DocBauer

De Leon and Luplow are easy. One is a 30yo who was just finding himself as a pen option before blowing out his arm. He won't even be available in 2024. Luplow is replacement level. On the opposite side of things, Moran, Alcala, and Henriquez are virtual locks for me. I know Moran disappointed this season with his Jeckle/Hyde performances, but his stuff is really good. Alcala has done little the past 2 years. But he's still only 28yo and was throwing high 90's at the end of this year. Someone would snap him up in a second to see what they could do with him. Might as well be the Twins who get first crack at a healthy again Alcala. And Henriquez flashed near the end of this season and is still only 23yo and was relieving for the first time. No way I cut him loose this early. Ortega, Stevenson, and Gordon are almost tied for me. Ortega has shown just enough in the past, and while in the Twins organization, that I keep him beyond De Leon and Luplow. But I also have to make room for trades, FA, and some rule V prospects, so he's probably the next on this list to go. And do you realize that Stevenson is only about 6 months older than Gordon? And he's a better base stealer and OF defender than Gordon. So Gordon is the better player because he can play a little 2B and SS...but not as good as others currently on the roster...and has the really nice half a 2022 season? IDK. Pick one first and then the other one next. As to the OP, I keep Balazovic for another year with little to no hesitation. Two years ago he was a top 100 prospect. Then he struggled all of 2022 with a rough knee, and then mechanics as he tried to heal from it and get back to his old self. And now he appears to be transitioning to the pen. Healthy again and only 25yo, that's an arm you give another shot to. So I don't think he's going anywhere, and shouldn't.

I got a lot of bad feedback a year or so ago when I commented that Rocco was still "learning on the job" to a degree. But by his own admission...a former top prospect and top baseball ML talent...all he had to to in 2019 was fill out a roster card and sit down. Obviously he was joking a bit. His players love him. He's produced winning teams, even if the ultimate prize hasn't come yet. And he's growing as a manager. I'm sick and tired of the IP by SP mantra! Just look at the facts of who you had and what was vs what you have now! Just RIDICULOUS to continue to debate the SP of '22 vs '23. The Twins rotation was amongst the leaders in all of MLB in IP and SO. Why? Better talent...better health didn't hurt. Rocco also employed more SB and bunts in crucial situations than before. Why? Because he had more speed to work with and had guys, or realized, he had better bunters on hand. Or maybe he realized he needed to create more after a rough offensive 1st half. Rocco has a higher win % than Kelly did. But Kelly is a deserved legend. But eras are different. And to me. It's OK that Rocco has the respect if the team and is growing as a manager. I mean, what was he supposed to do, win multiple AAA championships and THEN become a ML championship? I DON'T think Rocco is a GREAT manager. I think there are very few who were/are. I think Francona was one. Joe Torre might be one as well, but wasn't he dismissed a time or two? I LIKE how Rocco handles this team. I BLOW OFF any arguements about passion because of what his players feel about him and because off the records comments by reporters state a different kind of curse word, regular sort of guy the public doesn't always see. What I DON'T like is a manager who gives in too frequently to the PH option too early in to games. The Twins PH early in 2023 was ABYSMAL. But was that Rocco or the players? They were much better the 2nd half. But I'd like him to be more hesitant early in games. I'd also like him and his staff to drill more on fundamentals. The defense, IMO, improved this year. But simple plays and base running errors need to improve. And when you throw in a collection of rookies, no matter how talented, you need to round off the rough edges. And PARAMOUNT, you need to SHAPE your hitter approach, with your coaches, for your batters to succeed. Honestly, I think the Twins hitting approach is almost TOO GOOD to succeed. The old "choke up" isn't right any longer. And Popkins seems to have Twins batters almost trusting too much in the strike zone. And not everyone is a Julien when it comes to patience. (And even he gets screwed as a rookie) Maybe the new discipline is WHATEVER Popkins and the other coaches did with Kepler is what they should do with most if the lineup. Even as a fan of Kepler from day one I NEVER saw him suddenly finding a new approach at 30yo. I apologized for his youth and too early promotion, like Polonco. And suddenly we are looking at both being as good or better than expected. I'm starting to believe in Rocco as a manager growing in to his role, and enjoying doing so. I'm also starting to believe more in his staff. Time will tell if we have a good manager or a great manager. Though I'm not sure exactly where the finish line is.

