DocBauer

The overall vitriol is so heavy I'm not even sure I want to comment. Wow! To be clear and honest, I was a fan of so much work Falvey did within the SYSTEM of changes in coaches and development that I was a fan. Do you even realize how many coaches were stolen from the Twins the last few years? Falvey had an eye for coaching talent. And he brought the FO in to the 21st Century in regard to analysts and scouting. (At least until the Pohlads shrunk the budget here). But while I didn't always agree with him, he LOST ME at the 2025 trade deadline. You CAN'T blame Abel for getting injured. And you can't be down on a 20yo A+ prospect that has tremendous power who might still be a solid catcher, or a great 1B in a couple of years. I'd trade Jax all day for a young, talented top of the rotation arm. The Stewart for Outman trade was just silly. Nobody won this. But the Twins FO, no longer with Falvey in charge, BLEW this trade in the end. That's Zoll. It was probably his pride on the line. Instead of keeping a young LH hitting OF that has potential, they kept Outman. Zoll lost my faith right there! Oh wait, I also forgot he also lost my faith when the Twins didn't keep Rodriguez in RF to start the season. Oh, I guess Falvey decided to keep both Wallner and Larnach. So I guess I give a small pass there. So maybe keep Rodriguez and not Roden? Even though both deserved a spot, I guess you have to make decisions. But the decisions were wrong. Honestly, building a better team means taking some chances. Zoll decided to be Falvey Jr. But the "building a bullpen" was where Falvey completely lost me. Trading for Roden, as a solid player, and Rojas just sounds good on the surface. But it was a STUPID move to add an OF that you won't even give a chance, and a wild LH that we can hope replaces the value of Varland. If there's anything to be learned from the crazy 2025 PURGE, just DON'T be as stupid as your predesor. Roden has a chance to be a solid 4th OF. Rojas has a CHANCE to be a solid SP in time. But injuries have held his IP under hopeful expectations. And he's still fighting command, despite an incredible arm. Most of the trades made sense. NOT cutting Outman immediately was a FO ego trip. It blocked Roden from any chance he could be a solid contributor. Why in the hell was he traded for if you weren't going to give him a chance in the first place? And I'd LOVE at this point if they just cut Rojas loose as the next LH weapon in the bullpen. He kinda replaces what Varland turned out to be, if not exactly. And MAYBE Roden actually gets a chance to prove he's a quality 4th OF option. So what SHOULD the FO learn from last seasons RED DAY? 1] It's not as easy to rebuild a bullpen on the fly as you thought. Injuries and poor decisions come in to play. But at this point, how about we give Raya and CJ and Rojas a chance to build a bullpen? 2] Trading for ML talent doesn't always mean immediate help. 100%. IF the Twins are even in partial trade mode, Jeffers is ONLY going to bring back a couple solid prospects. How can you not understand that? No team in contention is going to trade a high quality RP or SP for a rental player. PERIOD! BUT, you might get a couple top 10-20 prospects for 2027. What else do you expect? You really think a contending team is going to offer up IMMEDIATE help for the 2026 Twins while they're still fighting for a playoff spot? 3] I really hate discussing the Correa deal and $ saved, which is an illusion. It might have been saved, but it wasn't transmitted to 2026 for sure. And that's really a shame and misguided attitude from ownership. But it is what it is until TP proves something different. But IF the Twins are actually sellers at the deadline, I sure hope Zoll isn't as crazy as Falvey was last season. And I'd hope his decisions are smart. Because I've really lost almost all faith in a zoll/Falvey administration. And that's really sad.

My opinion is short and sweet. At least for ME, lol. I am 100% on a new deal for Bradley. He's super talented, young, still has a ceiling he hasn't hit yet...a good thing for the Twins...there is some recent precedence in regard to the Lopez extension, and the financials of MLB going forward might allow for at least some changes in profit sharing, even if we don't see the full CAP and FLOOR idea. But I also want to add, regardless SOMEWHAT of any new agreement, the Twins payroll dips below $100M in 2027 between trades or FA lost even if trades don't take place. And while the system has some very nice pitching prospects still on hand, there is a sudden gap between the 40 man roster and A+ ball, with a couple outliers. IF TP puts his $ where his mouth is, the Twins 13 man player roster in 2027 will be less proven at spots, but younger, more talented, more athletic, with higher ceilings, and also less expensive. So it will be a PERFECT time to extend at least ONE of Ryan or a rebounding Lopez for an extension to go along with Bradley. I doubt they could extend both. But the bird in the hand analogy really works here. FA contracts just don't fit a middle market team. Retention DOES work, along WITH development. So keeping Bradley and ONE of Lopez and Ryan with a relatively young and inexpensive team actually works. And you keep your SP staff strong for 2027 initially, and for 2028 and beyond, allowing your pitching prospects to develop.

