DocBauer

I'm not worried about Correa's defense at this time. Even if he does slip a little, I'll take very good to great but not platinum level. And we all know the bat is excellent, as are all the other intangibles he brings. I like the limited shifts for various reasons. But I do think forcing the 2B and SS to keep their heels on the dirt ridiculous. That's not going "old school", that's over compensating where it's not necessary. I liked the trade for Farmer when it was made, and like it just as much now, as a backup SS as well as a really nice utility player. Gordon as a rostered #3 is fine. How often would he ever need to play the spot? I suppose Solano should be considered as an "emergency" option along with Gordon. IMO, Lewis and Lee aren't going anywhere. They are a combination of the near future at 3B/2B, and even OF in the case of Lewis. But they can also be the backup SS as early as 2024. Second half of 2023 in Lewis's case, potentially. But I like having control of Farmer through 2024. Personally, I dismiss Martin at SS. I understand playing there as much as he has in order to use his time there to help keep him in the mix at 2B/3B, which he did a ton in college. I mean, if you can play SS at all, it only adds experience at playing the other 2 spots. But his future is in the OF, with the ability to help cover some in the INF. But there is a TON of talent at SS that should be the envy of most all teams, even though some will be moving to other positions on a full time basis. I don't have a ton of faith that Castro's ST hitting performance is some new and improved version. But he's talented, athletic, switch hitter, speedy, and only 26yo. If he sees a lot of action for the Twins...perhaps any action...it means he really has developed with his new team, or a rash of injuries have decimated the team again. But he MIGHT be a late bloomer who could figure in a potential bench role in 2024. I like that there are a handful of interesting SS options in A and rookie ball that could figure in to the future a few years from now. That might be where a potential replacement for Correa might be found. The Twins are in a great position at SS!

Not surprised by Kirilloff being brought along slowly. I've been thinking for a while he's going to be held back and ramp up slowly at St Paul. The important thing with him has never been about opening day. It's about getting him ready when he's ready and for his career going forward. Very interesting about Mahle. I'm guessing he goes out there to work on something, guessing his new slider, doesn't feel it, they pull him, give him a little time, then go back out again with a different mind set. Advantage of ST.

His numbers with Baltimore are just virtually impossible to sustain. But his numbers with the Twins, even in SSS, were a marked difference. Personally, I seldom pay any attention to what a converted pitcher did previously as a starter. It's a very different mindset. Most all good to great RP began as a SP and either failed or were mediocre, average at best. Twins history alone has seen this with Guardado, Tremblay, Aguilera, just off the top of my head. Former Twin Henricks comes to mind, along with current Twins stud Duran. He took all of his stuff and potential and was converted to a reliever with amazing results. Mid conversion year he packs up to a new team/city while dealing with deep personal issues. This is now a fresh start, a new season, and he's already made the conversion. Time will tell. And the Twins don't need him to put up the unbelievable numbers he had with the Orioles to be damn good still. The stuff is there. If his head is right, he's going to be very, very good at 85-90% of what he looked like pre-trade. And I'm happy as can be if that happens. So yes, no reason he can't be what we and the Twins thought he could be. Now, crap happens. And it could happen again. All the more reason I wish they had dumped Pagan and his $3.5M deal and added a little more for someone to add to the pen we could have some faith in. But I also see no reason that Lopez can't be what we hope he can be at this point.

Payrolls and income will only rise. That means said extension could make a deal like this a great cost effective signing for the Twins. On the other hand, Duran might earn more by betting on himself and hitting FA around age 30. But then again, if the Twins wait to see if Duran performs as well, or better, in 2023, they might feel more certain about offering an extension, even though another year might drive the cost of one up another few $M. And that's the complex issue with all of these early extensions, there's always 2 sides to the option. Even with greater future incomes, teams are still locking in and guaranteeing these contracts even if the player becomes injured or suddenly regress. And said player gains absolutely life changing money for themselves and their family, regardless of what happens in their career, but risk leaving potential $ on the table. And let's not kid ourselves here. As fans we toss around numbers that we are almost oblivious to because they are part of professional sports. A 7yr deal for $40-45-50M is not only life changing money, but generational money for a player. NOT picking on anyone or lessening the growth of salaries in MLB, but Kepler has regressed since he signed his extension. Now, he's still earned at or close to market value thus far, and is young enough to rebound and earn additional $M's in his career. Hopefully he will do so. But for every long term, $200M+ deal signed by a top FA, you have a Sano...who has earned many $M's...but can't even get a milb invite right now at 29yo, despite being a teenage phenom and former top 100 prospect who has had an OK career. I digress, sorry, but am trying to just make a point. When a young player looks special, and part of your future, it's never not smart to offer them an extension that offers financial security and life changing money. There is some risk to both parties. And Duran might just jump at an opportunity Ike this. And maybe he bets on himself. He might win, he might lose. But he's the kind of special talent that can be a foundation of your team, and the proposed offer is fair, even if bumped a little. If the idea is rejected initially, doesn't mean it couldn't be re-visited again. At worst, he's under control for more than a few years. But he might also jump at the chance to guarantee the rest of his life and his family's. I'd make the offer.

