Blyleven2011

I had to work so didn't get to see the game, though I intend to watch the abridged replay version on the MLB app later. So at this point, comments are based on a couple hilights seen, the box score, and the OP. But here goes:
1] I'm not worried about P Lopez at this point. Even the best SP have some bad days. Witness Bassit today. He was better his last turn and didn't get the win, but did today without having his best stuff. I think he's going to be just fine.
2] I don't want to come across as a misguided optimist, but we've seen how good and J Lopez can be, including times this season. When a RP has a bad game or bad stretch, those moments/times have greater magnification than anyone else on the roster. Neither is some 34yo pen arm hanging on by a thread. They have the stuff. It's up to the Twins to get them back on track and help them regain their confidence ASAP. 
They accomplish that, Thielbar back in a couple of weeks, Duran being Duran, Moran looking better and better, and Stewart looking like the real deal, this pen suddenly looks very different. 
3] Tremendous day at the plate for Wallner and Julien. These two have that kind of ability, though ultimately, Julien will probably be the much more consistent hitter, wile Wallner might always be more Gallo-ike, which isn't a bad thing. Remember, despite being buried on the early season depth chart, Wallner had a monster of a 2022 while earning the Twins milb hitter of the year. Many seasons previously, he would have broke camp with the Twins. There will be some bad days/stretches for both of them, and Lewis when he comes up, but they don't get better, develop and improve, without the opportunity to play.
I know there are questions about Wallner's defense. And I don't want to make excuses for some bad plays. But he's actually pretty athletic, and runs well for a big guy. And his arm is special. From various things I've read before, RF in Target Field isn't always easy to play based on its configuration. So some of his issues, beyond just being a young player, might involve learning the intricacies of that spot. Not saying he's ever going to be above average defensively, but work and experience CAN provide polish. He's got the tools. Not saying I'm ready to dump Kepler for him at this point...especially if the improved bat Max has been showing this season maintains...but at a certain point, you not only need to provide opportunity for a top young prospect, but potentially better offense wins out over defense.
4] What has gotten in to Willi Castro? Some of us really liked his signing, even though we didn't trust his ST numbers. He seems to be a sort of handyman who doesn't excel in any area, but can do a little bit of all things. He was promoted too quickly by Detroit and never fully developed. And he just recently turned only 26yo. So far, he's played pretty solid defense wherever he's been placed, and hasn't completely embarrassed himself with a few innings in CF. He's stolen some bases, and has even shown the ability to bunt well, which is a lost art these days.
Now, it's very possible he could turn back in to a pumpkin at the midnight stroke any day now. But just looking at his MLB reference page today, he's posted the following quad slash numbers as of late:
LAST 30 GAMES: .284/ .346/ .514/ .860
LAST 15 GAMES: .320/ .346/ .580/ .926
LAST  7 GAMES: .360/ .407/ .680/ 1.087
Now, we're only talking 74 AB. And we are certainly talking about unprecedented numbers based on his career thus far. But we are also looking at a 30 game stretch, not just a week or two. So unless MLB has made a HUGE error in their postings, Castro has very quietly been very good the last 30 games. 
I am absolutely not saying the Twins "found" a young-ish late blooming surprise gem. Regression is going to hit. But so far, he's done everything asked of him as the 13th man that was ever supposed to make the roster, contributing offensively and defensively in a limited role. Remember when he was the "easy" roster removal to make room for someone else? Especially with Gordon out for some time, he might not be so easy to just dismiss. 
 

What a great job by Stewart pitching out of the mess Lopez created. Need Lopez and Jax to figure things out though. Nice to see the hitting help the pitching out for once. 

5 hits , 9 walks and no timely hitting  , unbelievable  we could not muster a clutch hit ...
12 strikeouts  , very concerned  that the batters all need glasses ...

5 hits , 9 walks and no timely hitting  , unbelievable  we could not muster a clutch hit ...
12 strikeouts  , very concerned  that the batters all need glasses ...

5 hits , 9 walks and no timely hitting  , unbelievable  we could not muster a clutch hit ...
12 strikeouts  , very concerned  that the batters all need glasses ...

5 hits , 9 walks and no timely hitting  , unbelievable  we could not muster a clutch hit ...
12 strikeouts  , very concerned  that the batters all need glasses ...

I remember the Shannon Stewart year - what an exciting time - and he did pull the entire team up with his play.  I don't think he can get enough credit.  For this year I think Lewis has to have a quick call up.  Julien, Kiriloff, and Lewis could combine to be the catalyst.  Big Swings, big exit velocities are not the answer so let's try a little more of the old traditional baseball.
I worry about Correa.  How long was it after Donaldson signing that he started getting injured?  The big splashy contracts are going to bite a lot of teams.  Look how Story has performed for Boston and now he is out again.  Trea Turner and on and on.  Let's hope Farmer or Lewis plugs the hole as SS and helps carry us forward.  The final frustration is Miranda who has really lost his way. 

i was thinking the same thing. the Twins need a spark plug. Lewis could be it. I was also dreaming of the Twins pinstripes of old. The focus has been on rebrand, IMO it should be on winning tradition of old & build off that. A lot of attention is focused on HR production & not clutch hitting. We've lost too many close games , while winning blow outs. A contendng team needs to win the close games.

