DocBauer

Yeah...no. He needs at least a half season to get right mentally/mechanically now that his body appears right. I know he wasn't exactly lights out, but IIRC his last month saw a huge improvement as he...more than likely...was feeling better and getting his mechanics worked out. Not trying to make excuses, but 2020 messed up some guys development. And last offseason messed up a lot of guys schedule. So JB has a rough knee but keeps trying to work through it and gets all messed up. I'd be tempted to give him the entire season to see how it works out. Anything less than that, IMO, is rushing to a decision that just doesn't have to be made at this time. Right now, I'd be targeting a change for 2024 to the pen if 2023 is a repeat of this past year.

I could quote half a dozen likes here, but will just address a slew of topics with this move. This way NOT my 1A move for an OF/RH bat. I was looking for offense and OK defense. The FO was looking for defense and flexibility for the roster. But I like this move. I never like trading anyone who might turn out, but Sisk and Cruz are both hard throwing wild cards that almost every team has. And good for them if they have a good career, just not against the Twins, of course. Coulombe is probably ahead of Sisk, and also SP 40 man possible RP Headrick. Cruz is buried until/unless he shows better control. So how does this impact the roster? 1] The Twins have a viable backup CF to swap out for Buck when he needs time off. And it allows Gordon, and all other OF, to concentrate on the corners, and Gordon to team with Farmer to be utility players who fit in where and when needed. Taylor also provides a PR and possible SB option off the bench. 2] It allows the young and talented Celestino to spend, hopefully, most of 2023 at AAA to gain confidence, take what he's learned at the ML level, and round out his game after being pushed/forced too early to the ML level. He's still really young. He's got the ability to hit, provide pop/power and speed with some great defense. But he's been swimming in deep waves since his "desperate" promotion in 2021 and NEVER should have been put in the position he was placed in for 2022. That was a FO mistake. NOW, they have the luxury to rewind a mistake and allow him to be a depth piece and get his developmental track back on track. This move also tells me, perhaps foolishly, that the rumors for Gurriel are done, and that the reports of Kirilloff looking good and feeling good while working out at Ft Myers are true and this add became their focus. Not saying they won't still make that move, or a similar one, just makes me wonder. If we accept that, then the player roster is pretty much set as of NOW: OF: Gallo, Buxton, Kepler, Gordon, Taylor. Larnach INF: Miranda, Correa, Polanco, Kirilloff, Farmer C: Vazquez, Jeffers I like this roster, with questions about batting order. Is there room for a surprise in ST for someone like Martin, or maybe more so, Julien, to assume the role Arraez filled? Is Kepler still on the block? I'm starting to think only 50/50 as I'm starting to think they are betting on defense and a turnaround for Max in 2023 and don't want to bet 100% on Gallo returning to his usual self. Could still happen, but I'm still thinking there's room for Larnach to get AB with this roster construction between OF/DH. Bring back Farmer for the pen, and I'm starting to think the FO might have had a great offseason. But even with Farmer, not 100% convinced the FO is finished just yet.

