BSLinPA

Couldnt help but notice that the Guardians acquired 6'5" lefthanded SP Steve Hajjar from the Reds earlier in the week.

More than a little disrespect from a TD mod??? "Had no upside"???? From Baseball Reference: He impressed in spring training in 2019 and started a dizzying ride to the majors, first posting a minute 0.40 ERA in 4 starts for the Fort Myers Miracle in the Florida State League, followed by going 4-2, 2.57 in 11 games in AA with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and then 5-2, 2.15 in 9 games for the Rochester Red Wings in the International League. His record between the three stops was 12-4, 2.07 with a 109/28 K/W ratio. The Twins, who were leading the AL Central division largely on the strength of their bats at that point, decided to ignore his less than stellar pedigree and give him a shot, since no one at any level had been able to figure out his pitches until then. In 9 games for the Twins, including 5 starts, he went 2-1, 1.59, and continued his mastery of the strike zone, with 23 strikeouts and 5 walks in 28 1/3 innings. I recall he added a pitch in ST in '20 or '21 striking out nearly a batter per inning. I think it was a "splinker", but not sure. I also suspect it responsible for the hand problems he has suffered. I hope to have the opportunity to ask him in a month. He's always been a class act, accessible and fan-friendly. He most certainly has pitching upside and can contribute to the Twins at the MLB level again. Also..... Mark's article reports Paddock "appeared to have worked in an adequate slider to pair with his fastball and changeup" upon joining the Twins. Seems "adding new pitches" comes with a risk.

All of us should be hoping for the best with Austin Martin who will turn 24 just before Opening Day, but its not likely that he "sticks with the big league club" in 2023. Remember, he hit .241 BA/.682 OPS with a fielding percentage of .922 (18 errors in 67 games) at SS at AA level last year. He is not (presently) on the 40 man roster. Safe to say further development is needed/recognized. All of this mentioned in the context of orig post regarding the acquisition of SS Ha-Seong Kim.

Furthering the confusion, this report examines the upside to the Jair Carmago (C) resigning......but features the image of Johan Carmago (SS) applying a tag at 2B during his time up with the Phillies. Did i miss the final verdict on this? MLB, MiLB, CBS and others continue to report Johan, as does the St Paul Saints roster showing him assigned #17. Other than Aaron Gleeman's report, i can find nothing to verify Jair has resigned. Last entry in various Transactions pages for Jair is "assigned to Tigres del Licey" for winter ball. Actually, i hope the Twins signed both; nothing earthshattering, but reasonable minor league depth at positions of need. Jair is 23 yrs old, while Johan is 29.

Great work, Seth. While those Severino stats were incorrect (since updated)....they were a great reminder of the year Miranda had in MiLB in '21. Wow!!

Guess we may get an indication of this as soon as Friday, the deadline to tender a contract to the arb and pre-arb players. Could sign player(s) removed from other teams' rosters to a minor league deal with ST invite, but must clear 40 man space for Rule V participation. GM meetings Dec 4-7, so trades from 40 man roster possible there.......Rule V draft on last day of those meetings. As is, the only 40 man slot is the one that will open at end of Spring Training when Paddock goes onto 60 DL. Will be interesting to watch how this plays out. GO TWINS!!

Thx for the reminder, Chris......yet another reason to admire Kevin Millar. Congratulations on a fine baseball career, KM!! Great that you have been able to come full circle in StP.

Belcher in '83.....is on list ?

Add two first rounders in the 90s........Jason Varitek and the Travis Lee debacle.

Fantastic news. Great job by the front office and his agent in finding the middle ground; the legendary, rarely seen and much sought "win-win"!! I'm thrilled for Randy and thrilled for the Twins. Congratulations all.