I think Jenkins, as a supee talented prospect at 21yo is doing very well at AAA currently. And I can't wait to see him with the Twins. There are no real holes in his game. The only real "deficit" is that he's still developing his power. It's there, he just hasn't learned to tap in to it yet. A couple days ago...can't recall if it was the Futures Game or not....he hit a laser shot opposite field double down the LF line. It was a thing of beauty, and almost as pretty as a HR, but impressive as it shows what he's capable of doing. I think he's got 30HR potential. But that might be a 2-3 years down the road. But if he hits 35-40 DBLs and only 25HR, that can make him just as dangerous of a hitter. Especially considering he should be a good AVG and OB% hitter. But I have zero problem letting him "cook" a little more at St Paul until the deadline at least. Long term, it only helps his development, and does nothing to slow his career. His current hot streak is great. But I don't want him promoted just because of that. I still want to see him barrel up balls a little better with a decent launch angle. He learns to do that, the doubles and homers are going to naturally come. Right NOW Larnach and Bell are doing very well in their roles. But we still don't know if they're going to be around in 2 1/2 weeks. The 4 straight losses to the Cubs and Guardians are putting a real damper on the idea of being buyers at the deadline. But there's still games to be played between now and the deadline. And a couple more weeks at AAA aren't going to hurt Jenkins in the least. Nor is he guaranteed to actually help the Twins immediately win. The offense hasn't been the problem, at least against RHP. So NO, Jenkins doesn't have to be promoted immediately. But I DO believe if the Twins decide to do sell Jeffers for a decent haul, and Larnach, and Bell for whatever they can get, I'd absolutely love to see Jenkins get his debut and get his feet wet for 2027. And Roden can finally get a real shot at playing time as well. By then, K-Pepper might/should be ready for SS, letting Kreidler be the Super Utility guy. Maybe Gonzalez gets a shot as well? He's been doing pretty well the last couple of months despite season numbers being dragged down to his poor start. And let's not forget Rodriguez might/should be ready about mid August. And even if he is granted a 4th option year due to injury, he sure could use an opportunity to get his feet wet at the ML level as well. Sands should be back very soon. It sounds like Raya's injury was actually very minor, so he should be back soon. Does CJ get a shot come August? Even if the Twins don't end up buyers, but limited sellers instead, there's still a LOT to play for! For the TEAM, there is reaching and exceeding .500 with a POSSIBLE...but remote...possibility of still sneaking in to the playoffs with a sudden 2 month run the way the Tigers did recently. PLUS, there is playing for PRIDE to finish the season strong. PLUS, there is building for 2027 as a TEAM and organization as a whole. Playoffs or not, how about talented prospects coming up and building a bridge for 2027 and making life really difficult for every team they face that also has playoff plans? I'm reminded of Indians manager commenting in Major League where he stated he'd like to give prognosticors a "great big sh*t burger to eat". We still don't know if the Twins are limited sellers, or limited buyers. But NO, to Jenkins immediately. But YES to seeing him and others come August 4th and beyond. No matter what, there ARE things to still play for.

I think a lot of young pitchers struggle with the "command" aspect of throwing. Zebby is a great example. He can absolutely FILL UP the zone with strike after strike, but some games, he looses "command" and can't hit the bottom of the zone or the corners. I agree with the OP from what I've seen from Rojas so far. I won't say it's "fear" of ML hitters, it's not trusting in how good your stuff actually is to get them out. I also think that was part of Raya's issue as well, just trusting your pitches to be good enough that you don't have to always be perfect, and only hit corners to get ML hitters out. Rojas' STUFF is wicked good. Less nibbling, or trying to be perfect, and just live in the zone a little more and I think he coukd see some excellent results. That doesn't mean groove stuff and dare a batter to hit it. It just means that the velocity and movement is so good already, so stop being "cute" and trying to make batters miss or have poor contact. The way his stuff moves and plays up, he has the ability to get guys out by "challenging" the zone better. I still don't know if he's going to end up as a SP or not. I think that's a decision for a different day. But he's got 8th and 9th inning potential if he can stay in the zone more frequently.

Look, the truth is AA is when prospects start to show they have actual ML potential. And it's a tough adjustment. Sometimes it takes a whole season, or a season and a half to make that adjustment. And that's just NOT a worry point. Only a few 21-22yo are special enough to blow by AA. But the TOP Twins prospects are pretty much already at AAA, with a couple at AA. Rodriguez is a special talent who just needs to stay healthy. IMO, either Larnach or Wallner should have been gone to make room for him. He should have been used the way the Brewers used Chourio, let him develop at the ML level and live with some struggles. MAYBE he doesn't have another silly thumb injury. Sliding doors scenario. The Twins SHOULD have been smart enough to just dump Outman and keep Roden. At least, by this point, you have an idea of what he could be. Just RIDICULOUS roster construction because you STILL don't know what you traded for almost a year ago! But ego or paranoia you were so scared about DEPTH you yet again IGNORED TALENT vs obscure depth. Zoll should be embarrassed how this was handled. In a good way, the Twins are in competition for a WC, maybe even a chance to win the ALC outright. But it does question the future of the team going forward. I seriously doubt Larnach and Bell are back next season. That means it's FINALLY TIME to promote. Rodriguez MIGHT get another option season. But he's also ML ready based on talent and projection. Personally, I'm beyond ready to just live with growth and projection and see how he turns out. I understand the Jenkins love and anticipation of his debut. He's got all the talent in the world. And he's doing really well as a 21yo at AAA. But can we pause for a moment to realize he's still figuring things out as a 21yo? Most guys his age are in A ball. I think he's really close, and I'd love to see him debut this season, but I'm OK if he needs a little more time to work on his power stroke. But he's damn close to arriving. K-Pepper is going to be up soon. He's got everything you want from an INF, including the ability to play SS. But there's a real chance a year or so from now where we are debating who is best at 3B and 2B with Houston taking over SS and being the best defender we've had in ages, even though he's continued to look like a solid bat as well. So yeah, I'm fully on board for what I see as a really good lineup over the next couple of seasons. Rodriguez and Jenkins in the corners as early as opening day, allowing for slight delays. Buxton remains in CF, of course, and Keaschall can play all over. The STARTING 2027 INF will be Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. Houston MIGHT be ready at some point in 2027, but if it's late 2027, or 2028, I'm still OK. Clemens is still a part of depth. And Kreidler has established himself this season, but MIGHT see a challenge Ross at some point. And let's not forget Lackey at catcher. Or did we forget the OP is about the near future? Sorry to fans with wishes, but he's not going to be ready until 2028 at the earliest. He only recently turned 21yo. And while he's regarded as an outstanding backstop, there's still stuff to learn. But the OP is correct. Not everyone will turn out. Some prospects will fail. Some will meet their potential. Some will be OK. A few prospects will be traded. But it's really hard to not to be excited with an OF of Rodriguez, Buxton...potentially resigned for a couple more seasons as an OF and DH...and Jenkins, with Keaschall as a utility OF/INF. And an INF of Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. And then Houston moves K-Pepper to 2B. KC could move Lee to 2B, but I really like Lee at 3B and KC becoming one of the best 2B in MLB. The only question might be Lewis at 1B 2yrs from now. Is he a FA, or a Twin. Time will tell. But as the OP states, there is the potential for a hell of a good lineup with offense and defense starting as early as 2027.

