DocBauer

Sorry gang, started to read but I'm home late and late to the OP. So I guess I'm just going to toss in a nickel of an opinion at this point. 1] KEASCHALL: 100%. He's built well, but will never be a 20 HR hitter. But with 9 so far this season...virtually a rookie season...he is starting to look like a double digit HR bat in the future with plenty of DBLs and everything else you want in a leadoff hitter. I'm OK putting him the DH role for the OP conversation of a lineup. I think his OF defense will improve, but LF is his best spot. I can still see him occasionally at 2B and 1B as a quasi-utility player. But he will primarily roll between the corner OF spots and DH, with spot duty at 2B at least, if not some 1B. Jenkins and Rodriguez can both cover CF, so he's only an emergency CF option. 2] CULPEPPER: I know he's only a rookie, but he's got decent bat and zone control, though it needs a little work. But he's got HIT ability and decent OB% potential and also has 20-20 potential along with a bunch of DBLS potential as well. 3] JENKINS: He has all the ability in the world to do about everything. He's going to HIT and get OB, and he's going to have a boat load of DBLS. He'll even steal a few bases. While his approach might never lead to being a 30HR hitter, he has the ability to easily be a 20+ HR hitter. 4] BUXTON: 120-130 games in CF if his hip is OK after an offseason is outstanding. But a few more games at DH to prolong his career also makes sense. Imagine his RBI totals with actual OB opportunity from the players hitting before him. 5] I'm OK with Clemens hitting 20+ HR and playing a solid 2B for NOW. And I really like him as part of the roster. 6] LEWIS: He doesn't have to be the Superman we thought he might be. And despite a recent slump he's been really good since his demotion and promotion. But isn't he also the biggest question mark and enigma the FO has to figure out? He's either starting to figure it out but just having a slump OR he's just never going to figure it out. 7] RODRIGUEZ: The FO blew this from day one last year. Despite the injury history, the kid has produced at every level. He had a good ST. He's got tremendous talent. And IF the FO wasn't so damn dense he'd be up September 1st, tomorrow, to get a chance to dive in to rhe deep end for a month. And even if he needs some time hitting lower in the lineup, that's OK. But for the FO to not bring him up tomorrow to play in September only proves Zoll doesn't know what he's doing. 8]LEE: Why does everyone doubt Lee? He began this season with only a year and a less than a half before this season. And not only has he settled in 3B, he's also still growing as a hitter. CURRENTLY, I guess CATCHER is as it is. My biggest issue remains the same. Are the 2027 Twins better chasing a Cruz like DH to help rake? Or are they better just better trusting in the talent on hand?

Wow. Lifted almost exactly from the original MLB Pipeline article including no mention of Jiminez. Granted Jiminez had a season interrupted by some IL time, but there seemed to be some excitement about him this time last year after being acquired from the Tigers at the deadline. He's got a long way to go, but reports have been a solid understanding of calling a game with a good arm and some pop/power. Even if he's a future backup he could be valuable.

I understand defering to Buxton as the figure head and leader of this team. I GET IT, even if I don't necessarily agree with it. If he can live with the pain and still play every couple of days, again, I get it. An 80-85% Buxton is still valuable. And I doubt a few more weeks will make a difference in regards to whatever procedure he needs in the offseason. And while I appreciate the WARRIOR that he is, I think I'd set him down and just tell him we're going to shut him down for another couple of weeks to help in the playoffs...which we probably aren't going to get to. If he HONESTLY feels he can contribute every few days, then I keep him on the roster. But Go being released is obvious. You take a shot once in a while, and that was a miss. No harm, no foul. Since the 2025 trade deadline has been brought up, I DON'T think Roden should have been part of that deal. Even with the potential of Rojas, I still wouldn't have made the Varland deal. Especially with Roden as the 2nd piece. And I actually still like him as a 4th or 5th or platoon player with solid ability. But he NEVER FIT the Twins future needs. I like Roden as a player overall, given a fair chance. But how in hell did he EVER FIT with the future with Jenkins and Rodriguez and others? If the trade was Rojas and another arm, or a solid RH OF, or a solid INF prospect, that might have made much more sense. I don't dislike Roden as depth, and maybe part of a trade package in the offseason. He was just never a good fit for the Twins. This trade might haunt the Twins for a while unless Rojas turns out to be a quality SP, or even a stud LH RP. I'm hoping for the former, but am OK for the latter. But Roden, with all due respect, was the WRONG secondary to that trade.

But I would disagree about Martin. I don't dislike him, and I'm not saying the Twins should trade him or DFA him. But assuming Gonzalez isn't ready in 2027 to earn a job immediately, I'd really like to see the Twins FINALLY trade for or sign a RH OF that can beat up LHP and not suck against RHP. Martin is a RH bat who belongs in LF, can cover RF OK, but is really redundant with Keaschall's move to the OF. It's BEYOND TIME to ignore the final bench spot and actually add someone who is a decent bat with some power and who they can play without crossing fingers.

