DocBauer

I have a very hard time debating baseball in the Olympics vs the WBC. I'm not sure there is room for both. But maybe that's more of a scheduling situation? The NBA and NHL have found ways to participate in the Olympics despite having long seasons. But the summer Olympics usually take place right in the middle of the MLB season. And considering the ML season stretches in to November, I don't know that MLB could do any better than assembling a MILB team to compete. And thats unfortunate, not for national pride, but for the beauty of the sport. There's no easy answer. You can't start ST every 4yrs 3-4 weeks earlier, and stretch the WS in to late November to accommodate the Olympics? Or can you? The WBC should stay in place, IMO, based on simple time lines. But I applaud Correa for sitting this one out, despite national pride. I mean, forget about his dedication to his craft and obligation to the Twins. His immediate obligation is to the birth of his child! NOTHING trumps that!

I KNOW it's slightly off topic, but when I read this, I couldn't help but reflect on the current 40 man roster and many of the top 10-20 prospects and just speculate about the Twins immediate future timeline. Position player wise, there are some givens such as Buxton, Vazquez, Jeffers, Correa, AND Miranda. I LOVE Polanco, but not sure I can make him "given" right now. While we still have to see better health...doesn't the worm have to turn at some point?...both Larnach and Kirilloff have been TOP prospects for a reason. And they've both looked very good in SSS when on the field. Lewis has already shown how good he might be at ANY position if his "smaller" injury is over and done. Lee looks like the real deal. How can anyone argue that Julien doesn't look like a future ML player? The jury is still out on Wallner and Martin. But the potential of Martin is real...OF and table setter and forget him being a 25+HR hitter for now...and Wallner needs some defensive improvement, but the bat has the potential to play at the ML level. He showed growth week by week and month by month in 2022. He didn't look out of place in his debut. He's got a chance. And I'm not even going to mention Celestino getting most, or all, of 2023 at AAA to refine his game and get back on track as a possibly good 4th OF offering. Position player wise, this team could have a very talented team now, in 2024 and beyond, and cost controlled, even with a few question marks. And I'm deliberately ignoring pitching as the OP is about Miranda, and the player roster. I restate, does it matter if Miranda can be a solid 3B and potentially be replaced by Lewis or Lee in the next year or so? No. Hell, someone might be traded. And if not, he can be outstanding as a 3B/1B/DH. That's not a bad thing! Do I want to see Polanco, one of my favorite players, moved? No. But it could happen in the next year or so because of the young talent knocking on the door. It's NEVER a bad thing when you appear to have "too much talent".

I understand and appreciate your consternation. And as I stated, I'd be fine with Chafin as well. But you have to consider 2 points: 1] Most quality RP...and most all of them in general...were "failed" SP for one of many reasons. And they found new life as a bullpen piece. Just speaking Twins history alone, you'd be looking at Aguillera, Tremblay, Perkins, just to name a few. So Moore's history as a failed SP shouldn't weigh on his potential to continue as a quality BP arm going forward. 2] When ST is about to start, anyone still on the market is probably not going to get some "max value" contract. They will "settle" for lower value, possibly even a 1yr deal. AND, just because a few teams went NUTS and overspent on a BP arm simply doesn't necessarily set a standard that the other 20+ teams are willing to pay. I wouldn't touch Moore, or any RP probably, for $10M unless he was proven and special. But I'd STRONGLY suggest $7-8M per on a 1-2yr deal for an arm with electricity wouldn't be a bad choice. And right now, there is a dearth of LH BP options for the Twins. Thielbar is great, and probably has more life left. Moran has a potentially great future, but has reverse splits and needs to get better against LH bats. Headrick is a SP option on the 40 man who MIGHT help or move to the pen. Coulombe is a non 40 man option AGAIN who can help, and probably will. After that, you've got 2 or 3 arms that pitched for AA last year that are intriguing, and MIGHT find themselves as viable options at some point late in 2023, or, more likely, as 2024 options. Again, I wouldn't drop $10M or so on Moore or anyone available. But I'd seriously consider something in the $7-8M range for a port sider that could push the bullpen from solid to potentially great.

