- The Associated Press
JA Happ, Twins finalize $8 million, 1-year contract
J.A. Happ won a World Series with Philadelphia in 2008 and returned to the final round with the Phillies the following season, but he hasn't been back since. The Minnesota Twins were Happ's pick to try to experience anew the fall success that has often been missing since early in his career. The left-hander finalized an $8 million, one-year contract with the Twins on Friday, giving the two-time defending AL Central champions - who are carrying a baseball-record 18-game postseason losing streak - a steady 38-year-old for the back of their rotation.
- TwinCities.com
Twins think they have solid rotation arm in lefty J.A. Happ
J.A. Happ had two major priorities when he began wading into free agency: He was looking for a contending team and a family fit for himself, his wife Morgan and their young children. At 38, the veteran starter is searching for another ring — Happ was a member of the 2008 Phillies, though didn’t truly establish himself in the majors until a year later — and believes he’ll have a chance at that in Minnesota. He enjoyed chatting with pitching coach Wes Johnson, noting his energy and positivity.
- NJ.com
42-year-old son of former Twins manager and ex-N.J. resident Tom Kelly found dead in Arizona
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports the 42-year-old son of former Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly was found dead Saturday in Arizona while on a golf trip. According to the report, Tom Kelly Jr. was found “unresponsive” in his hotel room after missing his tee time. Nate Mauer, a close friend and teammate at Hill-Murray High School, said: “I missed this golf trip, but we had another scheduled for March.
AL Central Standings
| W | L | Pct | GB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 24 | .600 | 0.0 | |
| 35 | 25 | .583 | 1.0 | |
| 35 | 25 | .583 | 1.0 | |
| 26 | 34 | .433 | 10.0 | |
| 23 | 35 | .397 | 12.0 |
- x
- - Clinched Playoff Spot
- y
- - Clinched Division