DocBauer

I really like this kid and think he's the real deal. I think the comparisons to Arraez are apropos. He's probably never going to hit like Arraez...who does...but he walks more to potentially be similar in OB% while providing more power and speed. In other words, a table setter who can also drive in runs. Unfortunately, like Arraez, there are defensive questions. The good news is, Julien has good knees, far as I know, and is young enough, athletic enough, that there remains room for improvement. I just have to believe he's got the potential to be solid at 2B, which is part of the reason the Twins played him exclusively at 2B last year. I see no reason he couldn't become a solid 1B. It is my HOPE he and his coaches will continue to work hard on his defense and find a 3rd spot for him as well. It just feels like 3B is not his spot. I'm OK with him as a special bat first 1B/2B/DH, again, like Arraez. (Betting he has more range at 2B than Arraez). But how much better is roster flexibility and opportunity if he could also be average in LF? I have little doubt he will make a ML appearance at some point this year. The "fantasy" part of me wants him to have a great ST, rake at AAA, and come up and never leave as a top of the order bat. But the reality is he's got TWO seasons of milb under his belt, no matter how tantalizing his production. As mentioned previously above, the Twins are deep and well built to actually win games and contend for the playoffs. This is not a team in rebuild mode who can just throw the doors wide open and "play the prospects be damned" the way KC or Detroit can afford to do. I believe you find room for great players. I don't, necessarily always, believe in slow promotion for the sake of old school thinking, but I also have ZERO problem with a prospect continuing to hone their skills and EARN their opportunity. Remember a year ago at this time when many were so enamored with the potential of Martin he was supposed to jump to the ML roster after ONE SEASON of milb based on prospect lists and projection? Julien is going to be just fine playing in St Paul to begin the year, doing what he does, and hopefully working really hard on his defense. I'd focus on 2B/1B, but I'd still love to see if he could be OK in LF as well.

Not trying to sound negative, but I disagree as to 2B being the most intriguing position for 2023. I am just as intrigued by Kirilloff and 1B as I am 2B. A healthy Krilloff is a potential game changer for 2023 and beyond. Even if the Twins decide to ramp him up at AAA initially...just a possibility...the kid can be a difference maker. I do think Julien should absolutely be included in the discussion here. While it's hard to determine how good/average he might ever be defensively, he will more than likely get better with repetition, not worse. I think he will end up at 1B/2B/DH, and HOPING he will prove adequate at either 3B or LF just to provide a little more roster flexibility. I don't see Martin at 2B, but could be proven wrong. I believe he's destined for the OF, with the ability to cover both 3B/2B, his primary college positions. At some point, perhaps very soon, Lee and Lewis are going to be ready. And frankly, I don't care where they play. They are both going to be good/very good, IMO. Lewis might be an excellent OF, and I'm fine with that idea. But I strongly object to any arguement that he would be wasted at 2B. While 2B is generally not considered a premium defensive position, what on earth would be wrong with having a premium defensive player there? Lewis has the potential to be a great/outstanding glove there with a premium bat. The ONLY WAY he'd be wasted at 2B would be if a substantially lesser player was taking up a position spot somewhere else, AND, the Twins had another fine defensive/offensive player available to play 2B. Now, maybe Lewis takes over 3B and Lee takes over 2B. Is Lee being wasted at 2B? You try to accumulate the most talent you can and then you find a place to play them all. Lewis wouldn't be wasted at 2B, IF that's where the Twins believe he can fit best and make the most difference. I don't like the idea of Larnach POSSIBLY being initially squeezed out of a roster spot. He's looked really good when healthy and doesn't belong at AAA. However, 2019 was his last full season. So playing every day and ready for a call up isn't such a terrible thing. Besides, how often is EVERY player healthy and on the roster? Solano provides additional, quality depth and experience, especially if Farmer were pressed in to any extended playing time for someone on the IL. And no need to rush anyone up to provide depth when you have a veteran like him available. I'm starting to think the #1 spot in the order might be manned mostly by Gordon against RHP, provided he's what we saw in 2022, and Farmer, and possibly Solano, against LHP to just be a solid bat and keep Polanco in his customary 3-4 spot in the lineup and producing runs. And speaking of Polanco, finally, I'm also in no rush to move on from him. Guy is a BALLPLAYER, and a damned good one when his legs are healthy. Despite offense being down across the league in 2022, especially early, he was one of the Twins best producers before his knee went bad. So while 2022 was an "even" year, he was still good. As long as his knee is sound...and I applaud a measured approach initially to make that happen...he can and should be vital for 2023. I have faith he's going to have a good season. But the reality is, simply, he might not be with the Twins beyond this year, or 2024. He's not old. He's good. But when younger, cheaper, and highly talented players are ready, you need to make room for them. A lot of things have to happen in order for him to be traded, but I can see it happening. I tend to doubt it though, as a healthy and productive Polanco should mean a lot to a, HOPEFULLY, winning and contending Twins team. I think he remains a Twin for 2023...and then we see what happens.

