DocBauer

I also felt Lewis was a luxury initially, and would be happy to see him in July. I still would be. But it sure looks like we might see him come June 1st. Like Kirilloff, he's a super talented player who can make a real difference. And I'm still not certain where his best spot will be, though I suspect he will begin at 3B once back. He could move to make room for Lee in the not to distant future. He'd be one of the best 2B in all of MLB, and I'd love him there long term. But what about Polanco, and even Julien, who needs to be fit in somewhere? Lewis could also be a hell of an OF! There is nothing wrong, generally speaking, with a lineup in today's game being built around power and solid OB% hitters with a large number of K's. But you ALSO need those guys who can just put the bat on the ball and HIT. You need a mix to counter all the various pitchers and their different approaches. Otherwise, you get the feast and famine games we've seen for a couple years now from the Twins offense. Correa, Polanco, Kirilloff, Lewis, and potentially Lee and Julien and even Martin, one of these days, provide those kinds of "hitters"...while still having power themselves...to go along with the dangerous power plant kind of bats like Buxton, Larnach, Wallner, Miranda, Gallo, etc. We still have Gallo for this season. I have real hope for Larnach, and some for Miranda...who I like a lot but worry about roster crunch..and even Wallner as a Gallo clone. I still hold out hope Gordon will prove his 2nd half of 2022 was real, as he could be very useful and his speed might still be better utilized going forward. And I fully appreciate Farmer, and would love to find room for him next season, but he's not a full time starter on a championship team, especially with all of these options ready or near ready. Even in today's game, you need the "hitters" who can make contact in addition to the big power bats. And I think the Twins are pretty close to putting together a killer of a position player roster. Still need a couple young guys to put it together. But even now, AK, Polanco, and Correa are 3 guys who fit that role. Things are going to get really interesting the 2nd half of this year, and going in to 2024.

Getting 2 or 3 solid, quality ML players out of any draft is considered a victory. Not just guys who make it, and get a cup of coffee...although that in itself is quite an accomplishment...but 2 or 3 honest to goodness contributing members of your team for at least a few seasons. Lewis still has a chance to be pretty special, and I believe he will be. Ober looks very good and should be part of the rotation for at least a few years to come. Enlow started a little slow, but not bad. He was starting to flash when his elbow gave out. He was pretty mediocre in his first season back in 2022. Right now, still only 24yo, he's starting to look like he was pre-injury, and like the HS pitching prospect they hoped he might be. If he continues on his current trajectory, he might finish the season at AAA. That puts him in discussion as being one of the top 8-9 rotation options for some point in 2024. That's a start! You have to get there before you can stick there! Enlow makes it, in whatever capacity, and sticks, the draft looks even better. He'll probably get a shot, and the rest is up to him. But it's just impossible to predict the future when SWR, Balazovic, and Festa are also factored in, not to mention FA and trades and re-signs. But he's back on track to potentially make it.

IMO, it was inexcusable he wasn't brought up late in 2022 when the roster was decimated. The starting OF often had Gordon, Cave, and Contreras. And at least 2 of those started games against LHP. Helman couldn't have done any worse, had a good year, and might have sparked a few runs here and there. He wouldn't have salvaged the last month of the year, but he was worth a look see at least. I don't know what his future is like with the Twins. It would be pretty hard to envision him as a late blooming potential starting player anywhere, despite his defensive flexibility. And right now, the team already has a potential roster crunch the 2nd half of this season, and going in to 2024 with Kirilloff, Polanco, Julien, Miranda, Lewis, Farmer, Lee, Larnach, Celestino, Gordon, and Wallner. Did I miss anyone? But there are injuries. There are trades. And some guys won't turn out. But there just might be room for a RH super utility player with a decent bat, power, and speed with SB ability who can fill a role. It's a real shame he was injured during ST and lost a shot to make the team as the last bench guy. And now he hurt his shoulder, slowing any future opportunity. But I wouldn't bet against him getting a shot before this year is done. I'm still a little surprised someone didn't nab him in the rule 5 last offseason. And his future might be with someone else. But he shouldn't be ignored.

