darwin22

A few thoughts after anemic loss: 1. Spring Training results don't mean squat. Case in point: The performance of Mick Abel I realize only a small same size, but his two outings indicate to me a reset in AAA is around the corner. Like his stuff, but his command is mediocre along with his inability to put hitters away with 2 strikes. Saying that, Abel should get another few starts to turn things around as Zebby Matthews outing tonight (3 HRs allowed---one of which to the immortal Mickey Gasper) for SP was putrid. 2. Caratini has severe limitations in his ability to control another teams running game. His bat, like far too many others, is as cold as the weather in Minneapolis today. 3. Is there ANY OTHER MLB team that is challenged against LH pitchers as this group? Pathetic! 3 hits on the day. Brutal. 4. When will management admit that trading for and keeping Outman on this team is a joke? Sure would like to see Outman DFA'ed with Roden promoted.

Can it get worse than this? Simple answer: YES Even with W today---this team on pace for 54 wins......which will necessitate Ryan, Jeffers and possibly Buxton being traded before the trade deadline.

Very good analysis Cody of the continued ineptitude of this front office. Plain and simple, Rodon earned the right to make this roster and you could make a very strong argument he should be the starting LF in Baltimore on Opening Day. Instead we're stuck with Outman for at least the next few weeks. This organization appears intent on finishing in LAST place. It sure seems today like light years since we won a playoff series in October of 2023.

This might have been a "typo error," but to state Tait is the "most likely of top TD prospects to never register an MLB plate appearance," is either completely foolish or clearly misinformed. A consensus top 100 prospect at age 19 is, imo, on a clear path either in this organization or another to have a productive MLB career.

After today's utterly AWFUL performance (31 pitches--4 walks) against the JV lineup against the Yankees, its hard for me to believe Raya is even a top 30 prospect in this organization. Pathetic. I know only 1 ST outing, but after he got rocked in SP last year, I can't believe he's ANYWHERE close to pitching in the bullpen for the Twins.

In August while Wichita was playing Springfield, I witnessed EXACTLY the outing you described. Prielipp was untouchable over 3 innings with consistent 97mph heat along with good secondary pitches. Got to 4th inning and though his fastball remained consistent (in mid 90s) his pitch count started to climb as he lost command. With his injury history and advancing age, IMHO his future is in the Twins bullpen.

I also got 3 words for Joe Pohlad: Attitude reflects leadership.

Absolutely agree. His versatility, imo, outweighs his age. Interesting (to me) a friend of my son's played college ball (Creighton) with Fitzgerald and commented how his work ethic, grit and leadership were an inspiration to the younger players. Great to see Fitzgerald contribute since his promotion and hope he gets a legit chance to make the active roster next season.

Agreed. An absolute joke Davis is being recalled. Has been brutal as has Cabrera. Both should've been dfa'ed weeks ago. Fedko deserves a promotion--plain and simple. Saying that, Falvey and company have zero accountability. Just the puppets of the miserly Pohlad family.

I could use several other "choice words" beyond those that you expressed, but I would likely get banned for life. Can ANYONE tell me why Mick Abel wasn't called up to pitch today instead of that rag arm Urena? Abel was on 4 days rest and has been fantastic with the Saints since getting traded. What value does Urena offer for the future? Answer: NOTHING!! Diehard fan for over 50 years that is VERY CLOSE to checking out on this pathetic organization.

Wholeheartedly agree! Can't say I have much to any faith in our front office decision making after the ATOMIC fire sale at the trade deadline so I'm hoping that Abel's promotion will come this week. He's lined up (4 days rest) to pitch the home finale TH afternoon at home against Oakland. Should this not happen is this a case or service time manipulation?(ie saving $$ for the cheapskate Pohlads).

After Mick Abel's third consecutive strong start tonight for the Saints ----6 IP--2 hits---0 walks and 11 K's--can anyone explain why he hasn't been promoted yet? I've see enough of Ohl and Adams. Get Abel called up NOW!!

