Bob Twins Fan Since 61

I appreciate Sheldon is willing to attend and speak directly with fans. The interviews I have seen he comes across as genuine and honest. Definitely, like the coaching staff he put together. He has given me some hope for the upcoming season.

Well written article, sum it up pretty well the current state of the Twins. I do wonder about the lack of FA signings or trades to improve the bullpen. Makes me think they have had conversations when one or two of the young starting rotation candidates about transitioning too important roles in the backend of the bullpen. Which they receive positive feedback they would be willing to try. Since the Twins have had success with doing so in the past. They would be counting on LaTroy Hawkins, the new bullpen coach to mentor them in doing so. Who made that transition himself effectively in his long, big-league career.

Any concerns that Twins fest may be cancelled? Due to what is going on in Minneapolis currently? If Twins fest is cancelled, would this event still go on?

My thoughts are Bell's best position is still DH. Now that he is signed, one or both of Larnach and Wallner need to be traded. Three defensively challenge players on your roster makes no sense to me. Martin and Roden are much better defensively. Behind them are the 3 young outfielders (Jenkins, Rodriquez and Gonzalez). Neither Larnach nor Wallner have shown enough with the bat to offset their defense. If viable bullpen upgrade can be obtained for them, move them.

Baseball trades often evolve from trading quality depth in one position to improve another position of weakness. For the Twins, starting pitchers is the biggest position of strength. First base, along with relief pitching are positions of weakness. I did some research on Mountcastle on Oriole sites. His fall off in performance was due mainly to injury. He should be healthy for 2026. Plus, the Twins will get access to his medical records before finalizing the trade. He is right-handed hitter also. Would consider trading Ober, who is coming off down year also (likely injury related) for him. Since Ober has one more year of team control. To balance the trade Baltimore adding in a 20-30 range ranking prospect makes sense. The salaries would be close so any budget money to spend can be used on free agent relievers. Not on a free agent first baseman. Last thought I see similar chance to trade either Larnach or Wallner to either Pittsburgh or San Francisco for viable, relief pitcher, Twins have a glut of left-handed corner outfielders. Both those teams have needs for one.

With Pete Alonso signing with Baltimore yesterday. They will be shopping two 1B that played for them last year (Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo). They need to improve their starting pitching. Both Mountcastle and Mayo are right-handed hitters. The Twins should be interested in seeing if they can make a deal. I like either one over the FA first basemen (more upside) that are being discussed.

I don't see a 60 win team either. I am celebrating (on my 3rd Sud) hearing from reliable source they are not planning on trading Buxton, Lopez, or Ryan. Plus, planning on adding to the roster. Give me signings of Luis Arraez 1B and quality closer like Pete Fairbanks would be a strong start. If Luis Arraez hits above .330, That will make up for lack of power at corner infield position. i think if he plays first base full-time. He will be above average fielder. He has good hands to be really good at catching throws in the dirt. I'm old enough to have seen HOF Rod Carew play first base be an MVP and perirenal all-star. So, I don't agree if you say he is bad signing due to lack of HRs. I heard our new manager say he loves the talented SP arms he has available. He, also, said the key to the Twins making a deep run in the play-offs. Will be the development of the young position players. He thinks with the help of coaching staff he has assemble it's very possible. I'm with him, the central division is winnable. Once, you get in the play-offs you got a chance. Strong starting pitching is huge in short series. I renewed my 40-game season ticket package for 2026. Let's go Twins!

6-10 wins, him and his spreadsheets sucked.

Interesting, I reviewed my season ticket holder message regarding pre-sale tickets for Twins fest. Besides, Buxton neither Pablo Lopez nor Joe Ryan were confirmed guests for Twins fest. Hopefully, the Winters Meetings will pass, and they will still be Twins. But they must be hedging their bets.

I wonder about the Sonny Gray trade to Boston too and impact of trade with Twins too. But then Dyan Cease signing with Toronto for 7 years and 182M was surprising to me. He had a 4.5 ERA pitching in San Diego, whose ballpark is known as a strong pitcher's park. He is 30 years old too. If that's the price of starting pitching on the free agent market. Trading for a starter will be viable alternative for teams looking to improving their rotation.

Depending on your definition of a solid reliever, I have my doubts Larnach could fetch that. He is weak defensively in the outfield. He hasn't showed he can hit well enough either to Be a "DH" only.

Excellent, well researched, article that I found insightful. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

I wonder if Falvey's comments could be posturing though for free agent or trade negotiations. But Clemens is likely the fallback option. I viewed him to be a key bench option for 1B, 2B, and corner OF. Potential RH 1B trade option is Ryan Mountcastle from Baltimore. He is only a year from free agency. Baltimore would be interested in moving him for pitching asset.

My vote: Move on, I have seen enough of Topa. He is an aged, injury-prone, mediocre reliever. Better to give spot to younger pitcher who has some upside.

With the season Atlanta is having, more likely their willing to trade Murphy.