DocBauer

So the changes keep coming. I'm really excited about Teasley. He seems to have a "football" mindset and a good knowledge of how to draft and build a team. He certainly had to learn a lot with Seattle and had to have had a hand in how they run things. A lot of talk about Frank Smith as assistant head coach and his work as run game coordinator. But am I the only one who's really excited about Keith Carter as the OL coach? I keep reading how he's working the OL really hard on technique, but earning praise from the players and everyone else for the work he's doing. Also, I still have a bunch Smith is coming back. Rookie SAFETY Jakobe Johnson has even said a few things about Harry that indicate he might be coming back. And I hope that's true. But I'm not sure the SAFETY position collapses without him. I'm a little confused about Dawkins seeing time at EDGE. Is this just Flores playing around? He looked pretty good as a developmental rookie in limited action in 2025, with some real potential. But is he really a contender for the #3 EDGE next season? I'm thinking this is just Flores experimenting. I still think the #1 priority left is a FA EDGE to be the #3. And there are a number of possibilities that shouldn't cost a fortune. I'm not sure how much it matters if Flores likes the guys on hand. And there is some potential there. A PROVEN #3 could make a major difference for the defense.

OK, so the Twins simply aren't the Yankees or the Dodgers. But even if you exclude the Washington Senators history, they've been to 3 WS and won 2. They've produced a fair amount of HOF players, and even had a few who played only briefly for them. And they have a laundry list of really great players who weren't quite HOF caliber, but who were still special in their time. But honestly, when healthy, have the Twins EVER had a more dynamic player?? While still really good in CF, he was a Platinum Glove winner who could have deserved a GG most seasons. His career SB numbers percentage wise is at the top of All Time lists. Yes, his contract has been one of the best moves the Twins ever made, even if it didn't look good the first couple of years. The tragic irony is had he been more healthy earlier in his career, he might have never been resigned by the team. Imagine what he might have done in his career if he had avoided some of those injuries. Medical science is amazing these days. But I am DUMBFOUNDED that SOMEONE wasn't smart enough to just say: "Hey, why don't we remove this little plica and see if that helps?" He might have gained an additional 2years, at least, of better health to display his amazing talent. While being 32yo is still a YOUNG man, it's older for a professional athlete. And yet, the last couple of seasons, we're seeing Buxton at his very best. Again, imagine him this healthy 3-4-5 years ago? He's still a quality CF, still one of the fastest and best base runners and SB champions in the game. And his towering HR provide awe inspiring moments. The bad news is how amazing he could have been. The good news is we're seeing at least a glimpse of that by STILL being one of the best players of the game in his early 30's. And I think there's a real chance he's got another few years left to be this kind of player, even if he slows down a little, or moves to a corner spot, or even becomes a primary DH. He is an ELITE athlete, even if he's 10-20% less than what he was in his 20's, when healthy. And what's even more impressive is him as a person. Ask him about a bit hit or a major defensive play, you will get a short and humble answer. As him about the performance of a teammate, and he will effuse at length. And talk about loyalty? He wants to be a Twin for life. And while we can bash the ownership all we want, they do have a reputation for treating their players and their families well. Buxton is a class act. And I want him to be a Twin for life. HOPEFULLY, that means he's so healthy and good he earns ANOTHER contract as a productive corner OF/DH that carries over until he's 35-36-37. Yeah, I'm being carried away a little bit. But could he be the next Cruz if he stays healthy? Is it that inconceivable? Contract value or not, if you are a Twins fan, or even just a baseball fan, you should be rolling in delight for what watching a healthy Buxton brings to the experience these days. I keep reflecting on Monday's game where they were celebrating Plouffe's birthday in the box. And then Buxton comes to the plate and hits ANOTHER towering HR shot! What a great moment! Whether he's done in a couple of years, or beats father time and gets another contract to be the next Cruz, I really want this wonderful player and person to ONLY wear a Twins jersey for his ENTIRE career. BUT, if things don't turn around, and he says he wants to finish with Atlanta, or another team, for a final shot at a WS, I won't begrudge him. Instead, I would root for HIM and whatever team that might be. I just hope that never happens. Watching him is a JOY! And I want to witness as many of those joyful moments as I can. And I want to see his last game played, whenever that is, still wearing a Twins jersey.

