DocBauer

Completely agree his lack of quality defense can be hidden somewhat at 2B as long as it doesn't get worse, and he keeps producing offensively I DO think he can get better just through experience and repetition. How much better is to ne determined. Call me crazy, but I think he's looked a little better, a little smoother the past few weeks. But what I find so interesting is he almost looks better on the harder plays than the routine ones, like in the video clip shared above. When he has to range or dive and/or make a quick throw, he seems to simply react and get it done. A chopper hit right at him seems to cause issues with anticipation and timing sometimes. Is part of his defense mental? If so, he should "calm down" a bit more with time and the aforementioned experience. The Twins know way more about him than I do, but I still wouldn't abandon trials/work at 1B and LF. Even being adequate at either spot increases lineup flexibility. But that's more for next year I'd say.

Sorry Nick, I usually love and agree with most of your perspectives. But this one is wrong. As much as I love Lee, and Lewis, and a handful of other prospects that are leading us finally allowed the opportunity, a couple of weeks of Lee at AAA to do this is just not right. Not only should Gallo have been dumped yesterday, but there are others probably more prepared to contribute NOW vs the recently promoted Lee. Williams should have been brought up a couple weeks ago to play 1B and Gallo dumped in a 1 for 1 swap. Who cares if Williams is a RH hitter and Gallo is LH. A lousy LH hitter, amongst the worst in all of MLB, despite ONE good game, is still a lousy hitter and a black hole. It would be almost impossible for ANYONE to hit and perform worse than Gallo the past few months. And, IMO, we're also talking about an organization that purports to be forward thinking, but has been so stubborn and concrete that they haven't thought about Larnach at 1B, even CONSIDERED Julien or Polanco at 1B, but have suddenly moved Severino and mediocre veteran Garlick to 1B. But now we want to consider making a too early move for our #1 prospect to be added to the 40 man, when he's not ready, to play 1B? I love MOST of what our FO has done in their tenure. But there are things they have done, and not done, in 2023 to lose some of my confidence. And just ignoring, and sorta finally accepting the idea that the young talent is better than what they had penciled in is refreshing. Isn't that sort of what they have been trying to do all along? But Lee, as much love and hope as I have for him, to be some kind of savior 13 month out of the 2022 draft and 2 weeks at AAA is misguided. How about we let someone with decent potential, a little older, more experienced at the higher level, at least get a shot?

This is a very fun and interesting exercise. Really like the idea. (But I SO want to include Jeffers and Duran in this list, but I understand the idea). But I'm going to address this list in reverse order. 6] Alex Kiriloff: When does this guy get a break?! His wrist seems to FINALLY be healthy. He's grown as a hitter in regard to K/BB and he's gaining confidence and comfort and starting to really drive the ball again and hurts his shoulder diving for a ball. Ugh! The good news is it wasn't the wrist! Hard to not put him in the top 5, but we'll see how this shakes out. 7] Louis Varland: Second time I've read an OP in the past week that references performing at some sort of poor level. Frankly, I'm frustrated and disappointed in these kind of comments. He might not have set the world on fire in 2022, but he was solid, in some tough situations and pitching against some good teams, and was showing some real potential in his 5 starts. This season he's made 10 starts so far. And while I don't have access to all of them looking online...(maybe I'm not sure where to look)...I can easily see his last 5. And I have memory of watching most of his games. As a rookie, he was solid if not good for his first 7 games, maintaining his 10K per totals. On 5-26 he went 6 IP and only allowed 3R against Toronto. His next start was against the Astros...perhaps his best ML start to date... and threw 7 SHUTOUT innings. For whatever reason, he really lost command over his next 3 starts that have skewed his 2023 numbers to this point. And it's very fair to state his first few games back at AAA were disappointing. Was that him frustrated or working on some things as he was suddenly bitten by control issues? IDK. But he's looked much more like his old self lately. I'm just not sure "his performance has yet to warrant the team promoting him" might be outdated. But perhaps I'm just being overly sensitive because I have a lot of faith in what I've seen so far. 8] SWR: Full confession, I knew him by name only and what I read when he was brought in via the Berrios trade. And I was totally willing to make excuses for a lousy performance when acquired due to youth, as well as the whole Olympic ordeal that messed with his whole 2021 season. Despite his youth, and high prospect ranking, I kept reading reports about low velocity and maybe not having a K pitch. And I started to wonder what made him such a highly touted prospect to begin with? And then he had a really nice 2022 at AA and AAA and I began to buy in. But until a few recent starts and "extended" relief appearances with an opener, he's been very disappointing. I understand how young he is, and there's still potential, but who is he? Right now I have more confidence in the slightly older Festa at AA than I do in SWR. 9] Jose Miranda: Reports were the Twins really liked him and were just waiting for a breakout for his contact skills to match power and drive. We got that in 2021. And we got it for most of 2022 after a slow start. I never worried about a rookie wearing down a bit to end a disappointing season. And then he worked really hard in the offseason to build muscle, lose fat, get better conditioned for 2023. And despite having a bum shoulder, he raked in ST while getting reading to play 3B opening day. And since then, all we've seen is WEAK contact, not strong contact. Is it mental? Is it physical and the shoulder has been much more a worry and the ST numbers were an illusion? Call it a hunch, but I believe a bum shoulder has been a bigger issue than reported. And that leads to pressure and pressing. Natural contact ability and power should lead to production with health, confidence, and just a solid AB approach, which Miranda had previously. I'd bet FOR him vs against with a mental and physical re-set, BUT, I'm uncertain where he fits in as the future lineup has so many variables at 3B/1B/DH. I'd love him in those roles, but even if we remove Polanco out of the equation, we still have Lewis, Lee, (maybe not quite ready yet), Julien, Correa, and AK in the INF. IF Lewis moves to the OF, we still MIGHT HAVE the issue of how to make Buxton a POTENTIAL part time OF and trying to "find" the adaptation he needs mentally and physically to BE a DH. IF Buck can do what others have done, albeit later in their careers, he can be POTENT. But it changes the dynamic of the rest of the roster. And maybe Miranda just doesn't fit in with the other talent available and Buxton maybe/hopefully adapts.. 10] Austin Martin: Is he the new lighting rod, lol? I love and hate all of the discussion with this guy. When he was acquired in 2021, some had him in the Twins lineup for 2022 already. Why? Because he was a top draft choice and a top 100 prospect? The kid didn't play in 2020. And then I read opinions how the Twins have almost ruined him. LOL! He didn't play for a whole year. The Jays still jumped him straight to AA, and as a SS to boot! A position he had seldom played before. So the Twins kept him there "to see". And while his BA slipped some, his OB was very close and his OPS slipped some. His SLG% was poor for BOTH organizations. But the Twins are being blamed for trying to find a little more pop/power out of him? What team doesn't try to find a little more pop/power out of a prospect? The simple truth is Martin hasn't offered up results becoming of his draft status so far. He's shown contact ability, OB ability, and speed. The Twins have admitted he's a natural for the OF. And they are working him primarily there now. And he finished 2022 strong when he just went back to what felt natural. And he had a great AFL. Unfortunately, he had a series of injuries to begin this year. And I'm encouraged by what he's done so far. But even in SSS hitting .268 at AAA with a .381 OB sounds great! But a .392 SLG and overall. 773 OPS tells me he's going to be eaten up by ML pitching. I'm NOT a Martin hater. I love the BA/OB contact ability and speed XB potential he offers. But other than his AFL results, he's an average "hitter" at the mild level with a below SLG %. I hope he's a big time AVG hitter with a high OB% and steals a bunch of bases and pops 30 doubles, a few triples, and double digit HR. I have hope! But if you have an average BA and next to no power at AAA, how do I expect your game to play at the ML level?

