DocBauer

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.

Taking a long look at Maeda coming and Varland going down...removing emotion from it...it makes sense to me. I think it's worth giving the veteran Maeda a look-see. And personally, I really like Varland's future a lot. I see him as a future #3, and not a 1 or 2, but I think he's shown he's got a lot of potential. But he's struggled recently and a re-set at this time might really help him get back on track. We've still got more than half a season to go. I had, briefly, wondered if the smart idea might have been letting Maeda and and Varland piggyback one another. You might get the best of both, and potentially eliminate a pen arm, or maybe a single pen arm. But the HR propensity of Varland right now probably doesn't make that work right now. In regard to Ober, I have to believe they will try to skip him either going in to, or coming out of, the break. And I do agree that at some point in the second half they will again try to skip him a time or two, worked around a day off here and there that might line up right. I can also see the St Paul shuttle bring up a SP for a game, instead of a pen arm, to create a skipped start. I'm hoping they can stretch him to a good 140 IP this year. I'm not a big fan of a 6 man rotation, though I can see the benefits of the extra day off here and there in the second half. But it depends on the pen stability as well since they'd be down to 7. If they can get Thielbar 100% to go along with the improved Jax and Moran, the surprising Stewart, and the maybe for real DeLeon, a 7 man pen might work. But again, I wonder if they'd do a true 6 man rotation or use the shuttle in some manner to simply use a 6th starter here and there instead of going with a straight 6 man.

Refsnyder as a reserve would be nice to have around. He was solid when with us, but sure wasn't great. Out if everyone else listed, Wade is the only one who's been anything close to consistent and the one guy from the whole bunch I'd like to still have. That doesn't mean I want to keep Kepler. I'm just saying it's a pretty weak competition. I can't think of anyone in any sport, or any occupation, performing below average for 3 straight years and declining further each year, but still keeping their job. Especially when there are younger, less expensive candidates with actual upside waiting in the wings.

I've stated in the last OP that there is a chance the Twins might go HS player twice. Money to spend and potential it MIGHT happen. But I agree with Dman that the FO has to look at HIT ability FIRST and power second in the early rounds. Budding power is better than extreme power with limited hit ability. I like Mathews a lot as an athlete with the ability to play anywhere. I like him better than Geloff. I'm not scared by Witt. He went through TJ already and returned to the rotation for his college team. Odds are he won't go through it again. The physical tools are there to make a next step. He might be a 1st round talent who slips just based on being "acared" his arm and control don't return. I think he might be a real steal. Not IN on Horvath unless I'm convinced he's a future 3B. I just don't trust a pick that high for a 3B unless I'm convinced he has the hands and arm to play the spot. Seen too many 3B converts to 1B and OF. I'd be in on Matthews or Witt at this spot.

So as talented and gifted as he is, as much as he's torn through AAA and looked ML ready, we might still be surprised he slumps at some point? Especially with the time he's missed? I'm a HUGE believer in Lewis. At the now "old" age of 24yo, (SERIOUS sarcasm), I think he's just a NATURAL, with a long and strong career ahead of him. But I've never thought he might not struggle a bit once he reaches the ML level. He has slumped the past couple of weeks. Even then, he's still out performered more than a couple of other bats. He's a rookie coming of so missed time playing 3B, mostly, for the first time in years. He's been solid to good there, even made a handful of great plays. I'm not the least worried about his defense at 3B as he gets more time there, even though I'm not sure it's his permanent position. Everyone struggles with the bat here and there. And I have high hopes that Miranda will find himself again and be an important bat at 3B/1B/DH. But any "hot streak" to get right has been brief. No way I'd give Lewis any sort of re-set at this point. It's way too early to he's going through anything but a slump. And way too early to say Miranda has figured it out to be promoted. I even type this as Lewis has 2 hits tonight against Boston. The OP is at least a couple weeks too early IMO. Lewis stays to work things out for now.

