DocBauer

I'm keeping this simple. I felt INITIALLY the Twins were a 75-85 win team based on talent on hand to begin the season, as well as talent in AAA close to debuting that could make a difference anywhere from mid April to July 1st. I never posted my thoughts directly, as I recall, but those were my thoughts. Primarily, my thoughts were based on the rotation, and POTENTIAL of the offense early, as well as later in the season, where I thought it would go up a notch simply based on additional talent that I wasn't even hoping for ROY performance. I just thought BETTER talent and the debut of some arms would bring real optimism to the team...and fan base...and we might avoid a 2nd SELL OFF of talent to keep the team intact going forward with real, legitimate HOPE. (keeping Ryan and Buxton and HOPEFULLY re-signing Jeffers). But then Lopez was lost. My HOPE began to stagger. And then Ober suddenly looked like some of the various 5th starters we've brought in previously and my HOPE began to crumble. EXCEPT, Bradley REALLY took a step forward. And I'm NOT saying he's going to replace Lopez in my HOPES, BUT, he actually looks like a replacement for Lopez so far. (OH WHAT A DREAM IT MIGHT BE for a healthy Lopez, Ryan, and Bradley! 2027?) And SWR has looked great despite a 1 IP hiccup so far. Ober hasn't been great, he's been kinda mediocre, but he's looked better with a 1 BB 7K 6 IP today. I'm hoping for more. As are the Twins and Ober. But I've stated for a week or so, Abel is one of the most important Twins currently. There's no doubting his STUFF and potential. And while his first couple of appearances this season were mediocre, he really looked like a quality ML SP his last turn. The "silver lining" is allowing Bradley and Abel to settle themselves for the 2027 rotation AND this season. I'm just NOT going to say the rotation is as good as it can be without Lopez. But DAMNED if Bradley isn't looking like an immediate replacement. Sim doing his best, Ober doing his best, Abel raising his game can still make this a hell of a rotation. Raise your hand if you thought Ober might be the #5 starter 2 months ago? But so far, the rotation has been solid. To begin this season, I was massively disgruntled by keeping Larnach and NOT adding a legitimate 1B for offense and defense. So far, I think my angst about 1B has proven true. I like the Bell addition, and that's proven true. I like the Caratini addition, and that's proven true. I even kinda liked Gray as the utility player even though he was LH. The best option 75% of the time? But I've ALWAYS seen a solid lineup presented even if there were defensive issues. Buxton is special. Keaschall is good and might be special. Bell has been a great signing. Wallner has been productive despite facing so many LHP so far. Larnach so far, has been good in his limited role. (Id still like to see Roden in that role). But what i love is a TEAM approach to hitting and better base running and some quality hitting. We've got that so far. We're one of the best teams in regard to OB%. Pitching rules. The rotation still looks good! The offense has flashed the potential I thought it MIGHT be. Lewis back soon makes a difference. But no matter what, our beloved Twins need a bullpen that is worthy.

I feel I keep having to remind myself and everyone else how little Prielipp has pitched in his ENTIRE college and pro career. In 2025 he exceeded ALL INNINGS pitched in college and pro baseball combined. While his STUFF is outstanding...and he's even added 2 more pitches...he's been getting by on pure STUFF at this point. And that's not an insult at all! There remains a subtlety to actually PITCHING vs THROWING. It's learning how to set up a batter to get the out, and get out of the inning. Sometimes, it's NOT throwing a strike, but hitting the spot just outside the zone for a WHIFF or weak contact. And sometimes it's just understanding how good your stuff is, trusting it, and letting it fly because it's so good they aren't going to do anything with it anyway. I've always said, while it would be awesome to have him in the rotation as a 23-24yo would be awesome. But all I care about is him being part of the rotation as a 25-26yo and having 6 great years. Not to be harsh, but I don't care about a HOF career. I care about 6yrs as a quality LH in the Twins rotation. Ross was drafted as a small school athlete with a glove and offensive potential. The athleticism and glove have always been there. I felt coming in to this season 2026 was a make or break year for him. So far, the BAT might have finally caught up to the glove. So far so good. He's got speed and XB and some HR power and a legitimate glove at 5 spots. He's a POTENTIAL better version of Castro if he can ever hit well enough. So far so good. Eli Jones looks good so far. Twins fans have to remember that very few drafted pitchers EVER debut for even a couple innings until the following season. Instead, they go to development in Ft Myers...take a break...come back for instructs...take a break...and then come back for ST. So while Jones had a mediocre up and down 2025, it was his rookie pro season after being drafted in 2024. (He wasn't the only one). So to see him raise his game so far in 2026 is great...hope he keeps it up...but it's not completely unexpected. Keep that in mind when you read through the season about various pitchers drafted in 2023-24-25. @bean5302mentioned Ty Langenberg. He had a solid 2024, but an uneven 2025. So far he's off to a really good start in 2026. I've been cautiously optimistic by a pair of AA bats so far. Amick is off to a solid start after a HORENDOUS AFL that I thought might have him begin this season back at CR. And DeBarge has had a pretty solid beginning to his AA season as well. Pena might be off to a good start at A-, but it also appears Acuna and Beltre might be off to solid starts as well.

