DocBauer

I'm reminded of Aguilera and Perkins both as I read here. Aguilera was an OK but not great SP. But he WAS a great closer. Then the Twins got a little cute and tried him as a starter again and it didn't go well. So he went back to the pen and was good again. Perkins had some nasty stuff, but wasn't cut out to be a starter, so to the pen and greatness he went. Duran has some outstanding stuff. But it will have to be dialed back if you try this. He's going to sit more 95-99 and while his curve is outstanding and his splinker pretty good, (sometimes nasty), he's going to need some kind of change probably to compensate for going against batters multiple times. IIRC he didn't have a consistent one, plus he battled some injuries. Therefore, he takes his nasty stuff, cranks it up, and finds that his body holds up better in shorter but more frequent stints. Maybe they'll try it and maybe he would be very good. I admit the idea is very intriguing. But it seems to me if they felt he had the endurance ability and potential change-up to be a rotation piece they would have kept him there, or already moved him back.

To me, the question is does Correa care? Of course he does...to a degree. EVERY MLB player wishes they could win multiple WS trophies and be in the HOF. Correa loves the game. He's going to be fine if not excellent in 2024 defensively and offensively now that his foot is fine. Correa loves the game so much he knows the Twins milb system. He's the first in and last out. Just STOP this crap. HOF doesn't matter right now.

Even though I follow the milb system dutifully, it's really hard to keep track of everyone at every level. But I do try to follow the IL kids as much as possible. And the TD milb reports do an amazing job of including ALL the teams, including the Latin leagues. But it is hard to get overly excited about a collection of mostly 16/17 yo prospects until they start to hit the low minors. My goodness, how do you project a junior in HS to be a prospect? I can't say I'm disappointed by the top 2 signings. They seem to have a lot of the talent/ability we've seen in recent signings like E-Rod, J-Rod and DeAndre, etc. It's also nice to see some arms brought on as well. But to be honest, I've changed my stance on IL prospects recently. I've admonished the FO for not looking harder at catcher prospects and talented arms. And then it suddenly dawned on me, after all these years, that IL 16/17 year old kids are just the same, to a degree, as American HS juniors and seniors. How many US 16/17 year old kids could you possibly expect to develop in to a quality ML player via the draft? These kids are the same. You are looking at unrefined talent and trying to extrapolate who they might be 6-7 years from now. So I'm understanding now more and more how the Twins FO looks more at SS and CF types of athletes because those are usually the best athletes on any team. And they can project. A 16/17 arm at the IL level isn't greatly different than a 16/17 HS arm at the US level based on talent. But the US arm has probably been through greater training and stiff competition through various tournaments and the such. BUT, the IL kid MIGHT have a killer arm. But I'm understanding the FO aversion to spending $ on anything other than position player talent. I only hope they get it right. Remember, Arraez was a small $50K signing! What I don't understand is MLB only allows a certain amount of $ to be spent on the IL market. Similar to the ML draft. Am I wrong? So how can teams like the Dodgers report a signing class of 18? I understand that there are contacts made between scouts and players and managers and agents and teams for years for these kids. And I harbor no ill will to any kid who would sign for $50K for ANY team and a shot to make $ for his family and a shot to be a MLB player. But I'm starting to think there is something wrong when the teams who have the least amount to spend sign the most. It's like a baseball international AAU where the handlers get the $ and the kids get hopes and dreams.

First, the truth is we just don't know what the FO is trying to do. In the recent past they added Maeda for Graterol which turned out pretty fair for both teams, in their time frame. Never saw Odorizzi for Palacios. Never saw Gray for Petty. And never saw Arraez for Lopez, plus a couple interesting A ball players. So I don't KNOW, nor does anyone really, that the Twins can't pull another rabbit out of the hat for 2024 without having to touch our top 5 prospects. Just in general, and not getting specific, I want the Twins to move Polanco + for an arm, whether it be Manoah, or larger. I'd like them to add a decent, solid RH bat...if not a really good one...instead of just counting on Miranda, Martin, or Helman to fill a role. And I'd still really like to add that one more, proven, solid arm to the pen instead of just banking on Canterino, Staumont, etc. But the more I look at what we have right now, and what's coming up in 2024 and 2025, the more I'm honestly more and more on board with a few others here where I want to add to the edges, trust in what we have, keep our depth and the prospects, and go out and win the ALC...which I think we should be able to do right now...and see what happens. MAYBE revist and add a player/arm or two at the deadline if needed for the final push and playoffs. I'm NOT saying I DON'T want the team to get better. And I understand there is as much risk in NOT trading someone like E-Rod right now. Hey, he might look completely overrated at AA as a 21yo and we MAYBE lost a chance to sell high. (Though struggling some at AA as a 21yo isn't exactly a death sentence). But I think I'd rather take the gamble that he's going to mature/adapt and find that aggressive early account approach against better pitchers, while maintaining discipline, similar to Julien, and not tank by staying too passive. My goodness, we're talking about a VERY talented kid who only turns 21yo just as ST starts! I don't want to move Julien or Lee. They are just really good, and have the potential to be really good for a long time. I mean, Lee doesn't have the ceiling of E-Rod, but does anyone really not believe he's not going to be really good, even without achieving greatness? And with all due love and respect to Ryan and Ober, and Varland...who are both really good and haven't yet reached their apex, IMO...Festa and Rya are probably the best SP prospects produced since probably Berrios. Might the Twins be better, not status quo even though they're good and deep right now? Maybe they're better off keeping most of what they have, maybe moving Polanco +...who I just love and hate to see go...in one semi major move to improve one spot, or a couple possibly in the right deal, and play the waiting game for a FA add or two for the peripherals of the team? Let's say Polanco and a prospect or two in the teens/twenties for Manoah, just as an example. The Jay's get a wonderful player on the cheap plus a prospect or two, and the Twins take the gamble that Manoah can find himself again. Then the FO snags a milb contract arm like, let's just say old friend Odorizzi. possibly with a June out clause, for depth and a reclamation project. Maybe they can then turn around and grab someone like Hoskins or Duval on a relatively inexpensive deal. One is a 1B/DH deal to provide depth for Kirilloff...or allow AK to still play a little OF here and there...and one who could be a quality 4th OF and powerful RH bat who we don't have to count on as a daily player, considering age and injury history. I'm rambling a bit. And the FO might pull yet another rabbit out of the hat. I think we all know that, hope for it, and expect SOMETHING to happen. But if the option is moving Polanco, maybe Kepler, and teens/twenties prospects vs Julien and any of the top 5 prospects, considering where we are right now and might be later in 2024 and beyond, I'm more inclined to work the edges and depth. Remember when Cruz fell in to our laps a few years ago? Maybe the FO adds an Odorizzi type SP via trade, or snags Stoman or Clevinger as a FA and then Hoskins or Duvall on a 1yr deal. ONLY examples. Hey, I'm just spitballing. I have ZERO idea what the FO is going to do. But I AM wondering if adding to the edges and depth isn't the right move for 2024.

