DocBauer

Always enjoy this lists, this early in the season or not. So Prielipp and Tait swapped spots. Not a big deal, and does make some sense with Prielipp off to a solid ML start, no pun intended. But Tait is performing very well in A+ this season. He keeps this up, hopefully continues to improve, he might be a 20yo at AA next year! Regarding the mass of prospects at St Paul, though a couple are currently MIA, I have no worries and TONS of optimism. Rodriguez has been raking, even if his K's have been higher than desired. I really wonder if we would have had a Waller/Rodriguez "flip" by now if Emma hadn't banged himself up again. Jenkins was really starting to heat up, so his injury was very bad timing. (*NOTE: ALL ballparks should have PADDING across the OF! We have netting to protect the fans but we can't have universal padding to protect the players? Completely unacceptable!) While Gonzalez's slow start has been surprising considering his 2025 and his ST production, he's STILL barreling up the ball with 4 Dbls and 8 HR. I have no doubt he's going to start hitting. Mendez off to a good start isn't surprising. I still think there's some decent power about ready to rise to the surface. But let's give K-Pepper a little more attention. He's 23yo, in his 2nd full professional season, and is more than holding his own a little over a month on his AAA debut. If you are someone who is disappointed at a quad slash line of .252/ .337/ .463/ .800 with 7 Dbls, 8 HR, and 7-0 on SB on May 13th I can't imagine what you were expecting a little over a month in to his AAA debut. So let's talk about Houston for a moment as well. The question surrounding his bat, when drafted, wasn't a decent eye or contact principles. The question was a surge in power, and could he sustain it. (BTW, he's NOT a small man at 6' 3" and 205lbs). And a lot of his HR surge took place at his home park, which is a bit of a bandbox. There was worry that he got off to a fast start at Ft Myers, and then sort of tanked in a promotion to CR. I wasn't concerned. I've seen this before for a player in his 1st full professional season. K-Pepper kinda did the same thing. So far so good in 2026. His quad slash line is .283/ .351/ .408/ .759 with 4 Dbls, 1 Trip/ 3 HR/ and 8-1 in SB. To me, this is very encouraging. While his college numbers of almost 1-1 in regard to BB vs K was outstanding, that's pretty tough to duplicate at the professional level. He's roughly 3-1 so far this season. Not bad. He possesses actual HIT ability, with a decent eye, solid bat control, some speed, and reportedly runs the bases well. OH, he's also got a glove that is ML ready NOW. I believe he's got 30 Dbls and double digit HR power in him, to go along with double digit SB ability. Again, he's not a small man. And I think he's going to HIT decently. But let's be fully honest here. If he ONLY hits around .250 with an OB% of .315, produces 30-ish Dbls, a few Trips, and 8-10 HR and 15-ish SB with his defense he's not only a REGULAR, but a DAMN GOOD ONE. I think he's got the potential to be a little better than that. Not great, but a little better. That might make him an All Star at some point, FWIW. Quick looks AMAZING. I've stated many times the Twins might have gotten a steal here. While his leverage would almost disappear if he went back to school for a final year, he also might have thrown so well that he'd be a top 10-15 pick. It sounds like his recent pull from a game was a blister, or a cramp issue, and nothing serious. I'd be surprised if he wasn't in AA to finish the season. Can we pause for a moment regarding Ellwanger? In his SSSS before his IL stint, he was everything Quick has been. Does anyone have ANY IDEA what's going on with him currently? Players rise and fall on these lists all the time. But I'm a little miffed that Rojas dropped at all. In ST he flashed what he might be with tremendous stuff. Even in his very brief Twins debut...not overwhelming...he still FLASHED the arm the Twins are so excited about. I'm not sure how many realize he's very similar to Prielipp in regard to injuries limiting his MILB IP and production to this point. But similar to SWR when acquired, the Jays seem to be almost over aggressive when promoting arms. He was at AAA when the Twins got him. Now, it's on THEM to have decided to KEEP him at AAA instead of rewinding and maybe move him down to AA. But if you've watched him, you can see the STUFF. I absolutely DON'T want to disrupt his growth and progression. And our FO and coaching staff is OBVIOUSLY not the same, but for a team DESPERATE to build a bullpen, it's not hard to consider letting Rojas be part of the pen now, as Santana and Liriano did previously, and then move back to the rotation later. Someone moves up, someone moves down. It's kinda funny that Gallagher moves up, deservedly so, and Winokur moves down just as he gets on a hot streak, lol. (Yes, I understand some of the articles are prepared days in advance). Just to cap things off, I've got a few observations outside the top 20. MERCEDES just got his promotion to CR after DESTROYING A- at Ft Myers. This kid is a potential 5 tool international signing who only SEEMS to have been around forever. He's ONLY 21yo and looks like he just might be figuring it out. AMICK is a reasonable age 23yo in his 2nd full MILB season. In 2025 it looked like he could HIT and have a good OB%, but he lost his power. He went to the AFL, and to say he was horrendous would almost be a compliment. Personally, I really wondered if there was something wrong with him, or did the Twins just totally blow his selection in the draft. I still have questions about Amick. I never saw him going to AA after such a horrible AFL. And his current quad slash line of .246/ .333/ .518/ .851 with 4 Dbls, and 9 HR doesn't get me overly excited. BUT, I feel like I'm watching a player actually making real time adjustments where he's learning a balance between power, contact. and potential OB ability. I'm not overly optimistic, but I think there is a solid MLB player there in a couple of seasons. My only other comment is it's really hard to follow EVERY LEVEL of the system. Even more so these days where the DSL and the FCL just sort of just transition to the FSL. And it's gotten difficult to follow all the kids at Ft Myers these days. But there's more than a few 19-20yo kids at Ft Myers that MIGHT prove the Twins are headed in the right direction in regard to the International market.

