DocBauer

Look, I'm just spitballing my own thoughts here, but I do think anticipation is meeting frustration on a virtual battlefield at the moment. And I'm as frustrated as hell to see "the plan" come to fruition. Because the original "plan" made a lot of sense to me: "augment and promote and we're going to see changes soon". And so far, it hasn't worked. We can say Ober is NOT a success yet because he hasn't performed long term after getting hurt this year. Ditto for Winder, who looked pretty good the first couple of months. But if they are healthy in 2023, do we do a sudden rewind and give kudos? Not every Cleveland success story was a SP drafted and developed by them. Some were acquired via trade. So over 2023 and beyond if Ryan keeps getting better and SWR actually turns out to be a quality SP, do we credit the Twins or the teams that drafted them? Not so different than Duran becoming a top of the league RP here in 2022. Is that credit to the Twins? Or are they just benefactors from a trade made a few years ago? Varland has been on the rise since drafted, just like Winder. He looked good in his debut. Hopefully he's a part of a new wave of quality young arms that help make a difference. What the Twins CAN'T DO is consistently sign $25M+ pitchers, or survive with mediocre SP, or continue to trade away potential young arms to fill out their rotation. SOME of that, yes, it's how you build a good team. And I'm as sick and tired as anyone at watching injuries seemingly happen at every turn at the ML level and the milb level. But in reality, 2021 and 2022 are the first years in which the prospects have just been arriving. Ober and Winder are not failures at this point. Ryan looks good, and he's a Twin now, and his future success and development is as a Twin. Same with SWR if and when he comes up. A healthy and back on track Balazovic in 2023 could go a long, long way to building this rotation. Varland being the solid arm we hope he can be will do the same. And yes, there remain a few really interesting arms lower in the system that bear watching. Again, I'm as frustrated as anyone the proverbial "pipeline" hasn't delivered what was hoped for yet. But again also, the prospects only started to arrive in 2021 and this year. Someone mentioned Berrios as an example. Great. Loved him, big fan. He stunk his first season. But at least he was never hurt, grant you that. I'm withholding my final vote on the FO until next year. I want to see the arms they've traded for...via prospects...be healthy and productive. And I want to see the young arms who have just recently debuted...or are close to doing so... also be healthy and productive. And if I don't see positive results atnthat point, then I'm going to be talking about failure.

No matter any issues I had with the construction of the team, primarily the bullpen, my absolute #1 WORST part of this season is ABSOLUTELY INJURIES. And I don't know how anyone, IMO, can debate that. Despite any misgivings about Paddack or Mahle, (who sure looked healthy when traded for and his first 3 starts), Alcala and Winder could have made a major difference. Even with Kepler being an almost zero factor after his foot injury, what kind of difference might a healthy Larnach and Kirilloff and Lewis have made? Ever think you would actually miss Garlick after we ran through a veritable gauntlet of LHSP for a while there? And, sorry for those who don't like him, but losing Jeffers was a big blow, IMO. My greatest wish for 2023...along with a handful of moves...is to just see better health overall for the Twins and to actually see the team, ON THE FIELD, that the Twins could potentially employ. Man would I like to see that. 2] Sticking with a single, detrimental arm like Pagan, stubbornly, for so long and after so much history of poor performance was hugely disappointing. When the pen is bailing out water in the boat the best they can and he kept pouring buckets right back in was inexcusable. Whether they made an earlier trade or auditioned ANYBODY the results couldn't have been worse. 3] Sanchez has been a slight disappointment to me. I wasn't expecting anything great. I hoped for better defense, and I think we got that. I hoped for his power and OK OB ability to remain with just a "nudge" in his batting toward the positive. And really, there's been none of that. When crunch time happened and he was given opportunity, he didn't come through. Time to move on. 4] I know I'll get pushback on this, but I've been disappointed in Correa. I've become a fan. I like the guy. I love his defense, despite metrics saying he's had a down year. I'm not saying he hasn't been a great teammate or leader or that I want him gone. But while it's easy to point to OPS+ and other statistics and saying he's doing just fine, I think numbers can ring hollow at times. Again, I like him. He's a good ballplayer. He's done some nice things here in 2022. But it just seem to me he's come through near often enough in key moments. Maybe it's perspective. I can spill out my thoughts about some missed offseason opportunities by the FO, but we're talking about the SEASON, and not the offseason here. So I'm leaving it at that.