Not sure how Polanco got drawn in to this conversation, but I'll bite. Despite a bunch of $ coming off the books, there are areas of need to be addressed. Unfortunately, the lack of ANY sort of TV deal is going to leave us all...the Twins of course...I. flux with projections for 2024. I don't see room for Polanco at $10M AND Farmer at around $6.5-7M. I'd love to keep both for various reasons. I hope they can. But Lee isn't ready, but might be June or July. And he'll only be on minimum deals initially. I'd love Polanco back for every reason from leadership and clubhouse to being a good hitter with power who has been proven clutch. I'd put him at 1B as well as 2B and 3B and have a hell of an INF with Kirilloff...crossing fingers...and Correa and Lewis and Julien, with Castro also part of the equation. But boy would I love to see Polo AND Farmer back for next season! I can see a scenario where Polanco is part of a trade to a team looking for a serious 2B with 2yrs of control that aren't expensive. BUT, to the point of the OP, the Twins will offer the QO. Gray will decline, and he should. Unfortunately for him, that costs SOME value to a team wanting to sign him. I absolutely believe he wants to stay, and $ isn't the only factor in his final decision. And I'd LOVE to see him back for 2-3yrs at something like 3yrs at $66M. I'd bite the bullet at $26M 1st year, $22M the second, and $18M in his 36yo season. I'd be paying up-front, and probably over paying in his final year. Totally do-able and fair for both sides, even though it would be a record for a Twins FA signing. But let's be honest about 2 points: 1] Gray isn't getting younger, will be 34yo next year, and he pitched his most innings in about 6 or 7 years this season. 2] Teams like Baltimore and St Louis are on the prowl and a 4th year and another $10-20M may be on the table. I object the OP relegating Varland as a seeming also ran. The kid has STUFF. He had a nice debut in 2022. He was shoving really well this season before his last 3 starts when he suddenly got bit by the HR bug. I think he's got a future as a ML SP. Now, can he get better and be a #3 SP or better, it's to be determined. But he shouldn't be dismissed. He's got room to grow and improve and grow. Same with Ryan and Ober. And I was encouraged by the changes the Twins made with Paddack when he came over, and was blown away with how well he has seemed to recover from his latest surgery. But the Twins AREN'T going to go in to 2024 with Lopez, Paddack, Ryan, Ober, and Varland by themselves with question marks behind them. Frankly, with a deeper pen and an expectedly better offense, I might be OK with bringing Maeda back. With little exception, he was damn good once he got his IL break and ramped his strength and control back. But I think the Twins might shoot a little higher. I think if Gray is just too expensive, they might look for another Gray or Lopez trade, Polanco, Larnach, other prospects, to a team looking to add to their future. I just don't see a FA, other than Gray, except for MAYBE Eduardo Rodriguez. He's got an $18M opt out, if I read correctly. He's not tremendous, but he's LH, has talent and some success and might have another level to hit with the right team. And that might be the Twins. It was "reported" that he was part of a 3 way trade proposal between the Twins, and Detroit, and an unnamed team before the deadline that included Gray, I'm sure to the unnamed team. What would be the cost for Rodriguez, 3yrs younger than Gray? Might he be worth 3yrs and $66M? Too low? About right? Do the Twins see something that they like that they can unlock to take him up a notch? I think he might be interesting to follow. The Twins are going to add SOMEONE to be sure. I just don't know if it's keeping Gray, adding Rodriguez, or making a trade. If I were a betting man, I'd say a trade none of us sees happening right now. NOTE: Athletic and Twins beat writer Disco Dan Hayes has reported that he's been in contact with former Twin Jake Odorizzi...out the whole season...who is rehabbing and trying to get "right" again and is reportedly feeling terrific and might be an interesting milb signing for the Twins as a flier to compete for a depth spot. NOT a primary signing, but as a possible surprise rebound option.

