The End
Thought #1: Just like they drew it up—but also not at all like that
- The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series—ho hum, just like all the “super team” predictions in April, right? Wrong. 2024 was a masterclass from LA skipper Dave Roberts in managing arms and injuries. Every notable Dodger SP—Glasnow, Yoshinobu, May, Kershaw, & Buehler—missed vast amounts of time. Some got healthy in time for the postseason and Roberts pulled every lever correctly—even perfectly navigating the dreaded Bullpen Game ™—in beating the Padres (a better overall roster), the Mets (the hottest playoff team), and the Yankees (the best the AL had to offer).
Thought #2: Five Nights at Freddie’s
- Freddie Freeman has long been a favorite of mine because his patient approach endears him to my real and fantasy baseball proclivities. After becoming a fixture in Atlanta since 2010—winning a World Series there in 2021—the Braves said “nahh, we’re moving to cheaper/younger Matt Olson” & Freddie moved to LA in ’22. This year, Freeman’s son was diagnosed with Guillain-Barr Syndrome and Freddie missed a lot of time tending to the family. Then, just as the playoffs rolled around, his ankle got rolled up on and he spent the first two rounds swinging from his arms and limping around the infield. But when the World Series lights popped, Freddie provided nearly all the dramatics as the unanimous Series MVP. What a story!
Thought #3: Au Revoir, Alex
- I was saddened to hear of 26-year old Alex Kirilloff’s retirement from baseball. This was a player the Minnesota Twins thought so highly of they let debut in the 2020 playoffs. Alas, back and wrist injuries constantly plagued the 1B/OF prospect. Even then, he harbored a 99 OPS+ in 884 PA from 2021-2024—imagine what he could have done if healthy. I truly hope Alex finds his next life calling and wish him all the best going forward.
Thought #4: (Off)Season of Change
- There is a very real possibility this offseason will be the most impactful of many of our Twins-watching fandoms, what with the Pohlads putting the team on the block. On one hand I’m frustrated this uncertainly likely means another ice-cold Hot Stove season (perhaps even subtractions to “right size” the payroll further). On the other hand, I’m excited for a potential new ownership group for the first time in this ’85 baby’s lifetime!