DocBauer

BRILLIANT!

So rumor has it Boras has been sort of "touring" different cities to be there for signings and press conferences. I doubt the Twins are squeezing Jenkins/Boras as that hasn't been their nature. And they have a good relationship with Boras. I think it's just timing and Boras trying to squeeze a couple hundred thousand more if he can. Not something that's going to prevent the deal from getting done. I hadn't realized the draft and follow policy had been put back in to place again, for JC kids, until I read about it after the draft. But I'm confused on how that works financially for 19th round pick Parker. It's my understanding he could only be signed for a max of $150,000, or any higher amount must be counted against the initial bonus pool total. Is it possible the Twins were trying to stash a little $ for a future signing? Anything spent over the pool allotment is taxed at 75% per dollar if I understand correctly. 20th pick Larson was a draft and prayer pick, IMO. Second year in a row they took a shot on a top HS recruit at the end of the draft. I guess you never know what might happen. But I'm sure Larson is going to LSU.

Lou Brown: "It's starting to come together, Pepper. Starting to come together. Yeah!" Did the Twins win another one? Did Maeda look great again? Did Balazovic do the job again? Did J Lopez just have another good appearance after his NIGHTMARE appearance? Don't know who Pepper is, but he better be nodding his head right now.

I agree on Gallo being shopped and probably getting nothing. But there are teams that love history, and there might be someone just dyeing to add a veteran LH bat, even to platoon, who can take a walk, play solid defense at 3 spots, and maybe make a power difference over the last couple of months. But I expect nothing or little from a trade, but if I'm the Twins, I take a shot just to see. I like Wallner more than you do. What I see is continued improvement each of the last 3yrs. I see high K numbers, but high BB numbers, a solid AVG EVERYWHERE he's played, and tons of power. I honestly think he's a better version of Gallo, with the bat. By that I mean a lot of K's, but also a better actual AVG with enough BB to be relevant in OB%. I couldn't care less if he hit bombs as majestic as Gallo, but he's got great power. I've never looked up Gallo's milb numbers and don't care to. They are irilivent to me. I just see Wallner improving year to year and want to see what he can do at the ML level. And it's time to see it NOW. I understand issues with Wallner's defense. He's got a cannon of an arm. And despite being a big man, he actually runs very well. (Similar, again, to a young Gallo). What he seems to lack is "tracking" ability. I've seen a few bad examples, but also seen some solid ones. Playing LF the other day against the Dirty Sox, he made a great running grab on a deep ball to left center. And maybe his arm is wasted a bit in LF. But maybe that's where he ends up. And maybe the bat offsets a few defensive liabilities, that CAN still get better with time and work and coaching and experience. But why in hell wouldn't the Twins just trust in the bat and potential and give it a shot! One way or another, Gallo should be gone and give Wallner a solid shot! Period! It's just ridiculous otherwise! I understand confusion with Larnach. I'm frustrated too. He's solid defensively with a very good arm. He makes pretty good contact, and has maintained a pretty good OB% at every level. And he has really good doubles power, and opposite field HR power, similar to Kirilloff. So where is the consistent HR power? I don't know if it's coaching, or him, but the HR power that he has remains locked away right now. SOMETHING is missing. He's not as good as Kepler defensively, but he's pretty good. He almost matches him, or is above, in AVG and OB%. His 2021 and 2022 and 2023 debuts all showed a legit bat. 2021 and 2022 were wrecked by injury. So even now, at 26yo, do we even know what he MIGHT become? If I'm a team trading with the Twins, I might want him as someone who is just experience and an adjustment away from being a good contributor to my team. But if I'm the Twins, I'm also wondering how I can unlock that potential. Especially knowing Gallo is going to be gone and we aren't sure about Kepler beyond this year. As both a Twins fan and a Kepler fan, I'd LOVE if the past 30 days of Kepler production means he's turned some kind of corner at 30yo, and will continue to be a quality producer in the lower third of the lineup. But does 30 days replace a 3yr downside at this point? I've posted a bunch of relevant numbers in my previous post. And I still don't have answers that I'm concrete on. Except that Gallo should be gone in favor of Wallner and/or Larnach. Kepler remains a mystery. But I'd put Wallner in the OF daily with Gallo gone. Borderline ridiculous to trot out a veteran who can't produce vs a young talent who might. And I'm guessing that will happen. The FO is just enamored with Kepler. And his last 30 days seems to justify their belief. Time will tell if they are right or wrong. But I'd hold on to Larnach, with Kepler, and his future still unknown, unless someone offers me a good deal with Larnach part of said deal. I don't want to be sitting here in 2024 with Kepler playing good defense but hitting .190 again with weak power and have Larnach finally figuring out his power with someone else.

