Seth Stohs

I can't imagine a Rule 5 pick being much higher for any team...

I think Moniak was at like #30 on MLB's list. Not sure where he was on Law's. But I know Hunter Greene would be higher than that. Not sure about the pitchers.

Your original post wasn't about the draft. It was about one guy's top tens by position. I'm not saying the Twins prospect ranking should be any higher than it is. But there's no reason for concern... especially now that there have been changes.

Based on his rankings, obviously Kohl Stewart and Stephen Gonsalves are close. Obviously we would all like to see players from every draft popping up on these lists. But we have to be smart enough to realize that Sano, Buxton, Berrios, Polanco and Kepler are no longer on these lists. They were going to drop, and I think a year from now, we'll see more (guys like Javier, Diaz, maybe Blankenhorn, etc.). And, even in 2017, we're likely to see guys like Mejia and Garver and Reed and Hildenberger and maybe Burdi... these guys aren't in Top 100 lists, but they can be solid Major League contributors. So, lists like Law's (and others will look similar) don't bother or worry me in the least.

That's pretty much the strategy that Falvey and Levine have utilized across the board. Don't just get rid of people. Evaluate them. I'm guessing by September, there'll be more changes, and we'll see which ones are able to adjust and thrive under the new regime... as it should be.

Here's a nice David Dorsey article on the retirement of Jim Dwyer, and the return of Doug Mientkiewicz to the Miracle. http://www.news-press.com/story/sports/2017/02/02/jim-dwyer-66-retires-fort-myers-miracle-minnesota-twins/97352226/