Really excited to see Diaw moved up. Houston should right behind him. While Diaw probably has a lot to still learn behind the plate, his athleticism and BAT are really exciting. Hopefully he develops a little more power, but he doesn't have to be a power hitter to be a really good offensive catcher. And he also seems to always have a good OB% as well. Here's hoping he stays healthy the rest of the season and is ready for AAA in 2027.

I know this is kind of a throw away topic, but I was initially confused when I turned on the Twins game Sunday and didn't recognize the play by play voice. I even thought I had the Rangers announcers for a moment. It's my understanding that with Atteberry out on a break, Provus asked to cover the radio broadcast with old friend Gladden. So MLB broadcaster Greg Caserta is taking Cory's spot briefly. While I LOVE Cory's, i just wanted to say that I thought Caserta was very good. He was very professional and fun to listen to. And despite being under the MLB umbrella, he sort of "played up" fandom for the Twins a bit, as if he was a normal team broadcaster. I wouldn't mind him being a future fill in for games in the future.

Should we be surprised at the improvement Houston has made? In college he was known as a solid contact, good eye, balanced BB/K hitter. The biggest question was how much pop/power he was going to have. How much of his HR splash in his last season at Wake was legitimate? He's not a small guy at all at 6' 3" and 205lbs. So I can see him developing double digit HR power at some point. But I'm more concerned with just HITTING and legging out 30 Dbls and the occasional Trip or 2 or 6. His current OB% is .68 points higher than his AVG. That's not bad. I'm very pleased his K% has dropped so significantly. And he's hitting has been excellent. He's shown enough XB power so far to offer a little danger to pitchers. But I would like to see his OB% climb a little higher. I think there was a little knee jerk reaction to his BAT after his poor performance at A+ after his promotion there at the end of 2025. SO FAR, I think he's done a good job easing those concerns. As far as a possible INF crunch, I hope it happens. The players involved in any "crunch" are all 1st or 2nd round picks. So it would a good problem to have, and not an improbable situation to be sure. However, invariably, SOMEONE doesn't turn out, or gets injured, or traded, or in Lewis's case, maybe becomes a FA in 2 more years. But it would be a nice problem to have for sure. **I suspect the OF is going to be a much bigger potential "crunch" begining in 2027...which might also affect DH and maybe even 1B...but that's a different discussion for a different day. As to Keaschall playing 1B, I'm not crazy about it, but I can see some logic behind it. (I think 2B is his best home given some more development time). But IF you had Houston at SS with decent hitting, a little POP, and good speed, Lee and K-Pepper providing solid bats, possibly 20 HR power each, and addition speed from KC, it wouldn't be crazy to have a non power hitter at 1B. I am ABSOLUTELY NOT comparing them as players, but Rod Carew transitioned to 1B and was a career #1 or #2 hitter. If you have offense and power at multiple positions, that's what really matters at the end of the day. While they all had SOME power, through the 80's and early 90's, there were a number of solid 1B like Hernandez, Grace, and Joyner that were more AVG and OB and Dbls power hitters rather than being thumpers. Doug Mientkiewicz was a very similar type of player at 1B. And in very recent times, the Twins had a batting champion in Arraez playing 1B and contributing to the offense, even though he had very limited power. All I'm saying/pointing out is there are many ways to build a lineup. 30 years ago, most SS and CF were defense only. And if you had one with power, they were the exception, not the rule. Obviously, that dynamic has really changed over the years. Some might have forgotten...or don't want to admit...that hard work turned Julien from a poor 2B to an average 2B for 2024. The fact that his bat and defense BOTH tanked in 2025 doesn't excuse the fact that he actually DID improve. Keaschall is far more athletic than Julien. His offense is a work in progress, but he's been pretty solid after a bad April. And I still think 2B is his best position. And I still have him penciled there for the next few years unless he just doesn't improve. But is it OK to give him some time to adjust, learn and grow, and hopefully see his arm improve it's strength a little more? If his total offensive package continues to improve...and he's at least trending that way...with a solid AVG, quality OB%, at least some XB power, and good speed and base running, there's no logical reason why he can't, potentially, be the future 1B. There's a TON of offensive potential over the rest of the INF, and the OF, and even DH simply based on so many TOP prospects just waiting to break through at AAA. So it would OK if a leadoff hitter was sitting at 1B. I just prefer him at 2B and think he will really improve as this season carries on, and going in to 2027.