Why not? At least in the short term, he throws hard, has a solid K history, and is still only 26yo. He's exactly the kind of "claim" they should be grabbing. (*I understand they actually sent cash in order to jump the waiver wire*) They might make an adjustment to where he stands on the mound, maybe tweak his arm angle, and maybe refine one of his "bad' pitches, or teach him a new one next offseason and suddenly they have a 7th inning, high velocity, good K arm that's only 27yo. Or he may totally wash out and be gone in a couple 2-3 months. But I'd rather give arms like his an opportunity instead of more 36-39yo veterans who have almost ZERO chance of helping the team in the future. No don't get me wrong, an older veteran who has the ability to produce one more solid season under the sun can add some depth and experience to a rebuilding pen. But you DON'T rebuild a bullpen where 50% of your arms are those aged veterans. Unfortunately, injuries have had a rather major influence on the pen rebuild. It begins with losing Lopez for the season. That's been a HUGE loss to be sure, but it happens to other teams as well. But it has had a trickle down affect, as have other injuries and setbacks to the rotation. Bradley has largely mitigated the loss of Lopez, though OF COURSE you'd rather have BOTH of them in the rotation. Abel has really impressed thus far! But now HE has had an injury setback. (Of course, so has Bradley for the moment). It APPEARS neither has a MAJOR injury, and will be back, the question remains how long each will be out. And let's not forget that Prielipp hasn't looked out of place, or rushed, even though he kinda was. There's the possibility Festa would have remained a SP in the short term for depth. But his future is in the bullpen as a high leverage, power arm. But now we're just hoping he's 100% and ready to go by the 2nd half of this season. Morris could be another Jax, a guy who throws 94-96 and can touch 97 with a full bag of additional offerings. Throw him only 1 or 1+ innings and he would probably sit 96-97 and hit 98, maybe even 99 once in a while. And like Jax, he would have a former starters repertoire of 2 or 3 additional pitches, maybe even 4, where he can keep both LH and RH hitters off balance. But instead, so far, they are reluctant to do so as they might have to place him in the rotation at some point. So a full conversion hasn't taken place yet. Let's also examine the 24yo Klein for a moment. So far in 2026, at AAA, he's allowing a hit per, OK-ish BB per numbers, and his usual K+ per 9. But his ERA is AWFUL due to being bitten by the HR ball. And maybe he's not quite ready yet for ML duty. And maybe I'm completely wrong, but when I read the MILB reports, it always seems that he threw well in his first couple of innings...on his 4 every 4 day program...before allowing runs AFTER those first couple of innings. And IF what I THINK I've been watching is factual, then isn't he getting a chance to throw maximum effort of high 90's, with a starter's repertoire, for 1 or 1+ innings as a POTENTIAL late inning arm at the ML level instead of the 39yo Garcia? No insult meant to Garcia, but he won't be pitching for the Twins...maybe no-one...in 2027. And maybe I'm stretching too far here, but one time Twins MILB pitcher of the year Cory Lewis fell on some hard times at St Paul. A couple minor injuries didn't help. But he's also a very unique arm. If he could just throw 93-95 for 1-2 innings, mix in a couple additional off speed/breaking offerings and then throw that weird/nasty/crazy Knuckleball of his, he could be a valuable 6-7th inning offering from the pen. Alas, he is ALSO hurt. And much like Festa, we're just waiting to see how far out his recovery really is. And I'm actually sorry to go here as I'm just really not sure if he has real potential or not, but is it at all possible a healthy Adams MIGHT have actually learned a few things in his 2025 debut and MIGHT be the 8th man who could eat 2-3 IP every few days to better allow the few decent arms available in the pen to have an extra day off? But, of course, he also was hurt to begin the season. I was actually kinda impressed by what saw out of Acton. He's nothing special, but I think he's got the "guts" and decent enough stuff to maybe be a middle man. But of course, he's also hurt right now. At 27yo, he's still got a chance. Sands has shown the potential to be a setup man, or at least a good middle man. He hasn't shown or proven yet what he might be. But OF COURSE, HE'S also injured right now. Cody Lawyerson, a later round draftee, has ALWAYS performed as an organizational player, but despite results, always seems to slip by Management's attention because he doesn't throw 98 out of the pen. He gets a shot late in 2025 and looks OK. SHOULD have been brought up DAY ONE after the "Red Room" trade deadline, but our FO has BLINDERS at times for non top 20 prospects. They let him go. The Angels let him go. The Twins pick him up and he continues to do what he's always done, just get guys out! And after a great ST and a solid start to 2026 what happens? He ALSO gets hurt. The mismanagement of Ownership and the FO simply can't be denied or ignored. And I refuse to excuse them for their mismanagement of any sort of bullpen rebuild. BUT...with no apologies given...it's really not hard to see where a plan to convert arms to the pen has been deflated by injury followed by injury, followed by injury that has affected that plan. There is a real crux here. The Twins are not a great team. But they have potential to be a good team. The defense has been a little better, but isn't great. The offense is OK, with some flashes. It could be better. The rotation has been surprisingly solid despite losing Lopez, Bradley and Abel taking steps, Prielipp defying a too early call up, Ober doing a Greg Maddux impersonation, and SWR being the the only bump in the road. He's just NOT THIS BAD. He's been very solid, and GREAT to end 2025. We really need him to find himself again, and SOON. Apologies and congratulations for those still reading, but this IS reality. Despite all the injuries, we're also seeing TOMORROW with our rotation. We've seen an OK offense while waiting for parts of our future lineup struggle with some minor injuries, or slow starts to 2026. But we're also only about 1/3 of the way through. Any DECENT BP probably has us .500 if not a couple of games above. But the Twins CAN change that. MAKE the Morris conversion to the pen and forget him possibly needed in the rotation. I KNOW the FO is "scared" about the rotation, but Matthews is looking good. Abel and Bradley shouldn't be out long. SIM is just too damn good to be this bad. And MAYBE you just keep Rojas up for now. I DON'T want to rob the organization of a quality LHSP with the stuff he has. But Santana and Lirano were a couple of the most outstanding LHSP the Twins ever had. IF the intention for 2026 is to compete...while also HOPEFULLY making room for prospects and the future...then maybe accepting Rojas in the pen for now, making Morris a 1 IP guy, getting Klein up here, and YES, giving a shot to a 26yo like Gomez to see to see if you got something.