A pair of wrist surgeries SEEM to have fixed AK's lingering issue that was holding him back. He was a fine hitter with an e en better approach in 2023 once he was back, and then the power started to come. As stated, his shoulder injury...while painful I'm sure, and undoubtedly affected him...has been reported as relatively minor as these things go. Personally, I haven't heard so much as a whisper from anywhere that he's having lingering issues with it. With Polanco, Julien, and Lee all still on hand as options (MAYBE Martin) plus Farmer and Castro as depth pieces, why would we be looking to add another 2B/1B/DH option with what's on hand and still needing to, hopefully, add to the rotation? And that's not a shot at Arraez, who is a wonderful ballplayer. But where's the fit? What's the cost to add him back AND still add an arm? Absolutely not practical.

I don't expect everyone to be perfect all the time, but I'm very comfortable with the back 4. I know Thielbar is getting a little older, but his velocity was a high or higher than ever. Only the oblique injury and then maybe coming back too soon really slowed him. I'm betting on one more good year for sure. If you look at what Funderburk has done the past couple of years, and in his brief MLB debut, it's hard not to be at least a little excited that he can be a reliable part of the pen. And while I know it's been 2yrs since we saw a fully healthy and productive Alcala who was looking like he had figured it out, he does appear 100% again, has looked good this winter, and he's now tasked with being a middle man. My hunch is he makes it. I'm not in favor of Varland to the pen due to depth and his potential as a SP, at this time. I'm mixed on Canterino, but am thinking the pen is the way to go. But right out of ST?? But no matter how positive I may generally feel about the options here, I could REALLY be positive if they had that ONE MORE ARM I've mentioned before. Via trade, smart FA pickup, or smart bounceback arm, the back end of the pen might be awesome if they could find that one arm. I don't have a lot of optimism about Staumont, at least initially. I think him being ready day one following his surgery might be asking too much. I'm very much in favor of the approach of adding arms to audition like they are, as they have done previously. It can pay huge dividends. It's how they got Thielbar and Stewart in the first place. And they could have had Hoffman from the Phillies if they had been smart enough to keep him. I like the number of options to work with, sort through, and offer depth pieces. The last 2 spots appear to have "possibilities" that could end up paying off. When the FO finally gets around to making moves...and they will...and the smoke clears, I really hope they've found the right move to add that one good, solid, proven, reliable arm to the back end of the pen. If that happens, oh boy, the 2024 pen could be both excellent AND deep.

Miranda's career has come in 3 stages so far: 1] Not a top prospect, but one reportedly to keep an eye on as he could bust out at any time. 2] He busted out in 2021 BIG TIME. The muscles/power came over time, and he STILL made good contact, but it was contact more in the zone he could hit hard and not the bad kind of contact where he just put the bat on the ball and tap to an INF or pop up. Pretty much the same thing Kepler began to do more of in '23. 3] Despite putting up good ST numbers, he's not close to the same player he was in '22 or '21 and has a bad shoulder. And yes, the "poor approach" suddenly seemed to come back again. I don't think the bad shoulder, compensating, loss of confidence, etc, should be ignored by anyone. I'll take bets the 2021-2022 Miranda was the real, healthy one. Now that he's supposed to be 100%, I'd say he absolutely has a chance to be a major bat for us at 1B and some 3B here and there as well. Having the option is great as it allows him a little extra time to get in to a groove if necessary. (As long as AK's wrist remains OK, he's the primary 1B and we'll be great there). As to CF...since it was brought up...while it's not ideal, there is some interesting depth there. Castro is solid. Martin has potential, though he starts in AAA unless there's room for him to play daily. Keirsey might need a little more AAA time to crank his bat up, but he's got the defense. And there's so Helman, a RH version of Castro, who nobody ever seems to talk about, but is more proven at AAA than Keirsey or Martin. I have come around to the idea of adding Adam Duvall on a 1yr deal though. He's a nice 4th OF, RH bat who can help without needing to be COUNTED ON daily, and shouldn't be very expensive.

