4twinsJA

I am a Smeltzer fan, great story. In past, seems he had hard time getting past 4 innings. Why not piggy back him with Winder, each pitch 4 innings, let someone come in to close. Winder on innings limit anyway this year (4 IP every fifth game would be 120 IP), bullpen would get day off except for closer.

Regarding the DH numbers, being a DH is harder than you would think. Harder to stay mentally in games, get out of regular routine of moving in/out of dugout, keeping loose in preparation to hit. Cruz had it down pat, but DH was his fulltime role. I would not be surprised to see significantly lower batting stats when regular position players DH.

I like Lewis as much as anybody, but given his limited playing time the last 2 years, he needs to play everyday. When Correa comes back, Lewis likely back to AAA. Arraez's fielding seems to have regressessed this year, can hide that somewhat at 1B, but he should not whiff at groudballs within his limited range. There was a play this weekend where Miranda had the wrong foot on 1B and could not stretch very far for a throw from Sanchez, was reviewed and still got the out. But if Miranda had played correctly, there would have been no question. Hate to see playing inexperienced 1B come back to bite the Twins at a key moment. Hopefully somehow Kirilloff's wrist cooperates and he comes back up to play 1B and Arraez back to primary DH. Kirilloff seems to be best defensive 1B Twins have.

Really like Headrick, been able to watch a few of his games, he has been overpowering at CR. Will be interesting how Twins handle midseason promotions, would think Headrick would be on that list. Twins midseason prospect list will definitely have some changes with so many no longer qualifying and some definite risers and fallers.

Why is being called a 4th OF a bad thing. Maybe he could be called a platoon player, starting against LH pitchers. Will probably get at least 2 starts a week in CF, rest day and DH day for Buxton. Then there is always injuries, may be a short term starter. Late inning defensive replacement or pinch runner, should be plenty of playing time for Celestino.

Celestino looks like a starter against LH pitchers, resting Larnach (when back) or Kepler. When Buxton is back, Buxton will probably have a day off a week and DH once a week. Celestino late inning defensive replacement for Larnach, so should get plenty of playing time, maybe more than a traditional 4th OF. I did not agree with the posters in the offseason calling for acquiring an experienced 4th OF, to me that just translates to acquiring a player on the decline hoping to get one or two more years in the league. I would rather see that playing time given to developing young talent.

I agree with Rosterman, Badoo would have played AA last year for Twins, and Twins would have been faced with same decision whether to put on 40 man roster this year. He would be playing at AAA this year. The question is did moving up to MLB so soon affect his development.

Thanks Seth, great write up. There are plenty of prospects to be excited about in Twins system. Steer has really progressed this year. Will be interesting how Twins handle mid-season promotions.

Like Gordon's versatility, can play any position but 1B and C, maybe he can work at that. He can hold his own at the plate, good speed, late inning pinch runner. According to Baseball Reference does not get arbitration until 2025 so Twins have him under their control for another 5 years after this year. Don't know if Gordon ever progresses to point he is a fulltime starter, but definitely has good value for Twins as utility player.

Celestino has been playing well of late. He have the highest BA on the team .324 and 5th highest OPS at .795, and playing well defensively. Is Celestino the 4th OF that bats RH the Twins have been looking for? And by the way, he is only 23 years old.

Nice job Matt, I am not much of a Coulombe fan. I would put him #7 in the 8 man BP. His margin for error is just too small. Has been getting it done by keeping batters off balance but don't see that as being sustainable in the long term.

Bundy was signed to give time for Winder to be ready for MLB. Winder is ready and pitching well, Paddack has looked good as well. Archer seems to have higher upside than Bundy as well. Bundy does not fit in BP. Maybe a couple more starts.

Not overly worried, one thing I have noticed, Martin is not very big. May not have alot of power potential, he needs to be who he is- high BA, high OBP guy and not worry so much about power. Don't like pointing the bat towards infield when hitting, needs to simplify swing.

I could see keeping Winder as swing man at #6, hard to see where Bundy fits in after Gray and Ober return.

Seth had good article chemistry leading to success or success causing chemistry. An interesting debate, if you have been watching the young pitchers interviews, they all comment on how the whole staff is working together. They comment on the experienced pitchers and fellow young pitchers working on things together, watching each others bullpen sessions, etc. Ober and Ryan's comments lead me to think things are different this year than last year, working together more and experienced pitchers helping young pitchers. I am not there, but would think that would be lead by the experienced pitchers.