DocBauer

And they drafted 3 guys last year out of the college ranks. And while all 3 got in a handful of games, have to remember that really, thus season is really their first real exposure to pro ball. (Along with instructs). Winkel has had a solid year at the plate, and at CR to boot. That's a pretty solid jump, IMO. Cardenas hasn't done a lot with the bat initially, but his numbers have risen of late, and I'd like to believe the high OB he's got shows hit potential. Tatum has struggled the most with the bat, to be sure. But he also has a much higher OB vs his BA. Is that also an indicator he may get the bat rolling eventually? I think there's a lot to like about both Cossetti and Baez this year. But I don't expect anything dynamic initially. The nice thing for them is the milb season going in to mid September now. They might each get a full month introduction.

Agreed. Even if they wanted him back, it would be on a re-negotiated deal. But even then, I just don't see a fit for 2023 unless the FO makes an intense, groundbreaking BOOM of a thunderclap type of deal and move a couple guys off the ML roster. Out of character and doubtful, but it's the only way I see room for him going forward. Have to admit, I wonder what the rest of the league thinks about him. I mean, he won't turn 30 until next May, an .800+ career OPS, 1B/DH age better than other positions....if the Twins throw cash in with prospects on a deal, could he tantalize a team needing offense AND some quality prospects?

Bard or Robertson from the Cubs are my top two as an add, WITH another solid, 7-8th inning arm with experience, regardless of which arm he uses. I understand Bard and Robertson are long in the tooth, but they are experienced, getting the job done, and shouldn't cost much as rentals. I think rentals may be the smartest way to go, at least for 1 of the 2 arms that are probably needed. Nothing says you can't re-sign a rental. And even with or without a re-sign, you "re-set" the table for 2023 where you look at further trades and FA, as well your system, and then still have a short term re-sign available. Think 2019 when the Twins grabbed Dyson and Romo. Unfortunately, Dyson ended up hurt and a headcase. But if Dyson hadn't been hurt, and not a problem, the Twins probably bring back BOTH. So rentals are not a bad option.

I'm not surprised by this, and it's exactly the way I would have played it. Sano seems to be "locked in" coming off is rehab and will probably carry that over here in late July since the weather is good and he's been playing daily. He has a chance to possibly help the club on their playoff push. It stinks for Cestino, as I think he's a legitimate ML OF with defense and offensive potential. Understand, I like Celestino quite a lot. But he's young, and he had an option remaining to allow for this move. Personally, despite his strong finish with St Paul in 2021, I didn't feel he was ready to be the Twins 4th OF. In fact, not adding a decent, solid option was a mistake by the FO. And despite getting off to a great start here in 2022, some of his numbers just seemed unsustainable. And that's proven to be true. I expect him to play daily at St Paul and put up some really good numbers and be back before the year is done, and to be even more ready for future contributions to the Twins. Say what you will about Sano, but he's a dangerous hitter when "on" and has a career OPS above .800. While I just don't see a future in Minnesota, he can help. Further, nobody, especially a mid market team, is going to just dump a player like Sano, and just get nothing for him. And I don't see where anyone would trade for him until they see him at the ML level, healthy, playing, and hitting the ball again. Time is running out quickly for Sano to be offered as part of a trade for ANYTHING. But I do believe he might be sent to a team before the deadline for SOMETHING, OR, he could be part of a deal to a team looking for some RH power at 1B/DH if the Twins eat some/most of his remaining salary. They might even throw in the $3M 2023 buyout where a team could basically use him as a free 2 month rental, and then negotiate a new deal if they want him, with the Twins covering said buyout. Let's hope we see the GOOD Sano and he can bring back, or help bring back, something the Twins could use.