Still love my Twins, of course, but am going to have to beg a little forgiveness here due to a combination of 5 game frustration and my first battle with covid has had me out of the loop a little bit for the past 6 days. (Been on my back pretty much until making it back to work today). I didn't watch the game, only followed along with GameDay. Looks like Varland did a tremendous job. Very happy for him and proud of his performance. I'm not in a position to debate whether Varland should have remained in, but, rookie debut, it SEEMS it was the right time to pull him before facing Judge a 3rd time. Considering how good Jax has been, a rookie when the season began and making such a good transition to the pen, I have a hard time blasting him for giving up the run he did. Really, the bullpen did their job for most of the game it appears. My goodness is Duran a weapon! From what I've read and the box, feels like the undermanned offense still had chances but didn't come through? I hate laying the blame on one guy, especially when we get to the 12 inning, but I really wish Megill wasn't the guy in that spot. I thought the Twins might have found something in him for a while, but he's been as un-reliable as Pagan for weeks now. And I know with all the injuries the pickings are slim for the last few spots in the pen right now, but I would have rather seen a kid like Sisk up, and the veteran Peacock to help fill those last spots for a good week or so now. Not saying the outcome would have been different today, but when guys aren't getting it done, why not give the talented prospect and the experienced veteran looking good again a shot? Tip of the cap to Varland. I wouldn't be surprised to see him finish the year with the Twins.

Going to need Winder up soon, but probably in the rotation and not the pen, though we could still use consistent long arms there. (Sanchez, Smeltzer, and Sands may be able to handle that role for now.) And it looks like either SWR or Varland are going to get an early shot if the Twins arms keep dropping

Great step for Balazovic. He needs to get right and I believe he will. Still think the early knee issue and late start just messed with his mechanics and then with his head. I still consider him a top prospect unless he proves otherwise in 2023. I expect a huge turnaround. Losing CES in trade stunk because I think his bat has a chance to be pretty special, and I saw him as a possible replacement for Kirilloff at 1B if AK's wrist doesn't come round. But low and behold, Williams is having a monster year, best one of his career, and at 2 different levels. Good timing to break out!

I agree with waiting to see on all listed. Balazovic has the frame, and stuff, to be an anchor in a rotation. He has shown stuff, development, and continued growth throughout his advancement and made top 100 lists for a reason. SOMETHING has happened in 2022 with his body and his head to mess him up. Even if "healthy" is he feeling discomfort? Did his mechanics get screwed up and his head isn't right? You just DON'T give up on a talented arm after a bad season. You look for a re-set. We can argue all day long about Canterino and whether his arm was destined to implode due to college use or physical construction and it was only a matter of time. At this point, it doesn't matter. Healthy again after surgery, he still has a chance for a nice career, because a healthy Canterino has amazing stuff. Now, to be honest, despite amazing results we've all seen in the past, not everyone comes back. He could still be an outstanding stuff SP at age 26 with a shortened career, or a brilliant RP. The point is, either way, he can still have a fine career and be a PLUS arm either way, just not the length of a career hoped for or initially expected. That's a hell of a lot better than no career. In retrospect, I just wish the surgery had been done earlier. The guy I'm most concerned about is Martin. Were I in charge, I would have NEVER had him miss an entire year and then push him to AA. The Jay's made that mistake and the Twins added to it, after the fact, by acquiring him and making a lateral move with him. And to be fair, he WAS hitting and showing some bat control and ability, etc. Again, top prospect doesn't play for a year and then goes straight to AA AND is playing a position he's barely played before. Contrast that to the Twins handling of Lee this year, a very comparable player, who just gets his feet wet in the FCL, and then jumps to A+ where he's expected to do well and IS doing well. Now, whether after instructs and the offseason he jumps straight to AA Wichita or spends a few weeks at CR is debatable and TBD. But he's going to be at AA soon, if not right away. Compare that now to Marting not playing at all in 2020 and going straight to AA in 2021 and again, playing a mostly foreign position. If someone can't see the basic difference regarding simple indoctrination to pro ball, I'm not sure what to tell say. IMO, despite reports Martin is improving at SS, I'd be looking hard at what makes him COMFORTABLE. Find what makes him COMFORTABLE as a hitter and let him do THAT with continued advice and coaching to maximize his ability. And if he and you, as the Twins, just see him as an OF who can cover 3B/2B, his previous positions, then MAKE THE MOVE and make him an OF with a few games here and there at 3B/2B to keep his hand in play as a fill-in. IMO, he's been messed around enough. Let him play the OF...which we're told he's natural at, and give up the SS experiment, and just let him play and bat. I'd send him to the AFL and let him play the OF exclusively and just hit freely based on what feels natural.

