DocBauer

I'm a big believer in top flight catchers and their importance to a team. Finding legitimate 2 way ones is pretty tough, and very valuable. I'm actually higher than most for the catching talent in the system. Carmago has really come on with both and power the last season and a half. Reportedly, his defense is quality. He's GOT to make better contact or he'll get eaten up at the ML level. But he's actually pretty young, especially for AAA. Winkel and Cardenas are off to nice pro careers after being drafted in 2021. (I like the potential of Cardenas more). Cossetti had looked like a real find. And Baez, also drafted just last year, is a "clone" of Teel. He's a much better athlete than you normally see behind the dish, and played INF and LF in school before becoming a full time catcher in 2022. The bat took off that season as well, producing good numbers across the board, including power. Teel has more time behind the plate, and that's where they greatly differ. So I don't feel "desperate" to take a catcher high. But I like Teel and I don't think there is anything desperate about picking him. But can he stay behind the plate? Is his offensive boost this season for real? I need to know that in my gut before I take him at 5 over Langford or Clark, one of which should be there. I repeat I think there's a realistic chance Teel, one of the other arms, or both, might sneak in to the top 5. There are scenarios where it could make sense. But the Twins SHOULD have their choice of one of Clark or Langford. And I think that's still the smartest way to go. But if, in some strange turn of events, should both be gone, I'd have to consider Teel hard at 5.

You aren't exactly wrong. Recency bias has a lot of forgetting at times that the Twins had some good teams and some very nice pitchers in the early 00's. They had Radke, Santana, Liriano, Silva, Perkins, Nathan and others and most of them overlapped, at least for a time. They also got a couple solid years from Baker and others during that time frame. So the TR FO, in it's first tour of duty, did some good things. Unfortunately, they never augmented their rosters enough when they had their shots. But half the names you listed never even played with the Twins of the 1st decade I'm mentioning. 1 decent season from Diamond, a couple mediocre ones from Blackburn, nothing good from Hendricks ever until he wore about a half dozen other uniforms, and the list goes on. And none of those arms compare to the likes of Radke, Liriano, Santana, Silva, and others. Different era, different qualities. And very few of those late 00's and TEENS arms would compare to what we've seen so far from Ryan, Ober, very possibly Varland from early results, Duran, maybe Jax and possibly Moran...as I mentioned earlier. In no way was I using a list of names over a 10-15yr time frame. I was using a list of players either with the Twins NOW, or recently, or just getting ready for opportunity in the near future. Hence, the pipeline IS open, IMO, but not flowing fully. The addition of lower level milb players I mentioned was not intended to reflect some amazing results from the pipeline, or some sense of immediacy from the pipeline. It was intended to re-state the pipeline is indeed open, but not yet running at full capacity.

EVERY SINGLE RELIEVER in ALL of MLB will have bad days and give up runs and losses. It's just a fact. And I never hate on a Twins reliever that has a bad game. But no matter how you want to spin Pagan being solid, OK, here and there, at a certain point numbers just don't lie, even if you try to skew them. There is a myth about low leverage vs high leverage. At some point, even the last man in the bullpen will be asked to perform in an important situation. And they may, or may not, perform in that role. And while Pagan has, indeed, thrown OK here and there, 5yrs of having the absolute worst WPA ad a RP simply indicates that some good performances greatly outweigh the bad ones more than virtually anyone else over the same timeline. The Twins have seldom needed a long man this season as the rotation has been amongst the best in MLB. And yet, they've still churned through various arms in that role here and there. While I didn't want Pagan back, and thought it was a huge mistake, I argue that since he does have a rubber arm, he should be the 8th man in the pen for 2-3 innings as needed. Building up the best other 7 spots made the most sense. His only saving grace right now has been injuries to just about anyone else who could get a shot to displace him. Being able to perform well 75% of the time...and I'm just making up a number here...but completely stinking the other 25% of the time doesn't make you good, or reliable. We just lost DeLeon, and maybe Stewart now. Alcala and Winder, Henriquez, and Sands have battled injury and Balazovic is fresh and inexperienced. So Pagan gets new life. That's the ONLY reason he should still have a job.

