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DocBauer

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Everything posted by DocBauer

  1. DocBauer
    "Correa's condition prompted me to research feet. I scoured the internet, reading peer-reviewed articles, watching massage videos, and listening to Quentin Tarantino interviews to learn everything I could about feet." I about died when I read that. Awesome!
  2. DocBauer
    Whoo hoo! Something to talk about besides the Polanco deal! Lol I'm in the high on Severino camp. I u derstand the K concern, and it's warranted. But he DOES also take some BB. He also hits, and does so from both sides of the plate. That tells me he actually has some bat to ball skills and an idea of what he's doing at the plate. That gives him a solid chance I hope/think. DeAndrade looks promising as a hitter. Every time I read reports last season or checked the box score it seemed like he was doing something good. Seems to have a good idea/approach at the plate and some budding power. Would be nice if he could stay at SS though. He and Miller could make a nice pair of options in the system. I thought Culpepper had a chance to surprise as he was young, played at a small school, and didn't have a lot of experience under his belt yet when drafted. But he's been better, sooner, than I expected. Not worried about his tiring last season as he had previously maxed out at 69 IP in college. I'm only worried if it becomes a trend. Really excited about Rosario's breakout last year. Kid simply PRODUCED. Player of the year, then drills 7 HR in the AFL AND wins the HR competition. Needs to keep his BB up. How quickly and easily does he transition to AA this coming season? He won't turn 22yo until July. This is a big step. I have to admit I was really surprised when they drafted Keachall. I mean, didn't they jutlst draft this same guy in almost the same spit the previous year? Well, yeah, but they may have gotten an even better version of Schobel this year. Not sure there's anything not to like so far from what he's shown. I do hope he's athletic and instinctive enough to keep playing some CF, even if it's just to increase his team roster flexibility. A nice collection of exciting young prospects here in an arm and four very different hitters.
  3. DocBauer
    Jmlease1 completely stole my post! Lol Just going to echo I like have different kinds of arms on the team. Different breaking pitches, different arm angles, etc. And while a bunch of K's are always nice, there can be major rewards from a ground ball pitcher as well, to state the obvious. Keeping a run from advancing, turning double plays, etc. And it looks like he can also get the K's. The quality splits are very nice. The only 1yr factor bothers me. But couldn't we say the same thing about Stewart? But when an arm is healthy and proves itself, one year or not, I tend to have faith in that arm. How good is this pen if Staumont actually recovers from his surgery and looks like his previous Royals self? And that's before a possible/likely Canterino addition at some point.
  4. DocBauer
    I just want to be clear I never said Topa would not help the 2024 Twins. In fact, I called him "a solid pen arm". I think the jury is out as to where he fits in the pen pecking order, but he's a solid add. I'm kind of excited to have him. The fliers I'm referring to are a 23yo A ball arm and Desclafini. Now, if the 2021 Desclafini would show up this season, WOW, the Twins win this deal every day of the week. But he appeared in only 5 games and threw 19 total innings in 2022 due to injury. He got off to a nice start in 2023 before a bad elbow ended up shutting down his season and he underwent plasma rich treatments. At almost 34yo and two poor, injured seasons in a row, doesn't he qualify as a flier? Gonzalez is a nice pick up. So is Topa. If the Twins still find a way to add a quality arm to the rotation, then that changes the complexion of this trade. It's not that the Twins got fleeced by the Mariners, my problem is it didn't fill the #1 need the Twins had entering the off season, and still have, which is a quality rotation arm. And my argument remains if Seattle wanted him that bad, and he was worth their #3 prospect, Topa, $8M in cash, plus an A ball flier and Desclafini, then why didn't the Twins add to Polanco in the trade and pry away one of Seattle's younger, better arms? If the Mariners didn't want to do that no matter what, then maybe Polanco was traded to the wrong team? Again, it's not the Twins getting bad value for Polanco. It's that they moved a really nice player and trade chip without addressing their #1 priority. And that's why I don't like the deal. But you're right, it's my perspective.
