DocBauer

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

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

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

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

Final product looks great!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Had to work, only caught a few moments of the game, so all I have is the GAMEDAY, BOX, and the OP. So anything I say comes with more than a grain of salt. I think Ober was the smart choice to start this game. Sounds like he wasn't bad, but made a couple bad pitches. He's been very good this year, and I love his future, and very first playoff game against a good team in their home park against a future 1st ballot HOF'er is not an easy game. Still, I'm a little disappointed in his performance and the save vet Maeda. Don't know if Paddack should have stayed in. Sounds like he was throwing pretty good. But Thielbar is aces most of the time so probably the smart move. I did see the Julien baserunning mistake. And it was a poor choice on his part. Will never know if it cost a chance to score a run or two, but no way to sugarcoat a bad decision. The Twins didn't give up and made it interesting. I like the resolve of the team. Winning the 1st game in any series gives an advantage. But the only thing I ever wanted/expected was to come away with a W in either of the first couple of games. If they can do that Sunday, they go home for 2, and I kinda like how that plays out. Go Twins!

I'm glad Kirilloff was mentioned as too often it just feels like Julien, Wallner, and Lewis have been the primary focus the past few months. (Yes, Lewis is RH). AK's season began slow as they were being patient with his rehab and ramp up following his wrist/forearm surgery. As a result of that delayed start, and then an injury to his shoulder on a dive that, thankfully, had obviously nothing to do with his previous wrist issues, he has played roughly half a season. In 319 PA and 284 AB he stoked 14 2B/ 1 3B/ 11 HR/ 41 RBI. His quad slash line was .270/ .348/ .445/ .793/ with an OPS+ of 117. Those are good numbers from a still only 25yo top prospect who's lingering wrist injury seems to have been finally "cured". And what I find most encouraging is that about mid season...after time to get secure in his wrist and get his timing down...we started to see his power manifest. Unfortunately, he did have the shoulder issue. And that's slowed his progress a bit. But he did show a few power signs just as the season was winding down. We talk a lot about the great turnaround by Kepler...deservedly so...as well as the young group of Wallner, Julien, and Lewis, but I'm so excited to finally have a healthy Kirilloff ready to take the next step.

No on Buxton. If he wasn't ready for the first series, he's not ready a couple days later. And let's be honest, right now we're better off with Lewis than Buxton and it's probably not even close. Maeda is still pretty much stretched out, and well rested. He could easily slide back in to the rotation if wanted. But I think they moved him to the pen with a deliberate plan in mind and won't change now. So Ober is added. At that point, it's Funderburk, Paddack, or Stevenson losing a spot. I really like the extra speed guy on the bench in Stevenson, and he's a good defensive OF to free Castro up to help in the INF if needed. And while he's still unproven over any length of time at the ML level, I like having the 2nd LH in the pen with Funderburk. The Astros have some pretty good LH bats. Hard to tell Paddack he's not being kept after he's worked so hard to get back, but he just seems like the logical arm to leave off, IMO.

Renaissance Adult Video Store? 5G microchips activated by tornado sirens? LMAO! Classic stuff!