There's a lot to unpack here. But to begin with, Buxton has 3 outcomes: 1] The removal of the place flap takes away all/most of the irritation/swelling/pain and just remove any further hip issues that have flared up previously as he was probably compensating when he ran. And he can return to CF on a daily basis for when he is healthy, and as long as he is healthy. 2] The procedure helps, but the knee is just bad enough from wear and tear that it only does so much. As a result, he's only good for playing CF on a part time basis...60-80 games tops...and DH another 40 plus games. 3] Despite hope and optimism, his knee is just BAD and his days in CF are pretty much done because he just can't run any longer and the best case scenario is keeping his knee healthy enough to just have a good base to hit and run the bases. And that's it. Now, I am going to continue to hold out hope for #1, but expect #2, and am not entirely opposed to #3. Personally, I prefer my team to NOT have a primary DH. I want the roster depth and flexibility to roll through that spot. It's different if you have an Ortiz or Cruz for that spot. But let's hit the pause button for a second on Buxton as a primary DH. (And I know I'm repeating things I've stated elsewhere before). Not necessarily daily, but primary. Not everyone can adapt mentally or physically to being a DH. IF Buxton's knee simply doesn't respond and he just can't play CF any longer, what if it's strong enough, stable enough, to hit? IF he can make the mental and physical adjustment, gain advice from others who have done it before him, he's got the potential to be dangerous doing it. From 2019 through 2022...with a short year mixed in there...Buck had his best offensive stretch and had an OPS of .877. While beloved Nelson Cruz had 2 of his best seasons wearing a Twins uniform, his career OPS was .856. Now, I'm not saying I want Buxton to be a DH only. And I'm not comparing his best 4yrs to Cruz's career, but I think you can see opportunity for him to POTENTIALLY make the adaptation and BE that dangerous hitter only player. It would be a damn shame for him to never patrol CF again, even on a part time basis. The guy has as much pure talent as I've ever seen, matching guys like Griffey Jr. and Davis and others. I'm only saying, there is a window, an opportunity, where if his knee just never comes back well enough to play in the field, he's got a chance to adapt and become a dangerous bat only player. I think it's just something to be considered. Here's hoping he's going to respond well enough to at least share CF. But the Twins simply have to build for 2024 with the idea that he's a "fall back" CF option. I honestly think Taylor being re-signed makes a ton of sense. While it's hard to expect him to duplicate his 2023, he just might come close. Maybe he steals a few more bases and the HR totals drop some. No way to predict. But I also don't know that they want to trust someone as young as Martin, who might need a little more time.

Had you asked me around the All Star break about the staff for next year, I'd have told you they were going to make changes. Even with the kids only just debuting and some guys hurt...Buxton and Correa amongst them...I felt like plate approaches just looked like a mess way too often. Having seen the kids come up, Gallo mostly removed and now gone, Kepler find a different level, and almost everyone just hit better, suddenly the coaches on hand look they were doing a really solid job. I believe we finished 2nd in the AL the second half only to Houston in regard to runs scored. I get SO FRUSTRATED with 10-12-13-14 K games! The thing is, an out is an out. Weak tappers and pop ups are still an out, and double plays are even worse than a K most every time. If you get guys on base, run here and there when you can, and have good team power, (doubles in addition to HR), you have the ability to score runs and do serious damage. And really, that's how this team is most set up at the moment, with a couple really nice looking bats about to be added to the mix in Lee and Martin...possibly Severino, though there come the K's again. Where I DO have a problem is when the approach leads to 2 or even 3 straight K's with runners in position, or the bases loaded. A big, powerful drive there is awesome! But once in a while, a nice single or a line sacrifice fly can also score runs. And I don't know that it's "choking up" on the bat, but more an adjusted approach where our hitters just have to be move willing to sacrifice a little power for contact in those moments. I'm not saying I would or would not change any of the coaches, or revamp the Twins philosophy. But I am saying that getting guys on base, having good team power, and being able to run once in a while just to make some things happen and pressure the other team, are proven ways to score runs. And again, I think that's how the team is pretty much set up right now. I just want to find a way to avoid the seeming "contagious" nature of only power and zero contact that we saw too many times this year.

