DocBauer

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.

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.

The offense is starting to click, for the most part. Who do you remove on the roster to make room? A little more time to make sure the wrist is not only 100%, but to make sure Kirilloff feels fully confident himself that he's 100% and ready to go.

My philosophy is pretty simple, win more games than you lose. Sometimes you perform great and dominate. Sometimes you play great and win a close one. Sometimes you win an UGLY game, but you still win. 1] Lopez wasn't very sharp his last turn, though not awful. A bad weather day and a couple bad bounces, it wasn't pretty. Today, after a couple hours delay, still in bad elements, he was better than the Royal's starter. What I look at is not final numbers after a game like today. What I look at is the first 5 innings. 2 runs, a few hits, no walks, and 6 K's. Delay, bad weather, whatever, Lopez was solid through 5. Final numbers won't reflect that. 2] The bats are coming alive. Even the bats in the 3rd game of the NY series had us scoring 6 runs! STOP beating up on Larnach! He leads the team in RBI, plays solid defense except for one horrible play, and is starting to learn how to beat all the offspeed stuff he's seeing. Miranda and Correa are heating up. 3] Pitching depth is being tested earlier than I hoped for, or expected. I still agree with giving Maeda his due, as well as skipping one start. His first 2 starts were a solid 5 and 6 IP. And he can't be blamed for a liner off his ankle. Age and injury recovery seems to indicate an IL stint. Unless I've missed something, Mahle's recent early pull was precautionary. But he was still very good through 4. Is there cause for concern? ABSOLUTELY. But no need to panic just yet. I believe it was the Dodgers...last year?...who set a modern day record for using only 8-9 SP for a season. It just doesn't happen like that. How many teams, including the Twins for the past 10-20yrs, wouldn't have had Ober and Varland in their opening day rotation? The depth has been built up for a reason. And beyond Ober and Varland, there remains SWR as a young, top prospect hopefully ready to fill a role. Headrick has impressed me so far as another option, though I think he's destined to be a really good BP arm. Digging even deeper, we're talking about Sanchez and Rodriguez as 10th and 11th options! Unfortunately, Balazovic is being brought along slowly at this point, which makes sense, and he's not a rotation option at this point. The Twins won an ugly game. They were the better team. They beat the Yankees. They beat the Astros. The offense is heating up. While early, they are on pace for 90 wins even though everything isn't clicking at 100%. They have pitching depth that we haven't seen in years. I'm having a lot of fun right now!

Kepler is a great defensive OF. He runs the bases well. He does a lot of things well, we all know this. He's a solid player and I love that, for the most part, they are finally batting him lower in the order. And his $10M due for keeping him next season is not outrageous or a burden. I fully recognize Max had a good ST and has looked pretty good since he came back from his brief IL stint. And that's great! But the truth is, since his 2019 season, he's been on a downward trend every year. In fact, his combined OPS has been lower than his full seasons pre-2019. I think it's fair to say we all hope he has a good 2023 no matter how things turn out. And losing him, and probably Gallo, after this season gives pause. But Larnach has been producing, adapting to all the slow stuff he's seeing, Kirilloff may be ready soon, and Wallner is a top 10 prospect having another good season so far at AAA. We can debate about Julien, and Martin, and even Lewis, Celestino, and maybe even someone like Helman, in the OF to one degree or another. But at some point, don't you have to make room for the less expensive, cost controlled, and younger players with talent and potential? Conceivably, Gallo having a good season, and liking it here, COULD be a re-sign, pretty much costing the combined salary of his 2023 deal and the cost of Kepler. Not saying I see that happening, but I could see it. I can also see Kepler sticking around for 2024 at $10M just to make sure the depth is still there. On top of that, Taylor is a FA as well, I believe. Just how prepared...as the season goes along...do the Twins feel about all that young talent while potentially losing 3 veteran OF? That's where I see a roster crunch for this season not being quite as much of a crunch for 2024. I do agree with the premise that Kepler is not long for the Twins. The question remains just exactly HOW LONG based on all of these factors I've mentioned. It's up to all the younger talent to force the issue. They shouldn't, normally speaking, just be handed a job based solely on projection. But again, at some point, don't you have to trust in that talent and potential to let them perform and potentially shine? Kepler's time with the Twins is short. I'm just not sure how short, even though I'm fully on board with sticking with the kids at some point. And there a LOT of OF options to work with.