I've been on his bandwagon since he came up in 2021, with changes in his delivery, to avoid injuries. And I was 100% happy with the way they limited his IP. And in 2022 he was excellent at the start of year and at the end. Such a shame he got hurt through the mid third. Lower abdominal I jury I believe. Never heard for sure, but a possible hernia? Regardless, he's been excellent this year. The Twins #1? I don't know that I'm ready to say that at this point, no matter how good he's been. Ryan has been just as good, except for that Baltimore game before the break Ugh! And Lopez has been way better than some of the "obvious" numbers, as reported in the OP. I don't feel like Gray is the #1 right now, though he's also been good. I feel like you can count on 5 solid to really good IP every time out. And I'm OK with that. But does it matter who is #1? As IndianaTwin stated, having 4-5 guys who are quality is what I care about. But I do like Ober getting his deserved props! I do think Gray is signed by someone on a 3yr deal this offseason that the Twins won't match. But the 2yrs they got have been good, and the extra draft pick will be nice to have. Ober is part of 2024 and beyond, and I love having him. I think he's clearly NOT just a solid 4 or OK 5. He's a legitimate #3 unless you have 3 others that are just so good he has to be pushed down a notch. Barring a trade or FA, he's part of the top 3 for next year for sure. Paddack might, hopefully, also be part of the rotation, healthy and building on the improvements he made when he joined the Twins last year. But just figuring time to get full control back, he figures as the 4th or even 5th arm initially. Right now, Varland figures in to one of those last 2 spots. And I really like Varland. Even with a trio of poor starts this year before his demotion...imagine a rookie having some speed bumps, right?...he's shown really well both last year and this year. Not mentioned in the OP, and omitted for obvious reasons, Maeda has looked almost the same as he did in 2020, and ST in 2021 before his arm got hurt. Right now, with a couple months still to go, I see him as a very possible re-sign for 2yrs that won't cost much. Like this year, that gives us 6 SP options to begin the 2024 season with depth. Not a bad thing to have. But unlike the beginning of this year, Ober isn't a guy on the cusp. He's part of the top 3 for sure, unless something unexpected happens. He doesn't just deserve it, he's proven it.

I want to give credit where credit is do. Kepler has been better the past 30 days than we've probably seen him on years. His last 30 days: .266/ .327/ .521/ .848 How well can he maintain it? Kepler's career quad slash: .221/ .288/ .429/ .718 Now Larnach, much SSS, through 177 games and 572 ML AB: .222/ .315/ .376/ .690 This is not to say Larnach hasn't had some issues, particularly tapping in to his power. And when he has looked good, he's had some injuries the first couple of years that stalled progress/seasons. But career numbers are very similar to Kepler at this point. And it's also not another attempt to dismiss Kepler. I'm just pointing out 4yrs younger and almost $8M cheaper and with some potential, why trade him when you don't know yet what you've got? He looks a lot like the older more expensive guy. Wallner, very SSS, only 36 games: .260/ .383/ .406/ .789 A nice start though, right? So again, you don't even know what you've got, but he's been raking at AAA for 2yrs with nothing left to prove. Gallo for the season and his last 30 days: .179/ .298/ .459/ .757 .156/ .244/ .416/ .660 I'm just not going down the "trade and DFA Gallo and/or Kepler" rabbit hole we've been on for weeks now. But while I understand the idea behind the OP, make room, try to get something, I just don't see how you trade 2 younger guys and keep a pair of veterans, one if which is not performing at all and won't be back, and one who has looked pretty bad for 3 consecutive years except for a resurgence the last 30 days and is questionable to be back next year. I don't have an exact answer. There's a few questions nobody has an answer to until/unless we see more of Larnach and Wallner. But I can see Gallo hasn't worked out, and that's a spot where one of the younger bats could have immediate, steady playing time. The other? Do you trade now and hopefully not regret it later? Would the return be enough to take the risk? Again, I don't have the answer. I still say changes need to be made. I'm still having a hard time saying it's the prospects that should be gone.

Was wondering the same thing on Jenkins over the weekend. I did the math really quick, so might have made an error, but with what's been paid out, the Twibs are about $170,000 short of the slot value for Jenkins. I'm sure a deal will get done, but looks like they will have to go over budget a little and suffer the tax penalty. Also means no $ left over for the HS kids picked 19/20th.