LEE: Despite his great ST, it's only smart for him to go to AA and move to AAA after he's ramped up and performing as expected. That could be in as little as a month, but I expect 2. I think there's a legitimate chance he sees MLB sometime in 2023. But I'm OK if he doesn't. Why? It means the Twins are healthy and playing winning baseball. Nothing wrong with him debuting in 2024 after a 1 and 1/2 seasons of milb. LEWIS: He also complicates any arrival by Lee. When he's 100%, I don't expect him to be rushed. But we've all seen how good he is from last year. He's up before Lee, and hopefully ready to go by the second half. RODRIGUEZ: Supreme young talent. Just a shame he got hurt last year to shorten his season. Does he begin 2023 at Ft Myers just to get going? Or does he look good enough to begin the year at A+ CR? I won't be upset if he doesn't reach AA coming off a missed half season, but I believe he reaches Wichita for at least a cup of coffee before the end of the year. ETA: 2025 but possibly late 2024. RAYA: His build doesn't bother me as not every good/great pitcher is 6' 3" and 225lbs. There is arm talent and smooth, repetitive delivery. And he can be well built and well conditioned at 6' 195lbs. He just needs experience and IP. Like Rodriguez, does he begin at A- initially to ramp up? Or is he already prepared for A+? I'm betting he's ready for Cedar Rapids and a few turns at AA before the season is done. I just want to see 100 IP this year. JULIEN: He's going to play for the Twins this year. He will be OK at 2B, and will be playing some 1B as well. The only question is when and how much. And that has a lot to do with the health and production of the ML team. SELFISH ADD: I want to see Prielipp get 60-80 IP between low and high A ball. Not sure I care or expect to see him at AA in 2023. I just want a healthy and productive first year of pro ball and get ready for 100+ IP in 2024.

I appreciate and want good defense to help my pitching staff, and shorten innings. But, if I had to choose between big offense and great defense, I think I'd still choose the big offense. That being said, there is a difference between average defense and a poor defense that just gives away too many outs. I don't think the defense was bad last year until all the injuries hit and the field was being taken by too many AAAA level players. And to be fair, that was a big problem with the offense last year as well. And yes, better health can greatly affect both this year. But Gallo, Taylor, Vazquez, Farmer, and Solano all offer solid to very good defense, and should raise the bar defensively, while providing just better overall roster construction and flexibility. I am mostly in favor of the limited shift rules. I'm not a complete traditionalist by any means, but the overshifting felt boring to me. But I'm not convinced the changes are going to be huge. The SS can still play pretty much even with 2B. An OF can still shade and even bring a man to play a rover type position in a short OF role. Will there be an affect? I believe so, but remain unconvinced it will show major results. For the record, I DON'T LIKE the SS and 2B having to stay on the dirt. MLB wants to limit the extreme shifts and return to more traditional alignments with 2 INF on each side of the 2B? Fine. But infielders have sometimes played on the grass since the game was invented. The dirt rule I'm not crazy about. *Love the pitch clock. The game will move better and be more exciting and just like their milb bretheren, ML players will adjust and this won't even be talked about in a few months. *I like the larger bases for player safety. Not sure it will make a major difference in SB when all is said and done. Might make it a bit easier to avoid a tag or over-sliding a base, but will a combined 3" shorter distance between bases make that much of a difference? Remember, the defender can potentially be an 1 1/2" closer to tagging the runner on a good throw. *I'm uncertain about the limited throws to 1B. 4-5-6 tosses to 1B is BORING and slows the game down insufferably. But is 2 throws "fair"? I think this rule might increase SB attempts more than the larger bags. And that just might be a good change.

Now or never? I strongly disagree. And I'm not even talking about wrong place and wrong time for something bad to happen to him. He was a top 100 prospect this time a year ago. He then struggled with his knee, planting, his entire mechanics got messed up, and probably his head as well. To his credit, he felt better late in the season and looked much more like his old self. Regardless of what happened, or what is known/believed, he arrived early to get to work. At 24yo, with the talent he still possesses, nobody in their right mind is going to make 2023 as some make or break season unless he just stinks. Ideally, he would be 100% and ready to challenge by mid season for an opportunity. That's probably not going to happen now. But what if he's ramped up and ready to debut come August or September? What if he just gets better and better and looks primed to debut in 2024 at 25yo? Wouldn't that dismiss any sort of "never" idea? As far as being the 1st cut, IDK, maybe it's a message to say he just shouldn't have been out on the town at all that night, just in case something could happen. But at the same time, unable to do much of anything pitching wise for a few weeks, why wouldn't he be an immediate cut to just work out, keep his strength up, and get ready for the milb season? What can he do for the next few weeks but just watch? Sorry, no, it's NOT now or never. It's "get right", work hard, and get back to where he was. Maybe with a little more perspective to avoid potential wrong place and wrong time chances in the future.

