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This is simply a gut instinct based on reading a few descriptions of Martin’s skill set (as opposed to potentially misleading stats): I can imagine the field evaluators projecting Martin’s offense as superior to both Gordon and Castro even. And seeing his CF defense as superior to both. Additionally, it’s my view that the Twins need a bump in OBP more than they need a bump in SLG or even OPS. so Austin Martin, please. Please!

Austin Martin, please. Please!

Yeah, someone should invent a left-handed pitching machine.😏

This, exactly this.

I understand your POV, Mike, but my own concern is for those who would enjoy having the financial wherewithal to take a family of four to a MLB game, even once a season. I’m all for any behavior that puts a bit of pressure on the oligopoly that is MLB. Mr. Douglas was wrong. Greed sucks. And there’s no shortage of participants in that greed. It’s not just owners, players, and agents. It’s also us fans who can afford the ticket and glamour for our team to continue the craziness that is the current economics of professional entertainment.

Hmmm, let me think this through. So, the Royals, picking at the top of the draft seemingly for a decade or so, can’t place a single prospect on Keith Laws’ top 100. Another season with over 100 losses under their belt, meaning they’re a bottom 10 in the power rankings and farm system rankings. Whereas the “embarrassing” Twins get top 10 rankings in some corners with respect to both MLB and prospect rankings. Seems to me this article should be about how embarrassing it is for the Royals to outspend the Twins.

If I were the GM, being top 10 consistently in both categories would be the goal. The be a prolific horse trader, a constant “seller” from strength and surplus. MLB players for prospects, minor leaguers to solve deficiencies and to stick the farm when that opportunity comes along.

Speaks to the argument that, all things being equal talent-wise, take the position player. Although, in the Twin’s case, they made the right choice but got a little unlucky on the injury front.

If TD writers were relying on their own eyeballs in producing these reports and rankings, I certainly wouldn’t be reading this stuff. Fortunately, they’re pouring over things written by people with more expertise, and when available, doing a terrific job IMO of analyzing the stats when available. As a long-time reader here, my observation is that their track record is nothing short of superb.

You’re probably right. My expanded optimism is Lewis moved to the OF and Lee bursting onto the scene at 3B. :)

I’m in the minority I’m guessing, but I think the need for a RH bat from outside the organization is overstated. My logic is based on a few iffy assumptions I suppose, but hear me out. 1) Ass. #1 is Buxton and Kirilloff both returning in good condition. 2) Ass #2: Farmer and Castro are back and can spell/platoon when matchups dictate a day off for Julien, Wallner, maybe other LH starters. Good hitters, and pesky. 3) Ass #3: Martin is MLB ready. He can join Gordon and Castro to back up all 3 OF spots. 4) Ass# 4: Miranda, a wild card, has been worked over by the field staff, comes back healthy with an approved approach. 1B when Kirilloff should sit. Maybe there’s one too few roster spots for this plan. I don’t do arithmetic well. But I don’t want resources spent on Pham, Solano, Taylor, etc. Plus, I like the roster balance of pesky, annoying hitters and baserunners, or decent defenders like Martin, Castro, and Farmer.

I see Bowen at #22 with a 35+ FV, Gonzalez as #10 and at 40+FV as you said, and Topa at #12. These are 2023 assessments, so with Gonzalez and Bowen, it will be interesting to see if those FV’s change when 2024 is revealed.

We’ll put. The objective of this trade may not have centered on 2024, but it’s conceivable that it does. The Twins have depth in terms of options for the back end of the rotation (the new guy, Varland, Festa, and then a whole slug of guys who shouldn’t yet be counted out like SWR, Winder, Headrick, Sands, etc.) But don’t sleep on Topa. He may not pan out, given his injury history, but if he does, the team is already better in 2024. Polanco was no longer a difference maker. Topa might be. Longer term, Daren Bowen may be what makes this trade an excellent one because he’s a promising development project, which plays into a strength of ours. And Gabriel Gonzalez is a 45+ FV guy! Solve his plate discipline issues and you have a top 10 prospect.

Nice list. Although I have the sense that we’ll see a number of prospect gurus rank Danny DeAndrade ahead of Yunior Severino, Jose Rodriguez ahead of Kala’i Rosario, and Connor Prielipp will also make some lists.

Agreed, they can’t predict production volatility. They assess innate talent and separately, current skill level, and then make an extremely educated guess as to whether that gap can be closed. For the reason you mentioned, I’d peddle Polanco for a”diverse” prospect haul, now, while he can fetch a return. I have no clue what they think is Wallner’s or the other diverse list of players I mentioned, but certainly they have an opinion and a level of conviction on each. I would bet they already have confidence in three things about Polanco: that they have his replacement(s), that he’ll bring them a decent return, and that getting his salary off the books gives them, um, financial flexibility. As for Kepler, it might be wishful thinking on my part that his production can be replaced. As I said, if I’m GM, and I should be 😏, Lewis takes LF, Wallner goes to RF, and the backup spots are a competition among Austin(my pick to stick), Kirilloff (if they believe in Miranda or a move to 1B for Julien), Gordon, Castro, Larnach…who am I missing? Or is this enough diversity to satisfy my pal Riverbrian? Again, if none of this diversities group of options is viewed favorably by my field staff, I hang on to Kepler. But I’m still more interested in a trade haul than a QO draft pick.