Week in Review: Battling the Big Dawgs

[TheLeviathan]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I mean, no one is dealing for two+ weeks at least....

Yup, and fans here did want Cruz to stay and "mentor" the team and not be moved.  (Cited above.  People can go back and read in 2021 that there was push back on selling him) I don't understand why we're so afraid to lose assets that mean so little for the future when they could yield the next Joe Ryan or Eduardo Escobar or whomever else.

This team is only in "contention" by virtue of everyone else being equally mid.  Being roughly, equally "mid" is not the same as being "good".

[LA Vikes Fan]

6 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

I think tying up your DH with Bell for another year sounds like a terrible idea.  Buxton has needed more time at DH this year than he did last year and it's likely to be a trend that stays given his age.  Lewis needs to play and Bell is terrible in the field.  I think getting something for him (in addition to the production and good teammates he's been so far) pays off nicely on that 7 million we invested.  

Let's make it a little more concrete shall we?  Bell is basically a DH - so who are teams taht are in contention and need a DH?  Well he could go back to Pittsburgh? Or the A's just lost Rooker?   Could combo him with Ryan to the Padres maybe.  There are options, but from the first two....what about someone like Thomas Harrington or Wilber Dotel?  Gunner Hogland?

To me I'd take a shot at that over whatever he can offer in the waning months.  At least you have a chance at something interesting.

Hey, if we can get Hogland or Dotel for Bell and even a solid prospect like Rosario or CJ Culpepper, jump on it.  I'm not as big a fan of Harrington, in part because he played for the Campbell Fighting Camels. Seriously, the Fighting Camels? That's the best you got?

[TheLeviathan]

2 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Hey, if we can get Hogland or Dotel for Bell and even a solid prospect like Rosario or CJ Culpepper, jump on it.  I'm not as big a fan of Harrington, in part because he played for the Campbell Fighting Camels. Seriously, the Fighting Camels? That's the best you got?

You know what the worst part is?  They didn't even embrace that stupid name with an equally absurd logo!  What in the name of bland is this crap?

[LA Vikes Fan]

31 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

That’s in the eye of the beholder. The Twins have not been .500 since April 22nd. I feel pretty confident it’s going to take at least 85 wins to make the postseason. Do you think this Twins team can go 41-30 for the rest of the season to hit the 85 win goal?

Both Mike and I gave you the thumbs up but I suspect for different reason. I think the Twins can go 41-30 the rest of the way and I also think 39-32 might get it done.  

[Vanimal46]

Just now, LA Vikes Fan said:

Hey, if we can get Hogland or Dotel for Bell and even a solid prospect like Rosario or CJ Culpepper, jump on it.  I'm not as big a fan of Harrington, in part because he played for the Campbell Fighting Camels. Seriously, the Fighting Camels? That's the best you got?

You said your son is an Angels fan, right? Ask him how he’s felt keeping veterans and not building towards anything in the last decade? But at least they kept Ohtani until his final day of control instead of getting a haul… 

[Vanimal46]

5 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Both Mike and I gave you the thumbs up but I suspect for different reason. I think the Twins can go 41-30 the rest of the way and I also think 39-32 might get it done.  

86 wins has been the minimum to make the playoffs in the AL since playoff expansion. Someone’s gonna get to 85 wins. 

[TheLeviathan]

3 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

86 wins has been the minimum to make the playoffs in the AL since playoff expansion. Someone’s gonna get to 85 wins. 

And even if they don't, being an 80 win playoff team is like being the 6th kid on a group project who didn't do **** but still claims to be an A student.

[thelanges5]

My only complaint(s)on the whole week is concerning Byron Buxton. If he’s hurting, he should be on the IL and if he’s back, why is he trying to steal second? Hips don’t lie.

[Vanimal46]

2 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

And even if they don't, being an 80 win playoff team is like being the 6th kid on a group project who didn't do **** but still claims to be an A student.

[tony&rodney]

4 minutes ago, TheLeviathan said:

This team is only in "contention" by virtue of everyone else being equally mid.  Being roughly, equally "mid" is not the same as being "good".