I talked to a UPS driver at work today who is a baseball fan, who is close friends with a driver for Fed Ex, who let it be known that a truck with engine problems resulted in a too late delivery of "Yankee/Judge balls" that were supposed to be used in the recent series. Further rumor has it that the "ball boy" has an uncle who is a Yankee fan and has a few debts to take care of and said balls were supposed to be passed on to Twins pitchers to help better balance the series, and it's outcome. It's unclear if any umpires were from the NY area, or directly involved. But then again, it's all heresay.

From HS, through the minors, to his all to brief ML time...when healthy...I don't think Kirilloff's bat has ever been in question. He has a real HIT tool and power to all fields. Defensively, I've seen enough of him in the OF to believe he's solid there. But he looks very natural at 1B and there have been a lot of opinions expressed that he could/should be excellent there. There ARE potential roster crunch issues, but not just for AK. There are, and/or will be, regarding Farmer as well, and Julien at some point. And let's not forget Lewis at some point this summer. But it's an awfully good problem to have! Truth is, a lot of these things tend to work themselves out, witness Maeda vs Ober at the moment. But even still, at some point, the Twins ARE going to have to make a hard decision or two. But if you have someone not producing, and perhaps not part of the future, are such decisions really that hard? But again, a lot of these things tend to work themselves out. But to me, what remains most important for Kirilloff, and Lewis for that matter, is the long game. There is nothing so far that indicates AK is having any issues or setbacks. The fact that he's seldom played games back to back, to me, is just a cautious approach. The Twins offense appears to be heating up, with the exception of Correa so far, and Gordon very obviously. I'm not saying he should or shouldn't be optioned to St Paul once his rehab assignment is done, but I can understand the idea. It might allow him to continue to build confidence. Not in his ability, but in his belief in the strength and healing of his wrist on more of a daily basis. I am VERY HOPEFULL as to the early returns and results. And I can't wait to see him up with the Twins. But I'd be OK if he got a few more weeks to keep raking and prove to himself that he's all the way back and 100%.

I think Cody hit all 4 points perfectly. I just love the potential of Julien, but the thing is, no matter how great he's looked with the bat so far...with questions about his defense...he only played TWO years in college, missed 2020 after signing too late to make an appearance in 2019 after being drafted, and has only TWO milb seasons coming in to 2023. All that to say that no matter how great he's looked, he's still a young player and a work in progress. He appears to have an average arm. But he's a solid athlete, if not a great one. No question he has the ability to play 1B and 2B, taking turns at DH as well, of course. I really have no idea how he is at tracking balls as an OF. Is it telling he hasn't played any OF since 2021? Or has the concentration at 2B been more about just getting more comfortable there and letting him relax? He doesn't have to be great in LF, just decent/solid to increase his roster/lineup flexibility. And at some point, it would only be prudent to play him there again and work with him there. Yeah, 1B and 2B are crowded now and in the future. So might be DH. And that doesn't mean there isn't room for him. But if he CAN be decent/solid in LF it really makes things more flexible in the future.

100%! Where is it written that a pair of middle relievers on your squad are bad arms? Just because they might not be able to...at this time...hold down one of the back end spots doesn't make them no valuable. On the contrary, they can be VERY VALUABLE as a bridge between the starter and that back end of the pen. And there WILL be some days where your non high leverage arms are going to have to be used in a high end spot. It's just baseball, and a never ending series of games. I'm impressed with the early results of Headrick. I like Winder. But I also have a lot of hope for Lawyerson and Henriquez, and really think Sands has a shot for this kind of role as well. There is room, at times, for a long man. Honestly, I care about the first 7 in the pen and can live with the 8th spot being a rotation area for solid journeymen, or youngsters earning their way on to the roster. In regard to Balazovic, I'm sure he can help in a shorter role. And that's how he's being used now. And it makes sense after essentially missing all of ST and fighting to keep on weight and strength through protein shakes for several weeks. But I fully expect him to be stretched out again at some point. You don't just give up on a potential starting arm that was top 100 a little over a year ago this soon.