Matt Albanese’s college career came to a premature end when he fractured his wrist. But the Twins scouts saw enough in him to make him their seventh-round pick in 2016. After signing at Target Field, he went to Ft. Myers to begin the rehab process. Soon after, it was found that he had a ligament tear. Albanese is a terrific athlete with speed and potential to hit with a lot of power. He is already in Ft. Myers continuing to rehab but adding in more and more baseball activities as he looks forward to his professional debut in 2017. In the meantime, he has enjoyed working with kids in the community. The photo was taken last weekend at one such event. They are frequent, free events that the Twins minor leaguers run. Albanese said “Every Saturday, the guys that are around load up in vans and go to two neighborhoods and host a 2 hour workout, sign balls and take pictures. It's a lot of fun to give back and teach younger kids about the game.” Image courtesy of Vadim Balan Matt Albanese’s college career came to a premature end when he fractured his wrist. But the Twins scouts saw enough in him to make him their seventh-round pick in 2016. After signing at Target Field, he went to Ft. Myers to begin the rehab process. Soon after, it was found that he had a ligament tear. Albanese is a terrific athlete with speed and potential to hit with a lot of power. He is already in Ft. Myers continuing to rehab but adding in more and more baseball activities as he looks forward to his professional debut in 2017. In the meantime, he has enjoyed working with kids in the community. The photo was taken last weekend at one such event. They are frequent, free events that the Twins minor leaguers run. Albanese said “Every Saturday, the guys that are around load up in vans and go to two neighborhoods and host a 2 hour workout, sign balls and take pictures. It's a lot of fun to give back and teach younger kids about the game.” Let’s get to know a little more about Matt Albanese. Seth Stohs (SS): Growing up in Connecticut, which was your favorite team and who were some of your favorite players? Matt Albanese (MA): In Connecticut, you are either a Yankees fan or a Red Sox Fan. I grew up a huge Yankees fan and went to a lot of games with my dad and cousins. My greatest memory was Josh Hamilton’s crazy first round performance in the 2008 home run derby at the old stadium. SS: What were some of your best memories from high school baseball? Did you play other sports? Participate in other activities? MA: I went to Xavier High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Middletown, CT. When I tell people about my high school, they are usually expecting me to respond in negative way and tell them how strict it was and how brutal it was without any girls around. I feel the exact opposite about my high school experience. It was awesome on the field and also in the classroom. My senior year we had an incredible team and only lost one game in the regular season. We were looking to make some noise in the state tournament, but we were upset (in) game one. Although that season didn’t end the way we wanted it, I’ll remember those guys and that year forever. I played basketball up until my junior year, also participated in MYARC, a program where you spend time with and have a little dance party with individuals with special needs once a week. I had a cousin in the program, and it was great to spend time with her. SS: What were your options coming out of high school? What was it about Bryant University that made it the right place for you? MA: I was getting looks from all the major northeast schools (Bryant, UCONN, Northeastern), but I wasn't getting the looks I dreamed about as a kid (Vandy, Virginia, etc.) I knew deep down that I had a lot of potential that hadn't been tapped yet. It finally came down to UCONN or Bryant and although, at the time, UCONN’s facilities and baseball program were a little bit ahead of Bryant’s, I had a lot of promise in Bryant’s baseball program’s future. I’d say the greatest deciding factor was the impression Coach Owens (head coach) left on me. I knew that if I went to Bryant, I’d have a leader with incomparable passion, knowledge and he's just a flat-out winner. At Bryant, I was given the opportunity to play right away, and I made some mistakes, but I rarely made them again. I came in my freshman year weighing 185 pounds and started my freshman season at 205, a weight I still maintain. At Bryant, there is a huge commitment to strength and conditioning that helped a lot. SS: Did you talk to a lot of scouts before the draft? Specifically, did you talk to any of the Twins scouts? MA: I was speaking with scouts from every team before the draft. The Twins scout (John) was was not one of the guys that, in my opinion, was forwardly expressing a lot of interest. He'd send me a text here or there, but I had some teams calling me every other day. It was a little bit of a surprise, but definitely a great one. SS: How frustrating was it to get hurt during the season, especially knowing the draft was coming? MA: Throughout college, I had a number of injuries, all of which were out of my control. For example, my sophomore year I missed half the season recovering from an appendectomy. Obviously, getting hurt is frustrating, but if you get hurt on a hustle play, like diving and breaking your wrist, you have to realize it’s part of the game. If I were to have half-heartedly stretched and pulled a hammy or something, then yes, I would have been frustrated and disappointed, but getting hurt making a play for your team doesn't sting as bad. SS: Drafted by the Twins in the seventh round... is that about where you thought you might be selected before the draft? MA: I had a good idea where I deserved to go and the seventh was near my prediction. SS: Did you watch or listen to the draft? Where were you and who were you with when you found out? How busy was your phone at that time? MA: My family and I were at my house in Connecticut. We had the TV outside streaming the second day of the draft. A few of my close friends were there, as well as my uncle, girlfriend, parents and grandparents. Everyone tells you it’s going to be a nerve-wracking day, but you have to realize that there is nothing you can do on that day to change its outcome. I did my best to remember that but still was pretty anxious. After I was selected my phone flooded with calls and texts of congratulations. It was beyond exciting. SS: What was your schedule after signing? When were you able to resume baseball activities? MA: I flew to Minnesota to sign my contract and to have a physical done by the team doctor, then flew down to Ft Myers to continue my wrist rehab. I began resuming baseball later that fall. SS: In these early stages of your career, what would you say are your biggest strengths as a player? MA: I pride myself on being quick to make adjustments and being a good listener. There are a lot of differences between high school and college ball, and I expect there to be some more differences between college and pro ball. If I'm able to listen to guys that have been successful before me and make some adjustments as needed, I know I’ll be able to continue my success, and help whatever team I’m on win. SS: What are you most looking forward to in getting back on the field as a professional player? MA: I look forward to being part of a team again. The rehab can be a drag and get kind of boring and lonely. I want to go out and compete again with a group of guys with a common goal. SS: What do you enjoy doing away from the game of baseball? MA: I enjoy fishing with my dad and my friends. We’ll go deep-sea fishing whenever we can all get together. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing new places I’ve never been before. SS:Do you have any specific personal goals for 2017? MA: In 2017, I am going to grow as a person as well as a ball player. I will have quality at-bats, learn from any mistakes I make and be as good a teammate as possible. SS: Who are some of the coaches and others who have helped you get to this point in your career? MA: My dad, he introduced me to the game, was my first coach and, along with my mom, has supported me in everything that I do. I played for a travel team growing up and had a lot of great experiences with different coaches. Coach Shane would throw me extra BP for hours, and Coach Martin made me wear my helmet in I/O because I forgot my hat. I never forgot my hat again. In college, Coach Gedman, taught me to step out of your comfort zone and try some new things if you want to improve. Coach Owens helped me realize the importance of doing the little things right because they all add up. Coach Kyle, who is as much my friend as he is my coach, helped me learn how to fine-tune my swing when I wasn't getting the results. And Coach Ryan, always kept the dugout loose, taught me how to play relaxed and confident. SS: Favorite baseball movie? MA: Sandlot Thank you very much to Matt Albanese for taking time out of his schedule to answer our questions. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. View full article

I'd go: Buxton CF Mauer 1B Dozier 2B Sano 3B Kepler RF Park/Vargas DH Polanco SS Rosario/Grossman LF Castro C With Mauer batting after Buxton, Buck will get plenty of opportunities for stolen bases, and he can score from second on singles and first on doubles.