I picked the Twins for 73 wins. However "mid" was the 1987 Twins by definition. Do I think the 2026 Twins can pull anything off like 1987? No.  Is it possible? Yes.

This conversation is out of context. The time to assess is from now until August 1. Conversations and wish lists are already being had and on the whiteboard. The All Star Game will heighten discussions and the games up to the Seattle series will direct to a large extent how transactions proceed. The roster that is in uniform at Target Field on July 30 versus the Kansas City Royals will almost certainly have a few changes when people tune in to watch the Twins play at Kaufman Stadium versus the KC club on August 4.

The conversations about Bell seem off to me but make perfect sense to others. My view is that Bell is a pure DH. He sits when Buxton is the DH. Can a team offer something useful for Bell? I doubt it. The Twins will trade Bell if someone offers a player worthy. Ryan was not a secret and the Twins were out of it when they traded Cruz. So, yes the Twins would take Brody Hopkins. I'm just not seeing it. Additionally, Roden and other young players seldom make even decent DH's.

Finally, the mention of trading Kody Clemens is nonsensical. Who is offering a top prospect for Clemens. Clemens plays strong defense in the outfield and on the right side of the infield. His pace is a 30+ HR, 85+ runs, 85+ RBIs  ..... all with decent base running and solid defense. Clemens is inexpensive and under team control for three more years after this season. Give me a trade that makes sense. Why are people even bringing in Clemens name to the conversation? If folks suggest he is already old and won't help the 2035 Twins team, well then yes let's send him off for a 16 year old.

 

[TheLeviathan]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

I picked the Twins for 73 wins. However "mid" was the 1987 Twins by definition. Do I think the 2026 Twins can pull anything off like 1987? No.  Is it possible? Yes.

This conversation is out of context. The time to assess is from now until August 1. Conversations and wish lists are already being had and on the whiteboard. The All Star Game will heighten discussions and the games up to the Seattle series will direct to a large extent how transactions proceed. The roster that is in uniform at Target Field on July 30 versus the Kansas City Royals will almost certainly have a few changes when people tune in to watch the Twins play at Kaufman Stadium versus the KC club on August 4.

The conversations about Bell seem off to me but make perfect sense to others. My view is that Bell is a pure DH. He sits when Buxton is the DH. Can a team offer something useful for Bell? I doubt it. The Twins will trade Bell if someone offers a player worthy. Ryan was not a secret and the Twins were out of it when they traded Cruz. So, yes the Twins would take Brody Hopkins. I'm just not seeing it. Additionally, Roden and other young players seldom make even decent DH's.

Finally, the mention of trading Kody Clemens is nonsensical. Who is offering a top prospect for Clemens. Clemens plays strong defense in the outfield and on the right side of the infield. His pace is a 30+ HR, 85+ runs, 85+ RBIs  ..... all with decent base running and solid defense. Clemens is inexpensive and under team control for three more years after this season. Give me a trade that makes sense. Why are people even bringing in Clemens name to the conversation? If folks suggest he is already old and won't help the 2035 Twins team, well then yes let's send him off for a 16 year old.

 

I think it's valid to see what people would give up for Clemens, but I'm not rushing to move him.  Also, the playoffs in 1987 aren't what they are in 2026 and I think that has to be remembered when considering contention as well.

[tony&rodney]

1 minute ago, TheLeviathan said:

I think it's valid to see what people would give up for Clemens,

Absolutely. The Twins should see what teams will offer for Jenkins, Keaschall, everyone. What is the market? Buck is 5/10 and NTC but everyone else can be moved. What comes back is the only question. So if one mentions Clemens, also drop Prielipp and every other name too.

[TheLeviathan]

1 minute ago, tony&rodney said:

Absolutely. The Twins should see what teams will offer for Jenkins, Keaschall, everyone. What is the market? Buck is 5/10 and NTC but everyone else can be moved. What comes back is the only question. So if one mentions Clemens, also drop Prielipp and every other name too.

