Reinforcements Are Coming, Who Loses Out?

Posting late answers the question of who goes down first and that is Garlick, and what I expected. And it makes the most sense.

When Polanco comes up...next homestand?...it's either Julien or Castro. (FWIW, I'm embarrassed that I've either mistyped or had my auto correct refer to him as Cruz once or twice). Julien is SUPER talented and might be ML ready despite not debuting RED HOT. But you also want him playing daily. And with Buxton still at DH, that could be really tough. Meanwhile, with Farmer out, if Castro goes down...and he has an option...that leaves Gordon as the primary backup to Correa at SS. Are we/the Twins OK with that for another couple of weeks, at least? And while Polanco can be a third SS option, you sure don't want to do that right now do you? So I would say Julien goes down to get daily playing time until his next opportunity and Castro sticks. With no options, Gordon still gets time to figure it out and get right.

The debate on Kirilloff is interesting, and really, everyone is "mostly" right. If we just rewind a bit and take away the debatable "most of the year at AAA" and just say he MIGHT be optioned for some ADDITIONAL time at St Paul, I think the debate ceases or takes a different turn at least. AK has been a TOP PROSPECT who has RAKED at every level, and flashed at the ML level when his wrist was OK. He has nothing left to prove. But with time missed, I believe he will get every day of rehab time to just get confident and get his stroke back. I have no problem with that. Honestly, I'd probably bring him up at that point. But I COULD understand using his option for a little more time to get in a groove. But I'd still bring him up knowing he could be sent down later if needed.

I DO BELIEVE there is merit to patience and belief in his talent and future. He's just NOT old by any means. And the long play for him, and Lewis, both apply. But again, remove the MOST OF THE YEAR from the discussion and I think we're all pretty much on the same page.

A BIG PROBLEM in the roster construction is Kepler. And for the Xth time, I've always been a fan. And he did have a good ST that didn't carry over to the start of the season. And yes, he's got a couple hits since his IL return. But the numbers since 2019 are not only poor, they are also below his pre-2019 season. 

There has been post after post how Kepler does certain things to indicate there is still something left not tapped in to yet. One of those is BABIP. But after so many years of the same, when do we just accept that, unfortunately, there's just ISN'T some. But do you give up on a previously proven ML player in April?? So I can understand giving Kepler time to show he's adapted, learned, and has life left at 29yo.

But despite options remaining, you send Larnach down at some point? He's not only very talented, and part of your future, he got off to a fast start after a very strong ST. Then he slumped for a few games. Then he knocks in a run tonight against Boston, and then a 3 run HR as I'm typing this and we want to debate sending him down?

Gallo is doubtful to return for 2024 for various reasons. Though it's POSSIBLE in various scenarios.  Age, contract, and potential, you ABSOLUTELY don't give up on AK at this point, even IF the Twins decide to keep him a little longer than his rehab time. (Doubt it). 

Sorry, unless he turns it around, and I don't mean a few games, does Kepler fit long term? I'm not sure i see it.

For 2023 at least, Salono is a keeper for his role. So is Farmer, when healthy. And until we see Lewis and Lee IMMEDIATELY ready for 2024, Farmer has a role in 2024 and is under control. 

 Salono and Farmer aren't going anywhere for this year. No way Larnach should be sent out for any reason unless injury or massive slump. He's part of today, and tomorrow. Julien will go probably go down at some point just due to roster crunches and be back up when needed. But at some point, maybe soon, immediacy and the future, Kepler is probably someone who needs to be moved...unfortunately.