That's a great breakdown! Thanks for the information! Yes, just from a batting perspective, Gurriel would at least project as a bit better overall, assuming he comes back close to his previous career numbers after a down 2022. Can he at his age? Well, he was still pretty good in 2021, IIRC. I would have been fine adding him. But Solano had a re-birth with the bat a few years ago, offers very similar numbers, and obviously provides a great deal more versatility. In an ideal world, everyone is healthy and playing/hitting to expectation and there is no room for Solano on this team, despite being a good, solid player. I mean, I'd rather have a 100% and productive Larnach and/or Kirilloff in his place. But how often is the roster 100% healthy at any time? So solid bat, solid glove, experienced, and versatile. And if Farmer is pressed in to extended starting time at any spot, Solano is a nice utility player where the Twins don't have to make room for a AAAA player, or rush any of the kids. I good signing that I like the more I reflect on it.

I'm just taking a logical approach based on age, talent, and opportunity, Based on that, I see Rodriguez being #1. I understand just how good he is and how talented, but I just don't expect him to fly through 2023 and be on the cusp for 2024. I would love it to happen. I expect A+ to begin 2023, and finishing at AA. He will be ramping up in 2024 for his debut between AA and AAA, and might even get a late season promotion. And maybe I'm being conservative, but I'm seeing an OF of Martin, Buxton, and Larnach, no need to rush him, and he'll still have rookie status going in to 2025, pushing for a full time spot Just being practical. He's my #1. Raya and Prielipp are going to be easily in the top 5, though positioning is yet to be determined. Mercedes is probably as talented as Rodriguez, as is Salas probably. But I'm still looking at age. Either, or both, could be in the top 5. But I'm betting the #1 pick in 2023, whoever it might be, will squeeze one of them out of the top 5.

Hate repeating what I already stated in the longer thread regarding Solano, but IF everyone is 100% and ready to go opening day, which seldom happens, then AK, just needing some ramp up time, or Larnach, who wouldn't be hurt playing daily after a pair of interrupted seasons, would be the odd man out. But whether opening day or a few week, or a month in, someone always has a tweak or something happen. You seldom have your preferred or PERFECT roster set day to day, week to week. So having a 14-15 man position roster always remains somewhat fluid. So I doubt anyone gets "squeezed out" of a roster spot unless it's weeks only with good overall health. And, as I also stated previously, I'm starting to strongly consider Gordon as the #1 hitter against RHP whether playing the field or at DH. Assuming he maintains his trajectory. A solid bat with some budding power, and speed for a team that is looking to move past 2019 and play more situational ball, he could find a good fit there and allow a healthy Polanco to continue to hit in the 3-4 spots where he has been very productive.