A couple quick thoughts/opinions first: 1] Very few teams EVER...including the much discussed Cleveland model...simply draft of sign international arms exclusively to build their rotation, or pen. Even the very best teams at developing arms trade for other arms, young or even established. Cleveland and Tampa have both done this to a large and successful degree. 2] I couldn't care less if a rotation arm...or quality pen arm...was drafted in the 1st round by the Twins, or the 20th. I only care if they turn out well. 3] Some young arms look great early and then flame out, some arrive a little later due to many factors, and some actually become dominant front end arms in their late 20's or around 30yo. Do we care? Is a pitcher only worthwhile if he's a stud at 22yo and has a HOF career? You seldom, if ever, draft an ACE level SP. You draft and sign and trade and arms develop, or don't. Some end up ax good RP, a few turn out to be consistent All Stars and precious few turn out to be an actual ACE. 4] While time marches on and the clock is ticking...as it always does...the very first draft of Falvey and Levine took place summer of 2017. If an 18yo arm was selected in that draft, they would be all of 24yo right now. Not exactly old to be debuting, nearing debuting, or maybe in their 2nd year. A college draftee would, generally, be about 26yo right now, probably in their 2nd to 3rd year either at the ML level, or bouncing a bit up and down to injuries and the such. My only point being anyone drafted the first 3-4yrs by them wouldn't be expected to normally be anything close to an established, front of the rotation stud at this point. It does take time to develop an arm, even if there are obvious exceptions. All that being said, as to the OP's original question: "Have they developed their pitching pipeline?" My answer is YES. They have done so. But like any pipeline, or even a faucet, the flow isn't turned up to full volume yet. Do we hold the FO responsible for injuries to Canterino, Winder, and Balazovic? IDK, maybe we do. But if we do that, then any far reaching of opinionated arm should also include credit for trading for a near ready arm in Ryan who has been developed by them and seemingly surpassed any projections. Jax's development from an inexperienced arm...due to his early military obligation...in to a quality pen arm should be part of their success story, despite not drafting him. While Duran just wasn't ultimately built to be a rotation arm, he's a tremendous success story. Or does the pipeline only include SP? Since Ober's debut, nurtured as he was, he's been a pretty damn good looking arm, who keeps getting better. Is he any less of a success if he's a mainstay for years because he didn't debut at 23? If you want to pick on the rookie Varland for having a few bad games before being sent down for a re-set with Maeda coming back up, I have no way to convince you that the rookie showed promise in 2022 and was looking really good this year before a couple poor starts. To me, both of these arms show real promise, with Ober ahead at this point. My criteria for a "pitching pipeline" is finding and developing young arms to be quality starters AND relievers as you need both. It's NOT draft and develop #1 and #2 SP every year and just plug them in every couple of seasons. It doesn't work that way. It never has. You assemble as many arms as you can, develop them, and keep a nice flow of young arms for both spots. SOME turn out to be special. I consider the acquisition and development of Ryan as part of the pipeline. I also consider Ober, Varland, Jax, and Duran as part of it as well. If Moran continues his upward trend, I'd throw him in there also. While it remains to be seen what the futures of Canterino, Winder, and Balazovic hold, if any of them overcome their setbacks to be quality pen options, then they also are a win for the proposed pipeline debate, even if they didn't turn out as initially hoped. But do we ONLY want to view the pipeline as starting arms? Well, there is some decent hope for Headrick as a back of the rotation arm, though I think he might be better in the pen ultimately. Former top prospect Enlow has shaken off rust and deserved his shot to AAA. Festa has jumped to AA in only his 2nd season and has flashed enough to produce some exciting numbers, despite being a work in progress, and has been invited to the Futures Games. Raya is being brought along slowly, but has some of the most exciting stuff in the system. Not including the traded Petty, he has the best stuff from a HS kid since Berrios. And if you haven't been paying close attention, the Twins drafted pretty heavy in projectable arms in the 2022 draft and they are all pretty much looking really good at A levels, some already promoted. And there's others I'm leaving out, like Nowlin, who is a LH with a VERY live arm that might figure it out to be a quality rotation arm, OR, a potentially devastating pen arm. And notice I haven't even mentioned Prielipp as an option that we just need to get right, get on the mound, and potentially be a real riser next year. There is a GAP between what's on the 40 man, and how some of the younger arms ultimately turn out, vs a couple high system arms such as Enlow and Festa, before we head down to A ball and see what's going on down there. That's due to injuries and trades. I can't and won't deny that GAP that exists right now. But if at least part of the criteria is for the pipeline is young arms to fill the rotation..and the pen IMO...to avoid churn and dumpster diving and the such, I again offer Ryan, Ober, Varland, Duran, Jax, and a collection of arms in Winder, Canterino, Balazovic, Moran, Headrick, Enlow, and Festa that are POTENTIALLY ready or near ready in 2023 and 2024 add to the rotation and pen. Again, the pipeline is NOT turned up to full volume as of yet. I'd say it's cranked up to about HALF capacity. But I think the pipeline is in place. The rest of 2023 and what we see happen in 2024 will determine how "open" the pipeline will be.

I can see reasons for drafting Dollander. He was the top arm to begin the year, and potentially the #1 choice overall. He then slips and has a more "human" season and slides. But it sure seems like the stuff is there to profile as a top of the rotation SP who might just need some mechanical adjustments to make everyone who passed on him look silly. Still, Lowder does seem to have passed him and may have just as much, if not more, potential. So if they went arm, Lowder MIGHT be the safer and smarter pick. Whether it's the Pirates trying to go "safe" over someone who, supposedly, doesn't want to be there, someone trying for under-slot to spend more later, Dollander or Lowder or Teel sneaking in to the top 4, I wouldn't be surprised to see a surprise, if that makes sense. Lee was not supposed to be there for the Twins last year, and we saw what happened. I won't be upset if the Twins go for an arm. I just don't know you can ever be upset if your team has a chance to draft a potential top of the rotation arm that early in the draft. And I'm actually starting to wonder if Langford might not actually slip to the Twins at 5. If he does, someone should pull a muscle racing to make him their pick. But my target is still Clark as I think he fits available talent and potential as well as need.

Disappointed we are only sending 1 player, but very happy for Festa. A whopping 8.1 IP after being drafted in 2021. Excelled at 2 levels of A ball in 2022. And while some if his numbers clearly show he's a work in progress, he's got some really good numbers as well, and seemingly great potential at AA already in his 2nd season. And now he gets this honor. Really excited to see what the future holds in store for him!

