darwin22

I'm sure the Twins marketing team is fired up after Rocco's inspiring message yesterday. Can't wait for the next FSN commercial or T-shirt giveaway---------"Catch Twins Fever---We are just trying to stay in games"

The bigger problem is that this team actually started 5-2 last season before it collapsed.

I will preface my comments/observations on the FACT that this team has only played 5.5% of their games (9 of 162), but a few things to comment on: #1 Considering 95+% of fans, myself included, were more than suspect about our starting pitchers heading into the season, who would've predicted an ERA of 3.124 from our SP's? Not me. If you did, I hate to call anyone a liar, but.... Now that excellent ERA has been accumulated over only 40.33 IP, which can be attributed to a couple of factors: A. Early season cold/nasty weather. Not sure if 1 of our 6 home games was played in 45+ deg weather. B. Rocco's insistence on pulling starters as only Ryan (Friday) and Ober (today) have pitched at least 6 innings #2 What explains a 3-6 start with a starting rotation with such a good ERA? Biggest culprit has been our non-existent offense. Counting today's failure, this group in their 6 losses have totaled an embarrassing 7 runs. Ready for some U-G-L-Y numbers......well here goes...... Team Batting Average: .182 OBP: .282 SLG%: .351 OPS: .632 Whiffs: 83/ 9.2 avg. per game Walks: 28/ 3.1 per game I would argue that only 3 hitters---Arraez, Buxton and Sanchez-------have performed anywhere close to preseason expectations. All 3 have issues. Arraez has no speed along with, so far, a waffle iron for a glove. Buxton, after a hot start, cooled off and is now (ugh) hurt again. Sanchez, team leader with 7 RBI, has already whiffed in double digits in his 25 ABs. Really don't want to get deeper into criticism of our other hitters as I believe (hope) Polanco, Correa and Urshela will get their bats going. I'm also hopeful that Larnach will produce with Kirilloff out for what will likely be an extended absence. For those expecting a huge turnaround from Sano, Kepler and Jeffers, I just don't see it. #3 May be nitpicking here, but wondering if anyone supports my very short rope for Caleb Thielbar? In case anyone wasn't aware, Thielbar, imo, Rocco's "go to guy" in a tight game---has been absolutely torched over his last 2 appearances: 0.1 IP, 5 hits, 2 walks with 7 ER allowed! I texted a buddy of mine that today's game was OVER--despite it being only a 1-run deficit, heading to the bottom of the 8th when Thielbar entered. I don't personally dislike Thielbar. I like his story and admire his determination in fighting his way back to the majors after being out of professional baseball for several years. He also has performed well recently...low ERA 3.2 area last season. Saying that, I cannot ignore the fact that his age (35) and limited stuff indicated a regression that looks like it will continue. I know Jovanni Moran hasn't been lights out for the Saints this season, but I would advocate for his promotion with Thielbar being DFA'ed in the not so distant future. #4 I'm sure others will criticize this comment, but I forced myself to listen to Rocco's post game comments (not an easy thing to do) and was struck by the following statement. "We just want to stay in games"......Verbatim comment. Count me in the minority, which is fine, but as a diehard fan that is nothing short of deflating, depressing and sad. I know Rocco cannot hit, pitch or field for his players, but I can expect as THE MANAGER he can project and verbalize a more inspiring message than that. Attitude reflects leadership Rocco. Remember that.

Theo: Nice work on today's games by our minor league players. A few thoughts: 1. Good to see SP get out to a great start to season. Will be interesting to see how SP rotation works out when Balazovic comes off the IL. I sure hope Kirilloff gets his bat (currently 0-12) heated up soon as I can't bear the thought of seeing Cave back in the lineup. 2. Bummer to see Wichita off to such a poor start. Martin has struggled mightily so far, which I hope he'll turn around soon. Seeing Vallimont get rocked today is not a good sign. I'm wondering if his "head is right" starting the his 2nd year in Wichita. I can't see how he can feel snubbed by not starting at AAA as his 2021 numbers (5+ ERA) sure wouldn't validate a promotion, especially with Sands and Balazovic earning their promotions. 3. Great to see the Kernels open up with a sweep! Not to over-hype the production of Encarnacion-Strand, but wondering if his bat continues to rake over the next month, how long will it take to see him promoted to Wichita. Also great to see the performance of Gipson-Long today. Planning to make a late July road trip to see CR play Peoria. Would be great to see him in-person, along with a bunch of his teammates that look--so far-- to be legit prospects.