OK, he's a quality defender and switch hitter and only 24yo. Sounds great, and what the Twins need. But he also can't crack the Cardinals lineup on a daily basis for a losing team looking to re-tool? And the Cards want ready pitching? Or so it's inferred. NO. Let's trade Wallner, or Larnach for a ready made ML arm, who can't quite get ever day duty to those in front of them. Isn't that about the equivalent? The Twins, unfortunately, are going to have examine CF really hard for 2024. But trading ready or near ready pitching talent for a questionable option should be off the board at this point. Something cheap? Fine. No interest at this time.

So many thoughts about tonight's game: 1] Gray is just snakebit. He pitched more than well enough, yet again, to earn the W but didn't get it. What's most important is the Twins winning, but he's deserved the W in so many games. 2] I put the double steal scoring play on Vazquez, not Julien. The experienced Vazquez should have known, IMO, the play that was on and should have held the ball. I think Julien did the right thing, keep the ball in front of him. 3] Speaking of Vazquez, I loved his signing for defense, game calling, being about league average as a hitter...better as a catcher...and a tutor to the still young, improving, and potential filled Jeffers, similar to Castro and Garver a few years ago. In case nobody has noticed, Jeffers is having a very good year in every way possible. He's earned a 50/50 split these days, and probably deserves more. But Vazquez has lifted his SLG % lately, and was definitely key to the win tonight. 4] I'm not ready to say Buxton is out of his amazingly poor slump after Friday's performance...one game...but he battled to earn a key walk in the game. He's still willing and able, at times, to use his speed. And that resulted in a key SB. For those that doubt his injuries and abilities to "just trot out to the OF" notice how long it took him to recover after taking a knee for a moment to recover from the effort. I just some people still don't understand how hard he's trying to adapt and contribute these days. 5] I know we are all disappointed by the troublesome knee that plagued Balazovic last year at St Paul. And some of us are still perplexed why he wasn't shut down for a time to "get right" despite his late season better performance. Goodness knows his early appearance for ST didn't turn out well after the "incident". And I can only speak for myself when I really questioned the Twins INSISTENCE on adapting him to a pen role. My goodness, why wouldn't you continue to ramp up a former top 100 SP prospect back in to his SP role? Who cares if he needs the whole season to ramp up for 2024? He wasn't always great in his BP days with the Saints, but there were flashes. And now he's part of the pen due to injuries. And I know it's a SSS so far, 10 games and 13IP, but the ERA and WHIP are there so far, even if the K % isn't. Are we witnessing a conversion that might pay big dividends in the future? 6] Jax is a stud. And he has been since last year. He had a lot of crazy crap happen to him early this season. The other night, he allowed his first HR since 2022. He gives up a slow rolling double tonight and gets out of the inning with great stuff and a handful of solid plays and a K. 7] Duran is only human. That's just a reminder for those who want perfection. He was awesome again tonight. 8] Beating the Dirty Sox is ALWAYS a good thing.

I've been rooting for Gordon and was generally impressed with his break in 2021 year, especially learning the OF on the fly. He was basically the same player to begin 2022 before really breaking out the second half. It's really a shame he started so poorly this year, and then got hurt just when he started to heat up. No updates I'm aware of, but when his leg does heal, he's going to need a long rehab. Personally, I don't expect to see him again this year. And that might be a good thing for him, to just re-set for 2024. But while I root for him, and like him, especially if he can recover his 2nd half 2022 self, I'm not sure if he fits for 2024. And not just because of Castro. I think it's debatable as to defense at 2B and SS between the two as I'm not sure we've seen enough to accurately compare them there. But I'd say they are similar in LF/CF and Castro better at 3B. Despite a few opposing comments, I think Gordon has just as much speed as Castro. But after going 10-1 in SB in 2021, he slipped to 6-4 in 2022, oversliding a base more than once, and didn't have a SB this year. So I've got to give Castro the edge as a baserunner and SB threat. It does appear Gordon may have a bit more power, if we can have faith in his 2022. I expect Farmer back next year. We still have to settle what's going to happen with Polanco next year. How do you fit all the options, not including Lee, who I'm still betting begins 2024 at AAA. So Lewis, Castro, Julien, Polanco, Farmer, various options at 1B including Kirilloff, maybe Julien, and what about Miranda? Gordon's best shot, IMO, is part of the OF mix, depending how things turn out there. Gallo is gone. Hard to believe at least one of Taylor and Kepler is gone, if not both. Buxton is the elephant in the room, but not going there. But CF has to be figured out, and with Celestino and Martin losing so much development time this year due to injury, I don't see them as factors until maybe later in the year. And we've still got the Larnach and Wallner situation to be figured out. Does Lewis move to CF? I like Gordon and have continued to root for him. But his best chance is either fitting in to the OF somewhere...with the ability to still play limited INF...or just outperform Castro next ST. But I'm not sure there's room for him.

