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tony&rodney

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Everything posted by tony&rodney

  1. tony&rodney
    Interesting to read the pessimism about the Twins. There is no doubt that the current roster does not meet the level of top contender. However, we are approaching August, when I usually take my first look at the standings, and the Twins are hanging around an even mark. The predictions were for 72.5 wins or 17 games under .500. There is always the chance that the Twins go on a small run of their own, like Boston has recently done, which would put the team in positive territory. I have no illusions about this current team but have enjoyed the massive improvement of the defense as well as the promise shown by a few players. So much can happen, such as untimely injuries and poor prolonged performances, to shred my present optimism about this team. Right now, Bradley, Rojas, and Prielipp are doing a fine job of supporting Ryan and Ober. Matthews has had solid starts from time to time. The bullpen was largely ignored until the season was well underway. Gomez and Morris seem to be learning on the job in a satisfactory manner. Others have also done well. The key will be finding guys who click in the middle innings. Mike Paredes has been good and hopefully he returns before too long. Is it possible that the bats find a level of consistency needed to win more often? The large unknown is whether the Twins can receive a boost via a trade or promotion of a couple of players. After the long silence and inaction of the offseason that bled into very low expectations in March, it is a surprise to actually have a club worth discussing in August. Yes, any number of big moves are possible and perhaps even in the best interest of the franchise moving forward, but we should be able to enjoy every good play without looking for the dark clouds.
  2. tony&rodney
    The pitching has stepped forward. The Twins offense looks tired. Byron Buxton looks out of sorts. Let's hope the pitching remains nails and that the Twins bats wake up. Ryan Day was a cool, fun idea. Lovd the big smile from Kreidler after his double. Ryan had another good day at shortstop.
  3. tony&rodney
    What is the point of discussing whether an offer last year would have worked out. While I do not buy lottery tickets, this sounds too much like "Those are the numbers I always use but ...." There are opportunities now and there will be again in November/the offseason.
  4. tony&rodney
    Andrew Morris competes. I have been following him for three years and been a believer in his stuff all along. There have been a few people who openly stated that Morris had a mediocre arm and wasn't ever going to be much of a pitcher. While Morris still has learning to complete he is a legitimate arm, no question about that.
  5. tony&rodney
    The owners and the commissioner are as clueless as ant group of people could possible be. There is so much irony with rich people banding together to see if they can make some decisions that blow up their investments. It's an old boys club pure and simple.
  6. tony&rodney
    All I'm getting from this thread is that a certain number of people are unhappy and no matter what occurs from week to week the Twins suck and all attempts to improve the roster also suck. Not much one can do with that approach.
  7. tony&rodney
    I like all of those players. a few small notes - Marek has never received any grade higher than 60 for his glove. That is a very high grade. Jenkins is good, while Rodriguez and Culpepper are both decent. Mendez and Gonzalaez have improved a great deal from two years ago but are still best at DH. I'm eager to watch Lackey play. He will be an interesting follow next year. The Twins need additional talent. Finally, I know the bat is not producing but don't discount what a difference there has been to using an average shortstop, Ryan Kreidler, in the infield. It seems like he makes a run saving play nearly every other day. I'm hoping Culpepper (and Jenkins) is up in mid August.
  8. tony&rodney
    The Yankees are mostly set with pitching. Their need is catching and another position player. Jeffers for Rodriguez is plausible. It doesn't seem like Lombard Jr. would be available. Seattle is usually cautious about trading top prospects. They need a couple of bats. If the Twins added Jeffers and Larnach there may be a possibility to pry away Arroyo and Anderson. More likely we see Seattle attempt to fill their needs with Hancock as the bait. The Dodgers dictate terms on most trades because they have managed to pay free agents and develop the best minor league system. The two outfielders mentioned are a good start but the Twins could also get River Ryan and maybe a flyer as well if Ryan is the guy that LA identifies as a need. San Diego has sent off a pile of prospects but still have some good pieces to trade. The return in the post is a little light in my opinion. I would want Bradgley Rodriguez and another player besides Salas and Schoolcraft. San Diego isn't exactly a very good match for position player talent. A potential gamble with the Padres would send a slew of Twins prospects (Tait, Rodriguez, plus 3-4 other top 15 Twin prospects) for Mason Miller. I'm not really advocating that type of deal. The Milwaukee Brewers seldom make huge deadline deals since C.C. Sabathia. One has to wonder if there is a path there. Boston may be a reasonable trade partner but they tend to drive a hard bargain since getting hosed in the Betts trade.