It's going to be interesting for sure. Shifting and positioning will still exist, as they did for over 100yrs, just not as extreme. I know some don't like the change as they feel baseball should be allowed to adapt, much like defenses in the NFL always adapt. I wonder, is going back...more or less...to how things USED TO BE bad for baseball? The part of the rule change I don't like is all infielders having to begin each pitch on the dirt. Even in the "old days" a 2B or SS might play a step or two on the grass. And I'm not sure why they felt they had to make the "dirt" clause part of the rule change. I dont think Correa is really affected due to his strong arm. I don't see where a 3B is affected at all. Even when teams were making extreme shift moves, a 3B was still a 3B, sometimes moving more toward a SS positioning. They can still do that. Despite watching milb hilights of Miranda at 3B, and watching him play the position some in 2022, I'm still not really sure about his arm strength. Generally speaking, a 3B has to be in front of the ball, period. It's why an older player lacking range like Donaldson, for example, can still be effective with a strong arm. I just want to see Miranda "get to balls". His new found conditioning should only help him do so. Polanco has probably lost a little range due to previous injuries. But when healthy, the former SS has decent range still, a decent enough arm, and has experience making quick and off balance throws. I'm just not sure he's really affected either. Ironically, if Kirilloff is ready to take over 1B...or WHEN he's ready to do so...he might have the 2nd best infield arm. Farmer is a good defensive player. Not great, but good. Gordon's arm, when he plays the infield, is pretty average. But he's got the speed and quickness to get to balls. In the near future, Lee and Lewis have pretty good arms. Not sure about Julien's arm. IMO, RANGE is still the biggest factor for an infielder. True Gold Glovers have range AND an arm. Limited range can be offset somewhat by a great arm. But if I had to actually choose range vs great arms, I think I'd pick range. I just don't know that the change in shifting is any more of a detriment to the Twins than any other team.

Yes please. I would love Moore or Chafin, I'm not picky. There is a lot of depth and a ton of possibilities for the pen. But not only are some of the arms young and not fully proven at the ML level, but they are virtually all RH. Coulombe has been a nice fill in piece for a few years now with the Twins, but we should be aiming higher. This team has a chance to win some games and it makes no sense to me to stop at 3B for a triple when you might leg out an inside the park HR by addressing this final need. I'm also of the shared opinion that nothing probably happens until ST begins so they can free up a 40 man spot.

At this point, he's so new to the organization that all I know about him are things I've heard and read over about 3 weeks time. So at this point, sure, why not top 10? I see the frame and the projection. The speed appears excellent. He's reportedly got a good arm, which is great because it allows positional flexibility in the future. You can teach/coach someone to get better, but you can't teach/coach someone to suddenly be athletic. I hadn't thought of the Polanco comps, but I can see it. I probably would have dropped him a few spots out of the top 10 based on 2022 numbers, and distance from the ML. I just feel like i want to see a lottle more. But then again, that might just me not being as familiar with him as I am with other prospects. Really looking forward to following him this season.

A good and appreciated exercise. And I couldn't care about pre-season rankings from anyone, though they do provide opportunity for discussion. TIRED and EXHAUSTED commentary, but health remains an issue. Gray remains a high quality pitcher. He's never been a stalwart, but his injuries last year were primarily hamstring issues. Does a normal offseason and ST allow him to start 28-32 games? If so, he's about as good as you can get without a bona-fide #1 ACE. IF all medical reports about Mahle are correct, and he really just had a tired arm after the weird offseason and abbreviated ST and trying to throw too much are accurate, he just might be the Twins #1 and worthy of an extension. He's talented enough, young enough, and removed from Cincinnati's park he could be that guy. I don't know what to expect from Maeda. But he's never been about velocity. He's always been about control and deception. Not sure how many remember how great he looked in ST 2021 while adding a 6th pitch to his repertoire. Reports were that his control at the end of 2022 was surprisingly good. The Twins decided to not pitch him in a lost cause so late in the season, but to get him ready for 2023. His IP may be regulated. But I sure wouldn't bet against him being a solid rotation piece. Why does everyone want Ryan to be an ACE/#1 starter? He was a rookie in 2022. He had a great debut and a good rookie season in 2022, with a natural learning curve, and a covid issue that interrupted his season. He will probably learn, grow, and be even better. But insisting he might be a #1 is wishful thinking. It COULD happen, as #1's HAPPEN here and there, but it takes time. I'm fine with him as a really good SP and waiting to see what happens. Lopez has tremendous numbers overall, but never started more than 21 games until last year. And then he faded some the last half of the year. But the STUFF says at least solid, if not better. The Twins didn't trade for the under 30yo Mahle and Lopez, both with potential, to ONLY have them for 2yrs. Either, or both, will be extension candidates. A healthy Ober might be as good or better than anyone in the current rotation. Past injuries and an option is the only reason he might be on the outside looking in. Despite limited IP in 2021 for obvious reasons, he was not only good, but got better. His limited 2022 was impressive. Don't sleep on him for even a minute. Bullpen, Jax should only get better with experience. Ditto for Duran, though I'm not sure else what he can do but be human some days. Lopez is not going to be as outstanding as he was before the trade, but is not as average as he was post trade. He's going to be fine. Alcala is a bit of a mystery. He finished 2021 in outstanding fashion. IIRC he tightened a few things up but also worked hard on his 3rd offering. He started 2022 well before injury. If he's 100%, he could be a difference maker. But there are a number of rotation and BP arms at the ready. Not sure I've seen this much depth in a long time. I'm not sure all of the projections in the OP will turn out, though they aren't illogical or beyond possibilities. But it sure is nice to see these possibilities and the depth available.