So another OP about Correa? Must be a day ending in "Y". But seriously, while stunned, pleased, excited by the very nature of Correa's signing, what's surprised me is my sudden fandom of the guy. He's just more than I thought he'd be. His defense is outstanding, as expected. His offense is great, as expected. But it's been the hard work and dedication and immediate leadership and team first attitude that has surprised me. I am a HUGE fan and believer in Lewis, and I'd still love to have Correa back and see Lewis move positions as a result. But there is no way he is being traded. 1] He's a part of a contending team that has a strong shot at the playoffs and a division championship that gets 3 games in the 1st round at hone. Who knows what happens. 2] You send a really bad message to fans and teammates and just about everyone else by trading one of your best players while BEING in 1st place and in contention. 3] What contending team has such a glaring hole at SS that they'd trade for him? What would you possibly get back for a 2 month rental...post season aside...consider he not only will declare FA, but would still cost about $11-12M for his rental? Everyone needs to just STOP with the whole 10yr deal. Just because Texas did it, why didn't someone else do it last offseason? You automatically think because ONE TEAM did it, it will happen again? And secondly, even if the 10yr idea was asked/required, we're another year down the road. So 10yrs becomes 9yrs if you follow basic logic. The Yankees, to their credit considering their season, and Houston as well, balked at the 10yr and $350M idea. How does Texas look right now with almost $500M spent on a pair of top SS? I believe the 3yr deal the Twins offered Correa was done in good faith, despite them knowing he was going to probably opt out. I think Correa is honest when he says he and his wife love being in Minnesota and would be open to an extension. And unless the Twins FO suddenly goes absolutely crazy with FA contracts, they have the financial flexibility to re-sign Correa for $30M plus, front loading the contract for the first 3yrs or so, on a 5yr deal. 6yrs is POSSIBLE, but puts him at 33yrs old in year 6. Just how good will he be at 32-33yrs old defensively? Hell, he might surprise! And the bat might still play! A 7th year is almost non-negotiable, unless the yearly $ numbers are a little lower and they can acceptably front load enough to make it happen. Remember, even though revenues will continue to climb, and the payroll looks really flexible for the next few years, the Twins WILL have to address arbitration increases and extensions for quality core players they want to keep. Still think a 7+yr re-sign makes sense? IF Correa and his family truly love being in Minnesota. IF Correa sees winning in the future for the Twins and wants to be a part of it. IF Correa doesn't have an ego issue and says, "how much is enough when I'm already rich". And IF nobody out there offers him 7-9yrs, willing to just eat the final years of his deal, as only a few teams can afford to do, then he might re-sign with the Twins. 5 or 6 years with his $ pro-rated the first few years, he can be back with the Twins on an extension. And I would be very, very happy with that! Otherwise, he's gone. And I'll be 100% happy with a healthy Lewis manning SS for multiple years while the Twins figure out SS for at least the first half of 2023 between Gordon, Steer, Palacios, and whatever rental they might bring on board.

The Marlins seem to be an ideal trade partner, at least on the surface. They've got room to trade pitching and the Twins have bats to offer, probably with an arm or two thrown in. And while I keep hearing the Marlins are really in need of bats, I don't know them, or their system, well enough to know exactly how in need they are. I don't want to trade Miranda in ANY deal, unless just forced to by a deal too good to pass up. And I really don't want to part with Larnach either, as I really like his future. The good news, from the Twins perspective, is they can keep the solid Urshela for 2023, have Steer just about ready, and maybe just drafted an outstanding 3B in Lee. They also have Wallner as a potential replacement for Larnach, and AK doesn't have to transition to a full time 1B tomorrow. (I still don't think I'd move Miranda unless the offer was just KILLER). A little further down the system the Twins have the very promising Julien and CES, each of whom could/should be ready over the next two years. Has Martin's profile and projection lost all luster? You don't want to sell low. But every single front office, including the Marlins, knows who the kid is. They could easily see a "get him in the OF and let him go" philosophy and get a very good player a year ot so from now. Want to get a little crazy? Sano has absolutely frustrating cold spells. But he can also carry a team for a week or two at a time. He plays a passable 1B, can be a fill in at 3B, and be a primary DH. Despite all the frustration he sometimes brings, he has a career OPS of .809 and is still under 30yrs old, IIRC. What if he's part of a deal and the Twins send cash? Suddenly he's a power plant in their 2023 lineup for a pittance. You're going to have to include an arm or two depending on the package and it's size. I mean, this could easily be a 2 for 4-6 kind of deal. But if the Twins acquire a high end arm, or two, it's OK that you gave up a couple too. The system isn't depleted by adding a couple arms and losing a couple. Yeah, the Twins and Marlns seem like perfect trade partners. And it might even be easier to get a pair of needs from one place. I can easily see HURT for both teams, which means fair, but not so much hurt either team is decimated by the losses. But I'm not going to offer up trade proposals because they are just so vague and unknown. But I think the Twins SHOULD be working the number to Miami to see what can be equitably done.