I honestly thought he was done after 2024 and was a little surprise he was kept in the system. I figured it must be for depth purposes at Wichita. And then, of course, he goes out and looks like an entirely different ballplayer. The one thing I noticed about his MILB career as that his OB% was always significantly higher than his AVG. It generally sat 70 to 100 points higher each season. So while that guarantees nothing in regard to future success, I think it does offer up some belief that his bat may play at the ML level.

Nope. This is where the Twins should have followed the Brewers way of doing things. (Also similar to the Guardians and Rays). A healthy Winter League and a strong ST should have had Rodriguez in RF to begin the season. And the Twins should have followed the way the Brewers handled Chourio, live with what you got and give him time. And Roden should have been in LF splitting time with Martin. OK, sliding doors scenario. But do either Rodriguez or Roden get hurt if on the ML roster? Who the hell knows. But while I actually like Bell...and he's heating up now...it SHOULD have been a season in the OF with Rodriguez and Roden with Martin fitting in, and no Larnach, and probably Wallner as the DH. Tell me I'm wrong? Wallner has struggled and been sent down to prove he's a ML player, which has surprised the hell out of me. And Larnach is STILL a barely above ML average hitter. Again, tell me I'm wrong? The OF, especially for a limited payroll team and TONS of talent sitting at AAA waiting to be the NEXT WAVE of a competitive team, should have been Buxton, Rodriguez, Roden, and Martin to begin the season. Wallner would be the 5th OF and primary DH. Fedko, recently given a shot, and Jenkins, Gonzalez, and Mendez were the next in line. Tell me that doesn't make more sense than the way the current roster was built?

Unfortunately, Rosario was pushed back to AA ball, same as Mendez, due to a "crunch" at AAA that I don't necessarily agree with. Just as a reminder, his TREMENDOUS 2025 season SHOULD have been his SECOND MVP season. But he lost out to an older journeyman player. I have no idea if bad luck, fighting an injury, or being pissed off made Rosario start the season slow. But he has really been cranking up his game and it's about time he gets a AAA promotion. ***IF the Twins had just gone the logical route and trusted in their TOP prospects, Roden and Gonzalez would have been with the team and Rosario would already be at St Paul. I was a bit surprised when I saw Sprock playing catcher. As a former 3B, you have to think the arm is there. His bat offers some potential and some power potential. As a 2025 draftee, he did play 23 games last season and did OK. He's hitting hitting even better this season as a still 21yo. While he's still splitting time, which is normal, they must think he's got real potential behind the plate. We'll see. He's at least off to a decent start with the bat at least. And then comes Diaw. Look, I wouldn't DARE to compare him to Mauer! But athletically, and base HITTING ability, he's as close as we've drafted in years! First off, Mauer was an AMAZING catcher. Diaw is not, and has a lot to learn behind the plate. But he's a good enough athlete to play CF on his days off. Doesn't that kind of athlete intrigue you behind the plate? And his BAT is similar to Mauer, or maybe Harper considering he's RH. I have no doubt he still has a lot to learn being a CATCHER first and foremost. And that's where I'd like him to spend the majority of his time. His biggest obstacle is just staying healthy. I have no idea how much HR or XB power he might grow in to. But he can flat out HIT. I think he's a prospect that is being ignored by many. I think he's about ready for AA in regard to his BAT. Not yet 23yo, but close, I think he's ready. Now, how much time it takes him to refine his catching skills is a different story. He's certainly not a part of 2027. And if it takes him another year, year and a half, or two years, I think many are sleeping on a potentially quality bat with at least some power, and maybe underated as to the Twins "future" catcher.