And you've also sort of restated my opinion here as well. But I don't believe the Twins will have to take on much, if anything, to move on from the glut of OF on the roster. Maybe in regards to Larnach? At his current salary, he was worth a ML reliever to the Astro's GM as a mutual rental for each team. Word has it, there were other offers for Larnach that included a prospect or two. The Twins didn't want to disrupt the current team for prospects. Had they known Larnach was going to go in to a funk, perhaps they would have changed their mind. Larnach, still under team control, is due about $7-8M via arbitration this offseason. I'd be surprised if a team was desperate enough to trade a prospect or 2 for him at that salary. MAYBE the Twins toss in a couple $M to make a deal? We can hope for it, but I doubt it. Wallner is still, more or less, a minimum $ player. Moving him to a team trying to build something might net a decent prospect, but there would be no $ included in the deal. I have to point out that with Jenkins and Rodriguez with the Twins in 2027, the St Paul OF isn't exactly deficient. Barring trades, and understanding there might be some 1B play also involved here, Gonzalez, Mendez, Rosario, a rehabbing Olivar...also in the catching mix...and Spain from AA are all part of the St Paul OF to begin 2027. It's also possible Roden is there. And dare I say it, Martin still has an option. An IDEAL Twins offseason might have them FINALLY signing or trading for a RH corner OF who beats up LHP but doesn't suck against RHP. That could be a HUGE but not necessarily expensive add to the 2027 Twins roster. And waiting in the wings would also be Winokur at some point, as well as Kendle, who has made a MAJOR jump in status here in 2026. Not ALL of these names are great prospects, but a few of them are. But St Paul's OF for 2027 is just fine, and there really is no reason to pay anyone to "take" an OF unless, again, a couple $M could be sent along with Larnach to a team in real need for a solid, experienced LH bat and a decent prospect in return.

Thank you Mr Larnach for your service as a solid, slightly above average ML OF for us the past few years. We'll keep you on the roster to finish the season and you'll still play once in a while, but you won't be back next season. While the playoffs are a pipedream at this point, we're still trying to finish strong and hopefully hit a .500 record. But we have younger, more talented young players that might not only give us a spark, but we need to get them ready for 2027. Thank you Mr Roden for a handful od good games and a couple BIG moments. We still like you and believe you have a ML future, with us or with someone else. But right now, we're shooting for a .500 record and need to play even younger players with more potential to get them ready for 2027. That's really the story here. Jenkins, Buxton, Keaschall, and Rodriguez are all in the Twins OF for 2027. Jenkins is now being brought up. Rodriguez should be up in a couple of days. Emma is extremely talented. He's got CF speed...for now at least...and a RF arm. He's got 20-20 potential, along with 30+ DBLs every single year, to go along with quality defense. He could HIT only around .225-.235 with an OB% of around .315...given his eye and zone control...and STILL be a productive, valuable player. Some have speculated he could be "protected" in 2027 as if he was a rule 5 player being "stashed" to allow him time to develop. I call B.S. on that idea! He needs to play! The Brewers, Guardians, and Rays aren't afraid to play young prospects and give them time to "fail" some while "figuring it out". And the Twins shouldn't be afraid to follow the same path! And while there are obvious concerns about Rodriguez and his K% vs BB% and career AVG in MILB, his ability to still HIT at an acceptable pace at each MILB stop, along with ALWAYS having a high OB% tells me there is SOME actual HIT ability inside of him. I recall an interview with him during ST where he openly stated he understood he couldn't be as passive at the ML level as he was in MILB and would have to be more aggressive on pitches he could hit at the ML level because he knew the pitchers would be better. Sounds like a kid who has a pretty good understanding of who he is, has been, and needs to be as a ML ballplayer. Smart young man. I understand he's a bit of an enigma who might take a little time to get his total game going. But forget "freezer burn" as to him being a prospect. Just look at the production when he's been on the field. NOTHING is guaranteed, but the potential is a very special player if given a little time. And that time should start no later than September 1st! He and Jenkins should be in the lineup 5 days out of 6 in whatever lineup configuration is needed to make that happen. The Twins might be shooting for a .500 record, but getting ready for 2027 is what's most important at this point. And those goals aren't mutually exclusive.

I wouldn't have brought Larnach back this season. I had a different roster construction in mind, but there's no sense rehashing that. And while Larnach has never developed in to the player we had hoped for, he's been a league average or above player in his career. He's helped this team quite a bit this season, and could certainly help another team short of LH bats as a DH and part time OF. But he no longer fits with the Twins for obvious reasons. Buxton, Jenkins, Keaschall, and Rodriguez are all in the 2027 OF for reasons we all know. That OF has room for a 5th guy who would ideally be RH just for roster balance, IMO, but we can debate that. Other OF options are Martin, Roden, Gonzalez, and Mendez. So where does Larnach fit in for $7-8M at this point? He doesn't. Not even at DH where Keaschall would be a better option offensive/OPS wise even if it's a strange fit. Larnach has been an OK, solid player who has helped over the years. But there are younger, less expensive, higher ceiling players, some with better defensively, to replace him. I don't know if his value could bring back a decent player/pitcher as nearly happened with Houston. But I'm hoping he has enough value to bring back a decent prospect at least. But it's time to move on.