On the surface, this move makes sense as he can fit at 1B and Kirilloff can play an OF corner. And I like him as a target much more than an OF as the biggest problem there remains, IMO, no long term opportunities for Larnach and Wallner. But do the Cardinals even want to move him? They never seem to stay down long. So they might still see him as part of 2024 at 1B/DH. And until/unless we get some corner OF production, get Correa to continue seemingly getting hot, and Buxton to also keep looking better, which he has, can Goldschmidt make enough of a difference by himself if those things don't happen, or continue to trend positively? And what would he cost? The system is barren. We had a great looking draft last year and have the potential for another good one this year. But we've traded a lot of good players the past 2yrs. Personally, I'm still pretty optimistic about the offense when I look at the younger players just arriving, or recently arrived, or not far from debuting. And I hate to move even more prospects for a veteran unless the Twins are trending up offensively and they really believe he can make a difference. I'm just a little guarded about the cost vs the impact of him as a return. But yes, I'd love to have him! I'm still thinking a solid pen rental that might be re-signed and go young in the lineup and try to re-work in a younger offense. You'll never know what you have if you don't try.

Somewhat related, Sports Illustrated...I believe it was...whatever you think of them...had an article concerning the top 10 trade deadline deals over X number of years. I forget the exact parameters at the moment. I want to say 2017 until now? But the Twins were 2 of the 10 in acquiring both Duran and Ryan. Just some food for thought. The Romo trade was a good one. The Mahle trade made sense at the time. While I think we, and the Twins, would "take it back" now, there was no way to predict Mahle needing TJ surgery as a tired arm issue...which seemed OK to begin this season...shouldn't be related. The jury is still out on Steer and CES. Would I like both back? ABSOLUTELY. Probably to trade again as I'm still not certain how they fit in with Lee, Lewis, Correa, Kirilloff and Miranda (if he truly gets right again). But on value, we lose that trade almost no matter what. I'm reserving my opinion on the Jorge Lopez trade at this point. I hated losing Povich in that one. A lot! And we might lose this one too. But Lopez has been dealing with extended family and immediate family issues. If his mental health break can help him get grounded again, this deal might still turn out as at least a wash. He's got some tremendous arm talent, so again, I'm holding out on an opinion for now, and I think we all should. I understand Cano has been a revelation for Baltimore. And good for him to make it! But did anyone see his control suddenly coming around at 29yo to be a bullpen force? If Lopez comes back strong, maybe even a re-sign beyond '24, we might win this one, or at least call it a draw based on how Povich turns out, and if Cano continues. Still, probably end up losing this deal. But again, I'm waiting to see before calling this one. The others were all washes or a slight Twins win, such as adding Fulmer. I do think the additions of Ryan and Duran should be considered here. But we end up losing the Pressly deal unless Celestino turns out in some manner. For this upcoming deadline, I can't even imagine adding a rotation arm. And I have to question the addition of a position player...or the cost to acquire...that would make a difference, unless it's short term, that would fit anywhere long term other than a corner OF spot. Especially considering the biggest offensive issue just might be replacing older veterans for prospects being blocked. Goldschmidt at 1B with Kirilloff mostly in the OF might make sense for a run. But at what cost? Despite still not being as consistent as I want, Moran has nasty stuff and been much better now after a slow start. Headrick might fill a 2nd half pen roll at some point as well. The key is getting a healthy Thielbar back sometime in July, or early August. That makes the pen just fine from the LH side. Duran, Jax, and Stewart are a great start on the RH side. Is there a chance a healthy Lopez, or Alcala, or a young Balazovic or Ortega steps forward over the next few weeks? Maybe. But that's a pretty big maybe. I'd love to see one more, quality veteran added to this pen to make it pretty damn good. Especially if the offense can find any sort of continuity as that is CLEARLY what's held this team back from being a good 10 games or more up and running away with the ALC. There's still quite a bit of talent and depth of such in the system, a handful of really good ones at the upper two levels, but most at A ball. And I feel we've traded enough in recent history that I don't really want to move any more unless it can make a real difference. So again, can the offense really be improved by an inexpensive addition vs figuring out what's on hand? But I'd be fine with a quality rental for the pen that we might even re-sign for 2024.