I originally stated I didn't hate the move when it was announced, but I didn't love it. I'm now liking this move an awful lot the more I think, listen, and reflect. My apologies that I'm repeating some comments already posted above. The odds that everyone is 100% and ready to go to begin the season is pretty small. During the course of the season it's very rare that the "top 13" position players you'd like to write in with ink daily are all healthy at the same time. So having a 14-15 man position "crunch" just shouldn't be an issue. IF this happens, then Larnach is probably the guy who gets sent down. Like Ober in the rotation, he's too good to be in AAA. But having too many good players/pitchers is never a bad thing. And, as usual, these things tend to work themselves out. I am a HUGE believer in Larnach and I think he's a potential fixture for several years. But he does have an option. He played a full season in 2019, missed 2020, and looked great in '21 and '22 when healthy. So IF Larnach gets pushed out, playing daily at St Paul until he's needed to come up isn't a bad thing. Regarding any potential "blocking" of prospects, Larnach might be the only guy squeezed out initially, though Kirilloff, even if 100%, MIGHT also go to St Paul to just work on timing and get himself ramped up. Martin and Julien are great prospects, but have yet to play at AAA. Lewis won't be back until probably July. So with rosters always fluid as the season goes on, nobody is really blocked long term, and nobody has to be rushed. Lastly, I'm starting to think Gordon, assuming his growth and development continues, might just be the #1 batter against RHP, whether in the field or at DH. It would provide a potentially good bat with at least some budding power, speed, and allow a healthy Polanco to remain in the 3-4 spot to knock guys in and produce runs. And the Twins are apparently working much harder on running more, hit and run, take the extra base, and just be more aggressive in their approach. They recognize 2019 is over and done. If I took pen to napkin and just wrote out my very best roster, Solano, while a good player, wouldn't be on it. But he does provide some solid depth and versatility to raise the floor without blocking anyone because these things are always fluid. And when any/all of the younger players are ready to go, they will get their opportunity. This is a savy signing.

I hadn't thought about this idea, but I like it. On the surface, the Twins are betting on Lewis. Also on the surface, if you're Lewis, coming off a pair of knee surgeries, no matter how confident you are in yourself, there has to be a part of you that looks at a guarantee of life changing $34M in case things just "happen", or "happen again" and things just don't turn out like you dreamed/expected. And I don't think the $ numbers and terms presented here are insulting or out of place. But while I believe Lewis loves being a Twin, and wants to be part of the organization, and as much as the Twins love him and believe in him, I think he believes in himself enough that the numbers are too low to get the deal done. To get something like this done, I believe the deal would either: 1] Have more guaranteed $, probably closer to $50M ...OR... 2] Contain bonuses or escalators. And I don't necessarily mean mirroring Buxton's deal with MVP clauses and the such. And I'm not up on what is or is not allowed pertaining to the collective bargaining deal and contracts, but how about bumps in regard to games played or PA? I would think Lewis being healthy enough to meet games played and PA and bump his AAV up another $5M...for example purposes only...would thrill the Twins as it means he turns in to the healthy and productive player everyone is hoping for.

I've seen enough of Alcala to believe he's got a bright future in the Twins pen. I think his improvement to end 2021 shows that potential. As I recall, he looked pretty good in ST last year as well. But agree, coming off a mostly lost year, he's got to prove the control is back. But I'm pretty optimistic. I have to, generally, agree with the Twins philosophy of not transitioning a potential SP, like Henriquez, too early to the pen. The kid was only 22yo at AAA last year. He might just surprise in 2023 and begin to harness his stuff and surprise. And I think it's a mistake to look at his physical stature and just assume he can't be very good as a SP. We've seen a lot of shorter/smaller frame guys who turned out to be quality SP. But it's not the norm to be sure. And something about him just screams "potential big time BP arm" and I think that's where he ends up. Also agree that Moran should be in the discussion. Despite his 2022 AAA numbers not being very good, he's been outstanding in his milb career, and threw much better for the Twins than he did for the Saints. Bad luck? Who knows? But I think he's arrived and is ready. I believe Sands is the next conversion arm. Probably better velocity in the pen on shorter stints, and he's got some NASTY breaking stuff. From what I recall, Winder's worst pitch in 2022 was his FB. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Was it just control? Was he over throwing? I think past performance would have me keeping him stretched out as a SP for now, and hope a "normal" offseason and ST will alleviate his shoulder issue, and get him back on track as a rotation option.

What a surprise diagnosis that I never saw coming! Very interesting! I can absolutely see this making a difference for Buxton not simply due to his speed, but because he hits the ball so damn hard. So when he doesn't launch one, a grounder just might streak on through. He's such a natural athlete in everything he does, and is a pretty smart ballplayer, I can see this helping. But despite being pull heavy, IMO, I'm willing to bet his knee injury last season affected his approach somewhat. I might be 100% wrong, but I wonder if his legs are healthy if he doesn't just spray the ball up the middle more, and knick a few more line drives to the right side, improving his numbers anyway. Again, I'm speculating only and don't have any proof. And only because they've been mentioned, Gallo hits the ball hard enough I can see a more limited shift...there will still be shifting...working to his advantage somewhat. But I remain unconvinced it will do much for Kepler unless he can get back to barreling up on the ball with harder contact.