Yes to Thielbar and Castro. And almost as solid of a yes to Farmer and Alcala. I kept hearing how Farmer was going to be around $8M in arbitration this upcoming offseason. Never saw he and Polanco both back at that price. But $6-6.5M? It would be hard to say no to that for 1yr with his presence in the clubhouse, quality defense wherever you put him, and an OK bat Alcala is 28yo and time is running out. But I'd bet if he's let go tomorrow, he'd be snapped up immediately by someone who wants to see that high 90's velocity and what they can do with his arm. For $1M, it should be the Twins who get that opportunity. I think Gordon was a good story when he finally made it and is angood and well liked teammate. But I'm not sure there is room for him any longer, and he has no options. I'm going to be a little surprised if he's kept.

I don't have an answer at this time. Pure speculation on my part. Way too early. Might be a FA. Might be a deal for a 1yr player like we did for Taylor this past offseason. Maybe the fix for AK's labrum is not that bad and the Twins roll with some POTENTIAL combination of Julien, Polanco, and a healthy Miranda. Maybe there's a cheap C.J. Cron out there that was damn good right up until a late season injury. Just saying, there might be an option to hedge bets.

I can't honestly remember exactly what I chose. I believe I "picked" a category that was something like 85-87 wins, roughly in there. But what I DO remember was stating I really liked the team, as constructed, while lamenting not adding a power RH OF bat, but liking the addition of Taylor as a different course of action. And I didn't like not adding ONE pen arm to hedge bets against Pagan and a full return of Alcala. But I felt the biggest issue was the offense, only partially due to the loss of Arraez at the top of the order to help set the table. I wasn't convinced on Gallo...what a prediction there, huh? LOL. But I wasn't sure when and how Larnach, Wallner, Lewis, Kirilloff. and Julien were going to make their mark. And there were concerns about when Buxton and Polanco might be ready. But I stated something to the affect that if and when the injured Twins and young Twins were healthy and ready, the offense could be pretty decent and we might win 92-94 games. I NEVER expected Miranda to be hurt and wash put. I never expected Correa to struggle with something so unexpected as his foot injury. And even though I never expected Buxton to put in a full season, and never expected him to HIT so poorly...even with some viable big moments the first half...I didn't expect him to virtually disappear the 2nd half of the season. I also didn't expect the FO to be so damn stubborn with promoting some of the young talent that was oh so close. To be fair, I absolutely didn't expect a 30yr old Kepler to have a light come on and suddenly figure out how to just HIT THE BALL HARDER FINALLY and start to live up to his talent and sweet swing. I didn't expect Castro to make the impact that he did. At different times during the 2nd half of the season, even with a little regression from the staff, they played between a 92-96 win rate depending on the day/week. So in the post season W-L poll, I selected the Twins fell below my expectations for the regular season. Just a little more offensive consistency in the 1st half, winning all those close games where the staff pitched their butts off, they could have won 90+ and maybe bypassed the WC round. The FO has to make a couple smart moves for 2024, but they don't have to overhaul anything. I'm very proud of how they played against top teams in 2023, disappointed how they did against some losing teams, frustrated by the lack of consistent offense the 1st half, and proud of how well they performed the 2nd half, sweeping the Jay's, and happy they reached the 2nd round, won a game on the road, and then imploded at home, which was frustrating as hell. It was, all in all, a good season, even if a bit uneven. And I do believe in "learning to win". I think our Twins are very close to being very good. And dangerous. So close in games 1 and 4 with the Astros and seeing what's happened in the rest of the playoffs this year, I can't wait for the offseason and ST to get this thing rolling again.

Hate bouncing between similar threads, but Unwinder is correct that a healthy and rebounding Miranda might be an option at 1B. Now, there's a big IF there, but I don't want to dismiss a kid who has talent, exploded in 2021, and was damn good for a chunk of his rookie season. He was still rough at 1B, but seemed to get better as he gained time there. And I do think Julien will be part of that discussion, and I'm OK with that. The kid went from very questionable at 2B to looking pretty solid there as the season went on. I also, repeating myself from another thread, think Polanco is an option there, at least part of the time. It would keep his bat in play and let him rest his knees a little bit more than the other INF spots I see him playing in 2024. (I think he plays all over). But I still wonder if it might provide an opportunity to add a 1B who can provide power and at least decent defense who might HIT a bit better than some guys in the lineup, and K around 20-25% instead of 30 plus. WAY too early to speculate who or how, I'm just saying that next to Gray, or replacing Gray, the next best opportunity might be to add a 1B, even on a 1yr deal, to add to the lineup in case AK doesn't come back, or takes a long time to come back, or until another young player like Julien, or perhaps Severino, or a rebounding Miranda, steps forward to claim the spot.