A 3B coach will always be remembered for bad sends. They seldom get credit for good sends. And I'm not going to BANG on previous 3B coaches. That's too easy. But I will say this the BEST breakdown of the 3B coaching I have EVER read. KUDOS to you. If Borrego screws up, of course, he will get blasted more for mistakes than good calls. It's the nature of the game. But more than I have ever really reflected on the job of a 3B coach, he really needs to not only understand the speed of the runner, and where the ball was hit, but the 3B coach needs to understand the arm of the OF, did he get turned around, was there a weird bounce, or no bounce. I applaud you for a great OP. Some things that should be obvious but aren't always obvious were presented succinctly.

Jennings is a very nice WR. He's had a solid career thus far and been a quality producer. But he's never had a season that determined he was EVER going to be a #1. He's had ONE season that looked like a legitimate #2, and one season that "teased" at being a #2. So he is really a high quality #3 who is about as perfect a fit as the Vikes could find anywhere. This is a GREAT signing! Is he some sort of jerk for being too aggressive? I just don't know enough beyond the one big incident and rumors. I know NFL DB HATE being blocked to their back, or out of bounds. It pisses them off. DB jaw just as much as WR do. What I do know is the Vikings are generally very careful about bringing in quality people to the organization. I doubt Jennings would have been targeted if he was a jerk. I repeat this is a GREAT signing for 2026. It also allows the team to work through the roster like Felton, CAN he take a step forward, or was he a blown selection? Price is an ELECTRIFYING return man, but is also a WR from a 2024 Indiana team that went to the playoffs. Can they harness that talent to also be a useful wideout? That's part of the reason he was signed for initially. But there's a collection of rostered WR and UDFA to work through in camp. A couple of them offer interesting size/speed talent that is interesting. We might find a progressive steal in that group, or Felton and Price just blow the competition away. Either way we have a 3 headed monster at WR for 2026. Maybe even a 4 headed monster if they turn Hockenson loose now instead of using so much as a blocker. The draft class is signed except for Golday, which should happen soon. Come June 1st, 3 weeks away, the Vikes also get another $12.5M to spend on FA due to the NFL rules. The team also has the ability to re-work O'Neill's contract for bonus $ and additional years. Why wouldn't you for a 31yo Pro Bowl OT? Am I the only one who respects Harry's private lifestyle but is confused by a lack of announcement that he's done? He's always been a TREMENDOUS competitor! While not quite the player he once was, once he got ramped up in 2025, he was still really good! IMO, he's been watching the signings, the draft, and the Flores return saga. While he doesn't need or necessarily want fanfare, I think he's primed for ONE MORE SEASON, to go out ON TOP for a FULL SEASON. But I don't think he's looking or expecting some huge deal for a potentially final season. The CAP to the offseason would be the Vikings signing someone like Clowney. He would seem to be on borrowed time, but he had another really good season last year. And there's a couple other options available as well. But all the defense needs is a #3 EDGE guy to rotate in and provide solid play. And even then, Harry isn't going to demand some huge deal. The roster isn't perfect, but it's damn good, especially with the addition of Jennings, the draft, FA so far, and an EDGE like Clowney for 1yr. Harry coming back for ONE MORE year really caps it off. Adding a #3 EDGE is the ONLY thing missing roster wise. And they have the $ to do that. They can survive well enough with talent on hand and Flores in charge of the defense. But wouldn't we all just LOVE to see Harry play a full season one last time?

I think Gray sounds like a viable candidate. I love former scouts sitting in the GM chair. Provided, or course, that they were actually GOOD scouts. I don't think he's a "ROONEY RULE" candidate. The Vikings have been at the forefront in the NFL in regard to black coaches, head coaches, and even president of operations. I was kinda hoping for Patton coming back. And I'd be looking really hard at someone in the Philadelphia FO. *Recent rumor is Brazinski won't be the actual GM, but will get a different promotion to something similar to head of football operations.