Just a couple leadoff comments. And yes, pun mostly intended. 1] No disrespect to Canadian baseball, or the really good baseball talent that actually has thrived at the ML level, but I think that it's fair to speculate facilities, coaching, and general interest is probably behind hockey, hockey, football, and perhaps on equal footing with curling. Nevertheless, baseball talent has come out of Canada, though I dare so it's not a hotbed of opportunity. 2] Julien came to the US to play for Auburn. He played two years of college baseball before being drafted. He signed too late to see any action in 2019. Oh, and then he couldn't play at all in 2020. So after 2 years is college, then a missed year, he debuted in 2021 and looked really good. He looked even better in 2022 before being the best player in the AFL, being cheated out of the MVP award. There is a pattern here that says this kid is very talented, and only getting better. He's young enough, seemingly athletic enough...and with 2 good knees I'd suspect, (for those Arraez comps)...that with time, coaching and work, why can't he be at least a solid, average 2B? I mean, it's up to him to put the work in. But I find it somewhat baffling that it seems to be so easily accepted that he'll just be awful to below average at this point considering his experience, or lack thereof. Yes, it's very true he doesn't have to be great with the glove to be worthy of regular playing time with the potential of his bat. And he wouldn't be the first. And I have my doubt that he will ever be the Twins starting 2B. But why can't he be a solid 2B and/or 1B as well as a DH? Now, I would LOVE for him to also be able to play just an average, acceptable LF just to increase his versatility, but I'm more than willing to accept him as an average 2B/1B/DH with that bat. We don't need him to play SS or CF for goodness sake. The bat should play, and very soon. But 2 years of college, a missed year, and only 2 milb seasons, I'm just not dismissing his chance to be at least average with the glove going forward

Agreed on Urshela being moved, and why, for Farmer being added and Miranda playing his more natural position. Just looking at Twins history, Gaetti, Koskie, and Plouffe all turned in to quality 1B with actual work. Nothing says Miranda can't and won't do the same. I don't doubt his want to or work ethic. I think his hard work this offseason shows that. And 3B is his most natural and experienced spot. With his bat, he doesn't have to be more than average defensively, but it's possible he will end up better than that. I am in no hurry to actually move Miranda off of 3B. But I do believe Lee is going to be the long term player there as I just think he might be better than Miranda there. And that's not an indictment on Miranda, just a belief Lee might be even better. And I see Miranda playing both corner spots and DH to be in the lineup daily. But who knows? Maybe Lewis moves to the OF and Lee plays 2B and Miranda sticks at 3B. Not what I expect, but the future is unknown. But what a great "problem" to have, too many good players that you need to find a way to get them all in the lineup. For NOW, I really like having Farmer as a quality depth piece. I THINK the Twins still have control of him for 2 more seasons. And while it's virtually impossible to predict 2024 and beyond, I like the option of his potentially sticking around for depth. I don't know what to think about Castro as a depth piece. I was really interested in him as a non roster signing. He doesn't have a future as a starter, for sure. And I'm just not going to fall in love with a non 40 man invite having a great ST. But not only is he a good athlete, with some speed and pop, and not only can he play all over the place, and not only is he potentially valuable as a switch hitter, but he's only 26yo. And isn't it generally accepted that Detroit is behind a lot of teams in regard to analytics and coaching? Might he be a late bloomer who has a role with the Twins at some point, maybe 2024, new team and new approach, where he might turn in to a nice utility option? Of course, I'm still looking at Helman as well, and Prato coming up as well. Just intriguing that there are a handful of "interesting", versatile athletes at St Paul this year that might step up to be solid bench options...similar to the development of Gordon...that might be part of 2024, if not fill in options in 2023 if a couple of injuries happen.

Echoing a few previous comments, it all depends on your definition of a long reliever. Years ago, it was often a sacrificial arm who came in due to injuries, or blow outs one way or another. But I don't believe that has to be the case at all. And Chpettit19 pretty much stole my thunder on this. Why on earth can't you have 6 really good arms that you feel you can count on foe the 7th and beyond. With Alacala back and Moran hopefully a strong option, the Twins are there now. But it remains a collection of 1 IP arms. Just for a moment, think some combination of Headrick, Laweryson, Sands, possibly Winder and Henriquez. All solid arms that have something going for them. But maybe they just don't have the right mix to be a quality SP. And maybe they don't throw 96+. How about once or twice through the oder every 3 days or so when a starter goes short, or doesn't feel right, etc, and save the pen. You don't have to sit them for 10 days at all. They can be really solid arms who just don't profile as back of the pen arms, or just lacking enough to be rotation fixtures. But they might be excellent for 3 or 4 IP. For that matter, why couldn't these arms be starters crowded out of the rotation and getting their feet wet in this way? Or how about arms that might be back of the pen arms, but again, get experience and their feet wet in this role first? A long man, or two, can be very good and very valuable, and pitch on a regular basis. They don't have to be some sacrificial arm that only comes in a couple times a month to "take one for the team". That's a horrible waste of a roster spot and opportunity.