It might sound weird to say, but I'm more disappointed, as a Twins fan, that Vargas didn't approach his ceiling than Sano. Despite being a 1B/DH, I actually thought he might turn out to be the better player/producer. Not to be mean or or judgmental, but I just feel Sano loves to play baseball, and loves being a baseball player, but is happy just being that. His actual numbers and production are actually pretty good. He wasn't any kind of disaster, despite never reaching the ceiling hoped for. But it just feels like he's never had the drive to be better. He just wanted to play, have fun, make $, and see what happens, and maybe just believe he was good enough "as is". Maybe I'm wrong, and I was a supporter of him and his OPS numbers. But it's how I see him now. Without knowing exactly how they want to stack their lineup, or exactly is on hand, I've said for a while now Miami should sign him, most likely on a make good milb deal. With so much pitching and questions about offense, why wouldn't they take a flier on a healthy Sano as a 6th-7th hitter at 1B/DH who will frustrate you and carry you at times. Other than a good match Iike that, I'm not certain he isn't done other than a foreign market. Go Vargas! He's put in the work to keep his dream alive! I doubt the outcome, but good for the Reds to take a milb shot on him.

Something I've stated over and over again, how many true ACES or #1 starters were drafted as such, hit the ML level, and were just that #1 from day ONE? For every Clemons, there was a Randy Johnson who took time to get it right. For every Gooden, there was a Jimmy Key. I'm NOT comparing Varland in ANY WAY to great HOF pitchers! I'm just saying, it's just impossible to predict who will become a top of the rotation SP that is special. Remember when Santana was a rule 5 pick and trade for agreement? Did anyone feel the Twins got a steal? Nope. He was a milb rule 5 trade agreement who got his feet wet in the pen and then moved to the rotation and became a Cy Young winner and borderline HOF pitcher. But the Twins should draft one or go out and trade for one? PLEASE!