I don't believe Gray is unhappy being a Twin. He's a tough competitor and is probably frustrated with his record, lack of support at times, and wants his team to win more. But he's also played on some bad teams in his career. Many times he's been interviewed he's only been "down" on himself for having a bad game or a bad inning that frustrated him. The whole "I want to pitch deeper in games" from last year has been blown out of proportion by those who want to dislike Rocco. When given a chance to go longer at one point in 2022, and it didn't go well, Gray stated he appreciated the opportunity but it was up to him to perform better. And again, more than once this season, Gray has voiced frustration with his own performance, but never anything in regard to Rocco, his usage, or his teammates. But I DO think he declines the QO as someone will offer him 3yrs, or a 2+1 that will come to around $60M. Biggest payday of his career, having never been a FA before, and without actually looking up career earnings....being tired and lazy...I'd bet it comes close to his career earnings so far. I'm not sold on a future deal with Mahle. And the trade turned out bad. But I'm not as "meh" as you and some others are. And I don't believe the FO would re-sign him for some ego trip to "get something more out of a failed deal". But they aren't afraid to be creative in their thinking. NOT saying they should, or will, work out a deal for him. But Pineda was almost the exact same age when the Twins signed him for something around $2-3M for his rehab year. And while the suspension issue detracted from his time with the Twins, he more than made up his contract with some solid time with us. I just find Mahle, 28yo right now, as a similar, intriguing idea for 2024. I think we're both on board for Maeda. Crazy to think he's older than Gray, but I actually trust his health, with a re-built elbow, more. He's a "craftsman" as a pitcher. And now that he's feeling strong and has his "feel" back, I'd almost rather watch him pitch than any other Twins starter. I'm not sure 2 at $25 does it, even with past surgery and age. I keep thinking 2 at $28M. But I do like your number better, LOL. I want to enter 2024 the same way we entered 2023: at least 7 SP deep and figure out how they fit. (Varland was #7 to begin 2023). LOPEZ RYAN OBER MAEDA PADDACK VARLAND I still don't trust SWR, but he almost made me a believer coming off of 2022. He's still very young, has upside, and has been much better as of late. I still think Enlow has a shot to be good, even though he hasn't handled his AAA promotion well. But another offseason and continued development, who knows, he might make a jump. I sure hope so. Considering how far he's come, I'd rather trust Dobnak as a 5th starter than a general retread at this point. And while I love the potential of Festa, and he's generally looked GOOD, he's been pressed pretty hard and I'm not counting on him for at least a half season, if not a full one. Is Balazovic only a RP now? Or might he be stretched out if the pen is addressed? And we don't know if Paddack will be ready day one, or a month in, or two months. That's why Maeda, IMO, is such a key. RUMORS, had the Twins in on Edourdo Rodriguez from the Tigers on a 3 team deal with Gray being moved. Obviously nothing like that can happen now. And it would have been intriguing. Unfortunately, the bulk of high level prospects have had numerous injuries the past couple of years because...of course...Twins luck! And some might turn out to be quality BP pieces. And there is tremendous value in that! But even with Maeda back, I wouldn't be surprised if the Twins tried a similar move for a LH arm. Maybe a Larnach and Severino plus another arm to someone like Seattle or Miami for a LH SP. But I'm rambling, because it's what I do, LOL. Re-sign Maeda #1, then start to look at the rest of the roster.