I like Bell and have liked him. I wanted him signed a couple times over the past few years. And I liked his signing this year, but I greatly disliked the idea he was supposed to be the Twins primary 1B. We all saw how poorly that decision went, and how quickly they disbanded that idea. And I like what Bell has done for the Twins this season, despite his typical 1st half slump issues. But I'm personally a NO on a resign of him. Buxton, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Keaschall...though he might be used as more of a utility player and part time DH...are in the 2027 OF. You need playing time for all 4. And Buxton may end up with a little extra DH time as well just to preserve his body better. Currently, assuming we don't have a major FA signing, or a surprise of Houston jumping straight from AA...though there is precedence in the Twins past of doing so...the INF is seemingly set with Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. Currently, Caratini and Jackson are the catchers, barring a surprise or two. That's 3 spots open. One for a 5th OF, which I'm not going to get in to at the moment, and 1 for a Super Utility player, which I'm also not going to get in to at the moment. That leaves ONE spot open for the player/position of your choice. And while it sounds great to have a special BAT on your team to take that DH spot...like Cruz a few years ago...I don't think Bell is SPECIAL the way Cruz was. (Or Chilli Davis back in the day). Having that primary DH limits your roster flexibility, which is again fine, as long as it's a SPECIAL BAT. Of course, considering poor roster construction the past few years, the Twins tend to ignore the 13th man altogether, which is ridiculous, and a different story for a different day. EXTREME EXAMPLE, but Keaschall as a primary DH produces enough OPS to fill the spot most days compared to league average. The problem there is you give up the potential of a power bat at the position. EXCEPT, POTENTIALLY, the Twins have 20HR hitters in Lewis, Lee, Clemens, Buxton, and possibly K-Pepper. So to do Jenkins and Rodriguez, but I'm not going to bank on that from a pair of rookies, no matter how talented. And not only do we have to mix and match our 4 primary OF, but the INF need days off, and half days off. In 2027, I'd like to focus on the YOUNG players, while relying on the older ones like Buxton, Clemens...not ancient...and Lewis (still only 27yo when the season starts)...and make sure everyone plays almost daily and keep that DH spot open for rotating duties. IMO, that focuses more on today AND tomorrow and provides more roster flexibility. Just my opinion.

I've seen enough good from Adams to suggest he's still got some potential as a decent middle reliever. But I'm 100% in agreement with the OP. Even with SSS, Acton and Anderson have shown flashes of potentially being solid middle of the pen arms. I think it's a real shame Raya got hurt just as he seemed to be raising his game to another level. But he's probably in the "wait until next season" camp right now. (Though things could change in September). And I don't think CJ Culpepper is quite ready yet. So he's in the same camp as Raya. Veteran Merryweather probably isn't long for the Twins organization past this season, and would need a 40 man move, but he's been really good at St Paul and has some ML experience. Maybe Adams takes his game to another level next season. He'd better as he could easily slide down the pecking order in 2027 with arms on hand, and arms coming back from injury. But he's just not doing the job currently. Acton or Anderson, either way, pick one to replace Adams for now. We need all the pen stability and depth we can get right now with the rotation working on vapors.

Regarding the OP directly: WALLNER: If he's not traded, he gets a shot as a reserve OF, LH primary DH next season. Maybe. But even as a fan of Wallner, I just don't see a future for him. First off, it's Jenkins before him 100%. Additionally, you have to carry Gonzalez next year no matter what. Now, the good news is that he's probably ready, and you just live with some growing pains and he probably hits lower in the lineup initially. So there again, he's ahead of Wallner. GONZALEZ: I believe in Gonzalez. He was hurt in 2024 and he didn't perform very well. Healthy again in 2025 he RAKED. He's had a mediocre 2026, but is still young, and I'd bet on a nice rebound from him in 2027. Since he's already on the 40 man, and can beat up LHP...in theory...I would have brought him up when Martin got hurt. He's already burned an option this season, so why not?? But Martin is probably back soon, and I'm just assuming he'll take his job back when reactivated. So Gonzalez probably waits until next season for his shot. ROSS: Look, I get his AAA production and OPS aren't as out of the world like they were in AA, but they're still good. And we're talking about a Super Utility player, not an every day starter. I've become a fan of Kreidler's defense and hustle, but he's been hitting .169 over the last 30 day, or 71 AB. I'm doubting Ross's glove is as good as Kreidler's, but his bat and offensive game are probably better. And he plays all the same positions, and hits LHP well. I'm not saying DFA Kreidler, but unless we sign the next Castro in the offseason, or trade for the next Punto, we need depth and competition at the SU spot. And Ross should be given a serious shot. He's younger and better than Gray, IMO. But I don't know that he gets his shot until next year either. RAYA: I liked the month he showed at AAA before his promotion. I really liked what I saw of him in his SSSS. I saw good velocity and some nasty breaking stuff. It's a shame he got hurt. He's got better potential than a couple guys in the pen currently, or at least some of the guys who have been there. But the pen is deeper and better today than it was a month/month and a half ago. I also kinda like what I saw of Acton early, and Anderson when he was up. I think Raya has a chance to help this pen going forward, as well as CJ Culpepper. But once again, I just don't see it until 2027. I like the OP drawing attention to these options. It makes sense in the context of "other than Jenkins" as options. But without injuries, it's a NO, and 3 "wait until next year". TODAY: Whether or not Buxton is banged up a little and will be ready to go Friday or not, you DFA Jackson again and bring up Jenkins. PERIOD! This "can we find room for him to play daily" is a load of B.S. You MAKE ROOM for a prospect like Jenkins! Buxton needs more rest...if he's not put on the IL...Larnach is struggling, and he and Bell can also sit an extra day a week. And they're barely using Roden anyway. Martin comes back soon and takes back his spot as the September call up player. OK, that works to finish the season I guess. But they need a better option for 2027. IMO, fair to him or not, Roden gets sent back down due to having options, and you bring up Rodriguez and find time for him as well. You NEED to give him September to just get his feet wet! It's up the Zoll to make these moves. It's up to Shelton to find playing time for everyone.