I guess I see Clemens as a little bit different because he feels like found money and with his age there are questions if this is peak value.

I'm not sure he fits in the same category as the other ones.  If he was 24 we wouldn't be having the conversation IMO.

[LA Vikes Fan]

17 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

You said your son is an Angels fan, right? Ask him how he’s felt keeping veterans and not building towards anything in the last decade? But at least they kept Ohtani until his final day of control instead of getting a haul… 

He hated it and so did I. Nobody here is suggesting that we do that, or at least I'm not. I'm a big proponent of trading Jeffers, the one good player we have on an expiring contract. Besides, this is a different team in a different situation. Artie refused to trade when the world could see the Angels weren't in contention. Plus the Angels drew 30,000 a game even with a bad team then so there was no business imperative. Here, we'll have a better idea in 3 weeks whether the Twins are in contention for the playoffs this year and there is a serious business imperative to trying to contend. The Angels analogy doesn't work unless you assume the Twins can't contend for the division or the playoffs. That's a question for which we don't yet have an answer. If we go 9-13 or worse in the next 22, or 13-9 or better in the next 22, then we will. Watch, we'll go 11-11 and be having this debate a month from now.      

[Vanimal46]

21 minutes ago, LA Vikes Fan said:

Watch, we'll go 11-11 and be having this debate a month from now. 

From your lips to the baseball gods’ ears. 

[mnfireman]

3 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I agree - chemistry, biggest reason (along with Kreider needing to play CF) Gray still gets starts and AB’s.

For me, Aricia for Gray & Jenkins for Fedko, right after the break - maybe for the Angels series?

While we all want to see the shiny toys, Jenkins is not on the 40 man, there is no hurry. However, Emma will be out of options next season, the team NEEDS to see what he provides this year because of that.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

3 hours ago, LyleCole said:

Based on?   His career minor league 4.50 ERA?   He was a dominant closer for a couple of his seasons in the Korean baseball league, but he was a not dominant closer in most of his seasons in Korea.  He has not been dominant in minor league baseball either.  

I hope he is a great pitcher.   But this constant stream of cast offs, including this one from the fn Detroit Tigers has to be discouraging.

In 27 innings at AAA in 2026, he has allowed zero home runs, has a 29% strikeout rate and a 2.60 ERA. This compares to the Twins relievers'  strikeout rate of 19.9% and combined ERA of 5.28 and walk rate of 11%, both   among the worst in major league baseball this year.  And this acquisition did not cost any  young players, just some of the Pohlads'  money.

[mnfireman]

1 hour ago, TheLeviathan said:

Let's make it a little more concrete shall we?  Bell is basically a DH - so who are teams taht are in contention and need a DH?  Well he could go back to Pittsburgh? Or the A's just lost Rooker?   Could combo him with Ryan to the Padres maybe.  There are options, but from the first two....what about someone like Thomas Harrington or Wilber Dotel?  Gunner Hogland?

The Pirates and A's are both fading out of contention, but I suppose a winning streak by either of them could get them looking.

The Cubs and Marlins are trending in the right direction and are both getting horrible production from their DHs. So is CLE, but I would prefer he be traded to the NL if the team is still in contention, though if they are in contention they may not move him. Larnach and Buxton could handle DH if they do move him. This would also allow the team to call up Emma or Roden, or both, to see if they are part of the future moving forward.

[mnfireman]

9 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

In 27 innings at AAA in 2026, he has allowed zero home runs, has a 29% strikeout rate and a 2.60 ERA. This compares to the Twins relievers'  strikeout rate of 19.9% and combined ERA of 5.28 and walk rate of 11%, both   among the worst in major league baseball this year.  And this acquisition did not cost any  young players, just some of the Pohlads'  money.

And the International League is known as a hitters league. This move may help the team set bullpen roles, i.e. 7th inning guy, 8th inning guy, Closer... 

[soyouresayingtheresachance]

Its definitely a tough spot to be in. But here are my thoughts on the trade deadline.