The UDFA RB situation the past couple of years is a head scratcher, totally agree. I think Scott was fairly impressive at times last year and should be RB #4 this coming season. But considering Jones's age and the fact he won't be back in '27, and I believe Mason will also be a FA, though he could be re-signed, really makes me question of drafting Williams a couple years ago and then choosing not to look for a potential steal runner in UDFA. I don't get it. Opinions seem to vary on Jurgens. I don't see him as a starter, but I think he's shown some potential in his first 2yrs. I don't think he's someone on his way out. In regard to Gerhardt, I really have no clue if he's got potential or not. But the fact that he was one of the 30 invited visitors, and they passed on everyone in a good CENTER class gives me pause. There must be SOMETHING they see in him that they like. I'm actually higher on Lemieux from Dartmouth more than the other two. A former OT with a year on the practice squad and 10lbs more of mass and muscle, I think he might be a surprise. But it sure looks like Brandel is the guy at CENTER for 2026. I'm not sure that's a bad thing.

I was really disappointed they couldn't find a better RB UDFA option. I mean, RB have dropped in value the past decades and many quality runners can be found latter on. But Owens was the best we could do? COME ON! I would be extatic if Thomas and Thomas were both as good as they appear to be potentially. Flores has a keen eye and loves his SAFETYS. I'm going to disagree with you a bit on Gerhardt. And I shouldn't do so because I really like Lemieux as a STEAL who will add 10lbs of muscle on the PS, further adapt to CENTER, and do a "Birk" and take over the position. But I just have this "itch" in my brain that says the staff sees something in Gerhardt that the rest of don't. is he another Sullivan? It would be amazing if they were right.

I'm at the point where I am just DONE with blasting ownership BLOWING the entire offseason with incompetence. I am NOW only focused on 2026. The "good news" is that Gomez is still only 26yo...not a 33yo PLUS...and actually has a pretty solid MILB set of numbers. His MILB numbers indicate too many BB per 9, but good HITS per 9 and good K per 9. When you're scrambling, you look for positives. Over the years, including current leadership, they HAVE found a few arms here and there that either provided quality pen production for a few years, or even a single season. MAYBE the Twins unlock something in the 26yo Gomez, or maybe he's gone in a couple weeks. I think I'd rather take a shot on a 26yo who MIGHT have found the right team, at the right time, and maybe something "clicks" vs another 39yo has been. What really FRUSTRATES me is woulda-coulda-shoulda. The injury to Lopez has actually been mitigated by Bradley. And Abel has shown he's ready to advance. HOPEFULLY he's back relatively soon. Prielipp has looked surprisingly ready, though I expect a few clunkers along the way. SIM is WAY BETTER than what we've seen so far. But there is a "trickle down" affect to injuries that has hurt an already questionable bullpen. Imagine a BP where a healthy, and experienced, Festa is cranking 99mph FB with his other pitches. MAYBE Lewis is shoving 94mph, tossing a few breaking pitches, and then freezing batters with that CRAZY Knuckleball ball for 1-2 innings. How about Morris NOT still being stretched out "just in case" but being allowed to throw MAX for 1 IP? And the same with the newly promoted Klein? I could be wrong, but when I read the MILB reports, look at his numbers, it sure seems like he's good for 1-2 IP before he gives up runs. The K numbers are still good. And while I still have questions about what a healthy Adams might do at the ML level, MAYBE he learned a thing or two in his rookie debut in 2025 where he could MAYBE be a 1-3 middle man who doesn't stink. Lopez's injury didn't destroy the rotation, thankfully. But injuries to Festa, maybe Lewis and Adams, changed the possible complection of the bullpen. I understand not wanting to convert Morris to a high velocity late inning arm right now based on "we might need him" in the rotation. The same might be said in regard to Klein. But at what point do you just realize the Twins would be above .500 and leading the ALC if the pen wasn't the worst in all of MLB? I don't think Morris couldn't be a solid #4 or #5 rotation option. The potential is there. But he and Klein have "Jax" potential. By that I mean they can crank a FB in the high 90's, but also have another 2-3-4 offerings to confuse batters. So what's more important NOW? We hold on to rotational depth for a season that is a work in progress? Or we just say "the hell with it" and stop playing games. I'm ready to let Morris and Klein just cut loose. I'm OK with Gomez as I've stated because he's got a decent arm. Why not? But STOP ignoring the arms on hand! Free them and let them throw the hardest and the best they can!