Honestly surprised about Gordon. I believe the predicted amount was $1M? So the Twins were almost there. And the FO has been pretty good about getting a good, agreeable number and just getting it done. Did they not want to go $1.1 or $1.5 and just find a good compromise? Or does Gordon's side just think they have good leverage? No issue with a player getting all the $ he can. I'm just not sure a good half season in 2022, a horrendous start to 2023 and then missing the rest of the season gives him a good leg to stand on, pun only partially intended.

Seattle had made a lot of moves to try and get better. But they still need INF help as 2B and 3B aren't looking well. The reports have been pretty consistent that the Mariners are still concerned about payroll after purchasing their TV broadcasts. They are also "reportedly" unwilling to move any of their young arms. (Doesn't everyone say that]? The first thing I thought of when they acquired DeScalfini was a relatively inexpensive 1yr deal for a veteran who provides depth allowing to add additional offensive help, probably the INF, and to do so by moving one of their other arms, veteran or youngster. No to a trade for DeScalfini. Yes/maybe to this opening up a perfect fit for a deal with the Twins?

As to the OP: CANTERINO: I don't see April unless the Twins make a "Duran" kind of move and just decide he's too good to have at St Paul and could be an immediate weapon. If that's the case, Varland stays a starter and Canterino might even break camp. MARTIN: Regardless of his impressive numbers and being a natural OF/CF, he only played about a half a season. I don't believe he's up until June at the earliest, and possibly July. That's me saying Buxton is healthy enough to at least begin the season and gets some days off here and there and Martin gets a little more "seasoning" in CF. LEE: He's probably up as soon as someone gets hurt in the INF. Hopefully that doesn't happen, and it won't be serious, but he's probably next man up if he's playing well at St Paul. Castro, and possibly Farmer, provide immediate depth. But Lee will get his time. I don't think he's far off from being ML ready, but he's not going to languish on the bench. Just like Julien last year, he'll be up when needed and I don't know that a month can be predicted at this time. SEVERINO: Love the power and switch hitting ability and what seem to be pretty neutral splits. IMO, he needs to continue to refine his approach before he has a chance to actually help. I think he's break in case of emergency until July/August. FESTA: He's going to pitch for the Twins this season. Right now, based on speculation, he'd be competing foe the 7th rotation spot. I love this kid and think he's got a chance to be pretty special. But only if he can maintain his endurance. I'm going to say half a dozen starts starting sometime in late June, early July, as a rotation piece, or two, gets sick or hurt, or pulls something. Good chance he's part of the pen come September. I don't want to see either of Rodriguez or Jones in 2024. Why? Because even if they have outstanding seasons, for them to jump all the way to MLB would probably mean something went really bad, like a rash of injuries. Want a couple dark horses to make their debut: HELMAN: If the Twins don't go out and find the right RH role bat they'd like to add, and if Miranda doesn't have a really good ST, I can see him being added to the roster and breaking camp, with a good ST of his own. I don't think anyone wants Martin on the bench. They want him playing daily. Helman gives you pop and speed and decent defense all-over the place. And you don't feel like you are harming the development of a top prospect. OHL: While the K's weren't anything to get worked up over, go check out his 2023 at AA. Instead of sitting on the high 80's and topping out 91 ish, he now sits 92-94 with his velocity and can touch 95-96. He just might force his way in to being one of the top rotation arm options from St Paul by June?

More than one thing can be true at the same time. And there's a lot of depates here and both sides are correct. At least at this point, when we have limited information and the offseason isn't even complete yet, and ST is still over a month away. I've advocated keeping Canterino as a SP until proven otherwise. He's not going to have a 8-10yr career with the Twins, more than likely. But what if he could be a prime SP, no worse than a #3 and possibly better, from ages 27/28-32/33? I'd take that! And just because the Twins say he's begining the season as a SP MOW, doesn't mean that's what's going to happen. Further, even if he does, he can begin on a pitch count limit and build up arm strength and work on control. That's easier to do with multiple innings at a time, IMO. But it's also fair to point out that a doctor saying his arm is sound enligh for 125 IP doesn't mean they would all be EFFECTIVE innings. Just that he could medically throw that many. Just my opinion, but let him throw, get some IP under his belt, see how he looks and feels, and then make a decision later. Like Varland last season, maybe Canterino looks good but moves to the pen late in the season to help the Twins? Same thing might be true of Festa this year. This doesn't have to be a career altering one or the other decided NOW. And it's for that reason I simply say start him initially and go from there. It's also possible the Twins make room for young prospects AND force them to prove they belong. A couple years ago, Gordon was in line for a promotion. He hurt his ankle. Arraez got the call and the rest is history. Last season, Wallner languished way too long in AAA because the FO, right or wrong, felt they had depth and hope for Gallo for way too long. Julien was up and down, like Wallner, but not only proved himself, he had better opportunity to stay up than Wallner did, right or wrong. Ditto for Lewis. But then again, Urshela was moved partially to make room for Miranda. Garver was moved to add, and because they were giving the still inexperienced Jeffers his shot. And not only are there injury opportunities during the season for the prospects, but there are mid season trade options as well. They've kept kids down too long, in most of our opinions. But they haven't refused to promote them or play them either. And they have moved a few guys here and there to make room. So proving oneself, having opportunity, doing something with it, doesn't mean the FO does or doesn't just "move people" to make room. I think they've already shown it's a bit of a mix depending on the situation. I think there no poor opinions on either side of these debates. I just think thr truth lies in the middle and remains fluid.