OK, I'm surprised by this. I felt at least 1 addition would be made, but I figured a RP on a milb deal with an invite, a split deal situation. MAYBE an actual 40 man spot. I thought Hand or Britton, who I think are still available. (Unless I missed something recently). I also thought maybe a RH bat they thought might help on a similar deal. I don't hate this signing. While he's nothing special with the bat, his career quad slash line isn't bad for a utility player. And while he's been primarily a 2B, he's got ML experience at the other 3 spots as well. I don't take it as anything other than insurance. IF Polanco were to be slow getting up to speed, it provides an option. IF Farmer were pressed in to more duty, he provides a utility option. And it might prevent a need to rush Martin or Julien if someone is banged up or slowed. AAA isn't loaded with call up options to play the "shuttle game" in the infield right now. While I don't hate it, I'm not sure if I like it. Does he, even at his age, have any options left? If, by some slight chance, he does, I like the signing more. But I see zero room for him unless someone is hurt, or slowed. But he's probably a better depth piece than Soto or Will Castro from the Saints, or Helman at this point. I suppose if he doesn't have options...say Seth is right and he's signed for something like $2-2.5M...he could be DFA without it hurting, would probably go unclaimed, and then have the option of reporting to the Saints with the idea of a future call up. Although, depending how ST goes, maybe they'd be better off just promoting one of the aforementioned options instead, if needed? And could a couple months of AAA make Julien, Martin, or Helmen a better choice anyway??? There's no real risk here, and I doubt he's going to cost anyone a job. And a cheap depth option is never a bad thing. I just don't see a ML roster fit at this point in time.

Great work Nick, as always, and kudos to you and all the writers who have contriguted to this series. I still really like the system, despite some downgrades in opinion from various sources due to graduations and trades. While there are a number of recent graduates that have somewhat depleted the system, it doesn't bother me because that's what they are SUPPOSED to do. What stinks is some injuries that have slowed many of those graduates; Kirilloff, Larnach, Alcala probably most of all. But their potential impact can't be denied when you look at ability. On the PLUS side, I still see some potential high end, difference makers in the system such as Lewis, Lee, Rodriguez, Raya, Prielipp, and I'd include Julian as well. Then there's a handful of Martin and Balazovic that could be on that list with a rebound in 2023. Yes, I'm including Balazovic because the talent remains despite his latest setback. On the NEGATIVE side, I see a discrepancy in the system from the top 10 to the bottom of the top 20 and carrying over in to the 20-30 range. Still some potentially very good players with futures, but overcoming injuries, and just being very young. And the trades have something to do with that, of course. But I like the depth in the system overall. I can easily see guys like Canterino and Enlow, and a few others having really good careers still, and climbing these lists in the near future. And there's more than a handful I can see surprising everyone and carving out a career. Just for example, someone like Anthony Prato, who played just about everywhere for Wichita last season, and quietly put up a very good offensive season, could be a very good utility/role player in the near future. We definitely need help at catcher, which is why 5 of them have been selected in the last 2 drafts. Now, someone needs to step up from that group, and hopefully soon. At least there's numbers and potential there, albeit, little experience. Interesting to note that there are 6 international signings in the top 20, whether by the Twins or acquired. And there are a few kids outside the 20 that might make a move in 2023 to challenge. I believe I picked both Raya and Severino last season when we picked different pitchers and players at various levels to click. I may have picked Festa, but can't recall for sure, or my other choices at the moment. I'll stand by Severino as he was pretty good at 2 levels and seemed to finally get his game on. Raya was everything hoped for. For this year, on the mound, I think Prielipp is too easy of a choice. I'm looking at Nowlin to make a believer out of people, and for 2022 draft pick Cory Lewis to make a Festa like move and get people's attention. Just a hunch. I also have my eye on Zebby Matthew's, from the same draft last year. Again, just a hunch. On the player side, I will go with Miller starting to flash a little more power and BA to go along with his plate discipline. And I'm going out on a limb here to suggest that a pair of catchers selected in 2021 might surprise and muscle their way in to the top 20. Pat Winkel went from draft choice with a few low A games to being at A+ CR and held his own. The previously mentioned Cardenas didn't have great numbers, but was solid with an outstanding OB%, telling me has an idea how to hit. My darkhorse is Will Holland, 5th round pick from Auburn in the 2019 draft. He hasn't hit much yet, but has shown an OK OB%, is athletic, has great speed, and seems to have just about fully converted to CF. He was promoted to AA for about 1/3 of the season. If his bat starts to catch up with athleticism, he might surprise.