Looked at all of his numbers by season as well as ML career hoping to find a positive sign. I don't see one. Pagan part 2 where a hard throwing 29yo is suddenly going to be transformed by the Twins in to something different and better than he's ever been before? I'm not buying it.

Lots to say! 1] Moral victories don't mean much, but the Twins didn't roll over and die in Houston. They are a good team that I would love to watch healthy, but they haven't given up. 2] LOVED watching Rocco in the dugout talking to Gordon after he sent Garlick up to PH. Anyone else notice that? The message was clear, it was the right move at the right time despite a negative result. But Rocco was instilling belief in Gordon at that moment. I thought it was awesome. 3] The pen was outstanding. What more can be said? Too bad Bundy couldn't have gotten one more out. 4] Urshela!! He was a fan favorite in NY, and he's a fan favorite with the Twins. The guy is just a good ballplayer! There is nothing great about anything he does, if we're being honest. He's a good fielder who makes some great plays, but he's average to above average overall. He's an OK hitter with decent power but not great in any way. Just look at the numbers. They don't lie. He's not great in any measure. But he sure is a good "ballplayer" to have on your team. I have a hard time giving him $8-9M in arbitration to keep him. But if the Twins could settle on a number that makes sense, I'd really like to have him back in 2023. Could discuss using him as a temp backup SS, or expand his limited experience but ability to play 1B/2B, but I'd just really like to see him back if the numbers work out.

To be honest, Bundy has surprised me. He's not great. But he's been durable and solid, as well as pretty consistent. He's got a real bulldog mentality, doesn't walk many, and keeps the Twins in most every game for 5 innings. He's clearly a smart pitcher. I keep thinking how many years in the past we'd of loved to have him as our #5? I think his "value" to this team is underappreciated a bit due to struggles from the pen as well as frustrating injuries to other arms and Archer still sitting there as a 4 inning arm. I wouldn't be upset if he was brought back, but I think $11M would be high when I think the Twins can and should aim higher. Of course, there are some financial questions we just don't know about at this point, meaning Correa, but that's a different discussion for a different day. Pagan, to me, is simple. With a 3yr history of poor results that have continued to trend in 2022, and responsible for double digit losses that have almost single handedly kept the Twins from being in 1st place in the ALC, he should have been gone already. You CAN'T run a state of the art analytics team and NOT be able to look beyond beyond velocity and K's to see poor results that AREN'T NEW in his career. You're just not going to strike gold with a 31yo arm that will be 32 in May next year and expect different results! Even as fans and amateur GM's we can see him pitch OK one day, and get nailed the next. For giggles, Megill probably doesn't have a big future for the Twins. His stuff is as good, and probably better, than Pagan. At 28yo, 29 in December, at least he offers a CHANCE to be viable for a couple of years as late bloomer with a change of scenery. Maybe. But almost 4yrs of Pagan, he is what he is. I don't know if the FO is being stubborn on Pagan, or if injuries and some poor performances from younger arms are "forcing" them to keep him as a middle man for now. But if it was me, he would have been gone after the deadline and I'd be trying almost any arm at St Paul to provide middle relief.

He offers quality CF defense as a starter and #9 hitter or a late inning defensive replacement. He also offers ability as a PR. I guess as a 13th man there is some value there. Other than that? I honestly can't think of any reason to bring him up barring yet another injury. I'd rather stick with Gordon and Celestino day in and day out until Buck comes back.

All due respect to Cave, who came up with a clutch hit late Saturday, I still can't understand why Helman wasn't brought up either in place of Cave or the recently returned Beckham. He's having the best season of his career, is an actual OF, (unlike Beckham), can fill infield spots, and is actually RH. If the Twins were going to clear spots for and Beckham, I would have rather seen a young talent like Helman get an opportunity. He might surprise, and he was a better fit need wise than either of the other two.