Ad roger alluded to, it's been a bit baffling that Moran does well, and then gets sent down in the roster shuffle game. And believe me, I understand the purpose behind that shuffle. But we're not talking about a 3-4 IP long/middle arm sent out for someone fresh. We're talking a 1 or 2 IP guy that looks good and is actually PERFORMING. No, he's not ready for the 8th inning at this point, but he's a good looking young arm who can help, and has a future. To me, he is a bit of an enigma, however. Despite his somewhat high BB numbers, when I've watched him, he's USUALLY in the zone. I see his control issues as more batter to batter and not perpetual. At least when I've watched him. If he could just get a little more bite, a little more consistency with his slider, I think he could be the 7-8th inning weapon he's been in the minors.

BTW, doesn't his name just scream ML pitcher? "Now pitching for the Twins, CJ Cullpepper."

IF the Twins trade for a SP, he needs to the equivalent of Gray and Ryan. It's easy to just say "go get so and so", but harder to actually pull it off. You're competing with other teams, and what is the cost? Does your system actually fit with what the other team is looking to add? So while someone better than Gray or Ryan would be awesome, as good still gives the team THREE solid SP that you can feel good about on the mound in a playoff game. A really nice #3 with control and maybe upside wouldn't stink, even if falling a little short of the mark. I don't think Thor fits any of this criteria. There's a decent chance he's better, and closer to his precious self in 2023, further removed from injury and recovery. But he's only a rental and one that probably isn't any better than Winder, a healthy Dobnak, even Bundy or 4 IP "opener" like Archer. I don't see a fit unless he comes really cheap and the FO see something to tweak the Angels haven't found.

Like so many of the guys the Twins bring in to the system, he just sounds like a quality person and highly intelligent. I can really appreciate a young player that can identify his strengths but really understand what needs work, and is open to knowledge and learning. I really liked his assement of his change, bite and depth but lacking consistency. I could easily see him make a move back to the pen, where's he had experience. Obviously needs to work on his 3rd and 4th offerings to remain a starter, as well as stretch himself out more. But the smarts seem to be there, and he seems to be maintaining the theme of general control that all the draft choices have.

When looking at his season, for a top program, in a top conference, I'm sure he would have been picked higher than the 6th round if he had "done it" before. This time next year I think he's going to "do it" again. I really like this guy and I think he might be a major steal.

So making an easy assumption that wasn't stated outright in the OP, we're going to dismiss Buxton, Polanco, Duran, etc, etc, who have performed well. We're looking for 3 MORE to step up, is how I take it. 3] Ober is a great choice. He had a great rookie 2021 and was off to a great 2nd season before his groin injury. The only problem Ober has, in some fans minds, IMO, is not being a top prospect and thus a potential top of the rotation piece. He was magic in the minors, despite missing time with injuries, really good as a rookie brought along slowly to improve, adapt, and monitor IP, and again, was off to a good start in 2022. Except for a couple speed bumps before and after his covid, Bundy has actually been pretty solid. But a healthy Ober is the better pitcher with actual potential. I think k the Twins have really missed him. A couple healthy months could go a long way. 2] Kirilloff is now healthy and just tapping in to his potential. He's an OK OF and great 1B. He's going NOWHERE unless a trade offer is just too damn good to pass up. He's a big part of today and tomorrow. Eventually, if not now, he's going to push the solid Kepler down in the order and be part of the heart of the Twins order for years to come. 3] You're wrong on Correa. While he hasn't necessarily had a "defining" moment, past his slow start, he's been not only productive and great in the field, he's been a leader as well. A true #3...as of today and not speculating on a trade addition or 2...would be a tie of Miranda and Gray. The break gives Gray time for a re-set to be his normal self and the guy who began the season. Miranda just needs to keep doing what he's doing. So #3 is a tie.