Seth: Excellent analysis on games tonight. For the understatement of the night-------nice game by Christian Encarnacion-Strand! 9 RBI...wow!! Do you know if that's a Twins minor league record? Reminds me of the afternoon back in June 1977 that Glenn Adams set the Twins record with 8 RBI in their 19-12 slugfest win over the White Sox at Met Stadium. Bummer to see Canterino struggle mightily tonight in his start for Wind Surge. 4 wins tonight, which is a good thing. Too bad our boys at Target Field couldn't muster more offense.

If you didn't make it to Wichita last year, your in for a treat! The ballpark is amazing! Great sightlines, affordable tickets as well as concessions. Made a trip there mid June last summer to see 2 games vs. Cards affiliate, Springfield. Ballpark is within walking distance of several hotels.

Seth: Excellent analysis of the Saints roster! 1 question: Do you see Spencer Gore starting as the closer for the Saints? Really enjoyed your offseason interview with him. He has a very interesting background story--switching over to the pitching side after being drafted as a SS.

Likely in the minority here, a veteran RH hitter with CF experience that could be an option for the Twins to consider is Kevin Pillar. On a minor league deal with Dodgers right now, but could be a roster cut in the near future. Although his production at the plate dipped last season with the Mets, imo, he would be an upgrade over Garlick with CF experience and is a solid bat against LH pitchers---.280 career average (1020 ABs) with a decent .771 OPS.

After what Gordon did today-----3 run HR and 2-RBI triple there should be ZERO doubt that Gordon has nailed down a roster slot. As you mentioned, his defensive versatility and speed is a huge upgrade over what either Rooker or Cave offers. Like you, I'm in the camp of NEVER wanting to see Cave in a Twins jersey again. His colossal failure as a hitter over the last 2 seasons cannot and should not be ignored.

Excellent point about Rooker. I echo your remarks as I see ZERO role on this team for Rooker. He has a waffle iron for a glove in LF, whiffs at an alarming rate and shouldn't be in the mix for ABs in DH role with the "K-Machines" we have--Sano and Sanchez. With the 28-man roster, I can see Godoy making the club, but what at RPs expense? Sure wish management would find a solid defensive oriented catcher with a LH bat to play 1x a week to spell Jeffers and Sanchez. As for Celestino, I agree that he's the best current fit as 4th OFer, but is his development thwarted by getting infrequent ABs if he's playing only once a week?

No major disagreement with your lineups with the exception of seeing Sano hitting in 5-hole. Would move Kirilloff up into that slot. Kepler is where he deserves to be-------hitting 9th vs. RH SP and riding pine against LH.

A lot of time to conjure lineups for 2022. My 2 cents: * You put your best hitters at the top of your lineup....thus no way Kepler hits leadoff Buxton-(R) CF*-----Really fits better in middle of order, but is best speed option Polanco (S) 2B Correa (R)- SS Kirilloff (L)- 1B Urshela (R)- 3B Larnach (L)- LF Sano (R)- DH Jeffers (R)- C Kepler (L)- RF I doubt we see this lineup much, but I like breaking up our LH/RH bats. Urshela hitting in 5-hole may be a reach, but imo, he's a better fit protecting Kirilloff than the whiff machine (Sano). Kepler dropping in order is predicated by his back to back poor seasons. Like him in 9-hole as opposed to Jeffers mainly as a means to offer some semblance of speed when the lineup rolls over to Buxton. If Larnach shows he needs more seasoning at AAA, you could make the argument to plug Arraez (not a long term option) into LF. That would afford Baldelli the ability to move Arraez into the 2 hole behind Polanco--then dropping Buxton and Correa into 3-4 slots.