Trading Larnach and Bell would bring back a pretty small return, but not necessarily C level prospects. They might actually get a couple solid B prospects for teams that could really use one of those bats to augment their lineup for a push. Byt they aren't going to bring back somone to help this season. 2027? Maybe. More like late 2027 or 2028, but they might replace a couple prospects dealt for pen arms over the next couple of weeks. IMO, the Twins have 2 realistic options over the next 2 1/2 weeks to augment this team. 1] I think we need to reflect back to 2019 when the Twins made a pair of trades to add to the bullpen. The first was OF Jaylin Davis and a pair of A ball pitchers (Prelander Berroa and Kai-Wei Teng) to the Giants for Sam Dyson. The second was 1B Lewin Diaz to the Marlins for Sergio Romo and Chris Vallimont. Both were solid, proven, 30yo plus veterans on expiring deals. Forget the fact that Dyson turned out to be a horrible person, had he not been injured...and hiding it from the Giants and Twins...he would have been a good get. Romo fit in so well, he earned another deal with the Twins. Has the cost for a couple of 30yo plus rentals on expiring deals changed so much the past few years? Maybe. But comparable deals TODAY would have been something like Fedko or Rosario, and a couple a couple arms from Ft Myers or the FCL squad. And Sabato might actually be better than Lewin Diaz as a 1B option. But even if the prospect cost is a little higher today than 2019, the Twins can afford something at least similar for a couple veteran set up types with expiring contracts. And maybe someone deserves an extension the way Romo did. It might cost a little more, but it sure would be nice to find another team's "Varland" who is around 26yo and has just started a pen conversion, or is about to, because he just hasn't taken a grip on a rotation spot. 2] The Twins could make a very interesting move for a decent, solid, veteran pitcher on an expiring deal to slot in behind Bradley, allow Prielipp to finish the season in the bullpen to keep him at 100-ish IP, and then make a move for a 30yo veteran setup type on an expiring deal. Said SP veteran provides rotation depth, allows Prielipp to keep throwing without encountering any IP issue, helps the bullpen, and they still add a solid veteran to help with the backend of the bullpen. Just for conversation sake, what if the Twins were willing to pay the last $8.5M for Sonny Gray for a couple of solid prospects that don't hurt too much? (Not sure about any team option buyout $ numbers). That's probably too high of a target, but Gray enjoyed his time here and it would definitely be a "surprise" move. But I think they'd probably target someone a little less expensive IMO, those are the likely 2 scenarios. I believe TP and the FO are willing to add in an attempt to fortify the STAFF as a whole, in whatever scenario transpires. And either move can help this team win another 3-5 games by simply not blowing winnable games. POTENTIALLY, it's enough to win the ALC if someone doesn't suddenly run away with it, much less a possible WC playoff spot. The FO/ownership actually helps this current team compete more strongly, but they don't damage the overall structure of the TOP 20 prospect lists. NOW, if they target some hard throwing up and comer, young and under control, from a team not in contention and it costs them something like Mendez/Gonzalez plus a Soto/Hill I'm willing to listen at least. The team could probably absorb the loss of Larnach or Bell. I don't think they could absorb the loss of both if they're still fighting for contention. But again, a couple decent prospects could help replace what is traded away, potentially. But the great big elephant in the room remains Jeffers. And I wish it wasn't true as I really like Jeffers, and always have. I love his offense. But even more, I just love the way he handles the STAFF and how they trust him. I have NO CLUE about how ownership and the FO view his situation. IF he's traded, they can "withstand" playing without him because Caratini is OK, and Jackson remains a solid backup option. While 3-way trades are rare, Jeffers could be a quasi 3 team trade when you factor in solid prospects coming back...probably at least ONE top 100 talent...and those prospects could supplement the prospects sent out in various bullpen trades. That would be the Twins as sellers AND buyers. It could work. It could be beneficial. But I'm 50/50 we see it happen. Just a gut feeling, but if the team is in contention, I see the Twins keeping Jeffers, riding it out, and then deciding after the season what to do. While not a difference maker, I still liked the addition of Nance as a middle reliever with a good background. And I like the idea of NOT waiting for the deadline to make moves. NOT making early moves only helps fulfill the destiny of NOT being in the playoffs. But I'm in favor of point #1 in my post. Deal for a couple solid veteran setup man types to give this team a chance. And again, maybe someone deserves a new deal. In the last 50 years plus of following the Twins, I can only remember the team ever trading for a "closer". And that would be Davis and Reardon. And if I've missed someone, please correct me. Nathan was an unknown when acquired with potential. Aguilera was a SP who became one of the best closers we've had. Guardardo and Perkins were LHSP who "failed" as SP and became closers. Even Trombley was briefly a decent closer for goodness sake. Duran was SUPPOSED to be a STUD SP. But he just wasn't built for that role. Jax...a fireman but sometimes closer...was a mediocre SP who became something much more. I know there are some that will accuse me of living in a fantasy world. And that's OK. But in the modern history of the Twins, they have generally developed RP and depth from within, while also finding good value where others didn't always see it. I'm so tempted to go "Back to the Future" for examples but won't. How about Thielbar as a FA that Detroit ignored, good for the Twins. And then you get Stewart for a while. And then we get a gift of Gomez, who could still end up better as a setup man. Right NOW, they need a couple of veteran arms. How about another Dyson and Romo trade that doesn't greatly affect the prospect depth? I think it's OK to ask for ideas. But that's up the FO to decide who makes sense. Again, living in a fantasy world, I really think the FO was blindsighted by the sudden Lopez injury. Despite decent rotation depth, I really think they had a "supposedly" healthy Festa still ready to be a late inning bullpen option. It just made sense, and still does if he can get healthy for 2027. But then he wasn't ready. And Lewis wasn't ready for what I also consider to be a natural pen conversion arm. And the Ober arrived at ST throwing 88-89 even though he was throwing 90-91 in the offseasn. And on top of it all, SWR was suddenly mediocre to poor. I mean, what the hell happened? Suddenly Prielipp is pushed earlier than expected, Abel looks like the STUD we hoped for, and then he suddenly gets hurt as well. Thankfully, Ober kinda/sorta looks like a Radke/Silva clone. I'm not sure how the conversation of MILB talent arms that was intended could of turned out worse. Gomez has been a developmental gift. Morris is doing everything he can to prove he's a top option. At this time, Festa coulda/shoulda been a top BP arm. I sure hope he can get fully healthy again, because there's so much potential there. Unfortunately, Raya was ACTUALLY on a path to show his potential before he also got injured. He's already on a rehab assignment. And CJ Culpepper is not quite ready, but his bullpen convertion is going well. My whole point, foe anyone still reading, is the INITIAL BP plan has been blown up and delayed. But we are starting to see glimpses of the plan finally taking hold. The bullpen we finish with this season is probably not the bullpen we see to begin 2027. Things just haven't turned out as expected. And that includes injuries. BUT even 2 solid veteran, solid additions could make a difference for 2026. I just don't think the FO has to go crazy to add to the bullpen for 2026 and still come away with a couple solid additions. And I'd applaud them for making moves BEFORE the deadline to help the team NOW. I just don't want them to trade away too much only for this season, unless they can bring in an under developed arm. There's just too much potential for the 2027 pen that I don't want to get prospect crazy on trades for this season.