The offense is still built for power and potential OB%, but lacking speed and overall contact. Still, it shouldn't be as bad as it has been at times. And the past few days showed it's potential. Kirilloff brings a different approach of better contact and spraying the ball than some of the other hitters in the lineup. That different dimension/approach helps. I think Lewis could help with that as well. But there's little doubt in my mind that a slumping Miranda and Larnach and slow to warm up Correa cast a big cloud over some of the production, or lack thereof, so far. I think, as constructed, this team is probably going to always be a little bit feast or famine. But there's enough talent and potential that we just should never see the kind of week long stretches we have before when scoring 2 runs is max value. But an entire roster going cold at the same time seldom happens either. I think they are going to be just fine. But Lewis, Lee, Julien, and some continued growth by others, will eventually provide this team with a better "contact" approach...while still having power...that I think will give the offense more daily consistency. But no major injuries and just guys hitting to their norms should give the offense more than enough production to go along with this excellent staff.

I've never been one to rush a starting pitcher to the pen if they show any sort of legitimate promise as a potential rotation option. Sometimes all it takes is something "clicking" mentally in their approach, or that one extra pitch that suddenly gets harnessed on a consistent basis, and they are suddenly a legitimate ML rotation option. And let's be honest, even with Mahle out for the year, and Maeda a question mark, the current rotation is still very good. But the depth has been thinned. Right now, if the Twins need another starter, they are looking at Headrick, the talented but struggling SWR, the recently stretched out but not ready Balazovic, the converted to the pen Sands and Winder, who have previously been starters, and a trio of journeymen that includes Rodriguez, De Leon, and Sanchez. Even Dobnak might not be an unreasonable option at some point. Encouraging? Maybe not. Desperate? Not necessarily. But what remains most important is the roster and winning of the Twins. With Thielbar currently out, hopefully briefly, Moran is the only LH in the pen. I believe in the potential of Moran. And he's been looking better recently. And while he's known for reverse splits, he's not bad against LH batters. But should the Twins have Headrick in the pen right now for a second lefty? Again, I don't want to move a potential starter too early to the pen. And Headrick might be a solid starting option if needed. In SSS with the Twins, he's shown some moxy and decent stuff so far. But shouldn't immediate need in the Twins pen outweigh any "what if" scenario in the moment? My question is, with Thielbar out right now, should Headrick be in the Twins pen right now to provide another LH option?

Agree he is no savior and not yet ready. This time last year he was still in college. He's already at AA and looking good. There is no reason to rush him. It would a great season if he can finish the year at AAA and doing well. I've always thought, no matter how talented, no matter how much potential, he wouldn't be ready until 2024. And that is aggressive and just fine with me. Any call for Lee to arrive earlier reminds me of Martin after a decent, but not great 2021. Some called for him to be up in 2022, which I never understood. Before this season even started, some were so excited about the potential of Rodriguez there was speculation he might fly through A+ and hit AA and finish the season at St Paul, potentially. He's awfully young, coming off a shortened 2022, and it would be awesome if he ends up raking and finishing strong at AA this year. On top of simply getting carried away with prospect hope, Lee is, realistically, behind Lewis and Julien on the infield pecking order. Then, there is the hope for a return of Miranda after a re-set, while the solid Farmer is already back. Personally, I'm unusually high on the almost 27yo, late blooming Helman as a RH super utility player who might help in the future. As jkcarew accurately stated, improvement for the offense is going to come from the players on hand...and it's not a bad group at all if they just get going...as well as the recently promoted Kirilloff, and the potential return of Larnach, Miranda, and hopefully Lewis.

Boy did Jax deserve that win after all the weird, crazy stuff that's been happening to him lately when on the mound. A healthy Kirilloff is pretty easily one of the Twins top 3 players. The positive results of his last surgery seem to be growing every day. He also was very deserving of something good happening last night.

I thought Helman had a real shot to make the team out of ST. Heard rumors the Twins were really disappointed he wasn't available to his injury. He can hit, hit with pop/power, and has good speed. And while not saying he's great everywhere, he can play anywhere other than catcher. Being RH doesn't hurt either. The lineup/roster, at this point, is probably better with him, or Garlick, rather than a platoon 1B who isn't hitting and has little power in Solano. Not predicting greatness, but I think Helman is a late blooming, super utility player with potentially nice overall value. Super happy to see Bakazovic healthy and throwing well. Can't wait until he's at full strength and stretched out. As I stated just as the season began, I'm more concerned with his long term future after a bad 2022 and his ruined ST, rather than being an impact arm this year. Still, I can see him providing a legitimate rotation depth option the second half of the season.

