DocBauer

Absolutely. I'd be giving him a shot in the top 6 to see what can do. At least until Thielbar is back.

Jax has had some very bad luck that wasn't his fault. But his last couple of outings have been poor. So I believe his results have been a little skewed. Is his head right? There's a difference from a veteran like Pagan who has proven he isn't the answer, as opposed to a younger guy like Jax just struggling right now. They get Jax back on track and Thielbar back and the pen looks very different all of a sudden. I've been impressed by the "new/old and improved" Stewart at St Paul and early results with the Twins. The stuff is there, and he has experience. He gets his BB under control, they have a 5th arm in the pen who might just be for real. Moran has the ability and has been looking much better as of late. That's a potential really good 6. And the 8th spot is going to remain in flux for an innings eater who can be changed out. And that's just smart! Does the 7th spot remain in flux? Maybe. But I'd sure like to see that spot settled. And it's up to the pitchers to prove they should stick. I have a lot of hope/belief in Alcala, but I think he's been mishandled coming back this year. His stuff still looks pretty good, but he's stretched beyond 1 IP. Is that really a problem when the starters are usually going 6? To the OP directly, I like all 3 options. And to be honest, I hadn't realized Laweryson was throwing that well. I guess I was just so focused on other guys I had missed how good he's been this year. I always thought he'd be a great 1-3 IP middle guy. I think Funderburk has a future, but I don't think he's ready yet. I think Henriquez would have already been up except his season got off to a late start. But that late start, even with his late season debut in 2022, has the Twins wanting to give him a little more AAA time, IMO. But all 3 of those guys could be part of the 2nd half this season, as well as the future. I think the pen has been a question lately. But I don't think it's desperate. Again, Thielbar back and they get Jax on track, things look a lot better. Stewart might be a steal. Moran is looking better. And then you look at the 3 guys listed above and you start to feel a little better for the 2nd half at least. Hell, I know it was one game, but De Leon looked NASTY for his first couple of innings against the Dogers. I have no expectations, but if he could do that for 1-2 IP, the former top prospect might be a similar steal to Stewart. Where there is a rub is Headrick and Balazovic. The Twins need them for rotation depth, especially with SWR suddenly struggling this year. I'm not convinced Headrick has a long term future in the Twins rotation. But he might be needed this year at some point. And I am ridiculously adamant that Balazovic needs to remain as a rotation option because you just don't move a recent top 100 prospect who is healthy again and looking good again. Why on earth would you move a former top prospect to the pen when he's healthy and looking like the arm everyone thought he might be? On the flip side, the parent club is of more importance than the results of the Saints. The rotating 8th spot is a perfect option to rotate guys like Headrick, Balazovic, Winder, and Sands to show their stuff, get ML experience, and help the Twins. IMO, Headrick should have been up already to help with Thielbar out before going back to the Saints rotation. Unless he was too good to send down. And I'm OK if Jordy Blaze comes up in that 8th man spot to help at some point. But I wouldn't want him in the pen unless we are talking post season and one of the best arms the Twins have. Up and down to help is awesome. But he needs to stay as a viable SP option because I think that remains his future.

I do believe Buxton is going to play CF again, on a limited basis. Now, this is just my opinion, but I believe his days as an everyday CF are over. And it's to keep him healthy, in the lineup, on a daily basis for 120+ games per year. His bat and ability are game changing. I think the plan, going forward, is to play 2-3 games per week and DH the rest. Which means we need another quality option there. For the most part, that's worked this year with the addition of Taylor. Long term, options include Lewis, Martin, and Celestino. (I am deliberately leaving out potential options in A ball and lower.) I think Kiersey at AA has a shot with his glove and speed now that he's learning to hit and is flashing a little more pop as well. Is it possible Taylor is re-signed? Mmm...possibly. Could they sign someone or trade for someone? Absolutely. But I think they'd prefer to stick in house if possible. What's unfortunate for NOW, is Taylor's back having issues, Gordon hurting his shin, Kepler out with injury, Celestino still recovering from his hand injury, and Helman...a talented late bloomer ready for a shot...suddenly hurting his shoulder after getting a late start to the season from his spring hamstring issue, and raking for St Paul. It's not that the Twins didn't begin the season with depth and options, it's that in a bad comedy of poor luck, most of the options all got hurt at the same time. Really, really stinks that Helman got hurt at this time. (Sigh). Kepler will be back, reportedly, Monday or Tuesday. While he doesn't like playing CF, he just might have to do so here and there for a few weeks, even if not daily. If they want/need someone temporarily, I'd be looking at Contreras. He's better in the corners, but is a solid CF and having a good year, and provides a LH bat. Can they make room for him? He'd provide a temp solution with Kepler sharing CF with Taylor, allowing Taylor some rest by not playing daily right now as his back settles down. Again, I think Buxton is going to still play some CF going forward. But I think it's way to easy to just say "Buxton should just play CF". But do the Twins feel his legs are 100%, or close, and ready to go? Or do they feel he's not quite where they want him out there yet? Only they know. If Taylor can get his back healed up by not playing daily, and Kepler can fill in to help for a little while, they are still OK. And I'm just talking about this year. It can be solid with a share of Taylor, Kepler, and Buxton until Gordon is healthy again. And who knows what might happen the 2nd half with guys getting healthy and possible opportunities. To me the biggest issue is just the next few days and weeks. They can get through that, they'll have multiple options to keep CF solid for 2023.