I don't know that I've ever said this before, but I don't "get" the intent of the OP, unless it's just to ask/express personal concerns. And that's fine. But I guess I really have to disagree with the premise of such consternation. Miranda is a 3B by trade/experience. He now gers to concentrate on his normal position. What says he can't be OK, or better, or get better? Just Twins history, and nobody else, there is a long list of 3B who were average at best before actually getting better with work and experience. He had barely played 1B before being asked to do so in 2022. He made some bad mistakes. But he got better. Personally, I ignore most all defensive metrics for a rookie playing put of position in his debut. Secondly, as many have stated, and I echo, what on earth is wrong with him losing fat, gaining muscle, and getting in better shape? It can only lead to a quicker swing, (possibly MORE power, not less), greater flexibility on defense, and more endurance for a long season...something Miranda himself was open enough to question. The "he looks sexy" comments are funny on the surface, but speak to hard work and dedication to be the best Miranda can be. I kinda doubt he turned in to some 185lb junior Mr Olympia body builder. No matter how well he actually plays 3B...and I'd eagerly accept solid/average...I do expect him to end up as a 1B/3B/DH in the future. What's wrong with that? Lewis, Lee, and Julien all look like legitimate DUDES. There's a good chance Lee or Lewis will just be better 3B options on a daily basis in the near future. Julien as probably more of an "Arraez" type of utility player who is in the lineup daily but at different spots. Miranda would NOT be a "bad player" because he has a great bat and can play 2 positions and also DH. But for NOW, he's the 3B. Isn't a team supposed to play their best players and find the best spot(s) for them? And then there is the retrospect discussion of Urshela, I guess. I like him. And MAYBE the Twins have overplayed their hand in the whole Kepler situation. (Different topic, different day). I would have been fine in keeping Urshela if the roster construction made sense. But right now, who do you cut to make room for him and his 1yr deal knowing he wouldn't be back? You keep him for 1yr and $9M in case Kirilloff isn't ready? You keep him to put Larnach in AAA? You keep him instead of acquiring the similar bat and far more versatile Farmer...which was basically the initial trade off, no pun intended...who I want to say has 2yrs of control? Urshela doesn't "fit" the construction of the team at this point. The OF depth/abundance seems messy until you examine the flexibility of the roster for contingency options. And that INCLUDES letting Miranda play his natural 3B position to maximize roster and lineup construction. A better built, more in shape, Miranda is a good thing, for him and the Twins. And Miranda eventually possibly/probably turning in to 2 position and DH is NOT a bad thing. But for roster construction for 2023, the "sexy" Miranda at 3B is correct.

Not surprised he needs to refine his secondary stuff a bit more. I think you could say that about most any young pitcher making his debut. And how much he refines those pitches will determine how high of a ceiling he has. Very impressed to go from 15th round pick to the majors in a relatively short timeliness, with steady progress throughout. What I really liked was the quick pace and composure on the mound, especially with a solid debut at Yankees stadium. Wow! Don't know how good he MIGHT be, but I also believe he's in the 2023 rotation. Hopefully at the back end because the front end is so strong.

I selected Coulombe as he just makes the most sense. He isn't great, but he's solid, and been solid for a few years now. It doesn't mean a negative against Moran, it just means opportunity for a 3rd LH who can do a good job in addition to Thielbar and Moran as an affective split differential part of the pen. But to be honest, I sooooo wanted to to pick "someone else" and name Michael Helman. A slow starter and too old to be considered any kind of top prospect, he started to find himself in 2021 and had a damn good 2022 split mostly at the AAA level. He's a potential late bloomer, with a combination of a solid quad split line with speed and the ability to be at least average at 7 spots based on his track record, though I doubt the Twins would put him at SS except in an emergency. As desperate as the Twins were for a viable lineup to end 2022, and with vast 40 man flux, he should have been up for a look-see. What would have made more sense, Cave...who didn't have a future...or Helman?

Agreed on the Arraez comparisons. It doesn't make sense to me other than some "grabbing" at the OB similarities with hope. Fabulous! More speed is awesome! The ability to be better defensively is a big plus. But at similar age and level, Arraez was/is a better hitter with more XB hits. Julien is a better comparison, even with differences. I hope for the best from Martin...but...when do we get to see any of the projections take form?

Crazy how he was signed as a defense first SS with a questionable bat ended up as a #2 or #3 hitter for most of his milb teams. Injuries may have played a part in slowing his range somewhat, but I think he's still a pretty good 2B. The bat isn't a question at all. Even with the dead ball in 2022 he was producing until his injuries slowed him and eventually shelved him. He might be underrated, but not by me. He's an absolute "gamer" each and every day. Healthy, he's one of the Twins best players, producers, and amongst the best in MLB. When he's had his legs healthy, he's hit, hit for power, been one of the hardest players to SO, and has been clutch. While he's one of my favorite players to watch, and been a player I can't wait to see come up with opportunity, I sadly admit he may not be a Twin longer than 2024. Not yet 30yo, and not expensive, I think the reality is guys like Lewis, Lee, and Julien are going to be less expensive, and probably as talented and productive in the near future. In the meantime, I'm hoping for a healthy 2023 where I just know he will be productive and maybe a 4 WAR player again if he stays healthy.