It doesn't matter about his production at this point. I think we all knew Ft Myers was just an initial introduction to professional ball. It's been that way for a couple of years. He may or may not hit better at CR to close out the season. But it honestly doesn't matter. He played a full college season, sat for a couple of months, and now he's just adjusting to pro ball. A move to CR is just a spring board. His offseason development will determine if he begins 2027 at AA, or maybe gets a few weeks at CR to get in a groove. Personally, I still think there's room for Tinney to do the same.

To be honest, there's been a lot of posts that I wanted to "like", but haven't. My reasoning is simple. I just wanted everyone to share their opinions before I shared mine. I LOVE having a full time DH when they are SPECIAL. I reflect back to Chilli Davis in the day, and Cruz more recently, with a little Jim Thome thrown in. Those were SPECIAL DH options. If wishes were granted in MLB, I'd WISH the Twins could have a SPECIAL DH who could be more than a statue at a position for a few games here and there to allow days off, or as a fill in once in a while due to injury. But to now be fully transparent, I don't want the Twins to have a full time DH in 2027 unless they invest in someone who actually is SPECIAL. I prefer to keep the DH spot open for half days off for a quality roster that can make that happen. And I don't believe that's a pipedream. The 2027 OF is going to include Buxton...who might DH a little more...Jenkins, Keaschall, and Rodriguez...out of options. The 5th OF is open to future debate, and not necessarily import here. The INF will be Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens, and Lewis. The Super Utility is open to debate between Kreidler, Ross, and a potential trade/FA. ASSUMING the Twins don't just get super aggressive and just give the SS job to Houston, he should be up at some point next season to scramble the INF a bit. IMO, all the more reason to NOT have a full time DH. I've heard theories that MAYBE Rodriguez will be treated as a Rule 5 selection since he's out of options, and will be treated as such. WTH? The 2026 Twins would have been better just giving RF to Rodriguez as I argued for, and just let him be hot and cold and play good defense and give him the time he needs to adjust. SLIDING DOORS, but maybe he doesn't hurt his thumb again sliding in to 1B if he was on the Twins roster. And maybe TODAY, we're talking about how much he's developed this season instead of wondering about his 2027 role. Once again, if Rodriguez played for Cleveland, Milwaukee, or Tampa, this wouldn't be a question. He'd already been a fixture in their lineup. So once again, poor lineup and roster considerations by the FO. And also another argument for NOT having a primary DH. Buxton can DH a little more to conserve his legs, and ALL the OF can DH once in a while. As can the INF with YOUR CHOICE of Super Utility player whether it's Kreider, Ross, or a FA, or trade option. I wouldn't mind another Punto tradez or a Castro FA surprise. And I don't dislike Kreidler either. But I think the Twins would be pretty stupid to NOT consider Ross seriously for 2027. They invested a fairly high draft selection on him and he's really turned a corner in 2026. We can debate his prospect status all day long, but he and Kreidler play the same positions. Kreidler might be the better glove, Ross the better bat. One older, one younger with more bat potential. But I regress only to state Clemens can DH for a day, or Lewis, or Lee, because there is room to do so. At some point, I really believe Houston is going to take over SS from K-Pepper, who is a solid SS in his own right. I just really believe Houston's glove is the real deal. And I think K-Pepper could be a GG 2B in time, AND a SS hitter. ALL the more reason to not have a fixture at DH unless the Twins invest in someone SPECIAL for the position. But I just don't see that happening. While Catcher is a question mark offensively, I believe the OF and INF will have enough talent that a rotating DH will actually be a strength, not just someone to throw in to the spot. We want and need Jenkins, Buxton, Keaschall, Rodriguez, Lewis, Clemens, K-Pepper, and Lee to play daily. But they also need days off. So half days off at DH makes sense. So, OK, let's play with the 5th OF for a moment. It could be Martin. It could be Gonzalez. But the roster just SHOULDNT be built for 12 and a half players! The 5th OF, whoever it is, should be a RH bat who rakes against LHP, but doesn't suck against RHP since they will end up facing RHP once in a while. So here we are at the #5 OF spot where it MIGHT make sense to have that Full Time DH. We already have 4 OF, PLUS Clemens to play some OF, PLUS our SU INF can also play some OF as well. It would be awesome if that Full Time DH could be better than a butcher in a corner OF spot, but it also opens up the opportunity to actually ADD such a bat. I'm not sure who that player might be at this point. We've still got a long offseason to go through. But again, aren't we just better, and more balanced, if that 5th OF isn't maybe a veteran OF who only has to play part time and be decent in the corners while raking against LHP and be decent against RHP? Isn't that a better lineup and position player lineup while keeping the DH spot open? IMO, FINALLY ADD a decent RH bat for the 5th spot in the OF that you aren't "scared" to play in the OF and won't cost a huge $ contract. But DON'T spend $ on anything else but the rotation and the bullpen. It's TIME to play everyone else and trust in them and let the DH be a floating spot. It's really not hard to see a 2027 lineup filled with inexpensive, mostly young, and very talented players with better speed, better defense, and a ton of potential instead of spending $ for a full time DH.

And just as I get done posting I look at the Box from tonight's game and Buxton is 1-1 with a DBL, a BB, and 2 Runs scored. So MAYBE he's just been in a slump and conserving his body?