Ye, they should have. But the problem then is the same as now, "who"? Articles like this are interesting with hindsight. But at the time, despite looking at numbers and history and projection, it's still a gamble as to who you sign. However, that gamble is well worth it, and a much smarter avenue to go down, rather than retaining literally the worst RP in the game for the past 5yrs. I still have hope for Alcala. But I also stated during the offseason I didn't want to HAVE to count on him. HUGE error in judgement keeping Pagan. And HUGE error to not take his $3.5M and add a little more and take a shot on a FA arm you felt good about. Then you cross your fingers. That's better than the alternative.

So I'm late to this OP, but anyway: 1] SUPER ENCOURAGED by what he's done so far this year. Yes, the BB are too high, but the velocity is back, the K's seem to be there, and he seems to be looking like the top prospect he was entering 2022, and not the nightmare he was last season while struggling through his ankle and delivery issues. 2] NOT going to predict how good he might become, but you simply DON'T take a top SP prospect and move him to the pen this soon when he's looking again like the top 100 prospect he was entering 2022! As good as he's looking right now, as pointed out above, he's still getting his legs under him after missing all of ST. He ABSOLUTELY needs to stay in the rotation and keep building up and harnessing his command for the future. 3] The Twins have commented that they are sort of "grooming" him for a potential spot in the pen this year to help. They HAVEN'T said they are removing him from a potential SP role in the future. And this makes sense to me. At the drop of a hat, ANY SP from AAA can be brought up to throw 1-4 IP if and when needed. When you are a contending club having a good year, all hands are on deck and the AAA club having to fill in is just a circumstance they have to deal with in order for the parent club to have the best arms available to WIN. 4] I think point #3 also applies to Headrick. He doesn't have the pure stuff of Balazovic. But BOTH are possible rotation pieces for the Twins this season due to injury, or even double headers at some point. Personally, I have a gut feeling Headrick is destined to be a quality BP piece, but I always believe in keeping SP prospects as starters for as long as possible. And the needs of a contending parent club come first. So keep them BOTH stretched out in the Saints rotation and use them as necessary. 5] Right now, the usage of Alcala is a moot point as he's on the IL. But I've watched him a lot. He's usually looked pretty good for 1 inning. He seems to lose control, or allow that 1 big hit, when asked to go 2 innings. Coming back from a missed 2022, what is wrong with using him for just that 1 inning for NOW while he gains confidence and control? THAT has been a big mistake, IMO.

I don't dislike Pagan because he allows runs to score. I mean, every RP allows rubs to score. Our own, amazing Duran has allowed a couple HR this season. Even the very best allow runs and have bad days. Just recently, before being places on the IL, I was really liking what I was seeing from Alcala DESPITE giving up a couple HR in his last few appearances. Because I saw some nasty pitches and Ks and good outs surrounding those HR. Also, it seemed all his runs were scored on his 2nd IP, not his first. So I was feeling encouraged by what I was seeing from Alcala despite the final results. And I absolutely will admit that Pagan has been about ML solid, average since his early April blow-up. My problem is...and yes, this dates back to last year as well...he can ONLY seem to perform in low leverage spots. And even with an 8 man pen, each and every guy in that pen is going to be placed in to a higher leverage position once in a while. It's OK if they aren't great in them. But they shouldn't just look fragile and fall completely apart. And when Pagan loses it, he loses it BIG TIME with BB and grooving pitches for big innings. I didn't want him back. I thought they could have done better with just a little more investment. I'll admit he's been OK in his low/lower leverage spots this season. But I've seen enough last year and this year to know I don't want him on my favorite team unless he can only be used in low leverage situations. And that just doesn't exist. Again, everyone gets tougher spots at certain points and has to try and get through it...no fall to pieces. The problem right now, unfortunately, is Winder has looked bad. Henriquez is still ramping up. Do we want Headrick and Balazovic out of the AAA rotation right now? Sands appears to only be a long man at this point, though I hope he might grow. I'm just not sure who is available to bring up that's better. But I'd sure rather give a couple younger arms with a future a look see rather than maintain the Pagan merry-go-round. I'm just not sure there is room to remove him at this time.

