Twins defense gets big boost with signing of SS Andrelton

Minnesota Twins defense (⬆️ UP)

The Twins have agreed to sign veteran shortstop Andrelton Simmons to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. This does wonders to the Twins’ defense. Simmons will start at shortstop, likely moving Jorge Polanco to second base and Luis Arraez to the utility role. Simmons, a four-time Gold Glove award winner at shortstop, logged the third-best SABR defensive rating (13.3) in the American League in 2019. And his bat isn’t too shabby either, slashing .271/.318/.362 with 26 doubles over the last two seasons.

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Kirk Cousins, Vikings quarterback (⬇️ DOWN)

Gary Kubiak officially retired last week, meaning there will be a new offensive coordinator in charge in 2021. Whoever gets hired in that role will be the Vikings’ sixth offensive coordinator in the last six seasons – Norv Turner (2014-16), Pat Shurmur (2016-17), John DeFilippo (2018), Kevin Stefanski (2019) and Kubiak (2020). For Cousins, it’s his fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons, as Sean McVay was Washington’s OC in 2016 and Matt Cavanaugh was hired there in 2017. That’s not much stability for a quarterback.

Malik Beasley, Timberwolves guard (⬆️ UP)

Minnesota suffered another ugly loss Monday night — 130-108 to the Golden State Warriors – but Beasley had his best night in a Wolves uniform. Beasley racked up 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field, nailing four 3-pointers and all six attempts from the free-throw line. Beasley also tied a season high with seven rebounds. He’s always bringing the energy.

Minnesota Wild power play (⬇️ DOWN)

In seven games, Minnesota had 30 power-play opportunities — third-most in the NHL. They’ve scored two power-play goals. That’s good for a 6.7% clip, which ranks 29th in the league. Ouch.

Anthony Edwards, Wolves guard (⬆️ UP)

Edwards struggled over a five-game stretch from Jan. 10 to Jan. 22, averaging 5.4 points per game and shooting 19.6% from the field. But he made some noise in his past two games. Edwards logged 18 points Saturday night and threw down a thundering dunk against the Warriors on Monday. It’s one of the best dunks we’ve seen in the NBA this season.