I think it's too early to say he's being moved to DH on a permanent, or semi-permanent basis. Over time this season, and going in to next year, the "time off" from playing the OF just might get the knee and hip feeling really good and we see him there again. But I don't know that he's ever going to be a full time CF again. Is that such a bad thing? I've always preferred the DH to just be a rotating spot for a deep and talented roster. I've only liked a full time DH when he was a special bat, think Molitor, Ortiz, Cruz, etc. But couldn't Buxton make a "Molitor like" move to DH and be special? He's not "used" to being one at this point. And most quality DH have stated there was an adjustment to be made both mentally...staying sharp...as well as physically...keeping your body warmed up. And not everyone can make that transition. But what if Buxton can? He's got a hell of a dangerous, powerful bat. He runs the bases well. If DH keeps his legs fresh, he can not only leg out tons of doubles and some triples, but could even potentially steal a key base here and there. In an ideal world, of course, I'd love to see Buck as the primary CF for another 4-5yrs. But reality says that might not happen. And again, having a full time DH does limit your roster and lineup some. But that's also OK if you have a special bat there. If Byron can make the mental and physical adjustments needed to embrace that role, the roster and lineup could remain excellent, while still providing opportunity for a deep and versatile roster/lineup at the other 8 spots. Again, I have to think about Molitor. He was a special player who, like Buxton, had a series of injuries that kept him off the field all too often. Could Buck make a "Molitor move"? Without a major trade or FA move, SHOULD Buxton move to DH, Taylor could be brought back. Lewis and Martin could be long term solutions. A healthy Celestino, being allowed to get a good AAA season under his belt to realize his potential, is a solid 4th OF/CF alternate who might be a dark horse starting candidate. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Helman has a great 2023 and surprised people with a future roster spot. And there's a couple kids lower in the system that might eventually contend for the CF spot as well, but I can also see the likes of Taylor, Lewis, and Martin taking over that spot short and long term. While it's certainly a disappointing outcome to not see Buxton as the primary CF, his embracing the DH role and a group of potentially very good players taking on 2B, all 4 corner spots, and Correa at SS could still be very, very good.

Agree 4 is a very short and arbitrary number. I take the term "core players" as being good ballplayers who have several years of team control. The 4 listed are good, core, and quality. But those 4 aren't going to bring home anything by themselves. Barring some unexpected change, very good players such as Gray, Gallo, and Taylor all play important parts, but aren't probably here long term. The Twins have a very good Vazquez and Polanco for another 2yrs, potentially. I might call them core players as well. The Twins are in a nice position at the moment with some very good "short term" players to help win now, and a rather vast collection of young and younger players just proving themselves, just arriving, or getting ready to arrive. This list includes...but is not limited to...Ryan, J Lopez, Jax, Miranda, Larnach, Kirilloff, Julien, Lewis, Wallner, and Lee. And I'm not even listing more than a handful of others. Nor am I looking through a longer lense for the likes of Rodriguez, Prielipp, etc, who could jump to the forefront relatively soon. 4 core? Like them a ton, but I look deeper than that. I think the Twins are opening a new window after a couple disappointing seasons that could be great fun, and very interesting, as well as rewarding. And not everyone will be great, or even turn out. But when you have a great foundation, and a large number of "possibilities" to work with, your chances to be deep and good vastly increase.