With the draft just completed, the timing for an OP of this nature is absolutely timely. Same as the recent OP on who is the top prospect. But is the intent of this OP FAIR at this time? And here's what I mean, Balazovic has been off all year after starting late, and for whatever reason, hasn't been close to right all season. Canterino is hurt right now. SWR is/has been dinged as well. When someone who is a top prospect gets hurt...think Lewis...or has a poor season or half season, or poor 1st year, we talk and debate about POTENTIAL and their projectile future and not their current status. In other words, if Balazovic has been a top arm, even ranked in the top 100, and is having a poor 2022 for whatever reason, has his prospect light really dimmed that much? I mean, he could get 100% right with an offseason and come in next year and look fantastic. So one bad year ruined his potential and his future? And that's where I see a problem with trying for a top 5 NOW. Does that make sense? Potential and pure stuff and seemingly healthy and ready to go, I'll also go with Priellip as #1. The ceiling is very high. I'm still going with Balazovic at #2. He's climbed the system and gotten better and better. He was still good in 2021. He was a top 100, FWIW, to begin this season, I believe. There's a very good chance he just "gets right" in the offseason, mentally and physically, and looks great in 2023. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for a bad year of struggle. Ive come around, unfortunately, to the idea that Canterino just might end up in the pen. And he might be as good as Duran in that role. But for now, I'd keep him in the rotation because if the STUFF suddenly intersects with better health, LOOK OUT. Even as a possible RP, he's got a great arm. So I'm keeping him at #3, though he might be better than Balazovic. I'm not a lover or hater of SWR. I fully excuse his 2021 due to being so young at AA as well as going through the whole Olympic experience. While he didn't dominate to begin this year, he looked pretty good, especially considering his age. I need to see more from him in 2023 or I'm going to drop him on my list. But he's the kind of young arm that could just suddenly have the light bulb burn bright and turn it on. But I'm keeping him at #4 for now. #5 is where I'm really torn. In the short 2020 draft, Raya was my favorite pick. If he was 2" taller, I think he's a #2 pick probably. Just a shame he couldn't pitch last year. But after positive/glowing reports on him coming out of the instructionals, and what he's shown in 2022, I'm really high on him. But since then, Povich has looked very impressive. Hajjar has flashed great stuff, with a few too many BB, but then seemed to greatly limit them in his last couple of starts before going on the IL. Festa has looked like an absolute STEAL. And Varland just keeps moving up and doing well. So I've got 5 guys who could easily project in to the top 5 right now based on projection, ability and results. Since it would mean chickening out to just say I have a 5-way tie for the 5th spot...though that's how I feel...I'm going with Povich at #5. The overall control and increased velocity and K rates give him the smallest of edges. And I'll be brave enough to pick the remaining 4 tied for #6. Raya is just so young, I want to see more. I want Festa to keep it up and make certain he's got at least that 3rd pitch, as well as endurance. Hajjar needs to get healthy again and crank it back up. He could be the best if he does so. Varland just needs to keep doing what he's been doing and prove he can continue to be solid/dominate at the AAA level. I think Varland suffers from the "Ober" syndrome, prove it more than some others because you weren't a top draft choice from a major school.

"The tools of ignorance" is, of course, an oxymoron. Takes some intelligence to be a really good catcher and this kid seem really bright. He has a very smart attitude towards not over thinking and keeping it simple at times. Really excited about him.

Great OP, BTW! But I'm going to offer a somewhat contrary position. And I could end up being very, very wrong, of course. A few of those teams, Baltimore as an example, have hit a hot streak. And once you make the playoffs, who knows what can happen? And the Twins are sitting in that seat as well. Bit some of these teams are still in a re-build frame of mind. Are they all prepared to make trades, sacrifice some solid players, in the hopes of taking their shot at this moment? Maybe they are and the competition for available talent will be as great as stated. But maybe a couple of them will sit pat and clutch to what they have. And maybe a couple will be looking at their system, and be willing to let someone go in order to add a few more pieces to assist a year or two from now. It's going to be interesting, that's for sure.