I keep seeing the many, many Roadrunner cartoons I watched as a kid. BEWARE of ANYTHING marked ACME anywhere around Buxton or Target Field.

OK, just going to get this out of the way 1st. Like everyone else, I'm sick and tired of mentioning the lost 2020 season. But being sick and tired of it doesn't change the facts that all but a handful of prospects missed an entire season of playing and developing. (The "handful" were at an alternate site). Wallner may be 25 next season, but as a prospect he's equivalent to 24yo next year. I just don't believe a missed year can be so easily dismissed when we talk about the ages of players, more so college draftees. I'm actually optimistic about Wallner, but cautiously so. Others have watched him play defense, I haven't. But it seems like he runs "OK" based on doubles and an increase in his SB. Or is that luck? The arm sounds great. I do believe repetition, work, and coaching can iron out his defense to be at least solid. Am I wrong? He's probably always going to K quite a bit. But as pointed out above, his K percentage this year has actually declined per month, showing development and recognition. His OB and BB totals are relatively solid. And if he's nothing but a future K windmill, then why is he hitting in the .290's for the season? I'm thinking he can actually HIT and take some BB despite SO quite a bit. Is he a better HITTING version of Sano from the LH side? If so, there's real value in his offensive potential. I am curious in regard to his OPS being only a few points different in regard to facing LH/RH pitching. Is that 2022 or his career? Either way, it shows either consistency OR potential growth. I think it's easy to see him as a big guy with some errors and SO and think he's questionable as a ML player. I get it. And again, I'm CAUTIOUSLY optimistic. I don't think he's Rooker part 2. I see a guy who can run well enough for some doubles and a surprise in SB to think he's not exactly a statue and can work on his defense. I see a hitter who can actually HIT a little, takes some walks, and seems to be able to adapt and actually lower his K rate as time goes on. If what what was posted in the OP is accurate, he's far from an auto out against LHP. I like Larnach and AK better at this point in all regards, though Wallner probably has more pure HR power than either, TBD. And he has to CONTINUE to grow defensively as well as offensively, proving he can continue to do what he's been doing, which is be a hitter with decent OB and average. But I think he grew a lot between the AFL and this current season. Again, I'm cautiously optimistic but I wouldn't bet against him at this point. Constant growth is a good sign.

Just STICKING someone in LF isn't an easy answer. You have to expect at least average defense or you are asking for trouble. Julien has played some OF, it's not foreign territory to him. Maybe he just lacks the ability to judge the ball off the bat? That's a major issue. Maybe he needs to stick to 1B/2B/3B, all of which he's played at some point. But I sure would work him hard at instructs and maybe the AFL in LF to see if he can stick there. At some point, always thought Larnach might take over RF and either Martin or Julien might settle in LF. If nothing else, Julien just being acceptable in LF increases roster/lineup flexibility and gets him on the field. Regarding Martin, the Twins have previously stated they believe he is an OF natural right now. Probably the reason they've been so determined to keep him at SS to see if he can actually develop and stick there. IMO, at some point, you have to make a decision that it just might not work and just let Martin play mostly OF and hope the bat comes around. Beckham is a filler RH bat because they don't have another one to call up. Cave is an OF filler because everyone else is injured. Honestly, even if you decide not to protect him, I'd just as soon see OF Helman up to play OF and provide a RH bat. Not sure he wouldn't hit better than Cave, provide a platoon option with Gordon, and fill a role until/if Garlick is ready. He's got talent, is having a solid season, and tossing Cave out there day after day isn't accomplishing anything at this point.

I think Moran has legitimate ML stuff. His BB are absolutely an issue, but haven't always been as high as this year. For whatever reason, there has been fluctuations over his career. He's got some velocity and a decent slider, but it's those pitches he needs to harness better, IMO, and not the change. And while his BB are unacceptable at any level, the K's are there and most of his numbers at the ML level are actually better than at AAA in almost the same number of IP. Weird. Sisk has had a good year, no doubt, great at AA and good at AAA last I looked. The Twins need a 2nd LHRP option and I'm not sure who that is going to be. Just might be a FA signed this offseason. But at some point, Moran and Sisk do deserve a look, or another look. It's up to Moran to PROVE he belongs, but he also deserves that next look see at some point. Biggest issue, IMO, is the middle relief now and going forward.