Repeating what I posted previously in a milb thread, and touched on here, he was a starting catcher at Clemson until he had an arm injury. I can't recall if it was TJ or a shoulder issue. But he spent his senior season as a 1B/DH. Thus, he was a later pick who signed for the $10K minimum. And the Twins did work him at catcher initially. One of the Twins pitching prospects, Winder I think, spoke about working with Williams behind the plate and pretty much raved about him. (Year or so ago). While I can only speculate, and while catchers don't have to be great athletes to play the position, he either has something athletically limiting him behind the plate, OR, his arm has just never recovered. I'm betting it's the latter, which has lead him to the transition to being a 1B/DH, who CAN catch. I LOVE to grab a piece of paper, even a napkin, and work out lineups on a consistent basis. It's my fanatical fandom, amateur GM persona. But there are always obvious restrictions. I mean, in this case, Williams is just going to fit as an OF, lol. And while I love me some prospects, and love Lee's potential, I've never seen him ready for 2023. He's always been 2024 and beyond in my personal prospectus. And there is a lingering question to be asked in the near future about the fate of Polanco, a tremendous player and one of my favorites, who's legs might just be 35yo even though the rest of him is yet to turn 30. Add in the fact that Lewis could, POTENTIALLY be a stud at 2B, CF, or either corner OF, and things get more complicated. Work with me and follow me here. The VERY BEST INF the Twins could put together, really soon, is a combination of Correa at SS, Lee and Lewis at 2B/3B, and Kirilloff at 1B. Where does that leave Julien? Well, ideally, playing almost every day at 2B/1B/DH, and MAYBE some LF. Again, this leaves no room for Polanco. What about Miranda? I had high hopes he'd cover both INF corners and DH. AK can still play some corner OF as well. And for 2024 at least, Farmer would make a hell of a great utility player. What an amazing INFIELD! BUT, despite being a bit of a late bloomer at 26yo...25yo in "prospect years" if you follow my standard covid missed year logic...Williams is showing a legitimate ML bat and hitting potential. He just might be a real 1B/DH talent who replaces Solano on the roster, even though they are very different players. But there probably isn't room for both he AND Miranda. So in theory, Williams and Miranda would be in competition for a RH power 1B/DH bat with Miranda being able to also play 3B...which might not be a big deal looking at the rest of the roster...and Williams being a functional 3rd catcher. And all of this variable roster construction still allows Lewis to maybe move to the OF, and for Kirilloff to also continue to play at least some corner OF. Nice to have so much depth and so many options right? We aren't even talking about OF talent and depth, just so many options to have one of the best INFIELDS in all of MLB, even IF we dismiss Polanco, which is NOT an easy IF. All that being said...the Buxton situation changes a TON of things, and lineup projections! I am SO TIRED of, frankly, flippant thoughts that Buxton moving to CF cures everything. Byron will probably always be a bit of a streaky hitter. But DAMN is he good and dangerous when he's on! And he's one of the best CF I've ever seen. But if his knees and hip allowed him to play CF right now, don't you think he'd be out there? And conserving him this year, maybe he'll be there for the playoffs. And maybe he'll still play a greater CF role in 2024 and beyond and he will open up the DH spot at least part time. It's so frustrating to hear demands to move him to CF tomorrow, with the expectation he will break down again, and also then hear complaints he can't be relied on. The Twins are trying to keep him healthy and productive as can be for 2023. NOBODY is saying his CF days are done. BUT...I think we all might have to accept that it might be true. From that point, it's up to Buck to FIND A ROUTINE AND ATTITUDE that ALLOWS him to be a bat only player. I don't know that anyone complained when Cruz was added as a DH only player for the Twins. I don't know that anyone complained when Molitor was brought on board years ago as a DH only. Pretty sure Boston never complained about a certain X Twin that converted to full time DH. The problem with a full time DH is it restricts your 13 man roster. But if you have a special hitter for that spot, do we care? If Buxton can "convert" mentally and physically to that role, he could be excellent. But it would mean building up the remaining 12 position players to be the best they could be, not unlike the AL for decades before the 26 man roster. And when you look at a potential lineup of names that include not only Buxton, but Lewis, Correa, Lee, Julien, Kirilloff, Larnach, Wallner and more than a few others, the future looks pretty bright if everyone just finds their place. Unfortunately, despite roster depth and versatility, a full time DH, Buxton in theory, provides one less spot for a position player. That's bad news for a potential bat like Williams. The good news is increased versatility from the rest of the roster might allow a bat like his to find a spot. And while I wish MLB would return to the covid 28 man roster as I believe it would make more sense in today's world of MLB, Williams has a shot if he can continue to do what he's doing. If you can continue to do what he's been doing, an opportunity will open for you.