I think he's a prime candidate to offer help in the second half, and next season, and beyond. And while I don't want to dismiss Headrick as a SP option just yet, I can see him as another high quality option for the pen from the port side.

Always felt the offense was the weakest part of the team coming in to the season. But I never expected it to be this bad. But to be fair, ALL of the Twins stats were basically middle of the pack 6 games ago. Only 6 weeks in to the season, those numbers can rise and fall quickly, which they just did after the recent road trip. If you look at milb and recent drafts, the Twins are mid change in their offensive approach. The problem is, the CURRENT team is built for power and decent OB with little speed and only a few "hitters" in the lineup. IMO, despite some obvious restrictions, the problem really is the talent on hand simply not performing near to what is expected, by us as fans, or projections. Correa hasn't found any sort of groove. Gordon hasn't looked anything close to what he's shown previously, despite a couple HR. Miranda, also, has yet to look anything like his 2021 or May to August plus 2022 self. Larnach was great in ST and the first week, and then nosedived. Solano was signed for depth and to hit LH arms. He's completely disappeared after a couple of very good weeks. POSITIVE progression SHOULD happen simply due to normalcy of numbers and expectation of talent on hand. But is that enough? I still have faith in Larnach, but he needed a re-set and AK is a power bat and a "hitter" so he just might help. Polanco does everything. He helped carry the team for a week, and will get hot again. Gallo will ALWAYS be a streak hitter, which is why he's best batting around the 7th spot. SOMEHOW, they need to get Miranda straightened out to be the batter he has shown he can be. Farmer can help by just being a pro, and giving some days off to guys, and allow Miranda to play some 1B against LHP. Right now, it isn't earth shattering by any means, but the team would be better eliminating a RH platoon 1B in Solano and adding Garlick back, or, and don't laugh, giving the versatile Helman a shot. Lewis might help by June. Julien might also, but where does he play? Why on earth isn't he seeing some time at 1B and LF? There's limited opportunity if he only plays 2B and DH. And while he cooled the last week, we can't dismiss Wallner as a future option as well as Larnach if he gets his stroke and confidence back. There are no easy answers to fix the offense. It starts with Correa and Miranda getting hot. Polanco will be fine. Gallo will be streaky, but should produce. It's really tough when the entire lineup just gets cold all at once. But you can play around with the fringes of the lineup, and you should. SOMEONE for Salono might help, at least a little. Kirilloff just might be ready to settle in and make a difference. But this isn't fantasy baseball where you can just swap out half your team like an XBOX game. I don't have the answer as to HOW...there is no Redmond walking through the clubhouse naked to shake things up, LOL...but the NEED is for the talented veterans on this club to "be themselves" and do what they do and not trying to do too much. If I knew how to do that, I'd be working for a team and not posting as a fan, LOL. But there is enough talent on this team to just not be this pathetic.

Actually, his extension carries him through 2025. He is scheduled to be FA in 2026 at this time.

I'd also love to see Gray re-signed on a 3yr deal for around $60-66M. I might even prorate the first couple of years to make the last year more palatable if/when he slides. But absolutely the QO. Huge fan of Ober. Tremendous respect and admiration for Maed, but Ober is the better arm now, and part of the rotation the next few years. Hard to say Varland is better than Mahle, so I won't. But I think Varland has a nice career ahead of him. As of today he's got what, 6 or 7 ML starts and all have been solid to good save one. And two of them were on the road at Yankee stadium. A couple bad 1st innings hurt him this season, but then he settled down after that. I believe that shows maturity. Paddack has a chance to be at least solid, if not good, when he comes back next season. And he's young enough and talented enough to do so. But he could also never be the same. I don't have him written in ink for 2024 the way I do Ober, and probably Varland. All the more reason I'd love Gray back. SWR looks like he's getting pretty close. Headrick has really impressed me, but my gut says solid back end starter and potentially excellent pen arm. Will be interesting to see. And Balazovic has been looking really good so far in 2023, first from the pen, and now in his first start. Enlow and Festa have a really good shot at finishing the season at AAA this year. Any, or all, of those guys provide 2nd half depth here in 2023, even though there are reasons to be optimistic Maeda and Mahle are both back in a couple months, or less for Maeda, to continue to help this year. I kinda like where the Twins are sitting right now, but we'll know more at the end of the season. Is it possible the depth of talent on hand will be enough foe an equally good rotation in 2024 even if Gray isn't brought back? Perhaps. But again, the overall picture will be more clear at the end of the season.

