DocBauer

Great work as always! But I actually prefer the monthly awards as some of the "cold" performers for the week were actually part of the top choices for the month of June, LOL. I've always believed, and stated, I thought Wichita was going to have the toughest season this year. Despite some very good players there, there was a talent gap between AAA and A ball to begin the year. Unfortunately for them, both Keirsey and Severino are ready for AAA and should be there soon, if not tomorrow. There's room for Severino, but less room for Keirsey, but he shouldn't be held back or penalized. Room CAN BE MADE for him, and should be, in a variety of ways, but I'm not going down that path yet again right now. But the Kernals have got to have one of the youngest teams in all of A+ ball. Schobel might be ready, but almost everyone else needs time. Might be a rough 2nd half for Wichita. I'm surprised by Raya moving up this soon. Borderline shocked. I thought he'd finish at CR and slowly increase his IP there the rest of the season. Other than his last last start, he's been dominate. Very young still, and not even allowed to throw in 2020, when drafted, a couple mild shoulder twinges, they've been cautious with his development. At 6' 1" and a listed 170lbs, I'm sure he's growing in to his body and much bigger than that at this time. Milb tends to display "signing size" for some time, seldom if ever updating such. Clearly, the Twins believe his stuff is ready for AA and they can continue to monitor his IP while challenging him at the higher level. I think the idea remains the same, however, 3-4 IP at a time with the idea of reaching 4-5 IP per turn at some point, building him up without burning him out. Surprised as hell, but loving it. Also heard Martin has been promoted to the Saints, building on his 2yrs at AA and his 2022 AFL, having concluded his initial "low A rehab" assignment. Who he replaces I haven't heard. And where does this leave room for a Keirsey promotion? Is the FO going to consider getting serious about change soon?

Crazy good month for so many bats across the system! Honestly, many months, the HR list would make a pretty good top 5. I'm really hoping Carmago has zero need to see MLB this year so he can keep polishing his skills and his bat, especially the K area. I think he's actually turning in to a ML catcher. Tremdous to see E Rodriguez get cranked up! Soularie finally getting going is a surprise. Can he keep it going? Really hoping Schobel gets to AA before the season is done. I know Keirsey is older than we'd like, but injuries and the lost 2020 held him back. I think he's a late bloomer who has a chance to be a ML OF. Now, he might just be a 4th OF and PR, BUT, being LF with defense and speed might help him be a little more than that, sort of a 3 1/2 OF who can fill in at all 3 spots and help at the top and bottom of the order. He needs to be at AAA SOON. But it's crowded up there until or unless a move is made somewhere. But he shouldn't be held back just because of St Paul depth. I have nothing to say about Wallner that hasn't already been said. It's hard right now to see room for Stevenson or Williams at the ML level. Injuries, or changes in the Twins roster, might allow a shot for either, or both. I have no illusions that Stevenson is going to be a starting ML OF. But could he work with Taylor in CF in a quasi-platoon? Maybe. But first, there would have to be room on the 40 man, much less the 26 man. Williams, on the other hand, is a 26yo who isn't exactly ancient, and is putting together back to back really good years. I CAN see a scenario where he plays 1B, a little DH, and Kirilloff gets more OF time. But we're right back to the roster crunch scenario again unless changes happen. Interesting that if this was 2022, there'd be room for these guys. If it was 3 or 4yrs ago, there'd be room for some of these guys. But right now, there is no clear path.

And for goodness sake, get Keirsey up to AAA. I know they are loaded in the OF, but he's just too good for the AA level and not getting any younger. Best start of the season for Travis Adams?

Not sure I agree the Twins aren't interested in HS position players, especially ones as highly regarded as we see in this year's top 5. I mean, Lewis was their 1st ever pick and they gambled on the "helium" pick of Cavaco. So why wouldn't they go after a top HS player? I'm not convinced Lowder is the better prospect over Dollander. He might be "safer", while still having real upside if he gets that slider down, or perhaps changes it to a sweeper. But while Dollander might seem more risky after slipping in 2023, I think he may have more upside. I don't see any scenario where Skenes slides to #5. That leaves Langford, or one of the HS bats. I believe that's where they go. But if the arms are just too tempting to pass on I'll only hope they make the right choice, because I'm really not sure which one that is.

Nothing changes unless something changes. Great pitching in the series. Duran was human today.