OK, I understand your basic belief that a top prospect should be a viable ML player by age 24. I don't entirely agree due to mitigating factors such as injury that could wipe out an entire season. And while we are all sick and tired of hearing about and dealing with covid, the simple truth is the entire 2020 milb season was lost. Period. A few top prospects were allowed to practice and semi play for taxi squads that year. So while you, or me, or anyone wants to admit it or not, almost ANY PROSPECT is a year younger in development time than their age. How can you possibly deny someone NOT PLAYING for an ENTIRE YEAR and then say they are behind development and not a legitimate prospect because they aren't ready by age 24? I LIKE Wallner. He's athletic and surprisingly fast. He's got tremendous power. Batting wise, I'm still concerned about K's. But he's improved at EVERY level the last 2yrs, in reagrd to AVG and OB. He keeps getting better. He's got the athletic range to play the OF and a CANNON for an arm. But his defense, even in SSS says he needs polish. Nothing wrong with that. It's up to HIM to prove his athleticism and arm can play at the ML level after 3 seasons of milb ball and a cup of coffee at the ML level. Being stuck, for the moment, behind Gallo, Kepler, and Larnach is not a bad thing. It just means veterans in place and waiting for opportunity. And time to further refine his game. And I don't have a problem with him trying on a 1B MIT to see if he could play the position. But opportunity will come. I would place Larnach in RF and Wallner in LF, with better speed, as early as 2024, even with the option of Martin providing competition. But AAA time to hone his talent is not a bad thing at all.

FUN! Great read! I actually have faith in a Gallo rebound, but I'd knock a few points off the BA down to about .220-ish, and the OB % down to about. 350. The HR numbers are very reasonable, unless MLB is playing with the ball negatively again. I like the 41 bombs from Buxton and not going to argue that one. I also don't want to, LOL. Are you sure you weren't a little confused or blurry eyed from your trip and it was Mahle that was actually the best SP? I'm pretty optimistic on Lopez. But my gut hunch says Mahle is just fine, and he and his new slider and other pitches are just ready at 28yo to take another step forward. 100% yes on Julien. And I agree with others, Lee isn't going anywhere. The only way he doesn't appear in a Twins uniform at some time in 2023 is because the roster is healthy and performing and he isn't needed. Now, if that happens, I'm not saying he shouldn't be one of the limited September call ups, but maybe the 40 man is pretty packed and they'd just rather add him in 2024 when the dust settles and the smoke clears during the offseason. Either way, he's not going anywhere. I think a re-sign or QO or both for the pitchers on hand makes more sense than a trade for Gallen. If Lopez and or Mahle are that good, why not keep what we have instead of a trade?

I think I would agree with these 3 choices. The good news is I think the REASONS FOR OPTIMISM are pretty legit. LF: Assuming things stay as they are, I have a hunch we're going to see the "old" Gallo from his Texas days. He's having a very good ST thus far, and I think he's welcoming a fresh start with the Twins. I think he just wasn't a good fit in NY and things spiraled for him. I don't know if he's going to hit .200 or .220. And I know there's going to be a lot of K's. But the power is great and I think the OB % will be back up to his normal range. RF: Despite being a long and hopeful fan of Kepler, I'm a little less optimistic in him. The changes in the shift might help him. But somewhere between 2019 and the last 2yrs, he just stopped barreling up on the ball. Can he reverse this trend and start hitting the ball HARD again? I'm not so sure the best option for 2023...and beyond...isn't a healthy (finally) Larnach being one of the starting corners opposite Gallo. 1B: Obviously, major question mark in regard to Kirilloff. I like hearing reports from him, and the Twins, that he's got soreness in the wrist but not pain. That would seem to indicate a normal progression from general healing and getting back to actual baseball work. And I'm OK if his gradual ramp up isn't enough time to be ready for opening day and he needs a little more time. The long game with him is the important thing. He's a potential stud in the heart of the lineup for many years if this procedure works. Gallo, Miranda, Solano, and even Julien provide options, (hopefully short term), and depth there. I am not opposed to either/both of Larnach and Wallner getting a 1B mit and working at the spot to just see. But both those guys run better than many believe, especially Wallner, and both have great arms. I think they just fit better in the OF, but why not take a look see at some point? I mean, you want to get all of your best players on the field and in the lineup as much as you can, right? Nothing wrong with greater flexibility. These 3 spots might be the "weakest" positions, but I don't know that they are necessarily "weak" per say. I like the optimism at each spot, and the depth of possibilities.