  9. tony&rodney
    The Twins are hurting for position players that can deliver average to above average defense, can run the bases reasonable well, and hit. The current roster has a number of guys who are adequate at hitting, a few that can run, and maybe only two who are good gloves. The talent level is thin. It doesn't do much good to bemoan past inaction (which I have in the past) or present difficulties. The front office needs to make some difficult choices. I believe that all discussion of a potential lockout next year and any cap talk is pointless because assumptions are made that are distant at best and result in more delay of any real attention to improving talent. Additionally, looking over the list of position players who will be free agents after the close of the 2026 season is dismal. There is no more new frontier. The Twins have to make their own fortune here. MLB is seemingly more balanced than I can remember. Every night there a pile of games that end in one and two run wins/losses. While many are calling for parity in revenue income, the relative parity in play has already arrived. We can say that Sacramento and Minnesota are mediocre teams but both a just a hot streak away from the playoffs, which we have already seen from the declared dead and out of it Red Sox this season. The change in position players and the Twins fortunes are in the hands of the current front office.
  10. tony&rodney
    Marek Houston has made a number of small adjustments. One of the changes is that he looks to go big on certain pitches. That was the home run. I have watched parts of many minor league games. I have time. I rarely watch the highlights because I prefer to see the context. Houston is a good shortstop but because he was initially touted as a strong glove/weak bat, the glove was oversold. He is more consistently really good than spectacular. He won't remind you of Greg Gagne but he is much better than Brooks Lee. I believe the Twins are watching how quickly Houston has evolved as a hitter and will push him to St. Paul next year. Any AAA player is just a step away, with opportunity just an injury or other circumstances giving a. guy their shot.
  11. tony&rodney
    Trade 1 - the Twins should not offer Rodriguez, otherwise I'm ok with this deal. I have to think there should be a better offer for Jeffers from one of NYY, BOS, or TBR. Trade 2 - Just make it Gallagher for Weaver. Weaver isn't worth losing the upside of Diaw, Ellwanger, or Mercedes. Trade 3 - I'm not such a big Arraez fan these days but this deal works for me. Does it work for the Giants?
  12. tony&rodney
    Couple of points that could be clarified. Jax and Bradley were both seen as strong arms who had hit their own personal ruts in the road. Bradley was a AAA pitcher for the Rays when he was acquired by the Twins. That trade was generally well-received by both teams and can be put down as a successful change of scenery transaction. Those types of moves are good for everyone. Matt Wallner was a pitcher, outfielder, and DH before he became a professional. Because of the strong arm he was shifted to right field. He has earned his reputation as the worst outfielder in baseball. It is an exercise in futility to suggest he hasn't worked hard, needs more of this or that, or otherwise to improve in the field. He has done his best but talent has limits; Wallner cannot field. Those who suggest first base miss the fact that a baseball moves very quickly when hit by major league batters. Wallner needs two seconds before he moves. How does that work at first base? That thought should be retired once and for all and the actual baseball professionals discounted that idea long ago after brief practices/looks. I would be shocked if Wallner appears in the outfield again for the Twins. It could happen but I would be floored. I do think if certain moves are made that we could see Wallner as a DH. The best bet is that Matt Wallner is wearing another uniform for a different organization within the next 10 days. Royce Lewis is still having a bit of a struggle playing baseball in the major leagues. He may be a strong change of scenery type guy, which I believe is a difficult call. If there is a team willing to offer a decent player for Lewis, the Twins do it. Perhaps Lewis is added to another guy or two in a wider trade. There is nothing wrong with watching a person who has a tough go of finding success in their job go to a different employer and emerging with a positive career. I don't see why someone wants to lay blame on why Royce has had problems. He got beat out for the shortstop job back in high school (Chase Strumpf) and has faced numerous challenges along the way as a pro. Injuries sapped some of his mobility. Lewis is still working hard. Baseball is a very difficult sport and Royce is doing his best to contribute to the Twins club. If Royce Lewis remains a Twins I hope he becomes very successful.