OK, I may be an optimist, but what I see in PART 1 is a roster well constructed. It's a nice mix of veterans...only a few at 30yo and older...and talented young players, and some very nice looking prospects. And it's a roster of "new prospects", inherited prospects, FA, and some good to maybe even very good trades. I don't like having to continue adding pitching on 2yrs of control, though the truth is there is no reason some can't be re-signed as well. The proverbial "pipeline" has brought some good pen pieces, and a few potential additions. The one thing that is missing thus far is a top of the order arm via said pipeline. Now, IMO, if Canterino hadn't gotten hurt, we might have one of those arms, potentially, on the staff right now. But even then, he'd probably only be going in to his 2nd season at this point. Or at best, his 2nd full season. And I know I've stated this before, but the current FO has had SIX drafts so far. IF they had drafted a 21yo college arm in 2017 and he got a half season once signed, he would have been at A ball in 2018, regardless of splitting both levels or going straight to A+. 2019, said pitcher MIGHT be ready for AA, with a chance to appear at AAA before the year is done. Then comes 2020. His best opportunity is to be included at the alternate site to continue his development, with little chance to appear. So now comes 2021, and this top prospect...even with time at the alternate site in '20...is going to begin the year at AAA. Natural progression, no injuries or developmental setbacks, he appears at some time during the 2021 season. So again, no setbacks, 2022 would be a first FULL ML season. Anyone drafted later than that...especially the past 3 drafts...would be looking at, at best, a 2022 debut and the potential to put in a full season in 2023. So natural, un-interrupted progression, what SP drafted prospect should be a top of the rotation arm on a winning/contending team in his 1st or 2nd ML season? Now, arguements can be made that Ryan COUNTS, or doesn't count, as a young arm being developed by the Twins. I absolutely LOVE Ober as an arm, but we need to see that his new routine/delivery is for real and the groin injury last season was a temporary setback. And we can also lament the shoulder problem Winder had when he was looking solid, and, the disappointing year by Balazovic. We can also debate the future value of Sands as a back end SP vs being a nice looking BP arm. But we are also seeing a collection of those early drafted arms actually reaching the ML level...future performance TBD. And we can't ignore the fine seasons of Varland and SWR, and their future contributions to the team, again, yet TBD. So I'm not grabbing torches and pitchforks for any disappointment in the "pipeline" at this point because I'm actually seeing arms arrive at the ML level and contribute and get their feet wet. PLAYER wise, I like what I'm seeing. I have faith in Jeffers still developing further. I like the potential of Miranda, Larnach, Kirilloff, Lewis, Lee, Wallner, and Julien. And they are all really close, or already here and just need to get right health wise. I even like Celestino, if he gets the opportunity to actually develop himself at AAA in 2023, which I think he's going to get. I'm not so sure a year from now we aren't going to be talking about Severino as a really good looking infield option. My biggest issue...as an amateur GM...is their draft philosophy, and their international signing philosophy. In their opinion, top draftable position players disappear off the board more quickly than pitchers with potential and under developed stuff vs a college arm who may be closer to already being nearly maxed out. HS arms are the most volatile draft selections. Signing a 16-17yo international kid is even more so. But I think 1st round picks on a "riser" like Cavaco and a bat first Sabato vs the potential of an arm were mistakes. I think we've all seen enough international kids with great arms that I've wondered why the Twins concentrate so much on positional players that I think they need to take more "shots" at some of those college, HS, and international arms here and there. On the ML side, my objection is the FO should identify the 1 or 2 guys they REALLY LIKE, and make their move, and THEN sit back and be patient for the real deals that might fall in your lap. I think they are really on the right path. And ultimately, what matters, is putting out a good and contending team year to year. And a successful roster is always going to be built in multiple ways. And developing more internal pitching, without ignoring positional player talent is going to be a sustainable key for yearly contention status. But I think they are on the right path with their approach and mix.

Just to be fair, it's better for every team to draft/sign/develop as much of your pitching staff as you can. It's just that some do it better than others, for whatever reasons/histories. Cleveland has acquired a lot of their pitching from outside their organization and finished developing them, or putting on a final polish before turning them loose. The Rays have done much the same, while also developing their own. They both do a great job as an organization, but they don't just draft and sign players and 4-5yrs later suddenly have a great pitcher and then sit back and laugh at everyone else for not being able to figure it out. As I commented on in a couple previous posts recently, when you examine the drafts of our current FO, and allow for the missed 2020 for all but a handful of prospects who were at the alternate site, the current "pipeline" to Minnesota simply can't and doesn't include arms drafted in 2020-21-22. So the fact that they haven't turned out a collection of top of the rotation arms from the 2017-18-19 drafts already is a bit misleading. All that being said, we SHOULD start to see a couple nice rotation arms in the rotation over the next couple of seasons or the FO should be thoroughly chastised. IMO, Ryan is included in development as he was acquired as a milb arm, and has been turned loose and developed to this point by the Twins. We can't give credit to other organizations who trade for someone just about ready and not also give credit to the Twins. Ober has definitely flashed. And we've done some good things in the pen with young talent to this point. Obviously, we need to continue to see MORE young, good looking arms in the rotation. But adding young and young-ish arms with upside is a smart way to fill in the gaps, especially while waiting for said young talent. And it's not as if other teams don't do this, or that the Twins haven't done it before as well. Hughes a few years back is probably one of the best examples of this plan of attack working out as hoped for. I DON'T LIKE this as a repeated process year after year, acquiring only 2yrs of a good arm and riding it, or "tweaking it" to be better and then doing a repeat. It's just not sustainable long term. And I don't know that the Twins have ever truly "targeted" high injury potential arms as some feel they do. Maeda had some question marks when he came to the the States. He turned out just fine until early 2021. Gray's problems last season were primarily his hamstrings. Mahle felt great initially and openly states he believes his issues were the strange offseason and then trying to do too much too soon and tiring his arm. (Nothing find in a pair of MRI's seems to substantiate this). If these two are good to go this year, the trade and rent with the option to buy longer plan looks pretty good. If the prospects never fully take off and this becomes a repeated pattern year to year, it's going to look like a pretty poor plan B option.