Chpettit19 hit it so perfectly, I almost feel guilty trying to add. Every single roster spot is important. You never want someone taking up the final pen or position player spot just to fill a spot. Everyone serves a purpose. That being said, pre-covid, rosters have been at 25 FOREVER, with the mad experiment/issue of teams playing with only 24 twenty something years ago. So having any sort of specialist or "do it all" player as the last man on the bench is kind of a luxury. Castro fits that role perfectly. He's not the batter we saw in May, and I think we all knew that. But he's also not probably as bad ax he's looked through the first couple of weeks of June either. He hit the ball well against Detroit well in the 1st game loss and bounced his AVG back to .250 again. (Can't believe he got thrown trying to stretch that double in to a triple)! While by no means a great hitter, he's not horrible, can swing from both sides, has some pop, generally runs the bases well, and is a real SB weapon on a team lacking speed. And to top it off, he can be plugged in just about anywhere defensively and be good to OK everywhere. I've actually been encouraged by his work in CF, though he's obviously a work in progress there. Despite being promoted too early by Detroit and never developing there, he's spent too much time at the ML level to really gain anything at the AAA level, IMO. He's better, again IMO, working with the Twins coaches. The only thing he might gain is a re-set if he badly struggles. A couple bad weeks is not really a struggle. And again, a good game against Detroit despite the baserunning mistake. The only reason to option him, really, is if/when Gordon is back, with no options, or if Helman comes back and gets on a roll and they want a close look at him instead, for whatever reason. Otherwise, I think he's pretty safe as well as valuable simply as a "play anywhere" option with pop and much needed speed. Now, if we want to really explore a position player debate about a hole, it begins and ends with Kepler, very sorry to say. Even with Larnach struggling to take hold of opportunity at this point, he's still outproducing Max and at 4yrs younger actually offers upside. Not to mention Wallner is maybe better than both. And yet, the steadily downturning Kepler is blocking opportunity for BOTH younger bats. Why? Experience and depth? Mmm, OK. So the Twins keep poor production...granted quality defense...over a pair of young players with much higher upsides that might actually improve the lineup. And if anything happens to either of them and they have to dig even deeper, they have a pair of journeymen in AAA having excellent seasons in Contreras and Stevenson. And if said worst case scenario happened, either would have to replace a .180-.190 hitter with limited power, at this point, and a .634 OPS. Even in relatively SSS over 395 ML AB, Stevenson beats Kepler's numbers this year, and pretty much what he's been going back to mid 2022. And this is ONLY if something happens to Larnach and Wallner and we have to dig deep. Oh, Kirilloff can also play corner OF. So why in the world would "depth" be any sort of real issue? Castro fills a real role on this team, unless he suddenly bottoms out, which I'm not expecting. And he is probably the last player, at this point, to be worried about as far as roster construction is concerned.

Best Randball Stu OP EVER! Hayes wanting to watch the world burn had me blurt out laughter. Only thing is...are we for certain 90% of the OP isn't factual?

This discussion isn't really that hard. 1] Even really good LH hitters will see their OPS drop 50-80 points, roughly, when facing a LH pitcher. Does that make them a useless player? No. An .800 OPS bat dropping down to a .700 ish OPS bat isn't horrible, or useless in any way. Further, not having to platoon such a player increases lineup versatility game by game by not having to platoon. 2] Are the Twins going to rest AK once in a while to be conservative regarding his surgery and recovery. Yes. OK, then you might as well rest him against LH arms to maximize his production. It's just being smart. 3] Going back to point #1, neither Kirilloff or Julien are probably EVER going to have an OPS in the high .700 range, much less .800 or more, against LH pitchers as that would make them rare and elite. But that doesn't mean they can't be valuable with a lower to mid .700 OPS. And again, you now eliminate platoon needs, for the most part. Everything about Kirilloff and Julien, bat to ball skills, approach, etc, screams great bat with lefty/lefty potential. But you never know, and they never get there if they don't get opportunity. So you give them opportunity to learn and grow and prove themselves. But it would also be stubbornly foolish to NEVER play the platoon odds or to never do so for a potential day off So yeah, let them play against LH arms. But it doesn't have to be all at once, every time.

So based on this, and how the first 5 picks probably SHOULD play out, is it possible the Twins draft a HS OF and then a HS arm next? Hmmm...interesting. And the Twins might have enough signing $ to entice a top HS arm to sign with their comp or #2 selection. I am a sucker for LHSP with upside. We got a couple in Hajjar and Povich. And Povich looks like the better of the two. I sure wouldn't draft only on handedness, but I wouldn't hate seeing the likes of Sullivan or O'Halloran on day two.

Hey Mike, just to add a little more to what Steve posted previously, IIRC, he was a senior sign following the 2018 draft out of Clemson. He moved to 1B/DH his senior year due to an arm issue that I want to say was TJ. While he's continued to catch, mixed in with some 1B/DH, he's been primary out from behind the plate the past 2 years. I don't have clarification, but I think a lot of it has to do with his arm never coming back. Someone...Winder I think??...was speaking highly of him on a radio interview last season for his knowledge and control behind the plate, but again, 2022 and this year he's basically a 1B/DH who CAN catch. He hit well initially after he was drafted, more or less tanked, (believe there might have been another small injury somewhere in there), and then make a heck of a comeback with the bat the past couple of years with power, AVG, OB%, and some great OPS numbers. Unfortunately, as good as he's looked the past 1 1/2 years, 26yo 1B/DH types aren't usually considered top prospects. I think he could hold his own at the ML level if given a shot, but he's definitely behind a few guys right now.

100%! I should have been more detailed that they STILL should have made an attempt at a FA arm that might pay off, since it's always a crap shoot. But simply, if they really and truly believed there was something there, he could have and should have begun in that role to prove himself while filling a role. Still doesn't excuse keeping him when his $3.5M could have been better spent elsewhere.