tony&rodney

These three have each had some solid moments and the Twins management seems to favor them, given their playing time. Most people expect all three to be around on the 2026 team. I am wondering how other teams view these three (and other) players. Is there enough interest to turn one or more of these three current Twins into more talented baseball players? Matt Wallner is strictly a DH (best case scenario). Brooks Lee might grow into a good bat. He isn't very good at the moment. Lee is slow. His lack of foot speed hurts him offensively and also restricts his ability to defend. While Brooks has a smooth glove and quick transfers, we have seen quite a few balls elude his grasp. This is not due to a lack of skill but a lack of physical talent. He just isn't quick or fast enough to play shortstop on a good MLB team. He could be a useful utility player. Royce Lewis is an enigma. It looked like his legs were done earlier this year but he has recovered some spark, which gives him a base for hitting, gives him back his ability to get to baseballs in the field, and makes him a baserunner again. Can Lewis evolve as a hitter? I don't know about that. He insists on trying to yank every pitch, which makes him ver vulnerable to good pitchers. I would trade all of them in a heartbeat if I could get a decent return. I have no idea how others team feel about these guys and how they might fit a specific need. An example (total guess) ..... Would Pittsburgh feel that Wallner is a potential answer for adding offense for them? Would the Pirates trade Jared Jones and Endy Rodriguez for Wallner? In sum, I'm hoping all three finish the year strong and that other teams come calling with great offers. I do not see Wallner as ever reaching just below average in the outfield and Lee lacks the physical talent to play shortstop. I would love if Lewis would become the all around player who drives the team but have little confidence that he will blossom into that guy.

The inability of management to complete reasonably significant transactions after each of the last two years (sell high) left the Twins with a slow, defensively challenged roster that struggles to hit. The trades of the top 5 relief pitchers was a disappointment (for me) due to the returns. Expectations and concerns are heavy toward further deals this winter. The returns need to be significant. Look at it in reverse. If the Twins were a team that needed a really good pitcher to win it all next season, would you trade a Walker Jenkins or Luke Keaschall for that guy? Is there an MLB team willing to trade a top talent for Joe Ryan? More importantly, can the current regime identify talent? The downward spiral started when Derek Falvey arrived may be a fair article. The style of play he favors lacks creativity and leaves fans yawning. Some really decent Twins teams could have benefitted from a more wide open approach.

Andrew Morris (Saints) and Jose Olivares (Kernels) pitched very well and looked good too. Better defense is required. Winokur must be injured from a HBP last week. He hasn't played since and the Kernels need him in the lineup. Ball did not carry last night in St. Paul.

Fun to see the Twins happy tonight. There are days they look so stressed and nervous. I'm trying to enjoy whatever positives occur for this group. Of course I expect about eight changes among the position players by next April, but that can wait. Hopefully this group can make a few teams chasing the playoffs nervous in the next 3 weeks.

.... and both Gasper and Outman were flying with two outs in case the ball dropped. Wallner was in the clouds somewhere.

Yes he is and for this month we can be happy for him.

Gaspar cracks me up. He has missed a bunch of pitches and just casually turns to the umpire for a new baseball each time. Mickey is having fun. This is his dream, his run. He turns back into a pumpkin in October but he has collected stories to tell. In a failed season for the Twins, Mickey Gasper has racked up some sweet times.

We can see what happens with poor defense to favor the Twins tonight.

No, I don't think that will occur.

No reason to bring up a prospect at this time. As far as losing players, I'm hoping for major changes in the winter. We can afford to wait though. It isn't a matter of losing players, it is more about how players are treated.

My take on the pitchers is one of empathy. Pitching in front of a very poor defense is extremely challenging. It just isn't possible to have every batter strike out or hit pop ups. Players need to make plays and they generally do not, which makes the pitcher look poor. In turn, the pitchers are then stressed to make perfect pitches. I can make some judgments on the pitchers when the Twins play some major league defenders.

Ok, not sure who is watching Twins, but has anyone else noticed that Brooks Lee does not know where to go on cutoffs? Twice tonight but many times already in the last month plus. I am not suggesting there was a play, just basic positioning. We took all of that for granted with Correa.

Michael Helman with a good defensive play and then a grand slam for Texas against the Brewers.

Who are the Vikings? Go Twins.

Tune in to watch Olivares pitch. You could be very impressed. If you have an mlb.com account, you can also watch the minor league games via milb.com. Olivares is one to follow. He should be one of the pitchers going in the playoffs versus Beloit tomorrow and thereafter. Tune in.