Kind of hard to balance 2 threads talking about the same topic. But tossing out a few thoughts: BUXTON: Really hope this can "fix" the tendinitis issue so he can at least play CF on a part time basis. I just don't see him ever being a primary CF again. Best case scenario, IMO, is 80 games in CF, another 40 games at DH. It stinks, but I see that as reality and the Twins should approach 2024 just like this past season and have a backup plan. I can see Taylor back again, with a bump in $, to be anything from a 4th OF, to a mostly full time CF. I don't see the Twins giving that job to Martin YET. I don't like a full time DH on my team, even with it being universal in MLB now, unless it's someone very special. BUT, if Buxton's knee persists in limiting his tremendous abilities, IF he could make the mental and physical adjustments to being a primary DH in the future...probably with advice from guys like Molitor and Cruz...his combined OPS from 2019-2022 is in the .800's plus. Nobody wants that to be his future, of course. But it's a potential reality to look at and consider. KIRILLOFF: When does this kid get a break? The good news is his wrist issue seems solved. The bad news is he's about to miss, potentially, half of 2024, though it's been stated the damage and recovery time won't be known until the actual procedure takes place. He's also been down this path before, and seems to be a pretty solid person mentally. The Twins seem to have a good support system. He's still only 25yo. There's still a reality where he comes out of this and reaches his potential, albeit, a couple years later than hoped for or expected. I DO think Julien is part of the discussion for 1B in 2024. (If Arraez was part of the 1B equation previously, why not Julien?) And while Polanco is one of my favorite players the past few years, still under appreciated in my mind, I'd like to see him also playing some 1B to keep his bat in the lineup and "rest" his legs a bit at 1B. But even with hope for AK, I wonder if 1B doesn't suddenly become an opportunity for the Twins to make an addition to the lineup? What if they can add a 1B who's at least solid defensively, can pop 25 HR and 30+ doubles and HIT a bit and only K around 20-25% of the time? That might be something to really consider. Not going in to potential names at this point, just saying it might be something to look at to re-shape the lineup a bit more to the contact side of things.

I can't disagree with you. I also see his ceiling as a useful #4 OF. Which, of course, is why he's on my "like to keep" list and not a needed add. Also agree with Dman that he needs more time at AAA before he'd be ready for time at the ML level. But 1 month at AAA compared to vast improvement in '22 and this season tells me there's still some ceiling there. And with questions regarding CF right now, I'd like him around for depth/future depth. I also agree he and Helman are probably safe from being selected. But both are young enough and talented enough I could see a bottom team...A's as an example...looking to add a late bloomer or two to add to their team for opportunity sake. And honestly, I'm more concerned about keeping Helman and his versatility than I am Keirsey. Good conversation!

I don't know that I would insist on protecting him. But I'd sure like to keep him. And age, limited AAA, I don' t know that he'd be selected. But I see a younger Stevenson who might have a little upside still. And I like that depth behind Martin, maybe even as someone who can spell him once in a while...down the line...from the port side. Reportedly, he's very good defensively. Just saying, I think he's a late bloomer with some potential I'd like to keep around if possible.

Agreed. But then again, the Twins STILL have never added a RH OF bat, even when demand for one seemed high. (Taylor is RH, but is a defensive specialist who can offer some thing offensively, but is not a BAT). So he might see an opportunity with the Twins this season right in front of him if he can just stay healthy?

Final product looks great!!

My guess? They won't want to trust CF to Martin after what was loosely half of a good, healthy, productive season. And I wouldn't either. I think there's a really good chance Taylor is back...with a $ bump...to be anything from a 4th OF to the primary starting CF. I think prudence just demands you "pretend" in your mind that Buxton won't play CF or will be limited and you have to protect yourself. I can see Martin up later in the year and getting a real opportunity to take CF over. (It's also why I like the idea of trying to keep Keirsey as a LH reserve option for even more depth).

Agreed. And if possible, that's even better. You almost extend your 40 man in that way. Just really, really want to keep those guys and not lose them. But I like your train of thought!