With the obvious caveat of A] not being any sort of talent scout/evaluator, and B] who the heck knows how ANY draftee will turn out in the long run, I really like what the Twins did. As to the SS issue, I was very OK with the numbers selected. Wander hasn't turned out. Cavaco is a huge question mark and has moved off SS. Holland is playing 2B and CF and is also off SS, unless I'm mistaken. Many a 3B and 2B, including some great ones, were once SS. And some have turned out to be fine OF as well. You need a bunch to find a couple, can move others, some become fine utility players, and some just become organizational players. But you need them too. But going deeper in to the players themselves, after Lee and Prielipp fell in to their laps, the Twins had to readjust their approach, at least to some degree, to make sure they could play with their signing pool $. I have little doubt some of the players they picked, while liked I'm sure, were drafted earlier than projected in order to save $ to ensure Lee and Prielipp are both signed. Doesn't mean they didn't draft guys they actually like, or project, just means they had to consider the financial impact. And what better way to do that than draft guys from smaller schools, or late bloomers getting their breakthrough opportunity, etc. I'm going to let the SS issue die at this point, enough already said. But did I read correctly that 6th pick Ortega, 2B, was actually a SS originally? Regardless, a huge explosion in his game after getting his first real opportunity for one of 2022's top programs. Exactly what the scouting department was looking for and targeting. Despite being second day arms, I'm really intrigued by Matthews and Lewis a lot. (And not just Lewis' knuckleball). They have a foundation to work with and the length to see a velocity jump the same way we've seen with Winder, Varland and others. And I'm very intrigued by LHP, 18th pick,Veen. He's not that big/long, and his velocity is reported as around 90mph. But the K's and control are outstanding. Can they add a couple MPH and have a surprise BP arm there? I was very pleased to see the pair of catchers selected. Lossetti's bat seems to play, though he's from a smaller school. I think it's easier to develop a catcher defensively than teach him how to hit, or have power. Baez had a good year, but doesn't seem to have as good a hit tool or as much power, but he did play at a higher level. If I understand his bio on the draft page, he was more a utility player who finally got his chance to be the every day backstop. A potential steal as a late bloomer? Again, I see a trend here. I'm not holding out much hope for any of the 3 HS kids being signed. I think they have a shot at Omari Daniel since he is rehabbing from injury. He's a shot in the dark but talented. Does he take a nice, solid $ number and run with it or decide to try college in 2024? If you were 18yo and uncertain what your future was, would you grab a chance at a pro future, and somewhere between $300-500K for an overshot signing? (I'm just spitballing $ numbers with potential $ saved even after Prielipp). I just don't see $ available to SS Daniel or OF Dickerson, but you never know. The Twins took a flier on both. Maybe, just maybe, they save enough pool $ with all the senior/4th year juniors that they can tempt them. In most of OUR worlds, I dare say, numbers like $300-500K are a small fortune. But for an 18yo with dreams and aspirations of college ball, a degree, the possibility of being a top 5 round pick or better in 3yrs, it might sound small in the grand scheme of things. But if you're the Twins, why wouldn't you take the shot, just in case? This draft will be defined by the first two picks. Anything after is gravy and good scouting work. But I think they worked this draft pretty damn well.

100%! There is no reason why he can't take infield practice and even continue to play a little 2B/3B here and there to keep those spots in play for future flexibility. That's what you do in milb. And those are the spots he primarily played in college. Just admit...which I sort of think they have...that he's just not a SS. There's no crime or disappointment in that! Put him in LF, play him some in CF as well, and let him relax and work on a stroke and an approach that works for him. Again, I find myself comparing him to former Royal great Alex Gordon. Alex was a fine 3B for the Huskers in college and was drafted as such. For some reason, he just get over the proverbial "hump" there in his pro career and was moved to the OF. I see Martin doing the same thing, and even being a similar hitter, potentially. The SKILLS are there to be a solid hitter with high OB%. He's got speed to make an impact. And he's big enough, athletic enough, that I think power will come. And he might never be a slugger and consistently hit 25-30 HR, but so what? He might be a high teens and low 20's HR guy with 30+ doubles every year, with some SB and hit and get OB and be quality defensively. That would be a really, really nice ballplayer.

Just wanted to say that it would be nice if your better prospects did debut around 23yo, I don't think anyone would disagree with that. The sooner the better, right? But I've never seen a 25yo debuting, or maybe entering his 1st FULL season at that age. And here's why I personally feel why. A college draftee is usually 21 when selected. (There are exceptions, of course). With the milb season going longer now, and the earlier mandate for signing, most will be able to get 4-6 weeks of action at an A level. The next year they're 22yo, on average, and probably at A+, with the hope of reaching AA at some point. At age 23 they're MAYBE ready for AAA, but probably at AA, at least at the start of the year. So long as they aren't set back by injury and any development issues, 23-24 reaching the majors, even for a cup of coffee, is not out of the question. But again, that's if everything goes about perfect. So to me, being 25yo is really not all that detrimental as to future success and contributions. And while there were a handful of guys who actually hit the majors in 2020, the large populous of prospects didn't play at all, or were some of the fortunate few who at least got to work out at their alternate sites. But that's still very different than having a full season of playing and development. And while I don't have any evidence to back it up, I think a number of injuries, especially to pitchers, has been a result of the loss of continuity due to 2020. Personally, when I look at any prospects age right now, 23-24-25, I basically subtract a year. In other words, prospect wise, a 24yo is really 23yo in baseball terms. If that makes sense. Anyway, just me and my thoughts is all.