Nice to see Ober have a solid game. The 4 runs allowed weren't great, but he was looking pretty good overall, regardless. While the velocity wasn't great, it also didn't suddenly decline. And the 1 BB and 7 K were also very nice. He's a veteran and a very smart dude. While his mechanics might be getting better, he may also be adjusting to what he throws, when he throws it, and how hard he throws it. While Orze disappointed, he's been pretty good so far. Maybe didn't have the "juice" needed to perform coming in to a blowout game? A 2nd solid appearance from Acton, for what it's worth from a newbie. But the Twins do have a history of finding surprising pen contributors. I'm not quite as shocked as some by the recent improvement of the offense. Yes, Gray has performed well over his head, and the roster isn't put together logically, but said roster isn't filled with no talent bums. Buxton is special, Keaschall looks to be a real talent, Bell has long been a quality bat, Jeffers is one of the better offensive catchers in the game, Wallner has been quite good in the past, Larnach isn't a bum, etc. It's that everyone is contributing. The fact the the Twins are one of the best BB/OB% teams is encouraging as hell. And the power hasn't been bad. Actually, I'm a little disappointed they haven't scored more runs...especially early on...since they are amongst the league leaders in bases loaded situations. I don't know how long good/solid performances across the board will last, but I'm sure enjoying how well they are playing as a team currently.

While not a top prospect, I'm sure rooting for Fedko because it's not only a nice story, but when a 25yo (in 2025) suddenly explodes and puts his game together, I think notice should be taken. And I don't think a couple weeks at AAA that started slow here in 2026 really exemplifies what he MIGHT be capable of. After all, he performed well at St Paul LAST year. So that should be taken in to consideration as well. The primary issue is roster construction and roster usage. While I DON'T believe Outman is a ML hitter, he's being used the way Keirsey was in 2025; late game PR and defensive replacement. As much as I think Roden NOT being on the team is a mistake, I'd rather he play daily at AAA at this moment rather than come up and stagnate in the current Outman role. What I DON'T understand is player usage, even on this mis-matched roster. You have 13 players, and one reserve is always the #2 catcher. And that's part of the reason I appreciate Caratini as the #2 catcher with a solid bat who can play a little 1B as well. But with a 13 man roster, that's a PRIMARY 9, plus the backup catcher, leaving on 3 players for the bench. And 1 is being used for the sole purpose of late inning PR and defensive replacement? I simply don't understand that kind of roster construction. They are virtually punting on the 13th spot. This isn't pre 21st century baseball when teams used to have 10-11 man staffs and more bench players. These days, EVERY SPOT on that 13 man roster is important and has the ability to be important. Roden can play all 3 OF spots, even if CF is his weakest spot. He's also played some 1B in college, and MILB. He's only around 5' 10"? Solano and Arraez were even shorter, and France MIGHT have been all of 5' 10". Fedko ALSO plays all 3 OF spots, with CF being his weakest spot. He can ALSO play some 1B. He's got some OB% skill, and some power and speed. He and Roden...ability wise...are LF/RH mirror images of one another, though Roden has been the higher ranked player for sure. I'm NOT advocating Fedko up tomorrow in place of Outman. It would be nice to see Fedko get on a bit of a role, suggesting his 2025 wasn't an illusion, before making the swap. But I mean, another RH bat who MIGHT hit even a little vs a LH bat who can't hit AT ALL does make sense. What makes BETTER SENSE is to have roster construction that includes IMAGINATION. I don't believe Clemens has options remaining. But if he doesn't start to show something more soon, perhaps BOTH Fedko and Roden come up to play 1B and OF and increase roster flexibility and depth, as well as better team speed. A somewhat YES to Fedko probably being a better option to Outman in the near future. But a much LARGER YES to using your ENTIRE 13 man player roster with better players and NOT using a "wasted" roster spot for someone that doesn't actually contribute. This ISN'T the 70's-80's-90's with a 14 or 15 man bench where you could "stash" a PH/PR/ defensive specialist. ALL 13 men on the player roster should be the best assembly you can put together and find a way to use them all functionally.