  5. DocBauer
    Over night to reflect and ponder and consider other opinions. I'm going to agree with John on this. I still don't like the trade. And the reason I don't like it has nothing to do with the value the Twins got. They got a pen arm that might rival Jax and Stewart, I just don't know enough about his 1 really good season last year to accurately comment. And they got a young, talented top 100 prospect who was Seattle's #3 prospect. They also got $8M thrown in. Adding a low A ball flier and Descalfini as hopefully baseball prayer option to return to his 2021 form aren't even necessary for the Twins to have "won" this trade. The reason I don't like it...and what I think John is saying...is that it doesn't do anything to help 2024. Polanco is still a really good hitter. He's valuable. There's a reason Seattle really wanted him. And he would still have been valuable for the Twins this coming season seeing time at 2B/DH/possibly 1B and occasionally at 3B even. But he was the right guy to move to add a quality arm to the rotation. And I don't have a problem with him being traded. And the package they got back...based on value...was very good. But it didn't fulfill the #1 priority for 2024 that remains adding a high quality arm for the rotation. Whether it be Seattle, Miami, or team X, if Polanco was worth a solid pen arm, a top 100 prospect, $8M in cash, and a couple other flier arms, then why on earth couldn't Polanco and a solid prospect or two be put together for a package to bring in that good arm? Isn't that still the #1 priority for this team? So to me, it's not a "winning value" for the trade. It's about removing a very good hitter from the club and adding a pen arm for 2024 and a cross your fingers and hope rotation arm. Now, if this move is followed by another move for an arm, and this trade assisted in making that happen in any way, I will completely re-think my opinion of the trade. But as it stands at this moment, I don't like it as I don't think it properly addressed 2024 needs and improvements.
  6. DocBauer
    And here I thought you were trying to change my mind, lol. Fair enough.
  7. DocBauer
    No disservice. They are BOTH top 100 prospects depending on what listing you want to look at. They are BOTH 20-21 yo coming off A+ seasons. They are BOTH CF that might have to move to a corner spot. They BOTH have power, speed and OB and hit potential but with question marks. NEVER said I didn't like E Rodriguez. I only stated that when looking at trade value they were similar prospects. When comparing the THOUSANDS of products that are out there, a few opinions or who should be ranked where is kind of silly when we're talking, maybe 25-30 spots. I DON'T want to trade E Rodriguez. I ONLY stated that there is a VERY close similarity between these two prospects in regard to value, rankings, rankings with their own teams, and potential in regard to the Polanco trade and similar value in different trade values. E Rodriguez is our #3 prospect. I hear Gonzalez will be in our top 10 if kept. Is splitting a few hairs in comps while discussing value for the trade between a couple very similar players a disservice to Rodriguez? If so, then I'm guilty.
  8. DocBauer
    Because they gave up a decent pen arm, a flier, $6M in cash, and their reportedly #3 prospect?
  9. DocBauer
    This only reaffirms my position the FO should have added and got back one of those arms the Twins were looking at by adding a couple good prospects instead of what they did.
  10. DocBauer
    Except, there are teams like Seattle and Miami who need offense and seem to have pitching to spare to add. And the Twins had Polanco to spare themselves, and could add a Larnach, maybe a close Severino, and a few solid to good prospects to "spare" for the future. But the Twins just threw out an ACE with nothing to back it up in a short game. Now they have to dig deeper than they should have to have a winning hand.
  11. DocBauer
    Outstanding. Thank you for providing this. A lot of great information. But it makes me more concerned about this deal. I like our FO. And I've been accused of being an overly optimistic fan...granted...but I've also called out the FO when I feel they've made mistakes. The young lady in the report seems very plugged in. Including the fact the FO was very dialed in to them wanting to add Polanco. And I keep asking myself, if the Mariners wanted Polanco so bad, why didn't the Twins just add more to sweeten the deal to add someone better in the return?