Absolutely not. The prospect capital and almost immediate pending increases in arbitration $. One dominant closer might be a good trade a couple years from now when we have a possible/probable fine lineup of mostly 27yo and younger players, have fleshed out the pen better, and have what I believe will still be a quality rotation at that time lead by Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, etc, etc. They need a couple solid, dependable pen arms to finish out this season and support the lineup and starting staff that we currently have. Having someone mike Miller would aure by nice, but we're just not a closer away from being an actual contender.

Damn, I love Jeffers. Always have. I really hate the idea of letting him go.

I have to ask Ash, while I agree you always have to expect to be "scooped" by teams before you, are you more disappointed they didn't draft a pitcher anyway? Or more disappointed that Tinney was the next best player on their board?

Just a small side note that doesn't really mean anything in the long run, but there was a potential out at 1B in the late innings where Lewis stretched out as far as he could to snag the ball and still keep his foot on the bag. The runner was ruled safe. But the glove snag, and the stretch, shows me Lewis is really settling in at 1B. Sometimes you look at the little things.

Ober had a couple poor starts before he went on the IL. I'm still wondering if he was trying to "gut it out" for the team. The truth is his lost velocity might be permanent, unfortunately. But except for those couple of games pre IL stint, he has actually been very solid as a throwback SP confounding batters with breaking stuff, changes of speed, and location. He's so damn smart, and has so much control and confidence, that he has re-invented himself as an old school starter. He's no longer a #3 who throws like a #2 once in a while, but he looks like a really good #4-5 SP. And there's still tremendous value in that. I remember when Keaschall was drafted and all the great accolades placed on him as a "hitter" and being a "gamer". The FO and scouting department just loved his talent and attitude as a "ballplayer". But I clearly remember scouting reports that said he might be a future CF. I thought that was interesting, but put it on the backburer in my head. I still saw him as an athletic 2B with a great bat, who might sit at 2B for many years. I'm still hopeful that he can play an acceptable 2B once in a while, with experience, but there is a "block" where I belive he "thinks" too much at 2B instead of reacting. In time, that might change. I hope it does because it only increases his value as a utility player who can play 2B and some 1B as necessary, here and there. And he has experience at 1B. But DAMN has he looked good in the OF so far! He's only had a couple misplays in RF so far, which he seemed to adapt to almost immediately. And his CF instincts seem intact as well. He's done well there in limited playing time so far. But the catch he made in deep left center field tonight was something that only Buxton might have made. His arm may or may not be a problem going forward. And I'd still like him to work at 2B and 1B to increase his versatility for roster/lineup sake, but DAMN if he doesn't look like a tremendous OF. **Bonus points after a great game offensively and defensively with a dirty uniform.

We always talk about IP in regard to SP. But when it comes to pen pitchers we talk about ups and downs an pitches thrown. So there is a weird dyconomy in regard to young pitchers. And Shelton has stated the obvious, there is no script to follow. So far, they've done a good job to mitigate Prielipp's innings overall. Based on NORMAL projections, 120 IP would be normal for him. But he's also not a "normal" pitcher in regard to his past. But what's more important, IP, or pitches thrown? As a MILB pitcher, he was held to around 75-80 pitches max. As a Twin, he's been trusted for 85-90 pitches. But they've also done a great job to give him delayed days and days off to protect his arm. That gives him extra rest. So are 120 IP really a bad goal if they can continue to find opportunities to rest him? Assuming they can find enough days to push him back and rest him when they can, I see no reason why he can't hit 120 IP this season. But again, it's not just the IP, it's how many pitches thrown each game. So extra rest here and there allows him to stretch out a bit. I think they are using him very well. But IF there is a question about pitches and IP at some point, he could be added to the bullpen on a stretch run, and any potential playoffs opportunity as pen depth piece. For NOW, I think he's been handled perfectly. And as a rookie who was probably promoted earlier than expected, I think he's looked damn good.