While the FO didn't go the direction I wanted/thought they might/should for RH help, Farmer is good against LH and Taylor isn't exactly bad, and they went the defense and versatility route. Yes, Larnach and AK are SSS, but small history shows they hang in there for sure. (Uncertain of milb history). Jeffers, he of only a little over 500 ML AB is great against LH. (He's GOT to get better against RH). Sounds like a broken record, but if the Twins get the pre-NY Gallo he's got solid splits both ways. So yeah, if the lineup the Twins put out there is the lineup we hope/expect, we shouldn't be so poor against LH arms as we've been the last couple of years. I find myself in a strange place caught between hope and expectation in regard to the lineup and offense in general. I love the possibilities and the depth and balance and the defense. At some point, I believe the worm has to turn, and the incredible rash of injuries needs to cease and find balance the other direction. If that actually happens, we will get the "normal" Gallo...if only for 1yr...and Kirilloff and Larnach will be good to go and begin their ML journey in full step.

OK, so I'm late to this party for sure! A little self-editing on myself: I have stated previously, somewhat flippantly in retrospect, that the Twins should leave him alone and get comfortable and do what feels natural. I never meant to imply in my own personal retrospect of him as a prospect that they SHOULDN'T work with him and develop his swing. He ABSOLUTELY has to develop at least a little power. Martin is a very talented individual. He appears to have a great eye and provides a great OB%. But ML pitchers will bust him inside and tie him up if he can't turn on some pitches and drive others. Hitting .240-.250 at the milb level with a .379-ish slugging does not bode well for a ML career. But he DOESN'T have to be turned in to high 20-35 HR player to be very good. Can we compare Martin and Arraez as potentially similar OB guys? Yes. And while Martin has way more speed than Arraez, Arraez is simply a better "hitter" and can stroke 30+ doubles and can turn on a pitch for HR power once in a while. At least we saw that in 2022. At this point. Martin hasn't come close to doing that. So yeah, Martin HAS to develop some power. Doesn't mean he has to be a slugger, so stop trying to make him one and find an approach to raise the BA a little, and get him to be a 35 doubles, 7 triple, 12-15HR guy with his other skills and you have a potential All Star player. AS A PROSPECT: He's out of my top 10 until I see a better BA and some of that needed pop/power to go along with his OB% and speed. Pop/power doesn't always happen at once, and further, it doesn't mean you are a slugger. But while they need to find a "comfortable place" with his stance and stroke, I need to see more before I jump on his bandwagon. Defensively, SS needs to be done with except as an emergency, late/extra inning situation. He played 2B/3B in college and should continue to work at those 2 spots. But the Twins say he's a "natural" in the OF. That's where he should play: LF/CF and mix in 3B/2B. He might even relax mentally at the plate eliminating SS. (Which I think and hope they are now prepared to do). I believe he was done a disservice being drafted, sitting out a year, and then being placed in AA. He was much better late in 2022...health may have played a part in that...and looked much better in the AFL facing similar pitching. I think he's best served going to St Paul for a challenge and a change of scenery to begin the upcoming year. I have hope for him to figure it out. But he's somewhere in the 11-20 range for me as a prospect until I see a jump with the bat.

I'm just ticked off that now I keep trying to see my nose when I look forward.

Have stated before, and sure I will again, I never like to move someone from the rotation to the pen too early. You never know when that new grip on a change makes a huge difference. Or a prospect suddenly comes up with a slurve or cutter they didn't have before. That being said, having watched Sands last year, I just feel he's destined for the pen and maybe that transition should take place now. Henriquez I'm not as sure about. IIRC he was much better the 2nd half of 2022 and he's got some great stuff. I believe he's only going to be 23 this year. With his lack of pure physical size, can he maintain his stuff as a starter? Again, I don't want to move anyone too soon. But I can see him in the pen as well. I like Varland and SWR. My concern isn't talent, but it's a half season or less at AAA. If/when they are needed, I hope it's at least a month or so in to the season as I just want them on a role. But maybe I'm overthinking things? Still think Winder has a chance, just needs to have his shoulder 100% And Balazovic is just too talented to not expect a bounceback this season. So that's at least 4 depth options that are young and talented, if not exactly proven at the ML level. I think a healthy Dobnak could really help at some point as well. Not sure as to why mention of him as a depth piece brings out so much negativity at times. I just don't how his finger is doing. **Aaron Sanchez was just re-signed. I thought he actually looked decent last season, so he might be a an OK 7th-8th option wr hope we never need. I'm not going to discount Cleveland at all. I can see the arguement of greater depth. Not sure I care. It's the best talent/depth I can remember for a very long time and that's what I care about.