I'm not going to quote anyone at this point. Just going to state my opinion. Correa is one of the best SS I've ever seen in my 58yrs. He's a wonderful athlete who lacks speed, but has a good "suddenness" when it comes to quickness. That's an overall athletic ability as well as baseball intelligence. He has soft hands, quick motions, and one of the best arms I've ever seen. And he's also one of the smartest ballplayers I've ever been witnessed to. Time forgets the day, but he went to the mound in 2022 with Bundy on the hill. HE, not a coach, told him what to throw. He did and the Twins got out of the inning and won the game. He knows the milb system as much as any of us. He's fully invested in the Twins. Smalley was a very good, maybe great SS defensively, I'm not 100% certain. My 70's and 80's were radio and occasional TV viewings. Gagne remains in my mind as the best defensive SS in semi-recent history. And I'll stand by that even though there were at least a few solid players who filled in, and were at least OK. But Gagne remains THE MAN defensively for 7yrs and 2 WS trophies. But Correa is the BEST SS I've ever seen wearing a Twins uniform. He has a career .820 OPS and 124 OPS+ for his career even after a poor 2023 while he battled plantar fasciitis most of the season. Has anyone ever had PF? I have. And it took me 2yrs of pain to finally get over it. But Correa was still out there every day playing solid defense. And late in the year, it got better, his offense surged. He was great in a bad 2022 season. He fought through pain in 2023 to contribute and finish strong. And he's a potential HOF player not even turning 30yo yet. Yep, let's go ahead and bash Correa for being a good guy, teammate, HOF SS and tremendous producer. Because in 2 seasons, one being an injury bug to the team that a MASH episode would have a hard time dealing with, and the other being Correa playing through a very painful injury, he's just worth it. While we're at it, let us visit Mauer, one of the best Twins and HOF catchers EVER and just bash him some more because he didn't produce 25 HR ever season! I'm very sorry....but I'm ill right now. And I'm being emotional as a result. Sorry. My apologies. Sincerely. But all I see is negativity when there is a bunch of positivity for 2024 and beyond. And with that, I'm going to rest my head on a pillow after some supper and fantasize on a Twins 2024 season that has a roster that isn't set yet, but could be great, being optimistic and ignoring negative views that could be turned around tomorrow...or not.

HUGE tip of my many Twins and milb caps to Nick for this word choice and for ashbury for a spell correction! LOL! I'm a bit of writer and poet with a wonderful vocabulary that even surprises others at times. But I've NEVER heard this word before! I even had to look it up. WONDERFUL! THANK YOU! I'm going to have to remember this one! Come on Nick, tell the truth, did you look this one up in a thesaurus? Or did you just learn it over time the way some of writers/poets/English majors just know words like lithe and myriad? 😀

Well, this OP sort of went sideways didn't it? LOL. But back to Nick's OP: 1] It's OK to love, appreciate, and miss Arraez and still admit the Twins are better with Lopez in the rotation and Julien at 2B...with Lee coming up right behind him. 2] I'll argue the Lopez replaces Berrios only to the degree it wasn't the following season, but the season after. I do wonder about the Lopez extension vs the Berrios extension from the Jays. Did Berrios actually ask the Twins for 7yrs? If so, I more understand the trade. If not, perhaps the Twins could have had both? Never been a big SWR fan, though I've made excuses for him due to his promotions, youth, the Olympic season, etc. And he almost made me a believer after 2022. The resurance of Martin really makes this work...one year delayed...but I still have wonder if maybe they could have had both. 3] Your Garver vs Jeffers example is apt, but again, a year delayed, somewhat. It's also a bit incomplete. Due to injuries, Jeffers wasn't ready to replace Garver immediately, though he has now. And a quality catcher replacing a now DH is a win. But the Garver trade also set off a chain of events that ultimately brought Correa to the Twins. Ultimately, a double win? Maybe even a double plus win as it lead to bringing in Vazquez as a really good catching alternate with Jeffers, even with a down offensive season? 4] I'm going to object to Graterol vs Duran due to timing, as well as return. This only makes you look smarter, LOL. Graterol MIGHT have turned in to a great closer for the Twins. Instead, they got a Cy Young runner up SP in Maeda for 2020. And then they got another really solid year from Maeda in 2023 after some initial hiccups. Meanwhile, Graterol was solid, but not great, until 2023. So the Twins got Maeda AND developed Duran in to a premium closer the last 2yrs. You are correct that whether it was immediate, or a year later, the current FO has indeed replaced what they gave away to improve the roster. And I know there will be discussions about the Mahle trade and the J Lopez trades. BUT, they were mid season tries involving prospects and NOT "replacing" current rostered Twins. An entirely different discussion. The debate now is, can they do it again? Can they pull a rabbit out of the hat for a 4th time to add a quality SP without damaging the 40 man, OR, damaging the very top of the top 10 of the prospect list?

