Today, I’m joining the Minneapolis branch of The Athletic to cover the Minnesota Twins. But we’re going to go a different route with this introductory piece than many you’ve seen over the last year from countless amazing sports journalists detailing in great length why they chose to join.

I’m absolutely thrilled to join a local team full of experts like Michael Russo and Jon Krawczynski, as well as a baseball community full of heavy-hitters, with more to come. Calling Target Field home and documenting the accomplishments of Joe Mauer, Byron Buxton and Jose Berrios, among others, is going to be entertaining.

But you know all of this. You live here.

Instead, I’d rather spend our time discussing what I hope we can both achieve in the coming months and years. Though I’m very familiar with the Twins having spent 5 1/2 years reporting on the Chicago White Sox for NBC Sports Chicago, most of you probably don’t know me. I want to change that.

Meet Dan Hayes. Say hi if you see him at TwinsFest. He may or may not have a headset on.

Whether it’s answering your questions via social media or in person (I’ve pitched my new editor on holding informal get-togethers for subscribers this season), I want you to feel as if I’m accessible as your eyes and ears on the Twins beat. If you have a burning (rationally-worded) question you need answered, ask and I will do my best to provide you with a thoughtful answer. Take advantage of my opportunity to spend 100-plus games, including the Puerto Rico trip, and spring training around your favorite players, the coaching staff and front office.

What you can expect for your subscription is a wide array of story angles detailing the entire organization. From behind-the-scenes profiles, to statistical breakdowns — including, say, the numbers behind a dynamic Buxton catch — to analyzing the news of the day and features of top minor leaguers, we’ll try to cover it all. You can join us for the ride now and get a free trial and 40% off an annual subscription.

I feel qualified to handle the challenge of acclimating to a brand new organization as it’s been presented to me twice before during 11 seasons as a baseball journalist. In June 2012, I moved from San Diego to Chicago to begin covering the White Sox in the middle of a pennant race. At the time, only Jake Peavy and Orlando Hudson were familiar with me from their time with the San Diego Padres. When I took over in San Diego in February 2007, the announcement occurred three days before spring training and without once attending a Padres game as a member of the media.

What these experiences have taught me will no doubt make the transition into being an authority on the Twins much smoother. One aspect that won’t change regardless of the switch is having access to the numerous scouts, executives and agents whose paths I’ve crossed in the previous 11 seasons. But I’m confident that in time you’ll discover I know baseball and bring a fresh perspective to a beat full of experienced, perceptive journalists.

Though I’ll be at TwinsFest this weekend, you’ll see my first articles here the week after the Super Bowl, my official start date. In the meantime, submit your questions via Twitter and Facebook. Or, if you see me at TwinsFest, don’t shy away from saying hi. Let’s make this experience fun and insightful for all of us.

Sign up now to try The Athletic free for a week and get 40% off a full year of in-depth, ad-free coverage on the Twins and all other teams on the site.

(Top image: Jordan Johnson/USA TODAY Sports)