I just love Lopez and I'm glad we have him. He's really had an excellent season in evry single way except one: he's had a few games that I tongue-in-cheek refer to as "Radke Disease". As great as Radke was, as wonderful a career as he had...still somewhat undervalued to this day, IMO...he had some stretches where bad luck or bad control lead to a bad inning in otherwise excellent performances. Stuff happens. Despite his BA and OB%, I think Taylor has been a tremendous acquisition by the Twins and has performed very well to help this team, despite being pressed in to full time duty, which was never the original plan. His defense remains excellent. He's provided some power...occasionally in big moments...speed, and even some key bunts. I think he's been just fine as a #9 hitter with outstanding defense. I'm becoming more and more impressed with Wallner the more I watch him. It's nothing personal, but Gallo isn't part of the future, and I maintain he should have already been gone to give someone else a shot who might actually produce better, and might BE part of the future. But I root for every player who wears a Twins uniform. So despite all his struggles, a tip of the proverbial cap for a great night. I liked the comment from Lopez in the post game about the beat down the night before. He succinctly stated it was just one game. And he's 100% correct! It was one horrific night, on the road, against a quality team. But it's the sweep in KC and the recent losses in Detroit on this trip that stick in my craw. Wasted opportunity! They have a chance to take the series Sunday and return home on a positive note. But they face a mediocre LH Sunday and not to be a downer after a really, really good win, but I'm just not expecting the W. I hope we're all pleasantly surprised.

On the one hand, according to Falvey, they had conversations and had at least a few targets in mind, though it's mostly pure speculation as to who those targets might have been, but the teams they were in talks with either stayed status quo, or turned around and bought. While the FO...or any FO for that matter...is seldom, if ever, going to reveal the nature of those talks, I do believe what Falvey said was probably true. I don't believe they were lying. On the other hand, they had to know already Stewart coming back soon, if at all, was already a huge question mark and they should have been able to pivot and still find one solid BP arm to be brought in. Huge error to be caught that far off guard. But then again, we just don't know. Maybe they had a deal in place that fell through last minute. Still not an excuse for a very obvious need that shouldn't have been expensive. As to the actual question posed, we'll never know for sure, but I think the extra week WOULD have made a difference. The Angels and Red Sox aren't the only teams to have suddenly disappeared from any shot at playoff contention post deadline, but can't recall the other teams that suddenly went in to a tailspin. (BTW, is anyone of any competence running the Angels)? Short sighted or not, caught off guard or not, I believe Falvey that they were trying to work some deals. I do think the extra week WOULD have changed a few minds and the Twins would probably have added at least a couple players between a RP...or two...and a RH bat. Speculating who would be a fools errand at this point, but the extra week very well might have brought a different deadline for the Twins. The one very interesting rumor I did read...and I forget who reported it now...was that the Twins were working a 3 team deal to move Sonny Gray and receive LHSP Eduardo Rodriguez from the Tigers. Presumably, the Tigers would have received prospects/young players from the unnamed 3rd team. Now I really like Gray a ton, and wasn't of the opinion to move him. I love the idea of him accepting the QO, or getting a high pick for him if he refused, wich is probable, but I think I would have really liked to see that deal go through. I don't believe the FO was looking to be ANYWHERE as aggressive as they were last year, and didn't have to be. And I don't think they were misleading in their press conference. And I do think the extra week might have changed some things. But, unfortunately, this isn't the first time our FO was either too patient, or too narrow in their focus, and missed out on opportunities.

An apology? No thank you. Owed to us? Maybe. Look, I became a huge follower and lover of Kepler the minute he was signed. What a great story! And when he reached MLB and you saw fluid movements and a smooth swing, you just knew he was going to be a future All Star. And I'm still waiting for that ballplayer to emerge. Loaded ball or not, I really thought 2019 was his breakout year. And then he slipped to a .760 OPS in 2020...but...it was still the second best of his career. So I still had some hope. And then 2021 and '22 happened, as well as the first half of '23, and I was ready to move on. (From both he AND Gallo). I am very pleased he's been performing at such a high level the past couple of months. And I hope like heck he keeps it up! I have some hope it will because the contact he's making the past couple of months is actually HARD and not little flares and soft grounders with the OCCASSIONAL long ball or XB hit. He does this the rest of the season, I'm going to believe in him and think the $10M option for 2024 is a worthwhile idea. I'm just not convinced yet...but hopeful. When you've been as bad as Pagan has been, for as long as he's been, and after watching what he did to help torpedo the Twins season in 2022...though it certainly wasn't entirely his fault...it's just really hard to be forgiving, or believe in a sudden turn around for an over 30yo BP arm. But like Kepler, you can't dispute he's been really good for the past 2 months. And I want to be hopeful he will continue it for the rest of the season. (knocking on wood). But you'll forgive ME if I need more than 2 months vs nearly 5 years before I have belief. So no, I'm not apologizing to either guy for believing they should be gone after a pair of really good months that I can only hope they can and will sustain. But I will absolutely give them an "at a boy".