I have previously commented on Canterino when he was accidentally included in the previous list. I wonder how differently the rotation and the pipeline would be viewed right now if he doesn't develop the arm issue. He would very likely have been in the 2022 rotation for most, if not all, of the year. He could be projecting as one of the top 2 SP for 2023. It just feels like he might be destined for the pen. Still, I'd be really tempted to see if he could be a late arriving rotation piece first. NOAH MILLER: Even watching his few appearances in the 2022 ST you could see the glove work and potential. The fact he makes contact and can control the zone tells me the bat has a future, even if power remains questionable. He's just got to be behind other prospects from warmer weather areas from a developmental standpoint doesn't he? As young as he is, is he better off repeating Ft Myers? Or better of "escaping" the tough to hit in FSL? I think we'll have a better feel for who he is a year from now. But I'm betting he's at Fr Myers for most, if not all, of the year. DAVID FESTA: You gotta be excited about him don't you? Later round pick with velocity and good K numbers and low BB numbers at 2 different levels in his fist full season. I think what impressed me the most was him slipping a bit near the end of the year and then cranking it up with maybe his best performance come playoff time. I think he's top 10 next year at this time. YASSER MERCEDES: I'm with Jmlease1 that it's just hard to know how to quantify the prospect status of a 17-18yo kid playing rookie ball in another country. I think the best you can do...besides just observing athleticism...is to simply examine him and his results to his peers. And from that standpoint, he sure seemed to excel. But for any teenager, we just don't really know who they are, or will be, for a couple of years. MATT WALLNER: I think he's ready right now...for a team not looking to compete for a division championship and the playoffs. He still has less than half a season at AAA. He may be a large man, but he's athletic and moves well. That arm is a cannon! But he lacks polish and a little more time at St Paul would do him some good. He may always strike out a lot, but you saw him in 2022 get better and better month by month. Good or great will be determined by continued hard work.

I hate to admit it, but as much as I follow drafts, international signings, and the entire milb system, I had forgotten about Jose Rodriguez. Hell of a debut! Is he ready for the FCL in 2023? Sure hope so. TANNER SCHOBEL: I get the Dozier reference. I like the power he produced in college, and I like the plate discipline. Tells me he has a bat that can play. And I get he was adjusting to pro ball. But even as a 2nd round pick, I'm a bit disappointed. No harm, no foul, a lot of potential still there. But I might have dropped him a notch or two at this point. RONNY HENRIQUEZ: He's got some lightening in his arm to be sure. He was really young for AAA in 2022. He kind of stunk early in the year, but got better. Better enough to earn a ML cup of Java at the end of the year. But what's so encouraging is the K's at AAA, and a solid ML debut, even in SSS. He reminds me so much of Sands, though they are different pitchers. You just never want to take a 22-24yo arm with potential and just decide; "you're a RP now". But sometimes you see build, and stuff, and maybe that missing 3rd or 4th offering that you just feel is never going to happen, and you make that call. I think he and Sands are going to make the transition in 2023 and be part of the pen, at some point, and beyond. Middle or late bullpen option is TBD. JORDON BALAZOVIC: I don't care who says what or how you try to sponsor it. IMO, there is no way a well built, high velocity pitcher with solid secondary stuff and proven results to place him in the top 100 prospects crashes so bad in 2022 without having an injury concern. My opinion? His knee hurt, he tried to pitch through it, and the Twins let him. His mechanics and mind set also got messed up as a result. He did throw better the last month or so when he was probably feeling more of his usual self. I would have ZERO complaints if they if they just sat him down and told him "you are at St Paul the entire season if needed, to get yourself RIGHT. You want to debut in 2023? Then be healthy, get your head right, and go out and dominate again!" A combination of "babying" a top arm while challenging him is the right call. And that's how I'd approach Jordy Blaze for 2023. MATT CANTERINO: Man, what might have been. The Twins took a shot. IIRC, he never had a single significant injury in college. And the Twins were very careful with him after signing. But the "Rice Curse" sure hit hard. Instead of POSSIBLY going in to his 2nd full season of being a Twins SP with the idea he might be the #1 option...he's recovering from TJ surgery after 10 GS in 2022 at AA Wichita, (2 GS in the complex to ramp up). He had very limited IP but great numbers, FWIW. And maybe he should have been shut down earlier and had surgery. But that's the past. He's ranked this highly...I believe deservedly so...based on talent and expectation of a successful TJ surgery. With luck, he will return to the mound at some point late in 2023 to get ready for 2024. At that point, he will be 26yo. The FO is way smarter than me as an amateur GM. There is a part of me that says "let him still be a late arriving SP who might have a really good 7-8yr career". And there is the more practical part of me who says he should be placed in the pen to utilize the best years of his career as a potential high leverage and potential closer arm.

