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darwin22

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Everything posted by darwin22

  1. darwin22
    Like Brandon Drury? Of course not. That would've made too much sense.
  2. darwin22
    I don't disagree with your assessment, but would offer the following argument in favor of accelerating Julien's progression. If, assuming he can duplicate offensive numbers at AAA next year (OBP, slug %) and Polanco's can remain off the IL---by July 1st the front office needs to give SERIOUS CONSIDERATION to trading Polanco. IMO, Polanco has regressed to the point there's zero reason to let his $10.5 m salary vest for 2024.
  3. darwin22
    Considering the plethora of injuries to OFers late in the season, Cave did an adequate job. To quote Denny Green-----"he is what we thought he is"---a player with a ton of hustle with a great attitude that gives outstanding effort. The problem is------his overall skill set is that of a AAAA player. A MLB team aspiring for playoff baseball should NEVER be in the position of having to give regular playing time/ABs to a player of Cave's caliber. This is not meant as a slam on Cave. It IS an indictment of our front office/player development staff that continues to fail to bring up younger more talented players or trade for guys that can produce at a higher rate.
  4. darwin22
    Away from TD site for awhile as Twins play has been more than depressing. Can't say I watched tonight, but after seeing the impressive performance by Ober my mind wandered off into"what could have been mode. So many problems with this team to fix before next year, but at least for tonight---a good feeling, especially beating the Sox. Sure would be nice to see Winder complement Ober's performance with a strong outing tomorrow night.
  5. darwin22
    Your comments are 100% accurate and reflect my current feelings. Yes, I realize this team has been ravaged by injuries...moreso than most teams. Saying that, it is beyond disappointing to see an entire team QUIT in this past series. Its one thing to lose to CLE, but it is utterly unforgiveable to subject your fan base to such a blatant lack of effort and execution. I honestly believe this group mentally packed up their bags after losing 4 of 5 to CLE having zero thought, desire or interest in even playing these last 3 games. A total embarrassment that Falvey, Levine & Baldelli should be held accountable for.
  6. darwin22
    A few observations after a much needed W today: Correa: Nice to see our $35m player come through clutch today! Only his 4th 2-hit and 2RBI (should've been 3 RBI) game since July 1st. Hamilton: Yes, I realize his impersonation of Lonnie "skates" Smith proved to be a moot point after Miranda's double scored him, but how many Twins fans were thinking the following after that play: "Correa finally gets a KEY hit late in the game and Hamilton spins out rounding 3rd base---Now we're going to waste this scoring opportunity leaving runners stranded and out bullpen will find someway to blow this game?" Miranda: If not for Julio Rodriguez, is there a more deserving candidate (other than Duran) to win ROY? and finally... Dylan Bundy: Count me in the VERY SKEPTICAL department when Bundy was signed just before the lockout. He has exceeded my expecations not only by his OVERALL performance, but by staying healthy being a consistent member of the starting rotation. By no means do I think management should pick up his $11m option for 2023, but I would support a 2 yr/ 16m offer. Would be interested to hear others opinion on this. Looking forward to 2023 who are LOCKS for this rotation? I would venture 3 fall in that category: Ryan, Gray and Mahle (assuming his shoulder is healthy by ST). That leaves 2 open slots. I would argue that very few teams would be willing to offer Bundy a 2yr/$16m deal. I know there are more "sexy" candidates" for those 2 other rotation slots-----but all of them----Maeda, Paddack, Ober and Winder----come with serious health concerns. Wish I could say I was looking forward to the next 4 games before we face CLE next weekend. I'd be lying if I made that claim..
  7. darwin22
    Putting things in perspective how miserable Correa has been with his bat: Correa: Age: 27, ABs on season: 357 RBI Total= 39 OPS post ASB break: .710 Albert Pujols: age 42, ABs on season: 197 RBI Total= 37 OPS post ASB break: 1.428
  8. darwin22
    Kept tabs on game tonight as I (most others) were unable to view it with game being broadcast on Apple TV. Probably a good thing as my blood pressure wouldn't have been good seeing ANOTHER poor night from our hitters not named Arraez & Miranda. Not to veer too far off into negativity, but I'm really getting sick of seeing Correa do NOTHING to contribute at the dish. Another 0-4 with 2K's tonight. I believe he's now done to hitting .216 since July 1st with a measly 11 RBI over 134 ABs. Anyway, nice to see Bundy pitch well. He's far surpassed the production I thought we'd get out of him when he signed before the lockout. Saying that, I can't see ANY scenario that Falvey brings him back at $11m next year. Wondering if he'd consider a 2-year deal in the $12-$14m range as I don't see a bunch of teams clamoring for his services next year. At this point in his career, Bundy knows who he is as a SP. He's a veteran guy who knows pitches to his strengths and tries to limit his mistakes. Other than Ryan, Gray and Mahle (I hope)---is there another SP in the system RIGHT NOW that is a major upgrade over Bundy. IMO, its not Ober or Archer. Nobody in minors. I guess you could claim Maeda, but no certainty there either. Hopefully the bats wake up tomorrow night.