Nick, for the most part, I agree with everything you've said here. What's always most important is who you are in the second half, and how you finish, not who you are in the first half, or how you begin. I was very wrong about both Kepler and Pagan. The Twins believed Kepler could STILL develop, even hitting 30, and they were right. They thought some changes made with Pagan would play up this year, and they were right. They believed they had the bullpen arms on hand, with some recovery, and a couple temp moves the pen, to have a playoff worthy pen. And they didn't trade away any additional future talent. The second half Twins would have had the team on something like a 96 win pace. I give them credit where credit is due for standing pat, believing in what they had, as well as some great additions around the edges of the roster that added so much to the season overall. Finishing strong and being where they are right now is a win, pun intended. But conviction/stubbornness goes both ways. As much as I applaud most of what our FO does, and has done, I have to also call them out for some mistakes made. Sorry, but it cuts both ways. They made some great moves to put this team together. And revisionist thinking is generally akin to the old proverb about wishing for something in one hand and having a crap pile in the other hand. The pen didn't exactly stink the 1st half, but might it have been better making room for guys like Coulombe and Hoffman and letting Alcala and Moran sit in AAA? Could the offense have been better, sooner, recognizing Miranda just wasn't right from day one? Couldn't they have just admitted Gallo was a failed flier earlier and just bit the bullet and moved on? With all due love and respect to Buxton, and appreciation for what he DID produce the 1st half, could they have made the very hard choice to shut him down earlier and work on extended rest and rehab to MAYBE have a better version later in the season? I'm not saying Julien, Lewis, and Wallner were ready from day one. That's a bit idiotic. Hell, Lewis, Kirilloff, and Polanco simply weren't ready to begin the season. I get that. And you HAVE to put a lineup together with what you have. And our frustration with the 1st half of the year WAS injury related to a degree we don't want to admit. I think the FO put together a good team. And guys not being ready due to injury or readiness hampered the 1st half. But I DO BELIEVE that the FO is a little too stubborn once in a while when they hold on too long to someone, Gallo being the obvious mark, or ignore someone doing well to make room for, reference a couple early pen options. A few more wins in the 1st half might or might not have had the Twins get a 1st round bye. In the long run, what matters is the 2nd half, improvement, a playoff win, and a chance to do more. And I'm not being a bummer as I love how the team has become the team I saw them potentially being coming out of ST. It just took a little longer than I expected to become that team. I'm only saying that despite being WAY smarter than I am in baseball matters, I do think their stubbornness/conviction can be a little too strong at times, and maybe they need to relent a little earlier at times, or just take a shot at a younger player once in a while a little earlier than what feels comfortable.

The Twins rotation in 2022 was lead by a never totally healthy and prepared Gray. And this is by his own admission as he was so involved with the CBA negotiations he never felt fully prepared. Ober was tremendous when healthy, but missed a chunk of the season. Bundy was durable, but at best a #5 starter for any decent team. Ryan was a rookie. And Archer was so beat up he could barely handle 4 solid IP per start. But yeah, Rocco has a quick hook. Please! This year, Gray was healthy and tossed 184 IP, the 3rd most in his career! Lopez hit a career high with 194! Ryan, in his 2nd year, and even with some time missed with a groin injury, threw almost 162 IP. Ober BLEW past his previous high of 108 IP in a season with a combined 166 between the Twins, 144, and 22 at AAA. I don't have the exact numbers available, but I believe the Twins were in the top 5 this season at about 5 2/3 IP per start in all of MLB. When your rotation arms are healthy, and GOOD, you run them more. And Rocco did that. When they are hurting and poor, you pull them sooner, and Rocco did that more often in 2022. This whole discussion is, frankly, old and disingenuous. The numbers are in black and white.

