be made before the Twins' game tomorrow, to clear a 25-man roster spot for Clete Thomas.

Here are five little known facts about Clete:

• He was drafted by the Twins on the 5th round of the 2003 draft but did not sign and went to Auburn University instead. Drafted by the Tigers on the 6th round of the 2005 draft as a Junior.


• His High School team won the State Championship (Florida) in 2002 when he was a senior at Mosley High School


• He was a member of the 1996 U.S. South Region Champs that advanced to the Little League World Series


• His first name is Micheal, but goes by his middle name Clete and has a brother, Alex, who is 18 years his junior


• He underwent Tommy John surgery; a rarity for position players; he is close friends with Denard Span and will wear number 36 for the Twins, recently vacated by Joe Nathan

Twins Players of the Week

The Twins are 2-4 in this early season, after being swept in their first series at Baltimore and winning the series against one of the AL darlings, the LA Angels at the home opener at Target Field, 2-1. This series win is very hopeful, because if they Twins win 60-70% of their series, they will be in the post-season. They stand at 50% right now and winning the Rangers' series, will put them at 66%, which is right on course.

A position player and a pitcher stood above and beyond the Twins' peers this week and they are the Twins' players of the week.

Position player: Josh Willingham:



.409/.458/1.000 4 HR, 7 RBI, 1 2B, 1 BB, 5 K, (24 PA)

Pitcher: Glen Perkins:



.000 ERA, 0.545 WHIP, 2 H, 0 BB, 6 K (3.2 IP)

Twins' Organization Player and Staff Birthdays List

Did you wonder when is the Birthday of your favorite player in the Twins' Organization? Did you know that Brian Dozier and Justin Morneau shared Birthdays? So do Chris Parmelee and Nick Blackburn. And the New Britain clubhouse will have a lot of fun on August 20th, the shared birthday of both their pitching and hitting coaches (Bobby Cuellar and Tom Brunansky). And do you know the most popular day as far as Twins' organization players and staff birthdays go? It is November 24th when 6 members of the organization celebrate their birthdays. Here is the list of more than 200 birthdays in the organization; it can also serve as an organizational roster. A couple of caveats: A. Some players who are mentioned in the list are no longer with the organization. This will probably clear when the short season leagues are announced. B. Some players in the Twins' organization (esp. the new International Signees not in Extended Spring Training who will play in the DSL or will join the organization this summer,) as well as the managers and coaching staff at the short season leagues are not listed. I do not list front office/announcer/broadcaster etc birthdays.

Without further ado (and please help fill any gaps) :


January
-------

2 - Felix Jorge (1994)
3 - Andy Leer (1988)
5 - Danny Ortiz (1990)
6 - Nick Alloway (1989), Anthony Slama (1984)
7 - Nick Lockwood (1991)
8 - Carl Pavano (1976)
9 - Brendan Wise (1986)
10 - Gonzalo Sanudo (1992)
15 - Josue Montanez (1992)
16 - Tony Davis (1988), Yeison Florentino (1992), Matt Maloney (1984), Jeff Manship (1985)
17 - Gerardo Ramirez (1994)
19 - James Beresford (1989)
20 - Estarlin De Los Santos (1987), Brad Stillings (*) (1988)
22 - Ronald Jimenez (1994)
24 - Norberto Susini (1989)
25 - Eddy Concepcion (1993), Dallas Gallant (1989), Andrei Lobanov (1990)
28 - Javier Vargas (1993)
30 - Blayne Weller (*) (1990)
31 - Caleb Thielbar (1987), Brad Thompson (1982)

February
--------

1 - Damian DeFranke (1995), Michael Quesada (1990)
2 - Logan Darnell (1989), Ryde Rodriguez (1988)
3 - Jose Gonzalez (1990)
8 - Nate Hanson (1987)
9 - Ernesto Ciprian (1991), Levi Michael (1991), Matt Parker (1988)
10 - Liam Hendriks (1989), Max Kepler (1993)
11 - Brad Tippett (1988), JR Towles (1984)
12 - Cole DeVries (1985), Danny Rohlfing (1989)
17 = Josh Willingham (1974)
18 - Jhonatan Arias (1989), Jamey Carroll (1974), Kelvin Mention (1992), Matthew Tone (1988)
22 - Brian Duensing (1983), # Nelson Prada (1976)
24 - Chris Parmelee (1988), Nick Blackburn (1982)
25 - Nate Roberts (1989)
26 - Sterling Bonilla (1992)
27 - Denard Span (1984)
28 - Ricardo Arevalo (1991), Niko Goodrum (1992), Aaron Thompson (1987)