I see real merit for the 4 IP every 4 days in MILB for several reasons: 1] A drafted pitcher very rarely debuts until the following season, instead they work on the side with instructors in Ft Myers. So there is a natural build up to begin the next season, their 1st professional debuts. 2] It makes sense for a pitcher coming off injury the previous season to again, ramp up. 3] It does allow more arms to get in multiple innings of work to develop their offerings. 4] It's a good way to take those arms that might not seem to project as ML SP, but have some interesting qualities, to work on their "stuff" beyond some immediate shift to the bullpen where they only get, usually, 2 innings to throw. More time to develop their repetoire is a good thing. And you might occasionally get a surprise development where you want to give them a legitimate shot at being a SP. But while I see real merit to the 4 & 4, there's also a major pitfall if this goes beyond the parameters listed above. The most important one being, how does a SP develop the ability to throw 5-6 innings at the ML level if his arm has been trained to throw 4 IP at a time? I recognize that a TOP PROSPECT would probably not be subject to the 4 & 4 beyond their introduction to pro ball, or building up post injury, but let's just say Quick was used in this way this season, and maybe next. (I doubt he would, but I'm using him for reference sake). So now he's ready for a ML debut, fast tracked due to talent and production, to debut late 2027 or early 2028. His arm and experience facing lineups is only geared to 4 IP per turn. And NOW you want 5 or 6 IP from him at the ML level? An exaggeration for sure, but I think the point has been made. It should be adapted ONLY for the reasons I've listed above. At the ML level, it's not uncommon for a rookie arm to be nursed a bit early. The Twins did this sort of thing with Ober and SWR initially. They're kinda-sorta doing it with Prielipp currently. But unless roster sizes change...which I want, but that's a completely different discussion...it ONLY works for a team that just doesn't have a 5th SP, for example. Instead of the "opener"...which has largely died as an experiment...a team might have a 4 IP option and a piggy back that also isn't fully trusted to be a mainstay to follow. That COULD be a way to mitigate that hole in the rotation, leaving 7 pen arms to still take over additional, more regular, innings. But what if that designated SP, or his piggyback, just have a bad day and blow up? Then you're right back to any NORMAL staff that occasionally has a bad performance day. And you've accomplished nothing. It's still an interesting idea to pursue at the ML level if your 1 starter short to try. Maybe it works 75-80 % of the time and you get good results. But I just don't see a ML practically of the idea. But again, it could be a really good way to build up a SP his first couple of seasons. And it's a good way to build up a "questionable" arm that could either surprise, or simply gain more IP to just refine his offerings for a middle inning pen role, or an eventual late innings role. But I see little practically for the majority of quality arms within the system, and VERY limited opportunity to be employed at the ML level.

In a season of disappointment, SIM ranks at the top IMO. I've never thought he would be a top 1-2, but I thought he had a chance to be a #3 based on youth, and the way his splitter worked so well the second half of 2025. I mean, that splitter was WOW. But SUDDENLY that AMAZING splitter is gone. Why? Is it an injury problem we don't know about? Or is it a mechanical or mental issue? The "normal" SWR is a solid back end SP that is FINE. But he found that splitter last season that made him a better than average SP. He really doesn't have enough STUFF to be anything in the BP other than to be an innings eater. But not only is not that his role, but it dismisses his potential as a SP. So where is the guidance? It's mechanical or mental or both. You just can't have improvement and a great pitch and just lose it. It's up to Maki and SIM to figure it out. And they'd better do so soon.

