DocBauer

First of all, injuries like this happen. Keeping Garver or not keeping him does nothing to dismiss Jeffers and Sanchez being out a few days with reportedly mild "tweaks". We would have promoted Rortvedt at this point, were he still here. And while it's pointless to get in to some debate about the future potential of Rortvedt, the Twins basically added Godoy as a temporary LH, defense first replacement pretty much the equivalent of him. My only concern is that Jeffers was heating up and I don't want him out for more than a day or two. Doesn't sound like he will be out any longer, and the day off Monday helps. Also doesn't sound like Sanchez's issue is big, just a muscle "twitch/pull/etc" that should have him ready soon. Of course, we've heard these things before. But I'm going to go with what the Twins are reporting. It's been pointed out, and rightfully so, that the reason to promote Godoy is greater familiarity with the staff over Cisco. Point taken. It's also been pointed out he could be sent down while remaining on the 40 man should the Twins choose to do so. Equally relevant, there is a chance he could still be removed from the 40 man and pass through waivers and return to St Paul. Call it a hunch, but I don't think the FO wanted to play any waiver games with Cisco at this point. I know very little about him other than having previously been a top prospect. While having limited power, his career milb numbers are pretty darn good. I think they view him as a longer term fill in vs short term, with some potential still, and are willing to gamble on a potential loss of Godoy when they have to make roster decisions. By all reports, this should clear itself up the next couple of days.

I want to say YES based on his sudden rise that really crested in 2021. He was OUTSTANDING and reached a new level. Then he got hurt. Then he came back and finished about as well as he began. He's as good or better now than 2021. He's as good or better than anyone in MLB, including Trout and anyone else you want to compare him to. Forgetting injuries, when he's on the field, there are as good, but nobody better. And from year to year, an arguement can be made between a small handful as to who is best. Do I care if he's the best? Not even a little bit! He's ONE of the very best and that's all I care about. And he's ours for probably the rest of his career.

I understand that hope and expectation vs poor early results is very discouraging. Believe me, I'm as disappointed and discouraged as anyone at this point. But despite current production...or rather the lack of it...I don't think it's unreasonable or overly optimistic to fully expect the lineup to turn it around and be at least average, if not above. While we can debate, and probably all be right to some degree, as to how they should appear in a lineup, I think it's safe to list Arraez, Correa, Polanco, and Buxton as the 4 best overall hitters on the team. And I'm not so sure Buxton shouldn't be the cleanup hitter most days. I think, despite arguements of gaining an additional AB here and there hitting #1, and a supposed loss of SB opportunities, I think it could be argued he'd be more productive in the #4 spot. Again, we can debate the best lineup, but those 4 should generally be our top 4. Does anyone really doubt Polanco and Correa will crank it up? Losing Kirilloff really hurts and there is no way to sugar coat that. Larnach's BA is poor right now. But as a recent OP addressed him, there are peripherals showing he's chasing less, hitting the ball hard, and is showing improvement soon in total numbers. I sure hope so. I think he is part of the future despite being rushed somewhat. I sure hope so as we could really use him with AK out. Sano has been as bad as he's ever been. But with little exception, he's always figured it out after about a month and ends up the year with quality production. Frustration is an understatement, but he's part of 2022 and is more than likely going to be his normal self when all is said and done. I think Jeffers is a work in progress. He's hit in college, hit in milb, has flashed as a hitter at the ML level, and absolutely has good power. I don't think anyone is expecting him to be the Twins cleanup hitter. He's a quality defensive catcher with power and hit potential as a really good bottom third batter, potentially. Kepler is just never going to be what we all thought and hoped. And he's coming off a couple bad seasons. But he's still under 30yrs old, athletic and talented and fully healthy again. There is, or should be, hope that he just gets back to previous norms. If he just does that, he will be a mediocre hitter with a decent OB, and 50-60 XB power. Just being his normal, previous self will be just fine. After a slow start, Miranda is coming around at St Paul. And I think he's the future at 3B. And that future will probably come sometime before July. But I have been impressed by Urshela thus far. He plays a good 3B, takes good AB, and has shown some power the past 3yrs. I like him better as a quality reserve, but he's OK/solid. All of this to say I can see some very, very good hitting talent on the way in 2022 and the next couple of years. But there is more than enough talent and previous production on hand to just see this offense turn it around and be good. I do think the guys on hand are "too much alike" in their approach where it's all about power and launch angle. And that's where some of the young talent coming up, and a healthy AK, might provide a more "level" and "balanced" approach to the future of the lineup. But for NOW, I just don't know how you can't expect the current offense to return more to the mean and be average at worst, if not downright good.

