Minnesota Twins hire Derek Shelton as manager, breaking decades-long pattern of first-time hires. Can the former Pirates skipper succeed with better talent and resources?

Brandon Warne and Theo Tollefson from Zone Coverage break down Shelton's qualifications, his familiarity with the organization as former bench coach, and why his Pittsburgh record shouldn't define him. The discussion shifts to critical 40-man roster decisions, analyzing which players face outrights including Jose Miranda and Mickey Gasper, and which prospects like Andrew Morris, Connor Prielipp, and Gabriel Gonzalez need Rule 5 protection. Tollefson provides insider perspectives on the Twins' minor league system while Warne explains how the team can leverage bullpen opportunities to attract talent.

Key topics include Shelton's development track record with Tampa Bay and Cleveland, the strategic timing of roster moves, and how Hendry Mendez could justify the Harrison Bader trade.

Tune in for comprehensive analysis of how these roster decisions shape the Twins' offseason strategy and competitive outlook.

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:31 Derek Shelton hired as Twins manager
• 3:30 Shelton's familiarity with the organization
• 6:31 Shelton's track record as hitting coach
• 10:06 Giving Shelton a fair chance
• 14:47 Christian Vazquez and free agent decisions
• 17:27 Bullpen construction and minor league signings
• 19:09 40-man roster decisions and outrights
• 22:09 Mickey Gasper's uncertain roster status
• 25:20 Rule 5 protection additions discussion
• 27:59 Connor Prielipp and top pitching prospects
• 30:27 Kendry Rojas protection debate
• 32:19 Hendry Mendez's future at first base
• 35:28 Kyler Fedko and outfield depth
• 37:17 Final 40-man roster projections

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Minnesota Twins hire Derek Shelton as 15th manager despite 306-440 Pirates record. Can a fresh start transform his career like Joe Torre's Yankees resurrection?

Brandon Warne breaks down why Shelton deserves a clean slate, highlighting his reputation as one of baseball's best communicators, his relentless work ethic running Twins spring camps, and strong hitting background. A former Twin calls Shelton "a monster" with the grit the organization needs.

Warne draws parallels to Joe Torre, who posted a .471 winning percentage across 14 seasons before becoming a Hall of Fame manager with the Yankees, arguing that the Pirates' lack of resources — not Shelton's ability — explains his struggles in Pittsburgh. The discussion explores how the Twins thrive as underdogs, from 1987 through Rocco Baldelli's 2019 debut, and why this young roster featuring Walker Jenkins, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Matt Wallner could benefit from Shelton's emotional leadership style in the competitive AL Central.

Discover why the 2026 Twins' path to relevance might have started with this controversial hire.

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:31 Derek Shelton Named Twins 15th Manager
• 2:34 Initial Reactions and Fan Concerns
• 4:37 Shelton's Background and Coaching Experience
• 7:12 Understanding the Pessimism Around Ownership
• 10:16 Former Player Endorsement of Shelton
• 13:20 The Joe Torre Comparison Explained
• 18:29 Why Shelton Deserves a Clean Slate
• 22:04 Expecting a Different Team Culture
• 26:10 Analyzing Shelton's Managing Style and Approach
• 29:13 The Twins Need to Embrace Underdog Mentality
• 33:20 Shelton as a Bridge Manager
• 36:31 Fresh Start and New Team Vibes

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MLB free agency frenzy: Which stars could land with the Minnesota Twins?

Host Brandon Warne dissects Jim Bowden's top 50 free agent list, exploring potential targets for the Minnesota Twins. From outfielder Trent Grisham to first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, Warne analyzes how these players could impact the Twins' roster. The discussion covers pitching options, bullpen reinforcements, and strategies to keep the Twins competitive in the AL Central.

Tune in for expert insights on the Twins' offseason moves and how they might reshape the team's future.

• 0:00 Jim Bowden's top 50 free agents
• 5:14 Trent Grisham as potential Twins fit
• 11:51 Ryan O'Hearn: All-Star first baseman option
• 18:00 Nick Martinez: Potential swing man for Twins
• 23:10 Other free agent options for Twins
• 28:57 Analyzing relief pitcher options for Twins

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#minnesotatwins #MLB #Twins