Got it. I think it's about depth, not trust. I think I'd start all three in Minnesota next year, but that would crush the depth. I would move Maeda to the bullpen and pay him, and put Ober in Minnesota now, but it's not up to me.
Mahle is pitching 4-5 innings at his normal speed? How is he not ready? To answer your question....because they have to think about the future, not just day one. Maeda doesn't have options (though, I would put him in the pen and just rewrite his contract and use him as a 2 inning guy).
No staff averaged that. Not even close.
I have no doubt they'll let at least three starters go 6 most starts (Ryan, Gray, Lopez). They did that when they had good pitchers before. As for Mahle and Maeda, that depends on health and how they are doing that day and how rested the pen is.
When did he last sign a MLB deal? I don't get the angst, frankly. I'm happy for him, but I don't think this matters to the Twins much at all.
Also, Winder was pitching on a back field today.....
Several players have made rosters from AA this spring on other teams. The good argument you make is that polanco is likely back in ten days or so. If he's out a month, I'd like to see Julien get a shot. He had upside. But I like giving Gordon a shot, if he's not in the outfield.