It's not that Profar is a bad player or doesn't offer intrigue as a role player, but there is no discernable fit here. We already have Farmer, and Gordon as role players. Profar has a career OPS of .708 and hits better LH. I'd much rather have young Larnach, with more potential, in the lineup daily than Profar. I just don't sit a fit.

Am I excited about this idea? No. But is there need still for some RH bat help? Absolutely. Look, even if AK is 100%, even if Kepler isn't traded, even if the Twins kept Larnach on the roster WITH Larnach, Gallo, and Gordon, the Arraez trade still leaves 12 position players and they need 13. I could get behind a signing like Gurriel. At worst he provides experience, good defense, and a part time RH bat. Even at his age, he was damn good year ago in 2021. Not saying it's some great move, or that I didn't/don't want better, just saying I could get behind a bench signing like this.

Continuing a FWIW arguement, I wouldn't plan on Maeda for the pen either. Nor would I state it openly were I the Twins and even contemplating it. But we all know there is no linear line where all of your SP are 100% all year. And Ober having options is a good thing for roster flexibility. But I think Ober has been sold very short on general opinion. (I know this is conversation and not your opinion). Ober debuted in 2021 and was handled with kid gloves due to previous IP. And he not only performed well in a poor season, but he got better as the season went along. He was even better in 2022 when healthy. Now, was his 2022 injury a repeat of past injury issues? Was it a sudden fluke? Or was he a victim of the weird offseason where he, and others, had ZERO contact with the training/coaching staff AND a short ST? No clue as to what upset his 2022 vs his healthy 2021. I am ABSOLUTELY NOT comparing him to HOF great Randy Johnson, but he reminds me a bit of him. A tall and long pitcher who took time to find delivery/control. Ober's problem was finding a delivery that WORKED because he felt beat up after a start. That lead to injury. He found success with repetition and his new delivery. I repeat, was 2021 an outlier, or was he just messed up from his groin injury and a weird offseason? I state again I think the Twins really missed his arm in 2022. And maybe he will might never be a 180IP starter, though we al hope he will be. But his numbers scream he could be at least a quality mid rotation SP. And I have no clue how the SP will ultimately work out, performance and injury, temporar moves to the pen, etc, etc, I think it's a HUGE mistake to dismiss Ober as one of the Twins best SP options. I know this OP is about the Lopez acquisition, and I don't mean to derail conversation, but I felt Ober should be brought in to the OP at this point. He is NOT some dismissal back end option.

The only way I can address this is to abbreviate and combine a couple of previous posts. Arraez might be my favorite Twins player. And I've argued at length over and over that there are many ways to build a lineup. I've never had a problem with Areaez playing predominantly 1B/DH and being a special and unique bat who fits in the #1 hole and being a clutch hitter. There is no reason, in today's game, where your power and run production can't come from the other 8 spots! You just don't HAVE to have a powerful 1B/DH to have a quality, productive lineup with the way baseball has changed over the years. Adding a quality, young arm with at least some upside, is never a bad decision. I'm not crazy about only 2yrs of control, or a pitcher who's never topped 21 GS until 2022. Does that mean he's just reaching his prime? Or does 2022 turn out to be the outlier? I'm betting, talent and age, he's probably just coming in to his own. He's got a good career WHIP, but only a 8.6K per 9 which would seem to indicate he's not going to develop into a #1 at any time. But that doesn't mean he's not a good pitcher with upside! For the NOW of the trade, I'm dismissing the addition of the prospects, even though there might be some potential excitement there. Leaving emotion out of the equation of losing perhaps my favorite player, the pure logic of adding another quality arm is hard to dismiss. Unfortunately, the loss of Arraez opens up the question of who bats #1, and who plays 1B if Kirilloff doesn’t turn out to be healthy and be the primary 1B? There almost has to be another move made to the roster still. Even a healthy AK has the Twins player roster at 11 guys you can write in with ink. And that INCLUDES the Twins keeping Kepler, who's been rumored to be moved for weeks. Again, there pretty much HAS to be at least 1 more move made to the player roster. Part of the problem losing Arraez NOW is that it's questionable that the players who might replace his bat are ready to do so. But the reality is that by 2024 the Twins INF, they were looking at Miranda, Correa, Polanco, AK, Arraez, AND Lewis, Lee, Martin and Julien. SOMEONE was going to be moved at some point, either now or next year. Even with Martin probably moving to the OF, and Lewis as a POSSIBLE OF move, SOMEONE was going to get moved. It turns out, it's Arraez NOW for a SP. That's just the reality. My emotions say I'm bummed and depressed that Arraez is gone. The logical, amateur GM in my head saw Areaez being moved eventually, with the projected 2024 "crunch" of other players that probably have more pure athletic talent and future projection. So I'm bummed as can be, but I can see the logic of the move and future projections and the add of a quality SP. But this move needs to be followed up to make it really work. There's room to add another BP piece, but somehow, they need to add another bat somehow. Even then, the player portion of the roster still would have a hole left. Is that Garlick when a couple arms get moved to the 60 man? Larnach csn be a swap for Kepler. Or does this leave room for a prospect who has a great ST? The amateur/fan GM in me says I wouldn't have done this deal, and trust in what I had and the young depth and add a pen piece. The logical, practical GM in me says adding a quality SP and trusting in all of my young position player talent makes this trade pretty smart. The fan in me is HURTING! The logical part of me says this could be really smart as long as we're not done adding yet.