IDK, I'm really torn on this idea. I guess I had forgotten he had a shoulder injury a couple years ago that might have affected him, and now, in theory, completely healthy and looking more like his old self. Would he be a very useful and immediate upgrade in CF over Taylor and Castro? Yes, with no disrespect to what those two have done. And CF IS an issue, now and potentially in the near future. IMO, unfortunately, for this year and next, the only smart way to approach CF is to assume Buxton's knees/legs are going to force him to DH permanently. And it's up to him, and the Twins, to figure out how to make the mental and physical adjustment to being in that role. But Bellinger is only a rental at this point. Does he provide enough of a difference for the rest of the season vs the cost to get him? My priorities right now is a solid, RH bat who is capable against RH pitching, and can help mash LHP to help correct the Twins ineptitude against such. An inexpensive rental...who might be a re-sign candidate...is just fine. I don't want to trade away a bunch of top 10-20 prospects yet again. I also want a solid, dependable RH pen arm similar to Romo a few years ago, or Fulmer last year. Solid rental, low cost, and again a possible re-sign. Neither of those additions should break the prospect "bank" and might be, arguably, a higher priority right now than replacing the good defense and poor/mediocre offense of the #9 hitter. I think there's a valid arguement to made that Julien, AK, Lewis back in August, and the resurgent Correa are more important. And there is the real potential of Polanco back in a couple of weeks to also make a difference. The Buxton issue needs to be figured out, of course, back on track or on the IL to get a mental and physical break and hopes of still contributing. But I'm just not going down that rabbit hole right now. IMO, the FO went about 90% IN this past offseason and then stopped short. Had they kept Fulmer, or signed someone similar, and grabbed a RH OF, McCutchon just for example, we might not be talking about necessary additions right now, and trading away more prospects. And Bellinger might be a primary target right now. Let's just say the Twins can get a pair of rentals, for the above, that only cost them 4 guys in the teens and twenties off the prospect list. Who knows, maybe one kid in the thirties. What does a rental of Bellinger cost to the rebuilding Cubs? Does a duo of Severino/Schobel and Lewis/Mathews/Culpepper make it happen? Is that too rich? Are some of those already gone with the 1st 2 additions? Kepler has never said he won't play CF, only that he prefers to stick in RF, and that he's felt in the past he wears out playing too much CF. But how about playing there a couple times a week to finish out this season? Surely that's not too much to ask. Potentially, you open up a spot for Wallner. You give Taylor time off. Castro can be the multipurpose player he is, and doesn't have to play daily. Again, potentially, you increase offensive output, give valuable time to a quality prospect, and deepen your bench on those days. And you aren't trading 6 prospects, in theory, but 4. Might that not be the smartest way to go?

Agree on the system NOT being bare. It's always nice to have your system ranked high. Makes you feel good. But not only are rankings rather arbitrary in general, but they can flux several spots in one year. What hurts the Twins rankings us two things: 1] Graduation of several top prospects, even if a few haven't grabbed hold of opportunity yet. And a couple injuries, such as Balazovic and Martin, etc. 2] Between those graduations and trades of prospects last season, there is a gap in the system between a handful of really nice prospects at AAA and AA, and the "next generation" of good/high ceiling kids that are in A ball. So while they might be lacking a lot of HIGH ceiling guys in the upper levels as a result, the system is by no means barren.

A 5-2 west coast trip after the break is very good. Stinks they couldn't have been 6-1 since I think they really missed out on game 1 in Seattle, but I'll take it. And until today, so far, seeing more complete and level offensive production. People need to stop piling on P Lopez. He's been damn good most all games, with some great numbers. Granted he's suffered a bit from what I call "Radke disease", where he has a tough inning, especially early. (As great as Radke was, he had this problem at times). Despite struggling, Lopez went 5IP and only allowed 2 runs. How is that bad? The offense choked today. That's not on P Lopez. He only allowed 2 runs! And the Twins were shut out. It's NOT on him. J Lopez is a issue. His additional runs didn't matter. But his future as a Twin, as a professional ballplayer is in question. His family and his mental health and well being are more important than baseball. Did his IL stint and ongoing therapy help him as a father and man? I sure hope so. Was today just a bad day? I sure hope so. I believe the Twins will stick by J Lopez as a person, as part of the organization. But at some point, a decision will have to be made both professionally and personally if he and the team are better served working things out on the roster, or moving again to the IL, maybe the 60 day, to get his career and life on track for the future. Maybe it was just a bad day. Maybe he really needs the structure of being a ML player to get him through everything. But a decision might be forthcoming. I'm rooting for him as a Twin and father to find a calm place.