Good, bad, right or wrong, Lewis appears to be an emotional player. For whatever reason, he really lost all confidence. He seems to allow bad streaks to affect him. The confidence lessens, and suddenly he's frustrated and things snowball. Now, I think some mechanical issues were also probably part of his poor performance and frustration as well, it wasn't all "bad luck" or a mental approach issue. Going going not only provided him a mental reset, but also a mechanical one. There's little doubt he's on a hot streak and will come down to earth a bit. But I think most of us can agree that the talent is still there to be a good player. His body has changed, and there have been injuries that have affected him, but talent doesn't just disappear, even with some physical changes. (I.e. he's not as nimble or fast as he was as a young prospect, but he's grown bigger and stronger). **FWIW, a small consideration concerning his future, last season and this season, currently, he's been as healthy as he's ever been at the ML level. Is that a key/clue to his future performance? I DON'T want to get hyperbolic here, but even with some natural regression from Lewis, I have to ask: "is it possible the INF is starting to take shape"? Seriously. Lee seems much better at 3B. While his BAT still isn't where anyone wants it, and he's been streaky, he's still shown improvement. Lewis is settling in as a 1B, can also cover 3B and 2B if needed. And while it's really easy to dismiss what Clemens has been doing, the truth is his 2 best ML seasons have been with the Twins in 2025, and even better in 2026. Again, I don't want to give in to hyperbole, but is it POSSIBLE he's a late bloomer who REALLY took a next step due to not only late development but also opportunity?? SOMETIME SOON K-Pepper is going to be brought up to play SS. Not saying he's going to be a STUD from DAY ONE, but he's a TOP 50 prospect for a reason. He STABALISES SS offensively and defensively. I'm not going in to another debate about Keaschall still developing and needing time to see how he develops, but the offense has started to come around. So WHEN K-Pepper is up, we've got the still young and improving Lee at 3B, KC at SS, Keaschall at 2B, and 1B covered by Clemens and Lewis, BOTH who have the ability to also play other positions. Kreidler has SURPRISED with his bat so far, and Gray has come through in big moments. But perhaps Kreidler's glove and versatility makes him the right choice to keep when KC comes up? It's not inconceivable that the best option for super utility INF for 2027 might just be the emergence of Ross, currently at AAA. He might be the best version of Kreidler and Gray combined. But he's still got some things to prove. But if Lewis has indeed turned a corner...maybe finally understanding he HAS the talent, but it's up to HIM to be positive and OWN his future...we really might be looking at a semi COMPLETE INF going forward really soon. OBVIOUSLY, K-Pepper isn't here YET. But don't you have to be kinda excited about Lee, K-Pepper, Keaschall, Lewis and Clemens and Kreidler/Gray/Ross completing this INF?

Yes, roughly 25% of all pitching is LH. That means 75% is RH. That means a RH bat still faces RH pitching a good 75% of the time. It's true that some RH hitters just aren't good enough against RH arms at the ML level and they really are just a platoon bat against LHP barring "emergency" action. But then again, how do you know if a RH hitter can actually hit ML RHP unless you let him try? I liked the idea of Martin getting an extended run against ALL pitching. He deserved it. So far, it hasn't worked out well. I hope Fedko gets the opportunity to face RHP and isn't immediately made a platoon bat. Again, he might be good, or he might not be good. But you need to find out what he can and can't do to find out if you have a solid #4-5 OF in your system, right under your nose....or not.

Good for him! He might be good, he might be decent, he might be bad. But at least the FO is giving him an opportunity.