Removing emotion and the love and appreciation for Arraez, more than likely by 2024, the Twins were looking at Lee, Lewis, Martin, and Julien to join Correa, Polanco, Miranda, and Arraez. And that's not even including Kirilloff playing some/mostly 1B. SOMEONE was going to go in a deal, either now, or next year. It turns out to be Arraez now. And we can certainly debate the return for the Twins and future re-signings, prospect prognostication for the Miami kids brought back, etc. But again, someone was getting moved. It was a question of who and when. Now, as I alluded to in my previous post, what about leadoff and 1B?

Reponses: 1]BOOOO! 2] Who the hell hits leadoff. 3] Wait, who plays 1B if Kirilloff isn't really good to go? 4] Is Lopez really an improvement over what we have? 5] Another 2yr controlled arm? Any chance of an extension? And then I calmed down a bit and reflected. 1] I LOVE Arraez. Probably my favorite player. Been championing his value despite limited power! But I didn't think he'd go straight up for a solid, mid rotation arm with some upside like Lopez. I thought it would take a throw in or 2ndnof some sort. 2] Young and unproven, but the Twins got 2 other prospects thrown in? Including Miami's #5 prospect? I never saw that coming. I am NOT happy today. But from a purely logical perspective, this trade makes sense. Both teams added and gave up. I'm just not sure about the 2yr window with Lopez. If he's re-signed and has a nice career as a Twins they probably "win" this deal, as we always seem to have to declare one. If he's 2 and gone, I think Miami ends up "winning", FWIW. BIG question marks at 1B and a table setter for the lineup. What's next?

Yes, I have noticed the Twins making trade inquiries of potential CF options. I don’t think that's an odmonishment toward Gordon. I think it speaks more to A) letting Celestino further his development, and B) increase general roster depth/options, and C) maybe adding another potential speed player to the roster who is more than just a PR. Not sure it's going to happen, though I don't think they're done making changes yet, but I do find it really interesting. But I find the potential roster construction to be very interesting as it sits today. I believe the 13 man staff is locked in at this point. So that means 13 position players. If we take a HOPEFUL MOMENT and ASSUME Kirilloff is healthy, the 13 man roster would look like this: Vasquez, Jeffers, AK, Arraez, Polanco, Correa, Miranda, Farmer, Gordon, Gallo, Buxton, and Kepler. That's 12, meaning there's room for 1 more add. And that's assuming long standing rumors of Kepler, or someone, potentially being moved in a trade. So does Garlick get added back to the roster when someone gets moved to the 60 day? Does a trade for an OF still happen? Is there room enough to include Larnach? We talk a lot about potential adds to the staff, but the player portion of the roster is clearly not set yet.

Find a nice piece of wood and start a-knocking! Supposedly, he's working out and not feeling any pain at this time.

I always distance myself from trade possibilities because they are just so abstract and virtually impossible to predict. But I DO agree with early extensions for young talent. That's something started by Cleveland a few years ago and makes sense. The question is who, and when, and how much? The Twins have started to do that with Sano, Kepler, and Polanco. Berrios never turned out. And we can all argue about Sano and Kepler. But the Polanco signing was very smart. And yet, Polanco, despite his talent and love for him, might be pushed out soon due to the young talent rising in the system. Doesn't mean the signing was wrong. On the contrary. The Twins are in an unusual flux period where they have a potentially contending team with a lot of young talent just ready to make their mark. They've got 3 arms to make decisions on. But they already decided to extend Paddack. Easy to see a few more in 2023 to make moves on. Do they jump on Ryan, for example. I don't think they jump on AK or Larnach because they are still not 100% and options remain. But the FO could offer extensions if they are 100% and show themselves the way we've been hoping for. I like the idea of early extensions. You're going to miss on a few. But the ones you are right on far outweighs the misses.