I want to be fair here, he simply hasn't been as bad as I expected him to be. Especially lately, he's been much more consistent and reliable. I'll give him that. Now, can he keep it up is a big question. But IMO, he shouldn't have been brought back. And no, I don't believe he's made up for past sins. At least not to this point. Look, every-single-reliever is going to have bad days. Period. Duran is human at times. Jax has been outstanding, and he had a bad pitch against the Mariners Wednesday night for his 1st HR of the season, and 1st since July or August of 2022, IIRC. The problem with Pagan is not him not being perfect. It's about being decent to good about 75-80% of the time and just BLOWING UP in a major way the other 20-25%. Not a BAD DAY, but being AWFUL when he's not decent to good. I don't deny, never have, that he's got some good stuff. Watching his last couple times out I was nervous as hell, but he actually flashed, and did a good job. But before he joined the Twins, what he did in 2022, what he's done in a handful of games this year, is an unmistakable pattern of usually crumbling when the pressure is on. His "sins", if you will. Now, IF AND MAYBE, he's ACTUALLY figured something out in mechanics and sequencing to finish this season out as a reliable 5-7th inning arm that doesn't just blow up in key moments...a bad moment is acceptable...then yes, he can atone for his "sins". My concern, if he actually does that, is the FO will want to extend him. Winder, Sands, and Balazovic have all started to look like potential BP arms now healthy, and making the pen conversion. Henriquez will hopefully do the same. I still think Headrick...though I'm not saying he COULDN'T remain a SP option...looks like a potential Thielbar replacement. Funderburk has a shot to be a useful BP option. A healthy, recovered Canterino might yet be a really good pen arm at some time in 2024. Any success by Pagan the rest of the year is good for the Twins, of course. But the FO confounds me at times how they "fall in love" with some players and not others, despite numbers and history. For instance, Pagan. And on topic, we can debate again and again about Gallo as a shot to rebound and help the offense. And to be fair, it wasn't a bad gamble. After all, there were at least some questions concerning the readiness of AK, Larnach, Wallner, and Gordon proving himself. And there were questions about Winder and Balazovic and Alcala as ready arms, or not. But to sign Gallo, keep Kepler, AND keep Pagan for a combined $23M instead of bringing one of a few decent RH bats on board that were available, and signing what we can only speculate as a smart choice for a reliable 6-7th inning bullpen option, maybe a Fulmer re-sign, and letting the unspectacular but solid Coloumbe just walk, is a poor allocation of assets and funds. So now we sit thinking the Twins need to trade for a RH bat, when we could have signed one. And while the pen isn't bad, we sure could use one more reliable arm, even though we could have signed one. (Or kept a couple). And we're debating the merits of Pagan exercising his "sins". While the FO did some very good things to build this team, they seemed to stop at about 90% of completion. And Pagan is part of that. He's a really good guy, and teammate. And I hope he DOES do enough to atone the rest of the season. That would be great! But a few "ah-ha" moments for him, and others, doesn't mean the right decisions were made.

Can touch 95mph, over 90 IP, solid mix of pitches, 10K per 9 and he's a 14th round pick. Just kind of crazy how deep this draft was, but also how many kids with real potential aren't your typical top 3 or 4 round kids.

****Quick apology to anyone who read my last post, pressed for time and my auto-correct messed up and I didn't catch it. CASTRO...not Cruz. It should be corrected now.****

1] I love and appreciate good defense, and I WANT my team to be the best defensively they can be. And I recognize WAR for a player is partially based on defense, which is very difficult to quantify accurately. So I do take any WAR from Castro with a grain of salt as a utility player being almost forced to play daily skews the concept of WAR, IMO. 2] I liked Castro when he was signed, and stated so. I saw a talented kid who was promoted too early, not developed, was still only 26yo, and offered potential. (I wasn't the only one). He's actually exceeded my expectations, despite not exactly setting the world on complete fire in regard to AVG/OB/SLG/OPS. 3] I DON'T agree, as Chpettit19 pointed out, that you HAVE to have some super-utility player to make your roster complete. And I'm not going to lay out roster combinations again that he stated very well as possible. But I also recognize it's not always easy to actually HAVE that perfect 1-13 that you'd like to have, due to injuries alone. 4] I disagree that Castro has FORCED anything. I mean, he still has to keep playing well. And I object to any mention of long term. Now, if long term is the next couple of seasons, and he keeps doing what he's doing, then YES, he's at least earned the right to be on the 40 man and the #1 candidate to be said super-utility player, and I do think he offers more than Gordon. Gordon might have more pop, and as much or more speed, but that speed hasn't translated in to SB, and Castro's defense and overall positional versatility is much better. 5] Helman has been robbed of his 2023 season so far due to a hamstring, then a concussion, and now a shoulder injury. And while a RH bat, he offers, potentially, an even better bat than Castro with similar speed and as much, if not more, positional flexibility. Based on 2022 and his ",jump start" at AAA now, Prato is very similar to Castro in positional flexibility, POTENTIALLY a better bat. The cupboard isn't bare for challengers and options at the super-utility spot. 6] I LOVE what Castro has brought to the team. I love his defense and his speed as a weapon. He's an OK hitter with potential still, which I also like and embrace. But the Twins offense SHOULD be better, and not have to rely on him so much as a daily starter. Long story short, he's EARNED his spot for the rest of the year. He's earned a 40 man spot. I'd take him over Gordon. And he's earned the right to be at the top of the pecking order as the 13th man, super-utility option going in to 2024. No debate there at all. Love the guy. But I can't dismiss the idea that he's got to keep doing what he's doing...maybe continue to improve...because there ARE other options in 2024 to replace him, or a roster deep enough, potentially, that he becomes the 14th man.