  13. tony&rodney
    Yah .... that is a little weird considering Fangraphs has some solid baseball people and someone should have spent at least a few hours watching Jenkins. Yes, Jenkins is still learning the timing of when to launch and when to go for a base hit but he can hit the baseball a long way. Additionally, Jenkins has zero problems with either velocity or breaking balls. He just needs repetitions. The fielding and base running looks fine but we won't know where he grades out there until he has played about 50-100 games in the major leagues. I'm still expecting to see Jenkins by mid August.
  14. tony&rodney
    The word "decently" was just to qualify that Miller did not hit in the Twins system. Miller's ceiling is as a utility player. I wasn't advancing Miller but in the process of extolling the improvements this season at the plate by Marek Houston, attempting to quiet the hype about Houston's glove which I like but compared as behind Miller's. I much prefer Houston over Miller overall in comparisons at the same age and level of play.
  15. tony&rodney
    The idea that an owner puts the team together is an odd one. Most owners are busy with non baseball pursuits or in meetings elated to the business side of the game. While I will say that I have no idea of Tom Pohlad's familiarity with all of the players in professional baseball, I'm willing to bet his knowledge in that area is limited. He is backing his front office, the dugout staff, and players; trying to show sustained support and interest. The players on the roster and in the system are the work of the baseball side of the franchise. I highly doubt that Tom Pohlad vetoes a trade that makes sense or sits in a meeting and says, "HEY, why don't we go ahead and get that player from San Diego ...."
  16. tony&rodney
    Among the players I have been following closely this year (watch parts of many games hoping to catch defensive play, plate appearances, and base running) is shortstop Marek Houston. I have been impressed with his development this season at the dish, first for Cedar Rapids and now playing for Wichita. Houston has been aggressive both at the plate (although being patient to get a pitch to hit) and on the bases. He also plays a fine shortstop imo. People may be stretching when they label him an exceptional defender. I think he should get more notice now that his bat has surfaced but a check of the best minor league shortstops does not mention our Wichita guy. DeBarge seemed to get quite a bit of notice for his glove but he has fallen back a fair amount as he has moved up to AA. My amateur (nobody pays me any longer) view is that Houston is one to watch but folks might temper the expectations a bit. He is good but not in the range of a Noah Miller yet. FWIW, Miller was not making any improvement at the plate with the Twins. Miller is hitting decently now for OKC (LAD AAA club) and continues to field at a high level.
  17. tony&rodney
    Somebody on the staff watched Walker Jenkins play several times and saw the swing. The prospect ratings have at least a small element of bias based on vague thoughts. Previously, Jenkins was missing time due to injury. He wasn't losing skill. Rather development time is lost when a player is injured which inevitably delays their opportunity to advance. Emmanuel Rodriguez was dropped from the Fangraphs Top 100, almost certainly due to fatigue from the player being injured too often. EmRod has an OBP of .423 and an OPS of .920 in his baseball experiences. He hasn't forgotten how to get on base or hit. He is out of site and out of mind for many people. Due to the dip, people are willing to trade away or trade for Emmanuel as a calculated risk. The prospect lists are always interesting.
  18. tony&rodney
    Perhaps the poster/comment was related to the number of outfielders on the 40 person roster, which currently sits at ten players. Of course the Twins can cut, release, trade, rule 5, or otherwise reduce the number. Some decisions will be made soon.