So I took a week off to reflect on the draft, and read various opinions on the selections made, as well as digging in to the UDFA signings. The draft is simply not the way I would have run things, but I'm still waiting for the day they ask my opinion, lol But I'm never going to be down on a draft that adds to the trenches. And while again, it's not the way I would have drafted, I think we need to look at each selection on their own merit. BANKS: Take away the foot injury, I don't know that he reaches the Vikes at 18. DT wasn't deep this year, but there were some interesting prospects. But Banks is absolutely the most talented of the bunch and has serious upside. Rumor has it a few other clubs also were willing to "bank" on the positive medical reports and grab him in the 20's. GOLDAY: I really like the length and speed and athleticism he provides. A definitite Flores choice here. He might see limited reps as a rookie, but Flores has a plan for this kid. ORANGE: A true NT to stuff the run and tie up blockers for the LB/EDGE to make plays. ANY kind of pocket pushing/rush ability developed and he could be a beast. TIERNAN: I didn't see OT as a NEED this early. But again, I will never complain about adding talent to the trenches. He's massive, moves well, and can play either spot. Just needs to sustain blocks a little more. THOMAS: Again, a Flores pick, IMO. A smart kid with a good frame who sort of replaces Bynum a year late, with a physical play style. A little better run fit tackling, from what I read, and he might be a really solid player. BREDESON: I understand some angst about drafting a FB this early. But this kid is the real deal as a blocker. Bigger than Ham, maybe an even better blocker, he supposedly has good hands despite seldom being used as a receiver. With some recent coaching changes, it appears KOC is prepared to lean in to a better running game than previous seasons. Bredeson is part of that lean. My biggest question is can he be an effective ball carrier for some short yardage plays and traps that Ham was good at. DEMMINGS: If you just built a CB from the ground up, you'd probably have Demmings. He's tall, long, fast, explosive, and seems to have natural cover ability. He has to adjust to a different level, but he's only expected to be the #4 CB as a rookie. CLAIBORNE: While he's been compared to De'Von Achane, as a lifelong Vikings fan, he reminds me a lot of Darrin Nelson. Very similar size and ability. Even if he's a speedy #2 RB and dangerous receiver, this is a great pick. I'm actually surprised they got him this late. GERHARDT: This pick has some lighting attached to it. With CENTER as an obvious need, I was totally surprised that the team didn't make this a priority pick earlier. Maybe instead of Tiernan in the 3rd round? But he was actually part of the Vikes top 30 prospects brought in. I can't recall now where I read it, but I did see that he was an intended target of theirs. What's totally bizarre to me is Vikings history of quality CENTERS. Tingelhoff was an UDFA when the draft was 20 rounds. Was Swilley even a draft choice? Lowdermilk was a 3rd round pick IIRC. Christy was a 4th round pick of the Cardinals, IIRC, as a OG, and signed by the Vikings in the old Plan "B" FA years ago. Sullivan and Birk were both 6th round selections. But when they tried to draft a CENTER early like Elflein and Bradburry, they kinda whiffed. I'm kinda thinking Tiernan's selection was based on Brandel ACTUALLY being their CENTER of choice to enter 2026. And I've been pounding the table for a couple years that he should be playing OC to increase his value. But I never saw him as the starter there. So I still have questions. But apparently they really like Gerhardt. So I'm holding out some hope that they have a diamond in the rough here. I'm going to argue a bit with @Danchatconcerning the collection of UDFA. I think they did pretty well once again, though I was disappointed they didn't find a better 5th RB than Kejon Owens from Florida International. He's got a good resume of production, but he's a grinder kind of back, limited speed and quickness. But I think there are some very interesting options here. THORSON: My goodness, the Aussie was the Ray Guy winner who has a very nice AVG and NET AVG...based on great hang time...and a solid coffin corner resume. He was supposed to be a 5th-7th round pick and went un-selected. Two PUNTERS were actually drafted and his numbers were better. WTH? This could be an under appreciated steal. The Vikings signed 3 CB. Marcus Allen from NC was supposed to be drafted. He's got good measurables that compare to Demmings. And he played in a good conference. Absolute similar comments for Da'Veawn Armstead from North Texas, at a lower level school. Biggest issue might be "tightness" in the hips and lower level of competition between the two. But I think the UDFA CB we should be looking at is Tyreek Chappell from Texas A&M. While he's played outside, he's a smaller, and natural nickel corner. When he was hurt in 2024 and missed most of the season, the A&M pass defense took a real shot. He's sort of an Antoine Winfield junior type of prospect, without as much physicality. But he might be the best of the 3 signings. We could have an interesting battle for CB #5 between these signings and what's on hand. I actually think Jacob Thomas from James Madison might surprise as much as his team has done. His physical numbers are solid, as was his production in 2025. Small school prejudice to not being drafted? He's a perfect PS candidate. I keep hearing the Vikes STOLE WR Bell from Georgia. He's a tremendous athlete who can kinda do everything. And I even hear he wasn't utilized and developed properly. But he runs poor routes and is a body catcher. So he's a PS option at best. Knotts saved his best for last, and Wysong from Wyoming is a speed demon without production. I just don't see any of them sticking around. MAYBE Bell on the PS. I think they whiffed here. I think they MIGHT have added a couple ILB that could be interesting. Scooby Williams has the size/speed/athleticism ratio to be a very good off the ball ILB. But he also has an injury history that prevented him from being drafted. And there is a chance that Lawson from UCF is a steal. He bounced between VA Tech and UCF, but he's a wonderful athlete with potential. I'm not high on either, but both are worth watching in camp and the pre-season to see if they step forward. I think the FO BLEW opportunity late in the draft and UDFA by NOT getting Mason Reigar from Wisconsin. I know he was on their list. He might only end up as a #3 EDGE player, but he was a massive miss IMO. Stewart, a late development player from Temple is the only guy who has a chance to impress IMO. BUT, I'm actually kind of excited about the UDFA OL signed. I think Delby Lemieux from Dartmouth is a potential steal. He's a small school OT who was invited to the Senior Bowl and worked out as a CENTER and reportedly held his own. Add 10lbs and spend a year on the PS, do we get another Birk kind of prospect? Tomas Rimac, OG, spent time at West VA and then VA Tech, and only allowed 2 sacks and 41 pressures in his career. He's a massive OG. I understand OG aren't often drafted unless they're special. But why wasn't this guy drafted late at least? And I'm confused about OT Tistan Leigh from Clemson. The size seems to be there. He was a top recruit. He only allowed 7 sacks and 61 pressures in his career for a top program. So I'm guessing the footwork means he's a OG in the future? UDFA was a HUGE miss in regard to WR, RB, and EDGE. But it might have been a nice collection of S, CB, ILB, and OL talent. There's at least a couple prospects here to watch, mostly at CB and ILB. But IMO, the BEST signing might be Lemieux. He gains 10lbs of muscle and gets a year on the PS, we might just get the next Birk at CENTER for the future.

I despise seeing guys get hurt. But I'm not going to lie and say watching Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, and Morris...with a small dash of Rojas...hasn't been exciting. I understand keeping Morris stretched out as far as possible for a rotation return, but I'd really like to see him go all out for a single inning or two. While Klein's ERA looks bad, some of his peripherals are still solid. Maybe I'm wrong, but when I read the MILB reports, it seems Klein is always good for 1-2 IP before a run scores. So I'm looking forward to see him throw those 1-2 IP. Nice to see Matthews start to get in a groove. Orze has largely been solid. Funderburk has been dependable. In other words, seeing younger and less experienced arms getting their opportunity is not oy fun, but helps build for the future.

Anyone noticing Jaime Ferrer has been performing really well?

At the 3nd of the day, pitching is about changing the hitters eye plane, and mess with their timing. I have suggested previously that he needs to take a little off some.of his other pitches in order to maintain a greater speed variance with the lost velocity on his FB. It's far more complicated than that of course, but you've got to adjust and compensate somehow. Whether or not Ober has actually changed the velocity on his other offerings IDK. But he's clearly made an adjustment somewhere besides just re-sequencing. Can he keep these recent performances up? He's always been much more of a pitcher than a thrower, so perhaps he can.