Festa and Nowlin are a couple of other late picks in recent seasons that are showing well in the sytem, Festa more so. They do tend to mix things up in regard to height, weight, and different levels of ball and different kinds of "stuff", which I'm glad to see. Senseless to pigeonhole yourself in to just one type of anything. I know I stated this elsewhere recently, but it's interesting to me the Twins aren't afraid to draft guys: A} Coming off injury, or in their first season back from one, believing they are getting value in an arm being "underrated" at the time. B} Smaller school arms...often with good length...that they believe aren't fully developed yet. And that makes sense. Most 17-18yo kids simply aren't done with their physical development yet. Some add 30lbs and grow another 2-4" even after HS graduation. So you get someone from a smaller school that wasn't ready for the power conference offers and maybe has a higher ceiling available. A smart approach!

Nor going to find a bigger fan of Buck than myself. But yeah, the word for watching him right now is "painful". Absolutely seems to be guessing on every single pitch, but also acting as if he's not allowed to hit something in the center of the zone. While never a perfect player/hitter, and always with far fewer gamea/AB than we'd like, 2019/20/21/22 had him with OPS+ of 115/125/171/133. That's a good, powerful, and dangerous bat. While his inability to play defense...maybe never again...is an awful shame, I'd take the '19-'22 Buxton as our full time DH any day of the week. But he's not even close to that player right now. I'd like to see him get a IL stint for his back, at least, as well as a mental re-set. Let Julien and Polanco both play, whether it be 2B or DH. Further, for a team that prides itself on trying to be creative, who likes to build rosters that have versatility, they are being foolishly stubborn at this time. Why not Julien at 1B? He's done it before. Maybe some LF? Again, he's done it before. He won't be great at either spot, but I'd settle for OK at 1B and passable/not dangerous in left, and it keeps his bat in the lineup and offers the lineup more flexibility. For that matter, maybe Polanco could play a little 3B? Or with his leg issues, how about him learning some 1B? Help Buxton feel better and get his "hitters head" screwed on straight and keep the better bats that are actually contributing in the lineup. For that matter, DON'T send Wallner down. DH and OF, let him play. Time to move on from one of Gallo or Kepler. It would appear Kepler is made of Teflon in the FO opinion, so I guess Gallo goes. I love Buxton. I believe in him, even as a full time DH, if that's his future. But we just aren't getting anything close to the Byron we've seen the past 4yrs. It's time for some changes and some re-sets.

First and foremost, THANK YOU and everyone else for some AMAZING coverage of the draft! I'm going to be long-winded here, because it's my nature, LOL, and because I think this is a very interesting topic. So here goes! 1] Very interesting to me how this draft parallels 2022. Might be a pattern, might be coincidence. It's HS vs college, but a bat we shouldn't have been able to get, and an arm that we shouldn't have been able to get. Then we draft a virtual clone in Keaschall vs Schobel, albeit with more reported speed. Then a POTENTIAL 5 tool HS OF in a spot we didn't have in 2022. And then Hall this year who is not so different than Morris last year. And while the Twins went P heavy this year...and aren't opposed to drafting different types of arms and body types...there does seem to be a pattern with some of their selections. More on that later. 2] I wanted Clark or Langford only because I wanted a true CF prospect. As an amateur follower of the draft, it's so hard to wrap my head around the idea that ANY of the top 5 would probably be a #1 pick most years. That sounds so "unlike" Twins luck! LOL! It's a weird concept to accept we "lucked in" to a kid who would be #1 most years but we got him at #5. A kid with all the tools in the world, and character to boot. Guessing he fills out more and the speed declines to average, which is fine. 3] Wasn't a fan of the Keaschall pick simply due to the fact he's a clone of Schobel. How many 2B/utility players do we need? Even if they are high character and are "ballplayers". I thought there were other options in the OF and P that had higher ceilings. But I just can't dislike the pick the more I look at him. At some point, you draft a good athlete with a good glove and athleticism and good bat with pop/power and speed and figure out where to play them later. Can he be a legitimate CF option as some have suggested? Might change my mind. Don't hate the pick, but I'm not sure it was the right choice. 4] Love the Winokur pick as a HS kid who played mostly SS because he was the most talented player on his team. Like Jenkins, his build and maturity might force him to a corner spot eventually. With both, who knows. But even slightly above average speed means XB hits, a few SB, XB taken, and coverage of the OF defensively. But he's GOT TO improve bat to ball contact from what I've read. Crazy to be talking about a HS kid and his future being Gallo or Judge potentially. But that is the ceiling of this kid. 5] I saved Soto for a reason. I am SO IMPRESSED with this kid as a young man as well as his potential. He's only 17yo, been pitching full time for a couple of seasons, already throws mid 90's, with some solid secondary offerings. Went to the draft last year to just be a part of the experience. Brought multiple family members to the draft this year to enjoy the experience this year. He was amazingly candid and open with his interviews with the ML network host board. He's already plugged in to community work in is city. He's a class kid with amazing potential with a tremendous attitude. I'm sorry, but HS pitcher or not, the most volatile prospect you can have, I'd put him in the BEST PICKS category. 5A] FWIW, former Twins Cuddyer and Hocking have actually worked with and know Jenkins, Soto, and Winokur well. And the kids are already friends. 6] Hall might be a steal and reminds me a lot of Ryan. Not the ideal size and ratio you are always looking for, but spin and smarts and control. He's a winner who might be throwing 95 this time next year with his control. 7] Re-stating what I've posted before post draft, the FO/scouting department isn't looking for an ideal. They aren't afraid to draft a Hall, who doesn't meet all measurements. They know there is something there to improve on. But they are also very focused on two things : 7A] They are more than happy to look at a pitcher like Pasqualatto who, like ANY prospect or ML pitcher, has been coming back from surgery and is ready to find temselve again. AND.... 7B] They aren't afraid to select a pitcher who maybe didn't earn top offers initially, but grew at lower college levels and have potential given a chance. Those guys are the Obers, and Varlands. And they drafted a boatload of possibles. 8] It's OK a couple of the arms drafted seem to be milb "fodder" because you need them too. And 1 or 2 might just surprise. it's also smart to grab Parker as a draft and follow, which i didn't realize had happened. Old school rules. They can sign him before the 2024 draft. NO way Larson doesnt go to LSU unless there's something like $1.5M available in savings. A tremendous draft, on the back of a great draft last year. But you don't get everyone.

With a few exceptions, almost anybody is available for trade at any time. That's just basic logic if someone makes an offer too good to pass up. But I say no to trading Gray, though indont know that "panic" is necessarily the right term. I want this team to win the ALC and have a first round, home, 3 game series in the playoffs. Do I think this team has a legitimate chance to win the WS? I do not. Not unless the offense suddenly turns in to a middle of the pack offense to go along with the staff they have on hand. But I want that ALC flag. I want my team to reach the playoffs, and maybe win that first round series. And they can. Next year's team will be different than this year's team to be sure. But I believe winning helps build a winning attitude. I don't care about next year, right now. I care about now, right now. I DON'T want to purge the system to "go for it" when there are this many questions about the offense. I AM OK, with a couple small deals for a RP and RH bat rental. But the chances of winning the ALC and winning a first round series...who knows what might happen after that...are better with Gray. And as a FAN, I want my team to win as many games as they can. I want every flag to fly I can get. I want my team to win playoff games and let me enjoy as much winning as I can this season. Gray helps that happen. A prospect or two from A or AA ball that won't do anything for this year, maybe not next year, doesn't excite me as much as my Twins accomplishing the things I've just stated. I want to look forward to 2024, but be able to sit back at some time this offseason...when it's all said and done...and say to myself: "didn't turn out the way I had hoped, but that was fun!"

I don't know Gray but he seems like a good dude. I know he's known as a real leader for the staffs he's on, helping to bring everyone together to do things Ike sharing the scouting reports as a unit, and watching the day's starter as a collective unit. When you watch interviews with him, he does them with a ball in his hand and it just looks natural for him to do so. I think his comment was more of a "who knows, I might retire?" as an off the cuff comment. I put no faith in it as anything but that. I don't recall him ever saying anything remotely negative about the team or the organization. His comment about wanting to throw longer in games last season was SO blown out of proportion. He's a competitor who doesn't want to come out. A week after that comment he got another inning and it didn't work. His very honest comment was that he appreciated getting the opportunity to go longer, but it was up to him to then do the job. He's just a matter of fact guy when he gives answers. I appreciate that in a player. And while he's seldom ever been a 180IP thrower in his career, he's generally very good for 5-6, going 7 every once in a while. Despite an All Star worthy season this year, he's had a few games where he barely made it through 5. He never blasted the decision to take him out, but simply opined that he needed to throw better and get better. So I don't know if he loves being a Twin or not. But there's zero evidence he is a dissenter of any sort who doesn't like being here either. The Twins will, and should, offer the QO. If he rejects it, which I expect, I DON'T see an interested team NOT signing him because of the QO. He's too good to play games. I think the Twins would be overjoyed to have him for 1yr at the QO were he to accept. I DO expect the Twins to offer him a deal, however. I think what they would like is a 2yr deal for around $45-50M. Despite them liking him, wanting to keep him, having payroll flexibility to keep him, I don't see a guaranteed 3rd season unless it's something like 2yrs at about $25M each, and the 3rd year for something like $12-15. I believe they will see too much risk/reward for anything larger than that. But that still puts him somewhere between $55-60M for 3yrs, just less in year 3. I think what they would really like is $23-25 per for 2yrs, and $12-14 for year 3 with a $5M buyout. That would be ideal for the Twins, but another team might be willing to go a full 3yrs at a guaranteed $60-65 and the Twins are out. Despite being 34yo next year, and paying him through his age 37yo season, all it takes is one team to offer that. Now, IF, there is any part of him remotely considering retirement before turning 37, then a 2yr for $50 might put him back with the Twins. I just think he's gone, not because he doesn't like being a Twin, but because someone is going to give him a $60M deal that the Twins won't. But we get a pair of great seasons and a comp pick that he, more or less, initially cost. But I would like him back if it worked out somehow.

Always enjoy reflections and opinions on the system. Not sure I'd have included Sabato. And the way this season is going SWR would be lower on my list. I know he's still very young, but where is the velocity? Where is the single out pitch? What on earth has changed so much since last year? Agree on liking Headrick but feeling he's going to end up in the pen. Also think Canterino still has a shot, but probably as a reliever now. And if Cardenas can polish his defense, I think his bat will play well. But Cossetti might be even better. A few guys not mentioned surprise me. Williams as a late blooming 1B/DH? Winokur, possible 5 tool talent about the same age as some of the IL kids in Florida? And no appearance of Nowlin on your list?

Seems like a very bright kid. Love the attitude and determination. Already knows what he wants to do, add velocity...which he knows the Twins are known for...and already knows he wants to add a cutter to his arsenal. Keep seems to be "plugged" in to his future career already. Different change, but does he remind you of Ryan?

With respect to the OP, Gallo goes first as he's performed even worse than Kepler...which is almost mond boggling...and is the poorer defender. But the truth remains the same truth we've even on proverbial soap boxes for weeks now: both must go. I've commented previously that "nothing will change unless something changes". And I stand by that. No meeting or "go get 'em" attitude is going to turn this around over night. But Gallo at .160 AVG and barely over .300 OB without even getting power production. It just didn't work. Admit it didn't work, and move on. Kepler has been hitting between .180-.190, I believe, since mid 2022. His OPS has been on the decline now for 3 straight years. What's going to suddenly change? Offensively at least, how bad would Larnach and Wallner have to be to actually be worse? Last time I checked, Larnach had a better AVG, similar or better OB% than either, and comparable OPS. And he's younger and offers at least SOME upside, depending on how much you like him. Forget destroying opponents' pitching at AAA, Wallner has almost exactly half a season of ML sevice time between last year and this year. SSS to be sure. But in that half season his numbers just destroy what we've been getting from Gallo and Kepler both, and couple "hot" games notwithstanding. The numbers for both aren't hard to look up. I don't believe the FO dislikes either Larnach or Wallner. My goodness, they drafted and developed and promoted them. But they absolutely seem to have blinders at times on certain players. They almost give the appearance at times of being afraid of change I'm case they somehow get something wrong. At other times, they are very aggressive with change. Heck, while we're on the topic, Kirilloff can also play the OF. Maybe we should be talking about Williams as a late blooming 26yo 1B/DH destroying AAA. Maybe he fits in this discussion somewhere, instead of it being all about the OF. And while there needs to be additional changes made in the offseason in regard to approach, maybe staff, I stand by my original statement that nothing will change unless something changes. It's time for change.