I'm also voting Rodriguez to #3 and dropping Martin down to #5. While I'm not sure I'm putting them ahead of Martin at this point simply due to the "potential" Martin still has, echoing Dman's shout out to Steer and Wallner. Steer is basically doing this year what Miranda did last season. But also want to throw some love the way of CES. While defensive questions remain, what a bat! Not saying he's top 5, just recognizing that what hes doing is pretty awesome and worth being mentioned.

Such great opinions across the board and I've liked and disagreed with points on both sides of the aisle. Before going any further, I just have to address the sudden elephant in the debate concerning the pipeline. Absolutely, no doubt injuries and whatnot have affected many of the Twins prime arms this year. And I'm not going to blow any smoke that will cover the stench of disappointment. Has 2020 still hand a lingering affect? Possibly, at least for some. And I'm thinking Canterino and Balazovic as possibles. Is SWR, now out with injury, suffering from youth as well as an interrupted 2021 despite an early good start? I'd say yes. Anyone who is disappointed in Enlow while coming back from his TJ is misguided, as far as I'm concerned. And it's not being overly optimistic to state that for some of these arms, finishing the year the best they can, going through the fall developmental season, and a fresh start to 2023 could make a big difference. Stink for NOW though! Doesn't matter if Jax either never had a chance due to stuff or his delayed progression early on, the fact is he's part of the pipeline and has the look of a quality RP going forward. How good remains to be seen. Duran looks awesome and I've been impressed by Winder, for the most part, and believe he's only going to get better. Other than being a rookie of the year contender, how much better could you have really hoped for, especially having his year interrupted by an injury and bouncing around? Moran is NOT a finished product, but he's actually flashed and thrown up better numbers at the ML level than at AAA. How about he sticks around for a while in lower level situations and see what he does? I think this team has really missed Ober a lot. He was a huge surprise in 2021 and only got better as his rookie season went along. He was looking good before his groin injury. Again, I think the team has really missed him. And if you want to split fine hairs, the "pipeline" has allowed pre-injury Dobnak to give huge aid in 2020 and Smeltzer pretty much saved the Twins for about a month plus this season. As far as Ryan goes, both sides are right. The Twins didn't draft him, but they got him as a milb SP. They gave him his first shot, and have continued to develop him. He's a Twin now, and in the Twins system, so everyone wins and everyone is right. (Heavy sigh) Back to the OP. However you want to brand the 2022 Twins...your choice...they are competitive and fun and NOT the losing 2021 version. They are in 1st place in the ALC and have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. If I'm correct, winning the ALC, no matter how down it may or may not be, they get the first 3 playoff games at home. We can complain all we want about "good" vs "great" but getting a shot is the most important thing! Period! Anything can happen at that point! (Would you rather be losing?). What this team needs, and has needed for a month and a half after duct tape and bailing wire held things together is BULLPEN HELP. And I, and hopefully everyone, can now just stop all the previous angst and frustration and debates and just concentrate on the next couple of weeks. I am bemused, frustrated and confused by all the BP trade options and the potential cost. I understand the playoffs have been expanded, but with July half over, how many teams are REALLY in contention to the point they aren't going to listen? I keep referring to 2019 when the Twins traded a couple late 30-ish prospects and a few low A prospects for solid, veteran, previously proven rental arms in Romo and Dyson. Romo did so well he was worthy of being brought back in 2020. A HEALTHY Dyson would have been as good or even better get, and maybe also a nice re-sign. (No need to rehash his injury or what happened later). In 4yrs, has the cost for a pair of rental RP climbed so high it takes top 20 prospects? And it smarter to spend prospect capital to acquire a pair of RP with control when history has shown its probably the most volatile position in all of MLB? If the FO can somehow bring in a pair of high quality BP arms for more than a year without giving up too much, good for them! Kudos! But reality says they're just not going to do that. I'm not sure what team would. They need to do another 2019 inexpensive trade where the other team gets a couple "nice" pieces before they lose what they have and don't need. If the Twins fall in to a deal for an extended contract arm that doesn't cost too much, the DO IT, You also have to remember that any rentals the Twins trade for could be re-signed, right? You also have to remember that despite arms on hand, they will also have massive payroll $ to spend to add a RP or two, finally NOT ignoring the BP importance, with Correa gone. And even if he would somehow stay, there will STILL be some $ to spend. Rotation help? Sorry, but I agree with chpettit19, it's questionable if the Twins have what it takes to bring in a difference maker. I AGREE with making additions! But what do you have to give up for 1 1/2 years of a rotation piece? Wallner or Larnach? I'd like to keep Larnach, but I think Wallner could be a nice replacement. Martin could be, IMO , the next Alex Gordon if allowed to just play the OF moving forward. Ober is good, Balazovic could be great if someone believes. What does it take to make a deal for 1 1/2 years of a SP? If someone is wiling to offer up a 4-1 deal, let's say the Marlins, for a combination of 4 top 10-30 prospects, I'm listening. Balazovic, Wallner, Steer and MAYBE Canterino. I'm at least listening. But I'm NOT trading from my 26-ish roster. I'm going with what I have and focusing on pen additions and trusting in what I have.