Just easier to put my thoughts in to individual points: 1] Knee jerk reaction to the Gallo signing was bewilderment and anger. A lot of it was recency bias I can admit. But then I read, listened, and reflected. He was still good and productive and dangerous as recently as 2021, but that gets lost in his horrendous 2022. With the ability to play 3 spots well, and a career quad slash of. 198/ .324/ .468/ .792, a return to previous form after a really bad season suddenly made sense to me. You live with the K's, but get a legitimate 20DBLs/30HR .800 OPS bat. The shot was worth it, especially for $11M if you guess right. 2] I didn't buy in keeping Kepler at that point. Once again, while I disagreed and would have trusted in my less expensive, younger, and higher ceiling talent than the declining Kepler, I could at least understand the FO worried about Kirilloff and Larnach coming off injuries, was Wallner truly ready, was Gordon for real after his 2022 second half. I would have moved on, saved $, spent it elsewhere, and trusted in my younger players. But at least I understood the FO thinking. 3] Flash forward to today, nearing the end of June, and both "experiments" have been a failure. Gallo, as pointed out, looked really good in April on a rebound, but has been steadily declining ever since. And despite a recent 7 day surge by Kepler, he's still batting around .190 dating back to mid 2022. Right now, 26yo Castro, he also of high K's, pop but not great power, possessing speed that is much needed, is far and away leading Gallo and Kepler by 50 points plus in BA. He also beats both veterans in OB%. And while he's behind in SLG...to be expected...his OPS is behind Gallo, but ahead of Kepler. And beyond the speed and SB factor that he's brought, he can competently play 3 spots and is showing signs of being the same in CF, which Gallo can't really play any longer, and Kepler doesn't want to. 4] Let's take a further dive: Larnach, despite hit and cold and some struggles, and a pneumonia IL stint, beats both veterans in AVG, as well as OB%. He's behind in SLG, but almost identical to Kepler in OPS, and behind Gallo. BTW, his current ML career numbers, still a somewhat SSS all things considered, is not far off from his 2023 numbers. While not a finished product, or what we want to see going forward, he's still only 26yo, has battled some injuries, is healthy now, and actually offers potential improvement over the veterans that he's pretty much matching now. BTW, despite only a .255 AVG with St Paul this year, his other quad lines are .391/ .829/ .920. He really doesn't have anything left to really prove at that level. Digging even deeper, it would be foolish to compare Wallner's 2023 ML numbers against anyone as they are ONLY 11 games, and MVP caliber. BUT, in 76 games over 2022-2023, we have almost a half season to compare with, though still a bit SSS I admit. But in those 76 games he's producing. 263/ .378/ .434/ .812. GRANTED some regression would probably take place, but even still, the 25yo has some nice ability and could easily outperform the production we're seeing from both Gallo and Kepler, now, and in the future. Another BTW, his numbers for St Paul this season are .300/ .418/ .545/ .963. In what world is a 25yo producing like that still sitting in AAA while a pair of non-producing veterans are contributing to an offensive production issue at the ML level? 5] It's time to dispel the "depth issue". Even IF we accept the idea of Gallo being a smart flier with potential to play out well, even IF we accept keeping Kepler as insurance/hope due to questions about the "readiness" of younger players, the numbers tell us two very sure things: a] Both players are seriously underperforming and blocking younger talent with their presence, and... b] That depth is now an illusion, if it was EVER a reality as Kirilloff and Larnach are both healthy. Wallner looks ready, Castro is pretty much outperforming the vets, and if someone gets hurt, or someone suddenly goes south at the plate, there's a couple of AAAA journeymen sitting at St Paul to at least chip in and help if actually needed. (Any possible return of Gordon is being ignored at this point). So if Gallo and Kepler were indeed gone, let's examine the "depth" issue closer. Larnach and Wallner are the corner OF. Castro can help in LF, which he's done all year. Kirilloff can also cover both OF corners with Solano at 1B, Miranda as well at some point, and MAYBE a shot for the late blooming and monster AAA bat of Williams getting a shot at some point. Andrew Stevenson is absolutely destroying AAA, .321/ .395/ .494/ .889 with 26 SB in 29 attempts. And he's reported to be a very good defensive OF. And he'd be the FIFTH OF in this scenario, IF he was even needed. If ALL of his numbers dropped a FULL 100 points at the ML level, he'd STILL be matching the current numbers being produced by Gallo and Kepler. Think about that for a minute! Mark Contreras, also a very good defensive OF who can play all 3 spots, is having himself a very solid season for St Paul, maybe one of his best, but not matching Stevenson. But even if things just went completely south, for some inexplicable reason, he'd be the SIXTH OF in line to see any time. Can we just now accept that any "depth" issue is an illusion at this point in regard to holding on to non-producing veterans who aren't part of the future, won't be back, and who's contracts are already a sunk cost? 6] NONE of this is to say the Gallo idea was a bad one. NONE of this is to say Gallo and Kepler are bad guys, or had poor careers, or to admonish them in any way. It actually saddens me to see Kepler decline and go. But this IS REALITY of both Gallo, and Kepler, and the state of the Twins corner OF situation. The Gallo experiment didn't work. Neither did the keeping Kepler experiment work. And when something isn't working, it's time to move on and try something new. Especially when you have younger, less expensive options under team control who either already are, or could be soon out performing them.

Firstly, thanks to everyone's posts and comments. Much appreciated. I think this is an unfortunate, but very necessary topic. And I've deliberately stayed out of the discussion until now. A few personal comments and thought: 1] I LOVE Lee as a prospect. But I never bought in to what I call "hopeful hype" that he would be ready this season for the Twins. Same with Martin last offseason, and some E Rodriguez speculation similar. WHEN Lee is ready, an INF of Lee, Correa, Lewis, and AK could be OUTSTANDING! In my dreams, Miranda plays both corners and does a little DH time. Julien plays 1B/2B/DH/LF eventually. But speculation and hope doesn't equal reality. You have to find room for your best talent. And while I don't think my "hoped for" INF is grossly off the mark... 2] I do believe Lewis's best position might just be CF. And that doesn't mean he can't continue to sub in to the INF. He's just that talented and versatile. But even with Miranda getting himself right, does he get the 3B job vs being an almost daily rotation piece at both corners and AK even continuing to get some OF time? Even with a strong 2nd half and good offseason, is Lee ready for a full time job? So does Lewis move to primary as soon as 2024? Or is he slowly moved there? 3] There is still a chance Buxton gets healthy enough to be a part time CF. AND I'LL TAKE THAT. I just don't see the Twins making any sort of major FA signing or costly trade for a full time CF for ALL of the reasons, players, and options we are discussing. 4] I've been, generally, very pleased with Taylor. The defense is legit. His slash line has been below his career numbers, though not drastically different. The power is up, he's a good bunter when opportunity has arisen, and he provides speed and SB ability. While I don't think he's best utilized as the every day CF, you could do a whole lot worse than him being out there and hitting at the bottom of your order. I'd actually be inclined to bring him back for 2024 on another $5M deal that might have to bump a little to make it happen. I'm OK with that. 5] If not Lewis in CF, I've thought for some time Martin might be the choice. At worst, I saw him in LF as a top of the order bat who could cover CF just fine. Even the Twins have commented he could slide to the OF tomorrow, including CF, and be just fine. But he's only played a couple games all season while trying to avoid TJ, and then got dinged up almost immediately when he took the field. Just no way you can count on him for 2024 as anything but HOPEFULLY healthy at AAA 6] Celestino, as I mentioned, is still very young and pretty talented. Does he show enough this year to be a candidate of any sort? Is there any chance Keirsey moves to St Paul soon and continue his sudden offensive surge? Is there ANY chance Gordon gets healthy before the year is done and prove his 2022 wasn't an illusion and he could help next year? And is there any chance Castro suddenly develops enough instinct in CF to be a viable platoon option there? Man...so many options and yet, not much we can hang a hat on. At this point, I think I'd re-sign Taylor and audition any and all of the possibilities mentioned to share the spot, INCLUDING Lewis starting to make a move there. Unfortunately, it might be somewhat of a rotating spot. But I don't think that means it has to be bad defense or a black hole in the lineup. And, of course, the lineup is all that much better if LF and RF can become more settled and productive.