I don't dislike any of our players. I don't even hate the offense because we're still around league average even with horrendous Aprils from Miranda, Correa, and Gordon. Not to mention beginibg the season without Polanco. It's not that we have bad players. And it's not like the keague average offense can't still get better. But they are built for power and some OB but lacking contact. We shouldn't be saying to ourselves; "Oh crap! Bases are loaded! We're screwed now!"

1] Small correction, Gordon is a LH bat. 2] Lewis is playing SS and 3B in Ft Myers, and is scheduled to remain at those two spots for at least the short term. If I am correct, these are scrimmages at the moment, the actual season doesn't start until around the draft. 3] I also don't believe Miranda's long term future is at 3B, and have said so for a while now. He should be a very nice, almost daily, dangerous RH bat who plays BOTH INF corners and DH. Lee or Lewis should be the 3B of the future, and relatively soon, and there are different roster construction options that make sense for either/both to be the 3B. I have a hard time will all the negativity that seems to surround a few of the younger players like Miranda and Larnach. Both have a TOTAL of a little over a full season of games played. And yes, injuries have hurt Larnach, as well as AK, but just because either kid hasn't hit .300 and project to 30 HR their first 500AB/162G there is this sentiment of frustration that neither/no-one is ever going to be good, much less a productive, daily member of the lineup. Who says? How SUDDEN do these young players have to perform at an All Star level before we have confidence in them? And more importantly, if they aren't allowed to fail some, and grow, how will they ever get better? All that being said, the Twins are in an enviable position right now where they have the luxury of almost interchangeable pieces to allow temporary re-sets. AK comes up, Larnach goes down, re-set with the idea of coming back ASAP. (Wallner also fits here, though not previously mentioned). Miranda started slow last season and the light switch came on around this time. Can it again? If not...and while a strong arguement can be made to keep him at the ML level to work through things...he can go down for a couple of weeks also for a re-set, keep Castro for now as the last man on the bench, and swap them again 2-3 weeks from now when Miranda gets on a role. The kids need opportunity to learn, grow and produce at the ML level. But it's an enviable spot for the Twins to be able to roll through a collection of talented youngsters to grant them these opportunities as well as the luxury of re-sets to get rolling again.

I'm a Max fan,and have been so, since the day he was signed. HR ball or not, I thought he turned a corner in 2019 and was finally reaching the ceiling that tantalized so many of us. And I could have dealt with some regression. But his past 3 seasons all show declining OPS season by season. To be fair, I had briefly forgotten he was hitting better in 2022 until his foot injury seemed to derail his year. Also, to be fair, after a horrendous early start this year, and a brief IL stint, he is again performing at least average, if not a touch better. While I have been rather critical of Max in recent posts...deservedly so IMO...I've always done so reluctantly, and have stated as much. And with enough questions to begin the season as there were optional answers, it was probably smart to have him back. But even with Gallo probably gone next year, Max available on the inexpensive side, and still 5 LH bats unproven for the OF corners and 1B, at some point you have to allow those players to succeed or fail. I usually don't agree with simply handing out roster/lineup spots without them being earned. And I'm OK swapping Larnach right now for AK as a re-set for the one, and opportunity for the other. But at some point, doesn't it make sense to remove the 30yo, average hitter for younger, cheaper, higher ceiling players? Or do they all have to hit .300 immediately when they reach the Twins in their 15 day audition before being sent down again with no room for failure or growth? I like Max. I've never been a hater. The fact he never became what I hoped he would be doesn't make me dislike him one bit. I'm not even angry he's still around. But you don't have to dislike him to recognize his limitations or the number of younger, talented hitters available to turn to, roll with, and roll through as necessary, until the right combination is found amongst those talented, younger players.