Honestly, THANK YOU for the praise. (If not deserved). "Doc" is a nickname given to me many years ago because I am a writer of journalism, fiction, and poetry. I have often joked that I have a BS in B.S. given my upbringing and semi-intelligance, lol, combined with at least some talent, and life wisdom and perspective. But, alas, higher education didn't agree with me when attempted a few decades ago. So no, I don't have a paper degree. And I hope that doesn't disappoint or change perspective of me or my nickname. (Shhh...I'm pretty smart, but don't tell anyone, lol). But again, an HONEST THANK YOU for your kind words!

I have 2 distinct opinions on this: 1] I NEVER want to let opportunity go by where I could add talent to the Twins who might end up making a difference. Especially if I could add said talent on the cheap. In this scenario, a lower end AA or A prospect so the Angels could feel they got a flier and are just done. And while I feel the Angels are a rather poorly run franchise at the moment, if they are willing to give up such a talented young player on the cheap, I've got warning signals that even a low end prospect might simply be bringing me someone else's disappointment. But yeah, if the Angels are ready to move on, why wouldn't you take a shot at a cheap deal for a talent who might suddenly mature and pay off with a change of scenery? 2] While I appreciate other comments that the Twins should be focused on adding as much young talent as they can...what about winning TODAY with the roster you already have? While health is still the #1 bugaboo this team has to deal with, the roster is NOT some 100 loss team. Personally, while I read projection articles, I tend to dismiss them. They are a form of absolutes while the game itself is anything but! Ancient history says the '87 Twins weren't supposed to win. The Royals in 2015 came after decades of losing. The Braves WS "shouldn't" have happened. Hell, the recent challenges by the Rays "shouldn't" have happened. IDC that 75% of the time your lineup faces RHP. You still need bats that can produce runs and wins in those other 25% plus games. So adding young talent is great! But the parent club needs every advantage they can get to eek out every win they can. And right now, I remain so very disappointed the FO hasn't added a solid, ML bat to balance the OF to eek out those wins. This has been going on now for a couple of years. But Martin isn't ready. Celestino has a chance to be a really nice ballplayer, as a starter or high quality 4th OF at worst. But 2 seasons of being pushed too fast has allowed him to fail, hopefully learn, and maybe reach his potential if given some AAA time. Go ahead and add a flier like Adell if you can, on the cheap. Barring some miraculous improvement, he's not going to impact the Twins until the second half of 2023 at best. I know the FO isn't done yet. Too early for them. And I know they've been looking for another RH bat. But time has been running out for weeks now. Right now, unless a flier finds new life on a 1yr deal, FA appears closed. And that's a huge disappointment for me. It's going to take a trade to make an add at this point.

Just a wonderful piece of writing, Nick! Well said! Having lived the majority of my life in Nebraska as a transplanted South Dakotan, and being about as big of a HUSKER fan as you can be, there has always been a terrible misconception about Lincoln, NE and UNL here. After all, in the heart of the country, we are still referred to as "fly over" territory. When prospects arrive here for visits...from all over the country...even those who don't commit here constantly comment how they expected cornfields everywhere and for Lincoln to be some small, farming town. Those that attend fall in love with the university and Nebraska and it's people. Many stay here and live their lives. The rest remain HUSKERS for life and regularly stay in touch and visit. And I believe Minnesota, and the CITIES...as you spoke about...are often viewed in the same manner once players are actually here. And I believe everything Correa has spoken of in praise is honest. I've always been pleased by how many former Twins are regular visitors and attendees for events and ST. Guys like Blyleven and Carew and the great Oliva, amongst many others, seem to remain Twins at heart. And the number of broadcasters over the years seem to have that same attachment. And while I'm certain all teams have this alumni participation to some degree, the genuine love and appreciation for the Twins and Minnesota is something very real, IMO. And while we can debate ownership and the FO for things they do, and don't do, I've never heard former players or agents ever admonish TWINS TERRITORY or ownership, or the FO. In fact, it's been quite the opposite. In fact, I've heard and read many comments from agents that they have great respect for the FO and how they conduct business. The recent Correa re-sign and Boras comments reflect that, I believe. Does being "Minnesota Nice" give us a leg up in FA? Unfortunately, not really. Money, opportunity for more and big city appeal are still going to rule for many, if not most. And Correa's openness about being here, and Boras's flattering comments, are not going to make Minnesota a destination spot where players are going to accept a warm and fuzzy discount. After all, money and opportunity still speak loudest. But it does provide a legitimacy to doing business the "right way", and help paint a better picture of what to expect when you are a member of the Twins. (Or any team). (I was pleased and proud, as a Twins fan, when covid hit and the Twins were one of the first and few teams who didn't cut staff and continued to pay staff and milb players). It CAN assist in close contracts or re-signings, such as Buxton. And I do agree that not everyone is cut out to be in a market where you have 20 microphones in your face after a game, and 5 major newspapers and 30 talk shows examining everything you do. Doing things the right way and an overall sentiment of nice doesn't win games or titles. But it can't hurt. Especially when you treat players with respect and class. And again, Correa isn't going to bring in some FA on a massive, under-slot deal because he's a great player who actually loves being here. But his cache, and the opportunity to actually play here, IMO, helps change the perspective of what its like to play and live in "fly over" country. GO TWINS!