I like Gray a lot for results and leadership. And no question he gets the QO. If he takes it, the Twins are more than happy to pay it. But I think he gets a 3yr deal from someone else and the Twins won't want to pay him $20M annually for ages 34-36. But while I'm talking about both sides of my mouth, I'd bring Maeda back even though he's older. I believe in his smarts, control, and experience. I believe in his rebuilt arm. I believe in a real chance of more IP and less chance of injury than Gray. And I also believe 2yrs at around $14-15 per gets it done. I'm OK with the Mahle idea. I'm not sure $5M to sit foe an entire season of rehab makes sense, but if it makes year two cheaper, I'm OK with the number. It was some smart maneuvering in regard to Pineda and could be smart here as well. I don't think $5M and then another year of, oh, say $13M is any kind of financial burden. But of the 3 options, I just think Maeda is the best move. And just like this year began, I want it to be tough to pick your best 5, while having a couple nice options at AAA.

Mmm...I do think Castro is a notch or two above the player he was in Detroit. A team not exactly known for developing young talent these days. Still only 26, I believe, I really like Castro for what he is. I do think he's better than what he was, the SB alone make him a better player. And I think there's still room for improvement. But I do agree Martin is a similar skill set player with a higher ceiling. I DON'T hate the Twins trying to help him make some adjustments to find a little more power. Too little power, ML pitchers will eat him, or most anyone, and spit them out. But I also applaud the Twins to trust Martin to take a step back and find something more comfortable in his approach. He finished 2022 strong and had a great AFL. If he can HIT, got OB, steal bases, be a consistent 30+ doubles guy, I can be very happy with that. I'd like to think natural ability and development will allow him to hit double digit HR. And that's fine. He doesn't have to be a 20 HR slugger to be very good. But 2 mediocre milb seasons, a couple months of very good, and then a little over 100AB in 2023 doesn't fill me with confidence he's ready to come up and be a difference maker this year. And this from someone that is still ticked off it tool this long for Wallner to be up, and still ticked off Gallo is around instead of giving Williams a try, or handing Larnach a 1B glove in St Paul weeks/months ago instead of Garlick. If they bring him up now, I will hope for the very best. I will hope he makes a difference, will be here to stay, and never goes down again. I just don't see him ready right now.

Ryan is out temporarily, we hope and expect. Varland is next, and while his last 2 or 3 ML starts were not good, he also had his best 2 or 3 ML starts before the wheels came off and he was sent down for a re-set. But I have ZERO confidence in Keuchel. I never trusted smoke and mirrors against AAA batters, but crossed my fingers after his first OK start that he might fool ML hitters for a few games to eat some IP and help ease the IP burden through August at least. He got destroyed against Philadelphia tonight. I'll bet he gets at least one more start to see. But after Varland, the pickings become very sparse. That's where Dobnak might get a shot to fill in. I'd rather give him a shot at 4-5 innings for a game than other options at this point.

Can help? Or could be expected to help? Because there's a huge difference not only in readiness, but opportunity as well as 40 man issues. NO: Celestino and Martin have lost over half their seasons due to injury. Celestino has 132AB and Martin 114. I haven't given up on either, though I like Martin better. Celestino actually has talent and has been used poorly 1st with a desperate promotion, and then sticking with him too long when he needed AAA time, and didn't exactly have a ton of AA time. Lack of options hurts any Twins potential. Lee just got promoted to AAA last week and just had his 1yr pro anniversary. I like Prato a lot, but still him as another Castro super utility type, with a slighty different skill set. And that's not an insult or saying he can't be better. He started to come in to his own in 2022 and I thought he had a real shot to begin this year at AAA. Which made his poor start this season at Wichita so surprising. He's not on the 40 man, though room could be found. But if Lewis comes back OK, and Solano is OK, I just don't know I see room this year, unless it's LF and maybe 1B. I think they are tied more to the veteran Luplow for now, for better or worse. Check back next year. And I say no to Henriquez. Very young, some great stuff, and I like his future. But he hasn't had a good season, partially due to some injury, and is behind Winder, Sands, Balazovic, and Ortega. Again, check back next year. YES: Funderburk has made the transition to the pen and has performed at the highest milb level. I can see him getting a shot and helping. I object to the statement in the OP that Varland pitched poorly. I don't have his game by game info in front of me, but he was pretty solid when he came up, had perhaps his best couple of turns as a ML before the wheels seemed to come off. He didn't look so good when sent down, but he's been better of late and the potential is still there. A mediocre Larnach is already better than Gallo. But he doesn’t play 1B, and that's a huge miss by the FO. They are playing Garlick at 1B but not even trying Larnach there? Huge missed opportunity there to see. But yes, good chance we see him again. MAYBE: I appreciate the fact that Gallo plays a good 1B. But he's also amongst the very worst hitters in all of MLB for months now. Williams as a RH batter would almost have to try to be worse. He should be up yesterday to play 1B and get an audition. He might even help with some of the LHP ineptitude this team faces. 1 for 1 40 man swap right there. Like others, I've been so impressed with what Stevenson has done at St Paul this year. And at 29yo, I have no illusions he's some older, breakout player. (Though he hasn't been totally inept in his brief ML career). It's just hard not to wonder what he might do as a running mate with Taylor in CF. How much of his offense could he bring from St Paul to the Twins? He might actually surprise a little and help spark some. But besides the 40 man issue, who does he replace on the 13 man roster? He doesn't play 1B..which might be the biggest issue right now...so does he replace Polanco, who's looked nothing like his previous self at all? But if Lewis comes back soon, that creates a whole different issue. Just not sure I see a place for Stevenson at this time, which sees a shame to a small degree. Don't laugh, but look out for Dobnak. Personally, I've had little faith in Keuchel. I appreciate his effort. I appreciate the Twins taking a look at him as a late season rotation filler who might offer up a few good IP to help rest the rotation some. And even after 1 solid turn, and a horrible one against the Phillies tonight, I could see him getting another shot. Hopefully, Ryan is back soon. And Varland is the talented youngster waiting for his next shot. But if anyone else goes down, or there is any need for a fill in type, the Dobber is next. It's been a long road back for him, but he has experience, and has looked at least decent his past few turns. He's probably up next after Varland.