Having a hard time with some of this. So Falvey gets credit for helping Cleveland build a pitching pipeline. But a number of the arms acquired were done so via trade from other teams, not to mention several that were mid round draft choices that were developed beyond initial expectation. But acquiring Ryan from the Rays as a milb pitcher...even though he's been better "developed" since joining the Twins...is NOT part of pitching development. The development of Ober...who has very respectable if not excellent numbers...is also not noteworthy as he could suffer an injury setback at any moment. Umm...isn't that true for ANY pitcher? His rebuilt mechanics allowed him to throw ALL of 2021 and develop, even though he was nursed a bit. He was great early and late in 2022, surrounded by a lower body muscle injury...hernia? Not sure I ever heard....and looks healthy and great this season. Varland...the 2 time Twins milb pitcher of the year...has an average ERA as he's been bit some by the HR ball. But he's averaging 9+ K per IP at the ML level with an acceptable 1.22 WHIP and OK .255 BA as a ROOKIE with 9 GS, 5 of which are on the road I believe, including 2 at Yankee stadium. What's not to like in his brief career and the stuff and potential he's shown so far? And, of course, we just won't talk about trades and development for arms like Duran, Jax, Thielbar, and some other young arms just beginning their careers or who haven't reached the ML just yet. So let's go back to the OP. I LOVED the Petty draft selection. And he might turn out to be a good/great ML arm. But unless you have a crystal ball that sees in to the future, how could anyone predict greatness from the most volatile of draft selections, a HS pitcher, vs adding a top of the rotation arm in Gray? He was excellent in 2022 when healthy. He's been even better this year. The only knock on him is being 33yo and needing too many pitches sometimes to get his high K numbers. But I'd love to have him for another year or two. Guy is good, and a leader as well as a performer. Graterol for Maeda? I'd do that all day long. Graterol is young enough to improve, but his career numbers are those of an OK, solid BP arm. The Twins got a Cy Young worthy season in a great, fun 2020. I'd make that trade any day of the week. Just stinks his elbow gave out as his ST in 2021 had him looking as good or better. Pablo Lopez is not some run of the mill arm. He's pretty damn good. And he's got room to be even better. And it cost us a fan favorite and great hitter in Arraez. And you won't find a bigger fan of Luis than me. And I miss him. But Miami isn't exactly raking with him in the lineup. And the Twins were going to have to trade at least 1, if not more, of their infielders in the near future. Again, I'd make this trade over and over again. Mahle was a talented, relatively young, quality SP who's numbers were better outside of Cincinnati. It was a smart trade. I say that really liking all 3 prospects sent out! I thought Steer might be a great super utility player. I thought ECS had a chance to be a really good DH and backup 1B. I liked Povich better than Hajjar, but I liked his potential. Mahle, lest we remind ourselves, had ZERO issues with his shoulder after multiple doctor exams and a couple MRI's. And he looked just fine to begin this season. He even looked good in his 4 innings before being pulled out due to "discomfort". Who knew his elbow would blow out like that? They traded 3 solid prospects with a future for a really good arm who hadn't reached it's full potential yet. Prospects that might have been behind other equally talented prospects. This may turn out to be a loss, but it was a good and smart move at the time. Paddack and Pagan vs Rogers and Rooker. I wouldn't have made that deal. I wanted to keep Rogers and add an arm to work with him. This didn't turn out right for anyone. Crap happens. Paddack looked great before his elbow gave out. We know what Pagan did. Rogers, like Paddack, was great early. Rogers, unfortunately for him, looks like a shadow of his former self. And while I still don't trust him, Pagan has actually looked pretty damn good past his initial 6 run blow-up to begin the season. And PLEASE, no more "Rooker was a mistake" arguements after he washed out with 3 teams before a good start to 2023 with the hapless A's. This trade comes down to a full recovery from Paddack. If he does so, even as a mid rotation SP, ultimately, the Twins "win" this trade, for whatever its worth. So here we are at last. The Twins have one of the best rotations in all of baseball as we reach the quarter mark. And they've done so already losing Mahle, and Maeda...at least for the short term...and we have a potential roster crunch in regard to prospect player depth. And we BEGAN the season 7 SP deep before injury. And in all of this....STILL having player depth despite trades...we have to ask if we've found value in trading for pitching talent? The FO hasn't been perfect. But they've done a hell of a job to put this together, without seemingly sacrificing the future. I'm just knocking on wood for no more serious arm injuries and just letting all the pen arms fight it out for dominance. We get a proven 6 or 7 deep with the 8 spot being a rotating piece, this staff will lead us to 90+ wins.