Buxton's hip issue was caused by his knee issue...since fixed...from everything I've ever heard or read. I'm not exactly sure what can be done this offseason to help correct the issue...hopefully SOMETHING...but it's clearly not going to be "fixed" during this season. But the problem is, twice this season to took a little time off for rest...and then came back looking as good as ever. An 85-90% Buxton is still a really good ballplayer. He got doubled up on a play he just never gets doubled up on, but made a good play in CF. So was he just slowing up on his run to 1B to preserve his hip? Is he really just slumping and not so hurt that he won't go 2 for 4 with a HR in his next game and make us all look silly? Remember, it's STOPPING that hurts, not running or hitting, supposedly. Or is he really hurting so bad that it's messing with his game? If that's the case, maybe shut him down and bring him back if the Twins make the post season. They pretty much did the same thing in 2023 with Lewis when he had a bad hamstring. Lewis was limited, but he had a couple big hits to help the Twins beat the Jays in the 1st round at least. A 4 week shutdown wouldn't hurt, even if it didn't help. Buck is a proud warrior who wants to play and help his team. Only he and the Twins know if he's conserving himself and in a slump, OR, if he's hurting so bad it's affecting him at the plate. Regardless, he's slumping. Larnach is slumping. Ironically, Roden might be heating up some. But there's also PLENTY of room for Jenkins to come up and play daily and possibly spark this team. Just DFA Jackson again who's only role is to PH with average speed for even slower players in late innings, and to be an emergency catcher in case Jeffers has to PH. Please! At this point, it's an EXTREME version of roster mismanagement. Jackson down, Jenkins up and playing DAILY, Buxton gets at least 1 day off a week, same with Bell, and Larnach can PH until he proves he's out of his slump. And if it turns out Buck has to go to the IL again, you have your best CF replacement option in Jenkins. This isn't that hard Mr. Zoll!

JENKINS: I caught a lot of flack a couple weeks ago when an OP was presented the Twins had missed a "golden" opportunity to not bring Jenkins up. At the time he was playing quite well, but had only been back for about 7-10 days roughly from his IL stint. We hadn't seen the flash of power he's producing as of late, and there was hope Buxton would be back in 10-14 days and be OK. Also, I don't think any of us realized what a funk Larnach was going in to. But the narrative has COMPLETELY changed a couple weeks later. Not only is Larnach in a slump, not only does Buck not look right, but Walker has raised his game up a couple of levels. It's TIME! They are worried there isn't enough room for him to play daily? I call B.S. When you have a prospect of Jenkins caliber, you MAKE room for him. He can play all 3 OF spots and everyone "in his way" can sit a day a week. TINNEY: I was very surprised when the Twins took Tinney. They liked him a lot, but it was pretty obvious they got sniped by a couple teams in front of them that selected players they had ranked even higher. But on further reflection, I really like Tinney as a pick. I think he's similar to Jeffers, but with even more power and maybe even a better arm, but maybe not as good of a "hitter". But I like that he has a large number of BB to balance his K rate. He does seem to have some zone control, which was in his draft profile. He could be an excellect #2 catcher with decent defense, a solid arm, and a BAT that allows him to DH and maybe even play some 1B. And if Tait continues to develop, one of them might be the next 1B, and a 3rd catcher without having to actually carry a true 3rd catcher. THAT would be some really good depth and roster construction. (Diaw could also end up as a #4 RH corner OF with a good bat who can also catch some). BOHORQUEZ: If I'm not mistaken, didn't he begin the season on the IL? If I'm remembering correctly, that's also probably why he struggled so much initially this season before getting on a role. He's got good velocity and a nice breaking ball. It would be nice if he could continue as a SP, but I can see his floor being a hard throwing, high K RP. Glad to see his promotion to AA to finish the season. But I think all 3 need to be promoted. Jenkins to the Twins, and Tinney to CR to join Lackey and Tait. With Jimenez out, there should be plenty of room for all 3 catchers to get time behind the dish, DH, and maybe even play a little 1B. The A ball seasons are nearly over. Let Tinney get a little A+ time as well.

I thought he looked pretty solid when he was with the Twins earlier this season, even in SSS. But I thought Anderson probably looked even better. Or it might just be I liked his breaking ball better. I don't know that either has the ability to change the scope of the bullpen, but I could see either finding a role as a solid middle man.

You know what, I almost don't care. And I really don't mean that as negative as it sounds. I don't believe in moral victories, but despite how bad the Twins have been against NL teams this season...following a pattern of AL ineptitude...I still find some solace in how well the team played against the Dodgers and Brewers and SHOULD have at least won a single game against the Pades Saturday. I could easily blame Morris for losing the game Saturday. But he's also a rookie who has generally been outstanding all season. So a couple poor plays and a bad day by him, I'm supposed to blame him? How about I applaud him for the work he's done this season, and how much better he might be in 2027? I can say Funderburk has been really good until today. Or I can blame Hoffman for a bad day. I can point out that the rest of the Twins season seems generally winnable, and they have a positive W-L against the AL this season. They still have a chance to make the playoffs and MAYBE win the ALC. And I ALWAYS want my teams to "go for it" the best they can. But reality is starting to set in. I'm not giving up hope. Anything can happen still. And I'd love a chance at the playoffs for fun, at least, and a chance for growth of the organization and it's players. But even being a major optimist, I just don't see us doing any better than the WC. But I'd accept that for fun and the future. I just have this feeling that this team is so close to being really good, but they just can't get over the proverbial HUMP. This was SUPPOSED to be a season when the young arms and players were going to start to make their mark for the future at some point, IMO. But the rotation depth is getting tired, even with a great effort from Ober today. And while the bullpen is better now than ever before, the lineup has struggled recently. And I don't know if there's any easy answers. I'm hoping for the best in August, but I'm just starting to think the Twins are running out of steam. And while I really want them to play meaningful games in September, and HOPEFULLY play some in October, I'm still a bit worried we are going to miss opportunities to get ready for 2027 with a handful of prospects.