I am filled with hope and optimism when I hear "sore" and not "pain". Soreness I would expect. I mean, major or not, it was still surgery and his wrist is going to adapt over time. I don't know that any of us don't believe he could be a special bat for the next several years. If he's not ready opening day, I won't be freaked out or upset. It will only mean he needs more time to ramp up after being brought along slowly for precautionary reasons. And I'm OK with that. His full and long term recovery is far more important than being ready opening day. If he does begin at AAA, there would then appear to be room for Larnach or Julien. Long term, I'm not so concerned about depth of prospects as long as AK gets right. Julien will end up there and 2B, and Miranda will be able to swing between 3B/1B. All is good and deep and well....as long as Kirilloff gets 100%, even if the beginning of his season is a little delayed.

He's a 5 tool talent, with none of those tools ranking great. By that I mean he projects to being able to hit some, provide some pop/power, run and steal and advance, and play great defense with a good arm. He projects as a wonderful 4th OF who can kinda do it all without being great offensively in any category. He actually grows here and there, he might be a starting OF who can contribute at the top and bottom of a good lineup. The Twins, I have to say, have done him no favors. He NEVER should have been brought up in 2021. But he was literally something like the 5th CF option, due to injury, when even journeyman Refsnyder was hurt. But poor roster construction made him part of the 2022 roster when he should have been targeted for AAA. And remember, despite his skipping 2020 and all but a handful of games at AA in 2021, he looked really good when he actually got his first taste of AAA in 2021 when initially sent down. This latest setback doesn't help him, or his development. In fact, he reminds me a lot of the way Polanco was rushed too early to MLB. But if the injury heals correctly, and the Twins are smart...which I think they generally are...he will spend most, if not all, of 2023 at AAA to work out kinks in his game, FINALLY be allowed to match talent to game experience and growth/development, and be ready for late 2023 and 2024. Not a star prospect, but he's got the ability to be a really good depth piece. And the ML depth right now says he's got the opportunity to get his GAME together in 2023.

I actually like what we have, and the depth. And I didn't when the offseason began. I think the Vazquez signing was major! He's an experienced and well regarded game caller and defender. If he only hits to his career norm quad slash numbers, I'm very happy for what he brings at the bottom of the order. And much like Castro did a few years ago for Garver, he provides an example and mentor for the still young Jeffers. And I'm in the camp that actually likes Jeffers a lot, especially now as the "secondary" catcher. He's generally solid defensively, and I like the way he calls a game. The pitchers seem to like working with him. And that's still the most important part of being a backstop. Is there room for defensive improvement? Absolutely. His CS% in 2021, as I recall, was just slightly below league average. He definitely slid back in 2022. But I'm not sure how much of that was him, vs fault also with some of the pitchers not holding runners or being slow to the plate. Offensively, he needs to take a step forward. But the guy hit in college, hit in the minors, hit in his brief 2020 debut, and has real juice in his bat. We've seen glimpses of him being hot. So while I don't know what adjustments he needs to make, at 25yo, with a history of hitting, real power, and only 591 PA and 534 AB, I think there's real, legitimate hope for the bat to come around. At worst, he's a solid game caller with power as a #2. I just don't have a lot of faith in Sisco...once a well regarded prospect...ever doing much. But Greiner and Wolters have ML experience to work with the St Paul staff and that is HUGE. While neither is probably as good as Leon as a receiver, not having to trade for a #3 catcher...if and when needed...is not a bad thing. Regarding prospect depth, I have to agree that the organization is in short supply. I also have to agree that I just can't include Williams in that group. It's my understanding he's actually solid as a receiver from the mental standpoint, but he's been mostly a 1B/DH the last year or so. I have to speculate that part of that goes back to his shoulder injury in college. Carmago I think is interesting. It's my understanding that the basic skills are all there, but a little unrefined yet, but that he's actually pretty solid. He's got good power. I think he's going to end up as a mediocre hitter with power who might have a future as a decent backup. But he's not a top prospect unless the actual BAT starts to pick up. FIVE catchers drafted the last two years, along with a couple international signings, offers some hope. But they are all 3-5yrs from probably reaching the ML. A few have flashed a little in A ball, providing some hope. So a lot may be riding on Jeffers shoulders in regard to a step up. And that might just mean the Twins need to look at a trade in the next year or two, or another FA signing. But I actually like where we are heading in to 2023.