  9. darwin22
    No, not being a jerk with comment on Pagan. He should be thankful he's still getting ANY opportunity to pitch for this team. Is it just me, but am I wrong that it seems to take an ETERNITY for Pagan to deliver a pitch. I know there's something to being 'deliberate," but it appears to me he's over-analyzing EVERY pitch he's about to throw. Paralysis by analysis. Hopefully, Falvey will recognize and admit his error and release him early in the offseason as I think the reason he's reluctant is he doesn't want to see DET or KC pick him up for remaining games vs. Twins this year. I'm sure our hitters---maybe even Correa, would love to dig in against him.
  10. darwin22
    After this uninspired and lackluster road trip this team deserved boarding the "old propeller airplane" used in the movie "Major League"---back to Minneapolis. Unless a not to be expected strong homestand follows---at minimum 5-2 against KC and TX-------these players should be packing to board a couple of 1980 version Grayhound busses for their trip to Houston,-
  11. darwin22
    FYI----I know its preseason game 1 for Vikings, but what I've seen so far is ugly. Stupid penalties, breakdown in coverage, not being to convert in red zone. Yes, I know this is TD site and am tracking---from a distance--our collection of nimrods-----getting shutdown by a rookie SP with nearly an 8 ERA and cant hit the immortal Jaime Barria. Just another great day in the life of a Minnesota sports fan.
  12. darwin22
    Last night was it for me. In spite of paying for MLB Extra Inning package to get Bally Sports North here in the KC area, I'm DONE investing any more time and energy into this team. Will devote my interest--yes a glutton for punishment---to other endeavors, which include the Vikings. As a loyal fan for 40+ years, I will move on and hope ( a very dangerous thing) for better results next year. My life would be so much calmer if I didn't like sports.
  13. darwin22
    Absolutely nothing positive to feel about chances of making playoffs at this point. Starting pitching is--at best---average. RPs--are running on fumes. Hitters---When only 2 hitters (Arraez and Miranda) are producing, you're not going to produce runs. As much as I continue to question the decisions of Baldelli-------the horses needed to win this division--are either hurt (Buxton, Larnach, Lewis, Jeffers) or ineffective/ not producing (Gray, Jax, CORREA, Kepler). I can hear the voice/pipes of the immortal Dean Vernon Wormer--------"It's Over"
  14. darwin22
    Agree with your assessment. Don't know if you or others know the answer to this? What is the SS FA agent market for 2023? I'm fairly certain there are a number of SS that will be free agents in the off season. If Correa's bat doesn't significantly improve over the next 7-8 weeks, I would be surprised if he opts out as I can't see ANY team willing to give him $30-35mill over an 8-10 years.
  15. darwin22
    Absolutely agree! I know my age is showing but I still think RBI is a relevant stat. Right now, Correa has a meager 37 on the season, which ranks deep in the bottom of everyday SS across the league. When you trail 5'10 180 lb Tommy Edman (who has 38 and a very good player with a ton more speed) in RBI your argument to be paid top $$ rings very hollow.
  16. darwin22
    Agreed 100% with your remarks! Not only proud to see Rocco's tirade on the field, but even more impressed that he "doubled down" in post-game comments. Posted this in game day thread, but for Rocco to call out MLB (in New York) using words as "one of the worst" calls ever in this situation and that it was "pathetic." I may be reaching here, but I think Rocco's postgame rant was intentional by calling out MLB that the Twins are HIS TEAM and he will not idly by when an egregious call is made in such a critical situation. I truly think Rocco is sick and tired.....as he SHOULD BE....with the prevailing attitude of MLB hierarchy as well as other teams that the Twins are a pushover. Time to step up, stand your ground and stop being 'Minnesota Nice'---------nothing wrong with being nice and respectful to your opponent (the league, opposing team and players) but that can be accomplished AFTER you beat them.
  17. darwin22
    Nice article Cody with a good analysis, which for the most part I agree with. As manager, my hierarchy would be the following: Closer: Mix and match Lopez and Duran depending on previous game usage, opponent and lineup. 8th inning/ Set Up: Fulmer with either Duran or Lopez in the mix. 7th inning: Still like Jax despite some recent hiccups. Thielbar, still keeps proving he belongs. The 3-batter minimum doesn't help him. 6th inning: Megill has showed some success in this slot. I would instruct/tell my catcher to call for Megill to bring his 98mph gas much more frequently. 5th inning (or earllier) due to 3+ run deficit: Sands, but would prefer Smeltzer should he get called up. Pre-Game Shagging Fly balls/ In game Gopher getting water for other RPs: Pagan. Not bad duties for the salary he's earning. He sure hasn't earned it on the mound.