Yup, I know it's been discussed in many minor league threads, but Wells was like 6-1, 185 at spring training a year ago, so hopefully the sites get updated soon. I have Wells in the same general area of the rankings as you do. I was just surprised to see him move down from last year after a spectacular 19-year-old season as a starter in Cedar Rapids. I don't know why he couldn't remain a starter. I mean, I get it, most minor league starters don't become MLB starters, but not sure why that would be determined at 19. Theofanopolous wasn't in my rankings at all. He might be a decent lefty reliever in a few years.

I think I updated that in the original post. Rochester - nothing Chattanooga - Mauer up, Mientkiewicz down. Valentin for Watkins Ft. Myers - Dwyer retired, Mientkiewicz returned, Singleton up Cedar Rapids - Watkins in, Mauer moved up. ET - no change GCL - With Valentin and Singleton up, Toby Gardenhire and Marzan in.

For those interested, here is the full press release, which also mentions the DSL coaching staff and Tony Oliva's role: TWINS ANNOUNCE 2017 MINOR LEAGUE STAFF ASSIGNMENTS Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Twins announced today that their minor league managerial and coaching positions have been filled for the 2017 season. Mike Quade will manage the Twins Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings for the third straight season. Quade spent 2013-14 as a roving outfield and baserunning instructor for the New York Yankees. Prior to that, he served as Chicago Cubs Manager from 2010-11, Cubs coach from 2007-10, Triple-A Iowa (Cubs) manager from 2003-07, Oakland Athletics coach from 2000-02 and a minor league manager at various levels from 1985-99. Stu Cliburn returns as Rochester’s pitching coach, a position he held from 2006-08. 2017 will mark Cliburn’s 26th season in the Twins organization. Chad Allen returns for his second consecutive season as Rochester’s hitting coach after spending 2013-15 as hitting coach with Twins Double-A affiliates. Larry Bennese will begin his fifth season as the Red Wings trainer and 22nd in the Twins organization. Tyler Burks will join the Red Wings as strength and conditioning coach, which will mark his second in the Twins organization. Burks spent most of 2016 with GCL Twins and finished the season with Double-A Chattanooga. Jake Mauer will begin his 10th year as a manager in the Twins system and first with Double-A Chattanooga. He spent four seasons as manager of the Twins Single-A affiliate Cedar Rapids Kernels from 2013-16. Mauer was manager at Ft. Myers from 2010-12, managed the GCL Twins from 2008-09 and also coached three seasons in the GCL. Ivan Arteaga begins his second season as pitching coach of the Lookouts, and his 17th season as a pitching coach in the Twins organization. Javier Valentin will begin his first season as hitting coach for the Lookouts and his fourth season as coach in the Twins system; he played in the Twins organization from 1993-2002. Chris Johnson returns for his fifth season as trainer for the Twins Double-A affiliate and his 12th overall as a trainer in the Twins system. Doug Mientkiewicz will enter his fifth season as a manager in the Twins organization. He returns to Single-A Ft. Myers after spending the previous two seasons as manager for Double-A Chattanooga. He managed at Ft. Myers from 2013-14. Mientkiewicz managed the Lookouts to the Southern League championship in 2015 and managed Single-A Ft. Myers to the Florida State League championship in 2014. Steve Singleton will begin his first season as hitting coach at Ft. Myers, after spending 2016 as hitting coach for GCL Twins. Henry Bonilla will spend his second season as pitching coach for the Miracle after spending 2015 with Single-A Cedar Rapids, 2013-14 with Rookie Level Elizabethton and 2012 with the GCL Twins. Alan Rail will begin his fifth season as the Miracle trainer after eight seasons with Beloit (2005-12) and one with Elizabethton (2004). Tommy Watkins will manage Single-A Cedar Rapids, marking his first professional managing job. He spent 2016 as hitting coach for Chattanooga. 2017 will mark his eighth overall season as a manager or coach in the Twins system. J.P. Martinez will begin his third season as pitching coach in the Twins system and second with the Kernels after serving as GCL pitching coach in 2015. Brian Dinkelman will begin his second season as hitting coach for Cedar Rapids and third season as a coach in the Twins organization. Steve Taylor begins his second season as the Kernels trainer after spending 2015 as the trainer in Elizabethton and 2013-14 with the GCL Twins. Ray Smith returns as manager for the Rookie Level Elizabethton Twins. Smith, who will be in his 31st season on staff for Elizabethton (24th as manager), has a career managerial record of 936-621 (.601) with 12 first place finishes in 22 seasons. Luis Ramirez returns as Elizabethton’s pitching coach for the third consecutive season after spending 2013-14 with the GCL Twins and 2006-13 with the Twins Venezuelan Baseball Academy. Jeff Reed returns to Elizabethton for his 16th season as hitting coach. Davey La Croix will serve as trainer, marking his first season in the Twins organization after spending 2015-16 with the DSL Reds. Ramon Borrego will begin his eighth season with the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League Twins, and seventh season as manager. Virgil Vasquez returns for his third consecutive season as GCL pitching coach. Cibney Bello will return for his second season with GCL as pitching coach/rehab. He spent four seasons as a coach in the Mariners system, including 2014-15 as pitching coach for Single-A Clinton. Toby Gardenhire will serve as hitting coach for the GCL Twins, his first season as a professional coach. Gardenhire played seven seasons in the Twins minor league system from 2005-11. Jose Marzan will serve as coach for GCL as well as Latin American Operations Coordinator. Axel Lopez returns to GCL as trainer for the third consecutive season. Phil Hartt will serve as GCL’s strength and conditioning coach. Asdrubal Estrada will manage the DSL Twins, as 2017 will mark his 15th season in the Twins organization. Manuel Santana returns as the DSL Twins pitching coach. Jimmy Alvarez, Leury Bonilla and Jairo Rodriguez will all serve as coaches for DSL Twins. Carlos Frias will begin his fourth year as the DSL trainer and Wladimir Morales will begin his first as trainer for DSL after spending 2016 at the Venezuelan Academy. In addition, Joel Lepel returns for his 12th year as the Twins minor league field coordinator, Eric Rasmussen returns for his ninth season as pitching coordinator, and Sam Perlozzo will return as the minor league infield and baserunning coordinator for the fourth year. Rick Eckstein will begin his second season with the club as the hitting coordinator. He spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Kentucky. Chad Jackson enters his 16th season with the Twins and fifth as the club’s head minor league trainer and rehab coordinator. Erik Beiser will begin his fifth season as minor league strength and conditioning coordinator. Corey Dietze will begin his fourth year as the club’s minor league rehab assistant. David Jeffrey will begin his third season as the minor league video coordinator. Brian Maloney enters his 12th season and second as Senior Manager of Florida Operations. Dave Ringler returns for his 21st season as equipment manager. Rafael Yanez returns for his third season as Florida and Latin American Operations Assistant. Victor Gonzalez will serve as Florida Operations Assistant, marking his first season. Former Twins great Tony Oliva will continue in his role as hitting coach, in addition to his community relations activities with the club.