While I wish Farmer hit RHP a little better, I really like having him as a super-utility player with a solid bat. Assuming he's not traded...and I don't see it happening...Gordon teams with Farmer to offer a tremendous amount of flexibility off the bench. Eventually, possibly soon, I see Lewis and Lee settling in at 2B/3B in some combination. That hurts me saying it as Polanco is one of my favorite Twins and I think he's got more than a few really good years in him. Of course, Lewis could become an OF or even a super-utility player that's in the lineup DAILY at multiple positions should they choose to keep Polanco. Of course, both Lee and Lewis can spell Correa if/when Farmer is gone. What about Miranda? No reason he can't move between 3B/1B/DH and share 1B with a healthy AK, who can also play some OF as well. This is a very nice "problem" for the Twins to have! The writing is on the wall, I believe, that Martin is just not a SS. He should be in LF and covering CF as well. He can fill in at 3B/2B, which is where he played in college. Miller is young enough, and far away enough that I don't even have him in the equation yet. While NOT a SS. I do wonder about the future of Julien though. Could he wind up at 2B with Lewis in the OF? But then again, we still have to make a decision on Polanco eventually. Does Julien "take over" for Arraez as a bat/offense first handy man who can even DH some? Again, this is a wonderful "problem" to have, fitting in so many talented young players. The reality is, whether now or maybe next year, the Twins are probably going to move a young OF and someone from the INF equation for additional help somewhere else.

Hey, I'm right there with you. There is no reason to not have middle/long relief with the arms on hand and let them push for rotation spots. The Cardinals are an example brought up often where they will use young SP in the pen to add, while getting their feet wet and move to the rotation. And I'm not saying the Twins should extend Gray or Maeda. But I think there's a lot of life still in Gray's arm, even at 33, as long as he puts the work in to keep his hamstrings solid. Not sure about Maeda being traded. Maybe. I think if the Twins are at the top of the ALC, Maeda is kept unless one of the kids are proving they are ready. I think Mahle is the wild card. Just my opinion, but I think they see him just about to hit his career high. I believe they traded for him with the idea of an extension. I'm just saying...and I think we're mostly on the same page...extensions are possible. And I think all hands on deck are possible. But I think Mahle is the #1 target. I'm just not certain a trade of talent for a mid rotation SP like Lopez for 2yrs is the right move with what's available and coming up.

The thing that I've been thinking about the last year or so...when the whole international draft proposal was debated and then tabled...is what's best for these young kids? On the one hand, in the U.S. we've all heard stories about "agents" working with HS age kids and helping them "find" the best college program for them. And we've heard similar stories over the years for different coaches and advisors and the such who have contacts with ML clubs and help steer players a certain direction. I just keep wondering what's best for these international kids, who are 16-17yo and NOT 17-18yo U.S. HS players elgible for the draft and usually have college options available to them. Any draftee beyond a certain round...and I forget the recent changes...has an on table offer of around $10k minimum. As do draftees who aren't selected. (Again, forgive my memory for all the recent changes in draft structure). Are these international kids better off signing for whatever they can get, and the OPPORTUNITY to make salaries and the CHANCE to "make jt" better served by the current system? I think MLB limiting $ to be spent is "fair" in regard to teams with massive $ available to spend as they would like, creating a sort of draft-like scenario for the sport. I almost want to say that spreading the $ around, as the system is currently constructed, might be better and allow more opportunity for the not top prospects. I don't have the answers, but I think it should be examined. From the Twins perspective, Castro appears to have a frame that doesn't need to grow much more to be a viable prospect with tools. Just continued development as a player and a few more "man muscles" as he fills out to a 195lbs. Chivilli seems to have the requisite athleticism to play SS. I love the idea of a long 6' 3" SS with ability to grow and fill out, as long as he doesn't outgrow the position. I made a comment in a pre-signing thread that it seemed the Twins never signed catchers or pitchers in the Latin market as a priority. And now, here they did. From reports, he's got an arm and a catcher frame of mind with at least some offensive potential. But he obviously has to add bulk/weight/muscle to a smaller frame without growing too big. I think it's crazy we speculate on 16-17yo kids who are probably 5-7yrs from potentially making the ML. BUT it's part of the equation. The one thing that has surprised me is the lack of catchers signed by the Twins previously, or any top arm prospects signed. Now, I fully understand we're talking about 16-17yo kids, and there is a huge percentage of young arms...and catchers...who never work out, international or HS...but they just seem adverse to taking shots on the "maybe" options that are available. And maybe they are just being smart and playing the percentages. But I can't help but wonder if they shouldn't re-think their international approach and take a shot once in a while on potential for something other than a positional "athlete".