By all reports, Pagan is a good guy and a good teammate. By all reports, he's had basically one good season and that was 3 or 4 years ago. I understand the temptation he offers with velocity and SO ability. But striking out 4 in 2 IP but allowing a 2 or 3R HR doesn't make it all right. And new pitch or not, pitching in lower pressure situations should make any relievers numbers look better. I will root for him and hope for the best. But if there was actually interest in him, I would have grabbed what I could, saved his $3.5M, and applied a little more to that figure and signed a FA that I felt good about and had either a better history or a more solid base to expect positive progression from.

There is an argument to be made that your very best players should be at the top of the lineup to get as many opportunities as possible. But I take SOME exception to this idea, as so many stats talk about the top 3 spots, as I've read previously. Buxton is not some traditional leadoff hitter with speed and SB ability, along with pop/power, that we expected when drafted. He has become a very dangerous hitter with power and run production who can make a better difference not being a leadoff hitter. I'm not certain who the #1 hitter is going to be most days. I just know that Correa and Polanco are going to be part of the top of the order. But I don't believe Buxton should ever hit #1. But he should be hitting in the 3rd or 4th spot as a powerful run producer. Forget his SB potential. That's for special occasions when we really need it. Let him keep his legs underneath him to run out doubles and the occasional triple, speed still kills, but let him be the powerful and dangerous bat he can be in the 3 or 4 spot. He's much more valuable as the #1 CF and run producer he can be in those spots. Just MIGHT keep him more healthy as well.

Not disagreeing with this list. I think it's accurate. But it should ABSOLUTELY be 5 guys with Kirilloff added. GALLO: While I'm ambivalent about signing Gallo, I can see the reasoning. Is it possible he's just slipping, the league has figured him out, etc? Yes. But his production and power and OPS were well over .800 with Texas his previous 5yrs, despite one poor year. A look at his production shows a cliff once he was traded to the Yankees, and then the Dodgers to end 2022. The obvious discrepancies seem to indicate to me he was just never comfortable and never fit in. He now has a "reset" in Minnesota. I'm hesitant to offer expectations for his production in 2023, but I think it's very possible he reverts back to his Texas days and is suddenly back at his career numbers there where he still doesn't "hit", but has a very nice OB% and big time power and is a real threat in a 5-7 spot in the lineup. Here's hoping! ALCALA: He's got to prove he's healthy and BACK. IIRC, his late season performance in 2021 wasn't just experience, but also a result to him adjusting a 3rd offering. I believe it was a form of change, but can't recall exactly. He looked pretty good to begin 2022 before his elbow acted up. The proposed numbers offered up would be just fine as the 5th-6th option in the pen. But I think he's got way more potential than that. I would expect solid numbers initially, and then get stronger, more confident, and better as the season goes on and he dusts off some rust. JORGE LOPEZ: I doubt he's as good as he was with Baltimore in early 2022. Those were HOF kind of numbers! But his pure stuff should make him better than his time with the Twins. I find it humorous that so many key on his years as a failed SP at the ML level. He's not that guy any longer. He's now a talented arm with some great stuff who has ONE YEAR converting to the pen. The STUFF has never been in question. While a RH and not a LH, I keep thinking about Perkins. Some great stuff, expectations, but poor results as a SP. He became a stud All Star reliever, but it still took him a year or so to adapt and figure it out. Lopez made the transition, but also had to pack up his stuff and move to a new team/city half way through his season. With time now to settle in and reset himself with the Twins, his projections aren't terrible, but I'd expect a lot more. LARNACH/KIRILLOFF: Let's just be honest, these 2 have a HUGE potential impact on 2023 and the future. BOTH were top draft choices and TOP prospects. BOTH offer quality bats, decent OB, and power and run production potential. BOTH seem to offer good split production as well. It's really easy for someone to look at the production numbers from each and be pessimistic. BUT, when you watch and look/read what they did when HEALTHY over the last 2yrs, they BOTH basically raked, as hoped and expected. Where they diverge is the injury history. Larnach hurt his hand, and then had an abdominal issue. There is nothing chronic in regard to Larnach. If Larnach has spent the remainder of 2022 and his offseason just working on his core, he could be ready for a breakout as an OF/DH until he takes over a corner spot full time in the near future. Kirilloff is in a very different situation with a chronic issue that MAYBE/HOPEFULLY is fixed now. Early reports are he's ready to go with soreness, but not pain, as he just gets his wrist back to "normal" post surgery. And you'd have to expect that. I expect Larnach to be 100% and be a difference maker, though still inexperienced and not hitting his ceiling just yet. I expect Kirilloff to be nursed a little bit and take 75 swings daily instead of 100 just to get his wrist adjusted and ready. Just giving him time to build up and adjust. If his procedure has worked, he's a difference maker for 2023 and beyond, even if it takes him a little while to get in to a confident groove.