The Twins make it official... here are the E-Twins and Rochester coaching staffs (updated in the original post) E-Town: Mgr - Ray Smith HC - Jeff Reed PC - Luis Ramirez GCL Mgr: Ramon Borrego HC: Toby Gardenhire and Jose Marzan PC: Virgil Vazquez and Cibney Bello

Both Ft. Myers and Chattanooga announced their coaching staffs today... Miracle: Lookouts: https://twitter.com/ChattLookouts/status/826462941193105409

Those numbers never come out. It's cash, but we don't know how much. My assumption is that the Twins were offered at least enough to make it a zero-risk Rule 5 pick, maybe a little more. We know it cost the Twins $100K to select Diaz, and that's the same amount it cost all teams. We know that if the Twins want to offer him back to the Red Sox during spring training, the Red Sox would have to give them $50K.

The Minnesota Twins had the first overall pick in the 2016 Rule 5 draft last December. They selected right-handed pitcher Miguel Diaz with that pick. However, they had arranged to trade the pick to the San Diego Padres. In a roundabout way, the Twins acquired right-hander Justin Haley who had been the eighth player selected in the Rule 5. Haley came from his home in California for Twins Fest this past weekend, and Twins Daily caught up with him for a few minutes between autograph sessions, pop-a-shot games and giant Foosball. Image courtesy of Louriann Mardo-Zayat The Minnesota Twins had the first overall pick in the 2016 Rule 5 draft last December. They selected right-handed pitcher Miguel Diaz with that pick. However, they had arranged to trade the pick to the San Diego Padres. In a roundabout way, the Twins acquired right-hander Justin Haley who had been the eighth player selected in the Rule 5. Haley came from his home in California for Twins Fest this past weekend, and Twins Daily caught up with him for a few minutes between autograph sessions, pop-a-shot games and giant Foosball. It was a bit messy for Twins fans to keep up with that day. So what was it like for Haley and his family? On that day, Haley was in California visiting his mom before the holidays. The Rule 5 draft began at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time, but of course it is just 6:00 a.m. on the west coast. Shortly after that early hour, he was nudged awake by his wife. “My agent was texting me, telling me, ‘Hey, you got drafted by the Angels!’” Haley said, “So I got up. My mom was already awake. We celebrated. We took some pictures, and Woo Hoo, Angels!” And then… “Then all of a sudden, my agent texted me and said, ‘Hey, you just got traded to the Padres.’ OK, great, cool. So we were celebrating again, and we’re taking pictures, and Alright, we’re Padres now!” And then the phone rang. “It was my agent. ‘Hey listen, you’re with the Twins now. They traded for you.’ OK, cool. We celebrated again.” While Twins fans scrambled to learn everything they could about Justin Haley, Haley was a member of four organizations within about an hour, but he didn’t seem to mind at all. “It was fun. The whole day, the whole experience was fun. It all happened within about an hour, so it wasn’t stressful or anything. It was exciting. My whole family enjoyed it.” Haley grew up in northern California. After high school, he spent a season at Sierra College after which he was Cleveland’s 46th-round draft pick. He didn’t sign. Instead he went to Fresno State for the next two seasons. “I knew I needed to go to school. I wanted to get an education. I just knew I wasn’t ready so I waited, took my lumps, put in my work, and now I feel that I’m really ready.” Haley spent the next two seasons at Fresno State. The decision paid off as the Red Sox made him their sixth-round pick in 2012. He’s worked his way up, pitching well as he goes. He began 2016 in AA Portland. He went 5-4 with a 2.20 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 61.1 innings. He was promoted to AAA Pawtucket where he was 8-6 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 81.1 innings. At the end of the season, Haley made the decision to pitch in the Dominican Winter League. He pitched a combined 23.2 innings and went 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA. He gave up just one run on 12 hits and four walks while striking out 14 batters. It was an experience he not only enjoyed, but he made the most of the opportunity. “I was hoping to go there to intrigue some teams just a little bit more for the (Rule 5) draft. I didn’t end up getting protected. Found out right before my last start. I went down there to do my job. I went to get work in. I had a lot of fun. It was a great experience. Really great people. Really great organization. I was with Escogido. Just a