Brilliant! A HUGE laugh!

No offense to anyone, all in good fun, I'm not sure which team I hate losing more to, the Yankees or the Dirty Sox. 1] As much as I hate to admit it, the Sox aren't as bad as their early season record indicates. They have some good arms. 2] We can bitch and argue about pitching, but the staff, as a whole, allowed 12 runs in 3 games. That's not bad. And who of us would ever thought, for a moment, that Pagan would have been OK? 3] I LOVE Jeffers in many ways, but he blew it trying to take 3rd base in game 2. He made a huge mistake that might have lead to a winning inning. I appreciate his aggressiveness, but as a catcher he should have recognized the play better. 4] Game 2, bases loaded, nobody out, and NOBODY could at least hit a ball out of the infield? Despite a couple questionable plays here and there, this was a tight knit series that went back and forth with missed opportunities for both clubs. I'm disappointed as I feel we should have won 2 by just a clutch or two, or even a sacrifice fly that might have made a difference. 5] DESPITE losing 2 of 3 to the Dirty Sox on the road, and missing out on opportunity, tell me putting them away with a HUGE 12 inning didn't make you still feel good?

Funderburk is an OK, solid milb SP. He's also a potentially solid LH ML RP, which is why he now needs to concentrate on that role only. And I believe the Twins feel the same way. I've commented a couple times on Zach Veen in other articles. He is NOT another Jaylen Nowlin I'm sure, as a late LH POTENRTIAL SP surprise. But Veen's profile/numbers, when drafted, screamed solid offspeed stuff and great control with AMAZING BB/SO splits. An average 90-ish velocity could easily creep up to 92/93 with coaching and development. With his other stuff, I saw him as a potential fast riser LH BP arm. Grace's turnaround has been impressive. Just goes to show the volatility and the randomness of the draft. Drafted out of HS in the 10th round in 2018...which I slightly remember...he's pitched very few innings, and hasn't really done anything positive...with the exception of a solid 31IP in 2021. And SUDDENLY, in early 2023, converted to the pen full time at 23yo, he's flashing some good stuff for CR that can't be denied. I guess another example of "you never know", as well as "never give up".

Glad to see a clarification of "on the clock" doesn't mean give up on. I've watched a good number of games so far. Larnach is getting fed a steady diet of breaking balls and offspeed stuff. He's actually showing adaptability due to his BB and OB%. Even with his struggles, he still leads the team in RBI...or did before today I believe...which indicates a few key hits, and even some sacrifice flies, which shouldn't be dismissed when looking at the Sox game Wednesday when the hitters in front of him couldn't get the ball out of the infield with the bases loaded! The issue is, and I agree with Cody, when he is working the count, there have been a few FB, along with some middle of the plate offspeed stuff, where he is more than capable of punishing the ball, but is missing. I don't think he has anything to prove at AAA. I'm not so sure that just continuing to get ML plate appearances and working with Popkins isn't the best route. BUT, maybe he's pressing? And THAT is why I'm willing to think he might be better off with a stint at St Paul if he doesn't heat up the next few weeks. He wouldn't face the same kind of "stuff" at that level, but he might just RELAX and start to drive the ball with all the natural power he has. I wouldn't send him down tomorrow. I think I'd still give him a little more time. You often don't learn until you also fail some. But sometimes a mental re-set with less pressure can be a good thing. And it's just crazy that the Twins have a former top prospect like AK sitting at AAA just waiting for a chance now that he might FINALLY be healthy, as well as a bat like Wallner just sitting there also. Wallner split his time in 2022 between AA and AAA, about 60/40, and raked at both levels before flashing a little at the ML level. He was the Twins milb hitter of the year, deservedly so in 2022, but is sitting as the 6th or 7th OF option at this point, despite having a great start to 2023. When have we ever been able to say we have a talent like that playing the waiting game? I wouldn't demote Larnach just yet, IMO, because things could "click" suddenly as they did for Miranda last year. Remember when he was sent down for 24-48hrs and brought back due to I jury and he suddenly started hitting? (Boy, I sure wish he would start doing that again)! With young, talented players you sometimes have to live with growing pains. And if you don't, you often sacrifice the future for an immediate present. But the Twins are blessed with talented options just waiting for opportunity. But yeah, if he doesn't figure it out soon, I'd be in favor of a re-set and get AK or Wallner up for opportunity. They TOO deserve said opportunity.