I always believe you wait as long as possible to move someone to the pen. I think that's an obvious perspective to have. A 3rd pitch suddenly develops, control suddenly gets better with mechanical adjustments, or a light suddenly comes on in regard to "pitching" and it proves you were right to wait. Besides, while there is definitely an adjustment mentally in moving to the pen, there is also a change in physical preparation as well. But realistically, any milb SP could be brought up at any time and asked to enter the beginning of an inning and just do the best you can for as long as you can. But getting stretched back out is a different situation. But sometimes it's just obvious someone is destined to be a reliever. And Jax falls in to that category and the results were excellent, with hope of being even better with experience. Sands had a really nice 2021 at AA before having a disappointing 2022 at AAA and with the Twins. Does that mean he CAN'T still "find himself" as a SP? Not at all. But if you watched him last year, you saw some bad AB's, some wildness, and then you saw him finish an inning strong, or have a great 2nd inning after a poor one. But what I believe I saw was an OK fastball and a potentially excellent breaking stuff. It's interesting to me that he appears to be the 1st guy mentioned as making the transition as that's what I also feel after watching him in 2022. His FB should play up in shorter stints and again, his breaking stuff looks potentially nasty. Henriquez didn't have a very good AAA season, but was better later in the year and looked pretty interesting in his late promotion to the Twins pen to finish. But I believe he's still only 22yo, has velocity and some potentially really nice secondary stuff. Still so young, and with potential, I agree with keeping him as a starter for now. Forgetting further development, does his physical stature indicate he's going to have stamina to maintain his stuff beyond 4-5+ IP? I think he's got everything available to be great for 1-2 innings as a bullpen piece, and I believe that's where he ends up. But more IP RIGHT NOW as a rotation piece allows more time to harness his stuff. So I can get waiting on him a little longer. I'm confused on Winder. Does he really have a shoulder issue? Like so many, if he had a normal offseason last year, and tutelage of coaches and trainers to more properly prepare, would his shoulder issue have been eliminated? He made the roster last year on merit. And he was pretty solid in his role to begin the season, though his K numbers were down, until his shoulder issues from 2021 returned again. Is this chronic? Or did he suffer from the odd and abbreviated offseason/ST affect him? He's been a pretty highly regarded SP prospect previously, so I don't know that I'd be anxious to convert him just yet either. All that being said, the one thing the pen has largely lacked the past few years is someone who can throw some solid middle innings. The Twins WANT their SP to throw at least 5, if not 6, innings every game. And there are no Happ, Shoemaker, Bundy, or Archer types to necessarily drain the pen in 2023. But there will be some days where someone just doesn't have it, and someone will be needed to fill some innings. Can Pagan really be considered as a viable 2-3 inning guy? That seems to be his role and let's just say I have serious doubts. So while the Twins state they don't have intentions to move anyone to the pen at this time, I can see a necessary role for someone to fill. Could that be one of the guys mentioned, OR, MAYBE, a surprise 40 man addition like a non roster invite? Absolutely agree St Paul looks loaded pitching wise. They are looking at Balazovic, Varland, SWR, Winder, Henriquez, Sands, and Dobnak as prospects and young arms before we even consider the various non roster signings, who are probably destined for the Saints pen, which is probably their best option to reach MLB again. Right now, there's not enough room in the rotation for all the arms in play to fill. And that's NOT a bad problem to have.