Buxton is an AMAZING athlete! He's one of the best CF I've ever seen! In roughly 50yrs of watching and following and loving the Twins through thick and thin, he and Pucket are the most dynamic players in Twins history. I have LOVED watching him in CF. I LOVE watching him on the basepaths! While he seems to run almost in a clumsy fashion as his legs almost can't keep up with his speed, it's a site to behold as he legs out doubles and triples. And for his career, he's amongst the best in SB%. It's a baseball tragedy that his body is betraying all of his talent. It's crazy to me that all time great Oliva is revered, despite his knees betraying what he might have been, and yet Buck is being almost vilified for not having knees that could allow him to be what he might/could have been. I believe the 2023 "rest" as a DH might allow his knees to rest enough, recover enough, that we might still see him as a part time CF in the future. Especially if we're talking post season appearances. I am still saddened that despite therapy, blood placement procedures, some question his dedication to his profession, and the Twins, as a couple days off for the All Star break would have made a difference. There remains a chance his knee(s) will allow him to be at least a part time CF. But if he does become a full time DH, is that a bad thing? I understand it limits your roster. But did anyone have a problem when Chilli Davis was our DH? Did anyone object to Cruz as our DH? And now, the roster is 26, not 25. (I still want the 28 man roster during covid that makes so much sense in today's game). I DONT like a full time DH. I want a complete and deep roster where the DH is a rotating spot. But there are times when you have a BAT to be said DH where it's OK and special. For Twins history, we again look at Davis, Cruz, and even Thome. IF Byron is destined to be a DH, why can't he be special enough to be a special one? I know it makes the FO and the rest of the roster having to make adjustments, and that's on the fly a bit, and stinks, but WHAT IF? As he talked about in the video provided, it's about adjustments. Lord knows he wants to be in CF, and the Twins want the same. But it just might not happen. His body just might not allow him to do so. But WHAT IF he can do a "Cruz" and find a way as a still tremdous athlete to stay warm and engage and just be a batter? To be 100% honest, his BA, OB% ,and SLG% have always wavered. Some of that is due to injury, and some of that is due to general streakiness, which is just Buxton. I DO THINK he's a better HITTER than his career numbers. Coaching or attitude, he's got enough life in his bat that if he would stop pulling his head so much, reign in his swing a bit more, he'd start driving more singles and doubles while stilling have massive HR power. Or should I be his personal hitting coach as it seems so obvious? And even with bad knees, he can still run in bursts. He can still leg out doubles and triples, score a run when nobody else should, and even steal a key base here and there to maybe make a difference. But the WHOLE key is Byron not only ACCEPTING his role as a DH, mentally and physically, but having the hitting coach(s) helping him adjust to that role. It's "iffy" at this point. But man, with his talent, he could be AMAZING as a DH, even if he remains a streaky hitter.

