The SKOR North Twins Show -- a Minnesota Twins podcast

Derek Wetmore and Ramie Makhlouf discuss the long-going Twins Payroll debate. Should the Twins spend more, or are they playing the cards right? Later, Dustin Morse joins for a look ahead to Twins Fest this weekend. Also, more on the Hall Of Fame announcement and Derek has some thoughts on Miguel Sano and Jose Berrios. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does Martin Perez move the needle? What does his signing mean for the pitching staff? Is he really going to be slotted into the rotation? And do you get the sense that the Twins don't view themselves as contenders right now? Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore discuss the 2019 offseason as a whole, and Phil is back at the payroll debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Mackey and Ramie Makhlouf have some optimism on the Twins in 2019 after taking a look at their potential everyday lineup. Is 84 wins a possibility? Derek Wetmore joins to discuss that and has more takes on the Twins offseason. Should they remain busy in free agency? Also, Mackey poses a question: Would you trade Byron Buxton for a front line pitcher? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Mackey announces some exciting, major changes at 1500, beginning right now! For starters, we’ve got a new name now – SKOR North (and SKORNorth.com)… And an expanded menu of Minnesota sports content across multiple platforms. You’ll be able to find SKOR North LIVE & LOCAL on AM 1500 (between noon & 7 weekdays), starting with a daily Vikings show at NOON on weekdays called Purple Daily. Then you can hear SKOR North Live with Matthew Coller from 2-4p, Mackey and Judd w/ Ramie from 4-6p, and assorted specialty shows in the 6:00 hour. We’re also expanding our digital content in a BIG way over at SKORNorth.com, where, in addition to great written content, you’ll find some of the most entertaining Minnesota sports podcasts -- such as Purple Podcast, Raised by Wolves, Touch em All, The Scoop with Doogie, Reusse Unchained, The Crafty Rogues and plenty more. As for social media — expect a lot of fun and creative stuff on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube — all @SKORNorth. So, give us a follow … Check out our shows … Give us your input and ideas … And tell your friends that SKOR North is here! … Minnesota Sports. Anytime. Anywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Twins player Darin Mastroianni joins the show to discuss the importance of veteran leadereship, and why Nelson Cruz will help the Twins win. Derek Wetmore asks Mastroianni about the impact that Cruz can make. There were also some great stories about his former managers, Paul Molitor and Ron Gardenhire. Plus, how players like Jamey Carroll and Justin Morneau helped teach him how to become a role player. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Twins officially signed Nelson Cruz and DFA'd Aaron Slegers on Thursday. Derek Wetmore and Jake Depue analyze the move, the best and worst outcomes, Derek Falvey "The Economist." Topics: -Nelson Cruz, Professional Leader -Which players will see the most impact on the Minnesota Twins' roster? -Are you worried about a decline in performance? -How is Cruz the ageless wonder? -How many home runs will Cruz hit in 2019? -Are the Twins favoring power over on-base skills with this winter? -What's next for the offseason to be deemed a success? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nelson Cruz's agent joined Darren Wolfson on 1500ESPN to talk about the newest addition for the Twins. Thad Levine helped to recruit Nelson Cruz, according to Cruz's agent, on this show from Thursday, December, 27. Jonathan Schoop also helped to recruit the underrated slugger to his new team -- and also helped sell the Twins on Cruz. Cruz's agent talked about the recruitment process, Cruz's leadership abilities, as well as how he uses diet, workout, massage therapy and sleep routine to defy the normal age-related decline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What'd you think of Joe Mauer's number retirement ceremony? Are the Twins going to make splashy moves this winter? How good do you think THEY think they are? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's official. Joe Mauer's No. 7 will go up in the limestone in left field at Target Field this summer. We learned that at an event at Cretin Derham Hall on Tuesday morning. Kent Hrbek broke the news to Mauer, who was at an apparent loss for words over the honor. Highlights from the press conference in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Byron Buxton was sent out in September and told to go home and get healthy. Speaking to the media at a recent charity event, he made it known that he wasn't happy with management's decision to shut him down. Phil Mackey thinks Buxton needs to pump the brakes on his public comments -- while Derek Wetmore argues that Buxton has every right to be mad. Other topics discussed: Nelson Cruz, Alex Kirilloff, Royce Lewis, Nick Gordon, Brian Dozier and more. Seth Auger joins the show, and also produced the video steams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Minnesota Twins had a shopping list, but probably didn't get all of their 2019 shopping done. Will they sign Nelson Cruz? What other moves would make sense for the Twins? Derek Wetmore asks the tough questions, with special guest Dan Hayes of The Athletic.

The Twins have lost a couple of good on-base-percentage hitters (Joe Mauer, Robbie Grossman), and now they need to find a leadoff hitter. Where will they look for that? Patrick Reusse joins the show with his suggestion for the next Twins' leadoff hitter. He also asked Derek Wetmore about the Twins' wOBA. Topics includes the 2019 season outlook, the Twins' plan, Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, Jonathan Schoop, Jorge Polanco, Trevor May, Kohl Stewart, Kyle Gibson, Fernando Romero, Weighted On-Base Average and Derek Falvey's Changeup Camp.

The Twins signed Jonathan Schoop and claimed CJ Cron off waivers. With those two moves, they've addressed the right side of their infield for a good price. Derek Falvey joins Mackey & Judd to explain the Jonathan Schoop signing for the Twins. Plus, CJ Cron, the MLB Winter Meetings, and more on the Minnesota Twins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do YOU want the Twins to upgrade their pitching? Trade for Trevor Bauer? Zack Greinke? Sonny Gray? Sign Patrick Corbin? Dallas Keuchel? Drew Pomeranz? Plus, what other areas need to be addressed this winter? Derek Wetmore hosted a live hangout Friday to answeryour Twins questions in this Twins Q&A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Would you trade a bundle of talent to Cleveland to get two years of Trevor Bauer? Would you trade with the Yankees for one year of Sonny Gray? How should the Twins aim to upgrade their roation (if at all)? Derek Wetmore and Phil Mackey discuss their realistic expectations from the starting staff and what it would mean to add Gray, Bauer or a number of other pitchers to the mix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices