Cory Engelhardt

I agree, they have to show that the words they have been saying this whole season, and arguably showed to a degree this past deadline, aren't meaningless. But that is what Tom has said all season AND what they showed to an extent with the deadline. So this offseason (if there is baseball in 2027) will be another test that they have to show their words have meaning. But really, I do think there are MORE assets in the organization overall right now than there was last year at this time. That's regardless of how they are used or not. That part specifically shows they have more assets, no?

I don't know if making the playoffs in 2026 should matter for 2027 ongoing. Missing or making the playoffs shouldn't change the fact that they should look at extensions for a number of guys on the team. And making the playoffs or not shouldn't change that they should attempt to improve the team between this offseason and opening day. Making the playoffs would be fun though

Didn't you just answer your own question? Having more assets to use to fills holes means they are stronger overall no?

I wouldn't at all assume that any of Bell or Larnach or Wallner or Fedko or Mendez or Kendle will be here next season. I guess we'll see if Rodriguez ever gets a chance. And who knows if Roden will stay or if Martin is even the right handed platoon option for someone else. And maybe Tom wants to throw some money at someone like Randy Arozarena in free agency. I'm not saying that will happen or that he would even sign here, But who knows what 2027 will look like. All of this to say, who knows what 2027 or after will look like. But I do think Jenkins is a better option than most right now today.

Larnach has been really bad for a month plus now and is a worse defender than Jenkins. And guaranteed he won’t be back next season. I assume Jenkins will cut into his playing time while also spelling Buxton. In that world, Roden still have time. That said, if Emma is also coming up, then that changes things for Roden no? Well, and Larnach too. And Clemens time in the outfield. The offense needs more help than Larnach and Roden have provided over the last month(s). Make the promotion(s) of Jenkins and even Rodriguez and can figure out next year next year

He has looked a lot better since he got the blister figured out on his foot it seems.

Just reading this quote as Kreidler homers is funny

I keep Lopez and extend him. I'm even fine keeping Ryan, but I'd be more open to trading him than I would Lopez depending on return. But yeah, Bradley and Kremer will both be in the rotation too, and I think Prielipp will too. Probably need to play for at least 9 starters again, and with any luck Abel can get back to form eventually. Rojas and Zebby should have room to grow a bit and show they can be a starter potentially. I'm also excited to see Riley Quick mature a bit more and debut in 2027. Good to have options. IF they trade Ryan, guaranteed at least one player coming back will be ready for the rotation in 2027. I have a hard time seeing Buxton not here unless he chooses to retire. I hope the hip doesn't force that issue. Houston isn't a 3B. He's a SS. I don't know he will be ready opening day though. I daydream of an up the middle with he and Culpepper at 2B. That would be a better defense than we currently have. Aside from bullpen, I'd LOVE for the free agent fit to be a power hitting 3b/1B type. If Houston would be open to moving Isaac Paredes here I'd love that. I'd even move on from Josh Bell and have Paredes be the primary dh unless Buxton needs more time there. But Paredes could spell Lee when facing lefties and be capable at 1B too. I hope they can retain Jeffers, but if not I have to think they trade for a different starting level catcher to pair with Caratini. Even if it is starting level defensively. Hopefully Lackey will be able to debut late 2027 or by 2028. Mostly I hope there will be a season. I guess we'll see. Fun to start thinking about though.

I also like comparing things that have absolutely zero in common

3-3 with 2 walks and those 2 homers. Impressive. I have to think right now he would be the best bat in the outfield after Keaschall on the team today. I know Buxton can get right, but he has been off for a while. I don't know how much I trust Larnach or Roden anymore either.

I know. I actually agree with some of the games lately and leaving guys in too long. Just funny to think about broadly

Just coming here to say, it’s fun to read people so angry now about leaving the starter in too long as a complaint. If I were Rocco and I were reading this, I’d just be shaking my head :)

Ugh

Good to see Clemens bat back. Need him to hit again

Came here just to answer the headline in this way :)

I can't be the only person coming back and just wishing for the title of this thread to change, can I?

I'm in New Zealand, which is 17 hours ahead of Minnesota time. It's almost 8am Friday as I type this. I will attest, as I'm from the future, that Jenkins has not yet been called up.

Rojas is so exciting. Just more strikes thrown, and he will be good

True. Look at the ops since mid or even early July to now though. Really poor since about mid July. I have a theory that he just hunted fastballs solely for the first 2-3 months, and now teams know that.

I would have really enjoyed seeing a push to have Riley Quick’s name mentioned here. I don’t think it’s necessarily plausible, but Toronto did bring up Trey Yesavage last year for the playoff run. I mean, the chance that Quick pitches in the majors this year isn’t negative, right? It probably is 0,8%, but still :)

This again? I thought we were over this

I mean, Larnach has been a below average hitter for going on 2 months now and Roden, while having good aaa numbers still hasn’t shown much of anything at the mlb level. And both arguably are worse defenders in the outfield. All of this is for me to say that it’s probably not that far away.

So Jenkins DID homer in the game that was cut short. Does that count in real life or no?

Yup, I think I would pick Lopez to extend over Ryan. Depending on if there is a season or not next year, that will be an interesting talking point.

Minter is very much someone I hope gets a new deal. But that's actually becoming a fairly longer list in my head of what I would do if I were in charge of extending players.