I don't dislike Martin at all. I've been rooting for him to turn in to the HITTER he projects to be. That's a guy capable of. 280-.290 with an OB% of around .370-.380. He has the ability to do that. He also has the ability to steal some bases, but he's only 20-10 on SB in hus brief ML career. A 66% success rate just doesn't cut it. He needs to be at a minimum 75% and 80% would be better. He needs that especially since actual DOUBLES power doesn't look all that promising so far. I like him for what he is, a better defender than he was previously, a solid contact bat, and someone who can work a count and get OB. But ML pitchers are going to start challenging him more and more with his lack of power as they just aren't going to be afraid of him. At that point, he's going to HAVE to show he can pop some DBLs at least, and be able to continue fouling off strikes to get that BB. I don't see any way he can maintain a .400 OB%. But I can see that .370-.380 range if he also continues to actually HIT. Buxton was moves to leadoff to get his bat going again. I don't have a problem with that. But I absolutely would love to see Buck hit #2, or even #3, with Keaschall ahead of him, and probably Martin as well. I understand Shelton trying to LENGTHEN the depth of the lineup. I like that idea in principle. But almost anyone is a better choice than Clemens on the team. Clemens should be somewhere around 7th-8th, hitting mistakes for HR and XBH. With Buxton starting to get untracked, I'd personally have Keaschall hit #1, and put Martin in the #2 spot where his approach helps Keaschall steal bases, or get moved over by Martin, or allows Martin himself to get OB. Buck would have had a 100 RBI in 2025 if he had more men on base. I think Bell, Wallner, Larnach, Jeffers, and Lewis, etc, can provide a fairly deep lineup 4-7+ plus without playing the Clemens leadoff scenario. As far as Martin's future, I think he's got one if he can play an honest CF to go along with LF. (He really doesn't have the arm you want in RF). But I think his future is as a 4th or co-4th OF. Probably 250-300 AB a season. Rodriguez and Jenkins are just better players, potentially. And if Roden batted RH, I'm not sure Martin is on the current roster. While a slightly different offensive player than Martin, I think Roden is the more "dangerous" hitter. And while Gonzalez MIGHT end up at 1B...not a bad outcome...he currently also figures in to the OF situation as well. I have a vision of Rodriguez, Buxton, and Jenkins as the primary starting OF with Gonzalez and Roden playing 1B and the OF along with Martin and Wallner as the primary DH. There's room for that group of 6 to fill the OF, 1B, and DH spots. That's not a bad outcome at all. It only requires a little imagination on the Twins behalf.