Report from Springfield, MO: Waited to post till this morning hoping I'd see a better effort/performance by the Wind Surge after losing Tuesday night. Well......that didn't turn out as I hoped. I blame the Pohlad announcement for infecting the minds and bats of the Wind Surge. A few observations after witnessing the last 2 games: I'll start with the positives: 1. The weather was very nice for mid August. Low 80s at first pitch with little humidity. Good $2 brats and hot dogs on Tuesday night made for a cheap dinner. Ticket prices: Spent under $70 for 4 tickets (my Cardinal fan wife attended with me) for good seats down the 3B line. 2. Hmm.....tough to find much after getting only 5 hits over 2 games, but I'll try. Walker Jenkins: Despite a 1-8 he did hit the ball hard 3x Monday night. 1st AB missed a HR by less than five feet on a drive to right center. Also lined out to center in the 8th inning. Not as good last night, but did "Charlie Brown" the pitcher in his last 1-6-3 AB. Jenkins was solid in CF both games. Made numerous solid plays defensively and displayed a strong arm. CJ Culpepper: Starter Tuesday night---I believe gave up 2 ER in his 4 IP. His command was decent to above average. K. Rosario: HIs HR last night was CRUSHED! Easily over 400 ft. Connor Prielipp: 1st inning was excellent. 16 pitches with 2 K's. Hit 96 with fastball. I know, I'm grasping. Now for the negatives:----Again, I blame the Pohlads Kaelen Culpepper: Took to collar over the 2 games going 0-8. Wish I could report he hit a few balls hard, but that would akin to the Pohlad announcement that they were "committed to bringing a winning team to Minnesota." Culpepper had a rough 2 games with 3 or 4 whiffs and hit into a DP Tuesday night in the 7th with 2 runners on base trailing by 1 run. I will choose to believe in his season sample of work rather than the last 2 games. IMO, he absolutely needs to remain in AA the rest of the season. Defensively, he looked very smooth and displayed a strong arm at SS. Prielipp: Came unraveled in 2nd inning after a catcher interference call was followed by a walk on a 3-2 pitch and then a double to the 9-hole hitter. Needed 24 pitches to make it through 2nd inning. He did hit 98 with his fastball, but struggled with command and being able to put hitters away with two strikes. Withihis injury history, he MIGHT be a strong bullpen candidate moving forward with the Twins. Prielipp has the physical tools to be a strong SP 2 or 3, but he must develop his secondary pitches. Wish I had a better report, but that's baseball. For anyone wishing to make a road trip south, the drive to Springfield is an easy 3-hour trip from the KC area. Hammons Field is a beautiful ballpark.

Agree with you 100%. Looking forward to seeing both in person the next 2 games as I'm making my annual trip to Springfield, Mo to see the Wind Surge battle against a strong Cardinals team.

Great to see a series W---first since ASB---with several prospects (Keaschall and Roden) and journeymen (Hatch and Kriskie) contributing in major ways to bring home a victory. I want to temper my optimism (hope is a dangerous thing) on Keaschall, but this kid is a DUDE! Saw him play 2 games for Wind Surge last year against Cardinals AA team and came away impressed with his quick bat and power. Moreover, he plays with great enthusiasm and grit. Reminds me of a lighter version of one of my all-time Twins favorites---the Rat---Gary Gaetti! Also, quite impressed by the performance of Hatch. Wow! Where did that come from?? Might be his best performance in his career. The way he pitched today, he earned some additional opportunities after ownership nuked our bullpen last week. With Keaschall's impressive return from injury, I'm stoked to see Kalen Culpepper, Gabby Gonzalez and Walker Jenkins next week as I'm making my annual road trip (from KC area) down to Springfield, Mo to see two games next week. Taking solace in small victories for the remainder this season.

He should be DFA'ed tonight. Absolutely HORRIBLE!!

Has there EVER been a SLOWER runner than Correa in the history of this organization? My only answer in recent history (last 20 years) is the immortal Matthew LeCroy. I know Correa has dealt with his fair share of lower body injuries, but he's got to be the SLOWEST active mlb starting SS.

I know insignificant, but whoever totaled bullpen usage chart for Duran is wrong. Not only did Duran NOT pitch yesterday (34 pitches), he did throw 16 pitches in Friday's save. Also, Jax did not pitch in Saturdays (all to infrequent) blowout victory.

Great write up Chris on the numerous prospects that are producing for the Wind Surge. I know selfish on my part, but I'm hopeful that all of these guys are still playing for the Surge in mid August as I have a 2-game road trip planned to see them in Springfield, Mo against the Cardinals AA affiliate.

Agree 100% with your assessment. Options for the day included: A. Taking a nap B. Reading a book C. Doing some pre-fantasy football prep work or D. Tuning into to watch the entirety of the Twins game. E. A, B and C, but absolutely NOT choice D My Answer: E For anyone answering "D"----my question is WHY??? The 8th amendment outlaws "cruel and unusual punishment"

Big THANK YOU to Harrison Bader! Absolutely dart of a throw to nail Norby at the plate. Question: What is "the plan" (dare we have one) to replace Ober in the rotation? Saw that Funderburk (yawn) was called up today.

That is correct.......34.88% of games---2 runs or less, which includes tonight's 2-1 victory. 30 of 86 games with 2 runs or less.......record improves to 3-27 in those games.

29th game (of 85 played) that this abysmal offense has scored 2 runs or less. No shock that 27 losses of resulted from that ineptitude choreographed by Falvey, On pace for another 26 games of futility, Will be fortunate to finish in 4th place. Sickening.

Does this REALLY surprise anyone? Its the Twins way. Absolutely pathetic.

I'm sure many TD fans remember the following quote from--"The Natural," which seems quite appropriate to the current sad state of affairs with this entire organization: "Losing is a disease.....as contagious as bubonic plague....attacking one...but infecting all" I refuse to invest any more time and emotional attachment to this team until a complete and total overhaul happens. Peace out.