I'm going to take the unpopular opinion that the so called "pitching pipeline"...I don't recall Falvey ever using that term, perhaps he did...has actually been pretty strong the last few years. IMO, any sort of "pipeline" is acquiring quality arms for the rotation, and the pen, HOWEVER said arms are acquired. We traded Arraez for Lopez. Good trade IMO. We moved a low level prospect for Odorizzi. Good move. We got Ryan as a MILB who, I believe, was just outside the Rays top 10 and turned him in to a debateable #1, and 2 time All Star, for a Cruz rental. Also a good move. A HS pitcher, Petty, recently drafted, turned out to be Gray. Abel looked really strong before his injury. Whether you agree with the sell off in 2025 or not, we got Abel and Rojas both at that time. Ober and Festa and Matthews all turned out to be major surprises, as was Varland. The fact that Ober put together a string of very good seasons prior to his loss of velocity doesn't change the fact he turned out really good. Even now, he's a competent ML SP, albeit as a 4th or 5th option. The jury is out on Matthews still...who has shown improvement this year...and whether or not he takes another step forward, or moves to the pen. The jury is still out on Festa as well. It's not his fault, or the Twins, that he got injured. HOPEFULLY, he can have a successful return, regardless of future role. Currently, Prielipp is another actual draft pick that looks to have a bright future. And there have been a number of Twins draft picks that have turned out to be good or decent relievers, and ALSO, can we remember that Duran was a talented A ball pitcher when acquired who the Twins developed in to one of the best closers in MLB. As @Major League Readypointed out above, very well, Cleveland's own "pipeline" included a ton of arms acquired from other teams before being turned in to quality rotation arms. Do THEY get downgraded because so many of their arms were ORIGINALLY drafted by other teams? (crickets chirping) I 100% grant you that it's been a while since the Twins system turned out a top of the rotation arm, though Ober was close to being such. And they haven't exactly ignored early picks in the draft from both college and HS as pitching options, but injuries messed up a handful of quality prospects, unfortunately. I will also grant you that a couple draft seasons of succes in developing mid and late round selections gave the organization a mistaken belief they could continue to find success in those under appreciated arms. In both the 2025 and recent 2026 drafts the team changed philosophy and began drafting more arms, of more immediate quality, earlier than they had in a few years. Quick wasn't the only good looking arm drafted in 2025. They also selected Ellwanger, Barr, and a few other very interesting arms. Again, unfortunately, they were all seemingly bit by an injury bug and either got injured almost immediately, or began the season on the IL and are only going to get about a half season here in '26. It STINKS that our MILB arms were bitten so bad by the injury bug this season. But a couple of guys like Mitrovich and Merit Jones have escaped the injury bug like Quick has. And they've had really good seasons. It could be a lot of fun in 2027 to see the 2025 and 2026 classes of selected pitchers all healthy and ready to throw. And I don't want to put the cart before the horse just yet...especially considering the voodoo curse that seems to hit almost every Twins prospect for at least 1yr...but BOTH A ball teams could be STACKED in 2027, with more than a few hitting AA at some point. Injuries and some questionable arm selections in 2023-2024 drafts has left a bit of a gap in possible rotation arms for the system. But we might start to see some real change beginning next season. **Side note: if you actually looked at the 60 day lists for injured arms across the MILB system, you might be surprised how many arm are listed there. It happens to ALL teams, of course. But even a few 2023-24 arms that offer up SOME potential, are also hurt currently. For those clamoring for additional International prospects signed, those are even a bigger crap shoot than HS kids are. But with the changes they've made in regard to International scouting, it looks like they're at least willing to take a few more shots. But within the system NOW, their 2 best arms are probably Lares and Bohorquez. And BOTH of them are coming back from injuries as well. I just wish this whole "pipeline" debate would just go away. It's really just a nuisance arguement! I mean, all we should care about is how good the rotation and pen actually ARE, right?? Do we really care that Lopez and Ryan are great but we went out and traded for them? And made them better? If Prielipp and Rojas end up giving us the best 1-2 LH punch in the rotation for 2027 and beyond, do we really care that we drafted and developed one, and traded for and developed the other? Would you really watch Rojas throwing a great game and say to yourself: "That's great! Too bad we didn't sign him initially"? EVERY TEAM gets bitten by the injury bug every season. It happens. It just stinks the Twins got bit HARD in the rotation, and rotation depth, this season. But let's be honest with ourselves shall we? We'd LOVE to see our team just draft a BUNCH of front of the rotation SP arm. But guess what, EVERY fan of every team would like to see their team do that as well. It's just not that easy. If there was a magic formula for ALWAYS being right, everyone would try the same thing. All I care about is some ridiculous "pipeline" means my Twins continue to draft a collection of interesting arms, develop them the best they can, sign and trade for better offerings, and build the best rotation they can. And if they DO THAT, they have created a ML "pipeline" to make sure that the ML team always has good arms to build around. Do I care if this "pipeline" also includes trades to keep it running? Not in the least +