I like this move. I don't expect him to be a late inning, shutdown arm by any imagination. But he's got experience. He's been through the injury and DFA wars in his career. He's now throwing harder than ever and off to a great start this season. Who knows, he just might be a RH version of Thielbar. I have high hopes for both Moran and Alcala still. Both have good/great stuff. Alcala is getting a reset at AAA right now, and after basically missing last season, maybe that's for the best. But I also didn't like how he was being used, especially with the time missed. At least for now, I think he's a 1IP guy and they seemed to keep asking to go 2. Maybe Moran needs a reset as well? But I don't know if he's not better working with the coaches at the ML level to iron some things out. I don't think he, or Alcala, really have anything to prove at AAA. I think they just need some time and growth. I've been really impressed from what I've seen from Headrick between ST and his SSS at the ML level. He might ride the shuttle to and from St Paul a couple times this season, but the early returns are exciting. The last spot in the pen will be a rotation of a long man between many arms, including Sands and Winder, eventually. Where does that leave Pagan? Oh yeah, gone, as the FO finally realizes their misguided attempt to make him something he's not.

Agree on the QO. Might give one to Mahle and Gallo as well. I like Gray a lot. And I love his role as a leader for the staff. And rumor has it he wants to be a FA for the first time in his career, and who can blame him? And considering some of the crazy numbers we saw this last offseason, your idea of 4 and $100M isn't exactly crazy. But he's had various injuries throughout his career and will be 34 next season. Despite some naysayers, I think he likes it here. So I think 3yrs and $60-65M still might get it done. I don't have the numbers in front of me, and am frankly too lazy at the moment to look them up, lol, but I'm not so sure a $60-65M number wouldn't equal or even exceed his career earnings. But we also have a long season still ahead of us. And I still think the hope was for the younger Mahle to start taking a step forward and be the "other" extension they really wanted to go along with Lopez.

Always felt the Twins would try hard to extend one of their FA SP after this season. Thought they might approach Lopez at some point, but would think about someone else to keep since Lopez had another year of control Pretty hyped about the Lopez signing. I just had a gut feeling that Mahle was going to be the guy who would step forward and be the one they really wanted to keep, beyond Lopez. But Gray is looking like the smart move at this point. I know it's a long season and who knows what will happen over 162 games. But even with a bit of an injury history, Gray, last year and this year so far, he sure looks like a 3yr and $18-20M extension candidate if he'd go for it. Great win! Bats come alive! We play better ball against better teams? Need to find better consistency if that's the case.

I disagree with the OP 100%..at this time. Later in the season, OK. Maeda has had a very solid ML career as a SP. FOR THE RECORD....yet again...he didn't go to the Dogers BP due to small contract numbers, but because they had so much rotation depth and limited BP depth they moved him there. And he WAS good there. Despite no wins, Maeda had a couple good starts before he got hit on his ankle. They say he's ready to go. I'm trusting in that. I'd bet nobody in baseball has a 6th and 7th SP pitcher better than Ober and Varland. And so far, the Twins are "protecting" Maeda by giving him a day off here and there to use Varland and Ober. So far, it's been a way to use a 6 man rotation without actually doing so. What's wrong with that? They've been very smart and had actually planned, per rumors, to do so at this point with a long stretch At some point, the Twins, even with good health, will need 7 or 8 SP. And they've used 7 so far, but smartly, and not out of desperation. At some point...and it's only April...they will need a couple more. Does anyone believe Ober won't get at least 20 GS before the season is done? But we are to believe that barely 4 weeks in the key to the season is to remove rotation depth for the pen? Umm...NOPE. CRAP is going to happen. We need the rotation depth. Ober and Varland are going to get chances. Despite mixed results in a bad loss, I'm pleased that SWR got a chance to throw at the ML level. I love sticking with Moran because I don't think he's going to get better at AAA. I'm kinda pissed at Alacala being sent down because I'm not sure he was used right. He is a 1 IP, but asked to do more. And that wasn't right. I appreciate having the LAST spot being a long reliever, even though we've seldom needed that so far. Sands took a few, so did SWR, and that might help them in the future. But in SSS, Headrick has surprised me. Maybe he's part of the top 6? Even then, with Alcala getting his stuff together, who else would you trust? I'd toss him a few IP and get him right back up. I'd then dump Pagan ASAP, and he NEVER should have been brought back, and use that last spot for the "rotation" spot in the pen. But it's a LONG SEASON and NO WAY I'd be looking at Maeda in the pen until mid season, despite Ober and Varland, only because I know how this seems to ALWAYS work out. At some point, someone always gets injured. And even IF...for some crazy, miraculous reason...the rotation somehow stays intact...Maeda can be moved to the pen in August. The FO blew Pagan and adding ONE QUALITY BP ARM that was way better than him. But no way I'd move Maeda at this point.