Well.....as a Twins fan for nearly 50 years, this is easily the most UN-TWINS like move ever done. Will be easy for many to criticize this deal placing blame on the Pohlad family, Levine and Falvey. I, for one, have been very critical of their recent decisions. Today, though, I will give them credit for trying to bring back WINNING baseball to this franchise. Again, this is NOT the past "Twins Way"of doing business. This is the first time this organization made a free agent signing of this magnitude. Putting aside possible personal feelings of dislike for Correa (involvement and comments controversy in Houston), this deal is a MAJOR win for the Twins. Although a 3-year $105m deal on paper, its truly a 1-year $35m deal for this season as Correa will opt out to hit the market to land a Cory Seager like ($325/ 10 year)deal. Assuming Correa can stay healthy and put up numbers anywhere close to what he did last season, his future as a Twin totally rests with Falvey/front office. With the current state of our pitching staff (which might be changing), I don't see this team competing for a playoff slot by the trade deadline. At that time, if Correa is productive and the FO knowing he'll opt out for 2023, Falvey should be able to wield a massive prospect haul in a trade. What MIGHT alter a Correa trade later this summer is if the Twins can actually swing a deal with OAK to acquire Montas, He is the SP that I covet, not Manaea. I believe Montas' current contract relatively affordable for 2 more years. As evidenced by their recent firesale, the A's will trade Montas, but it will require sacrificing talent. Would be interested to hear feedback from others if the following deal would land Montas. Twins trade the following players: Luis Arraez Simeon Woods-Richardson and 1 these 3--------Jhoan Duran, Blayne Enlow or Louie Varland. and 1 other lower level hitter---Cavaco or possibly Rooker. If I'm Falvey, I don't make a deal for Montas that requires giving up Winder or Balazovic. I also don't give up Austin Martin or Royce Lewis. IMO opinion, OAK would make a deal involving some combination of the 4 players listed above. If Montas is added in a trade, that could potentially change the landscape of the Twins automatically flipping Correa for prospects at the trade deadline. Not likely, but possible when taking into account the expanded playoffs.

Pretty hard to believe ANYTHING coming out of the piehole of Falvey after he gushed over the talent that Kiner-Falefa was bringing in as the starting SS. Totally asinine to take on Sanchez even if for only 1 season. Unless this deal results in the signing of Trevor Story, this deal should result in Falvey being fired. Pohlad is also to blame. This, as it stands tonight, is just plain horrible.

May be in the minority here, but I like this deal for a number of reasons. First, it improves our infield defense as Kiner-Falefa is a gold glove worthy defender at SS. It allows allows Polanco to remain at 2B, where he proved to be much better last season. Second, Kiner-Falea adds a component to our offense thats been missing for years-----SPEED. I believe Kiner-Falefa will only improve on his 20 SBs from last season being a legit 20-25 SB threat for years to come. Projecting Polanco to build on his SB improvement combined with what Buxton can provide---thats 75 SBs that could aid this offense this season. This team, imo, has to revamp its offensive strategy moving forward as the loss of Cruz, now Garver and next year with Donaldson departing necessitates a change. Finally, the durability of Kiner-Falefa (158 GP last season) is an upgrade. As much as I liked (and still do) Garver, you can't ignore that FACT that he only played in 184 of 384 games (47.9%) over the last 3 seasons. Knowing the propensity of Baldelli not to overwork his catchers, I see the FO bringing in a veteran free agent ( Stephen Vogt or Kurt Suzuki) to platoon with Jeffers as I don't believe Rortvedt's bat has proven he can regular ABs.

A few more to add (see below). I didn't have the time to research everyone, but I think the vast majority of these players lasted no more than 1 season with the Twins. Otis Nixon-1998 Wally Backman-1989 Mark Funderburk-1981 Chris Speier-1984 Boomer Wells-1982 Chip Hale-96 Bob Tewksbury-97 Sidney "the pontoon boat" Ponson- 2007*--------My vote for the WORST Twins SP of all time! Billy Beane- 86-87 Jason Marquis- 2012 Joe Crede-2007 Steve Howe-1985 Luis Tiant-1970 John Smiley-1992 and finally...... Bartolo "Big Sexy" Colon-2017

Seth: Echoing the comments of several others-----outstanding piece/analysis on these pitching prospects. Have a mid May trip planned to Wichita to see the Wind Surge play Springfield. Planning to see at least 2 games---which I hope to see SWR or Varland get a start. Looking forward to your 1-10 rankings.