I have enough old school in me that I have mixed feelings about playing every NL team. On the one hand, it's fun to play someone "different" now and again. And while I enjoy inter league play, I've always embraced at least some separation between the leagues. But the NFL and NBA haven't had such stringent scheduling restrictions for years, so it's probably time to open things up a little more now, especially with the universal DH. I greatly dislike the Brewers match ups being mid week games. Each should be a 3 game weekend series for the sake of the fans for both teams, PERIOD. I also dislike so few games within the division late in the year. It takes away from potential excitement for a divisional run. To me, there has always been a lot if interest in 2, or even 3, teams going down to the wire the last month of the season to see who comes out on top of the division. Forget scoreboard watching, I want to see those teams play against one another with the division on the line. I don't know that this new schedule necessarily is necessarily "harder" on the Twins, or anyone else. Maybe. But there are "poor" teams in each league and every division. And at the end of the day the goal remains the same, win your division, and then shoot for a WC if you don't do that. Where I DO see a potential pitfall is a WC chase. There remains a financial discrepancy...not to be fixed any time soon...between markets. Now, those discrepancies aren't exact, and even some large market teams are simply bad at times. Money available doesn't always equate to success. Witness the Orioles and Angels as examples. But it could make the WC a little harder.

I never bought in to 10yrs and $350M. I mean, why not ASK for it? But just because the Rangers DID do similar doesn't mean anyone else is going to. Even with bad timing, it's still seemed strange someone didn't make a longer deal offer at least. But a year older, down year at the plate notwithstanding, why take $70M over 2yrs and try again when a 5 or 6 year deal now for "only" $30M per more than doubles that? Even $25M per more than doubles the $70M. So even if he wants to stay, even if $35M per is off the table, he's still smart to opt out and end up with a bigger payday than opting in. There's competition in the market this year yet again. And a lot of the top spending teams may be out, for all the reasons listed in the OP. He's going to get paid, no question. But I think it's more $30M-ish per for 5-7yrs.

Nowlin! Wow! I honestly hadn't paid attention to him when drafted. My initial reaction was "meh, probably an interesting BP option in a few years". But then I heard Seth mention him once and have been paying closer attention since. My goodness does he look interesting! Tons of velocity and K's while not being very big. Just have to wonder about his arsenal and is there makings of a true SP there.

My thoughts, FWIW: 1] There is a tightrope to walk in regard to veterans and sticking with them. For arguement sake only, let's say the Twins had Nathan, or equivalent, and he slumps. You stick with a guy like that and let him work it out. Not going to debate how long the Twins stuck with Colome in 2021. We know the results. But he was proven and coming off one of his best seasons ever. You give that guy a little time. Now, did they give him too much time? Well, we saw the results, although truth be told, he was pretty good from June on, too little way too late. Moving on from Duffey and Lewis was good. Should have already moved on from Pagan. You just can't stubbornly hold on to someone that long with such poor results! 2] Monitoring your SP IP is fine. Building them up is fine. But at some point you have to examine diminishing returns. Is a 6th IP, maybe an out or two more, worth the "risk" of facing a lineup a 3rd time actually worse than brining in a RP at that point? Well, it might be if you can trust all 8 guys most days. If you have a strong back end but nothing for middle relief, then you are inviting trouble no matter which way you turn. I do believe we have a couple of arms that can be trusted for a 6th IP at least some days. What I just can't understand is how we, as amateur GM's, have recognized all season the Twins needed at least one quality middle/long-ish guy. We had it briefly with Winder until injuries hit. (And let's be honest, they hit pretty hard at times). Rocco finally spoke up a few weeks ago regarding this need. Right now, for the most part, the Twins seem to have a solid back 5. But is Sands ready to be one of those bridge guys? Megill looks like a diamond in the rough. But can he go 2? And do we really trust Pagan to do anything other than just the occasional 1 IP without damage?? It's the middle 3 spots now and next year that really concern me. 3] If you are a mid market team with financial considerations that the big market teams don't have, the one place where you can cheat a little is the pen. But that doesn't mean you ignore it! This is where a couple really good arms are needed but you can use talented young arms like Duran and Jax and others to fill a void. You can build a good looking backend like the Twins seem to have NOW, post deadline additions and what's on hand. But again, you can't just ignore those middle inning transitional guys. The Twins have addressed the pen during their offseasons. They just haven't addressed it very well, too often banking on fliers to fill roles in the backend. Once in a while you need to sign an actual good arm, or two, and look at fliers who can find success as the bridge guys. Right now, looking forward to 2023, I can see a pen that might not need a lot of help. Assuming Fulmer is back, I can see our final 5 looking the same and being damn good. Megill offers some potential. Moran does the same. There are a couple guys like Sisk and others who might provide depth. But they simply can't approach 2023, or any season again, without making sure the middle innings have a certain level of competency and ability regardless of your backend.