The kinda funny thing about Julien is, even if he has a long and great career, he's always going to be the 18th rounder who "turned out and surprised". But that's not close to accurate. He took a scholarship offer to a very good Auburn program while still learning English, coming from Quebec. NOTE: Canada isn't exactly a HOTBED for MLB talent, even though they've produced some very good players. He had a very good 2018 at Auburn. His 2019 was good, but not as much. And I don't know who his scout was, but the Twins offered him way above slot $ to sign. And he did. But he also signed too late to get even a token appearance in 2019, and then missed all of 2020. So everything he's done, all that he has produced, has been 2 milb seasons, and and AFL award as newcomer when he should have been crowned MVP. While different decades, he's an amalgam of Knoblach and Arraez. He's the hitter of Chuck, but not Luis. But he has similar bat control and OB ability. He's not as fast as Knoblauch, but much faster than Arraez. And he probably matches Knoblach for power, if not, maybe, more. But he's such a natural at everything he does with the bat, he's also probably ready, or near ready, to hit at the ML level. Unfortunately, his defense is not at the Knoblach level at 2B. Which puts his defensive comparison closer to Arraez at this point. Auburn played him everywhere while there. The Twins did the same in 2021. In 2022, they concentrated on 2B solely with time at DH. And I understand why. Trying to maximize his ability, his bat, and get him comfortable. I believe, with 2 healthy knees and athletic ability, he should/could be at least OK at 2B. There should be no reason he couldn't be a solid 1B with the same athleticism. But man, with his talent, I would just love him to be OK as an occasional LF to increase his versatility. Is he ready to be a long shot opening day part of the lineup? I think not. I think he's actually part of a projected 15 player roster, health provided, and will begin 2023 in St Paul because there isn't enough room. And while I applaud him playing in the Classic for his home country...and hope he performs well and uses that as a springboard...it might diminish his chances of making the final roster. But I believe he's ready, or damn near close, to being ML ready. I predict he's an early call up who will replace Arraez as a top of the order hitter who will help stabilize the lineup and produce, and only get better offensively and defensively come 2024.

First of all, I have a hard time dismissing 2 division wins and playoff appearances in 4 years and a winning % of .527. Baseball ebbs and flows. 2021 was NOT what anyone expected. Nor was 2010 when the Twins seemed primed and had a then record payroll. 2022 turned out to be a reboot of the TV series MASH when all was said and done. But before that happened, how many weeks and months were the Twins in 1st place? Look, I haven't always agreed with some lineups Baldelli has thrown out, even with the team in good health. I haven't always liked every SP or BP move he's made either. And I DO BELIEVE it's on him, and his coaching staff, to make his players better and smarter in simple things like base running and throwing to the right base. SOME of that, more so in 2022, was the result of playing a AAAA roster or worse. But some happened before that. Thankfully, the FO AND Baldelli have recognized the ball has changed, the game is changing, and they are re-shaping their approach. Even in milb and the draft, you are seeing changes in approach. And BTW, that's part of the reason Molitor has been brought in. He and Baldelli have tremendous respect for one another, despite any potential awkwardness that might have happened. If you watched as many games as I did last year, you would have seen Rocco trusting his SP to go a little longer. You would have seen a few more bunts and hit and run scenarios. I'm sorry, I know he plays percentages and embraces analytics, but when your team doesn't hit, and your rotation is limited, and you are at the top of the league in injury lost days and WAR lost days, what are you to do? I don't absolve the FO for moves made, or not made, that assisted in 2 poor seasons. I can grant at least a partial Mullligan for 2020 and milb injuries throwing a HUGE monkey wrench in to their PLAN. But they are learning and changing, hence the number of very smart moves they've made to make this team the deepest and best they can entering 2023. As the FO goes, so goes the manager. Rocco is/was a BALLPLAYER. To think he doesn't understand the game is a huge mistake based on a pair of poor seasons. But again, how many weeks and months were the Twins in 1st place in 2022 before the roof caved in? I think this roster, right now, is just about exactly where the FO and Rocco want it. SIX quality ML SP who are, arguably, all #2-3 arms. And a potentially very good pen, though there are a pair of spots to work out. And there appears to be options for both. The defense looks, potentially, improved. There ARE lineup/production questions. Whether ready from DAY ONE, or a month in to the season, can Larnach and AK finally be healthy and ready to fulfill their promise? If so, even if Gallo reverts back to his "TEXAS" normal...or not...the lineup is in great shape now and going forward. A healthy Polanco makes a HUGE difference in the lineup. Catching and infield and OF depth is better. Talented young prospects are on the rise and will make their presence known in 2023. The absence of the likes of Shoemaker, Happ, Bundy and Archer, and the talent of the rotation right now almost immediately screams more than an average of 5 IP per start. Even with a couple remaining questions about the pens last few spots still says this is, potentially, the best opening day pen we've had in years. Just a little bit of good luck, long overdue, says that either or both AK and Larnach are going to finally be ready to establish themselves. Same little bit of luck says Lewis, Lee, and Julien aren't going to "spike themselves" and be part of the team sooner than later. Rocco and the Twins of 2023, I believe, will run a bit more. I think they will just run the bases better and be more aggressive. There's some speed on this team, and more coming. And there's still power, and projected power. I don't like everything Rocco has done. There's only a handful of managers I believe make a huge difference. Baldelli also has a few great leaders on his team with Gray, Buxton, and Correa. Players like playing for him. I believe the team is just about right for him wanting to manage the way he wants to. Of course, good players and depth make that a lot easier. For any manager. But isn't that the whole point? Being a "manager". Even when you have talent, it's about utilizing what you have. I don't think Rocco is on a hot seat any more than the FO. I think this is the best overall job the FO has done, with few quibbles. A little luck of health, FINALLY, combined with depth and some VERY good young talent ready to perform, I think the Twins might be primed to make some noise. It's up to Rocco and his staff to make the most of it.