Is "save" a bit hyperbolic? Hmmm....maybe. But where would the Twins be without Taylor in CF with Buxton out, Gordon out, Martin out, and Celestino out? Stevenson maybe? So having, potentially, next to nothing vs an experienced veteran, Gold Glove winner with some power and speed, definitely a tip of the cap to Taylor as smart add a life preserver, if not an actual raft/boat. And Castro rising to his best season as a ML and providing solid defense wherever put, and an element of speed we have seldom seen the past few years...with the exception of Buxton when reasonably healthy...he may be slightly below ML average in OPS, but that's why he was never intended to be a true starter to begin with, even though he's been practically forced to do so. Again, maybe not a full raft/boat but definitely a life preserver. Really scary to realize that the role players and the young players are the ones that have mostly carried this team. (Due respect to the best Kepler has played in about 3yrs the past couple of months). How much better might this team be if Wallner had been up earlier? If some of the other younger players might have had a shot before now? If the veterans hadn't decided to all have horrible seasons all at the same time? And how much worse might this team have been without the young players and bench players coming through?

While I've been on the "play Wallner" for some time now, in full confession, I haven't watched as many AB of his as I'd like. But he does seem to have a pretty good eye for the zone and isn't some free swinger. He works the count. Guys who do that will have a number of K's as they aren't just free swingers putting in "bad" contact. They are looking for a BB or something to drive. So I like his general approach and I. And the power is legit! But one thing I love about his power is that it seems to come so easy to him he doesn't have to have a "sell out" approach when he swings. I don't see consistent, huge upercuts. I see a really smooth, powerful swing that is often very level. And that gives me a lot of hope he's not going to be a career .200-ish hitter like Gallo.

So why exactly must he be playing 1B for the Twins? I mean, I think he's quite good there defensively, but he has to be on the team and play 1B because he's a veteran and he bats from the left side? But he's one of the worst "hitters" in all of MLB except for the rare time he gets his bat barreled up on a ball. So why not just about ANYONE else to play 1B that might provide some offense? Who cares if it's another RH bat? Move Polanco or Julien there. (Julien's played it before and should have continued working there). What about Williams at St Paul? It's beyond time.

I'm sure it was rather off the cuff and hyperbolic, but the comment was in regard to 2019 and 2020 when the Bomba Squad was in play. Again, off the cuff and hyperbolic. But also doesn't take a genius to look at changes since then to see some truth there, as well as watching changes in bunting, squeezes, and SB recently.