I've never predicted #1 status for him. But then again, I've never really predicted that for anyone. It takes time to refine your stuff, your approach, and gain experience at the ML level. But i do love a lot of things about him and his approach. Last year, when he debuted, and early in the season this year, there was a lot of talk about his slider, and how good it worked with his FB. It does appear said slider has either lost bite, or command, or both. And maybe the missed time weakened him, or threw off his mechanics, or both. But he does need to figure it out again. I'm willing to bet he does. Talented, smart kid with a bulldog mentality. Have to remember, he's still a rookie. He's still learning. How could he could be is TBD. But there's room to learn and grow. And I'm OK with that. I think he's going to be a very good part of the rotation for years to come, even if he "only" settles in as a very good #3 type.

I indeed did. A rushed post and a poor mistake on my part. Thank you for the correction! There, fixed!

Never really studied his delivery time, so can't comment on that. And I don't think releasing him is just about Detroit or KC nabbing him, though it's an interesting point for sure. It just seems like they are so mystified by his "good numbers" and moments that they just can't seem to see the big picture. They just seem to believe they can "fix" his issues, despite what history shows, and have something and are afraid someone else will get the suddenly "reliable" Pagan. Dont get me wrong, I'm always glad when the Twins win and someone has a good day. But those "good days" with Pagan simply don't outweigh the bad days and the damage done. Nor does it address the needs of the pen. (Sigh).

Every team has injuries, no doubt. Could it be argued the Twins have taken too many chances on a couple guys traded for? Hmmm....maybe. But Maeda was even better than hoped for and will probably be good again. A year from now, we might all be talking about extending Paddack beyond 2024. But CRIPES, I can't believe any team in all of MLB has had more TOP prospects have early injury woes. I mean, we could go all the way back to Kubel and Mauer, but just the past few seasons we're talking Kirilloff, TWICE, and Larnach, and Lewis, TWICE as well, and now Canterino and maybe...hopefully not...Winder. Wow! I'm sure I'm probably missing someone. It's almost like every top 10 prospect in the system is 40/60 to have some major injury/setback. And we're not talking guys that were drafted with an injury history. And let's not even get in to concussions! Off topic I know, but man have the Twins been snakebit!

I like this move. He's an under the radar arm who's had some success and has experience. He helps St Paul and might do a fill-in job with the Twins if the injury bug isn't done with us. I also liked the Peacock addition for the same reason. Almosr every year you try to have 1 or 2 guys at the end of the 40 man who might help, but you can risk losing to clear a roster spot. You also want a couple guys like Minaya and Coulombe who can get invites as milb FA who could surprise and fit in at some point. Truth is, I'm not sure the Twins haven't done better on the milb invites than they have on the fringe 40 man guys. Getting a couple of these guys now just might give a leg up on brining them back for 2023. Hoping Sanchez might be one of those guys. Looks like a completely different pitcher since he came to the Twins.

You NEVER apologize for winning a game, much less a series. This Miranda kid looks like he might be pretty good. Gordon keeps doing things to make me like him more and more. Did the time away from the Twins re-energize Celestino? I know it's early, but I'm kinda wondering if the Twins didn't unearth a real find in Megill. Just a tremendous job by the bullpen all series, no matter who they were playing. I know he didn't pitch today, but watching Sands Tuesday night I kept thinking: "Yes! Keep doing that! You've got a real future if you can just keep throwing like that!" I don't want to sound like a jerk, but, are we glad Pagan had a good day?