I would have done Moore, and his LH potential based on last year, for $6-7M per a month ago instead of Pagan and his $3.5M. A little more than double for someone with better upside, definitely would prefer Moore.

Not going to disagree with your basic setup there, but looks like you missed Julien. He's absolutely got to be in the mix at DH and a handful of other spots. I think Larnach becomes a full time OF, and Rodriguez is probably a couple years away just based on youth and depth. Hoping Martin becomes part of the equation as well. But Lee and Lewis seem to set a lot of things in to motion don't they?

Mike, it's not about wanting to move him to 2B. Until Correa, I wanted Lewis to work out at SS and stay there for 10yrs and make multiple All Star games. It's about placing the right guys in the right 8/9 spots to create the best lineup you can. I couldn't care less if Lewis played 3B and Lee played 2B. I believe Lewis has more pure quickness and speed than Lee, therefore I believe he's better at 2B...where he might become the best in all of MLB...and can cover more ground, whereas I believe 3B is a little more reaction and arm based. More range is always good, of course. Should Lewis move to the OF, I'm fine with that as well. But as of now, he's not replacing Buxton on a full time basis. If Martin really has a ML future, it's going to be in the OF and not 3B/2B. Neither Larnach or Wallner are going to be infielders. So while Lewis could make a great full time OF, who does he replace? And who replaces him in the infield,? Is the team better with Lewis in the OF instead of someone else and a lesser player at 2B instead. (Lesser being relative, of course). So it's not about Lewis playing 2B instead of Lee, or anyone else. It's just putting the pieces in to place to complete the best puzzle possible. And Lewis at 2B, with the potential to be one of the very best defensively and offensively, might just be the best fit.

As I stated previously, I would have placed Lewis at #1, simply due to being an even better athlete with potentially even more positional flexibility. But who cares? 1A and 1B and it doesn't matter. Plenty of time and options in regard to future lineup construction, but my hunch says Lee at 3B and Lewis at 2B. Just feels natural to me. AK at 1B, Miranda playing both corner spots and DH, Julien ends up covering 2 or 3 spots as well as DH, and remains in the lineup daily, much like Arraez was used. FWIW, though expensive for a utility player, I believe the Twins still have control over Farmer for 2024, and he might stick around as even greater depth. What an INF! But what about Polanco? He's a good 2B and a hell of an offensive player, and not exactly old. Do the Twins part ways despite him being so good? Or does Lewis move to the OF where he would almost certainly be outstanding as well? I keep seeing Martin and Larnach in the corners, Celestino as a 4th OF, (replacing Taylor), and Wallner still getting a shot as well, starter or otherwise. So what the Twins decide is Polanco's future might dictate how the lineup ultimately sets up. What I don't question is Lee as the primary 3B or 2B. I used to believe Kirilloff would be the Twins #3 hitter once established, (and healthy). But I now believe AK will slide further down the lineup and Lee will be that #3 hitter. A switch hitter with his bat to ball skill, OB%, and power just seems perfect for that role. He begins this season at AA. He's probably up to St Paul mid year if he continues on his current path. Let him earn his promotion, like anyone else. No need to force the issue, he will be just fine. There's a very good chance he's going to be ready for 2024, whether day one or slightly later.

100! But just to add to this, the Lewis quote of: "I'm more excited to make those plays at the wall, but it's a little more dangerous" is clearly speaking to contact with the padding on a hard rundown of the ball. NOWHERE is there any sort of reference to being injured, or any cause of his injury, which again, came from an awkward leap and planting of his leg, and was not caused by any contact with the wall itself.