On the surface, this shouldn't be a problem. Generally speaking, 25-30% of ALL pitchers faced are RH. So having an abundant amount of LH bats...not exclusive, just an abundant amount...SHOULD be a good thing. While I believe BETTER LH bats are on their way in regards to Rodriguez, and Jenkins...possibly Mendez...to replace Larnach, and move Wallner to primary DH...who has actually shown some improved ability to handle LHP better than Kepler ever did...the SURPRISE is how inept they have actually been when you factor in Buxton, Lewis, Jeffers, and newbies like Keaschall and Martin. Well, OK, Keaschall and Martin are still so new that maybe splits shouldn't even be considered at this point. Lewis has been bad against LHP? Well, I'm sorry to say he's been pretty bad overall for over a year now, with some late 2025 glimpses, and early 2026 glimpses that state he might be about ready to turn a corner. You referenced K-Pepper in the OP as being better against RHP so far. First of all, I don't necessarily see that as a negative. A RH bat who can hit RHP is a GOOD thing. But law of averages state he will hit LHP better the more he sees them. That also applies to Keaschall. On the current roster, Bell, for his career, has fairly even splits, despite a poor 2025 against. So let's give that a little time to wait and see. If we're ONLY talking about the current roster, then we need veterans like Buxton, Lewis, and Jeffers to take a step forward. If we are talking about youngsters, then Keaschall and Martin need to take a step forward. Interestingly enough, the Twins questionable lineup against LHP just bested Skubal and Valdez from the Tigers. I LOVE that Gabriel Gonzalez is getting work at St Paul at 1B. That's an indication the FO is FINALLY using their imagination to put together a future roster. LH Mendez playing some 1B at AA is ALSO a useful imagination tactic. But RH Rosario... stuck in a logjam that put him back at AA when he deserves a AAA promotion...would also be smart to play some 1B. Based on LH power, a solid overall 2025, I don't dislike Clemens as part of the Twins. But for a team that wants to compete, we should be looking for someone better to replace him. The Twins brought Wagaman on because he can kinda play 4 positions. And because he's good against LHP, and seemed to take a step forward with his bat the 2nd half of 2025. And so far, he hasn't done much. So I don’t think he's any immediate answer to help the lineup. Considering how bad the roster construction is, the best replacement for Outman is a RH bat that MIGHT contribute. But who is available that could actually contribute and make a difference? And that's the biggest issue with this roster. A couple decades ago, you had 10-11 man pitching staffs. So you had room for a deeper player roster. Now we have a backup catcher and THREE bench spots. And ONE is being used for a PR/defensive substitution? And that guy is seldom used? What is wrong with this picture? It's SO EASY to say Outman should be gone. And he should be, with no personal disrespect, but what RH is available to make a difference? For the UPTEENTH season, where is a bench RH OF available to make any kind of difference?

The tables in the OP showing improvement in his receiving with his new knee technique are very interesting. I've always been a big fan of Jeffers as I've always liked the way he calls a game, and how he handles the staff. IMO, that's always been more important than being an average defender and average thrower. Add in some new tweaks to his receiving makes him that much better defensively. When they experimented with the challenge system in ST 2025, I noticed just how good he was using it. So I knew he'd be good using the system on a full time basis this season. The guy is highly intelligent. I'd like to see a mix of his new offensive approach that still allows him to turn on a ball with greater frequency when he recognizes a pitch he can do so with. Perhaps it's just a little tweak, or maybe just a little more time to get comfortable with his new approach? He has the power to easily crank 18-22 HR as a primary catcher. He's done it previously while splitting time with Vazquez and DH once in a while. So again, while I respect more contact and a better OB% ability, I'd just like to see him find a balance where he doesn't have to sacrifice all his power ability. Drafted by the Twins, developed by the Twins, nobody in the pipeline ready to replace him for at least a couple of years, I really wanted him signed to an extension. They're going to HAVE to trade for or sign SOMEONE to play with Caratini next season. What really stinks is Jeffers probably gets a deal of 3yrs between $12-15M. For whatever reason...maybe fears of sudden aging and loss of performance...catchers don't get the BIG deals. Personally, I think he's worth that, and I think the Twins can afford that, especially with Larnach and Bell coming off the books next season. (More than likely-especially Larnach). So add Larnach's deal and whatever it costs to add another FA catcher, and you've already got at least half of what it would cost to KEEP Jeffers. IF the ownership/FO is smart at all, they should recognize how valuable retaining him is, INCLUDING the sake of CONTINUITY working with the STAFF. Jeffers is good, and is such a big, strong, physical specimen that I just don't see him falling off a cliff the next 3yrs. He deserves to financially rewarded for being a good ballplayer at a premium position, even though that position is sometimes undervalued. I'm still holding out hope that the Twins will STEP UP and be the team that rewards him. Smart baseball people should recognize what he means to this team over the next 3yrs.