Wasn't able to watch the game due to work today. Only got to follow the box/GameDay. Maybe that's a good thing as I don't know if I would have been excited watching Ober, Jax, and Duran...OR...had heartburn and cussed a bunch watch the offense after the explosion of yesterday. Really bummed out by both Ober and Rocco though. A shutout through 7 with only 2 hits, no BB, 8 K's, and only 85 pitches. What a bum and lousy call by the manager! Rocco should be gone! [SERIOUS SARCASM ALERT!! LOL) On a serious note, I have always been so impressed by how the team handled Ober in 2021, nurturing him along, developing him, building him up, and not over extending him. ALSO, HUGE CREDIT for helping him refine his delivery. His length offered up issues of staying healthy and feeling "beat up" after starts previously in his career. I think it's safe now to look back at his abdominal/hernia/whatever injury in 2022 and realize it was just a SOMETHING that happened and not a return of past injuries he suffered in his milb career. He was good in 2021. He was good early in 2022 pre-injury, probably even better on his return, and keeps being good to great here in 2023. I agree with a previous poster that I'm not sure he and Ryan aren't our top 2, with no disrespect to the great Gray, who has admitted frustration that despite his great numbers, he still hasn't been as good as he thinks he should be. And Lopez has been good to great most every time out, to be fair. All of his underlying numbers indicate as much. He...and Gray to a degree...are suffering from what I refer to loosely as "Radke disease". It's rather tongue in cheek as Radke is an All Time Great Twins pitcher. But there were times when he had that ONE INNING issue...usually early in games...where he just wasn't settled. This excellent rotation is even better if Lopez and Gray can work through that "hump" they seem to encounter some games. I want to diverge from the game thread to make a couple comments: 1] Despite being a single voice amongst the cacophony of many who have spoken out about necessary changes in the OF corners, I've never said Gallo and Kepler were bad people or lousy ballplayers. I want to make that clear. Kepler made a great defensive play today that saved the game. He's always been a great defensive OF. Would Wallner have made that play? We don't know. He actually has the athleticism, speed/range to do so. But he's lacking some of the tracking skills, or so it seems at this point, that Kepler has. But the physical skills are there to be better and MAYBE make that same play as he'd probably beat Kepler in a sprint. But then again, if the offense was better, even if he didn't make that same play, would it have lost this game if the offense produced more than a single run? Pretty much ditto for Gallo. I fully accept Gallo as a streaky hitter who will almost always hit around .200, but with a decent OB%, and tremendous power that can change a game. And he was the #1 hero today, despite the great pitching. But let's be honest, while celebrating today's win, up until this past week, he's been aweful for a good month since coming off the IL. Being a streaky hitter is one thing. Stinking for a month is a different story. 2] I NEVER root against Kepler or Gallo. They are part of my favorite team and I root for them to be productive each and every game and each and every AB. And both of them have had moments the past week or so that we haven't seen recently. But a couple good plays, a couple big hits, shouldn't be allowed to downplay past production, or the lack of. When we step back and look at reality, a few big hits, or HR, or a good play doesn't erase downward trends. Isn't it very possible Wallner, or maybe Larnach, wouldn't have made a good play? Or maybe crushed the same HR today? Or had a key hit, double, or HR in previous games recently? I AM NOT BEING A DOWNER. I LOVE what Ober, Jax, and Duran did today. I LOVE that Gallo brought the win today, and that Kepler has been "hotter" recently. I CELEBRATE a great win today! I HOPE that the players only meeting will lead to changes and greater win totals for a team that is, frankly, vastly underperforming based on talent and potential. Scoring 3 or fewer runs in almost exactly half the games played so far is not only unacceptable, but very unlike a traditional Twins team where pitching has always been the issue for a decade now. GREAT WIN! I'm happy! I'm just concerned the FO will sit back on their haunches and look at a FEW plays and a FEW AB and applaud themselves and think staying status quo is just fine and dandy. And that's just unacceptable. With ANY kind of average offense with the mix of veteran and prospect talent on this team, they should be at least average in run production. If they were, they'd be running away with the ALC and be at least 10 games above .500. Generally, I like our FO for many reasons. I don't like their stubbornness! I get we have most of a month to make decisions before the trade deadline. But I'm not sure anyone should bet on a players only meeting to see an increased offensive production from Kepler, maybe Gallo, vs giving a prospect like Wallner a real shot. Maybe Larnach again, despite Gallo suddenly coming alive again. The WORST THING the FO can do at this point is remain "in love" with players who don't produce but have a few good games. Great win! Ober is very good. Go Twins!

Personally, I see the entire OP and discussion as very Jekyl and Hyde in approach. Are we saying they can't develop hitting at the ML level? Are we saying they aren't doing so at the milb level? Are we saying they can't do either? Feels really hit and miss to me. They helped Arraez. Julien, Miranda, Lewis, and Kirilloff actually look like potentially very good hitters, given Miranda has slid and needed a re-set. But I sure haven't given up on Miranda just yet. Jeffers has shown improvement. Wallner is a question mark due to lack of opportunity, but has looked ready for more at the ML level and has destroyed milb pitching for a couple of years now. I'm uncertain about Larnach right now, but I'd also like to see him get a real run to prove what he might become. Even with his struggles, his numbers are mostly the same as veterans Gallo and Kepler. Do the Twins take the blame for the continued downfall of Gallo and Kepler? Opinion seems to suggest that, to a degree at least. And I don't think I buy that. Do I think there needs to be a change in approach at the ML level, including probably the hitting coach(s)? Absolutely. And we can debate all day long about Rooker, Cavaco, and Sabato as bad draft selections that haven't turned out. Stinks, but it happens. But we have guys who actually have talent, show potential, and have improved, at the ML level and in the minors, including names already listed. So draft choices who don't work out are bad selections, or a failure to develop? It can't be both. I object to Martin being ruined by the Twins. He went from college to a missed season, and then straight to AA. They tried to make adjustments for some more power...as all teams do...and it didn't work as intended. So he/they went back to more of what he used to do and he finished 2022 better and had a great AFL. He was brought to ST for a good look-see, but then got hurt. The injury setback is no more the Twins fault than it is Martin's. Again, I agree a general approach philosophy and coaching change is a must to happen going forward at the ML level. But even still, I have a hard time believing the coaching staff has done something to make Buxton and Correa, talented veteran star players, somehow worse. If we're talking "development" in regard to prospects, I see no evidence of poor coaching. If we're talking problems at the ML level, I agree.