Yes to Kreidlee at SS. Nothing personal toward Gray, but he hasn't hit for a while and as a SS he's only an occasional fill in. Period. K-Pepper healthy and a couple weeks at St Paul to get back in a groove, he's up and Gray is down. No way you turn Lewis into a part time player when he looks like a much improved hitter who is adapting well to 1B. You want to play Caratini as a LH bat once in a while against a really tough RHP to get a day off, OK. But you don't mess with the psychology/emotions/confidence of Lewis. You're only asking to mess him up again. And it's ridiculous to think Go on some wasted opportunity after only a couple appearances. True his career in Korea hasn't translated to MLB yet. But he's changed his repertoire a bit and has been very good at AAA so far. Maybe he's finally turned a corner? You have to give him an honest chance. Paredes just isn't special. But he's also pitched his a*s of with the Twins. I haven't totally given up on Adams yet as I've seen enough to tease me to believe he might have another level to reach yet as a middle pen man. But maybe they're better with Paredes in that role for now? But Go deserves an opportunity. But another move they could make without a trade? For NOW, just make Rojas a 1 inning power LH arm who can throw 100 with a nasty breaking ball. Re-evaluate him after this season if you will. He has control issues that need to be corrected. But it's also easier to have control for 1 inning than multiple innings. The bubble has been popped. MAXIMIZE the talent you have on hand! Hell, he might gain MORE confidence in his stuff and control in that 1 IP role going forward.

It's very simple but yet complicated at the same time. If the Twins come out of the break playing the same way they have been playing, you're hoping for a 10-6 record that not only puts them above .500, not only has them grabbing a hold on the 6th WC playoff spot, but has them in contention to win the ALC. This is absolutely true unless a couple of teams suddenly go on a hot streak and mess everything up. If the Twins suddenly fall asleep after all the good work they have done the past couple of months and suddenly go 6-10, they have pretty much lost their chances for playoff competition and things change. So ALL of the various articles about sell, or buy, or both, are kind of frivolous until we see how the next 2 or 2 1/2 weeks ACTUALLY turn out. A team in contention seldom deals quality ML players. IF they do, they are trading for prospects. COULD the Twins trade Jeffers for prospects, but ALSO trade prospects for bullpen help and still "survive" without him? Based on the last month plus, the answer is probably yes. It would be sort of a conviluted 3 team deal where we move prospects for bullpen help, but gain some prospects back. IF we're in contention, do we trade Larnach, during his best season, and have someone ready to replace him? Is Roden ready? Maybe. Is Keaschall ready? Maybe. But that's a lot of maybe for a team in contention. But it's really nonsense to discuss until we see how the next couple of weeks play out. IF we keep playing good ball and winning, it's possible Jeffers is resigned or given the QO offer for one year. It's possible we trade for a couple solid BP pieces. We need something to talk about during the break. And I get that. But I think there are more interesting topics to discuss than ANOTHER potential trade OP. How about we just see how the next couple of weeks go?

Yep! He spends 2027 at AA as a 22yo. Hopefully he does well enough to spend the last few weeks at AAA. And then he's at AAA as a 23yo in 2028. He's now a hot start or injury away from a taste of MLB. But even if he's a late season call up, he's still on track. And even if he's not ready for a full time Twins roster spot until he's 24yo in 2029, he's still a young prospect. He might surprise and "figure stuff out" before that and make a major leap. Or he could just be a super athletic ballplayer who just never figures it out. It happens all the time. But I have some belief in the "kid" to struggle a bit, but flash his potential, and look OK for his entry to AA. And I expect he goes back again to start 2027 at AA again. His future is in his own hands. But his talent is so tremendous that I'm still banking on him putting it all together and being ready for 2029 at the latest. Sometimes the "lightbulb" turns on all of a sudden. Sometimes the "lightbulb" never comes on beyond dim. I'm still betting on Winoker making it.

Jamie, absolutely love the show and the hard work you and Jeremy put in to it! And while it's a grind for you I'm certain, the live draft show was once again tremendous! Absolutely love the first 6 picks. Hard to argue about getting Lackey, Tinney, Wachsman, Renfrow, LaPour and Murdock. A tremendous talent at catcher, and 4 high velocity arms with some nice projection. I'm certain the Twins had a plan in place to be able to sign Wachsman. I hope LaPour's injury isn't a precursor to a larger issue. IDK, but something about Renfrow reminds me of Matthews but with a little more initial velocity. Like others, my initial reaction to Tinney wasn't very good. But then I calmed down, realized he was the best player on the Twins board after a couple of priority targets were taken just before his selection, and then felt pretty good after you read off the BB%, K's that seem to happen in the zone vs being a "chase monster" as well as the pure power and arm strength. I'm thinking a more powerful bat and arm but lesser "hit" tool than fellow big man Jeffers? IMO, for unknown and bizarre reasons, it feels like catchers are always undervalued, even though they play a very important role. I see them the same way I see QB in the NFL draft, you try to draft or sign one every year...or every other year in the NFL comparison...to make sure you always have a good backup, and maybe end up with a high in demand trade commodity. Nothing says Tinney couldn't be a fine backup to Lackey, a future 1B, or a great trade piece in a couple of years. On the position player side, I kinda like Teel but I'm wondering about power potential. He sort of reminds me of a Kepler-lite. Solid approach, some good all around skills, but is he anything more than a 4th OF option in the future? I absolutely love the Turner pick! He just seems to be a GAMER. And Big 10 baseball has been on a rise the past few seasons. If he can play a decent 2B and reign in his chase %, he might be someone to pay attention to. The various SS selections all seem to offer slightly different but also similar talents. Lane was a huge surprise to me. I'm hoping there is a Super Utility player option in the future for one of them. And I like a 3rd catcher in Prather. The lower levels need catching too. He reminds me of another Cossetti, decent bat, power potential, but very raw defensively. Probably just an organizational depth piece? But why not take a shot? As to the other pitchers... How can you not be excited by Burns? A big, strong kid with a 100mph FB with break, and a potentially good cutter, IIRC, and a HUGE K %. In addition to SOME SEMBLANCE of better control before he BB everyone or kills someone...OBVIOUS movie reference intended...I keep thinking adding a splitter as a 3rd offering could make him NASTY. It seems an obvious add to me, but could also be a dangerous add if he doesn't find better command/control. I'm kinda intrigued by Bouchard. I see him as a shorter version of Festa. Velocity camp, adding another 10-15lbs to his frame, might he be a surprise when he debuts in 2027? Again, the clay seems to be there to work with. OVERALL, I think it was a solid draft. I think there's a lot of talent in those first 6 picks. And there's some potential beyond that for sure. Burns could be in the bullpen late 2027 or sometime in 2028. Or he could wash out after a couple of seasons. But I don't believe drafting a RP with potential is ever a mistake if they have real arm talent. And the way bullpens are used and valued in today's game, I actually expect more true relievers to be drafted in the future. But if we ignore Lackey for a moment, I think the position players in 2025 were better selections overall. And the Twins "curse" really ran rampant in regards to injuries for the 2025 arms drafted. But I think the 2025 draft had better depth of pitching talent than this one. Some of that was just obvious depth, and some was the Twins looking at cheap signings in order to sign Wachsman. STILL, a very good first 6 picks, a few interesting arms from 6th round on, and an interesting mix of position players who we hope we find a couple of solid prospects 2yrs from now.