Cleveland started this idea a few decades ago and it worked. But it won't always work. I tend to agree with a recent Gleeman & The Geek episode on this subject. For every 10 you extend early, you'll be burned on a couple. You'll probably break even on a couple. And you'll WIN a few more. In the LONG RUN, you're almost guaranteed to WIN overall. But does ownership have the GUTS to play the long term WIN potential? Let's not forget they did this with Kepler, Polanco, and was Sano the 3rd? Memory fades. Jenkins and K-Pepper are the 2 that come to mind. I have a lot of faith in Rodriguez, but there's enough "fear factor" that I don't like the early extension. But I just can't ignore the OBVIOUS. Why not hold Tom Pohlad to his word about increasing payroll? Does anyone dispute Ryan as a TOP arm who is just growing in to an All Star starting pitcher? Jeffers is an average defensive catcher. He's a decent thrower. And he's a top 10, at least, offensively. But he calls a good game, has always had the trust of the staff, and has already proven to be EXCELLENT in the review process. And while Cardenas has the potential to be a solid backup option, ANY future catcher is at least 2yrs away. So do you want to get in to the 2027 FA market? Or do you want to just keep what you have? Ryan is just approaching the age where STUFF and experience makes him a legitimate #1 pitcher. Againz Jeffers is solid, but not great defensively, but a great bat for a catcher and is PROVING how smart he is as a receiver. BEFORE you start handing out future contracts, how about you RE-SIGN TWO very IMPORTANT players in Ryan and Jeffers that are IMPORTANT for the team's future. This is SO OBVIOUS to me!

What's so bizarre to me is Ober is not old, and he's reportedly healthy and the hip isn't bothering him. So where did the velocity go? With his extension and release point, his 92mph seemed more like 94. That was enough. But now his FB appears more like the equivalent of 91-92. And that changes how his other pitchers work/look. I wasn't aware that his slider hasn't felt "good" to him. I don't doubt he's got a mechanical issue that's frustrating him. I sure hope he figures it out. It's nice that the sweeper and curve are looking good. And maybe I'm over simplifying it, but could he, perhaps, throw some of his offerings a bit "slower" to create a larger discrepancy in velocity variance? A lot of pitching is changing "timing" to throw off the batters "timing". You simply CAN'T replace Lopez. But so far, Bradley is looking like he's trying his best to do so. That makes the Lopez injury all the more disheartening. What a top 4 we'd have with Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, and SWR. But alas, it is what it is. IMO, Abel might be one of the most important players on the roster currently. He's off to a rough start as a "almost rookie" coming off a tremendous spring. The season is young. If he can SETTLE DOWN and start to pitch the way he did in ST, he's a super, young talent in the #4 spot. And Ober as a #5, while disappointing to be sure, has the experience, smarts, and moxie to be a solid #5 until/unless he can find something that feels good and WORKS. His start against Detroit tonight/Wednesday, was very encouraging. Small steps. Regardless, Abel is suddenly one of the most important players currently on the team. No pressure kid!

Yep, this seems right, more or less. Just for a moment were we to forget college seniors have ZERO leverage on draft day, you kinda have to wonder what Quick might have done his senior year post TJ. This kid has real STUFF. He's probably a top 10 if he had another college season to prove himself. I think we got a real steal here. I'm in what seems to be a minority in regard to Prielipp. I'd rather have a 25/26 yo late arriving SP who can be good mid rotation SP who might have TOP of the rotation potential until his his late 20's and early 30's. Who decided he should be some HOF pitcher? He might still end up being a STUD RP. But why give up so soon as a potential rotation option? Soto is big, strong, smart, a quality and hard working kid, who has already flashed his potential. If he can just be healthy in 2026, he could be rising up prospect rankings fast. I think he's special if he can just be healthy in 2026. Patience is required, but he's got everything you want for a young pitching prospect. Rojas and Prielipp are very similar. When does the STUFF take hold? While it would be AWESOME for BOTH to challenge for a SP with the Twins at some point in 2026, SOMEONE might move to the pen in the future. And that future might not be that far away. But as much as I'd argue that Soto REMAINS a TOP prospect despite his abbreviated 2025, I can see him being a fast riser and potential top 100 prospect if he can he just be healthy for 2026. Hill makes sense as #1. Pure potential and what we've seen so for, he has the ability to be special. I think a sleeper is Ellwanger. I wouldn't be surprised if he changed some top prospect list pretty soon.