I love me some Jorge Polanco and would be tickled to death if he was part of the 2024 Twins. I'd have him play some 1B in ST and continue to have him play 3B as well, not because he'd probably be great at either spot, but because it just helps utilize the 13 man player roster better. We already know he's a solid 2B and quality batter. How about having him as a PH on days he doesn't start? But all I've been saying is it's all of these qualities...plus a desirable contract...that makes him valuable as a trade chip as well. I've never once said I WANT him traded. But you have to give to receive. Nobody saw the Pacious for Odorizzi deal coming. Nobody saw the Petty for Gray deal coming. And while there were certainly rumors about moving Arraez, I doubt anyone saw him for Lopez, plus the two A ball prospects being thrown in. Personally, and this is just me, I'd love something like Polanco, Larnach, and maybe Severino to Seattle for Castillo. Seattle keeps all of their inexpensive young arms, cuts payroll (which has been a strong rumor), adds bats, and the Twins can fit Castillo's contract for 2024. The Twins are will to say: "Screw it. Farmer and Kepler are gone after '24...probably...and even with raises to other players, we'll figure it out when the time comes." It would be BOLD for the FO/ownership to do, but it makes sense for both sides and could pay nice dividends for both sides. Of course, Castillo and his agent would probably look for a bump of some sort to waive the no trade clause I've heard he has, so that probably ruins my fantasy entirely, LOL. But we have no idea what the FO is going to try to pull off here, just as we didn't see the last three rabbits out of the hat moves they made. With, or without Polanco involved....maybe Kepler...the question remains as to whether they can do it a 4th time.

I am impatient to see the FO make moves, but I am this time of year every year. And I'm impatient for ST and the season to start. But personally, I am not apathetic at all. I really like the base of this team just about everywhere you look. Not saying I don't want additions or tweaks, just that I like what's on hand. I can't wait to get, ideally, full seasons from Lewis, Wallner, Julien, and Kirilloff. I can't wait to see Lee and Martin make their debuts. And from St Paul down I see a milb system that offers a lot of intrigue for 2024. As to CF, I just don't know. I can still see a smallish trade to add a depth option still, similar to Taylor last season. Maybe a FA signing like Duvall falls in to our laps still, a veteran 4th OF with a good RH bat who can help cover CF but who we don't have to count on for every day play. But I can also see a scenario where Buxton is relatively healthy for 80-100 games and Castro, Martin, Keirsey, and Helman all provide depth and coverage at times. (Possibly Gordon as well, I'm not completely dismissing him). The spot may even end up as a quasi platoon between a couple of those guys. Not ideal, but not disastrous either. Much like Taylor, they'd provide as much offense as possible at the bottom of the lineup. If we somehow KNEW Buxton would be good for 80 games, I think I could live with the other 80 covered in such a way. But the offseason isn't done yet, so we'll see how things shake out. As to Larnach, I agree with Roger that no decision has to be made yet. He's not exactly ancient yet, and still has an option. He did seem to improve the 2nd half at St Paul. He was injured each of his first couple seasons. In 2024, I believe he became ill, and not injured. I still have some belief in him. He doesn't have great range, but he's OK in the OF with a good arm, though certainly not to the caliber of Wallner. He may never develop in to the batter we had hoped for, but the 20 HR and 30 Dbl power is still there. And getting 400 AB against RH pitching i think he might still do that, even if he "hits" in the. 225-.230 range with a decent OB%. And despite his career not fully taking off, and some injury interruptions, he has kept his OB% about 90 points higher than his BA. Maybe he needs to BB a little less and barrel up a little more??? I see the ability/potential vs results so far and still see a solid OF who can produce, but more as a 7th hitter than a 4-6. But with solid defense and power in that spot, he can valuable, whether as a Twin if someone is traded, or if he himself is traded. Despite not yet reaching his projections, I can still see him being of interest to both Seattle and Miami as part of a trade package.

Just to be clear: A] Availability is important, I'll grant you that 100%. IIRC, it appears Polanco's ankle is finally OK. His 2023 season was delayed some, but the time he missed later in the season was not related to his previous injuries. I believe it was relatively minor and not for very long. Again, IIRC. 2024 could, and hopefully will be, a healthy one for him. But I understand your point. B] When I cited Arraez's and Polanco's OPS and OPS+ over the past 3yrs, and how close they are, I was referencing Polanco's value as a trade option. While Polanco is about 3yrs older than Arraez, if Arraez could net a return of Lopez and a couple A level prospects by himself, shouldn't Polanco and a couple good, solid prospects in our top 20 net an arm without the Twins having to move one of their top 3-5? Sorry if my comparison between the two wasn't more clear. :)

While I still believe we are going to see the FO make a trade for a SP that might hurt in what we give up, these are EXACTLY the kind of moves they should be looking to make. I've never been sold on SWR, but made excuses for how he's been promoted, and began to buy in following 2022. But his 2023 was just awful with a mediocre ending. Festa is super talented, but I doubt he's ready. Honestly, it's possible Ohl is ready before him. They need some additional depth, especially if Varland is on the parent club. Pomeranz, if he wants to keep playing, should JUMP at a milb deal with the Twins. They are a playoff, contending team with a good reputation for working with arms. And there's an opportunity here for him to make some $ and continue his career. Career wise, Odorizzi is the better option even though Keller is the younger arm. But we're talking about health at this point, IMO. Whoever is the more healthy of the two, grab them, work with them, give them a shot as the 6th-7th option. Kind of hoping it's Oddo.