Lewis has adapted to 1B wonderfully, and will only get better. If he just maintains his current production, he is a mainstay in the lineup going forward. He doesn't have to be Superman to be a quality player. Just producing like he's been doing makes him important for this year and 2027. I don't doubt that Matthews could be an excellent RP. But despite some blowouts, he's actually shown real improvement as a SP. Inconsistently is an issue. But I'm not ready to move him to the bullpen just yet. The potential as a SP remains. Keaschall is a bit of a mystery. Were i in charge of the Twins, I'd STILL have him working at 2B in the offseason, just for roster flexibility. But I'd have him spend most of.the offseason working in the OF. The speed and instincts are there. And his BAT is too good to ignore

First of all, I think this is a silly argument for a 19yo kid in his first professional season. But perhaps you are just bored and want to bang on someone. At the same 19yo age he's behind Winokur except in HR totals. And he's got a LONG WAY to reach MLB. But he's got real power and real athleticism, and a powerful arm for 3B or the OF. But you've already decided he isn't a ML ballplayer at 19 yo? I wonder what you thought of Polanco and Arraez when they were coming up? We can agree to disagree, but I have a really hard dismissing Young as a 19yo kid still feeling his way as a professional in his rookie year. Do you have an agenda against prospects this young with talent and projection after ONE professional season in which they don't dominate? This argument is just ridiculous until we see what transpires in 2027. Period.

We seem to see the same things. Currently, without the Twins trading Ryan in the offseason, which I'm betting doesn't happen, the biggest questions remaining are: 1: Do the Twins believe enough in Ober to bring him back as a solid #4-5 option pitching "old school", but doing so generally effective and doing so well enough he's worth bringing back? That almost sounds like an insult, but it's not meant to be. He is so smart, and has so much control, that he has viability still. I'm just afraid that for whatever reason, the 92mph fastball is gone. And it's a mystery why a 30yo should suddenly lose that velocity. If, by chance, it comes back, someone will get a steal. But as is, the Twins have to decide if he's worth bringing back as a 4th or 5th option...or worse. CURRENTLY, we're looking at Lopez, Ryan, Bradley, Abel...coming off injury...Prielipp as well as Kremer. So everyone healthy, maybe Abel starts at AAA to sorta rehab and get in full swing? Beyond that we have Matthews...who has shown real growth this season but might end up in the bullpen at some point...and Rojas...same as Matthews...and Gallagher...still figuring it out, but maybe close to ready...and then Paredes, who saved the Twins Ass this season, but who we hope never has to actually start a game again. Leaving Festa out of any future plans, because we have to currently. I still like the rotation depth for 2027. FUTURE: I also kinda like Anderson, (I think I said Andews previously, My Bad) and Acton as possibles for the pen. I like Anderson more because I've seen a sneaky nice breaking pitch that I like Raya might be about ready to.come up again. And we shouldn't dismiss CJ Culpepper in the pen as well. IF the Twins bring back Minter...and despite production, I believe age and loss of velocity will make him far less expensive than his last deal...the Twins can also bring back Banda for a decent deal...injury applies this season in arbitration...and they could have a great 3 some from the port side. That's a luxury most teams don't have. With Gomez, Morris, Hoffman, and Nance under control the question remains about the 8th spot, with some rather obvious depth talent. But haven't I already stated this previously? Resign Minter unless you see a better option. Otherwise, the 2027 bullpen looks pretty damn good with what's on hand, and further development from the young arms, and the potential of Matthews moving to the pen, or Sands getting his crap together. Depth isn't an issue, IMO, it's KEEPING Minter, or.signing someone better, and then figuring out who is the 8th man in the pen. The 8th man could be a CLOSER like Matthews suddenly put in that position. It could be a Festa, suddenly healthy and ready to contribute. [I have hope but serious doubts about Festa]. But I really like the 2027 rotation, and I think the 2027 bullpen is really close to being very good.