It's almost tragically funny/ironic that the two guys the team, and us, felt best about to begin the season, Duffey and Thielbar, are off to the worst starts of anyone. Duffey showed poorly last year before actually throwing pretty well from about June on, though he wasn't quite as dominate. Ditto for Thielbar. But experience and history, you probably still felt pretty good about those two as PART of a 5 man late inning pen with Rogers and Alcala and pitcher X. And there were so many options for middle relief, you felt pretty good there. The Smith signing only added to optimism for middle relief with what what was on hand. And I despise repeating myself again, but if we're going to address the situation yet again, I'm forced to also repeat myself again. I am 100% on board with the Twins not spending $10+M on a single RP. But there were so many quality, proven RP options just sitting out there to add to Rogers and the rest of the potential pen to make a difference on a 1 or 2yr contract. Instead, we sign Smith, nobody else, and then trade Rogers for Paddack, Pagan, and a flier. And maybe that trade will turn out great! There is potential for it to be true. But when do we stop looking at "value" vs NOW? Alcala was supposed to be part of the pen, Duran an amazing possibility, Duffey and Thielbar part of the equation. But now, instead of taking a small risk on a proven arm for $5-7M to join Rogers, we are down 3 arms with the Alcala injury. Who could have seen this? Virtually ALL of us just looking at need, opportunity, and projected payroll. Duffey and Thielbar might right themselves. Hope they do, and soon. I was surprised and happy when Colombe and Minaya signed on milb deals. I don't hate the arms on hand. There is some real potential there. And part of me "gets" building a pen. But at some point, you need a couple arms you can really count on. We didn't sign a late RH arm...is the FO still scared about the Reed signing?...and we traded Rogers because they wanted "value" vs a proven commodity for 1yr? At some point, you just can't build a pen on projection alone. A few $M needs to be spent to make sure the BP is quality to "compete". Duffey, by himself, or Thielbar, doesn't make or break the pen, or the season. But you can't win a season by losing too much in the first 2 months while trying to piece things together yet again. Yes, the early offense is probably as much to blame as anything for a sub .500 record. We have missed countless opportunities so far. And that is part of the equation to be sure. But I can't help but believe Duffey's and Thielbar's early struggles are a short sighted mistake vs having additional strength by just addressing the pen.

The highlight of my mornings is reading about the affiliates and seeing who did what and even scanning the box scores. And a big shout out of thanks for those who take the time to file those reports and to you, Seth, for providing roundups like this and all the information you provide. I know it's an exaggeration on my part, but if you went down the entire list of the Twins top 50 prospects, I'm not sure you could pick more than 2 or 3 guys who aren't off to good to great starts. And between some injuries and the lost 2020, there's quite a few guys, especially pitchers, that we don't know well YET that are doing very well. With all due respect to Banuelos, Isola. Morales, and Camargo...all of whom have some good qualities and at least some potential to turn out to be solid ML catchers despite not being TOP prospects, Mack is the best hope, IMO, to be an actual, starting caliber ML backstop. I'm very excited to see his bat coming around, even if SSS. I am, however, disappointed in the career thus far of Chris Williams. With his arm/shoulder healthy post draft a couple years ago, I had real hope he'd be a real "comer" as a prospect. He was a great hitter in college, with power, and I've heard he's really good behind the plate. BTW, what's up with Camargo? Nice hot start to the season! Seth, I know next to nothing about Chance Cisco. He hasn't done much at the ML level, but his milb career numbers are excellent, despite a general lack of power. Do you happen to have a good rundown on him?