Most of the people on Twins Daily are hardcore Twins fans. Many of us went to or listened to that first Twins game in 1961. A number of us have had or have season tickets. We will continue to follow the Twins. The reality at this time and going forward into 2026 is that the Minnesota Twins are the worst team in MLB. That can and will continue to be quantified. The team is not competitive in many games at this point. They are actually worse than most people make them out to be right now. There is, however, always hope for the future and I would suggest most of us have hope. We see a competitive team coming along in different fashions. That is a given and should also be easily understood. Some see a number of current Twins still around, a core leading the team to respectability. Others feel a large scale change is inevitable due to a need for more athleticism. I'm hoping for as many as seven different position players in next year's starting lineup. These discussions will occur over the winter. The Pohlads disinterest in baseball is harmful because they seem to not care how their business unfolds. The largest improvement that can be made in the organization that relates directly to the roster and the play on the field will be the removal of Falvey and a new hire to direct the club. That can happen under Pohlad ownership although this is doubtful and ultimately lengthens any rebuild. Surely a change in ownership would bring new baseball leadership and renewed hope from diehard Twins fans. The Twins are not moving. The Twins Cities is a vibrant financial area and the Twins current financial issues pale in comparison to Pittsburgh, Miami, Tampa, and Sacramento. The Twins are basically right there at this time with Cleveland, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Kansas City. The Pohlad Era will close. Lastly, it is impossible to guess what happens this coming winter. Nobody should be surprised by any trades or transactions. There is such a wide range of outcomes possible that I would suggest we all have some fun with our guesses and not get too worried about those deals that totally piss us off. All things shall pass.

Martin could be the 13th position player next season. He is athletic at least.

It doesn't really matter at this point. McCusker is on the 40 person roster and neither of Fedko nor Sabato are on that list. The Twins are not shy about playing less than MLB quality bats and defense. Laweryson is also not on the 40 roster. After the Angels series in L.A. the Twins close with the Diamondbacks, Yankees, Guardians, Rangers, and Phillies. Things could get rough. Let's hope the players are up for the challenges.

The A's took money for years without spending. Someone will look this up, but I think a team has to offend for 3 years. The Twins can drop their payroll without consequences in 2026. The Marlins, Rays, and Pirates are all currently in a range the Twins could be in 2026 ($65-85M). None of those teams has been asked to spend.

Wichita has had some crazy games this year. I hope they can sweep the last series, but they seem short of pitching. Jenkins must love horse racing because he sure loved Louisville. Walker had started to hit a number of loud outs in Toledo but he was really hot the last week. I hope he can keep the show going for Saints fans. The Kernels look a little discombobulated lately but if Winokur and few others can get hot they could take the series versus Beloit. Where will Emmanuel Rodriguez play this week? Thanks for the extended reports Seth. I have been watching more and more minor league games and always appreciate the write-ups.

Putting McCusker in the lineup every day wouldn't be the worst thing that has happened to the Twins. Put him in right field and move Wallner to DH. Let them compete. Nick, it's a hard knock life for us. Your sheet for next year needs some changes. Ryan and possibly Lopez and Ober may want out. We all enjoy watching Ryan and Lopez pitch but the coming purge of more players seems inevitable, whether we like it or not. Right now the Twins are overmatched when they turn to the bullpen. The defense continues to be below average. There are spats of hitting here and there though. Out of nowhere the Twins have suddenly become a team unafraid to run. That was a very well coordinated double steal today by Lewis and Keaschall. Continue to have hope the Twins are sold and new management comes along and manages to complete some trades for good ballplayers. There has to be a team out there that is willing to gamble a baseball player for Ryan, Lopez, etc. The Twins mettle will be tested in the remaining games. I don't think anyone will be having any mercy towards our boys. Pitchers like Matthews, Woods Richardson, and Bradley need to dig down deep to close the year with some solid starts. I would expect Lopez, Ryan, and Ober to be focused. Side note - why start a sick Ryan on Saturday?

Globally, it is the main sport. Rabid fans, especially in England and Brazil, but also more than 100 other countries as well.

Tony is a living example of pure kindness and he loves baseball and people. Ryan seems interested in many things and is most likely a huge Oliva fan already since he has had some contact with Tony O within the Twins organization. Ryan also loves baseball. I'm sure Ryan would have a ton of questions about the most effective way to pitch certain hitters.

2Joe Ryan and Tony Oliva. Announcer would definitely be Halsey Hall. Manager would be Gardy.

I'm sorry to say that I cannot wait any longer for the incompetent Falvey to learn.