Here's the problem with those numbers, and I'm NOT picking on you, anyone's opinion, or the players. This is about NOW as well as the FUTURE, even though it's early in 2023. First of all, Kirilloff has parts of 2yrs, and has an OPS of .693, so a little higher than Larnach or Gordon. But all 3 are relatively close in OPS over the past few years. But not only does Gordon have more total AB's, but his OPS is skewed higher due to his sudden 2nd half surge in 2022, while Larnach and Kirilloff are both skewed the opposite direction after performing well before still playing through injury before eventually hitting the IL. And if we want to play the numbers game...all 3 guys relatively young and no more than Gordon's max of 653 AB's...shouldn't we also look at the larger scale results of milb numbers? I mean, isn't that only fair since all 3 have been top rated prospects both in the Twins system as well as from MLB as a whole? CAREER MILB OPS: Kirilloff: .903 Larnach: .824 Gordon: .716 Is Gordon a different type of player than AK and Larnach? You bet. But OPS is about all around production, not just differences in power. So if we look at ML OPS numbers that are very close, for 3 previous top prospects, all similar in age and not that different in ML time, 1 who has numbers skewed by a strong half season and the other 2 skewed by playing through injuries, the milb OPS of these players weighs heavily toward Kirilloff and Larnach, and future, potential contributions. In regard to Kepler, ignoring his 2019 OPS of .855, his 2016-2018 seasons produced an OPS of .732. Not great, but OK, to go along with great defense. Since 2019, however, his OPS has been .694, and been on a downward trajectory of .760, .719, .666, and .629 early in 2023. Is there hope for Gordon and Kepler? ABSOLUTELY. But at some point, you have to look at NOW as well as the FUTURE. And despite Larnach being mediocre after his hot start, I believe he's 2nd on the team in RBI thus far. Is he really going to learn to hit ML breaking balls better at AAA? I doubt it. And he's actually showing some production and improvement so far. At some point, you HAVE to stick with the younger talent. While it stinks for Kirilloff to have to play the waiting game, similar to Ober and Varland from the pitching side, sometimes you have to play the waiting game for opportunity. AK just MIGHT have to be optioned to give him a little more time to just feel 100% confident in how he feels, OR, just to be ready when there's a roster spot open. But EVENTUALLY the Twins WILL have the roster crunch talked about in the OP. That might buy a little more time for Gordon and Kepler to get untracked. But again, who is part of the future? Gordon and Kepler are very questionable when you look at the young talent available, and coming up. Wallner, AK, Larnach, Julien, Lewis, Lee, and a couple others who might jump up, including a healthy Martin. To think there is a chance that the very solid, quality Farmer MIGHT NOT figure in to 2024 shows how much young talent is near ready is crazy good. So to debate a SSS from a couple of guys who MIGHT rebound is fun! But to argue FOR Gordon and Kepler to "hold back" the future in case they can figure it out" is a strawman arguement for me, unless they ACTUALLY do so over the next few weeks. There's just too many, young, talented players ready, or near ready, to argue FOR Gordon or Kepler to be kept simply for love and hope. And this comes from a fan of both players, which I've stated repeatedly. At some point, the numbers are what they are. The performance is what it is. And building the best team is what's most important.