Despite some issues here and there...and getting Thielbar back for the 2nd half might help things settle a lot...the pen hasn't been a complete disaster. And it's way beyond arguement time about what they maybe should have done during the offseason. Duran, Jax, Stewart, a healthy Thielbar, a much better Moran than he was earlier in the year, and MAYBE even DeLeon are the framework of a solid pen. There remains a CHANCE that one of Lopez, Alcala, or Balazovic might step up before the deadline. But if the team doesn't suddenly tank, the pen is the ONE PLACE where they might grab a good rental arm for someone not projected to the 40 man next year. One more good, reliable arm...that might even be re-signed...could make a difference foe the pen foe the second half. But echoing the rest of the tone of the OP, and the continuing discussion, where else could they realistically hope to improve? The offense is, and has been all season, the downfall of the 2023 Twins at this point. Correa and Buxton aren't going anywhere for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they are damn good ballplayers. Correa is FAR AND AWAY not the player offensively we've seen so far this year. Is he really heating up as he's shown lately? Hopefully. And hopefully his plantar injury is not to blame or will continue to linger. Even after being dreadfully cold after coming back from being nailed in the ribs with a 96mph fastball, Buxton just flashed again what makes him so dangerous. Vasquez isn't going anywhere, especially being owed another $25+M over thr next 2 1/2 years and shouldn't be. He remains a fine backstop and he and Jeffers are forming a fine pair. Just have to hope Vazquez starts to hit more like his precious self, and Jeffers continues to show his improvement is real. I think it is. YOUNGSTERS Julien, Kirilloff, and Lewis are all looking good and producing. Even Castro...not a building block or a guy I want to see playing daily...has made an impact with an OK bat, a little pop, and speed that is making a difference. Who is not part of the future, and not producing except occasionally here or there? Gallo and Kepler. And not a personal attack on EITHER of them as people, or professionals, to simply acknowledge what they AREN'T doing, and haven't been doing for a few years now. They AREN'T trending upward. Meanwhile, Larnach, even with some struggles, a demotion, and an illness injury, has still out produced Kepler. Wallner is destroying AAA for the 2nd year. BOTH offer actual upside. To state anything to the contrary that young players don't have a place until they prove themselves is simply ludicrous. How are they supposed to prove themselves without opportunity to do so vs older veterans who are approximate or barely performing at replacement level? All time great Puckett produced right away when he came up 40yrs ago. But he wasn't the Puckett we all remember his 1st season. To take it a step further, Twins all time great Torri Hunter was send down once, maybe twice, I can't quite recall, before he settled in. Any sort of "prove it" logic would have never allowed Hunter to be the starting CF for the Twins unless he raked from DAY ONE. But we want to talk about prospects that didn't turn out in the '70's??? Well hell, why on earth did the Twins stick with Gaetti, Brunansky, or Viola in the 80's when they were average at best initially? I'm sorry, but there is no logical reasoning behind A] Prospects have to prove themselves at AAA and then what? Never get opportunity? B] Holding on to $M veterans who aren't part of the future beyond this season and AREN'T getting the job done so they should remain instead of letting talented, younger, less expensive players with potential being allowed to maybe actually IMPROVE the offense going forward? Gallo and Kepler should be gone, no personal attack on them. I'm not certain about moving Salono as he's actually doing what he's supposed to be doing and is actually contributing. But I doubt he's part of 2024, and a much younger, hopefully re-vitalized Miranda might take his spot. Not even going to touch the Pagan discussion yet again. NOBODY on the potential 2024 40 man should be moved. But I'd be OK with a lower level prospect being moved for a pen rental that might re-sign. Other than that, it's time to move on from underperforming vets that won't be back to see what you have, continue to build for 2024 and beyond, and try to help jump start the offense. **NOTE: Gordon is out for an undetermined time, so I'm not even thinking of him right now. And basically, the same with Polanco, who might be an entire OP on his own.

While I don't understand the parameters of how often you can place a player on the development list, or the length of their stay there, it's basically a limited taxi squad available to milb teams to manage the active roster, but have other players/pitchers to rotate in and out.