I've said before and will say again, I don't think there's room for BOTH of Polanco and Farmer on the roster simply due to the unknown economics of 2024. And I'm just NOT going to get in to a debate those economics. The biggest reason being "it is what it is", which is one of the most frustrating and obnoxious expressions I've ever heard. But it doesn't make it untrue. But besides the economic impact, there simply may not be room on the roster for both. I want to be VERY CLEAR that I am not only a fan of Polanco...been following him since he was signed as a young defense first SS with a questionable bat...but a believer in his bat at still only 30yo. And despite whatver defensive metric you want to throw at me, I've been watching the guy since he made his ML debut. He's fine defenensively. Solid, not great, makes the occasional great play. I believe the Twins offense is better with him on the roster instead of being moved. That DOESN'T mean I don't believe in Julien, who showed a great deal of defensive improvement as the season went along. And there's room for both between 2B/1B/DH and yes, even a little 3B from Polanco. IIRC correctly, the previous ankle problems that Polanco had seem fixed at this point. I don't recall his "in season" injury in 2023, but as I recall, it was minor. I don't WANT to trade Polanco. I want him to be a Twin! But just being honest, it's his value as a very good hitter, with power, solid contact, solid defense, and a great teammate with a contract that is under slot that makes him a potentially valuable trade option to acquire a rotation arm. If the baseball gods/fairies said to me: "Byron, you have to include one of Polanco, Julien, or Lee in a deal to get a quality starter", I'm going to error on the side of youth and keep the kids. That doesn't mean Polanco...still reasonably young at 30yo...isn't a very good ballplayer or a loss to the Twins. I have ZERO CLUE what the FO is going to do. But we talk a lot about Seattle and Miami as destinations for a potential trade partner. Despite the recent moves Seattle has made, they really haven't addressed their INF, unless I've missed something. And Miami, despite having Arraez, has room for Polanco as well, with a small shuffle and shared time at 2B/1B/DH with Arraez and Bell. It is my HOPE that something along the lines of Polanco, Larnach...who I honestly believe has value...and the likes of Camargo, Severino, and Rosario, along with some other young talent as enticing options can bring in a solid arm to add to the Twins rotation. In MY HOPE scenario, the Twins keep their top 3 prospects intact, POSSIBLY top 5 to keep Festa and Raya...possibly include their "Gray" draft choice in the deal...and the other party gets Polanco, the LH bat/power of Larnach...still enticing and powerful even as a platoon bat...and a couple other top 20 prospects that are close to ML ready, and cheap. Might happen. Might not. But it's what I'm hoping for. Honestly, as much as I love and respect Arraez, I never saw a 1 for 1 this time last year for Lopez, much less a couple A prospects thrown in. IMO, the whole "trade value" website is nothing more than fantasy playing. Anyone who wants to denigrate Polanco's ability and value is misguided. If he was a FA this season, he would amongst the best options available and might command $15M per, especially considering the poor nature of options. He probably can't bring someone back that we need/want by himself, but he's a real quality part of the equation himself. Let me pause for a moment as I think it's pertinent. Arraez is a little over 3yrs younger than Polanco. He's super 2, I believe, and will start to get expensive soon, but is still a little "cheaper" than Polanco's under slot 2yrs of control. GRANTED. BUT, their past 3yr OPS and OPS+ has Arraez at .796/.122 and Polanco at .788/.118. So what does this ultimately mean? It means the Marlins got a great player for a great starting pitcher in a relatively even return, even though they through in additional A level prospects. It means Polanco is, by himself, a little older and nearly equal in production, but not a singular player to acquire a similar rotation arm. Hence the need to a Larnach, Camargo, Severino, Rosario, etc. Want to debate contracts? Miami and Seattle have young pitching depth and want to keep as many as they can. But Miami tends to run a fairly inexpensive team and Seattle might want to cut some costs as well with their taking over their TV deal. Polanco is not expensive or long term for either team. But he's damn good for either team. And the Twins have enough depth of talent to offer them some solid pieces for now, the near now, and the future. And both teams have enough arm depth to add to their offense without sacrifing depth. These two teams still make the most sense to me, for BOTH parties. I'd LOVE to have Polanco at 2B/DH/1B and sharing time with Julien and have the best INF they could put together, especially considering AK's injury was a mild shoulder issue and NOT his wrist. And can you imagine the wonderful conundrum the Twins would have if Miranda came back healthy and strong? Any MAYBE the Twins ONLY add to to depth and the peripherals to get ready for 2024. They might just add depth and trust in what they have...which is DAMN GOOD...to win the ALC and just not want to move any top prospects for an even better 2025 and beyond. I don't see that, I'm just saying. Polanco won't be moved for nothing. He's DAMN GOOD for the Twins, or anyone else. But I can see a couple trade routes where he makes the most sense.

Definitely a mixed bag, but that's what I'd expect. I wasn't a fan of the Gordon pick. There were some guys I liked more, and I wasn't convinced by his straight 50's on the scout scale. That didn't scream top 5 pick to me. He's had some setbacks, but hasn't been a bad ballplayer. Jury is still out. I think 2024 might just make or break his career. I never hated the Tyler Jay pick. IIRC 2015 was considered a weak draft and low on arms. Even if the idea of converting Jay to a rotation arm didn't work out, he should have been a really good back end reliever for the pen. The fact that didn't amount to anything is still a disappointment as well as a surprise to me. I give the Twins a pass on 2020 and Sabato. They had virtually nothing to work with for scouting except the year before plus. Regardless if he was a 1B or not, a powerful 30HR guy who could hit decently with a good OB% late in the first round? Sign me up. The selection of Cavaco made zero sense when it was made and has proven to be a huge error. The others? I can't say any of them were bad choices. Even Larnach, who I think still has potential to help someone. Solid in the field with a good arm, if he only hit against RHP and could hit .225-.230 he might accidentally hit 20 HR and 30 Dbls. As long as Kirilloff's wrist remains healthy going foward, I think he's going to be at least good, if not great. Again, a lot of very good picks on this list.