Isn't this basically the 3rd version of this conversion just this week? Oh well. I don't like standing pat this past deadline. I felt there was STILL a chance to add a single pen arm at least to help out that wouldn't have cost much.. I wouldn't have minded a RH bat...usually plenty available...but it did seem there were few moved, and I'm not sure who might have made a significant difference. I've never been afraid to call out the FO if I disagree with a move, or a lack of one. But what they've done to rebuild the entire system in 6 1/2yrs has been impressive to me. 3 playoff appearances and a pair of exciting back to back division wins has been impressive to me. While the FO doesn't run the draft, they are in charge of the scouting department that has produced some great drafts. And despite a very disappointing 2022, I just can't demand their dismissal or any lack of trust because of it. They had a team that was in 1st place all but a handful of games all the way in to early August. They were unusually aggressive at the deadline to make additions. And while we can look back at those trades and how bad they turned out, they sure seemed smart, exciting, and geared to help move the team to a 3rd ALC banner. Injuries just decimated the team to a degree that nobody could recover from. And I'm just going to debate for the umpteenth time, with revisionist thinking, about the merit of those moves. And I'm not completely upset with the current "power plays" offensive format. Why? Because power plays, always has, and always will. Recent drafts, and Martin acquired via trade, shows that in the system they have been looking more and more at speed and "hitting" ability, while still looking to keep adding power as well. But you can't just flip a switch overnight for those changes to take place. Where the FO is STARTING to lose at least some of my faith is their approach to THIS season. And I will state yet again that I felt they got the offseason 90% right, and then STOPPED. And that's where I have issue. I loved adding all 3 of Vazquez, Farmer, and Taylor. And while none of the 3 have done as well as hoped, and have been pressed in to more time than wanted here and there, they have been quality additions. Castro has turned out far better than hoped for, and I liked his addition as well. And Solano was a surprise that has also paid back his late addition in surprising fashion. But while I had high hopes for both Alcala and Moran...and I still have a lot of faith in the potential of Moran...I simply didn't understand just trusting in them to be counted on vs making additions to the pen. I advocated many times for 1 RH BP option for experience and depth. It didn't have to be Fulmer, but he seemed obvious. I haven't looked him up recently, but after a rough start to the year, he's been good for the Cubs. I believe his deal was only around $4-5M. Even with a record payroll, that extra few $M should have been affordable. Why not keep both veterans Coulombe...very good when healthy for the club...and Hoffman...doing a good job with the Phillies this year...who were having very good springs? They cost very little monetarily, and would be inexpensive DFA cuts if they washed out. I have ZERO problems saving $ by building a smart and deep pen with prospects, failed starters, and reclamation and bounceback candidates. But then why cut those types of players when you have them right in your hands??? Imagine a pen that had Coulombe, Hoffman, Fulmer on hand, PLUS, the bounceback of Stewart and DeLeon? You'd still have Moran available and...at the time...a hopeful Alcala. Just a BLOWN opportunity for a better, deeper pen with little $ investment if things didn't turn out right. Again, I liked the trade for Taylor, and I still do. And I HATED the signing of Gallo. I still wouldn't have done it. I do GET why they did it...questions about the health of AK and Larnach...a possible rebound in his career that might pay dividends, but as a mid market team you have to trust in your available talent all the more. If you really believe in Kepler and want to keep him...that might yet turn out to be way smarter than I ever believed...then don't sign Gallo at all! To be 100% fair, Gallo was signed before the Correa saga played out. And they were obviously looking for/hoping for a rebound version that would help the offense with power and OB%. But while I applauded the Taylor trade, there was still a need for a legitimate RH OF bat for this team. And it's been ongoing for a few years now. Signing Gallo took that away. At some point you have to trust in your talent on hand and run with them! Larnach, Kirilloff, Wallner, and Gordon SHOULD have been trusted if you were keeping Kepler, and a RH bat should have been added. And if you guessed wrong...and it happens...then you adjust later. But Gallo was a mistake...one I tried to accept and understand...and is a mistake even now. If they had trusted more in what they had available in the pen already, had added a RH OF bat, the trade deadline might have been obviously null, or might have been a SINGLE need and opportunity to add a single missing piece. Imagine the RH bat they added didn't turn out, for example. I miss Arraez as a fan tremendously. But I'd make the trade of him for Lopez every day of the week. No insult to a favorite of mine and most everyone's, but Julien is basically a younger, potentially even better, replacement and we have a high quality SP under control, very good, with room to be even better. The Twins are trusting in their young talent more and more in regard to Julien, Lewis, Kirilloff, even the surprising Castro, and FINALLY in Wallner. Personally, I still believe they are just wrong not letting Larnach come up right now to replace Gallo out of some stubborn sense lightning will suddenly strike. OR, the hell with it, let Larnach sit for a while longer if you want to, but bring up Williams to play 1B. So what if he's a RH bat, and so is Solano. At least Solano can be OK at 2B/3B. Could Williams possibly be worse than a 43% K bat who only hits .160 with a sub .300 OB%? Being patient can be a good thing. Being patient has allowed our FO to make some really good moves here and there. Or not make some moves. But where they have failed at times, despite being very aggressive at times, is being TOO patient, OR, stubborn. And they have failed at times to not identifying with what they have. Or holding on too long for what they don't have. And that frustrates the hell out of me! I know it's about the FO, but the manager is part of that. I don't think Rocco is a great manager. I think he's pretty good though. And at the end of the day, he can only deal with he's given. By his own admission, his first couple of seasons was sitting back and letting the Bomba Squad do their thing. NOW, he's been actually managing. The whole "nobody gets to pitch beyond 5 innings" is SO TIRED. It's always been based on the arms available. I don't like some of the early exits, or the late exits he's employed. I don't like him playing to the ego of SP at times this season and asking a RP to come in mid inning, but I also love the trust he's placed in his SP. But I have to admit I do love him letting his SP just telling him "I got this" and letting him go. I also love how many SB and bunts and suicide squeezes and the such have happened this year. Rocco has stated this is the first year he's had a real opportunity to manage the game and do the little things. And Rocco is the FO manager, signed to an extension. So do I trust the FO? My answer is YES. A virtual decade of disappointment baseball without ultimate results but obvious improvements and some good seasons doesn't make me ask for a change in the FO, or the manager, at this point. But do I feel they have been SLOW to make some obvious changes needed for THIS season, and did they stop short of what they COULD have done for this season? YES. And that gives me pause. IMO, how the Twins finish this year, and what the FO does this offseason, will define what I think of them. There's an awful lot to like with a few tweaks and a couple of additions to make it all work. The trust is still there. But just be smarter over the next 2 months, and the offseason. Blow that, and I'm on board for change

If someone wants to make an argument that he wasn't worth the extension after his concussion issues...not his fault...I can understand the opinion. I'd disagree with it as he was still a good player, and meant a lot to the team, the fans, perception, etc. So my opinion is he was worth it. But even still, the value he provided to the Twins before the concussion issues changed his career was gold for pennies on the dollar. His 10yr career as a catcher, and the awards, was outstanding and something we might not ever see again. He's an absolute HOF player to me.