Really nice to see Williams healthy and hitting well and hitting with power. He was a potential steal when drafted as a senior signing who couldn't play catcher his senior year due to injury. He's basically struggled with the bat since being drafted until this year. I've heard a couple reports here and there that suggest he's OK behind the dish, and one young pitcher, I think Winder but can't recall for sure, spoke about his knowledge and loving to throw to him. He's playing a lot of 1B right now. 15 games started at catcher, (17 games total), and 41 starts at 1B. So can he really catch or not? Cardenas was the Twins 8th pick in the 2021 draft, and the first of 3 catchers selected, and was off to a rough start this year. Seeing him heat up is really nice! Despite a poor BA and too many SO, he's also walked almost as much as he's K'd and showed some power. A strong finish along with the solid year of Pat Winkel, drafted right after, makes catcher in the lower minors much stronger going in to 2023.

As it's written/proposed, I'd do that deal. I don't like giving up both Ober AND Balazovic. But Castillo basically takes Ober's spot so again, I do the deal. Maybe substitute Steer instead of Martin? I mean, if Cincinnati would be sour on Martin's down year vs potential.

Agree the draft ultimately comes down to the first couple of picks, and with that in mind, I doubt anyone selected on day 2...or the impending day 3....has been or will be selected for much of an over-sign. But let's not forget day 2 the past 4 years, (can't really count 2020 draft), has brought in Sands, Winder, Gipson-Long, Hebdrick, Holland, Encarnacion-Strand, just to name a few. Day 3 has brought in Ober, Helman, Mooney, Julien, Isola, and Festa. Again, just to name a few. Hard to believe that Isola, probably the top catching prospect at the moment, was selected in a round that doesn't even exist any longer. So even day 3 can be very important. It's not like the Twins are just drawing names out of a hat to just take their turn and move on. I think you'll see college seniors, smaller school kids with athletic talent that just didn't attend a major conference for whatever reason, and very likely a couple guys who's last year was hurt or wiped out due to injury.

Thank you for the clarification! I should have remembered the Sun Belt was D1. Obviously my brain was on overload or needing a re-charge. Thanks for your thoughts as well as the reminder.

I like Schobel the more I read about him. I think he's a "gamer" and Neto-lite who the FO actually likes. The rest of today was, clearly and understandably, about low cost and some "cheap" upside that may turn out I'm OK with that. Ortega is interesting at 2B and a possible surprise. The various SS all bring some hit ability and varying degrees of potential, but if even ONE jumps out, you WIN. (You still need to field teams throughout your system). A couple of arms that are a bit "meh", but have BP potential. time But I do have interest in Matthews and Lewis as tall/long arms who could both project with tutelage in the Twins syatem while concentrating on baseball full time going forward. And recent draft history shows the Twins have done well in both day 2 and day 3 with solid/interesting projects. But today was still clearly, again, about the first couple of picks and a little "hope" cast out. No problem!