  19. tony&rodney
    The Twins had the chance to trade Royce to Seattle after the 2023 season. The ideas for trades are fun but a little wild because we are all guessing. There might be an outside shot that the Twins could trade with Tampa Bay. I'm sure Larnach and/or Jeffers make sense for the Rays. Brody Hopkins and Ty Johnson are interesting asks. Seattle does need bats. Jeffers and Lewis might make sense if Bryan Woo comes back. The Twins would need to add another player, maybe James Ellwanger and Hendry Mendez. Conversely, one wonders if the Mariners are hyped enough about adding the two bats to send Ryan Sloan and Felnin Celesten. Again the Twins may need to add a pitcher. Boston is angling for a catcher as well. The guys I want from Boston are Anthony Eyanson and Franklin Arias. Neither is likely on the table. Are the Red Sox still interested in Joe Ryan? I hope the Twins keep Ryan. Lastly, the Dirty Dodgers are almost certainly sniffing around for a catcher. Mike Sirota? In some ways it seems like the Twins may be quiet this trade deadline. I do think there must be a path to cut back on outfielders from the 40 person roster. Then again, I put Sirota's name forward which only adds to the unbalanced roster look.
  20. tony&rodney
    Law goes to a ton of baseball games, watches baseball all the time, and talks with scouts and organization people on a regular basis. His evaluations can be taken with a grain of salt, but he has seen these guys play and makes his living comparing players from around baseball. Who among the folks on Twins Daily has watched these players dozens of times via milb.com much less is going to minor league games? A few of us go to a game once in a while or watch the Twins minor league affiliates play often enough but we are not spending nearly as much time viewing prospects as Keith Law. Watching video highlights or looking over data is a very narrow viewpoint compared with watching or going to the games. I can agree that Emmanuel Rodriguez has his flaws and missing so much development time has been a real downer. There is still talent in EmRod's game. I'm more worried about those endless string of weird injuries than I am about major league pitchers exposing Rodriguez. We will all find out next year if he is not traded.
  21. tony&rodney
    The baseball season is a slog. The Twins had a sweet victory on Friday night to reach .500 and promptly ran head on into a brick wall. Now they have to get up. The talent is a little thin. Shelton and crew have their work cut out to get the players back in a groove where the small details are completed from pitch to pitch and play by play. Baseball is difficult when a pitcher is able to throw multiple pitches wherever they wish, especially if there is elite velocity. Likewise the game is difficult if the pitcher keeps throwing their pitches right down the middle and the batters tee off. So it goes. The ability to come back has been a feature of this undermanned roster this season. Picked to win 72-73 games, the scrappy crew has managed to remain somewhat relevant or at least worth paying attention to. Now we get to see how the next 12 games go before the trade deadline.
  22. tony&rodney
    Mama said there'ld be days like this.
  23. tony&rodney
    I picked just a small sentence here to questions a common thread that has run across seemingly every media platform - mediocrity in baseball and especially in the American League with the AL Central sticking out for many people. Can I push back a little on this? Is is possible that the widespread/standard usage of analytics and video across baseball have pinched together most clubs? There has been a loud call for parity across MLB by many fans. I think they mean every team has relatively the same financial wherewithal as it concerns spending on players. Perhaps parity as far as competitiveness has already arrived. Like many of those who come to Twins Daily I follow MLB pretty closely and it seems like there are so many games decided by 3 runs or less every day. The talent level seems pretty close, closer than it has seemed in the past. However, I admit I have not done any research to determine if this is true. I'm merely forwarding the notion that one league is not well below the other and that MLB teams all have good talent. There were a pile of comments that suggested the AL All Star team would be shut out and struggle mightily versus the NL hurlers. This verbage was led by Cory Provus but was also mentioned by many others. The end result - the AL junk ball artists, including Joe Ryan, baffled the NL and against all odds (Fan Duel/Bally, Etc.) the weaker AL won.
  24. tony&rodney
    It is pretty clear that there has been said reviews and many changes this year. I would suggest one would struggle to come up with a year where so many changes have occurred. Your wish is already in motion. There are more changes coming too, but these things take time. It's not like changing the channel.
  25. tony&rodney
    Peralta has not been real good, granted, but it never hurts to talk. There are better SP to shoot for at the moment. Reid Detmers might be worth a shot. He has decent stuff, although his consistency has been a problem. Again, what is the cost. The Twins have a pile of outfielders and could gamble by trading a young pitcher as well. It sure isn't clear what can be done.
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