Simply not going to get in to a debate about Correa's throw home. Only going to state my opinion. I've seen the career of Ozzie Smith, and to me, he's still the greatest SS I've seen in my lifetime. And I've seen Templeton, Trammell, Larkin. Vizquel, and other tremendous SS. And I've also watched Ripken and Jeter...both very good and worthy of HOF inductions, but neither as good defensively as Correa, IMO. I appreciated Correa from afar before he joined the Twins, but can't say I was a fan. I have become one since, however, as I like the man, and love the ballplayer. Never had a clue just how invested he is in his organization, or how great his leadership skills and just how great his pure baseball intellect is. I believe it was Bundy pitching in a game last season, but I could be mis-remembering who was on the mound, when Correa made a visit, told him what to throw, and he did, and the Twins got out of a tight spot and ended up winning the game. His call of the pick off at 2B was outstanding. He recognized the situation and set the whole thing up. Again, I have seen some absolutely amazing SS and tremendous plays over nearly 50 years of baseball, but it is NOT hyperbole to say his throw home was one of the best plays I've ever seen made. He was moving to 2B to cover initially, as he was supposed to do. The ball that Polanco missed came to a dead stop on the dirt. Correa then sprinted back to his right, fielded the ball, and threw an absolute strike to Jeffers to nail Bichette. I mean, how can you argue with something so sudden, unexpected, and PERFECT? COULD someone else maybe make that play? Well yeah, they COULD, but HE did it. And 90-95% of the time nobody would have done that. Maybe not even he, given the same chance again. I think we just have to accept and enjoy what a tremendous play it was. The fact that he did it for our favorite team is not hyperbolic. It's just recognizing greatness. Brian, I enjoyed your analogy. I think where you got disagreement was in hinting he hasn't proven his $200M. I think a disappointing offensive season is a target needing more proof about earning said deal. But I think any sort of pushback is simply that it's way too early after an injury plagued season to suggest he's NOT worth the contract. And I'm pretty sure that wasn't your intention, but that's where the thumbs down came from. DESPITE a less than stellar year with the bat, and fighting his foot injury all year, and despite what any defensive metrics might state, I think Correa has been outstanding all season defensively, even with a few bad plays here and there. Again, I've had a bad case of plantar fascists myself, and I can't even imagine playing pro ball with it. But if rest and rehab gets him right again for 2024, I have no doubt his defense will be as good, if not better. And despite a slow start with the bat in 2022, and a losing season, I think a lot of us forget just how good his final numbers/production were. He had a .834 OPS and 138 OPS+. He's not just great defense, and a normally better bat than this year, but he's also an experienced leader and instinctive, intellectual ballplayer. And he brings those elements to the Twins as well. At the end of his deal, he probably won't be the same player he is now, when healthy. But as I recall, his contract is structured that way as well. When all is said and done, barring something catastrophic, I think he's going to bring enough to the Twins in his tenure to more than earn his contract. And with that, I'm jumping off my soapbox.

You know, time and memory are both strange and cruel. I can discuss Twins rosters from the 70's and 80's onward. I can recall top prospects who never made it. Pretty sure I can even remember sitting in my car listening to Puckett's and Hrbek's first games. I can remember the Twins beating the Tigers in '87 and Randy Bush stealing bases and helping to win that series. Of course, I can also recite the original Star Wars move almost line by line to this day and almost every from the original Star Trek series because at the end of the day, I'm a nerd. LOL. A highly intelligent, still "got it going" nerd as I approach 58yo later this month, LOL, but still a nerd. But in the '00's, I remember players and moments. But I'll be damned if I can remember series results in any detail. I wish I could. And I envy those who can. Or, maybe, I don't as there was so much frustration. What I recall is seasons and expectations and series losses where we could have won, and maybe should have won. Maybe I'm fortunate to remember the big picture and not the details? I'm going to remember this year and this series win for sure. And nothing will rob me of '87 or '91 memories, or tears shed when we won in '87.

The 2nd half Twins is what I hoped for when the year began. While I would have loved to see the ENTIRE season play out in equal halves, it doesn't always work that way. How you finish is more important than how you begin. This is a good baseball team! Please don't misunderstand me, but if we don't advance to the next round, I will remain very happy with how this season has unfolded and the win this series. BUT, just like '87 and '91, I don't want the winning to end! Great SP, a bullpen deeper than anything I can remember previously, and a great mix of veterans and young talent, this is an exciting team poised and capable to make some noise. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ober start Sunday Oct 1st? First game against Houston should have Ryan, Maeda, and Ober ALL available. Guess it depends what matchup makes the most sense in the Twin's view. But if we assume Maeda stays in the pen, Ryan and Ober are both well rested and ready to go. And Lopez should be ready for game 2 on Sunday with normal rest. Gray to potentially follow. Right? Some good choices to be made.