March
-----

1 - Martire Garcia (1990)
2 - Glen Perkins (1983)
4 - (#) Steve Liddle (1959)
5 - Joe Benson (1988), Stephen Wickens (1989)
9 - Evan Bigley (1987)
10 - Aaron Bates (1984)
12 - PJ Walters (1985)
13 - Javier Pimentel (1994)
14 - Junior Subero (1992)
18 - Reudis Reyes (1993)
21 - Junior Amarante (1995), Kelly Cross (1992)
22 - Elias Villasana (1993)
26 - Victor Arias (1991)
27 - Jose Vasquez (1991)
28 - Phil Chapman (*) (1989)
30 - Matt Houser (1988)
31 - Josmil Pinto (1989)


April
-----

3 - Ryan Doumit (1981)
5 - Tobias Streich (1988)
6 - Carlos Martinez (1994)
7 - Nelvin Fuentes (1989)
9 - Nick Cicio (1989)
12 - Melciades De La Cruz (1993)
17 - Deolis Guerra (1989)
18 - Brandon Henderson (1989)
19 - Joe Mauer (1983)
20 - Marcus Limon (1989)
21 - Drew Leachman (1989), Justin Parker (1990)
24 - Francis Mateo (1993), Adrian Salcedo (1991)
27 - Luis Perdomo (1984)
30 - Ryan O'Rourke (1988)

May
---

1- Tyler Koelling (1989)
2 - Corey Kimes (1990)
3 - Ben Revere (1988)
4 - Erick Gonzalez (1991), Matej Hejma (1990)
5 - Melciades De La Cruz (1993) Bobby Lanigan (1987)
9 - Oswaldo Arcia (1991)
10 - Jairo Perez (1988)
11 - Miguel Sano (1993)
12 - Aderlin Mejia (1992), Hein Robb (1992)
13 - Jonathan Goncalves (1989)
14 - Dubal Baez (1993), Romy Jimenez (1991)
15 - Brian Dozier (1987), Justin Morneau (1981)
16 - Trent Higginbotham (1992)
17 - Sebastian Perez (1995)
18 - Randy Rosario (1994)
19 - Jhon Garcia (1987)
21 - Adam Bryant (1989)
25 - Pat Dean (1989)
28 - Lester Oliveros (1988)
31 - Edgar Ibarra (1989)

June
----

2 - Jared Burton (1981)
3 - (#) Jim Dwyer (1950)
5 - Dereck Rodriguez (1992), Jhon Silva (1993)
10 - (#) Scott Ullger (1955)
11 - Yorman Landa (1994)
12 - Billy Killian (1986)
14 - Dubal Baez (1993), Mike Hollimon (1982)
15 - Trevor Plouffe (1986)
16 - Michael Gonzales (1988)
17 - Garrett Jewell (1990), (#) Jeff Smith (1974)
18 - (#) Tommy Watkins (1980)
19 - Derek Christensen (1989), Blake Martin (1986)
20 - Ramon Santana (*) (1986)
22 - Engelb Vielma (1994)
25 - Felix Gallardo (1991)
27 - Mark Trau (1991)
28 - Wang-Wei Lin (1988)
30 - Steve Gruver (1989)

July
----

1 - Matt Carson (1981)
2 - Sam Deduno (1983), Rene Tosoni (1986)
3 - Nate Fawbush (1990), Tyler Grimes (1990)
4 - Corey Williams (1990)
5 - Jorge Polanco (1993)
8 - Bart Carter (1987)
10 - Jacob Younis (1993)
12 - Phil Dumatrait (1981)
13 - Jose Abreu (1992)
14 - Cole Nelson (1989), Adonis Pacheco (1991)
15 - Alexandre De Oliveira (1992) Bobby O'Neill (1989), Adonis Pacheco (1991), Nick Romero (*) (1987)
18 - Bruce Pugh (1988)
19 - Candido Pimentel (1990)
20 - Alexi Casilla (1984)
24 - Argenis Silva (1994)
26 - Alex Burnett (1987)
27 - Tsuyoshi Nishioka (1984)
28 - Rory Rhodes (1991)
30 - Scott Diamond (1986)
31 - Rene Rivera (1983)