I know he's a recent pickup and it's only been a SSS, but I've been somewhat impressed with Acton as a middle man option. I hope he's not out long. Why not Garcia at this point? But I do wonder why not someone like Brebia instead and let Morris complete the transition to a high velocity short arm? Just in case they need him in the rotation I guess.

I don't know how you can't be encouraged by what Tait is doing with the bat. But what's just as important is continued growth BEHIND the plate. He's got a good arm and appears to be a mature kid. I have no problem if he spends most of 2026 at A+ to just work on game calling and defense, even if his bat looks ready for AA soon. I have zero problem with Mendez continuing to play some OF. And I'm going to include Gonzalez in this discussion as well. There is no major issue, as I see it, with a 1B ALSO being able to play at least a "competent" corner OF spot once in a while. But IF Mendez has been "lifting" the ball along with his production, he's ready for AAA now. He and Gonzalez should be getting regular turns at 1B for St Paul, along with a couple games in the OF here and there. Not only is there room at St Paul...it's cool that Fedko is getting some time there, but Sabato is no longer a prospect...but it's also a black hole position for the Twins and the best career path for BOTH Gonzalez AND Mendez. And again, there is NOTHING wrong with them also being able to play a little corner OF once in a while. It just deepens the roster flexibility. But opportunity and projected talent indicates the organization should be working both at 1B at this point. I've just never been as high on Olivar as others have been. Some have seen him as a good hitting catcher option who was athletic enough to play CF, without looking deeper. He only played CF in low A ball as a fill-in. He's a LF without great power, and can play catcher as a potential #3. He's just not a real catcher prospect. He's a solid hitter with a solid OB and gap power that leads to some HR here and there. But he's no slugger. He's an OK RH bat who's best position is LF. So he's got a long way to go to replace Martin or Gonzalez as RH options...even if Gonzalez ends up mostly at 1B...and might even be behind Rosario...off to a slow start but should have been at AAA to begin the season...before I can accept him as a legitimate option. It's not his age that bothers me. It's not having any discerning traits that have always made me question his prospect status. He's always been a solid hitter, solid OB, and solid OPS batter. While no speed demon, he can steal a base once in a while, and not clog the bases. That's the profile of an interesting #3-4 OF who can be a #3 catcher. And I just don't know how he fits prospect wise with all that considered.

I thought in the Mets game I saw him take something off his slider once in a while. I thought the same thing last night when watching his performance against the Mariners. I'm glad my eye test has been verified here. His slider is outstanding! The fact that he can tweak it to the point of it almost being 3 different offerings really gives him a leg up. Despite the 2 runs given up against Seattle, I think he actually threw better against them than the Mets game. I would say this is born out due to the fact that he finished 5 innings vs 4 despite throwing almost the exact same number of pitches. I thought the curve and change both looked sharper in this past start, and he even threw a couple nice 2 seamers. I think the key for him right now is better commando his FB. It's a solid pitch with nice velocity. It just feels like his command is either off just a bit, or he just isn't trusting it quite enough yet. But boy has he been encouraging in his debut. He's not a finished product, and there will be some bad days ahead. But he's actually "arrived" earlier than expected. Add in how good Bradley and Abel have looked, and it's hard not to get excited about 2027 and beyond, not that 2026 is over and done yet. Slightly off topic, I generally like what I've seen of Morris so far. I understand keeping him stretched out as much as possible for now for possible rotation depth, but I'd really like to see him cut loose for 1-2 innings MAX and have someone else assume that long role. Also slightly off topic, while he didn't do anything great, Rojas flashed the kind of ability in his brief appearance that has the Twins so excited. I just hope he's not needed again anytime soon so that he can ramp up his innings more. Also, nice to see Matthews start to settle in for St Paul. Finally, in a convoluted season...even in it's brevity...we've already seen the best and worst possible outcomes of the 2026 Twins as constructed. But what has intrigued and excited me the most so far is watching Bradley, Abel, Prielipp, Morris, and even the brief appearance of Rojas. Now, Matthews getting on a role, and Festa back on the mound within the next 30 days, I could start to actually get downright giddy.

Brebbia and Bash both have some experience as SP, mostly over a 2yr period for each, but never on a full time basis.

I had 4 safeties I liked, which I could stretch to 5. Thomas was never a consideration. I knew we couldn't get everything in a single draft, even with a trade down or two. But this draft has me absolutely befuddled at this point. I'm just seeing very little logic in most of the picks.

Sorry, but I don't understand an OT at this point. They aren't desperate for OT depth and projection are they? Really weird pick IMO.

First off, this is not the way I would have drafted. 1] I would traded down and probably still been able to get Banks. Is it possible the Vikings had information someone else was looking to grab him? Forget rankings, IF Banks is healthy, he was the best DL in the whole class. I still wouldn't have made him the #1, but the upside is very, very good. 2] Golday has good size and is a good athlete. And with a pair of 30yo ILB that could, potentially, both be gone in 2027, they needed young talent at the position. I don't dislike this pick. 3] I thought they might draft 2 DL, but I thought the 2nd would be a later selection as a development type. I wouldn't have picked a 2nd DL this early, and I'm not crazy about Orange, but he's got potential. And I have a hard time not embracing the buildup of BOTH lines at any time. 4] I don't like the Grenard trade. I wanted at least a 2nd rounder THIS year. I guess the 3rd in 2027 is a bit of a bonus instead as that draft is supposed to be better and deeper?