I'm not out on Waldrep either. Despite having a smaller frame than Dollander or Skenes, it sure is hard to argue with his results. And he's performed against the very best. Gut feeling, I think I like Skenes the most. And I'm liking Langford more and more. IMO, there are guys who catch. And there are guys who LOVE to catch. Think Mauer. And while there remains a huge split in regard to Jeffers, his ability and potential, the kid LOVES catching and wants to keep getting better there, as well as at the plate. Think about last year when there was seemingly no way Lee would fall to #8. If Dollander or Skenes fell there, as of today, I think the Twins would pounce. If not, right now, I'd be torn between Waldrep and Langford. A lot is going to happen between now and the draft. But even then, who knows? All it takes is one surprise to have someone we love fall in our lap, just like last year.

The St Paul rotation looks awfully enticing! Ober is just too damn good to be there! But he might be to start the season to just stay stretched out and ready to come back up. Might be unfair, but there isn't always room for everyone DAY ONE, and we know how these things work out. Until/unless I hear something different, I'm going to believe Balazovic's account. Wrong time, wrong place, crazy thing happened on the way to do whatever he was doing. Maybe he should have already been back at the facility, but I can't fault anyone for arriving early to camp, and then going out for a little fun. But unless there is more to the story, what I care about is him getting healthy again. From everything I've read and heard, he probably should have been placed on the IL early last year. His knee wasn't quite right. It screwed up his landing point, mechanics, velocity, and just about everything else. The fact he finally felt "normal" the last month or so of 2022 and suddenly looked like his old self gave me real hope for this year. And now he gets a late start. Stinks! Instead of a fresh re-start and maybe being ready a couple months in to the season, we're talking mid year or second half. I'm disappointed, but not sure I care all that much. As a top 100 prospect as recently as the beginning of 2022, what I care about is him being 100%, back in a groove, and being ready by the second half and priming himself for 2024. But let's just take Ober out of the St Paul rotation. Balazovic will be there, though potentially arriving a bit late. Even then, SWR, Varland, and Henriquez will be there. So should Winder, ramped up over the next 4 weeks to get ready. And then there is Dobnak. Henriquez may be destined for the pen, but not yet. Very young, give him IP to just work on his stuff. Winder was great in 2021 before he had a shoulder issue. As a rookie in 2022, he looked good and earned a spot as first a middle RP, and then a SP. Some of his final numbers weren't great, some were solid. The Twins have brought him along slowly...like a few others...after working at building up his shoulder this "normal" offseason. Four weeks from now, he will hopefully be good to go and be in the Saints rotation. Short term memory has Dobnak not very good following his finger injury and a poor 2021. Longer memory will have him skyrocketing through the Twins system and flashing in 2019 before following up with a very solid 2020. If Dobber is actually healthy and ready to go, he is very likely to be in the Saints rotation to get IP, help them, very possibly being a back end rotation option for the Twins at some point, especially considering ML experience. He also might transition to being a bullpen option. It's very likely he will be bypassed by so many good, young arms that any future ML success will be elsewhere. But if he's in the St Paul rotation, and might be the Twins #8-9-10 option, things are looking very good! Sands MIGHT be in the Saints rotation, based on need, but I think he should/will be moved to the pen very soon. He can throw harder there, concentrate on his best secondary stuff, and might be a real help in the middle innings at some point soon. Headrick is a guy I have my eyes on. He had a nice breakout season in 2022, and has had a solid start thus far in his first Twins ST. But less than a half season at AA and a numbers crunch tells me he begins this year at AA, and that makes sense to me. OFF/ON topic, the St Paul pen is very much in flux. Some options will simply be cut, and some will be at Wichita. And someone might just sneak their way on to the Twins opening day roster. But a few names to consider are Ortega, Santana, Hoffman, Coulombe, Sanchez, Laweryson, Murphy, Stewart, Beck, De Leon, Nordland, Rodriguez, Schulfer, Bentley, Funderburk, Neff. And there's another handful of names I didn't include because even I can't keep up with who is who when it comes to all the milb team signings. Again, some won't be heard from. Some are just AAA depth pieces, who might see time in the rotation here and there, but figure best in the Saints pen. But guys like Ortega, Santana, Hoffman, Coulombe, Sanchez, Rodriguez, Laweryson, Schulfer, Bentley, Beck, and Funderbrurk are recent additions, previous helping arms, or guys we've seen slowly making their way up through the system. No top prospects there. And a lot of names to forget as quickly as you read them. Ortega, Santana, Hoffman, Coulombe, Laweryson, Bentley, Schulfer, and Funderburk are names you should know, however. An interesting mix of veterans and still relatively young arms with a chance, along with others, that should provide St Paul with a quality pen to back up the potentially excellent SP staff. A couple of them might see their way to the Twins this year. Pitching should NOT be a problem for the Saints this year.