  12. DocBauer
    Yes. That team was Seattle. At least IMO. Just look at it from a different perspective. They wanted, and frankly needed. Polanco. And they have the depth to trade 1 of about 5 arms depending on the package from Castillo to Miller to Hancock to Woo, etc. The Twins could given them some combination of Polanco, Larnach, Severino, Schobel. Rosario, J Rodriguez, Mercedes, even an arm to replace whoever they gave up like Festa, (shudder moment), SWR, Jones, etc, to make a ONE STOP SHOP for both teams on a 1 for 3 deal, or a 2 for 4 deal where Topa is still included. POTENTIALLY, the Mariners get Polanco, Larnach, Severino, and a quality arm for one of their arms and still keep their reported #3 prospect in Gonzalez. They don't even have to throw in the $6M they are sending to the Twins.
  13. DocBauer
    In a hypothetical world, it would have made more financial sense to send Polanco and a couple prospects to Seattle to let them keep their young arms...which they said they wanted to do...and trade Castillo. Castillo would FIT in to the 2024 budget, and probably cap the Twins there. But a win-win for both teams. The Twins lose Kepler's $10M salary in 2025, but have some raises to give, most notably to Lopez. But Farmer comes off the books as well. POTENTIALLY, TV and streaming deals also look different in 2025. But with a roster that is mostly young and cost controlled, it would require at least a bit of ownership tightening of the belt to make it work, unless 2025 and future deals looked pretty good. And it's possible Castillo waiving his no trade could have involved additional numbers. So maybe it just wouldn't work in the long run. But I sure would have liked to see that "dangerous" of a move.
  14. DocBauer
    You aren't entirely wrong here, good sir. But an ankle injury...if I'm trusting reports I've read...that wiped out his 2022, and an elbow injury that ruined a promising start to his 2023 season, leaves "innings eater" as a hope only. Topa, unless a tweak raises his game, is a late blooming 32yo 6th inning guy, not an 8th inning guy. Now there's value in that, but it's doubtful as a difference maker. And you're right about the $ as Scalfini and Polanco aren't that different in payroll, but the Mariners are also sending the Twins $ to offset the difference. So they get a 2 for 1 $ wise, and maybe even save a few $M. So the payroll is probably cut a little. And you're correct about the 2 prospects not needing to bad added any time soon. One is highly regarded, the other is a throw in. But wouldn't a couple 10-20 ranked Twins prospects WITH Polanco for a better arm been a better move?
  15. DocBauer
    I love Polanco and am sorry to see him go. But I've always said he was still a quality bat and was the logical move to go in a deal. And I have also stated that if the Twins DIDN'T include Polanco in a deal for a quality SP, I could then see him moved for additional help elsewhere, OR, for prospects to replace what we gave up. Don't have a problem with moving him. I think we're pretty much on the same page there. I just think the Twins grabbed quantity and not quality to help for 2024. I think it would have made much more sense to trade him, and maybe Severino, Larnach, Schobel, Mercedes, in some combination to acquire a better from Seattle. And the Mariners have enough arms to be able to deal one for Polanco, additional help in Larnach, maybe, a Severino who might be close, and/or a young player for their future and they get to keep their top 3 prospect. Maybe the RP remains part of the deal in a 3 or 4 for 2 deal. I just think they under sold in this deal. Again, the deal makes more sense and looks better if there is another deal forthcoming.
  16. DocBauer
    I'm behind on reading as I just off work and will have to catch up. And if someone touched on this, sorry to be repeating. But I did a really quick injury check on DeScalfini and saw that he had a bad ankle in 2022 that is probably the reason his year was so poor and so brief. He began 2023 with a very good ERA and solid start through April, I believe I read, before his elbow started to flare up with what they said was a grade 1 elbow strain, whatever that entails. He thew longer to poor results, and was shut down to receive plasma rich platelet injections. He was basically shut down for the year at that point.
