Jeff_M

This "5 & fly" is a quite frustrating flaw in the Twins overall strategy! So many games last year, Gray and Ryan, & probably several others were pulled when they had several more gettable outs left in the tank. I say give the guys a chance, at least over the first few starts of the season. Let 'em prove it, either way. Doing so would put faith in the players' ability, and not strict adherence to some mindless algorithm or spreadsheet formula. You can see on better-coached teams (think Francona last season, for example, maybe Showalter also) when it "feels" like the pitcher was on a roll or could squeeze out of a jam, they leave the guy in and it pays off. Whereas, the Twins or other teams with a quick hook (Rays, Yankees, probably most other teams actually) bring in some bullpen piece, supposedly a favorable matchup, who quickly gives up the bases-clearing XBH. Obvious exception is postseason, but regular season should give the nod to the starter unless it's someone like Archer, Odorizzi, Syndergaard, HIll, Greinke, etc. who's got no business going past the 5th.

I'd be proud to root for that starting lineup, except it'd be good if they can get something for Kepler. If they don't, hoping shiftless baseball will improve his RISP in close games (don't have actual stat for this, but observationally it seemed pretty bad the last few years).

Quite possibly worst off-season signing of 2022. Totally lost any confidence left in this front office. Need is pitching, not outfielders, duh.

Maybe Smalley needs a bit time to find his rhythm this year? I wouldn't fault him for an occasional stutter. everyone speaks a little differently. it's not like it's difficult to understand what points he's making. Wish Morneau would stop trailing off/ending thoughs with "but..."; it's always like, "but what?". he managed to stop with his buts during the middle innings of the last Sunday game, then started up again near the end. that's my most annoying thing about morneau, otherwise he offers good insights and I don't mind his longwindedness. I think give him a break, he's only been doing it for a short while, and given his status as a former Twin, they're probably afraid to offer any real constructive criticism. I miss bert too. That guy's one of the best. Gets the most laughs per broadcast, at least for me. I like LaTroy over Torii, the former says some funny stuff sometimes, while the latter's style at times can clash with Bremer (not exactly sure how to explain, but it does). Be great to see Marnie in the booth. That game she did with Gladden in ST last year was fantastic. they played well off each other and seemed to enjoy working together. So Bert, LaTroy & morneau (tie), morris, Smalley & Hunter (tie), Kaat (not a fan anymore, like stdress said). Btw, I like Gladden's PxP very much. Never noticed any problem whatsoever. He & Provus have made nice progress over the last few years.

Anyone have a look at Dick Bremer's book My Life in Stitches? I just saw it advertised on the recent broadcast of Twins Classics (this time, Braves vs. Twins, Aug. 5 2019).

I like Berrios as a person - seems like a nice guy and hard worker. That said, if 2020 goes like last season, I wouldn't be sad to see him go. I'm tired of the constant, frankly farcical reference to this guy as an "ace". He pitched many sucky games last season, and except for a couple of dominant outings, was middling overall. No ace.

"It officially has become an off-season to remember for the Twins." -not "official" yet..

"I pahked the cah in Havahd Yahd and when I turned on the radio I listened to some guy talking about how we traded Mookster for Buster Gatorade" 2X lol

*build from within, I meant.

I like the idea of the Twins building form within (this is their DNA), making good strategic moves but not signing big over-the-top contracts overpaying at peak value for guys like Donaldson that are unlikely to perform at the current level through the duration of the contract. Twins didn't have Donaldson last year; they won over 100 games and finished in first place. The reason they lost in postseason is their lack of shutdown pitching, not their lack of Donaldson.

I'm just saying that of the last four seasons, Donaldson only played a full season 2 of the four; using that, along with advancing age, we can use the same to project going forward. I did not mention Price, though you said I did.

Dude, f- Donaldson. Based on his history we'd expect roughly 2 of 4 productive seasons, if that. For $110 million more impactful moves can be made. At least with Wheeler & some of the other guys discussed, it was more of a sure bet in terms of positive impact. Let's run out the status quo & see how it goes, seriously. To grow from within, it's more fun that way. I like FO's progress so far

They should pay through the teeth for Boyd; would have an impact right away. Obviously, the pressing need is pitching (new HR record last year means offense is doin' just fine), especially SP, so most FO efforts should be spent on that.

Not Graussman - never been consistently good for more one or two months, and in fact has been consistently bad; unless a miracle happens, guys like that will drag the team down. No one wants to sit and stew every fifth day until June when he gets an outright release. Not a sound investment, even at a bargain price. And pass on Keuchel - overpriced, basically league-average innings eater. We should have some young talent that can at least match that. I find it hard to fathom MadBum' commanding 4 or 5 years. If it was like 17/yr for 3 years for the Twins, it might work out, but he appears to getting better offers than that, both in terms of money and length. Twins don't have resources IMO to be bogged down that long if a signing like this goes bust.

If Cron is gone, all for it. Too many frustrating at-bats with that guy. I hope they nix any thought of Donaldson quickly. The guy's an *******. Juju's a thing over a long season. Thumbs up on Moose though. With that guy you know what you're getting - consistency year to year. Big team chemistry guy too. I feel he's underrated by many. Those other guys, we don't need any more guys like that. 'Budget' or 'value' picks. Bottom of the barrel. No. Any guy being brought it needs to be a proven player who knows how to perform in the clutch. p.s. I would take Thames or Aguilar over Crone, if a main concern is getting someone who doesn't break the bank or require a long contract.