I'm really happy for Rooker. I had high hopes for him and was disappointed he just couldn't put it together with the Twins. I just can't help but wonder if he can continue with this kind of performance, based on past ML performance and SSS this season. But good for him! Sometimes guys just mature late, and find themselves with the right team at the right time. And opportunity is always a factor. And right now, Rooker has found that opportunity. While I wouldn't DARE to compare him, Cruz didn't find himself until the same age and became an absolute hitting STUD. So things happen. I do wonder about opportunities for some other young Twins players on the rise, not that I'm comparing them to Rooker. Guys like Wallner, Julien, Kirilloff, Lewis, Lee, Martin, and others that are "oh so close". That's a lot of good young talent that will need opportunity themselves. Very interesting thought that this might ultimately turn out to be Paddack vs Rooker as a trade.

Well thought out and very accurate! Stinks to lose Maeda and Mahle, at least for the short term. But with all due respect, do we really lose much of anything with Ober? The guy is pretty good. Varland is the 2 time Twins milb pitcher of the year, and yet began the season as the #7 starter simply due to depth and more experienced arms ahead of him. How many teams, and how many past Twins teams, wouldn't have had those two in the rotation opening day? The offense is heating up, but there's still room for improvement. Correa will get going. So will Miranda, who has looked better as of late. At some point, there might be an additional lift from AK, Lewis, and possibly both of Julien and Wallner. The bullpen does need some help. Is it my imagination, or has Moran looked a little better lately? I think he's a key piece going forward. I have faith Alcala will be back, but Stewart is off to an amazing start at St Paul and has looked good so far in his Twins debut. If he's for real, he provides a real shot in the arm. Henriquez and Winder starting the season injured hurt the depth. I liked what I've seen from Headrick so far, and he could continue to help the pen, but I think he needs to stay in the Saints rotation for now. IDEALLY, I'd love to see Hendrick as a middle man with Stewart/Alcala/Winder joining him, whoever steps forward. That still leaves the 8th spot open for a rotating long man from everyone else available. If Moran can settle in, and they can fill those 6th and 7th spots as I just described, the pen could still end up really deep. That seems fairly do-able doesn't it? And yes, I'm leaving Pagan out of the discussion completely. He's shown nothing. Just recently, it took him over 20 pitches to get through 1IP while allowing a run. Stewart, I believe, needed only 13 in his inning and didn't allow a run. At some point, everyone needs to contribute. Pagan may have stuff, but he can't pitch. I trust him less than anyone mentioned above.

Nice to see a nod for Cardenas who I think has a ton of potential. He kowns the strike zone, and has power potential. Even forgetting the discipline of a catcher, for a moment, can he harness his zone knowledge to be a HITTER and harness that power? Cossetti intrigued me immediately when drafted. Does the bat play? Seems so. He's older than the average players but younger than the average age of the pitchers? That's a good sign. How is his defense? But to be fair, a catcher can work on defense. It's harder to teach a HIT tool. Why is Shuffield in A ball after what he did last year? Severino quietly had a very nice 2022. I actually thought someone might grab him in the rule 5 as a talented 2B/3B option. He's not quite ready yet, but he's close to someone paying attention to a kid who can hit, run a little, and spray the ball with power. Despite that, his future is probably with someone else as he's really blocked right now. Selfishly, I really wanted Contreras back for St Paul and as an emergency OF option for the Twins. He's a quality OF who can hit and provide a little bit of everything, but should probably go elsewhere next year for a ML shot as he's blocked with the Twins. That leaves Wallner. How many teams would have their 2022 milb "hitter of the year" sitting at AAA ball, not only waiting, but waiting behind ANOTHER top player like Kiriloff? He's not a finished product yet, offensively or defensively, but he's got tons of talent and potential. At some point, depth becomes roster construction and hard choices for today and tomorrow. It's a wonderfully built in problem to have to find a way to find room for your best talent.