I just never liked the Cavaco pick. A HS fast riser with helium just spoke huge risk to me. And while he's an athlete, there is clearly something missing as he's clearly not come close to reaching any sort of solid production. I didn't like the Sabato, but not for the same reasons as others. We were picking fairly late, and based on bat to ball, OB, and power skills he looked like a "safe" pick at 1B/DH that was limited. But oh my, what a nice bat he might bring! And you still need 1B/DH types. I didn't like the pick because even though there weren't seemingly any top flight, "can't miss" type of arms in the round, the college arms were reputed to be deep in solid quantity, and I wanted one of those. I didn't hate the Rooker pick. I mean, a big, record-setting college bat that late in the 1st round? Well worth the pick! I liked Wallner better. Another bat first, record-setting bat, but with a huge arm and pretty decent speed for a big guy. And I'm liking the pick more and more as he's moved up the system and developed and produced. I'd much rather see him on an extended run with the Twins, however. I still like the potential of Larnach to be at least a solid producer. Even with some struggles this year and being bounced up and down from AAA and dealing with a bout of pneumonia, he's still got as good or better numbers than the "established veteran" Kepler. Meaning there's room to grow and improve, but I'm not sure how much he's going to sitting in St Paul vs the ML level. Good luck to Petty. I'd love to have him. I can't complain about adding Gray, and possible additional return in 2024 one way or another. (re-signed or a pick). Way too early for Miller. From I've seen, the glove already plays. And he's young enough there's a lot of time for him to develop and grow and improve. I'd also place Lewis above Lee. I think that's a no-brainer. While it's just too early to tell on most of these guys, Cavaco and Sabato are the only 2 that I see as just bad choices at the time. And I think there's at least a small chance of Sabato still turning out, but I'm not holding my breath.

I like McCutchen as a veteran bounce back who I thought had some gas left in the tank. I can't argue with going the defense/speed route they did with Taylor, but I had 'Cutch on my list of top 3 RH bats with power. While I don't doubt the Twins couldn't offer him as much guaranteed time or $ as he maybe wanted, rumor has it that he really didn't want to play anywhere but Pittsburgh. If true, it would have taken an over-sign to get him.

Let's be clear here, this MIGHT seem untimely. We haven't yet reached the break in 2023. And despite opinons the Twins have been misleading about the condition of Buxton's general health, there has never been any hidden agenda. EARLY reports were that he would DH with the idea of playing CF after a time. But there has never been any stated time line that speculated or guaranteed anything. Rocco finally got tired of all the speculation and stepped out of any comfort zone to just flatly state once and for all what seemed obvious: Buxton just isn't healthy enough to play CF at this time. I applaud him for stepping forward. I'm guessing he was just tired of making simple statements and decided to try to be more direct. So is this post untimely? Actually, NO, it's VERY timely. A couple of caveats: 1] NO-ONE has stated Buxton is permanently removed from any CF consideration. There is at least a chance that DH this season, and an offseason, will make his knees better enough to be at least a part time CF option. But I think we have to at least consider the option that his days in CF may be, tragically, over 2] This is not some debate about trading away a player with a no-trade clause who's value is tied only to being a CF. There are so many moving parts about Buck being healthy, generally healthy, and adapting to DH with still amazing bat potential that dismissing him as a still potential difference maker is absurd! While Buxton not being in CF is a tragedy, the Twins need to adjust. Do I need to remind that the Twins have had some great DH in their history? IF Buxton is forced to do so at such an early ag7e, do we just lament what could have been? Or do we recognize that if he can make the mental and physical adjustments necessary to be a full time DH, he just might be great? But where does that leave us in CF short term and long term? There is a real chance the Twins draft either college player Langford or HS player Clark. But that's far reaching. How about the immediate? No particular order: 1] Taylor is 35yo and a FA. His defense is still outstanding. His speed has made a difference at times, as has his bunt ability. His power has been a gift. But he's been batting below his career numbers. I'd love him back on a cheap deal as a reserve deal for 2024. But who does he back up? 2] Who is a quality FA,,,maybe trade option which I don't like based on cost...who could be a viable option? Do the Twins open their pockets with Kepler and others maybe gone to sign someone younger and better than Taylor? 3] Celestino is a forgotten 24yo with real talent. When allowed to play at AAA after his desperate promotion, he's pretty much raked and shown his potential. He's now health and back at St Paul to prove he's a viable MLB CF. 4] DeShawn Kiersy was a 4th round pick in2018. He was a 4th round pick based on potential despite being older due to a serious injury in college. He struggled his first couple of years, but started to flash a little in 2022. This year, he's done more than enough to demand a promotion to St Paul soon. The defense is there, the speed is there, and the bat ability seems to be there. But even half a season at AAA, is he anything more than a late bloomer? 5] Martin seemed to re-establish himself in the AFL. And then his elbow gave out. He FINALLY got healthy enough to play and then had another injury to slow him. Though as I understand it, his latest injury wasn't related to his elbow. The FO has stated he's almost an immediate OF talent, they just wanted him to play as much INF as he could for versatility. 6] For whatever reason, the FO didn't give Helman a shot late in 2022. But they liked him enough to invite him to ST, where he had an injury and couldn't play. It's not that there are ZERO options for 2024. But the question is , other than Lewis just accepting it migh be his best spot, what is the best option in CF short term if not long term.