Two quick points here: 1] The Twins just aren't done making moves yet. So I believe the OP is 2-3 weeks early. 2] I don't feel "this winter" is accurate as I believe the topic really should be "have the Twins improved over the opening day roster from last year? Again, with the caveat, the Twins aren't done yet. That being said up front, they are ABSOLUTELY better than the opening day 2022 roster. While "return to good health" almost dominates any further discussion, having Mahle and Maeda over Bundy and Archer is a huge improvement. Then, we add Winder, Varland, and SWR to the discussion after some ML experience and continued growth and experience and the rotation is seemingly in much better hands. Duran is now a proven stud. Lopez doesn't have to maintain the incredible and almost impossible 1st half he had with Baltimore to be very good. Jax really found a home in the pen and has room to grow. Moran, while a little inconsistent, flashed and showed he can be part of the pen in a good and potentially excellent way if he can harness/develop his slider more. This time last year, Duran, Jax, and Moran were all question marks. I'm seeing a path where Sands, Henriquez, Winder, Dobnak, even Varland and SWR could all be possibilities at some point as middle/long men. (A couple milb signings MIGHT surprise and do well in this role as well). Based on his talent and 2nd half of 2021...and a few brief glimpses early in 2022...I think Alcala could end up making a big difference. I would attempt a pretty bad and humorous gig if the Twins would drop another $6/7-13/14M by add one or two available arms to the pen to NOT have to count on a couple of the young arms right out of the gate...and be rid of Pagan for whatever they can get for him. But I like this pen better than the one that began 2022. Is the infield better? I liked Urshela a lot, but see the reasoning for moving on. IMO, Miranda will be better, and OK, at 3B with a better bat. Overall push there. But Farmer provides a nice role player we didn't really have last year. Arraez did a fine job at 1B. A healthy Polaco is a very, very good ballplayer. IF Kirilloff is really ready to go...from day one or not...he really changes the complexion of the infield. (While helping in the OF as well). Overall, the infield is no worse, but maybe better with Farmer on hand, and definitely better with a healthy AK. Sanchez was not as bad as I expected defensively. But his offense left a ton to be desired. I think Vasquez IS an improvement due to defense and game calling. He also provides "help" and experience for Jeffers the way Castro did for Garver a few years ago. Hopefully, like Garver before him, Jeffers can relax a little bit, continue to grow in his game, and start to reach his offensive potential with less pressure and build on his 500 career AB. Right now, TODAY, I see little to no improvement in the OF. I see POTENTIAL improvement in the OF BEYOND just better health in regard to Larnach, AK, and even Buxton, BUT, don't see IMMEDIATE improvement. I'm not sold on Gallo. But numbers are numbers over several seasons. Gallo is a different hitter than Kepler. But despite his horrendous 2022, Gallo still has a higher OB%! SLG%, and career OPS over Kepler. (50 point advantage in OPS). And Gallo is an excellent defender. He's AT LEAST a slight improvement over Max if we get the previous 2017-2021 version of him. There's a gamble there, to be sure, but a potential payoff. But for the 3rd year in a row, where is the RH option to just balance the OF? Martin isn't ready. Celestino has been pushed twice to the ML club when nit ready and could really use time to round off some rough edges and fully develop his potential. And Garlick...at least temporarily removed from the roster...has been lone RH bat with power and production WHEN HEALTHY enough to do so on a 25-35% opportunity to face LHP. Is it really so hard to find a single, decent, RH OF and bat who can play decent defense, be good against LHP, and not just embarrass themselves against RHP once in a while? I DO think the roster, right NOW, is better than the one that began 2022. But I also say, again, we're going to have this exact same OP when ST begins and some additional changes have been made. Just crossing my fingers until then those moves included a decent RH bat option, one more quality pen arm, and a "wait and see" attitude as to whether a SP option is made that actually makes sense for potential improvement.