I had actually forgotten about Hoffman. Just looked him up and he's having a very good season with the Phillies. What I don't understand about the FO is doubling down on veteran, corner LH bats to the degree that young players like Larnach and Wallner have been forced to spend most of the year in AAA, Gordon had limited opportunity as a reserve before getting hurt. But they refused to do the same thing in the pen. I had high hopes for Alcala to be back and be a, potentially, important part of the pen. I may be wrong, but I think he has an option left. If so, why bank on him coming back all the way right off the bat? Why not Sands starting in AAA and bring him up later if needed? Now, Pagan is a lightening rod of debate, but so far, keeping him has looked like an OK decision. (We'll see how the rest of the year plays out). But the Gallo signing at $11M or not, re-signing Fulmer wouldn't have broken the bank. I have a lot of faith in the potential of Moran and he's definitely flashed at times this year. But why not keep Coulombe who has had some injury issues, but performed well for the Twins when healthy, and was having a good ST. Why not keep 3 LH in the pen? You sign veteran fliers like Hoffman and Stewart in hopes of uncovering some gold. And they got that! (Even DeLeon looked promising before blowing out his arm). They should have re-signed Fulmer, and kept Coulombe and Hoffman to begin the year. What's the worst thing that could happen? You spend a few $M on Fulmer and you could always drop the vets if they stunk and bring up one of the AAA arms. Someone gets hurt? Bring up someone from AAA. The pen has largely been solid most of the year, sitting about middle of the pack depending on what ranking, what numbers you look at. But how great would it have looked with Fulmer, Coulombe and Hoffman and STILL get the contributions that they have from Stewart and even DeLeon. I'd take that kind of depth in a heartbeat! And all they had to do was expand the payroll a few more $M on Fulmer and keep a pair of veteran arms you already had at low salaries. Huge missed opportunity.

Sands should have opened in St Paul and Coulombe should have been a 3rd LH in the pen. Further, Fulmer should have been re-signed with Alcala probably also with the Saints instead of being depended on coming off injury. Think how different the pen...which hasn't been bad...looks with Coulombe and Fulmer kept?

Opinions I don't agree with, some I sort of, and some I very much agree with. No way, coming in this late in the day to directly comment on any of them, so I'm just going to state my opinions/thoughts, though I'm probably going to repeat some other comments previously made. YES, the FO is secure. Ownership, IMO, likes the successes this FO has made on the field, and the almost complete rebuild of the organization. I think they trust what they've seen so far and are willing to continue the status quo for now. I DO think there are going to be changes made in certain philosophies and approaches...changes that NEED to be made...and I think part of that is going to be changes on the coaching staff. I don't think that's going to include Baldelli at this time. My goodness, he was even extended. But still, never say never. But the staff is a different topic for a different day. To be very clear, I've largely liked most everything that has been done by this FO since they took over late in 2017. But I haven't liked everything they've done, or failed to do, and I like to think I've been pretty clear and consistent in my thoughts and opinions. WHAT DO I LIKE? I like the revamp from the analytical approach that was practically non-existant to changes throughout the milb system. While Johnson is in charge of the draft, it's still THEIR watch that has lead to some really good drafts. They've whiffed on some trades, and won some. But even the trades they've made that didn't turn out...and those that did...having the prospect/player ammunition to do so...has been possible under their watch. They've been very smart with a few fliers that have paid dividends. They've been far more aggressive, and inventive, in the FA market than we've ever seen in the history of the franchise. They seem to have an eye for non-player talent in the office and coaching. Such a good eye, they've been pilfered more than a few times by other organizations. The team basically collapsed in 2011 due to injury and regression and only had 1 winning season...2015...from then until 2017. They've reached the playoffs THREE YEARS out six so far. And while we can complain/debat about the ALC, that success trumps the previous 6yrs BIG TIME. And they lead most of the entire 2022 season before injuries destroyed that year. But they did massive moves never seen before to augment their "shot". And we could be looking at a 4th playoff season this year. Don't we want winning seasons and a "shot" by reaching the playoffs? Isn't that what every team shoots for every single season? WHAT I DON'T LIKE? They fall in love with veterans at times as if they are somehow afraid that a struggling vet will suddenly turn it around elsewhere, OR, are so ridiculously and needlessly afraid of losing "depth". Well, losing someone who can't perform doesn't mean you let GOOD depth go! While they've been pretty aggressive with milb promotions throughout the system, they often seem timid in promoting and trusting in prospects. (See my first point). When you are a mid-market team, your system is your bloodline for any sort of success. I never would have taken the chance on Gallo. You could have spent the $ elsewhere. BUT, if you were going to do so, Kepler should have been moved to use his $ elsewhere and trust in Wallner, Larnach, Kirilloff, Gordon, and whatver RH OF you brought in. Bad allocation of $ and available talent. It's great to be patient in your approach to FA and trades. Many teams have jumped the gun early and been burned. And the FO has had some great gets by being patient. But a smart, successful FO, IMO, should be bold enough to identify that 1 or 2 spots/guys they really like and need and make a move...THEN sit back and be patient looking for value. And whether they like Rocco and believe in him or not...and they seem to...real pressure should have been applied about simple things regarding basic fundamentals. Now, some of those fundamentals have improved this year in regard to baserunning, stolen bases, some bunts and squeeze plays and the such. Some of that is a credit to Rocco and his staff, though they also haven't addressed some very obvious holes in performance. Again, a different discussion for a different day. The scales over 6 1/2 seasons tell me I still like this FO and what they've done, even if I don't agree with everything they've done, or not done. I feel like the crazy, weird, playoff loss streak clouds a lot of perspective of winning seasons vs ineptitude for many years before. It's as if the great fun of 2019 and 2020 just never happened after the disappointments of 2021-22. I enjoyed every moment of those years, and just about all of 2022 until early August. I've read comments about the Twins being boring to watch the last couple of seasons. I get it. Not so sure I don't feel the same way. But they sure weren't boring in 2019-20 with the Bomba squad. And if you pay attention to recent drafts and the milb system, you would see the Twins still drafting power...because you need it and want it...but you would also see more prospects with speed and contact ability drafted and signed. Part of the reason Martin was a key in the Berrios trade. But that shift to approach doesn't happen overnight. Part of the reason for the weird and wrong Gallo signing. "Keep pounding for NOW" and things will start to change. Witness Castro and Taylor on the basepaths, Buxton here and there. Where I AM concerned about the FO, and their future is NOT about ANYTHING previous to this year. It's about this previous offseason and the trading deadline. I'm willing to admit the patience the FO had in Kepler might have been warranted, even if I'm not a full believer at this point. But if they truly believed in him that much, then why spend $11M on Gallo? Again, as a mid-market team, they should trusted in what they had available. The $11M spent on Gallo could have been spent on Fulmer and a solid RH bat, maybe with a slight $ bump. But if they were smart enough to sign Fulmer and the RIGHT RH bat...always conjecture I admit...the trading deadline might have been something as simple as ONE BP arm to add. Instead, we have excuses and reports they were looking here and there and talking to different teams and it didn't turn out because so many teams decided to stand pat or buy instead. Well, first of all, if you went 100% in the offseason instead of 90% you might have had very little to add. Secondly, if you're as smart as you're supposed to be, you should have been looking at ALL possibilities instead of the few you were keyed on. When you have a chance to WIN, you just DON'T leave your team hanging when the prospect capital shouldn't be expensive to add an arm, or a semi-decent bat who might help. And again, this is where I'm starting to lose some faith in the FO. Maybe the RH bat they signed stunk. But at least they tried. And they should have gone 100% this offseason instead of 90%. NOT doing that, NOT trusting Larnach and/or Wallner instead of admitting a mistake in Gallo makes me lose confidence in the FO. I really like most of the FO trades they have made. I can excuse a bad trade or two. Crap happens. Mahle's tired shoulder was not related to his elbow. He looked good before his elbow blowing out this year. So that is on the FO? Lopez was a healthy, talented arm. There was NO WAY to predict Mahle needing TJ surgery. There was no way to predict that Lopez, IMO, was just going to lose everything because of "life stuff". Or should they have known he was going through something that just messed him up? If so, then they really messed up thinking they could FIX,things. As a fan, and projecting ownership, this FO is not going anywhere. They get another year to prove they can fill holes, make some changes in offense approach, make a couple smart coaching changes, and see what the roster for 2024 looks like.