I am amazed at obtuse thinking. Ryan has never said he wanted to be traded. He only stated last season that it was "interesting" to hear his name in a BS report about being traded. He's throwing as well as he ever has. The trade BS should just go away. He's a Twin for 2027 PERIOD. The FO is going to have to make a decision between extending Lopez or Ryan. But that's a few months away.

100% agree. It's funny how often there are debates about acquiring and developing catchers with potential, but so many are up in anger they didn't select a pitcher at that point. Actually, it's very similar to when Jeffers was drafted and so many were questioning his selection because they didn't know who he was. Well, that turned out pretty good. I also hear that he really wants to remain a catcher and be the best he can be. And IMO, that's important. It takes a different mindset to WANT to be a catcher. I'd bet you dollars to Navy beans that had Lackey been selected by the Sox or Rays, we'd be hearing praises about grabbing Tinney in the second round. Funny how things turn out.

I actually like the early addition of Nance. He's a decent, solid middle arm. And for this bullpen, that's saying a lot. But he helps. I can see the Twins going a couple directions here. I can see trading a couple lower level prospects for a veteran arm like Jansen, maybe with the trading team eating a small portion of his contract. Based on how Falvey used to trade, and Zoll is his incumbent, I can easily see a slightly higher prospect payment for a younger arm that has control remaining. I keep thinking Varland version 2023-24 before he broke out. That would be an awesome get if the cost isn't too high. But I think what we should expect is trades similar to 2019, I believe I have the year right, where the Twins added Romo and Dyson for a couple marginal prospects. Romo was so solid, he was resigned. And just for a moment, let's forget Dyson was hiding an injury and turned out to be a poor human being. On paper, it was a great trade of rentals for next to nothing. Could Jansen be the next Romo who doesn't cost much as a rental? Yes, he might be. But I expect, IF the Twins remain in contention a couple weeks from now, ONE veteran arm on an expiring contract to help stabilize the pen. And one additional arm from some team that hurts a little, but has 2yrs of control that will make it worthwhile.

Whether the Twins buy, sell, or do both, there's room for K-Pepper to debut as soon as he's healthy. With all due respect to Kreidler and Gray, the only thing preventing K-Pepper being up is his hip/glute injury that will hopefully be resolved soon. I'd guess his target date is now about August 1st. His promotion does nothing to disrupt the current Twins winning cycle. Gray goes back down for depth, and possible depth for 2027. (A big TBD there). And Kreidler goes back to being a pretty damn good Super Utility player for the roster. CJ Culpepper reminds me of a better version of Jax, remembering who Jax WAS before his bullpen conversion. Similarly, they have/had multiple pitches to throw at the oposition. But I believe CJ, when healthy, showed more potential in MILB. CJ has had some injury problems that have held him back, despite good production. Rumor has it he's had a hard time maintaining velocity past a couple of IP. So his transition is understandable. And so far it's gone really well. I honestly believe he can debut as a 2 IP middle man who has the potential to be a late inning arm. But he's still fighting control a bit currently. I'd LOVE to see him in August to get his feet wet and get ready for 2027. And it might happen. But it also depends if the Twins make some BP trade moves. If that happens, his target is sometime in 2027. Ross was a fairly early 5th round pick from a small school who was a great athlete. Simply put, his BAT just hasn't translated to pro ball until this year. But what he HAS seemingly done is finally figuring stuff out after 4 1/2 seasons as a 25yo. He destroyed AA this season with a 1.324 OPS! Currently with St Paul, he has a really solid .846 OPS. While solid, it's not what you'd want from a top prospect. Except, he's not a TOP prospect. He's a very good, athletic, Super Utility player who can provide solid defense wherever he plays, with a potentially decent bat with speed and some power. Remind you of anyone? Willi Castro debuted before age 25. But he didn't do much. It wasn't until he came to the Twins on a MILB deal as a 27yo before he took off. So is Ross another Fedko as a late development player? Or is he a younger player who started to figure it out similar to Castro? I just think there's a really interesting parallel here. Fedko was a late round pick who the Twins stuck with, blossomed late in his career, got a cup of coffee, but the jury is still mixed if he has a ML future with the Twins or a different organization. Castro was promoted aggressively, maybe too early, and the Tigers bailed on him. The Twins got the benefit of their decision. Ross is between these two examples. He's a higher draft choice than Fedko, a little younger, and plays INF as well as OF. So he's more similar to Castro in regard to talent and utility. But Castro debuted with mediocre results before breaking through with the Twins. I don't believe Ross will play for the Twins this season. Kreidler is blocking him, and deservedly so. But if Ross keeps playing good defense all over the place, and keeps hitting and producing the way he is, I think a 2027 debut is in his cards. I think he has a chance to be a Super Utility player with well rounded offensive contributions. But not this season.