  18. darwin22
    As much as I wanted another insurance run in the bottom of the 8th, I just about puked when I saw the "Pagan Sacrifice" warming up with Lopez. Thankfully, Rocco listened to Tingler and his other coaches and brought Lopez in for the 9th.
  19. darwin22
    Is there ANYONE in the Twins City media that has the cajones to confront Falvey to ask the following question: What justifies keeping Pagan and Duffey as members of this bullpen at this point in the season? I fully understand this is only 1 game and games like this happen. Saying that, if your stated goal is to win the AL Central----------then why are Pagan AND Duffey still getting opportunities when better (Moran) and more deserving candidates (Smith, Cotton and Evan Sisk) have been released , demoted or failed to be called up?
  20. darwin22
    It will likely be Moran since he has options remaining. Saying that, I'd prefer to keep Moran with either Pagan or Duffey to be DFA'ed. If that happens, I'm guessing its Duffey that gets the ax as I doubt the front office will be willing to admit their error in trading for Pagan.
  21. darwin22
    Being competitive in the division for remainder of season? Absolutely after the pitching acquisitions today. Winning the division? Hmm...possible to doubtful. Twins haven't put together a 3-game winning streak since June 24-27th. 12-16 record since that date. That in itself is indicative of a team spinning its wheels. Overstating the obvious........if Twins SPs------Gray, Ryan and Mahle can consistently pitch 6+innings over the remainder of the season------having a chance to win the division is possible as the additions of Lopez and Fulmer will definitely aid what Jax and Duran have done this season. Saying that, the additions today will be meaningless if the offense continues to struggle to score runs. I know injuries are a major factor, but when Nick Gordon is hitting in 5-hole and you're forced into playing Sanchez almost daily, this lineup has way too many holes. 59 games remaining. If Kepler, Larnach and Buxton-------imo, our best starting OF-------aren't in lineup---none there tonight, our chances of winning are remote.
  22. darwin22
    Very good point. I may be in the minority here, but if the vast majority of HONEST Twins fans were told before the season started: "The Twins will be in 1st place on August 1st"-----they would not only take it, but would be very happy after what transpired last season. As hard as it is to admit, this team------as presently constructed------is not a playoff team and is likely destined for a 3rd place finish. Not intending to be overly negative, but the warts/blemishes on this team cannot be ignored. I will NOT be pleased if we make it to August 3rd and nothing is done to upgrade the bullpen-----our most glaring need.
  23. darwin22
    David: Thanks for the summary of today's action. Nice work. Made road trip up to Cedar Rapids this afternoon to see Kernels game. Despite the loss, a few observations. #1 For those that live within driving distance, attending a Kernels game is definitely worth the time. Stadium is easy to get to (either off US 30 or I-380). Paid $28 for two box seats between home plate and 1B. Concessions are very affordable and parking is free. #2 Bummer to see Festa struggle with his command today. He almost escaped a self induced 1st inning jam (Hit 1st batter, bunt single and WP advancing runners to 2nd and 3rd), but gave up a 2-out single that scored both runners. Seeing him pick off three runners was very impressive, but he did give up a lot of hard contact through his short start. Hopefully, just a bad day that he'll rebound from. #3 Aaron Sabato: Yes, he did have a nice game with an oppo 3-run shot and a hard hit line drive single off the leg of Peoria pitcher, but his other 3 AB's were brutal: weak tap to pitcher in 1st inning, K in his 2nd AB and another whiff in 9th to end the game. Wondering what his future is with Twins. Overall 27th pick in 2020 draft who has struggled to hit with any consistency at Fort Myers and with Cedar Rapids. His power numbers are up this year, but will be interesting to see if he gets a promotion to Wichita next year. #4----This is for others that follow Kernels more than I do. What is the future for Severino, Wander Javier and Seth Gray? All 3 are in their 2nd full season ( I think) at CR as I saw all 3 here last July. Hopefully the Kernels can get back on track this coming week.
  24. darwin22
    Excellent analysis mike8791! Your sentiments hit the nail on the head of why this organization continues to flounder! Don't recall when Falvey-Levine came on board (2017 or 2018, I think), but their supposed pedigree of drafting and developing STARTING PITCHING has been nothing more than a BUST! Not 1 SP---other than Bailey Ober---has done anything productive during their reign. That is why we're forced to make trades and search the bargain bin for SPs every year. I know other organizations prove successful without drafting and developing the core of their rotation, but over 5+ years our supposed "brain trust" has done nothing other than earn a big FAT "F" in this department.
  25. darwin22
    Thanks for the info-------would like to see Povich, but Festa has been a solid most of the year.
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