The 40 man is absolutely looking a little crowded. The problem is the "crowd" consists of more than a handful of arms you want to keep, but just don't know about for sure. Sands flashed here and there for St Paul and the Twins in his new role. But enough flash to believe in and keep? And there were while weeks or two where he never threw. Does Winder's new sinker re-make him as a pen option? Is Balazovic, now healthy, ready to turn the corner with time to acclimate to the pen? What about Henriquez being healthy and pretty young, does he step forward? I hope they make the right call on some of these guys because I don't have a definitive answer who to move off vs keeping. BUT, MUST HAVES: E-Rod, Camargo, Martin, and Severino. Shouldn't have to explain anything about the 1st three. And average defense or not, and high K numbers, Severino is a switch hitter who looks like he actually can...you know...hit. and 30HR power is nothing to sneeze at. Even possible 2B/3B don't turn out and he moves to 1B. No way he isn't selected by someone if not protected. LIKE TO KEEP: I dont know that Helman...injured a lot this year...Keirsey...late bloomer with less than a season of AAA...or Prato...what exactly is he...will or won't be selected if unprotected. Helman can fill in at 7 spots with some power and speed and would have seen time with the Twins this year if not for the injury bug. Doubtful Luplow ever puts on TC gear if Helman wasn't snake-bit. Keirsey is basically a younger Stevenson. Injuries held him back his first couple of years. Probably a good, versatile 4th OF for a ceiling, but what's wrong with that? Why not keep him on the 40 and try to get Stevenson back on a milb deal? And I like Prato, similar to Helman, for his versatility offensively and defensively. Reasonable chance Farmer and/or Solano are not brought back, for various reasons. (I like both guys). Prato gives an intriguing depth piece I'd like to keep around and keep developing. Almost everyone else is probably left undrafted as they wouldn't stick, or too young to expect to stick.

Just awful news. Poor kid has been through so much already. I guess the silver lining is he's still young, and has been through this type of thing before so he hopefully has the resolve to not get too down, and to come through the other side. For a month or so, middlemof the summer, we got to see his potentially starting to be fulfilled. Probably the Twins best hitter in that time frame. Just really have to hope it's not top bad, and he is truly ready for ST and the start or the season, or only slightly delayed. It does beg the question though, doesn't it, as to whether the Twins need to make a move at 1B? I mean, sure, Julien is obviously a candidate. So might be a healthy Miranda. Possibly Severino, but I think he's more of a later on the season option. Could a move for a veteran hitter at 1B be a smart play? Especially if he has decent contact ability?

It was my work. I had to work most of the series and only caught bits and pieces live. On top of that, I didn't attempt to get a rush for a delivery of new Homer Hankie to be sent to Omaha. It's my fault....I let everyone down.

I'm very proud of this team, despite what happened the last 2 games. And I say that as a fanatic. I mean, did they choke at home with momentum on their side going in to games 3 and 4? Yes. But after a .500 1st half underachieving and a better 2nd half and showing real promise after sweeping the 1st round and a LOT of potential on this team and what's still to be and coming up, find myself pleased. The various streaks of 0-18 are gone. No playoff wins are gone. We can now just recognize the fact that we are a good team with a good future in front of us. Got a lot of young talent as a basis. And I do believe there is a learning curve or preparation for that next step. Next step is the offseason. And we're going to have months to talk about that. There's a lot to like about this team going forward!

First of all, ANY sort of NFL reference is bogus on many fronts. There is, on almost any play, SOME mild form of holding involved. Interference and other calls are open to interpretation as well. Calling for greater consistency on many different calls made, and not made, would probably ruin the game and make every game 4hrs or so if some super AI could watch and calculate every single angle of every single play. So let's just keep the arguement where it belongs. The Tennis analogy in regard to line calls is accurate for baseball. As a sports fan, I will, naturally, take a call that helps my team. But AS a sports fan, I despise aggregious calls for my team as I figure they will get burned later on by a similar call against them. All I want is fairness. And I think most fans want the same. MLB has generally gotten the replay right. In regard to balls and strikes, they aren't horrible, at large. And the box you see in games is a computer graphic that is different than the 1" or so allowance that umpires are allowed for interpretation and human error. I've been hesitant for removing the human element for balls and strikes for various reasons previously. But I've also grown tired of missed calls outside that are ridiculous, and missed inside calls...where the ump is looking right over the shoulder of the catcher...equally ridiculous. And the thing is, greater accuracy should be FAIR for BOTH teams. So why is "fair" a dirty word? MY issue with the robo ump is I don't think it's polished or "smart" enough yet. Countless players and pitchers have stated that the robo ump calls things different than at the ML level. I think the high strike has been one of the major concerns. Every batter is a different height, with a different stance. And some might change their stance slightly depending on the count. And should the computer/AI also allow a 1" margin in addition to all 3 dimensions that happen with every single pitch for a margin of error? I am now in favor of the robo ump, WHEN it seems like they've ironed some more facets out. Maybe 2025? The human umps still have a really important place within the context of games. Just maybe not balls and strikes going forward. But I want to see a few more tweaks for ultimate accuracy for future use at the ML level.