A really good day on the farm! AAA: I appreciate what Zoll recently said about Jenkins not coming up yet and why. The team is still trying for the playoffs and they don't want to mess with what's working, more or less. But Jenkins isn't an ordinary prospect. He's potentially a future cornerstone of a strong lineup. You MAKE ROOM for a player like that. No offense to Roden, or what Larnach has done this season, but it's time for Jenkins to replace Roden and play almost daily. It's up to Shelton to make it happen. Is Rodriguez heating up? Sure looks like it. And speaking of young OF that need to play.... I sorta get the Twins bringing Jackson back up to replace the injured Martin, allowing Jeffers to DH or PH, etc, when he's not behind the dish. But still, even with an uneven season, I would given Gonzalez a shot. I mean, he's already on the 40 man. While a SSS, I liked what I saw of Anderson when with the Twins. I thought he flashed a really nice breaking ball. I think he might have a future in the pen. Speaking of the pen, Raya has looked better his last few appearances. And again, SSS, I didn't think Acton looked bad earlier in the season before his injury. Merryweather hasn't had a great ML career, but not a poor one either. But he's also 34yo. Still, he's having a very good season for the Saints. A possible call up if someone gets hurt?? On the negative side, I've seen Cardenas flash a little the past couple of months and think he's turning a corner. And then I look at his season stats and realize he's still having a poor year with the bat even with his power output. Definitely one of the "most disappointing" on my list. But I think he's still back in 2027 to see if he can right the ship. He's got the defensive chops to be a good ML backup. AA: Houston once again hot after a mini slump. I'm serious when I ask if he should be considered a possible Opening Day option at SS for 2027? I'm OK with him begining next season at St Paul. It makes sense. But it's also not unprecedented for the Twins to move a Top Prospect straight from AA, although that was with a different FO in charge. I think, at the least, he deserves more than just a cursory look in ST next year. Is Winokur's development this season the biggest and most fun/interesting MILB story that we aren't talking enough about? In a couple of years, I'm serious when I say he might be the Twins best young CF currently in the system. He'd also make a hell of a good 3B! And IF the team in place is so set...wouldn't that be a nice problem to have?...he could be a tremendous 1B with a collection of power and speed that you just hardly ever see. Cory Lewis began his AA appearances a little shaky. Since his first couple of starts, he's only had 1 bad appearance in his last 5 or 6. That's really nice to see. I'm still not sure that his future isn't in the bullpen as a 2 IP arm that can baffle opposing lineups mid game. But it sure is nice to see him healthy again and throwing well. A+: If we could ever get and keep Bohorquez healthy and consistent, he could sky rocket up the prospect charts! Keep your eye on Merit Jones as the Twins really like him. Despite a relatively poor college career, they drafted him late in 2024, didn't sign him, and then drafted him earlier in the 2025 draft despite not having a good senior season. But he tore up Ft Myers opponents in his debut this season before his promotion to CR a couple weeks ago. It's been a rough season for CR, unusually so. Injuries to pitchers who were supposed to be there hasn't helped, and a couple of their best players received deserving promotions to AA. But there's a handful of talented International kids who are finishing the season strong. A-: I think it's really fun to look at the daily box scores here and see the lineup covered almost entirely by player selections from the recent draft. A couple guys are off to great starts, a couple are off to OK starts. Of course, in the long run, it doesn't really matter. These are kids who played, then sat waiting for the draft, then went to Ft Myers for brief instructs, then were assigned to go play ball again daily and finish the season. But it's still fun to see all of these names. The A level seasons will be over fairly soon. I don't think anything Vahn Lackey is doing, or not doing, with his bat matters. He's had enough time at Ft Myers for his initial "professional adjustment" time. He should finish the season at CR as a springboard for 2027. For those already giving up on Quentin Young, just STOP. He's a SUPER TALENTED kid who is in his 1st professional season after a handful of games late in 2025. While he might not match him in speed, he's a virtual clone of Winokur. He's a low floor, but extremely high ceiling prospect that you take chances on once in a while. In fact, if you draft smart, you try to take one of those types of prospects in every draft. It takes time to develop those teenage picks. And you might only hit on 1 of every 3 or 4 to actually make it, but the payoff is worth it when you do! He's played mostly SS so far because that's what he's used to. Also, right or wrong, the Twins believe more time, more chances at SS, will only make an INF better at 3B. And that's probably where he slides down to next season. And he has the arm and speed to become a powerful corner OF as well. And at WORST, he'd be an athletic 1B with power, decent speed, and a strong arm. But can we just STOP with the idea of a 19yo kid at A- ball being a non prospect with a mediocre season? Honestly, it's just ridiculous.

Hoffman still has great stuff, but he's a different level arm if he can get the BB down. And as mentioned, Banda is under team control and can be part of the 2027 pen as well. In fact, only Minter is a FA IIRC. And I'd really like to see him brought back. Banda, Minter and Funderburk from the LH side. Gomez, Morris, Hoffman, and Nance from the RH side. That's 7 arms with some nice balance that gets me excited for 2027. And I see enough internal options that I don't think you'd need to spend $ on a FA to fill the 8th spot.

To be fair, IIRC, the majority of Clemens' issues at 1B were after he was given the job, and not later as he grew more comfortable there. I believe there was even some report that he lead AL 1B in fielding % for June, or something of that nature. Now, that's not to take anything away from Royce at 1B, his move there, and his growth. I don't think he was a bad 3B...despite a few throwing issues previously...but I, and others, have often stayed he would be a great candidate at 1B considering projections as to a changing INF structure. We all know the conversations, Lee at 3B, K-Pepper at SS until Houston moves him to a different spot, Keaschall at 2B...though that projection didn't age well...and Lewis to 1B just seemed natural. While not overly tall, he's a solid athlete still, solid hands, vast experience with choppers and grounders to make scooping relatively easy, and a large enough target to handle the position. (The long arms only help). The biggest question has always been, besides just being healthy, his bat. I no longer have expectations that Royce will be a STAR player. The Superman stretches we've seen in the past are probably going to be nothing more than good memories. But not only am I very encouraged by what I've seen of his early play at 1B, but if he can just maintain that .274/ .336/ .481 slash line over a full season...or close to it...he would be a highly productive hitter, even if he's never going to be Superman. And with his power, numbers like those would equate to 30+ Dbls and 20+ HR. I'll gladly take THIS version of Lewis for the next few years and be very, very happy with it.

I think Jenkins is ready. Period. The ONLY reason to keep him down is a BS reason for a potential rookie of the year draft pick in 2027, which is a long shot. Also, the consideration of a lock out that would allow him to play in early 2027 shouldn't be ignored. It might be the best thing for his career considering youth and development time missed. But we also have to remember Rodriguez. He's out of options. He's older than Jenkins, has more time at AAA, and is more than ready based on talent and production. He's either going to be "hid" like a rule 5 pick, or the Twins will FINALLY be smart enough to live with mistakes and just let him play and learn. It's what the Brewers do. I'm not saying Rodriguez is the next Chourio, but Chourio wasn't Courio until he got an opportunity to be what he is today with struggles along the way. The Twins should understand that going forward.