Agreed. And the way to go when you don't have a dominate #1. And my problem isn't Lopez per say. Maybe the Twins really like something about him and think he's just going to take off the next year or two. But I don't see a 6 man rotation. And while long and middle relief needs to come from somewhere, what about Winder, SWR, and Varland as young arms that are ready or "oh so close" rather than adding someone on a 2yr deal? Does Lopez have the Twins trading someone like Gray then? I know we 3 guys who CAN be gone next year, but any of them could be extended as well. Nothing against Lopez, as I've stated, I'm just not sure what the plan is here.

I wouldn't mind having Lopez at all. Still only 26yo and might be about ready to take another step. But his K per 9 IP is mediocre and 2022 was his 1st season with more than 21 GS. Does he really project as a potential breakout stud? The numbers seem to indicate really solid middle starter.

While NOTHING is guaranteed, I've stated more than a few times that the "forgotten" Paddack might have us screaming for an extension come some point in 2024. The youth and talent is there. The early results, SSS given in 2022 with the Twins, seem to indicate the FO wasn't exactly stupid in their desire to add him. They've liked him for a while. I just didn't think they would do an extension this early. But in the long run, the $ is virtually negligible if they're wrong. And if they are right, they will have an arm that will "hopefully" toss a few IP at the end of 2023 to shake off rust. And again, if right, he might just be a mainstay in 2024, possibly ramping up and getting better and better. And also be locked up for 2025. I 100% believe the Twins will lock up at least 1 of Gray or Mahle for 2024 and beyond. My bet is Mahle, who I'm betting only had a "tired" arm from trying to do too much after a weird offseason, as he's stated himself. But the Paddack deal is "cheap" by ML standards for a solid/quality SP.

I had some small hope Leon would come back as a AAA catcher on a milb deal. But I can't be disappointed about the addition of Wolters. He's basically a younger version of Leon. Sisco, IIRC, was with St Paul last year but had some injury issues and barely played. As stated, the shine has dulled to black for a former top prospect. But he's been around, still has some talent, and who knows if a light will suddenly turns on and he becomes a solid #3 option. Really happy Carmago stuck with the Twins. I believe he will begin 2023 at AA, but I think he's on an escalator, though I don't know what floor he will step out on. I'm thinking he's a "Butera" with more power. Really, really wish Banuelos could learn to hit even a little. He's been to ST now at least twice because of his game calling and defense. Williams being included surprises me. Is he a AAA 1B, or is he a catcher? I've heard he's very smart behind the plate. And I get milb catchers spend time at other positions, especially if they have a good bat, to keep them in the lineup. But he's spent so much more time at other positions, I have to believe his shoulder in college just never took hold and he's REALLY a 1B/DH who CAN catch. Very surprised Isola wasn't invited. I think he's a similar player to Williams. The TOP catching prospects in the system are all in A ball. And there are about 5-6 of them. Carmago is an OK prospect. That makes the development of Jeffers and the signing of Vasquez that more important. What is somewhat humorous is the projected AAA roster has 6 guys who can catch. Castro could be a surprise as a super utility guy. He's nothing special. He doesn't move the needle. But he's young enough, has flashed briefly, that you have to wonder if MAYBE a light comes on and he turns in to a solid ML utility player. Other than that, a couple RP in their 26-ish years with potential and options who might develop, and can provide a couple decent arms, at worst, to ride the shuttle between St Paul and the parent club. And that's not a bad thing. But I have to admit, I am VERY intrigued by Sisk and Laweryson and parts they MIGHT play in 2023 and beyond. All in all, not a bad invite list. But I would prefer the FO say "screw it" and bump the payroll to $160M plus and add another RP and RH bat. But I don't think they are done yet.

I've seen enough of Moran to be impressed, over and beyond his AAA numbers, which I can't explain. I think he's a legit 6th-7th inning option who can be solid. Now, if he can tweak his slider a little bit, maybe it becomes more of a slurve...and the Twins are generally very good at working on sliders and adaptations of such...he could be a real weapon by being stronger against LH hitters. Good to serious BP weapon is tweaking that 3rd offering. I've been championing the idea of Chaffin, or Hand, as another LH BP option to work with Thielbar. And I still think that would be smart. But I think Moran is a keeper.