August
------

1 - Kennys Vargas (1990)
2 - Luke Hughes (1984)
4 - Pedro Estaba (1992), Miguel Munoz (1988), Marty Popham (1987)
6 - Ricky Bowen (1987)
9 - Drew Butera (1983), Steven Evans (1989)
11 - Manuel Soliman (1989)
15 - Rafael P Valera (1994), Joel Polanco (1992)
17 - Matthew Summers (1989), Danny Turpen (1986)
20 - (#) Tom Brunansky (1960), (#) Bobby Cuellar (1952)
21 - Jason Marquis (1978)
23 - Hyeong-rok Choi (1989), (#) Jerry White (1952)
24 - Ray Chang (1983), Wander Guillen (1992), Jairo Rodriguez (1988)
25 - J.R. Krogstad (1988)
26 - Darin Mastroianni (1985), Markus Solbach (1991)
27 - AJ Achter (1988), Emilio Sepulveda (1991)
29 - Clint Dempster (1989)

September
---------

1 - Edgar Martinez (1990)
2- Lance Ray (1989)
3 - Matt Capps (1983)
5 - Anderson Hidalgo (1988), Tyler Jones (1989), Danny Lehmann (1985)
6 - Jose Ramirez (1991)
8 - Steve Hirschfeld (1985)
10 - Anthony Swarzak (1985)
12 - Sean Burroughs (1980), Kyle Knudson (1987)
13 - Luke French (1985)
14 - David Bromberg (1987), Tim Shibuya (1989)
19 - Danny Valencia (1974)
20 - Brett Lee (1990)
22 - (#) Gene Glynn (1956), Carlos Gutierrez (1986)
24 - Deibinson Romero (1986), Sam Spangler (1987)
25 - Hung Yi Chen (1992)
26 - Luis Nunez (1991), Tom Stuifbergen (1988)
28 - Eddie Rosario (1991)

October
-------

1 - Erik Komatsu (1987)
2 - Aaron Hicks (1989)
3 - Kelvin Silvania (1990)
4 - (#) Jimmy Alvarez (1977)
6 - Andrew Albers (1985), Cole Johnson (1988)
8 - Tyler Herr (1990), (#) Rick Stelmaszek (1948)
10 - Luis Gonzalez (1994) 12 - Miguel Gonzalez (1994)
13 - Paul Bargas (1988)
17 - Travis Harrison (1992), Chris Mazza (1989)
18 - Hudson Boyd (1992)
19 - Kelvin Ortiz (1991)
24 - Chris Colabello (1983), (#) Ron Gardenhire (1957)
23 - Cesar Ciurcina (1990), Kyle Gibson (1987), Jonatan Ynojoso (1992)
25 - Wilkin Ramirez (1985)
26 - Francisco Liriano (1983)
27 - Jamaal Hawkins (1988), Kyle Waldrop (1985), Jason Wheeler (1990)
29 - Julio Torres (1993)
31 - Casey Fien (1983)

November
--------

1 - Alex Wimmers (1988)
2 - Daryl Thompson (1985)
5 - Reggie Williams (1988), Reyson Zoquiel (1993)
7 - Tim Atherton (1989), Danny Santana (1990), Esmerling Vasquez (1983)
8 - Mark Dolenc (1984), (#) Gary Lucas (1954)
9 - Madison Boer (1989), Joshua Hendricks (1991), Brett Jacobson (1986)
10 - Brian Dinkelman (1983)
13 - Ryan Mullins (1983)
154 - Gabriel A. Ynfante (1994)
16 - (#) Joe Vavra (1959), Dakota Watts (1987)
17 - Kyle Wahl (1988)
18 - Ezequiel Zarzuela (1990)
19 - Scott Baker (1981), Jeff Gray (1981), AJ Pettersen (1988), Michael Tonkin (1989)
20 - JD Williams (1990)
21 - Matthew Koch (1988)
24 - Chris Herrmann (1987), David Hurlbut (1989), Steven Liddle (1987), (#) Steve Mintz (1968), Angel Morales (1989), Carlos Suarez (1992)
28 - Joshua Burris (1991)
29 - (#) Rick Anderson (1956)
30 - Austin Malinowski (1992)