You might get your wish come this time next year, if not before. Festa just might be on the top 100 at some point next year if he continues his amazing ride. But he has to maintain what he's doing and continue to improve. Raya is being brought along slowly as he's had a couple minor tweaks here and there after being drafted in covid 2020. But he appears to be the complete package, given a little time. And Prielipp is also being nurtured carefully after he's thrown so little the past year and a half. But a healthy, strong 2nd half this season could see either, or both, contending for a top 100 spot fairly soon. Without going in to needless details at this early point, there's a handful of arms in A and low A that could surprise in the next year or two.

He was one of my "pick to click" players last year and I got that right. Yeah me! LOL. But I've been on his hype train for a while now. The K % is a concern, no doubt. And while these things are very fluid, his milb career slash line is: .271/ .354/ .463/ .816 This tells me...by rough standards to be sure...that he might always K more than anyone would like, but he has the ability to still "hit" as well as take some BB. I can live with a 30% ish K for any batter if he can also just hit the damn ball once in a while, and take some walks to get OB, while providing XB and HR power. A 3 outcome player can still be a very good and productive one. But no question the BA and OB could nosedive if the K % keeps rising. So he still has to keep progressing and developing. I was worried he and Helman might be rule 5 picks this past offseason. Helman is older, a late bloomer, and maybe not a starter anywhere, but could be a great super utility player for someone, if it doesn't happen for the Twins. I didn't expect a proposed 2023 contending club to look at Severino, but I thought a Detroit, or KC, might look at him as a talented, "not quite ready" 2B/3B/DH to stash. Was very pleased when that didn't happen. Only slightly surprised Severino didn't begin the year at St Paul. Think they just wanted to build on his half season at AA a little more. But I'd bet both he and Lee are at AAA by the start of the 2nd half. He's got to continue to improve, of course, or it's a moot point. Long term, I'm not sure his potential fit when you look at all the position player talent in front of him. Does he potentially convert to the OF? But I'm pretty sure he's going to force his way on to the 40 man this next offseason.

I think it's a fair list, regardless of their actual rankings. I mean, personally, I'd have Lewis higher but I understand the setbacks he's had. And by next season...knock on wood...he will have graduated off any prospect list. I am as high on Lee as anyone, and can't wait for him to develop and reach the Twins. And despite a recent mini-slump, I think he's right where he should be. I think he's just making adjustments to the league, as they make adjustments to him. I think there's a reasonable chance he reaches St Paul at some point this year. But am I the only one who smiles and shares his head that he'll be in Minnesota soon? That infield has Polanco, and Correa, and Lewis pretty soon. Then there is Julien, and a hopeful bounceback from the pretty talented Miranda. Lee can, of course, force the issue, but I don't see him added to the 40 man and in a Twins uniform until sometime in 2024, after the season begins. It's just natural development time and numbers. The entire Cedar Rapids team is basically a collection of really young players being pushed to that level. I don't have numbers, maybe someone does, but by age and professional experience both, it has to be one of the youngest and least experienced teams in the league. We have to remember how young Rodriguez is, and he didn't even get a full season at Ft Myers last year. I wouldn't be disappointed at all if he spent most or, or all of, this season at A+. Not saying that as a negative...kid had tremendous talent and power and a natural feel for the game...he just needs to stay healthy and gain experience. I have a bromance with Julien as I like his story and think his hit tool and offensive game is LEGIT. And I can't wait for him to be a fixture with the Twins, probably at the top of the lineup most days. Problem is room for him, even when ready. I seldom disagree with the FO, but sometimes I do and don't understand their process. I can "get" him focusing on 2B to just "settle in" and grow his bat. But he needs to play 1B as well. And if he just isn't any kind of 3B option...which he's played previously... I get it. But unless he's just a butcher with no tracking skills at all, he should also be worked in to LF. All he has to be is decent/average, or at least "acceptable" in order for him to be versatile enough to be in the lineup almost daily SOMEWHERE. I mean, AK at 1B most days, Polanco at 2B...unless moved...Lewis and Lee, eventually, and Miranda getting his act together again. Gotta find ways to get Julien in the lineup when ready.

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.

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.

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?