And this all part of the conundrum of our FO, who I largely like and agree with. They seem to be very progressive, and look at the big picture, and the future, while also being just blinded to certain stats that don't measure up, and have a veteran, scholarship tendency. Despite what's right in front of their eyes, they seem obsessed with "what if" scenarios. They trust some young players, but seem afraid to remove a poorly performing veteran because he MIGHT unlock his potential, even if he's 30 or over 30. Blinders or pride, IDK. But they need to get out of their own way once in a while and keep moving forward. Being stagnant does no good.

Read the box score. Saw about 3 1/2 innings during lunch, and read the OP. From all of that, a few observations, though I know I'll get pushback on my last point: 1] Tremdous game from Ryan. Just masterful and maybe his best performance yet. Really enjoyed the breakdown during the game regarding his usuall pitch usage vs today. He, and Jeffers, and I assume the staff, knew what was working and stuck with it. That's PITCHING. I refuse to annoit any sort of ACE status for Ryan in his 2nd season, but he IS a legitimate top of the rotation arm. Kuddos! 2] I wasn't crazy about PH so early in the game. It worked out, but could have come back to bite later in the game if things turned. Was Rocco just really certain the Sox were going to ride Walter? If so, good instincts. 3] Despite battling his heel problem, Correa is playing as good defensively as I've ever seen him. The last week plus he's actually starting to look like the hitter we know he usually is. And that's pretty damn important for this team to move forward. 4] Buxton is a streaky hitter. Buxton is a veritable MONSTER when remotely healthy and in a groove. He's shown it before, and showed it again today. IF he's a full time DH going forward, he might continue to be a streaky hitter. But a generally healthy Buxton is a legitimate 25-28 doubles hitter with 32-35 HR power who will still leg out a triple or 4-6 and steal a few key bases when his knees are having a good day. His being a full time DH doesn't limit the lineup if he can remain mostly healthy. It DOES mean a deeper examination of the roster going forward and where everyone fits, mostly a permanent or semi-permanent answer at CF. But that's a different discussion for a different day. But the Twins had some pretty damn good lineups when they had Davis, Winfield, Cruz, and even Thome briefly as a full time DH. It's not Buxton at DH that is the issue, as long ad he's relatively healthy to be what he can be. It's how the REST of the lineup and position player roster is constructed that needs to be addressed.

I GET holding on to Kepler since Kirilloff and Larnach were coming off surgery and Wallner...despite a tremendous 2022...only had a half season at AAA. I think he should have been moved for "whatever", but I can still GET why he was brought back. But after signing Gallo, I absolutely would have moved Kepler during the offseason and trusted a little hope and faith in my collection of prospects to fill his spot. Period. There was even the possibility of Gordon taking on a more full time role. Additionally, there were a handful of AAAA types to give a shot to if everything fell apart that could potentially provide similar offense to the downturning Kepler. There just wasn't a "depth" problem. Further, his $8M could have been used to take a shot at a solid pen arm. If you add Pagan to the "no way back" option, they would have had about $12M to spend elsewhere, very likely the pen, for a COUPLE of shots. Considering how volatile FA BP options are, would there be any guarantee the arm, or arms, they brought on board would be great? Absolutely not. And I don't think the Twins pen has been as bad as others feel. But why Pagan vs a shot for someone better? Why trust/hope for Alcala...who I still think might turn out...vs a veteran arm who might turn out? The Twins got a gift in Stewart who looks very good as a 6-7th inning arm who has 8th inning potential. They MIGHT have gotten a smaller gift in DeLeon who might stay healthy now in the pen and reach some of his previous promise as a solid middle man. Those two help mitigate the underperformance and now injury to Alcala and Lopez. But building a roster is about utilizing ALL of your available resources, both player and payroll. They should have TRUSTED in their prospects and younger players and depth in the OF. They should have TRUSTED in their scouts to bring in a pen arm, or two, to make at least one smart addition that would work out. Instead, they kept the declining Kepler and volatile Pagan instead or allocating their resources and TRUST elsewhere. And despite some good moves, the FO had misguided blinders on in regard to both of those players. As I stated in another post, when something isn't working, and continues to not work, it's time to change things up. It's too late now to change what SHOULD have been done. Now it's about correcting mistakes mid year. That means moving on from Kepler ASAP, possibly Gallo in the near future, and probably having to add a pen arm at the deadline, unless someone else steps forward before then.

I admit to being interested in this idea. Myers was one of the RH bats I wanted signed in the offseason before they switched gears and went defense/speed with Taylor. Here is my basic problem: When something isn't working, you need to change course. And the offense didn't work on a consistent basis last year...when healthy...and isn't clicking on any sort of consistent basis this year either. It's time to change gears. And I think Myer is adding a RH version of what already isn't working for the Twins now. I've seen the Braves switch gears recently, though some of that was injury related as well, and they got dividends. I saw Cleveland run with some kids and it worked last year, not so much this year. And the aforementioned Reds are doing the same and it's starting to work there, seemingly. I don't hate Kepler by any means. I don't root against him. I'm happy when henhas a good game, gets a hit, or the occasional HR. But the proof of his dwindling production/career is obvious and right up front for everyone to see. It's time to move on and give Larnach and Waller their extended shot. Gallo, pre his recent injury, was looking very much like his former All Star self when in Texas; low AVG, but good OB, BIG power, and good defense wherever he played. But not only is he not part of 2024 and beyond, he's looked pretty bad on his return from the IL. I'm not ready to jettison him just yet. But I'm starting to seriously consider it for all the reasons previously stated. I honestly think it's time for Larnach and Wallner to just be handed the corners and see what they might turn in to. The Twins would still have the likes of Contreras and Stevens sitting in St Paul if someone got hurt, as a couple depth options. Further, call me crazy if you want, I have hopes Helman will be back soon, and might be a 2nd half RH bat and versatile player as an interesting role player. Kirilloff can also play both corner OF spots. And while NOT an OF in any way, Miranda just might be ready for another look at some point come July. AK, Julien, and Lewis are showing real life. Farmer is a really nice role player and gamer, though not necessarily any sort of daily piece. Solano has been productive in his role, even though he's not part of the future, and I don't see him going anywhere soon because he's actually doing his job, though it's as a smaller piece, role player. Correa and Buxton aren't going anywhere, obviously, and it's important to get them going or the offense might not go anywhere. I don't see a spot for Myers unless he passes through waivers and can be brought on cheap, maybe to St Paul initially on a look-see. When things aren't working, you need to make changes and go a different direction. I think that different direction is no Kepler, maybe no Gallo, and give the younger kids a shot to develop.

