Linus

Since there isn’t a recap from last nights game I just want to give a hit tip to Paredes. He’s done a fine job for an unheralded prospect that I’m sure the Twins had no big league plans at the beginning of the year. Where it goes from here, who knows but he doesn’t seem afraid like a couple other relievers we have. He takes his limited stuff and goes right after them. I wish him well.

As soon as I saw Bowden I dismissed the whole premise. However I will trade them any of Gabby Gonzalez, Larnach, Wallner or Martin for a good reliever.

It’s too damn bad they didn’t figure out the plica problem earlier. I’m sure limping around on a bum knee caused other issues. Since the surgery he’s been as available as most big leaguers and we are seeing the results. I give zero credit to Falvey on the extension. Buck left money on the table to get the deal done. I want him to stay as well because he is a great role model for what hopefully will be a bunch of younger players. Plus, he’s a bit of a unicorn in that he is maintaining elite speed into his 30s. I mean with his natural speed and power he could play well beyond his current contract.

Correct. If we were looking at this with the keen eye of Las Vegas it would be something like this. Odds are between Culpepper and Houston one will make it , one will not. Between Lee, Keaschall and Lewis odds are one makes as a plus regular, one ends up a bench player and one ends up AAAA. If either scenario turns out better it will be a massive win for the Twins.

My post calls for trading Jeffers.

Doc I think your admirable enthusiasm has led you astray. Diaw is 21-22 in A ball doing pretty well with the bat. At the same age Mauer was winning batting titles in the show. They are not in the same universe in any way.

I completed my list and I have to say it felt underwhelming. There are a couple of exciting prospects but mostly meh and no pitching to speak of. Draft should help.

It becomes a real thing. If Keaschall was a really good defender the bar to clear with the bat wouldn’t be nearly as high. Right now he has to rake because the glove is a liability.

I’m excited about Houston as I love watching really good SS play. However, he has to conquer AA, AAA and then the bigs. Three big hurdles to be cleared before he’s causing any infield complications. And as the self appointed baseball realist I’m here to say we are still waiting for an actual logjam at any position. They just don’t happen. All of the other players mentioned have plenty of improving to do to get to / stay in the big leagues. The odds of all of them thriving in the bigs is nil.

Yes and they need him!

When I originally posted this I didn’t address Buxton. I would keep Buck for a couple of reasons. First, he is likely to be our best CF for a few more years. EmRod, who is a risky prospect is considered stretched in CF. Jenkins is likely to end up in a corner simply because he is a really big dude already at 21 and he hasn’t even added his man muscles. Buck is still really fast and can play a good CF for several years. If Jenkins does end up the better choice Buck can slide to a corner and still be a big contributor with the bat. Secondly, I think Buck has quietly turned into an excellent leader. Not in the C4 talk a good game rather a leader by example and someone that is there for his teammates. Lastly I think the plan laid out here would have a better chance at success in 2027 than what the Twins attempted to do in 2026.

I have serious doubts about EmRod. Big league pitchers will force him to swing the bat and his walks will disappear. The swing and miss in his profile will also be exposed by pitchers going right at him. Having said that, as soon as he is healthy I would give him a couple weeks in St Paul and then bring him up and play him everyday. Let’s find out.

Would like to see Rosario get moved to St Paul. Time to see what we’ve got as the clock is ticking

Run him out there nearly every day and see what we have at the end of the season - hopefully Royce makes it easy on the FO by being adequate in the field and a plus or better hitter. If not,they have to have the nads to move on from him.

Boy I hope your are correct.