Silver lining? While I don't like Luplow signing...at all...Buxton gets some R&R time to hopefully help finish the season strong and get his "batting head" together? And now DH is open, at least temporarily, for a little more flexibility. Wish it was someone else benefiting from the Buck IL stint. Like Williams, Larnach, Prato, maybe even Stevenson as possibilities?

My initial thought was, "just 5??" Agree with chpettit19 that Buxton and Correa are huge keys. Can Kepler actually continue to perform solidly that last couple of months? Please, let us have Lewis and Kirilloff back soon, and healthy for the rest of the year. I still like Moran and do believe he's been a little "unlucky" when you look at his numbers. But better luck only gets you so far. Finally...I absolutely, positively would NOT have Gallo on this list. Why? Because he shouldn't be on the roster. Nothing against him personally, but being a veteran and a LH bat means nothing when you can't hit....I mean at ALL...K like you are trying to set a personal record, and produce nothing except an occasional dinger every few weeks. 2022 and all but 1 month of 2023 have shown us what they've shown us. Time for someone, almost anyone, to be brought up that is deserving an opportunity. Williams at 1B and giving us a powerful RH option?

Garlick is no worse, probably better, and already in the organization at St Paul where he's been much better the last month or so. And Williams is sitting there at 1B as well. And I don't buy in to any "but Gallo is a LH for 1B" nonsense that might be spun. He's a good 1B. But he's hitting something like .160 since May and K-ing around 40% I believe. Maybe I'm nuts, but I don't think it would be hard for Williams, or anyone, to do better than that.

Bye bye Gallo and hello to Williams coming up and getting a shot at 1B. Solano can still play there as well, along with occasionally 2B and 3B as he has done throughout the year. What's that? But Gallo provides a LH bat at 1B that Williams and Salono don't have? No problem. How much worse than a .160 BA and 40% K rate could they possibly be playing daily as RH bats?

Great news! Now, let's see a few more deserving/interesting promotions. Lee has absolutely fast tracked and not only looks like the real deal, but might be adding additional power. I'm excited to see him with the Twins, but I'm not going to predict he begins 2024 with them. I'm confident it will all play out in a very successful way. It is a little confusing to see where everyone fits. In a ideal situation, Lee and Lewis would man 3B/2B in some combination, and be backups to Correa at SS with Kirilloff at 1B. Julien could play 1B/2B/DH. Then toss in Miranda at 3B/1B/DH, or, another utility player, and you have a tremendous INF! But with CF a question mark, and Buxton also being one, and obviously part of the CF situation, DH becomes affected. Thus, I can also see a scenario where Julien sticks at 2B and Lewis moves to the OF on a regular basis, still able to play anywhere in the INF. It's never fun to have worries about a player or position, CF/DH/Buxton in this case. But it is a fun problem to have a lot of really good young ballplayers to have to "fit in" the best combination because there are so many solid variations to do so. And Lee is definitely part of that. And while he could play 2B quite well I'm sure, and be solid at SS, and should still be able to cover it in relief of Correa, something about him just speaks of 3B to me. Can't wait to see him!