A "why not" type of flier. I like it. You're adding depth and experience to St Paul and might end up with a back of the rotation or LH pen option out of it. And all it costs you is a smaller, make good contract and nothing more.

I am beyond frustrated and confused by continuing to play him, or even roster him, at this point. Honestly, Larnach, for all of his inconsistency this year, has flat out produced Kepler. He also plays solid defense and has a really good arm. He's also 4yrs younger and has improvement potential. But he keeps getting sent out for Kepler's benefit? And really, with how he's produced last year and this year both, Wallner, the Twins reigning milb hitter of the year for 2022, should probably be promoted ahead of Larnach even. But he's languishing in AAA. Name me another team in baseball that would just have him sitting there in AAA instead of getting a look-see over a 30yo veteran on a 3 year down cycle? Up until recently, I've been pretty impressed by Gallo. He's been everything hoped for defensively, and while he runs extremely hot and cold...which was expected...he's produced well until the past few weeks. Granted, he had an injury stint in there that might have thrown off his timing. But I'm almost to the point of moving on from Gallo as well as Kepler and run with the kids. I do expect Gallo to rebound soon, so I might be getting carried away. But there's no logical reason for Kepler to be on the Twins any longer.

Love Farmer. But I don't understand him coming in to the game as a PH against a RH RP. Shouldn't Julien have hit there and then Farmer come in as a defensive replacement? The blown call in the 10th remains mind boggling to me! I mean, it's so bad that it should result in demotion or fining. (Which I know doesn't happen). I mean, the initial call was fine, bang bang play. But the reviews were very clear and concise. Is it just my imagination, or has umpiring sunk to new lows this year?

Good call! Wow! Didn't realize my day had been that difficult, lol. Corrected. Thank you!

Tony Oliva was a tremendous player who had really bad knees and had his career tragically cut short as a result. IIRC, he finished as a DH, even though he wasn't the same player. And yet, because of what he was and did, even with a shortened career, he is revered. And yet, it seems some are already writing an obituary for Buxton's career. Is there a chance his knees start to feel better by 2024 and he can be at least a part time CF? Yes, though there is no guarantee. But I don't understand the angst about him becoming a full time DH, potentially. Now, understand, I'm NOT comparing Buck to these names, but Cruz became a full time DH early in his ML career, which started late. Ortiz could barely handle 1B and moved to DH with Boston. But the player/situation I often look at is the career Molitor had. Very similar to Buxton, Molitor was a tremendous player who battled injuries on a consistent basis before eventually moving to DH. Now, I fully understand Molitor had himself a very nice career, while missing time and doing some light DH work, and didn't make the full transition to DH until he was about 35yo. I GET the difference here! But he made the transition and had several more highly productive seasons once he did so. The biggest issue with being a DH is part physical and part mental. You have to find a way to stay "in the game" and to remain "physically up" despite not playing the field. And not everyone can do it successfully. But if Byron could learn to make that adjustment, he might be a very dangerous full time DH, even though it's a shame his generational CF defense would be gone. He's always been a bit of a streaky hitter, and might always be one. But his bat remains potentially very dangerous and productive. His knees get even a little healthier no longer an OF, he still might leg out XB hits, take an extra base, even steal an important base here and there, which most DH can't do. All I'm saying is, while a terrible shame his days in CF MIGHT be over, it doesn't mean he can't be a dangerous and productive player in a DH role. He doesn't have to be some black hole in the lineup, as some seem to be portraying him. A few weeks ago, before his rib shot injury, he was on pace for 30HR, 20+ doubles, and a combined nearly 200 runs scored and RBI. (Obviously skewed a bit when subtracting HR from total runs produced). That's a hell of a DH! And not a black hole at all. Yes, he's been slumping horribly the past few weeks after getting drilled. And yes, he might always be a streaky hitter. I'm just saying, I wouldn't be writing an epitaph on his career or the Twins lineup just yet if he does, indeed, end up at DH. It does mean some re-imagining of the roster going forward that wasn't exactly anticipated. But I'm not conceding any doom or gloom just yet.

I have accepted that Balazovic is going to be a pen option for this season due to need, based on injury and some poor performances. And I'm now OK with that despite initially believing he should continue his "recovery" path in 2023 getting ready for 2024. I believe he does have the kind of stuff that could potentially really play up in the pen. And while that's disappointing based on past projections, being a really good bullpen arm is still an important role. But I still believe he should head in to 2024 with the idea of being a starter. I think there's still a solid rotation arm there if allowed to continue developing his stuff. But if he ends up as a really good pen arm, I won't be disappointed.