Not that I'm aware of, in regard to Ethridge anyway. At least, I can't recall an injury. They've had a couple of those guys in recent years, however, such as Prielipp in '22 and Macleod in 2021.

Ethridge is worth following as he was a 2022 selection. As was Veen. Cossetti caught 3 baserunners? Outstanding! Didn't expect Rosario to rake his 1st week, let's see what happens going forward. Same with Cossetti. The rest of the arms are fliers that have a chance and and have opportunity to show they have a ticket for 2024 advancement. Nothing special there. The AFL is about AA quality, but most top arms are held back so it's mostly a hitters league. Cossetti and Rosario are what I'm focused on. Anything else is gravy for some arms who might surprise.

Small side note: I've been restricted in what I've personally seen, but what's with the ump scorecards? A half run differential is NOTHING in the grand scheme of things. But overall, how does the umpire scorecard favor the other team for 5 straight games? Is that some kind of fluke? Are the Twins batters maybe TOO disciplined in their approach? Just seems weird to me.

Can't help saying this, I'm largely a fan of the FO. And Iike to think I'm fair in my opinions of of them. Coming out of ST, I DIDN'T like either not adding 1 arm to the pen, AND/OR just letting a couple arms walk...that had good years...and trusting too much in Moran and Alcala. And I still thought they should have signed a FA RH OF bat or made a similar inexpensive trade similar to the Taylor move to add. BUT, I also stated coming out of ST that I really liked this team and it's potential. My biggest concern was the offense, and not just due to the loss of Arraez. We were waiting for Wallner, Larnach, Lewis, Kirilloff, and Julien to step forward. Well, it took a while, but they all did, except for Larnach. (Though he flashed at times). But I honestly didn't expect Kepler to take an honest step forward this season that looks sustainable. All of this to say the team the Twins have been the 2nd half, and so far in the playoffs, is the team I expected them to be. And a couple of the young bats haven't exploded as of yet. Houston is a very talented team and the reigning WS champ. They are not to be taken lightly. But the Twins are GOOD. Going to Houston, I wanted a split. And we got it! Now momentum swings to the Twins. 1] Lopez is a stud, and has been for most of the year. And he's under control and only going to be better. 2] Gray is having one of his best seasons and should be rested and pumped and ready for game 3 at home. 3] Correa is doing what he was signed for and expected to do...and has done in his career...regardless of a frustrating, injured season. He's special. 3a] Valdez was about done when Correa came up to bat in the 5th, if I believe. But Valdez produces a lot of ground balls. And Correa has, unfortunately, hit in to a ton of double plays this season. But Correa, being the astute player he is, reportedly, went to the cage to face a bunch of sinkers and told himself "just find a way to lift the ball and don't hit it on the ground". So he went out and did that. Again, he's special. 4] As stated above, a couple of the Twins bats haven't made a major contribution yet. Could we see AK or Wallner step up at home in games 3 or 4 to just end this thing? 5] I just don't want to look beyond game 3 because that would be silly at this point...BUT...if Gray and the rest of the team can make game 3 a W, the Twins have Ryan, Ober, Paddack, and potentially half of the pen for game 4 and the Houston has either a ? OR a 40yr old Verlander on short rest. You CAN'T look ahead! You HAVE to take care of business in game 3. But things are lining up for the Twins right now, especially if a couple quiet bats step forward to help. GO TWINS!