I'm not an extremist so I'm not a 'this guy is a bum" at 25yo believer. I just think that's a nasty response for someone who hasn't been a top performer to this point. I really think that's a short sighted window. BUT, while I have argued over and again about some of the positives of Lee and his potential, I AM in the worry mode, even this early in the season. Let's be honest, all we need to is slightly better defense...and he's probably capable of...and let the BAT come around, which he's also capable of improving and proving. His ST SEEMED to see improvement in both. So far, in SSS, we haven't seen either. But we're barely 2 weeks in to the season. I'm NOT an apologist for Lee. I want to see improvement. Especially with the his BAT. But can we give him more than barely 2 weeks in to the season before we decide anything? What is this, the 7th or 8th Lee OP since 2025 ended? I honestly can't recall another 25yo who has ever been put under such a microscope! Here's a novel idea, we let April actually play out and go in to May and give a former top prospect a little time to settle in and see what happens. I think, if his bat comes through, he's a 3B or 2B, or a super utility player. But I am TIRED that he isn't a STUD player yet.

Larnach got a lot of opportunities against LHP in 2025 primarily because Wallner missed time. He's actually the default LH bat to face LHP, and while not great at doing so, is the better option. The fact that Larnach is performing well in a SSS here in '26 against RHP is encouraging. But he simply doesn't have a future with the club, even in a maximum split situation. I do think he's got value in that same role for a good team that just needs another solid, productive DH/LF that is short of LF bats. I don't believe a trade return brings a lot back, but he's a useful player for a team that is RH heavy. But he is an odd fit for a non contending team that won't have him back in 2027 anyway. Again, it's just lousy roster construction, without saying in any way that Larnach himself is a lousy ballplayer. I see lineups against RHP with Clemens batting #1 and wonder if Shelton has been sniffing too many gloves already. Especially when I see how Outman is being used...virtually wasting a roster spot...and then I look at Roden yet again. Roden has proven himself in AAA. He had a great 2025 ST with the Jays, but got off to a rough rookie start. It happens. He had a great ST with the Twins and in an admitted SSS, he's batting .300 at St Paul with a an OB% OVER .500! We couldn't use him in LF as a #1 hitter before Buxton and Keaschall against RHP? At LEAST he offers defense, speed, some HIT and OB%. AND he might have some sort of future. But we're pushing Clemens to the #1 spot when he should be hitting around 7th or 8th why? Outman is doing NOTHING. Roden can play all 3 spots, and form a quasi platoon with Martin in LF that actually makes sense. And I have yet to see where Outman as a backup CF, or late inning defensive corner OF is anything special. 1B, for now, is a mix or Clemens and Caratini. It sure isn't great, but you can at least try to maximize it for now. But the whole LF situation seems SO EASY, IMO, to fix 2 issues. 1] A mix of Martin and Roden actually gives you a potentially solid #1 table setter bat, with both being able to spell Buxton here and there, and give RBI opportunities. 2] No Outman and no Larnach means an opportunity for another RH bat for the lineup that is desperately needed. I am no fan of Wagaman. He's an OK 1B/3B/CORNER OF who hits LHP pitching OK, and had a strong 2nd half in 2025. That's why the Twins traded for him. He's not off to a great start for St Paul in SSS, but if you offered me Roden and Wagaman TOMORROW instead of the SSS production of Larnach...and his history...this season, and the wasted roster spot of Outman, I'd run with Roden as Wagaman as the better option. Against RHP, I'd really like to see Roden, Buxton, Keaschall, Wallner, and Bell as the top 5. Martin probably starts against LHP at #1. It's a hell of a lot better than some weird configuration of Clemens hitting #1. One more time, Larnach isn't a bad ballplayer. He's just a poor fit for this team. He shouldn't have been brought back. I'm still not sure why he was. But the offense and defense are potentially better without him and Outman. I'm still AMAZED how the obvious is so ignored.