As far as Gordon goes, the FO has stuck by him since they came on board, even though they had no previous allegiance to him. Do you think such a positive step forward in 2022 is going to suddenly sour them on him? He has to continue to develop and grow and prove his 2021 and even better 2022 was not an aberration. That's on him. But the lineup and opportunity are always fluid. Kepler may or may not be part of 2023. Gallo may or may not revert to his previous, productive "Texas" days. OR...and I hate to say this...he might end up playing some 1B if AK isn't 100% ready to go from day one. This FO likes the Dogers format of having a bunch of talented guys who can play multiple spots. That's a good thing, and I applaud that approach. Gordon should have ample opportunity to play and continue to prove himself. Again, it's up to him to continue to play well, if not actually improve.

Someone please help my memory, or correct me if I'm just wrong, but as I recall, I swear part of Alacala's strong 2nd half finish in 2021 was him dusting off his change, tweaking his change, working on a cutter, or something similar, to work against LH hitters. I'd swear I'm right on this, but can someone confirm or tell me I'm crazy?

To add to Nick's previous addition, as well as this one, he's been taking about 50-60 swings per day, as well as general workouts. Reports I've read have him dealing with soreness, not pain. I hope that is accurate. ANYONE coming off any kind or surgery will deal with sorness and at least a little pain. You're breaking up scar tissue and just getting your body adjusted again to normal activity. The issue is when he starts taking 75-100 swings and how he responds. I'm sure the Twins will measure his workouts to make sure he doesn't overdo. But until I hear "pain" instead of soreness, I'm going to assume the surgery was a success and he just needs time to get his wrist "prepared" for normal usage.

I get Falvey's comments. I really do. You can pencil in an 8 man bullpen in about 20 seconds...yes, including Pagan at this time...even before adding someone like Winder, Henriquez, Sands, or any non roster invites like Coulombe to the pen. And there's the potential to be really good there. But I still don't understand just trusting in what you have, and some of the question marks you have, and not adding another piece or two that should raise the floor and doesn't force you to trust in "hope and possibilities" for continued improvement from Pagan, Moran, Megill, and a full return to effectiveness for Alacala. But the FO is well known for late additions. There is still opportunity, and arguably need. I think several of us are in agreement they may have their eye on someone and might even have a gentleman's agreement in place once a 40 man roster opens up. *And for the record, I hate the idea of moving Ober out of the rotation. But, unfortunately, someone might have to, at least initially. And it might be him. But we all know if that happens, someone will go down at some point.

I think you nailed it! I was surprised when the Twins had him play a couple of innings in ST last year. I saw those games and he was fluid. I think the defense is there, and going to be there. But I just can't ignore upper Midwest teenager going to professional baseball for his first year. Just so much travel ball and area code ball, etc. Who are the best prospects? Who could be great, but is behind the curve...no pun intended...due to weather and camps and opportunities as a 17-18yo? The Twins drafted Miller, IMO, knowing full well he was a project behind a few other possible choices. They were more than happy to expect an extra year of development vs someone in a warm weather climate, for example, because they felt they got the better player in the long term. Think redshirting a top prospect. Miller still has to prove it. But I think the Twins are easily giving him an extra year to show what he can do right now.