  17. DocBauer
    Not attempting to undersell a top 100 prospect. But he's a good 2yrs away and I thought the Twins wanted help for 2024? Topa might help a little for the middle innings. I can get that. But I am just not excited for an almost 34yo starter who hasn't been good for 2yrs. I'd rather add to Polanco and get someone younger, better, not worry about the prospect, and let Seattle keep their guys. Again...my opinion can change if there is another move to follow this one.
  18. DocBauer
    I don't disagree with your basic premise. And I won't deny that as good as Polanco has been, he's missed some time with injury. But let's turn this around. Gonzalez is a top prospect for Seattle and a top 100 prospect. So he's not all that different than E Rodriguez in overall rankings, or age for that matter. Would you trade a 5th starter equivalent, E Rodriguez and maybe Alcala, plus $ for Polanco? And I'm asking as a huge fan of Polanco's. This just feels like the Twins got quantity instead of quality. Gonzalez doesn't help for years. I'd rather they include someone in the 10-20 prospect range to go with Polanco for one of their better young arms, and maybe even toss in a couple $M if Seattle demanded it. I just don't see any upside to this deal at all. Not unless something else is still coming.
  19. DocBauer
    DeSclafani was really good in 2021 when the Giants got him. Barely threw at all in 2022 and I don't recall the reasons why. He was only mediocre in 2023. I'd rather have the younger, cheaper, talented and projectible Varland personally.
  20. DocBauer
    Knee jerk reaction? I don't like it. I can see Topa as a solid 6th inning guy for the pen. Gonzalez certainly seems/sounds like a very solid young RH bat for the OF in a couple of years. Solid numbers in his brief career so far! But DeSclafani hasn't been good since the Giants got him in 2021. He'll turn 34yo shortly after the season starts. Can he turn it back around at this stage in his career? How about Polanco straight up for a better young arm and Seattle can keep everyone else and their $???? I would have liked that deal better. Or Polanco and a solid top 20 prospect for a slightly better arm than pitcher X in a 1 for 1 deal? This only makes sense to me if Gonzalez is moved in a second deal, OR, helps replace someone else from the Twins system that is included in such a deal for a different, better arm. Otherwise, we gave Polanco to them for a maybe #5 SP, a middle man for the pen, and a nice 20yo prospect who's got to be 2yrs away. Nope...don't like this at all!
  21. DocBauer
    I've kinda had my eye on Matthews since he was signed. Love the length and the control. He gets that 3rd pitch down, and the velocity up a little bit, I think he's a possible #3 rotation piece. Certainly a back end one. Not a big SWR fan, though I wanted to be following 2022. He was rushed, IMO, beyond his readiness and also had his while 2021 messed up with the Olympics and trials and the such. He started to flash in 2022 and I thought we had a back end arm at the least. But the velocity is down after not being great to begin with and even his much better 2nd half in 2023, the BB were still high and the K per 9 still wasn't fantastic. Certainly not enough to offset the BB numbers. I haven't had time to watch the video on him yet. I will very soon as it's on my "to do" list. I'm hoping to be proven wrong in 2024 and he takes a big step forward. Crossing my fingers. Prospect rankings are generally based on potential and not simply "what have you done for me lately" numbers. By that account, Prielipp belongs somewhere in the top 20, IMO. There's just so much potential in his arm that it oozes and scouts and teammates and everyone who's ever seen him comments on it. If he hadn't come to camp last season with flowing reports about his velocity and stuff, I would completely remove him from the top 20. Probably from any top 30. But just knowing that arm talent is still there waiting, I have no problem with his ranking at this time, but understand those who disagree. I may change my opinion this time next year. But I'm confused about his latest surgery. The OP says it isn't TJ, but I am certain it was reported as TJ with the new brace they use. Take everything I just said about Prielipp and double it for Canterino. He HAS thrown at the pro level and has looked beyond good. I'd never advocate surgery for anyone if not really necessary. But as an outsider looking in, it appears he was done a disservice based on caution that has slowed his career projection. I think his TJ should have been done a season earlier. Regardless, he's supposedly healthy. He's throwing high 90's again. He's not old. It's really just a question of delaying his debut by continuing down the path of a SP...and I'm not saying they are wrong...or getting his ML career going ASAP with a move to the pen. I can see reasons for Canterino to be ranked even higher with his clean bill of health and seemingly close proximity to helping the club soon. I'd keep Olivar as a catcher for as long as possible. He's got a lot of work to do regarding the nuancesnof the position and especially throwing. But with his bat, he only needs to be solid/average behind the plate to be a factor. The Jamie Cameron OP about him today indicates he's an even better overall hitter than his slash line conveys. Better than league average in most all hitting categories in a tough league to hit in. Makes me think of a lesser Arraez with more speed and pop, or perhaps a young Polanco. He's a really good prospect if he can catch. Probably a solid/good prospect if an OF and the power continues to develop.