Thanks for the update. Hopefully the 7 day IL guys are ready sooner rather than later. Really interested in seeing if Questad's arm talent can begin to mature with better control. And Mitrovich and Reitz were just drafted last year and I'm anxious to see them debut. Of course INF Agbayani was also selected in 2025. And I think we're all interested to see what Jimenez can do behind the plate and at the plate after acquiring him at the deadline. I'm a little concerned that 2025 draftees Barr and Fang open on the 60 day IL. I'm especially intrigued by Barr and want to see his stuff on display. I think he might have been a sneaky excellent pick. If I'm not mistaken, Jack Dougherty came to camp in 2025 throwing real gas and then got hurt. Or was it 2024? I don't believe he's thrown a professional, in season inning since being drafted. Have to worry about his career at this point. I like the athletic talent and potential of the OF. Is this the season where Mercedes finally puts it all together? JP Smith is a true 1B drafted late last season, from a smaller school, but seems to have some bat and power potential. Fellow 2025 draftee, 3B/1B moved to catcher is interesting. Of course, BIG 3 to watch are Quick, Ellwanger, and Young. If, for some reason, Quick had gone back to school for another year, I wonder how high he might be drafted, despite being a senior. The pure STUFF appears to be there as a potential top of the rotation starter. And I think Ellwanger might not be too far behind him. As big as Young is, he's probably a 3B sooner rather than later. But he's got a cannon for an arm, BIG power potential, but is well put together and reportedly a pretty good athlete as well. He's a bit like Winokur, sort of a work in progress to be sure, but massive upside. I don't like to see anyone's dream come to an end, but when some of the IL guys come back, there are going to be some cuts, as well as a few demotions to the later starting FCL team. Ft Myers could be a lot of fun to watch this season.

Back to the OP, haven't we discussed this enough in the previous 2 or 3 offseason articles about him already? But I guess we need another? He's got a solid BAT. But he needs to reign in his instincts to "reach" for pitches out of his ZONE. So do many young prospects. IF he can learn a little better "personal zone" and lay off the outer zone stuff his BAT plays. It's not as easy as "don't swing at that stuff". Some learn it and adjust, and some don't. He's got tremendous power potential. He's got a great arm. He kind of reminds me a bit of Jeffers where he doesn't have to a great defender, but he just needs to be decent behind the plate. With his arm and hitting potential, that's enough if he can call a good game and have the confidence of the staff he's working with. All he needs to do...kinda laughable considering the importance of a catchers job...is just be a solid receiver who has the mental ability to call a good game and work with his staff. His BAT could be special from power alone. But you'd like a little better contact and patience. And I'd have ZERO problem if he spent the entire 2026 season at CR to just hone his craft and work on his hitting approach. He's a potentially wonderful ML catcher. But he's also so young that we just shouldn't be tempted for immediate returns. His debut is probably 2-3 years away. I do think we shouldn't dismiss Diaw as an option that might be ready sooner. He's a tremendous athlete with some serious HIT potential even if he has only limited power. He's rough around the edges, but he's got real ability. The SMART move is for an extension of Jeffers for a couple of seasons as a good bat, smart handling of the staff, rather than scrambling for a 2yr fill-in who's probably cheaper but worse. That allows Tait and Diaw to grow and develop over the next couple of seasons. But when was the last time ownership was smart?