If he stays healthy he will stay ..
We need his positive attitude  to give this team its spark 

Enlow has a ways to go before getting an opportunity with the Twins. He has shown enough thus far that 2-5 more good outings could see him promoted to the Saints roster to show himself at AAA. Success for St. Paul points to an improved chance for MLB consideration down the line, likely in 2024. He has looked (milb.com viewings) like an improved pitcher this season.

He's allowing his career's highest home run rate (1.1 HR/9), but it's a limited sample size to this point.  
I'm not saying he hasn't shown improvement, but you can't use the good things as proof he has improved, and the bad is just small sample size.

Can only go by the "eye test"--but what I saw in person last in his start against SF Cardinals was very good!
6 IP---6 hits--1 ER---zero walks on only 76 pitches was very good. 
If he can sustain his recent solid outings over the next 6 weeks, I can project a deserved promotion to SP.
He has the ability to be a viable part of Twins rotation/bullpen by 2025.

It appears his control has really improved. Our RP's walk to many batters and some of those batters are hitting under .200. There is just no reason to walk a weak hitter. In a recent game we walked 4 batters and 3 of them scored.  If I was that bad at my job I would not have a job for long.  Rocco would say the pitcher was having an off night, but how many off nights do you get before being replaced?

I'm going with last one picked  , 
D- ...
2/3rd's of the twins  are under performing  ( I see it the way I see it ) ,  BATTING and BULLPEN  ... 
No gripes with starting pitchers , they have done a tremendous job going 6 plus innings ...
We are in first place , Whoopi  , for how long if things don't change  , I agree that the team has the skills  to be 10 games ahead but just don't seize the opportunity with a killer instinct  ...
plus boring to watch , if the twins We're a movie how would you grade them ,  worse I'm sure ...
The way they  play the BAD NEWS BEARS  could  and should beat them ...
Sorry I'm harsh , I love my twins but still pissed at the extention for the manager  ...

I'm going with last one picked  , 
D- ...
2/3rd's of the twins  are under performing  ( I see it the way I see it ) ,  BATTING and BULLPEN  ... 
No gripes with starting pitchers , they have done a tremendous job going 6 plus innings ...
We are in first place , Whoopi  , for how long if things don't change  , I agree that the team has the skills  to be 10 games ahead but just don't seize the opportunity with a killer instinct  ...
plus boring to watch , if the twins We're a movie how would you grade them ,  worse I'm sure ...
The way they  play the BAD NEWS BEARS  could  and should beat them ...
Sorry I'm harsh , I love my twins but still pissed at the extention for the manager  ...

I'm going with last one picked  , 
D- ...
2/3rd's of the twins  are under performing  ( I see it the way I see it ) ,  BATTING and BULLPEN  ... 
No gripes with starting pitchers , they have done a tremendous job going 6 plus innings ...
We are in first place , Whoopi  , for how long if things don't change  , I agree that the team has the skills  to be 10 games ahead but just don't seize the opportunity with a killer instinct  ...
plus boring to watch , if the twins We're a movie how would you grade them ,  worse I'm sure ...
The way they  play the BAD NEWS BEARS  could  and should beat them ...
Sorry I'm harsh , I love my twins but still pissed at the extention for the manager  ...

I gave them a D, but I can see where this may be seen as harsh. From my perspective, they have the talent. Ownership has boosted payroll. They haven't been blasted apart by injuries. They're simply failing to seize the moment and capitalize on opportunities. In this dismal division, they should be coasting into June with a 10+ game lead. Instead, they're keeping even the hapless White Sox within striking distance. Cleveland and Chicago just aren't this bad, and come June or July, the Twins are likely going to regret not closing the door when they had the chance.

If he stays healthy he will stay ..
We need his positive attitude  to give this team its spark 

When do you want to take possession  of the farm  ...
It's top of  the ninth  and Duran is in to cover Ryan's back as twins lead 7-1 currently  ... 
Haha , glad they are managing a win ....

Day off tomorrow  and he needed the work  because  somebody forgot he was a reliable reliever for the other games ....

While I think Lewis's full time position is yet to be determined, only injury rehab sends him back down, IMO. I just "trust" in his natural ability that he's not going to go through any massive, prolonged slumps that need a re-set of any sort.
That being said, he will have bad days and bad stretches, like everyone does, and I hope we all give him some slack when he does. 

The Twins biggest competition in this division is the Twins.  Starting pitching, hitting and bullpen all need to work in harmony.  They don't.  End of story.

I would use the word 'competition' very loosely when describing the American League Central..... 

This feels like a 12 yo first draft Christmas list.  None of these players are on the shopping lists and none of these teams are selling.  I'm not sure why we would start shopping here when the Chapman from the Royals costs 11 cents. 

I don't think the Twins have the assets to pull any of these off, unless of course you are talking Lewis,Lee, Miranda