My favorite draft selection from 2020 then, and now. From day 1 something just said "potential steal" to me. I'm as anxious as anyone to see him start tossing 5-6 innings per. But I'm OK that they are nurturing him a brining him along slowly. HS arms are the most unpredictable of prospects, for many reasons. Despite a couple shoulder flare-ups, never heard as much as a whisper that there was anything to be concerned about. It feels more Ike a young kid still growing in to his body, and they want to let that happen naturally and not place unnecessary strain at this point. And I'm OK with that. Hopefully he starts running more 4-5 IP games the second half. But I like the idea of staying in the rotation for the full season, on limited innings, working on refining his stuff, rather than pushing for IP and then shutting him down early. Keep working with him, get the full season out of him, let him build up, go to instructs, have a good offseason, and get ready for more in 2024. I've got a lot of hope for this kid.

Might not stick at SS, might not have the arm for 3B. And there is at least some question about pop/power and how much...or little...he might have. Wonderful bat though, but maybe a 2B? Absolutely not a choice for the Twins. Correa, Miranda, Lewis, Lee, Julien, Severino, Ross, Schobel, Miller, Ortega, and others all say NO, grab someone at 5 with STUD potential.

I wouldn't be upset if they grabbed Teel. It's a huge upside pick. A quality catcher who can hit, with a LH bat, seemingly good contact skills, a plus arm, and power. And a much better athlete than normal for the position. He might end up working with Jeffers in 2yrs and form a hell of a combo, right as Vazquez's deal expires. It's hard to find 2 way catchers like him. So why do I give pause? Am I just feeling paranoid? I 100% understand that the front of this draft is LOADED. But even then, why isn't Teel in more discussion as a top 5 or 6 pick? I mean, again, offensive, athletic, strong armed catchers with a lefty bat don't grow on trees! Is it simply the depth at the top of the 1st round? Is it a question that his offensive explosion this year is questioned by some, even though he was still very good the year before? Is there some concern he might not stick at catcher despite his arm and athleticism and might end up an average 1B or OF? He excites me but makes me nervous. Everything I hear and read seems to indicate Langford and Clark are about as "can't miss" as you can get, while also filling an organizational/team need. I just hope the FO drafts one of those 2 and doesn't try to overthink this one.

Echoing complete NO on Wilson. IF he can stick at SS, his bat might end up Arraez like, but the BB have to rise, and he needs at least a little more pop so ML hitters don't overwhelm him. To me he's a late 1st rounder based on amazing bat to ball skills, maybe even a 2nd rounder. There's just not enough projection there for a pick this high. It's still Clark or Langford, maybe, and that's the smart move. Unless they just love and believe in Teel or either of the second 2 pitching options. Keep it smart and simple, grab the best prospect at 5 and don't play it cute!

I won't pretend to be an expert, but I think power is not just the physical ability to hit a ball hard, but it's also partially experience and confidence. As pointed out, he's missed just a ton of time the last couple of years. The fact that his K and BB numbers have improved so much indicate growth as a hitter. Now, what I think needs to happen, is the recognition of a ball to drive vs maybe being "too cautious or selective" in his AB. Combined with that is the "feel" and confidence of "I got this"! To me its a bit of a chicken and egg scenario. The more you hit, and hit hard, the greater your confidence. The more you feel confident, the more you are aggressive and barrell up on a ball and drive it. To me, he's on the right path. It's just getting enough time and experience to put it all together.

There's a couple different guys I'd still be happy with, but for me it's Clark or Langford all the way. Not only 2 of the consensus top 5 talents available, but a seeming fit for the system as a whole as well. Can definitely see Langford slipping simply by various rumors, conjectures, and past draft surprises.

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.