Just a few observations as the Twins come home: 1] There have been some very poor mistakes that have hurt, and the team absolutely needs to clean up some things. But while 2-4 in 6 games doesn't sound great, but the Orioles and Royals are both projected to be above .500, and possible playoff teams. I think the Good Guys blew at least 1 game they should have won, and 3-3 would be a lot better. But they've basically been IN all 6 games. I'm not overly disappointed so far. 2] Is it my imagination, or has the pen been a little better than expected so far. SSSS I know, but it hasn't quite been the disaster I half expected. I still can't wait for a couple young, live arms to make their way to Target Field later this season, but the usage and results of the pen have been subtly OK thus far. 3] Martin has been really solid at the plate so far. I think he deserves a chance to see what he can do against RHP. You don't hit .300+ like he did in 2024 with St Paul if you don't hit decently against RHP. When he came up to the Twins that season, he actually hit better against RH than he did against LH. He reversed those splits with the Twins in 2025, but he wasn't terrible against RH. And this appears to be a more developed Martin. So maybe he should get a legitimate shot against RHP? 4] DESPITE what I just said about Martin, I still think Keaschall should be the primary #1 in the order. But I appreciate Shelton playing with the lineup and batting Keaschall behind Buxton. I see why he's doing it, at least against LHP, and I can see the logic in what he's doing. BUT, the Twins aren't going to be seeing LH starters almost every day going forward. And when I see a roster spot being handed to Outman to basically ONLY be a PR and defensive replacement...and CLEMENS batting leadoff against RHP i just want to scream WHOA! Roden is a solid defensive player. He had a great ST. He's off to a great start with St Paul getting OB. Why in hell are we wasting a roster space on Outman ONLY for an extremely limited role when we could have a younger, almost certainly better hitter in Roden, who could do the same job, and form a quasi platoon with Martin? You want Martin to bat #1 against LHP and have Keaschall hit #3? OK. IF Martin gets an opportunity to show he can hit RHP, well then Roden could hit #3 behind Buxton at times, depending on that days lineup. Or maybe Roden hits #1, and Martin hits 9th, or even sits. Maybe Keaschall hits #1, Roden #2, and Buxton hits at #3 in a sweet spot because he's got 2 good OB guys ahead of him. I am beyond the poor roster construction at 1B. But not having MORE and BETTER options to construct a better lineup with a player like Roden vs holding on to a 29yo OF who's ONLY role is PR and late inning defensive replacement is ridiculous use of your position player roster! 5] I am NOT digging anyone's player grave. But is Abel one of the most important Twins for 2026? You simply DON'T replace someone like Lopez. But success was at least partially based on Lopez, Ryan, and Ober leading the rotation, with SIM almost a virtual lock. Suddenly, unexpectedly, Lopez is gone. And despite being reportedly healthy and not being bothered any longer by a troubling hip that ruined his 2025, Ober suddenly doesn't have a FB that can rise above 90 mph. And reportedly by him, he was consistently hitting 90 before he took a couple weeks off before camp. And suddenly the velocity wasn't there. He's ALWAYS been a "mechanical" pitcher based on his length. So MAYBE his mechanics are still out of whack and he's going to get to 91-93 again with a few more starts? How many 30yo pitchers have you heard of who suddenly lost 3 mph while being 100% healthy? But Ober says he feels great. So is he quietly hiding an injury? Or are his mechanics out of whack and maybe without even realizing it, he's stuck in 2025 mode? This is why I ask if Abel might be one of the most important 2026 Twins. Again, you just don't replace Lopez. But Bradley is starting to look like he's taking another step. And SWR took a major step forward late in 2025, and hasn't done anything to suggest he's not a solid, quality SP. But there's a real, unfortunate chance that Ober might only be the Twins #5 SP this season. That's depressing and unexpected. But with Ryan on top, and Bradley looking like he's ready to take the next step, and SWR still as solid as ever...if not improved...if Abel can actually prove that he's ready, if his great STUFF and a very good ST prove he's taken a step forward...NOT talking crazy All Star, Cy Young performance...just turning the corner to being a really good, young SP with an upswing potentially in the near future, the rotation can survive the regrettable loss of Lopez. And it can lead to even better depth and results in 2027. Sorry gang, I just had a TON of thoughts the last few days. Bless you if you spent time reading my ramblings.