I am not trading Ryan. An extension needs to be figured out this off-season. Pay him like the star he is and show the rest of the league you're all in. 

Im not trading Clemens. He is one of those spark plug guys. He's a great team guy, brings tons of energy,  he plays the game right. Versatile defender that can play all over and should be playing everyday. He is my starting 2B. 

Larnach and Bell are actually tough decisions. On the one hand, I cringe if they're ever playing defense. On the other hand, their bats are a big reason we are having a lot of success recently. Theres only 1 DH spot, so what do you do? There are a lot of outfielders waiting for an opportunity in AAA. Theres a chance I keep them both. I would need a fairly decent offer to part with them. My official answer is, it depends on the offer. And their performance heading into the deadline. If the bats die down, its easier to part with them. 

I would like to see the team part ways with Gray, but its tough to do when Kriedler has to fill it at CF. 

Jeffers. Im making a small push to extend him before the deadline. If we aren't even close (meaning a deal is unlikely), unfortunately you need to cash in. The play of Caratini and Jackson helps that decision. 

Lewis is available for the right offer, although to be honest, the right offer would probably be an overpay. Im still stuck on his potential. He's been better since he came back up. 

Wallner is hot at AAA. Im sending Fedko back down and calling up Wallner. His value is already extremely low. Even if he struggles, he cant really hurt that value. See if he can audition for higher trade value or possibly (in an unlikely scenario) he goes on a tear and brings back a legitimate player. 

Im targeting Aroldis Chapman. Im on the phone with Boston and trying to pry him away somehow. Overpay a little if I have to. He's under contract for next season and he's the shutdown closer this team needs. 

Also looking for another arm or 2 in addition to Chapman. 

 

 

[RpR]

With all the dogmatic chronic complaining going on here, if the Twins went far into the post season or even won the World Series there would be people here saying; IT WAS JUST LUCK - THEY DID NOT DESERVE IT -  IT WILL ONLY BE A ONE YEAR THING BECAUSE THEY STILL HAVE THE WRONG PLAYERS, etc. , etc., etc..

Enjoy the good run they are having.   Treating the players like mutual fund chattel , takes the sporting aura out of baseball.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, soyouresayingtheresachance said:

Its definitely a tough spot to be in. But here are my thoughts on the trade deadline.

I am not trading Ryan. An extension needs to be figured out this off-season. Pay him like the star he is and show the rest of the league you're all in. 

Im not trading Clemens. He is one of those spark plug guys. He's a great team guy, brings tons of energy,  he plays the game right. Versatile defender that can play all over and should be playing everyday. He is my starting 2B. 

Larnach and Bell are actually tough decisions. On the one hand, I cringe if they're ever playing defense. On the other hand, their bats are a big reason we are having a lot of success recently. Theres only 1 DH spot, so what do you do? There are a lot of outfielders waiting for an opportunity in AAA. Theres a chance I keep them both. I would need a fairly decent offer to part with them. My official answer is, it depends on the offer. And their performance heading into the deadline. If the bats die down, its easier to part with them. 

I would like to see the team part ways with Gray, but its tough to do when Kriedler has to fill it at CF. 

Jeffers. Im making a small push to extend him before the deadline. If we aren't even close (meaning a deal is unlikely), unfortunately you need to cash in. The play of Caratini and Jackson helps that decision. 

Lewis is available for the right offer, although to be honest, the right offer would probably be an overpay. Im still stuck on his potential. He's been better since he came back up. 

Wallner is hot at AAA. Im sending Fedko back down and calling up Wallner. His value is already extremely low. Even if he struggles, he cant really hurt that value. See if he can audition for higher trade value or possibly (in an unlikely scenario) he goes on a tear and brings back a legitimate player. 

Im targeting Aroldis Chapman. Im on the phone with Boston and trying to pry him away somehow. Overpay a little if I have to. He's under contract for next season and he's the shutdown closer this team needs. 

Also looking for another arm or 2 in addition to Chapman. 

 

 

If they deal for Chapman, I hope they lose every game.