I agree with Mike Sixel on why Kepler was kept, and have previously stated pretty much the same thing: with questions about a Gallo rebound and Larnach and Kirilloff health, and lack of assurance that Gordon's half breakout in 2022 was for real, and was Wallner readybfor full time dity,you keep Kepler for depth, and MAYBE, a turnaround himself. I have been a fan and proponent for both Kepler and Gordon for some time. When many stated previously and early 2022 that Gordon was an easy cut I defended the decision to keep him and give him some more time. And HOPEFULLY the last half of 2022 can be the real version of him. But even still, where does he fit long term on this team? Larnach, AK, and Wallner all have equally as good and very probably better offensive profiles. While final ML numbers have been skewed due to playing with/through injury, Larnach and AK have flashed when healthy. They have milb numbers Gordon could only ever hope for. Ditto for Wallner. And again, I'm a Gordon fan who's been rooting for him for a some time and argued his value. But with powerful players with higher ceilings than him, and with an infield of AK, Julien, Polanco, Lewis, Correa, Miranda, Lee, and an INF/OF possibility of Martin, where does Gordon fit? Where does Kepler fit in the OF future with all the above mentioned names, plus kids like E Rodriguez coming up, possible INF to OF conversions, and then needs for solid reserves such as Taylor, Celestino NY the end of this year maybe, etc. I can like a player, wish they would do better, bit still realize they simply aren't producing, don't seemingly have a long term fit with the team, and are probably replaced fairly soon one way or another. Now, if anyone wants to send down the talented, and far more productive Larnach to keep Gordon a little longer to see if he gets in a groove, I might not agree with you, but can at least see your logic. But at the same time, I'd have to argue keeping someone that doesn't fit long term is a good idea why? To increase trade value? Meanwhile the better player is sitting at AAA? Again, I can like a player and feel bad they might not fit any longer or may be on their way out. But when a guy continues to struggle and someone who appears to be better now, and a fit for the future, really hard for me to not see the writing on the way.

I missed the first few innings due to work. But the numbers Lopez posted and the couple "low lights" I saw on replay argues against him having "good stuff and command". But again, I didn't get to watch him live. This game may have flustered me more than Friday's loss. Grrr, to both. BULLET POINTS: 1] Smalley made a comment that the Nat's seemed to be laying back and just waiting for off speed stuff. If true, why didn't the Twins see this and make adjustments? 2] I think Buxton, Correa, and Miranda are starting to heat up. Thank goodness! 3] Larnach is getting a steady diet of nothing but breaking balls and off speed pitches. To his credit, and intelligence as a hitter, it sure looks like he's starting to adapt. Just a little more patience to avoid some swings and misses, he's going to PUNISH the opposition. 4] I think Popkins is a pretty good hitting coach. Several players have commented on his teaching and approach. But at the end of the day, it's still up the players to produce. I don't feel Popkins is the offensive issue. 5] Power and OB and OPS for Gallo are all fine. And I get why they put him in the #2 spot today. Trial and error and whatnot. Especially with Polanco just coming back. But he's more dangerous, and fits better, IMO, somewhere between 5-7 in the lineup. 6] I actually really liked most of what I saw of SWR today. I wasn't a fan of his previously, and didn't understand all the platitudes he received as a prospect when drafted and with his trade to the Twins. There wasn't any great pitch or outstanding velocity that made me think he was worthy of the hype. Then he had a pretty good 2022 after being "messed around with" due to a fast track promotion and the whole Olympic ordeal that interrupted his development. But I'm seeing the delivery, and the potential now. I'm starting to see what he might become. He flashed at times today. I don't think he's quite ready yet, but I'm starting to see the potential. 7] Dinks and ducks and seeing eye singles happen. Weird crap happens in baseball. We won 2 in NY and should probably won 3. Stuff happens. Lost a game in Boston where weird stuff happens. It's baseball. But the Twins are way more talented than the Nationals overall and losing this series just shouldn't have happened. 8] This homestand is a time to WIN SOME GAMES and make a statement. The Twins should end up with AT LEAST 6 wins, if not 7, over said homestead. Being down 2 games right now is just not right. GO TWINS! GET IT RIGHT!