IMO, this debate is settled on the field. The Twins are playing good ball and have won something like 8 of 9 series of late. The only "lost" series was against the Dodgers, though they were "in" 2 of those games. Mo embarrassment in losing against the best team in baseball. I have always seen this as a transition season where we start to work in the prospects, pitchers and hitters, for 2027 and beyond. But if a couple things went the Twins way, I thought .500, or just above, was possible. But I also never saw the AL being this DOWN across the league. EVERY SINGLE SEASON there is ONLY ONE true winner. BUT...and disagree with me as you will...if your team has a chance to make the playoffs, you just DON'T do anything to change that. Making the playoffs under any context is just FUN for the fans, and for the players, as well as a positive for the organization as a whole. If the Twins start the 2nd half 6-10, they are probably out of it and you look to move Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell. BUT, if they go 10-6, they are above .500, probably a projectable WC team, and probably right in the thick of the ALC race. That's a POSITIVE, and a hell of a lot more fun. You're right though, Nick, the positives of contention "rob" the Twins somewhat of looking toward the future. While I think the Twins are better WITH Jeffers than without him, we've seen we can win without him between Caratini and Jackson. So we COULD be buyers and sellers at the same time regarding Jeffers. More than likely though, he brings back prospects, not someone who helps this season. But said prospect return would mitigate other prospects traded for bullpen help. Is it POSSIBLE that Larnach could be traded and Roden just steps in to LF and replaces him with a solid bat, solid OB%, and even better defense and more speed? Sure! But injuries and poor roster construction...he should have been kept over Outman...makes that a rather big MAYBE. And how could you replace Bell at this point? You just promote Jenkins...who is close but not quite ready...shuffle the lineup, and just say whoever is the DH that day we'll be just fine? I guess, MAYBE, if Buxton suddenly plays half his games at DH, and you think Roden and Jenkins will perform really well immediately in full time duty but that's a hell of a stretch! So again, we can speculate and spitball all we want. But if the Twins go 10-6, they are IN the mix for the playoffs. And the Twins aren't going to mess with that excitement. Nor should they. Sometimes you play for TODAY. If they go 6-10 and just have too much of a mountain to climb, you trade away Jeffers, Larnach, and Bell, and you play the prospects for the excitement of NEXT YEAR. Speculation really doesn't matter until we see how the next few weeks are played.

I know this OP is about steals, and while we can't call any success of a 2nd rounder a steal, Tinney has been brought up. So I'm going to hijack the thread for a moment. I've already stated elsewhere he was not only a surprise, but my knee-jerk reaction was "WTH"?! But I'm actually starting to like his selection now. I have no doubt the Twins were "hijacked" by other teams just before the pick. But I believe Johnson when he says he was the top player on their board at the time. And I'm big on catchers and catcher development within the system. Unfortunately, other than Jeffers, previous selections simply haven't turned out. But speaking of Jeffers, I see a close resemblance to him in Tinney. Probably more power, a stronger arm, but not as good of a hitter as Jeffers. But a lot of his K's...from what I've heard...weren't do to chasing, but rather maybe being a but to passive at times and then missing a pitch in the zone as he worked the count too much. But in a fantasy world where Lacky is the future STUD #1, let's say Tinney, Tait, and Jimenez all progress and become ML caliber players. (This is a fantasy, they probably aren't all going to make it). Lackey is a special #1. SOMEONE has to be the #2. For giggles, let's say Tinney is that guy with a big arm, big power, and can hit a little. Tait maybe becomes the next big bat at 1B? Jiminez turns out to be a valuable trade chip to someone needing a good, young catcher with a decent bat. Or maybe Jimenez becomes the #2, one of Tait or Tinney becomes the future, power bat at 1B, and the other is trade bait. I guess my whole point is I don't see Tinney as a superfluous selection when Tait and Jimenez...despite talent...are 19 and 20 years old in high A ball.

Absolutely agree on LaPour as a high velocity, quality arm that could be really good. This draft's version of Ellwanger last year? I also like Steele Murdock in the 5th round. I think there's some good clay to work with there. I can't call Renfrow a steal as he was a high pick, but I see another Matthews, solid repetoire, solid results, add a couple MPH and tunnel his stuff a little better and we might have something. But again, I can't call him a steal. I'm going to echo 2B Turner as a possible steal. Guy seems like a "gamer" who has a really good bat with power. Can he be an average glove man? If so, we might have something there. Also agree on Burns. I don't know if he can race all the way to MLB in 2027 or not. More than likely, he works out in Ft Myers with the other pitchers and we don't see him throw until 2027. Need to work on SOME kind of better control overall and get his cutter more consistent. Being such a large kid, would he be a good candidate for a splitter? It's my understanding that you need fairly large hands to throw a splitter. It's a dangerous pitch for someone who has control issues, but it also seems to be the perfect 3rd offering playing off a 100mph FB and a cutter. 14th rounder Bouchard reminds me a lot of 13th rounder David Festa, just a little shorter. Tall and lanky and needs to pack on some pounds. But how much harder might he be throwing a year from now after velocity camp and adding a good 10-15lbs?