lot of fun. I would definitely do it again. It was work. I feel like I did my job and ultimately it paid off for me.” And that brings us to the draft. Haley says that he wasn’t too surprised to be selected in the Rule 5 draft. He felt he had put himself in a good position. “I knew I’d put in all the work. I knew I’d done everything on my end that I could do. The only thing left was hopefully somebody was watching, and luckily a couple of teams were looking pretty heavy. It turned out great for me.” Haley spent the weekend at Twins Fest, getting to know some people he will be teammates with when spring training starts in two weeks in Ft. Myers. Unlike many Rule 5 picks that have come to Twins Fest, Haley actually knew quite a few players in the clubhouse. Following his 2015 season, Haley went to the Arizona Fall League where he and his Red Sox teammates joined the Twins prospects on the Salt River Rafters roster. Nick Burdi, Trevor Hildenberger, Jake Reed, Taylor Rogers and Mitch Garver were Twins on that team. Adalberto Mejia was also on that team. In the Dominican this winter, Daniel Palka was on the same Escogido roster. Finally, Haley and Pat Light were teammates in the Red Sox system for all four years. Haley felt comfortable in the clubhouse. “Being here this weekend, I’ve met some guys and everybody seems really welcoming. It looks like a really young group. A lot of talent here. I know that. I’m really excited to get to know everybody and get to know this team.” When he travels to spring training, he’ll be able to stay in the same city as when he was with the Red Sox, Ft. Myers. “Turns out I’m in the same city I’ve been in for the last four years. I’m comfortable there. It’s really no change. My wife and I have the same routine of going down to spring training, so it turned out pretty well for us.” The excitement and joy was clear in Haley’s voice and in his comments as he talked. He is excited to get to Ft. Myers. He’s ready for the challenge. “I’ve put in a lot of work this offseason. I’ve really prepared myself mentally and physically for this opportunity. And really, it’s a great opportunity. I’m extremely blessed. I’m extremely thankful that the Twins took a shot at me. I’m definitely going to make the most out of the opportunity that I’m getting. And you know, God willing, it goes my way.” Haley isn’t known for having great velocity, but he knows how to pitch, and he knows how to work. So how does he describe himself as a pitcher? “I like to describe myself as the hardest worker. I might not overpower you, but I’m going to work you to death. I’m going to be meticulous. I work on my craft year-round. I like to say no offseason. I have a fastball, changeup, curveball slider. I like to locate. My hard work is going to beat your hard work. That’s my approach.” Of his 122 career appearances, 110 of them have been as a starting pitcher. As a Rule 5 pick, he needs to remain on the Twins roster all season or be offered back to the Red Sox. So, if his role on the Twins would be in long relief in the bullpen, would he be alright with that? Haley said, “I’d be great with anything that allows me to be a Minnesota Twin.” As spring training approaches, Haley was asked his goals for 2017. “My goals are to be the hardest worker. I want to work hard. I want to be a great teammate. I don’t put a lot of numerical goals out there. I just want to attack every challenge. I see this as a challenge, an obstacle that I can face head on. I’ve got an opponent. I know how to beat him. I know how to succeed. So I’m going to give my full effort to that.” Clearly Haley has a great work ethic. Hard work was a clear characteristic of Haley. It’s something he’s learned from a young age. “I’ve had a lot of great mentors in my life. My father has always instilled in me to be the hardest worker. Hard work beats talent every day of the week and twice on Sundays. That's been my mentality growing up. My mom and dad raised me to work hard and not take anything for granted. That’s going to be my approach” He continued, “I’ve had a lot of great coaches over the years, Coach (Steve) Rousey at Fresno State. I’ve had some great pitching coaches through the Red Sox. They all just keep telling me, keep working hard and that’s just been my process. I’m not going to change anything now that I’m knocking at the door. Justin Haley, like most Rule 5 picks, is facing an uphill battle. But he’s had success on the mound in AA and AAA, and the Twins need all the pitching they can get. Haley will compete for a starting spot or a bullpen spot on the big league roster. It’ll certainly be one of the top stories to follow in Ft. Myers starting on February 14th. View full article