I don't know that I recall hearing Taylor mentioned previously. (Slipped my memory?) I don't hate the idea of a LH 3B who has a legitimate HIT tool with contact and high BB totals. All very impressive! But how legitimate is the defense there? It had better be really good to warrant a pick this high. And if I'm reading this correctly, the bat absolutely plays, but the power is questionable still at this point. Hmmm....I think there's a couple "maybes" here that scare me away from him at #5, not that he's a bad player. Are the Twins short of RH bats in the system? At the top, we still have the young...relatively if not exactly...Larnach, Kirilloff, Wallner, and the switch hitting Lee as LH bats. Top prospect E Rodriguez also swings from the left side. And let's not forget Julien! From the RH side of things there is Lewis and Miranda. Do we want to include Jeffers? But even though they are 2-3yrs from making any sort of debut, top 20 prospects Urbina, J Rodriguez, and Mercedes are all RH bats. As of right now, there appears to be a trio of top college arms all worthy of top 10 consideration. I don't feel the system is barren of pitching talent at all. But since when do you ever have enough of them? And we've moved a handful of potentially good ones in trades recently. If the Twins feel confident in the potential of one of those 3...or someone who jumps up considering the college season is still early...I think this is the year to go ARM at #5. I can't bring myself to pick a corner infielder that high unless he looks really special. And thus, I say no to Taylor. Position player wise, I'm not certain if I care about a RH bat as much as I did a few weeks ago. I just want the best 4 or 5 tool athlete who has a real HIT/CONTACT ability who can drive the ball and play good defense. Decent to good speed is a bonus. Unfortunately, as of now, there doesn't appear to be anyone at catcher worthy of such a high selection. But I'd be very interested in Langford at #5. As a HS catcher, can he convert back? Does he want to? Catcher is a very unique position. There has to be intelligence at that spot and a WANT to be a catcher. If he'd fully embrace a move back, he might be a really good pick there. He seems to have the ability to stick in the OF and be good there if it doesn't work out, so I don't see any risk. A starting pitcher is my #1 hope at this point, with the best SS/OF bat as my second choice. But Langford as a catcher/OF sounds like a really good choice.

He's got an interesting pitch mix, and had a really good 2019 and 2021 as a SP, so it's hard for me to say he should be converted to the pen after an inconsistent 2022. However, sometimes you just watch a guy and look at his offerings and something just tells you he'd be better off in the pen. And I think I see that when I watch Sands. While inconsistent, I've seen really good flashes from his breaking stuff. And his fastball has looked average at best. I'd like to believe his FB would gain velocity and effectiveness throwing 1-3 IP and facing batters a single time. And the breaking stuff could be that much more effective doing so as well. Whether he can make the conversion quick enough now to take one of the final bullpen spots, or go to St Paul and help later on, I think he should be moved now.

It's my understanding this has happened once before. A sore this or that isn't uncommon this early in camp for anyone. The Twins don't seem concerned, and he's still able to hit. So I'm betting he's going to be fine in a week to 10 days. But it's too bad he won't be able to participate in the Classic for his home country.

Plenty of time to recover and get strong. His initial velocity says he is, and just needs to ramp up a little more, per usual. But it's always been about smarts, and the quality and location of his other pitchers. I had heard that late in 2022, while working out, the Twins were impressed with his control even though it had only been about 12 months since surgery. Agree he might need a short mid season trip to the IL just to skip a start or two in order to be fresh for the second half. But I can easily see a sub 4 ERA and 130-150 IP this year for him.

I think this kid is the real deal. He's probably going to end up being the Twins #3 hitter really soon. My only question...about his bat...is how much pure HR power is he going to have. Is he going to be a consistent 35-40 doubles hitter with around 20 HR per? Or will he translate 8-10 of those doubles in to HR's? IMO, he and Lewis are the 3B and 2B of the future, and neither is a waste of talent at either spot. Both will have the ability to be excellent defensively and All Star caliber players. Miranda should play 1B/3B/DH. Kirilloff with hopefully reach his potential. Julien will play 1B/2B/DH. This could all transpire before or during the 2024 season. The Twins would have one of the best infields in all of MLB, especially when we add Correa in to the mix. But where does it leave Polanco, who I'm not anxious to see go anywhere? Wow!