Greg's OP is 100% on target. The Twins have, overall, one of the best duos at catcher, defensively and offensively. They have a 2 way STUD at SS who's off to a slow start. They have a tremendous defensive CF in Taylor who is no better, generally, offensively than average, despite his hot start. Now, maybe, a change in teams and hitting coaches, and out of Kaufman stadium, might raise his overall production. And nowhere has he, or anyone, stated that Buxton doesn't have value in CF. And I won't dispute that Buxton in CF doesn't allow for a better option at DH. Maybe Julien? But the OP is 100% correct that the 4 corner spots are the issue. Correa will be fine. Buck is streaky, but history shows tremendous production when healthy. Gallo will never be a great "hitter" but looks like he's found himself again as a great OPS and productive hitter. But I sure like him better in the OF and finding a better option at 1B. And stalwart, very productive, and mainstay Polanco hasn't even played this year yet. I maintain that part of the issue is guys we EXPECT to produce have struggled, or been inconsistent over the first 3 weeks. The other issue is a collection of young talent that offers high potential, that hasn't fully established themselves yet, some due to injury. Miranda needs to step up, no doubt. And he started slow last year. But do we really not expect him to step up? He had a great ST. Larnach had a great ST, flashed to start the season, slumped, but had a couple decent games recently. Does he really "get better" at AAA vs working through struggles? At some point isn't he better working through any issues at the ML level? I'm not sure he has anything to prove at the milb level. Kirilloff, like Larnach, has flashed but has had his career and development interrupted by injuries. He LOOKS like he might finally be healthy. But if he comes up and flashes, or struggles, or both, do we give up? Or, like Larnach, with their talent, and tremendous milb production, aren't they, and the Twins, just better letting it ride a little bit to see what they can do? Do a few slumps mean demotion? Or do you ride it out for not only 2023, but the future? Julien looks like a STUD, but might bounce a little bit between ML and AAA just based on the roster. But he's a keeper. Wallner still has to prove himself, but a quick look at talent and development season to season in milb tantalizes with potential. But PROSPECTS do usually take a little time to settle in and figure it out at the ML level. And Julien, Larnach, Kirilloff, and Wallner are still all in the "prospect" range due to experience. There is so much talent, and so many options, that a little time could provide huge improvement to the offense overall, the future, and the remainder of 2023. I've thought for months now the offense was a question mark based on development and opportunity. I've also thought the offense was about a year away from potentially being pretty damn good. I'd run with Larnach, Kirilloff, Julien as far as I can, while embracing Gallo and Miranda, and the return of Polanco. Not only could we see the kids make a difference, and others cranking it up, but Lewis might be ready late June or early July. I'm not trying to be a fatalist, but unless Kepler suddenly figures it out, which I still doubt, and Gordon proves his 2022 wasn't a mirage, the FO may have to make a couple hard decisions. At some point, you have to trust in potential and future vs mediocre or poor offensive players. I have optimism the offense could still be pretty good with veterans heating up, and a return of Polanco, and some of the kids continuing to get opportunity.

I've had my eye on Prato for a while now. He doesn't seem to do anything particularly great, but seems to just do everything well. That in itself is quite a skill. I picked him recently in one of the TD articles that was about players to watch at each level, IIRC, or similar. Frankly, I was a little surprised he didn't begin this season at St Paul after having such a good AA year in 2022. The Twins are looking at a rather large influx of prospects this year and next between Julien, Lewis, Lee, Severino in the INF, and Martin probably in the OF but with some INF capability. The OF might still end up a little crowded with Larnach, Buxton, Gordon, Wallner, Celestino, etc. So even though Prato can play on both the dirt and the grass, he might still face a numbers crunch. But if he keeps playing good defense at multiple spots, keeps hitting, keeps making contact and getting OB, keeps popping some XBH and stealing some bases, he could be a great 26th man on the team.