If anyone wants a taste of the atmosphere, I did a couple of Twitter/Periscope Live recordings. First, Jeremy and I kind of walked around the Brothers Basement to capture the atmosphere. You and see if he recognize anybody... I also recorded the first segment that included some Gleeman and the Geek as well as the Goin interview...

Interesting that Lachlan Wells would fall down your list after the incredible 2016 that he had (he's not 5-8, by the way). I like Hildenberger and Goodrum. I know that the Twins love them both, a lot. Thorpe is one fo the biggest question marks coming into 2017. He could move significantly in either direction during the season.

They are going to let the affiliates determine when they want to announce it, most likely. I'm sure it'll be this week. Also, until then, anything could change.

I'm sorry, but wasn't the 2015 draft like a year and a half ago? I wasn't a fan of the Jay pick at that level, and I do think he'll end up being a very good bullpen arm. Or a solid starter. He's got great stuff. There's nothing wrong with Jay. Let's see where these guys are in like 5 years.

Might be part of the reason that Deron Johnson got his "promotion" and Sean Johnson is now the Scouting Director. Though I certainly am far from down on Jay. He's a very good prospect.

They shared a ton of interviews and other stuff on their Facebook Live page. It was good to see. They were honest in their assessments, and there's zero reason to be overly negative about anything at this time of year. They have a lot of talent. Zack Granite... and Pohlad mentioned that on Thursday at the Diamond Awards too. Said it was the best game. Said he probably had a new favorite player. Said that probably meant he would be traded. Ha! Talkd to Zack about that afterward, and he just laughed. Said it was nice to be known. The owner being a baseball guy isn't terribly important. And, why would he not be gracious to his superior, the one paying him. They can be honest and such in person. No need to do any of that in public.

But it was a quality 0.05 seconds!! And, the scheduled guest was Derek Falvey, so as I tweeted, I kind of pinch hit for him.