All valid points. And I don't disagree that Hand wouldn't be a given to make the team. And again, maybe the Twins aren't really interested, or only interested in a milb deal with an opt out. And I have no problem with that either. In fact, I might even prefer it. I like the option game. But I don't know that its necessarily always an absolute for me. And for argument sake, we'll just continue to use Hand. We could just as easily be talking about a 1B, OF, UTIL, etc. So Hand signs for $2M with some incentives that could push him to $3M based on appearances. IP, etc. His addition doesn't cost anyone a job, or place on the 40 man, he simply fills a temporary 40 man spot due to someone going on the 60 man. If he performs well, you have an inexpensive, wily veteran LH to help in the middle innings, giving you a luxury of 3 LH arms in the pen for matchups. And if he doesn't look good...or starts OK and then disappears...much like Joe Smith in our 2022 pen...your "option" is to just cut bait, open up another 40 man spot for someone else, and promote someone like Megill, already on the 40 man, back up to the parent club. The only thing lost is the $2M given to Hand in this theoretical signing. I also don't believe you just fill the empty 40 man spots simply to fill them. But, still using the Hand scenario as we're already in that neighborhood, the Twins will have Coulombe at St Paul. They might look at Hand and his peripherals and whatnot and feel he's worth a looksee. So they bring him in, and keep him or cut him as they see fit, and when they see fit. And then Coulombe is still sitting there ready to be added to the 40 man if you want to bring him up. Again, all hypothetical. But why not take a flier or two, or make an addition or two, with those empty 40 man spots if there is someone out there you think might actually help you? Of course, there might not be anyone you actually like out there well enough to bring in over and above anyone you already have available. And I'm fine with that. Personally, I would have spent $6-7M on someone that I liked better than Pagan and his $3.5M instead of even considering Hand, but that's just me. But the Twins have 2 or 3 open 40 man spots now, depending on what they decide to do with Canterino. And they can easily promote Helman, Garlick, Coulombe, or whoever. And they can wait to do so until they see other teams' cuts and see if there is someone they'd like to take a flier on. And, of course, this discussion is about more than just Hand. But to me, one "option" we never talk about is the option to just cut someone if you take a shot and it doesn't work.

That's a very interesting question. But should a move like this happen...reminding ST is here and the hot stove league is well over... it's not happening because either party is going in just expecting to be waived. The veteran is looking for a shot to prove himself and make a club. And if he doesn't, then like any other athlete, he's auditioning for anyone else watching. For the ballclub, it's the possibility of adding another good player, probably on the cheap, for undoubtedly a 1yr deal only, in hopes of gaining a "steal" of a potential asset. In other words, a solid veteran who might have one more good year in the sun inside of him and it's low cost and low risk to take the shot. So I don't think either party looks at a late deal like this as any sort of slight or insult if it doesn't work out.

Wow! Embarrassed that someone who follows the milb system as close as I do can't remember even hearing of the kid before! Agree his 2022 numbers look great. And the fact that he's athletic enough to be that versatile is intriguing and would tell me he's got the ability to develop in to a quality defensive backstop. (Not just a lumbering brick wall). I also agree that his age per level opens up questions about his actual potential going forward, exploding in his 2nd FCL season. But then again, if he didn't play at all in 2020 at 19yo, can we dismiss his 2021 numbers as a rusty 20yo and accept his 2023 production as a 21yo to be perfectly fine labeling him as a legitimate prospect?

So the thing is, it's only money. Nobody needs to be removed from the 40 man to sign him. He won't cost a ton and might have a repeat of 2022, giving the pen a solid 3rd LH option. He can be cut if he stinks. And even without options, there is always the IL "tired arm" symptom if he needs a re-set and a rehab before you eventually cut him. There is nothing to lose here except someone like Megill beginning the year at AAA instead of with the Twins. But as Dman mentions, maybe they want to add a RH bat instead? Maybe they just feel Coulombe is already as good of an option and might as well just add him. I mean, he's been pretty good the past few years for the Twins.

I love Lee a ton as a prospect, think he's the real deal, and believe he's got a great future in MLB...and soon...at either 2B or 3B. But Lewis is just so talented and has already flashed in 2022 at just how good he might be. He's still my #1 prospect. But honestly, doesn't it even matter which one is ranked #1? Lewis is young, hard working and diligent. He made a great recovery the 1st time. This 2nd injury was not a complete tear, only partial. Also, it's being reinforced with the new "brace" technology that's been developed. I fully believe he just needs a little time and it's a "when" he's 100% and ready to go, and not an "if". While Polanco is one of my favorite Twins and great ballplayer, and I am in NO hurry to move him, Lewis and Lee could both be some combination of the 3B/2B of the near future, while each being able to cover SS as well when Correa needs a day off. Further, nothing says Lewis can't be a tremendous OF, of play a combination of both. He's that talented, athletic, and potentially versatile. His skills play anywhere you want to put him. The future is looking pretty right on the dirt and the grass for the Twins.