We have, and will continue to compare ballplayers. It's just natural, if unfair. Each player is their own unique self at some point. And it's up to them and their ability, work ethic, and even intelligence as to their future. I will always expect Wallner to K a lot. But is he a K machine like Gallo and Sano? Or does he K quite a bit like Julien, who still gets hits and BB by usually working the count to his favor? I saw several games of Wallner last year where he worked the count, and had the ability to hold up, or adjust his swing, to get a hit. It was an ability I didn't see from Gallo last year, or Sano's last few seasons. And I can't recall who the opponent was, but I recall one incredible AB in August where he had 2 strikes and almost seemed to pause his swing for an instant before letting his natural power take over and launch a HR. Even in a somewhat SSS, I've seen Wallner adjust his swing. And he's done the same thing at every level so far. If he can just lay off some of the high stuff, he can be lethal. But Sano and later career Gallo couldn't. They RIPPED for all they could. Interesting aside, when Kepler FINALLY realized he didn't have to be perfect all the time and actually raised his K % in 2023, and just let his natural power play, he started hitting the ball all over the place and maybe had the best half plus of a season he's ever had. I think Wallner might be closer to Kepler as a comp than Gallo or Sano. Reign it in just a bit, make decent contact, and just hit the ball hard without trying for HR. Let it happen.

Just wanted to add a couple thoughts on some guys mentioned here. And understand, this is just MY OPINION. I don't see Clevinger or Bauer as Twins options. I am not one who piles on anyone, and I don't get involved in rumors or "he said, she said" reports. That's not how I operate. But the Twins FO, generally speaking, seems to promote harmony and a "feel good" and even family atmosphere. And I just don't see either of these guys being a target. And I'm going to leave it at that. I am also not one to pile on ownership. No matter whether I disagree at times with what they might do, generally speaking, I think the Twins ownership is very solid. And I like what they have done, versus what they haven't at times, with a fan approval rating of somewhere around 80-85% approval rating. I DO understand the whole TV revenue situation being an issue. And something similar would apply to any business. And right now, it could be a 1yr Bally deal which helps MLB get set for 2025 and beyond where they would have even MORE teams looking to figure out the future. This allows for a larger/greater collection of teams for MLB to collectively plan for the future, whether the Amazon deal or something else makes more sense, rather than piecemealing some teams in 2024, and then adding others in 2025. I get all of that. I really do. But for a moment, accepting Polanco might be moved. Accepting Kepler might not be re-signed following 2024. Accepting Farmer will be gone now, or after 2024, does free up a lot of $. And yes, there are raises in 2025 payroll on the books, and additional raises here and there. BUT, IMO, even though I generally like our ownership, I believe that when you own a sports franchise, you owe a little something to the "product" for the fans, the community, and yourself. I believe that ownership, even with the questions facing them right now, has an obligation to keep the 2024 payroll as high as they can. I'd that means a trade that would, theoretically bring in someone like Castillo from the Mariners...that could fit in the 2024 budget...but might put a squeeze on 2025, they should be willing to accept they might have to be inventive in financial growth streams going forward, hope for MLB to step in to establish new TV and streaming options to help, or simply accept a lower revenue for a season or two while this all gets figured out. ONLY an example, but let's say a $30M profit vs a $50M profit, even for a season or two. For an ownership worth billions, in which the Twins profits probably rank pretty low on their income ladder, I believe this should be part of not only their future value of the team, but a sort of responsibility for being a pro sports team in general. Again, ONLY my opinion. I'd never ask a business owner to take a loss on their product/team. That's just ridiculous. But in this case, a short term loss of profit may actually be a longer term investment in their product. Just me ranting a little bit. Back to your regularly scheduled program. Lol.

The FO has been ties to Stroman previously and really liked him. I don't think he's washed up, but he's gotten older, and didn't finish 2023 very well. I could only see a cheap 1yr if he doesn't get what he wants. I just keep thinking about a Castillo trade, or signing Montgomery...previously mentioned...who sits around $20-23M. Polanco goes to Seattle, OR, if Montgomery WERE signed, you're only adding around $11-13M for 2024. But I am also concerned about that 2025 payroll down the road. Hoskins only works if Kepler is moved. Duvall on an inexpensive 1yr works as a 4th OF. I can get on board for Brebbia. Solid, proven, veteran middle arm. But what's the cost? SP has to be figured out first.