I don't always agree with Law in regard to the draft or prospect rankings. But he's always pretty logical in his rankings and beliefs. But this BLOWS ME AWAY! The Dirty Sox have done some crazy things in the draft before, and might again. But to draft Lackey #1 would have to be some sort of $ game plan wouldn't it be? I mean, he's a great pick. But a catcher over a premium SS? I mean, I really love the Twins drafting Lackey even with a history of highly drafted catchers being a 50-50 proposition. But Lackey does seem to be the real deal. So IF this happens, it's the Dirty Sox saving another 1$M or so for their next pick. So would the Rays "cheap out" and take Emerson or Tyler Bell over Roch? Both fit their player profile for draft picks. I honestly can't believe the Dirty Sox would pass over Cholowsky. No matter how good Lackey is, I just don't see it. I still see Roch #1....how can you pass on this talent...Emerson #2 to the Rays because he not only fits their profile, but because he's just so damn good of a prospect. And that still leaves Lackey at #3 for the Twins, IMO. I think Law might have been a little tipsy when he posted that idea, lol. Unless the Dirty Sox just got stupid, or decided they were smart enough to outwit everyone else, I still think chalk makes sense. But as much as I really like Lackey, IF we were gifted Cholowsky SOMEHOW, my only complaint would be memorizing his name. Lol

A poorer version of Laweryson? This one confuses me, unless it's for AAA depth, but I guess he's already on the 40 man. I sorta get the idea of Klein bouncing around between AAA and the Twins, just to keep him stretched out for multiple innings, but where does it stop? Morris has been given a chance to be a late inning option and has started to show real promise there. (I still think him starting a BP game recently was a bad choice). But Klein, similar to Morris, and BOTH remind me of better versions of Jax at the same point in development. They have the stuff to be set up men, or quality 1-2 middle relievers at worst. Rashi will be around for a week or two. Laweryson is probably better once he gets another inning or two under his belt. There's really nothing to see here.

Only one comment. This sucks! I've still got faith he's a solid set up man.

IMO, the most logical conclusion is just ramping him up both offensively and defensively to be the MOST READY he can be. And I'm OK with that. Since Lewis was sent down, Lee was moved to 3B. That wasn't done as a temporary move. And since then, K-Pepper has been played exclusively at SS. While there is at least some slight concern about chase rate, I'd say that's true for about 80-90% of all rookies. Expecting him to be some sort of STUD offensively and defensively right out of the gate is a mistake. And that's why I object somewhat to the headline. He just has to continue being his normal self. There really shouldn't be that much pressure on him. Just be better than who you are replacing, but don't even think about that. Just be YOU. Lee is where he should be. He's just better at 3B overall, with a lot of tools to be a good 3B, even without a cannon. And his offense has improved, he just needs to find better consistency. And I'm not going to derail this OP in regard to Keaschall at 2B or any mention of Lewis. It's POSSIBLE that a year or so from now that Houston's bat is at least decent. And his glove is so amazing that he moves K-Pepper to a different spot. Dreams and bird in a hand folks. We have the absolute best SS prospect we've had in years sitting at AAA right now. I've stated very clearly even before the season began that the Twins would have a SPLIT season. The first part was just being competent enough with the bullpen and a strong rotation to keep the team around .500 before we got to see the young arms, and the young OF, and K-Pepper settling SS Alas, we've seen the young arms earlier than expected in some cases, and hopefully will see more. Injuries have set back almost the entire OF part of the "next wave". Luckily, we're still only approaching mid June, so there's still a real chance the build up for 2027 that I expected and hoped for will still take place. But K-Pepper is the ONE top prospect that has so far avoided "the curse", lol. I DON'T like pressure added to him. Again, all he has to do is be himself. The skills say he's a solid SS with the potential to be above average. That would be OUTSTANDING and help settle the left side of the INF. Should he, or we, care that MAYBE in a year, or year and a half that there might be an even better defensive SS ready to take over? Well he shouldn't, because he's got all the talent in the world to be a STUD 2B or 3B and things change over time. I really don't understand why he's not up yet considering the hot streak he's been on. But again, if they just think another week or two getting prepped makes sense, who am I to argue? I think he potentially changes the defense AND the lineup. I'm just not sure I agree with his shoulders bearing weight. I think it goes deeper than that.