Derek Shelton became just the latest manager to troll Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli.
Baldelli is clearly loved throughout baseball, including in Pittsburgh. Pirates manager Derek Shelton was formerly a bench coach for Baldelli’s Twins. Thus far in the Steel City, Shelton has yet to make a substantial impact, but that doesn’t mean he’s not good for a solid troll when he returns to familiar stomping grounds.
On Friday, Shelton came dressed for success to his pregame press conference. The Twins and Pirates are playing an interleague series over the weekend.
Pirates looking to outplay expectations this season, Twins need to get back on track
The Bucs are 9-10 on the young season, marking a bit of a surprise for a team most pundits picked to finish dead last in the NL Central by a wide margin. Yet, this squad of misfits has been led well by Shelton’s leadership, paired with an excellent bullpen (at least thus far), which has increased their pitching flexibility tenfold.
The Twins, meanwhile, have found ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For a team expected to compete in the crowded AL Central, Minnesota expects more from itself and Baldelli, who will ultimately have to fall on the sword should they fail to reach the postseason. Of course, it’s far too soon to worry about any of that.
The Pirates and Twins face off at 8:10 p.m. ET, with old friends turned foes on centerstage.