Gleeman and The Geek

Twins' Playoff Hopes Fade Away (Again)

September 11, 2026·1h 52m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Aaron and John talk about the Twins collapsing in the second half for the third straight season, why the worse they play the bigger the upcoming offseason becomes, the top reasons behind their struggles, and Matt Wallner knowing he's done in Minnesota. 0:00 Welcome: Twins on life support after Chicago and Detroit 3:13 Which of the three end-of-year collapses hurt the most? 4:17 Rock-bottom fan expectations vs. the 78-win projection 15:11 Wasted season or treading water? Who actually stepped forward 16:33 Did the Twins find a core on which to build?  20:02 Still waiting on Byron Buxton's hip surgery decision 25:03 Playoff ticket presale email lands during a collapse 25:47 The 2009 $100 bet: 4.5 games back with 16 to play 30:19 Is the fan base any more optimistic than a year ago? 31:51 Tom Pohlad's grace period is over: why this offseason matters 48:39 Joe Ryan's return start and the Connor Prielipp piggyback 50:14 Austin Martin activated, Gabriel Gonzalez optioned 53:51 Ryan Jeffers' nine straight starts and the Victor Caratini contract 56:41 Walker Jenkins: great plate discipline, whiffing on fastballs 1:00:35 Matt Wallner tells the Star Tribune he's done in Minnesota 1:07:59 Five reasons the season went south (Aaron's article) 1:08:28 Reason one: post-hype prospects who didn't step up 1:23:46 The core has moved on: Keaschall, Culpepper, Jenkins, Jeffers 1:26:37 Reason two: the offseason. Five signings, $16M, 1.7 WAR 1:32:33 Reason three: the bullpen. This was the plan 1:38:37 Reason four: the defense by the numbers 1:42:50 Reason five: injuries. Yeah, but 1:49:49 Why the lineup isn't the problem but still might need to be a focus 1:54:48 Wrap: Sweep Cleveland or bust

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