Always like LeCroy's bat when he was with the Twins. My favorite memory of LeCroy came in a ST game (not sure of the year) when Ron Gardenhire decided to pull a prank on Doug Mientkiewicz by sending LeCroy into to PINCH RUN for him after he'd reached 1B. As I remember the story, Mientkiewicz waited and waited and waited some more for the 'large one' to amble his way out of the dugout. When asked afterward what he thought was the reason for LeCroy's delay, Mientkiewicz uttered the following quote: "Well he was busy wiping ketchup and mustard off his face."

Thanks Seth for the analysis of this group. Will be keeping tabs on Mooney, Lawyerson and MacLeod as they develop this season. Time "seems"to be running out on Cano (age), but he could be a nice piece in our bullpen, especially if the likes of Stashak and Garza struggle. I'm most intrigued to see how Gore progresses in 2022. Watched your Spotlight interview with Gore and was impressed with his moxie/mental game. He has what I would call on an "old school" mentality (ala Brad Radke) with more velocity. Missed seeing him in Cedar Rapids last summer as he had been promoted to Wichita. Keep up the great work and wishing all of the TD writers and their families a safe and blessed Christmas.

Seth: Just finished watching your entire interview with Wind Surge announcer, Tim Grubbs. Wanted to express my appreciation to you as well as Tim for such an informative and insightful piece. A few days late in seeing this as I just returned to the Kansas City area from a 2-day roadtrip in Branson, Mo. For those who haven't taken the time to watch this, I'd highly recommend taking the time to watch the entire 50+ minute interview as the dialogue between Seth and Grubbs was excellent! I found it very interesting the hear the broadcasting background of Grubbs as he matriculated from covering a variety of sports through his tenure with Tulane University sports and then to working in the Marlins organization for many years. As interesting as the first part of the interview was, I found it especially intriguing to understand from Grubbs the trials and tribulations he faced after the 2019 season ended. Grubbs shares with Seth how he he handled the difficult transition caused by Covid---thinking he'd be continuing as a AAA announcer for the Marlins-----to having to learn everything from scratch working for the Twins in their movement to their AA franchise beginning in Wichita. The last part of the interview was also highly informative as Seth gains perspective from Grubbs about what we can expect to see from a large number of players that spent time with the Wind Surge last season. Having attended 2 games in Wichita in the middle of June last season, I would strongly encourage Twins fans to invest the time to schedule a road trip there in 2022. The ballpark is AMAZING!! Not only are the tickets very affordable ($15 box seats), but this is a state of the art stadium that provides a great game day experience. Seth--hopefully your work schedule allows you to get to down to Wichita this season. You'll be quite pleased with the result. I'm planning on attending the Surge mid May homestand against Springfield so my wife can see her future Cardinals. Would be great to see you or other Twins fans there! Should anyone--who's debating making this trip next season--let me know if you have any questions.

From the reports I got------JB somehow had a relative living in the Twin Cities and ended up, I guess contacting them--from wherever he was "MIA" that night and took a bus back to our hometown of Spencer, IA the following day. Still no idea where he ended up after the game. U'd think he would've "camped out" in a visible area around the Dome as we circled around for at least 1 hour looking for him.