Honestly, why are the Twins playing with a 12 1/2 player roster? They did the same thing in 2025 with Keirsey filling the role that Outman has currently. This is not the 70's-80's and even 90's...not to mention previous decades...when pitching staffs were 10-11 arms and the player roster was 14-15. This is a different age where 13 pitchers are the norm, and the position players are also set at 13. There just isn't room any longer to "hide" an exclusive PR/PH defensive replacement player that is seldom used. It's actually a benefit that Caratini can help out at 1B. But he and Jeffers remain primarily catchers. So 13-2 means 11 actual POSITION players, with 9 in your daily lineup. And you can't find a way to use all 11??! This just makes no sense to me. For DECADES managers found ways to use their rosters in a functional way. People forget that Tom Kelly absolutely used platoon at times, but he also found ways to get everyone involved and play time. So why would Rodriguez being promoted to take Outman's roster spot be any different? While Martin is best in LF, he can play some CF/RF. Larnach can DH and see time in LF. Bell is the #1 DH, but can play some 1B once in a while. Wallner has experience in both corner OF spots. Clemens, FWIW, can play multiple spots, as can Gray, including past experience at 1B. Well, Rodriguez can play all 3 OF spots and be a viable backup to Buxton having days off. You need a PR? Well I'd like to think Martin and Rodriguez could do that on their off days. But isn't the most important thing to have a quality lineup with the most production you can get?? 6 games a week, 11 position players, and 2 catchers...with one who can double as a 1B at times...to fill 9 lineup spots and you can't find a way to play your best players 4 or 5 of those 6 games? Again, this just doesn't make sense to me. Lose Outman, promote Rodriguez, and let Shelton devise the best lineup, with the best players playing as often as possible. If he can't figure out how to do that, then he's a poor manager.

I think Martin has proved he has turned a corner. As a result, I do believe he has earned the right to face more RHP at this time. Didn't he get 2 hits against the Mets RH starter a couple days ago? He's spent most of his life batting against RHP, so with the improvement he's shown, you'd think he's at least CAPABLE of being decent against them. And let's be honest, we need the best hitters and OB guys we can get. I don't have a problem with Larnach continuing to play some LF. Perhaps Martin gives Buxton or Wallner a day off here and there. And when Martin starts in LF against RHP, Larnach could DH some and Bell could play a few games at 1B. It doesn't require a magician to find ways to shuffle the lineup a little here and there. In regard to 2B, I want Keaschall to get all the rope he can, and all the time at 2B that he can, to grow defensively and work out of his cold start. You are often rewarded by letting young players grow and develop and live with some speed bumps. But Martin HAS played 2B in college, the minors, and some at the ML level. I don't believe that's his spot. And I don't want to mess with his defensive develop in the OF. But we're not talking about SS or 3B and turning him in to a super utility player. We're just talking about ONE INF spot here and there. So I don't think it's a crazy idea to work him out there and drop him in once in a while to give Keaschall a day off here and there. Since Houston was brought up, it would be FANTASTIC if he could hit .270 with a .360 OB%. But .250 and .340 with his glove would still be very good. Add in some solid base running, double digit SB, and 40-45 XBH could still make him a borderline All Star player. But as has been pointed out, if his bat becomes only Gagne quality, he'd still be a valuable player. With all due respect to Gags, Houston looks like a firm notch above him defensively.

Either the best or worst choice in the entire 1st round. We won't know for 6-24 months for sure. I wouldn't have taken the chance. I would have traded down. I sure hope they are right about recent positive reports concerning his foot.

I think it's a compounded issue that I don't have answer for. I just don't follow the IL signings the way I do the draft due to a collection of 16-17yo being signed who don't even come to the FCL for a year or two. It's hard enough to follow the MILB system as is at times. But I follow the IL close enough to know the Twins have consistently signed a number of "reportedly" top 50+ prospects that you'd think they would have done better the past few years in "wins". I remember being really excited about J Rodriguez a couple years ago but he just bottomed out despite looking like he might follow Emma as the next great OF. IDK if the problem has been scouting or development. Again, the Twins HAVE signed some very highly ranked prospects the last few years. So on paper, they did OK. So again, scouting, development, or bad luck? Currently, Bohorquez has looked good as an arm, as had Oliveres. And they're young enough to still be considered quality prospects. I still have my doubts about Olivar, always have, as an OF/C who just doesn't offer up ENOUGH in any single category to be considered a quality prospect. Others have disagreed. Danny Andrade was even recently considered a legitimate SS prospect with offensive potential. Injuries have curtailed his career so far, unfortunately. Yasser Mercedes was considered a potential 5 tool OF. He's been a massive disappointment so far. But still only 21yo, he's at least off to a good start in 2026 at Ft Myers in his second season there. So there's hope. Dameuey Pena and Eduardo Beltre are having their moments at Ft Myers as well. So I don't think "all is lost' in regards to the Twins IL plan of attack currently. But again, either bad scouting, bad development, or bad luck, they sure haven't hit on much for about 5years running currently. I like the changes they've made the last couple of years in the scouting department. But it will take a couple of years to see if it makes a real difference. I have noticed a couple catchers and arms signed where previously the Twins seemed to concentrate on SS and OF almost exclusively. But no matter what, it's still going to take a couple of years to see if the changes they made are the right ones. I hope they are. Because they basically WHIFFED for about 4 years.