December
--------

1 - BJ Hermsen (1989)
3 - Angel Mata (1992)
6 - Felix Martinez (1988)
7 - Jorge Andrade (1994), Matt Schuld (*) (1987)
10 - Pedro Florimon (1986)
12 - Jose Jimenez (1991)
17 - Matthew Tomshaw (1988)
19 - (#) Stew Cliburn (1956), Danny Rams (1988)
20 - (#) Jake Mauer (1978)
23 - Roy Larson (*) (1987), Tyler Robertson (1987)
24 - Matt Rizzotti (1985)
28 - Francisco Nunez (1991)


Unknown:
--------

Kuo-Hua Lo
Miguel Gonzalez
Felix Jorge
(#) Rudy Hernandez


(*) Denotes no longer with the organization. (#) Denotes Manager/Coach/Staff

Twins' Baker out for the season with flexor pronator tendon issues: Anatomy Lesson

The Twins announced that Scott Baker will be out for the rest of the season due to surgery on his Flexor Pronator tendon of his right elbow. Most people have no idea what this is, so I will try to explain...

Here is a picture of the inside of the elbow (Think of it as being around on the inside -thumb side- bony part of the elbow) :



The Flexor Pronator Tendon is the one pointed out with the arrow on the top of the picture. The UCL is the dotted blue line (The arrowhead points to a nerve that has been looped out of the way). So the Flexor Pronator Tendon is close enough the UCL to allow misdiagnosis without an MRI.

Clearly Scott Baker had an MRI last week and according to all Twins' sources that MRI was identical to that he had last summer. When Baker received a second opinion by Dr. Altcheck the "tendonititis" that was diagnosed by the Twins' medical staff, was immediately diagnosed as tear scar tissue build up on the tendon requiring surgery.

If the Twins' staff did not misdiagnose and mistreated Scott Baker's elbow injury last summer, he would have had the surgery then and with the 6 months required for rehab, he would have been available and healthy in the beginning of Spring Training. Now his season is lost. And all because of another misdiagnosis and mistreatment. It is about time that the Twins' brass hold the medical staff accountable and replace them ASAP. Terry Ryan spoke about accountability when he was (re)appointed as the interim GM. Let see if he can walk the talk, or he was just blowing hot air.

Random Tuesday Twins Thoughts and Tidbits

Here is this week's installment:

• The opening day was a bummer but featured somewhat a comeback, for which I was thankful. Still the Twins lost, which is not good. My thoughts as I was watching that game are here. The second game debacle did not put me in a great mood and the third game was the cherry on top. At least there were a couple of bright points: Swarzak's performance on short notice, Jamey Carroll's defense, Frankie Liriano's first inning. Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing have done a remarkable job when called upon.


• The home opener yesterday afternoon was pretty interesting, until the manager of the millennium per habit, left Blackburn in a batter or 2 too many. After 4 games the Twins as a team are hitting a collective Buteraesque: .165/.252/.240 and only Josh Willingham (1.390/239 OPS+) and Justin Morneau (.829/149 OPS+) have OPS higher than league average


• The Twins are 14th in the AL in OPS and Runs Scored, 12th in ERA, 10th in WHIP and Runs allowed/game and 11th in Runs Allowed so far. But the Defense has improved: They are 8th (and above league average) for Defensive Efficiency and tied for 4th for Total Fielding Runs above average. I would not be surprised to see Mr Brunansky as the hitting coach soon


• Scary thought: Matt Maloney might be part of the Twins' rotation in 2013.


• Apparently with all the issues Scott Baker had in Spring Training, his first MRI was after his failed start with the Miracle last week. I hope that Terry Ryan who has been blowing hot air about accountability explains that


• Ken Rosenthal wrote this incredible story about the bike accident of Reese Marquis and her healing. A MUST read, especially if you have kids. You might understand what Jason Marquis was going through.


• Looks like the Twins jumped up a few spots on these and these pre-opening day power rankings


• From the cannot make it up department: Matt Capps' middle name is "Dicus" (No K). I swear. Look it up.


• Twins' middle infield prospect with the Beloit Snappers AJ Pettersen Is trying to explain the art of choosing a walkout song.


• R.A. Dickey's Wherever I Wind Up: My Quest for Truth, Authenticity and the Perfect Knuckleball is great. A must read feel good story from a former Twins' pitcher.


• The Twins' product of the week, is the MLB Men's Minnesota Twins Arch Classic Long Sleeve Full Zip Hooded Fleece, in Athletic Navy. You cannot beat the price and I picked one for myself to wear at my local ballpark.

The parting shot today is of Mr Nicholas Blackburn. He was alright in the home opener, until Gardenhire left him in a couple batters too long: