DocBauer

We're going to have a lot of long conversations about this draft now that the dust has settled, and TD is accumulating thumbnails for all of the draftees for us to digest and discuss. But I, of course, have my own viewpoints to toss out initially, lol. 1] Regarding the catcher debate: Unless they look potentially special, quality catchers are built, not drafted. The Twins HAVE drafted catchers, and have even signed a few international kids there...though I wish they would do more. They have the vastly improved Jeffers, and the very solid Vazquez, despite him catching the "anti-hitting" disease that has afflicted the entire Twins roster. **cue Ashbury with a scene from THE NATURAL that I'm not proficient enough to know how to do.** But they aren't devoid of some young talent that might turn out. And like most drafts, this one wasn't catcher rich. Still, I believe catchers are like QB in the NFL, damn hard to find! I believe an NFL team should draft a QB every other year, late even, to see if lightening strikes for a starter, or a backup, or a potential trade chip. I also believe a ML team should draft a couple of catchers, even late, every single year for depth and HOPE. But I'm not overly surprised the Twins didn't this year. 2022 draftee Baez has everything but experience and has had his 2023 debut disrupted due to injury. And they have a few international kids to look at. And with one of the deepest drafts ever, and rookie FA possibilities, I'm OK they went mostly pitching. 2] Not the least surprised the Twins went the HS route for a lot of their picks. The value was there, and they have enough bonus $ to make it work. They selected more than a few college players who should sign lower deals to make up the difference. And in today's game, you seldom, if ever, pick a HS kid beyond the first 3 or 4 rounds unless you have an agreement in place. So I would expect virtually all the HS kids to sign without issue. What's interesting is their last 2 picks were HS players. This isn't a total surprise as while we no longer have the "draft and follow" premise before signing late that disappeared decades ago, it's still a statement saying: " We like you and will be following you in college". The Twins got lucky when SS, and top college prospect, Omari Daniel decided to turn pro vs going to college. Maybe they get lucky again. But everyone else should sign. 3] The Twins don't "type cast" their arms, which I love. If they did, in a misguided attempt, Ryan wouldn't be a Twin right now. They are more than eager to grab a Prielipp, or a Soto early. But they are also ready to draft a Hall in the 4th round who doesn't have the absolute "measureables" of 6' 2" and above, and weigh in at 200lbs plus. They are smart enough to realize control is a good thing, as is deception, and secondary stuff. They believe in "pitching" talent, knowing they can work on velocity, control, and even refining a secondary pitch. And while they still grabbed a handful of arms that DON'T make the absolute "measurable" numbers, what they look for, rotation or bullpen, are arms to work with and then develop. But other than "we believe we can unlock more velocity and find better control and a 3rd or even 4th pitch" mantra, what they believe in is an arm that just hasn't hit it's potential yet. With that being said, if there was an OBVIOUS "type" in the Twins draft strategy for pitchers beyond the first couple or rounds, you would see two things: A] An arm coming off injury or a great arm with great stuff just coming off a poor season with potential still in place. B] A long and lengthy arm, probably from a smaller school, who hasn't found their full potential yet. Think Ober and Varland, Lewis and Mathews last year, and look at some of the draftees this year on day 2 and 3. Length leads to velocity and deception. Smaller school kids means they were undervalued coming out of HS, still growing and developing. Just like last year, you can see some potentially underrated arms that fit the Twins MO of future development and possibilities. My ONLY complain is I just wish there were more LH arms to work with.

I like the breakdown and largely agree. I almost did the exact same type of post Monday night but was just too tired after work and yardwork after. Kudos to you for having more energy than me. LOL. I will grudgingly give you an "even" on Lee vs Jenkins based on the ceiling of Jenkins. But it's hard to do that with Lee at 3B/2B vs an OF. I'm torn on Soto vs Prielipp. While I understand Prielipp is battling "something" right now, and being brought along painstakingly, but understandably, slow, if he's right and ready for instructs and 2024, all this injury crap behind him finally, I have to disagree that Soto has a much higher ceiling. A healthy Prielipp, no surgery, wouldn't have fallen to the Twins last year. And if he did, it would have been a choice between he and Lee. I'm glad the Twins took the shot on Prielipp. And HOPEFULLY, whatever is slowing him down at this moment is nagging, and not serious. I know it might hopefully silly to say... because some guys never make it all the way back...but if he only has a "tweak" somewhere that rest and rehab will take care of...let's just say a biceps tendinitis or something similar...he might look fantastic in 2024. So my objection is just "ceiling" between the two. What's really interesting to me is the parallels between the two drafts. STUD INF, that shouldn't have been there, STUD OF that we had no chance for before the lottery win. Then a potential STUD pitcher that maybe shouldn't have been available, but he was. College vs HS is different, I grant you, but the similarities are there. Then, they draft a virtual clone INF/OF player. And after that, with Winokur being an outlier for a lost pick, for the next several picks you can see arm vs arm between the two drafts. Just very interesting to me how parallel these past two drafts have been.

He sounds bright, hard working, and very balanced in his approach to baseball and life. I've heard the Twins scouts just fell in love with him when they got to know him. I understand scouting is a tough job, as is projection of tools and talent. But I find some of the rankings and the 20-80 scout scale confusing/conflicting at times. He seems to have HIT ability, good speed, and budding power. His numbers in college only got better. I want to say MLB had him in the top 50? Yet his grades are all 50-55. Seems he should be 55-60 when you look at his production, especially moving up a level in competition. Oh well, it's the future that matters. I would describe him as a "ballplayer". That's a term that still carries a lot of weight, and means a lot to me. I think we drafted a Schobel "clone", but with maybe a little more speed. I'll take that!

Only "known" this young man since Sunday but I'm already so impressed by him. He came to th3 draft last year to just be a part of the experience. He brought like half of his family with him this year to enjoy the whole process with him. He was very impressive in his pair of brief interviews with the MLB Network host panel. He's active in his community and supports the youth team of his coach. He is a very impressive young man! Oh, he's also only 17yo, 6' 5", 210lbs, throws in the mid to upper 90's, has a good slider, and a solid change. And he seems driven to want to be the best he can be and learn. Kudos to Lopez for immediately reaching out to him and telling him about the organization. I just love how every new addition to the team speaks glowingly about the organization and how they and their families are treated. And every time I read about draftees, and prospects, or tune in to interviews that Seth does, all these guys come across as intelligent and high character. If character was a 6th tool, I think the Twins look pretty hard for it. Can't wait to see Soto on the hill!

The idea of the 6 man rotation to keep everyone strong, healthy, and fresh to finish out the season is a solid one. Though I'd rather see Varland get on his game again and be the guy. But IF Keuchel has anything left and CAN get hitters out with any sort of reliability, you can have the advantages of a 6 man rotation without actually having to have a 6 man rotation. Whether you want to make your plan FIXED or not, it's as simple as every starter skips a start and slides to the pen. Example: Ober skips a start one turn through, uses a game experience at some point to be his "bullpen" instead of throwing on the side, the the pen still has 8 members, not 7, thus not weakened. They've done this 6 man cycle in the minors for years to give young arms opportunities and to keep them fresh for an entire season. If Keuchel still, actually, has something left in the tank and can contribute, this is the most logical way to proceed.

Thanks for the compliment. While I was born and raised a Twins fanatic.."damn you father" LOL...I do always TRY to approach everything from the draft, to the minors, to the Twins themselves with a honest and long term view. I try to be pragmatic in all things, even though emotion comes in to play once in a while. Again, thank you for the TREMENDOUS compliment. I had actually held out some hope that the Twins MIGHT save enough bonus $ at some point to take a shot at Witt. I'm pretty sure his father has some influence here, and he should. There's every reason to believe a healthy senior season should land him anywhere in the top 3 rounds, maybe the 1st. I can't argue against betting on yourself and feeling you're going to be GOOD TO GO in 2024. More power to the kid. As far as catchers go, I believe to this day they are undervalued as to their importance. And one of my pet peeves with the FO has been ignoring the Latin market for catching options, even though history has produced a tremendous amount of talent there. Finding a high quality catcher that can be a 2-way producer is equivalent of finding an ACE pitcher, IMO. But in every draft, how many catchers are drafted early who turn out to be studs on both sides? There are just so few 1st round catchers who become STUDS. I still remember Harper being a transformation player who went to the OF. Right or wrong, the Twins have Vazquez for 2 more years. The underrated Jeffers is under control, for the same. There IS some catching talent in the system, though their future is TBD. The Twins haven't ignored the catching position, but they recognize a Mauer type only comes along so often. So they draft guys, similar to any position, that have potential to grow. And I would say with easy confidence, a catcher is usually grown and developed, seldom drafted to be a stud.

Last thing I want to do is derail the thread, BUT, the catcher conversation is worth looking at in regard to the draft. The past 2 drafts, the Twins have selected 5 catchers, all from college: Winkel, Cardenas, Tatum, Baez and Cossetti. Carmago, Williams, and Isola were acquired via trade and a couple later draft picks. Carmago was pushed to AAA after just starting to really have his bat come alive in 2022. I was surprised. He started really slow, and then has really heated up after the first month or so. He's solid behind the plate, has power, but is not a finished product yet. He's best not appearing at the ML level until sometime in 2024. 24yo. Williams is a 26yo who CAN CATCH, in the way a lot of guys "can catch". He's actually a solid receiver and game caller and is smart behind the plate. But injuries to his arm have limited him. He began his career as a catcher, but is primarily a DH/1B at this point who will do a good workman like job behind the plate. An injured senior signing, who missed 2020, he's a bat first player. Power and an almost 1.000 OPS says he should get a shot as a 1B/DH who can be a 3rd catcher. If something ACTUALLY CHANGES at the ML level, he could be part of a 3-some with Larnach and Wallner being promoted in some combination with Kirilloff playing more corner OF. But there's little to no room if the Twins don't actually make changes. But even at 26yo, his bat deserves a legit look. Isola is as much of a 1B/DH as he is a catcher. He's still only 24yo, but he looks like a catcher the way Williams is. Winkel and Cardenas are at AA and A+. Winkel is at AA, Cardenas is at A+. Both seem to have good eyes, but Cardenas seems to have a better one, probably a better athlete, and more pop/power potential even though we haven't seen it yet. They are both 23yo. Cossetti, also 23yo, has been promoted to A+ with Cardenas after blowing through the FSL. While he hasn't the same way so far with Cedar Rapids, he's still holding his own in his first year. Baez, 22yo, drafted last year, is almost a clone of 1st round Teel from this draft, if you just look at athleticism and numbers posted in their draft seasons. The primary difference being Teel has been a primary catcher for more than one year. Now, I'm sure there is more to the equation beyond that. But pure athleticism and hit and power ability, there is a real similarity between those two. Unfortunately, Baez has had an injury that I can't recall right now, that has slowed him this season. Just saying, he's very similar in overall talent and shouldn't be dismissed despite his slow start. 11-20, the Twins should take a shot at a catcher or two for hope and depth. But just wanted to add, they actually have an interesting collective of possible catchers in their system I'm not sure everyone recognizes. Camargo, Winkel, Cardenas, Cosseti, and Baez, are all a year to 3 from maybe being a ML catcher. How well they do depends as they're ALL 24yo or younger. And we don't have a TOP prospect there. In theory, we don't need one with Vasquez and Jeffers, but I still wouldn't ignore a catcher or two on day three. You need catchers, and you never know if lightening might strike.

Forgive me if I have some of this a little off...but he went through surgery, TJ I believe, and tried to come back this spring with really poor results. From I've gathered here and there is he will go back to Texas for his senior year to be 100% healthy, and re-establish his draft stock for next year, unless he got a much bigger than expected bonus offer to go ahead and turn pro. I actually thought someone might be creative and try something like that. I haven't seen if anyone took him yet or not as work prevented me from following the draft as I would have like to. But I wondered if $2M in the bank and turn pro...hedging any chance he ever comes back...and work with pro coaches and trainers might entice him.

I believe Witt is a junior and can/will go back to school if not selected high enough, or as a result, offered enough. He sure didn't do much after trying to come back from TJ this year. But the potential is about as high as any arm in the draft. Could he be a 3rd or 4th rounder with $ saved for a nice bonus to make hum forget about college? He could be an interesting follow today.

I keep hearing the draft is deeper on bats, shorter on pitching, and supposedly very short on quality LHP. Still, I'm going to hold out hope for a pair of LH arms today that are projectible. Think a pair of Povich types, solid, but similar room to develop. A great start to the draft. I'm liking Keaschall more the more I read. I'm hoping all the comments and belief are warranted. It's just odd to me to hear the Twins rave about him, look at good numbers, but then have the guys on the TV say he has no arm and no power and is a 2B. Obviously, what really matters is what the Twins think of him. Go Twins!

Yes. And yes. I just don't see the fit. Again, not a bad ballplayer. But I don't see a single, special tool or more to warrant a selection this high. Especially when there were arms available similarly ranked.

I'm a little confused on this one. Thought for sure they'd grab LHP Whitman from Kent State or HS LHP Cam Johnson or OF Hack Hurley from VA Tech who they've been tied to previously. Nothing against Keaschall at all. But it's my understanding he's already moved to 2B and supposedly doesn't have the power for 3B. So not sure I'm seeing a 2B in the 2nd round at this point. Is he an over slot to save some money?? This reminds me a lot of last year's pick of Schobel.

Thought they might pick the LH HS kid White who was selected right after. I was kind of hoping that was the target when the selection was coming up. But hard not to be thrilled with a young man and arm like Soto. 6' 5" and around 210lbs with a 95mph that touches 98 and he's only 17yo. Caught the pre-draft interview with him on MLB and he seems very mature, bright, and thoughtful. Very cool that he attended the draft last year as a junior just to share in the experience and use it for growth potential/motivation for this year. And I believe I heard he does a lot of community work as well. Admit I don't know a lot about his secondary offerings, but can't wait to learn more.

Never bought the under slot talk as it just didn't make sense to me with how deep the draft is, and money to spend. But still, when you hear a lot of chatter, it can get you worried. I wanted Clark if Langford didn't slip through somehow because I wanted such a top CF option. Either of them. But I still love everything I've heard or read about Jenkins. High character kid with legitimate hit tool, power, defense, arm, and better than average speed. My hunch is he's going to fill out a little more, the speed will drop a little, and he'll end up in RF. Reminds me of the same profile Kirilloff had coming out of HS. Very possibly the top pick, easy top 3, most years. I think we should all be happy and excited about Jenkins.

I hope you are wrong about any algorithm scenario, OR, they are DEAD ON with theirs. FWIW, in the recent Gleeman and the Geek podcast, Aaron stated that from some conversations he's had or heard, the Twins were not adverse to selecting a HS player 1st. They did so with Lewis, with projected outstanding results. And were wrong with Cavaco, though a later pick. And while Petty was also a HS choice, he was selected in the 20's. So I don't believe they are adverse to drafting a HS player. One thing we have to remember is that Sean Johnson is actually the head of amateur scouting. And while I'm sure Falvey and Levine are both plugged in and part of the process, especially the early picks, their primary job revolves around the Twins, and not the draft directly. Despite a few picks not turning out, a few question marks TBD, Johnson and his staff have had some pretty good drafts in recent years. And I have a hard time buying in to "college" bats first when I see Lewis, Cavaco, and Petty. Lee looks good. Sabato, a late college pick in a weird year, is an unfortunate UGH! I don't buy in to an exact pattern at this point. Enlow was a "buy high" in the 2nd round, and college arm Canterino the same. Though "plus picks" sometimes confuse me. My point being, I don't know that the Twins actually have any sort of pattern other that not drafting a college pitcher in the 1st round. I'm just hoping that in one of the best and deepest drafts in YEARS, and with one of the highest $ amounts to spend, they don't suddenly get cute/stupid and try for something that they don't have to do. When the draft is this deep, they don't have to play games. They can select BPA, and STILL play around a bit with $ on their 5th picks and beyond to free up a few $ more here and there if needed. They've done it before. The ONLY reason, considering $ and opportunity to draft ANYONE out of the proposed top 5 should be based on belief in talent and projecatability that we might not see.

As a Twins fan, I often struggle being a pessimistic optimist. (This also applies, even more so, as a Vikings fan, lol). The Twins have one of the top 3 rotations in all of MLB, even with the Mahle injury, and the start/stop/re-start of Maeda. Having Varland sitting at AAA is a HUGE luxury. My goodness, the kid was solid in 2022, and looked great his first 7 starts here in 2023 before he suddenly struggled. He's shown more than enough to show future potential though. And week to week, month to month, the pen has hung around 10-15 in MLB from my understanding despite injuries and a few disappointments. I DON'T want to waste pitching that we haven't seen in YEARS or waste an opportunity to make some noise. We all know the offense is the issue. Everyone in baseball knows the offense is the issue. But how do you correct that mid season? The system is not devoid of young talent, even though MOST of it is either in A ball, already with the Twins, or sitting at AAA waiting for opportunity, or still rehabbing from injuries. But while the system wasn't DESIMATED by the trades in 2022, we did give away a nice little group of talent. So how much are we willing to give up to add more? A really good 2022 draft, and the potential of the upcoming one, adds talent back in to the system. But how much more are we willing to give up to add for this year? I don't know that a single good bat does a lot for an offense that is struggling this poorly. So we add 2? At what cost? Julien, Kirilloff, and Lewis offer hope for the present as well as being part of the future. Unfortunately, Lewis is now gone until August. A HUGE blow! Correa and Buxton need to continue to show life and do what they are capable of, otherwise the offense continues to struggle. Role players are doing well, but can't carry the team. With even a little bit of good luck/fortune...and this team is DUE...both Stewart and Thielbar will be ready to go early August. That's HUGE for the pen. If Lopez, off his IL stint, has found some grounding, and can continue with whatever therapy he's undertaking...and I say this with concern and sensitivity...being even 80-85% of the arm we traded for, and can be, adds another quality arm for the pen. And there are still a few weeks left to audition Balazovic, Ortega, and even Sands, (putting up pretty good numbers this year in SSS), to see if someone can emerge as an option for the pen as well. I'd focus on a solid BP arm that is good, solid, proven, and there are a few in these recent threads. But I'd stop at anyone that costs a lot. Blindly faithful or optimistic, I still like a lot of what we have with just a little bit of the good fortune I mentioned. A good, inexpensive rental might be perfect. A good, solid, inexpensive veteran rental who we might re-sign this offseason. That's my #1. With the offense being what it is, I have no illusions the Twins are a WS contender. I DO BELIEVE they are better, based on talent, than their record, and the best of the ALC. As a fan, I DO BELIEVE that having that flag to fly forever is still a good thing. I DO BELIEVE that having an opening playoff round AT HOME with a chance to maybe actually win that opening round, is a good thing. Hell, winning might just invigorate ownership, the FO, the players, the system, and even the fans for 2024. I believe winning breeds confidence and a winning attitude. I DON'T want to sacrifice the future by emptying out the system for a couple of bats that can't do it all by themselves. I'd bring in that 1 solid BP piece. I'd look really hard at a veteran bat who can bring a spark. I like the Turner idea. I don't think Goldschmit from the Cards is viable for many reasons. I have no opinion on Pham as a person. But since he was also mentioned, does he come cheap? Does he fit? I still have a really hard time looking around baseball at other teams trending toward youth and doing well, and recognizing that in addition to Correa and Buxton needing to lead the way, our corner OF production is amongst the worst in MLB. A couple good weeks of Gallo and Kepler...which have been great...doesn't erase generally disappointing results from Gallo, and 3 seasons of decline from Kepler. I have no ill well to either, but when things aren't working, changes have to be made. WITHOUT giving any consistent opportunity to Larnach and Wallner, we are willing to trade prospects for corner OF rentals? This is where I have a serious disagreement with the FO. We've almost reached the point where it's just too late to make any sort of accurate decision on what the younger options might do. And that's a shame for this year, and beyond. The tragic and convoluted thing is, to bring in a corner OF bat at the deadline, or even a CF option, means moving on from someone else. But that was a move the FO didn't want to do the previous 30 days or more, to see if they might already have as good or better options. So, theoretically, they would have to move on from Gallo or Kepler at this point to add someone else, with prospect cost, in a trade. When they might have FIRST, tried what was already on hand. I DO generally like most everything the FO has done the past 7yrs. I even like most all of what they did this offseason. What I DON'T LIKE is their stubbornness to change when it's obviously not working. And that's terribly ironic in the fact that they have affected so much change throughout the entire system of the organization. Sorry I'm on a SOAPBOX at the moment, but I'm really FRUSTRATED right now with our team! We should be 10-15 games above .500 with the pitching and talent on hand! 1] Hedge your bets and bring in a solid BP that doesn't cost a lot, who you can re-sign if he doesn't have another year 2] DON'T break the prospect bank, but bring in a solid, veteran bat who can help and maybe provide a spark. 3] Time is running out. Remember you might be a patient FO in regard to offseason moves, but remember you are also an AGGRESSIVE FO for CHANGE. And when what you are doing doesn't change, change what you are doing.

Good for him. Can't say he doesn't deserve the honor. But a little surprised it was him and not Ryan.

I keep thinking about the rumors of Crews looking for a $10M bonus. Is anyone going to seriously go a good $2M over slot, even as good as he might become? Twins, Tigers, Pirates, etc, are $14-15+M in bonus $ to spend. So as good as Crews might end up being, any of those teams meeting that demand have $4-5M roughly left to spend on the rest of their entire class. Sounds a little rich to me. Is this just Boras trying to manipulate the system to place Crews with a team he/they like, and then sign for $8M-ish? Who knows, maybe they're trying to get to #5, lol. But the Rangers don't even have $10M to spend, right? So what do they do, give him every available $ and blow off the rest of the draft? The only way they could afford Crews would be what, a ML deal right off the bat? Put some escalator clauses year by year to pay him that way? Would anyone do that for a #1 pick? Or again, is this just to scare teams off they don't want to pick him?

Guess I'm going to repeat what I said in the other mock thread and add a little. The FO has done a really good job with senior and smaller school kids with projection the past few drafts. They've e even shaved a little $ here and there by doing so, which has allowed a little $ to be spent on guys like Julien. They already have $14+M to spend which is 4th or 5th in total bonus $. So why pass on a top 5-8 player to select someone most sites have in the teens to 20? Save a little here and there after the first 4 picks. You've got a huge bonus pool to play with, don't get cute! Secondly, with this draft going in to the 30's with 1st round type talent...some say maybe early 40's...why play the under slot game at all??? Grab the BPA and shave a little after the first few rounds here and there if you need to. Again, don't get cute.

If only Keuchel could hit.

The Twins have done a really nice job the past few years with college seniors and some lower level college players with projection to fill out their drafts. And they've found ways to save a little $ here and there along the way to use it where it might matter. That's how they got Julien. So in a draft this deep, and 4 picks in the top 100, including the 5th overall, and $14+M to spend, why play any games of the under slot variety? Make the best choices of the best upside players available, and use $ savings in the mid and later rounds if you need more bonus $ earlier.

Already stated my opinion earlier, but felt a need to add based on further conversation. You don't draft in the 1st round, especially at #5, just for need. You draft best player available. But even IF you draft an under slot player, you should: A] Grab the best UPSIDE player in that under slot spot B] BECAUSE you are deciding to select someone under slot, it's OK, IMO, to then examine organizational need. In other words, the upside of Teel, or one of the best arms, college or HS. Nothing against Gonzalez personally, or professionally, but the UPSIDE doesn't seem to be there from everything I've read. (Like I actually KNOW anything). He has, potentially, a great hit and contact tool. But he has no speed, limited power, and questions about sticking at SS. Not enough power for 3B, so he's maybe a 2B with a great hit tool? Do we need more 2B options? Not every prospect turns out. And draftees, including Gonzalez, can grow and improve. But right now, even with questions about Polanco's future, Julien is an obvious option there. Lee or Lewis might figure at 2B. Severino might fit there. How about Schobel...raking at A+ and probably ready for AA...also as an interesting option at 2B. Not saying Gonzalez will be a bad player at all. But he doesn't fit an organizational need at #5 as an under slot pick! Teel, one of many available top 10-12 arms just makes much more sense, with the UPSIDE you still want.

I think all the picks from "B" onward are excellent and make a ton of sense. Absolutely no way they should even consider Gonzalez at #5. Not only is he not even close to being worth that high of a selection, but just because a couple of teams have had success playing the under-slot and save for later game doesn't mean it's going to work out the way the Twins want this year. And then you've gone and blown a chance for a potential difference maker at 5 after winning the draft lottery.

Absolutely rooting for him as an individual! He seems like a good guy and he's openly thanked the Twins for helping him get help. Also rooting for him as a fan. His arm in the 7th and 8th innings is huge for the team. If Stewart and Thielbar can be back come August, with Jax looking good as ever, the back end of the pen looks really good.

Despite not handling the pen to begin the season, no Pagan, spend the $ plus a little more to take a shot on SOMEONE who might turn out, keep Coulombe instead of Megill, and Alcala not being fully ready to come back and earn a spot, the Twins pen still hasn't been all that bad. Granted, Stewart had a lot to do with that. And now he's down for at least a couple of weeks. And even DeLeon showed promise. Now he's done for good. Meanwhile, with those injuries, the bullpen has still been about average with what they have, and fill ins in the form of Balazovic and Sands and others. POTENTIAL arms for the pen began the year with injuries, such as Winder and Henriquez and the aforementioned Balazovic. IF the Twins want to try to keep winning, they can hope for J Lopez to find a "good place" and make a difference. Maybe he can? And hopefully Stewart is back soon. And MAYBE Alcala comes back. Maybe Headrick fits a role, and I like him. Maybe Ortega surprises. Maybe Sands and Winder surprise over the next month. Whew! Too many WHAT IF's. If they believe in this team, they should look for a solid 7th-8th inning arm that can help. Either someone they can have for another year of control, or a possible re-sign. Robertson might not fit. Hader might not either. Rentals that might cost too much and might be looking at better deals in 2024 and not worth the rental. If not those arms, maybe guys like Hicks and Straton. But since the season began the question always was, and remains, the offense. To be clear, the wonderful Arraez is NOT the reason the offense has struggled so much. I LOVE Arraez, miss him, and so do the Twins. But despite his BA, OB%, and doubles power, he is NOT the problem...though he would help. Who would knock Arrzez in if he was batting leadoff for the Tiwins right now? And that's the problem. Not the pitching. The rotstion is amongst the best in MLB. The pen is solid, despite some issues and injuries, but could REALLY be good with a healthy Stewart and Thielbar come August. ONE MORE ARM that doesn't come at a premium cost could add a lot. 13 games lost when allowing the opposition 3 runs or less leads MLB if I'm correct. Averaging something like 3.2 runs scored in or around 40 games played despite ranking in the top 10-ish in run differential. I always expected the Twins offense this year was going to be built on what they had, Correa, Buxton, Polanco, and Miranda, with improvements and health and promotion from Kirilloff, Larnach, Wallner, Jeffers, and Julien, along with additions like Vazquez, Farmer, and role player Solano. AND, hopeful contributions from Gallo before turning Larnach and Wallner loose. NEVER expected Kepler to be on the Twins to begin the season. Totally grateful he's had a good 2 week stretch and has made a difference these past 2 weeks. He's also played WAY BETTER defense recently than what we saw previous to that. But my expectations were blown apart early. Buxton has been a warrior, running when his legs feel like they can, but has been inconsistent as hell, while dealing with his new role AND a 96mph FB to his ribs. Correa is just NOW looking like his old self mid year. Pressure, injury, who knows? Meanwhile, Julien, Lewis, and AK...despite not seeing the POWER yet...have been a few of the Twins best hitters. I am NOT going to attempt to bring up the same sad story we've been discussing about Wallner and/or Larnach up in place of Kepler or Gallo, except to say, "when it's not working, and you have options, why aren't you exploring those options"? It's possible the whole team meeting and a new way to discuss hitting approach might actually make a change. MAYBE there was an overload of data. Maybe the opposition just figured out the Twins approach and the players and coaches FINALLY figured out they weren't playing to their strengths, or were relying on data the OTHER teams were counting on. Maybe Royce was right to say there is a point where I'm looking at "see ball, hit ball". But the offense has largely STUNK for most of this season, despite having the talent to be an upward third offense. In case you haven't paid close enough attention to the ML roster, and the minors, the 2023 team was built on POWER, and OB% , with a handful of contact hitters until a little more speed and contact came up through the system. Correa, Polanco, Salono, were supposed to provide contact and bat skills until Lewis, AK, and Julien were ready. The problem is, the power hasn't been there. The "contact" of Correa and Polanco hasn't been there. At least not consistently. And while AK's power hasn't been there yet, he sure has done the rest so far. And Lewis has been doing all he could do before his abdominal injury. If this team could AVERAGE a little over 4 runs a game for the rest of the season, even with some question marks, they could run away with the ACL. IF talent they ALREADY had on hand was producing ANY kind of consistent run production, they'd already be 8-10 games ahead, AT LEAST. Easily, IMO, 12-15 games above .500 if they didn't "play down" to their competition at times considering their play against MOST winning teams. I don't believe a single trade BAT acquisition will push this team over the top. I still feel what they need to do at this point is trust in the younger bats. They have to at some point, or the offense remains stagnant. Gallo is gone after this year. Kepler's hot steak is WELCOME! But we just can't ignore 3yrs of downturn vs someone who migh produce as well if not better. Do we really expect Gallo or Kepler to suddenly have outstanding 2nd halves with Buxton and Correa to match them and trade for a big bat...sacrificing more prospects...or do we keep our prospects and let said prospects get a chance to show what they can do? Trade for a BP on the cheap with control or a rental you might want to re-sign. He might make a difference. But unless there is a relatively inexpensive bat, prospect wise, that you can acquire to make a difference, and maybe have control of, what are we even talking about?