CLOSER: Cole Sands to LEAD Minnesota Twins Bullpen? Analyzing Derek Shelton's High-Leverage Moves

Minnesota Twins bullpen shines Monday as Cole Sands emerges as the primary closer. Does he have what it takes to anchor late-game situations? CJ Baumgartner analyzes Derek Shelton’s bullpen strategy, spotlighting Sands’ surge in high-leverage roles, Kody Funderburk’s unique firefighter usage, and Eric Orze’s clutch performances. The breakdown includes critical stats, win probability added, and leverage index, challenging preseason expectations and highlighting the Twins’ surprising resilience.   First base defense becomes a pressing concern with Victor Caratini, Kody Clemens, and Josh Bell struggling to deliver consistency. Baumgartner examines defensive metrics, roster depth, and why the first base unit may sink toward the bottom of MLB. Plus, Connor Prielipp dominates at AAA—should he be the next starter called up? Key topics feature Prielipp's injury risk, Andrew Morris vs. Prielipp, and why the Twins need answers on their pitching prospects. Is Minnesota’s path to contention sustainable with these roster gaps?   Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…   🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-twins/   Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/   00:00 Twins Bullpen & Cole Sands Closer Discussion   10:16 First Base Defense Concerns   22:02 Triple-A Call-Up: Connor Prielipp Should Be The First Call   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.     Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: lockedontwins.supercast.com   #minnesotatwins #MLB #Twins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.