I absolutely want the Twins to work harder on developing catchers. That means drafting them, signing them on the international front, and, of course, developing them. And Mathis might be a very good idea to bring in as a coach, certainly wouldn't dispute that. But if anyone believes the current FO have ignored the catcher position, they would be incorrect. Tanner Swanson was the Twins catching coach from 2017-2019 before being hired away by the Yankees. He was given a lot of credit for his work with Garver and initial work with Jeffers, both of whom were considered offense first catchers at the time. In 2017, when the draft was still 40 rounds long, the Twins selected 4 backstops, though none early. And honestly, I don't know that any of the 4 are still in the system any longer. In 2018 the Twins snagged Jeffers in the 2nd round, and Chris Williams in the 8th round, both as bat first catchers. Jeffers has turned out nicely while Williams is reputed to be very smart behind the plate, but not a complete catcher, more of a bat, and would seem to have a limited future. They also selected 4 additional catchers that year, amongst their total of 32 picks, the most prominent being Trevor Casanova. Again, I don't think any of them are sitll in the system. 2019 saw the Twins draft Alex Isola and Kyle Schmidt. Isola began to add power in 2023, but has played a lot more 1B and DH than he has catcher. Schmidt's been an organization guy at this point. 2021 brought in 3 young catchers, Noah Cardenas and Pat Winkel...who have looked solid so far...and late round pick Dillon Tatum, who really hasn't done much to this point. 2022 saw the arrival of Andrew Cossetti, a very intriguing prospect, and Nate Baez, a tremendous athlete who's new to full time catching and has some injury set backs, but has tons of ability. They've also added a couple catchers via trade, most notably, the aforementioned Jair Camargo. They've stressed coaching. And they HAVE been looking for catchers. The problem seems to be not drafting a single catcher before the 8th round (Cardenas and Williams) other than Jeffers. Now, do they believe they haven't needed to at this point since they have Jeffers? Have they felt there just haven't been any backstops available to them that were worth the draft slot? Do they just feel a catcher is to be developed, and not necessarily just picked? By all means, bring in as many good coaches as you can. And Mathis might be very good. But Cossetti, Cardenas, Winkel, and Camargo all show some potential and have been largely successful with their bats so far. I'm really, really anxious to see what Baez can do in 2024 if he's fully healthy. The guy played all over the field in college and had a solid bat. Where I DO have some issue with the Twins is maybe not taking a shot or two early in some of their drafts, besides Jeffers, to see if you might find a a better prospect to work with and see what you can develop...even if you select them a couple rounds earlier than projected.

I don't think the mention of Ohtani is even relevant as he's both special and unique. As to any other ideas about a 6 man rotation, I don't see it as viable or necessary. To some degree, all teams do it here and there between double headers, giving someone an extra day or rest, trying to extend a season for a young or rehabbed arm, etc. But the 5 man rotation has been successful for DECADES. It works. With apologies to those who clamor for the days of a 4 man staff or starters consistently going 7 IP, or more, you just have to understand the game has CHANGED. And MLB, IMO, has been too slow to adapt...in some areas. I still remember when a guy who threw 88mph had a good fastball. Now, that's a junk ball thrower. BACK IN THE DAY, it was considered a no-no for position players to lift weights as it would decrease their flexibility and ability to hit. Yes, that was true. Things began to change dramatically sometime in the 80's where players began to get bigger, stronger, faster, through weight training and good exercise programs. (Yes, there was a steroid situation, but not for everyone). I dare say a player from TODAY, even a slightly above average player...let's just say a Kepler, Polanco, healthy Kirilloff player from our current Twins...would have been DOMINATE in the 60's and 70's. They would just be a different kind of athlete. Let's think about the NFL for a moment. Even through a good chunk of the 80's, if you didn't have a STUD RB, you weren't going to win, generally. Have you ever looked at career passing numbers from HOF QB's from the 20th Century? Tarkenton was the outlier in the 70's who's numbers were beat, eventually, by Marino, Payton, Farmer, etc, in a NEW GAME and 16 game season. But look at Tittle, and Otto Graham and Bradshaw and Namath, and the list goes on. Their numbers don't even compare to late 20th and 21st century numbers produced in today's game. So MLB should stay stuck in retro because why? Analytics are NOT some disease, it's just a change. Hitters are so much more dangerous, so pitchers have become more wicked in their stuff and velocity. For DECADES, analytics have been in play. The very nature of platooning a LH or RH batter or pitcher was considered "natural". They just didn't call it "analytics" back then. Discovery has shown that as players have grown, so has the usage of players grown. Unless you have one of a very special group of SP at your disposal, you are proven to be better off having your SP go through the lineup twice, maybe three times, but no more. No offense to Blyleven, or Ryan, or Palmer, or pitcher X you want to name from the 60's to 80's, but if they faced today's athletes, and those players had I Pads to watch their approach at the plate, our perspective of their careers and results would change. And that's OK. It's just a natural progression of the game. I applaud the pitch clock. I applaud the 3 batter minimum unless finishing an inning. I applaud the 2 throws to 1B as it was getting ridiculous! I love speed being brought back in to the game because of the 2 throws. (The larger bases are really not a big deal). And I applaud the 26 man roster, though I think MLB is making a mistake there. For YEARS I have DESPISED the NFL 45 man game day roster. Especially as the game has changed, why in hell did they have a 53 man roster but only 45 could play? ESPECIALLY when the seasons became longer, and injury concerns became more prominent, why?? THANKFULLY they've adapted and the practice squad ups and downs have become more flexible, though I still have some issues with game day rosters. I actually LOVED the MLB roster construction during covid. It was a 30 man roster that dropped down to 28. I may be recalling incorrectly. But I believe that was the initial plan. With the way the game has changed, SP now throw as hard as they can for 5-6 IP, occasionally more. And that's done for maximum effort and production. But for so many reasons, we are in a new era. And if we want more excitement and energy in the game we love, I wish MLB would reflect back to the covid days. Why not a 28 man roster permanently to adapt to today's game? 13 pitchers is enough, IMO. But how about 15 position players so injury is less of an issue. Or platoons could take place for more exciting production. Or a PH or speedster off the bench might make a difference. In years past, a 10 man staff was accepted. An 11 man staff was understable. Anything more was crazy. But its not where the game is today. You'd rather have a 14/14 split, I will only debate you to a certain degree. But I think a 13/15 split just makes sense. 4 SP is never coming back. I don't think a 6 man rotation makes sense either, we're just talking about "give away" games as most teams can't even find 5 good SP. MLB, IMO, should just adapt to the 28 man roster they had a couple years ago and just allow for the changes in the game as it is TODAY.