Have to add another Metrodome story. 100% true story, although those that I've told it to believe its embellished. I swear to you, its absolutely true. Setting summer 1994 when the Twins had another lackluster season going. Out of high school and made a summer road trip with my new spouse to see the Twins at the Dome for a weekend series against the White Sox. Attended Friday night with one of my high school buddies that was working in some capacity (I forget) for the Guthrie Theater. Twins won the game, but nothing eventful happened that night. Saturday was the "experience" I'll never forget. With it being a night game, my spouse, myself and my high school buddy(BW) had tickets for Game 2. Spent the afternoon at my friends house in south Minneapolis taking it easy. Well, at least my wife and I did. Can't say the same for BW and his theater buddy, Chip. They started imbibing on a local St. Paul beer, which I remember as "Pigs Eye." I drank one or two, but didn't like the taste. However, BW and Chip drank at least a case and a half of this beverage over the course of the afternoon. Needless to say, by the time we settled into our field level seats down the 1B line, both BW and Chip were feeling quite good. Being a Saturday night against the rival Sox, there was a good crowd---I'm guessing around 25K at the Dome. In our seating area it was quite crowded as the game began. That didn't last long. No later than the bottom of the 1st I noticed (as did my wife) the most awful smell eminating from BW and Chip. Yes, the dreaded Pigs Eye began to make its presence known---if you get my drift. This was not just a foul smell. It was the most disgusting odor you can ever imagine. My wife was beyond embarrassed. She moved to an open area as she couldn't stand the odors any longer. She was not the only person who "noticed" this. By the 4th inning-----a 30 foot circumference of seats near BW and Chip had been cleared out. Those sitting in the vicinity of "the Pigs Eye bombers" began to complain to the ushers in the area. That didn't stop the problem. Around the 5th inning------I noticed a Metrodome usher, who couldn't have been more than 20--a kid---ask BW and Chip to come with him-------as surrounding fans started cheering for the usher to remove my "friends". Seeing this, I followed in pursuit to try to keep BW from getting kicked out of the dome. As we reached the concourse area, I heard the usher politely attempt to explain that their behavior would not continue to be tolerated as their incessant passage of wind was making it impossible for fans to breathe. My HS buddy, BW, of course, in his inebriated condition, had little use for the ushers plea. Instead, he launched into a verbal disertation that "his rights" were being violated and that he had "the constitutional right( I don't remember that from the Bill of Rights) to pass gas." Yes, he actually used those words! Anyway, I got both back to their seats after promising the usher I would look after them and get them relocated if problems persisted. As you might imagine there were A LOT of displeased fans when I returned with BW and Chip. We left around the 8th inning---much to the delight of fans in the area. Of course, by the following morning-----neither of these guys had ANY recollection of their antics. True story.

As an "older" fan who grew up (mid to late 1970s)making road trips with my dad and brothers from northeast Iowa to Metropolitan Stadium, I welcomed the opening of the Dome in 1982, which was my senior year in high school. My favorite memories of the Dome were making road trips with a group of high school buddies from the Lakes area in northwest Iowa. The trip that sticks out---I can't remember who the Twins were playing, was one in the mid 80s when our group of 15 got separated after the game after imbibing a plethora of Schmidt "cold frosties" throughout the game. Anyway, I found my way back to our van after navigating the backroads/parking lots from the gates that entered that led to the seats in lower leftfield. The problem was, I was the first and only one that made it back to the van. After 20+ minutes the rest of our group minus 1 (JB) made it back. Being the "nice clean-cut" college boys we were, we weren't going to abandon our "buddy" and waited for him to arrive. We waited and then waited some more---all the time soaking up some more adult beverages from the keg we had stowed away. After an hour of waiting---we saddled up on a "rescue mission" to find JB. We thought it would be easy. Not true. The more we drove circling around the Dome----the more frequent the cat calls from the back of the van to "leave that idiot" so we could find a hotel to stay in. More to the story, but I'd have to venture into territory that would lead to a "R/N-17 rating" so I will end it here. I can state we never located JB. He ended up paying for a bus ticket to take him back to our hometown. We got up the following morning, navigating southward and enjoyed a great breakfast at the Happy Chef in Mankato. Sometime that morning as the fog of our memories started to clear-----we did wonder what happened to JB. Oh the fun of being a college kid in the 80s.

Uh.....great question! Especially after just seeing Rosario destroy an inside breaking pitch from Buehler with 2 strikes. OMG....do the almighty Dodgers ever read scouting reports??

Kepler's contemplative look suggests to me he's wondering if ANY of the "pile of logs" he's sitting on could be sprinkled with magic dust so he could find a way to rediscover how to be a productive hitter. Hitting .216 over the last 2 years (597 ABs) with a putrid OBP (sub .315) and even worse SLG % (low .400s) can no longer be considered a slump-------even by the biggest Kepler apologist.