I've been frustrated with this entire 13th man issue for a few years now. I don't want to play the "back in my day" card, but I recall the roster constructions of decades past, the 70's all the way until the early '00's. A lot of AL teams, not all, had a primary DH as part of a 14, or even 15 man player roster "back in the day". NL teams sometimes had a "professional" PH. And sometimes, a team had an extra spot for a platoon player. For rough examples, the Mets employed Rusty Staub as their primary PH, and Earl Weaver was one of the first managers I can recall who liked to platoon where he could. NOTE: I'm ignoring the couple of seasons where owners mandated a 24 man roster. Perhaps I simply can't recall properly, but during the TK and Gardy years, I just can't recall a 13th or 14th player that didn't provide a PURPOSE for being on the roster. (3rd catcher-Ugh)! And if I'm wrong, someone please correct my memory. The last man on the bench might not have always played a ton, but he served a purpose, and was still fit in to the lineup here and there. As Kelly once stated, and I'm only paraphrasing slightly: "How can I ask a player to perform when he's been rotting on the bench"? The Twins lineup has been doing well. Even the defense has improved with the shuffling Shelton has done. And I understand that right now, we have a 3 catcher conundrum for obvious reasons. I'm NOT asking for some major change. But just like the 8th man in the bullpen might occasionally be used in a crunch time moment...and you hope for the best...shouldn't the 13th position player offer up SOMETHING for the team? How about a veteran RH bat who crushes LHP but doesn't suck against RHP? Maybe the same for a veteran utility type player who can give days off to starters once in a while? I can even get behind a super fast PR who can play great OF defense who isn't completely inept with a bat in his hand. But someone who sits on the bench, who seldom plays, who only PR once in a while and is a late inning defensive replacement just doesn't sound like a viable use of the 13th spot. Is it a lack of talent for that spot? Or a lack of the manager's imagination to actually PLAY said player? Both? Just for a moment, let's forget the current state of a 3rd catcher. K-Pepper is ready in a couple of weeks and takes over SS. Gray goes down, Kreidler is the Super Utility guy. Buxton is back and you send Roden down? Why did you trade for him in the first place then? Or do you keep him for the same role that Keirsey and Outman and Fedko filled? What's the point in that? Again, why did you trade for him in the first place then? How about platooning, giving guys days off, and using your ENTIRE roster so that everyone can contribute? Imagine sitting on the bench for 10 days with 1 game started and 3 PA and then being asked to PH in a game? Your bench is 4 players, and 1 of them is a backup catcher, normally. You only want to play 2 of the remaining 3? That's either a lack of talent, or poor imagination of your manager. Every spot on your roster should have SOME importance.

Winokur is one of my favorite prospects in the system due to his tantalizing athleticism and potential. Frankly, I'm a little surprised that anyone is "down" on him as a prospect at this stage in his career. (Yes, I know some of the contact concerns). I'm not the biggest fan of "what if" because it's hard to predict and can lead down a rabbit hole. But I'm going to play that game regardless as I think it's appropriate. He was a top recruit and took extra $ to sign instead of going to Texas Tech, which is a decent school in a top baseball conference. While we DON'T have a crystal ball to see how he would have actually produced in college, with his overall athleticism and tools, it's not hard to predict he would have been a very good college player, displaying all the tools we know he possesses. Even if we assume there were some contact issues, those tools and extrapolated college production would have, more than likely, made him a 1st round pick for someone in the recently completed draft. I'd say a 2nd round pick at worst. So there would be an excited FO, and fan base, SOMEWHERE, really excited about such a toolsy top draft pick ready to enter their system at 21yo. Considering how many/most teams handle recent draftees, he probably goes to A- for a couple of weeks and then finishes the season at A+. He PROBABLY begins 2027 at A+ with the idea of moving up to AA before the season is done. As recent Twins examples, this would pretty much follow the likes of Keaschall, KC, and Houston. Winokur didn't have an awful 2025, just a mediocre one as a 20yo at A+. That's still pretty young for any prospect. He went back, started painfully slow, and then got on a heater and really showed improvement. So the Twins feel he's ready to be challenged with, roughly, half season at AA as a 21yo. Any way you want to paint it, there aren't that many prospects who debut at AA as a 21yo. Are there more than there used to be with all the various changes that have taken place in MILB over the past few seasons with greater "pushes" of young talent? Absolutely. But most of those are TOP IL signings and TOP draft choices who's talent seemingly transcends normal development, even for great athletes like Winokur. Jenkins would be a recent Twins example. So being "ready" for the AA challenge, in the Twins mind, for a 21yo that would have been drafted just last weekend if he went to college is pretty impressive if you ask me. NOW, does any of this mean Winokur is going to reach MLB, much less be a STAR player? Absolutely not! He's still got to HIT at least decently. And he still hasn't unlocked his full power potential yet either. And I fully expect that he will spend most, perhaps all, of 2027 at AA as a 22yo. In what world is a powerful, speedy, strong armed athlete any kind of lost or poor prospect if he spends a season at AA as a 22yo? I'm a fan. I'm a hopeful believer. I actually think he might be the best CF in the system. But I'm not naive enough to believe he's anything close to a finished product. But with his POTENTIAL, I have ZERO problem with him spending 2027 at AA to just work more on contact and recognition, while honing his power stroke. 2028 he's at AAA as a 23yo still gaining experience and honing his abilities. That MIGHT even be ahead of schedule were he an actual draftee last weekend, but certainly not BEHIND. He's one injury or half a season from reaching the ML level. Winokur K-ing 130-140 times and BB 75 times while being a 20-20 player, or better, and hitting .235 with an OB around .300-.315 with quality defense is a very good ballplayer, whether he's at 3B or CF. If he can hit in the .250-.260 range with a slightly higher OB%, he's probably an All Star. But I admit he's got a long way to go. FIRST, he has to conquer AA over the next year and a half. Then he has to prove himself at AAA. Development is never linear. Hell, I'd be happy if he debuted and took a spot as a 24yo! In what world is that an "old" prospect with tons of talent and team control? Defensively, I've seen him play a tiny bit of SS. I've been amazed that a guy that big can reach the balls he can. And his arm is wicked strong. But he's just NOT going to be anything other than a mediocre ML SS. He's playing it less these days, but the Twins have a belief that playing some SS will only make a 3B or 2B that much better in the dirt. I get that in theory, but push back when someone like Winokur is CLEARLY a 3B or CF. Other than as a fill-in on some days, he should be concentrating on 3B and CF daily. Again, I'm not putting the cart before the horse. He's got a lot to develop and prove yet. But I am so much more focused on what he CAN do, and MIGHT do, rather than what he hasn't yet polished. That's why he's a tantalizing 21yo getting his first taste of AA.