Thank you, yet again, for a marvelous breakdown. From an outside looking in position, assimilating everything known, and unknown, Mahle had a sore shoulder and "tired arm" in 2022 after a good start. He rested, looked good, and the Twins made the trade move. Mahle looked just fine his first couple of starts before the "tired arm" came up again and pretty much finished his season. It bears repeating yet again, doctor exams and MRI's showed no structural damage. Mahle had a good start to the season, and even looked good in his first 4IP before being pulled. NOW we get this unfortunate news. I don't have to be any sort of doctor or biologist to know there is a difference between a shoulder and an elbow. I do wonder if there was, indeed, hard work in the offseason to get ready for 2023 and if any sort of compensation might have happened to either lead to this latest injury, OR, aggravate a previously unknown possibility of elbow, potential UCL, injury. And maybe Lucas can add more to that point. Could there be a coralation between his shoulder and "tired arm" last year and this elbow/forearm injury that might lead to TJ? I have a hard time believing the Twins would have made the trade for Mahle last year if they felt there was a serious TJ risk. And in truth, isn't just about every pitcher at risk at some point? MEDICALLY speaking, maybe he worked too hard? Maybe his arm is still adjusting to his new repertoire? No...I'm not quite buying in to that either. But pitching arms are fragile things. From what Lucas has stated, and given the general wear and tear on a ML arm, it does seem possible that rest and rehab will strengthen the forearm muscles and the elbow inflammation will settle down. And Mahle will be OK to finish the second half. That would be excellent. From a personal point, I feel bad for Mahle, as I'm pretty sure his arm is just giving out right before the possibility of growing as a pitcher and ready for a new deal, or FA. From the Twins perspective, this couldn't have happened at a worse possible time based on his talent and projection. I hope for the best for Mahle, and his career. And maybe we'll all be surprised and rest and rehab will have great results. I just have to expect the worst at this point. Baseball wise, how many teams had the likes of Ober and Varland waiting in the wings, and deserving of being on the opening day roster, just waiting to fill the last 2 spots in the rotation?

So I'm late to the thread. But here goes: 1] Kirilloff is a great talent who might FINALLY be healthy enough to tap in to that talent! And I can't wait! But after he's been through, having a few more weeks to play more consecutive games is not going to hurt him, or his future. This is the same fortunate/unfoetunate conundrum Ober had to face to start the season. Most of these things work themselves out. 2] Farmer replaces Castro when ready to go in a few weeks. Stinks for Castro, who's done a decent job, still has some utility promise, and has an option to keep around. 3] Brining up AK means someone has to be hurt, or someone not necessarily worthy of being moved has to happen. See point #1 again. 4] Gallo or Kepler in CF, to make room for AK in the lineup, is not a horrible idea. Between Taylor...who's doing great...sitting a day or two against a RHP, Buxton ramping up slowly with a game or two in CF, and Kepler or Gallo for a day or so, makes some sense. But barring some IL for someone, who gets cut at this point to make room on the roster? 5] Not the first time this is a good/bad problem to have. Ober began at AAA. Varland is too good, as the Twins 2 time milb pitcher of the year, to be in AAA as well. Again, as we're seeing now, these things tend to work themselves out. Wallner, raking at AAA, and the reigning milb hitter of the year, is stuck behind AK! And what happens June/July when Lewis ready? So this is not the last "roster crunch" facing the Twins by any means.

I've been very impressed with Headrick so far. Stuff is solid, as is the control. Now, is his future in the rotation or the pen? No clue at this point. And while I don't want to be glib and just say "anyone can pitch in relief", it sure is easier to transition to the pen then back to the rotation. He should be starting every 5th day for St Paul and brought up as necessary, whether to start or toss out of the pen. In an ideal world, the new and improved Stewart is for real. And he...haven't given up on Alcala or Winder yet...would combine with someone like Headrick to give the Twins a pair of excellent 1-2IP middle guys to make the pen 7 deep. You can still leave the 8th spot open for a revolving long man to be swapped out as necessary. That 8th spot is also a great way for young arms to get their feet wet. But for now, Headrick staying stretched out makes the most sense to me. I mean, Sands and Winder are moving to the pen. I still think Balazovic is going back to starting and is only the pen for the time being. But rotation depth is getting a little short on the farm right now.