  22. DocBauer
    Definitely hard to rank accurately. There was a lot of talent on that team, it just didn't run deep and relied on a lot of role players. Though they did their job for sure. Everyone contributed and they beat teams that were considered "better". Considering the characters on that team, the number of home grown players, the mostly horrible seasons that transpired previously, and the final result, it's hard not to just love this team and rank them this high. But if we're really going to give weight to baseball romance and winning the WS, they should be #2 behind the 1991 team. If we just look at wins and losses and even a breakdown of even simple numbers...run differential just for an example...the '87 squad should be dropped down the list at least a handful of spots, despite winning the Minnesota Twins 1st championship. No matter what, it was a magical season. And I still remember shedding a couple tears when the final out came. So maybe we just play both sides of the aisles, consider record, the WS, and the baseball romance, and just say #3 is fine when you put it all together.
  23. DocBauer
    Hey Roger, He was 3-0 on SB in 2021. He was 5-5 on SB in 2022. And he was 12-1 on SB in 2023 per his Baseball Reference page.
  24. DocBauer
    Not to pour cold water on anyone's opinion, but in 2022 he played 11 games in CF and 9 in LF. In 2023 it was 3 games in CF and 36 games in LF. So I'm going to guess that is where they see him, OF wise, unless that was simply due to other CF options they preferred to watch play there. Forgetting handedness, his AVG, OB, strike zone control, etc, sort of has me thinking Arraez-lite with more pop and speed, or perhaps a Polanco type of bat? Very intriguing prospect. 22-23 at high A for 2024 isn't too bad, especially if he keeps hitting this way. Not uncommon for treams in the Midwest to start a little slow offensively and then heat up. Conversely, the Florida League has always been a tough place to hit. So wouldn't be surprised to see him start the upcoming season a little slow and then out produce his 2023 numbers. I'd keep him at catcher for as long as possible, hoping he can refine the nuances of the position. But 13% caught stealing won't cut it unless he's outstanding in other areas.
  25. DocBauer
    Not a big fan of a couple of those names, but also believe a couple of those names might not be on the 40 man much longer. I believe Canterino is going to help the Twins this season, maybe a lot. Staumont is worth the shot, depending on just how bad his injury was and how invasive thr surgery was. Having an option to get right is good. I've about given up on Balazovic, hard and surprising as that is to say. I have some optimism for Winder and his new sinker pairing with his slider, and for Sands and his excellent breaking ball IF his velocity can tick up a couple MPH without straightening out. Sitting and not pitching for 10-12 day stretches did him no favors last year. I think I'm higher on Severino than some. Totally understand the K rate is concerning, and potentially frightening once he is at the ML level. But he does take walks, and he actually hits, and hits for power, from both sides of the plate. That tells me he actually has an approach, an idea, of what to do at the plate. I think the Twins can work with that. Always supported Gordo. And this FO hates dropping depth about as much ad a root canal. But barring injury or multiple players moving in a deal, I just don't see room for him on the roster. I'm thinking a small deal for a team needed LH bat and OF versatility for a pen arm maybe.
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