Nick, nothing you said here is inaccurate in any way. And I could extoll my opinion for the 4th time how the FO was short-sighted before the lockout...seemingly too fixated on the Buxton extension while already KNOWING needs for 2022, and at least some semblance of projected payroll even with a Buxton extension in the works...and missing out on opportunities presented to them. Post lockout, there were still some interesting BP arms out there that they seemed to ignore, despite available payroll and need. But I will or will not choose to address that at a later date somewhere. For right here and now, I'm just concentrating on what I've seen in 10 games and a 4-6 record against 3 good teams, amidst some really bad weather conditions. Granted, everyone plays in the same conditions. But some players just respond to poor weather better than others. Unfortunately, one bad grip, one bad slip in the field, can make a difference here and there. THE GOOD: 1] I have a lot of belief in Gray, Ryan and Ober. I don't expect miracles. But Gray is very good. Ryan and Ober seem to have the stuff, presence, and confidence to be very solid to very good SP. We're seeing that. Like EVERYTHING, good and bad, we are talking SSS. I fully expected Bundy to do a reverse Happ. I expected him to move to a new team, have a short ST while Johnson and the staff work with him, and look pretty bad while making adjustments. He would then be at least "solid" if not better. Instead he's come out of the gate already solid. Experience and a short tease? Or does a solid end to 2021 and veteran experience while still ramping up and working with Johnson at least keep him solid, if not better, as time goes on? I've been pleasantly surprised through 2 games. Archer was a bigger flier to me, though with higher upside, if he could be healthy for the first time in 3yrs. His personal testimony and try-out results/numbers gave me at least some encouragement. And he was quality his first time out. A chance more is yet to come? I just didn't expect much from Paddack his first turn. And I've seen worse to be sure. Despite fantasy lovers looking at "value" in the trade, I wouldn't have made the move for him. But I can't deny his stuff, his prospect status, his rookie season, only 26yo with 3yrs of ML experience and 3yrs of team control, and the chance to work with Johnson and others to take a step forward. Also encouraged by Winder, but that's part of point #2. 2] Relief pitchers are the most volatile of all players, except for the elite. Though even those have bad days. But except for a couple of bad performances, we saw some flashes and very good IP. Duran, despite his early season 6.00 ERA, has EMBARRASSED ML hitters and been dominant except for a couple hard hit balls. Repeat what I said in the Monday game thread that I hope he can still learn some kind of change, splitter, or cutter to add to his splinker, and what appears to be a mid 80's power curve, to maybe move to the rotation again. But he's looked potentially DOMINATE at this point, without being nervous. And remember, he missed 2020 and only pitched 16 innings in 2021. Kudos to Rocco and stuff to trust him. I would have thrown Winder in earlier, but he's looked solid, and looks like he belongs. If his long relief appearance the other day had been a GS, we'd be raving with optimism. Coulombe has looked solid. Should we be surprised? Jax looked today, Monday, like many of us thought: intelligence, confidence, stuff for a couple of IP. Optimism for depth, options, and veterans rounding in to form. 3] The lineup has flat out not produced as expected. They have flailed and failed too much at this point. So why is this "GOOD"? Because this is NOT going to persist! Correa and Polanco are both outstanding hitters. Sano ALWAYS comes awake after time to be a .800÷ OPS hitter with dangerous power and puts up solid numbers by season's end. Because Kepler is just NOT as bad as 2021 and his early start this year. His production has almost always been at least league average. Because Jeffers has so much potential, has power, and his career from college to milb to the ML says he will hit. Because Sanchez...who I wasn't crazy about...is already hitting better than he has the past couple of seasons, while improving his defense, and still showing glimpses of his power. Urshela has played great defense thus far. And his 2021 was solid. We're OK if he repeats 2021, and better, much better, if he can ramp up to is 2019-2020 self. THE BAD: (REVERSE ORDER) 1] No matter Gray, Ryan, and Ober, Bundy and Archer are still wild cards in the rotation. CAN Bundy actually be the amalgam of Baltimore and 2020 Angels SP where he got some Cy Young votes? Or is he a placeholder for Winder or someone else? Is Archer 100% healthy and ready to rock and roll and take his health and experience and surprise everyone by being a quality #2, or at least a quality #3 SP for a potential playoff team? It's happened before. Or is he also just a hopeful placeholder? 2] The lineup just shouldn't be this bad. Buxton is a stud, so is Polanco, and so is Correa. By pure hitting standards and OB, so is Arraez. And while he should never be counted on the first few weeks of a season, and while he will always be "streaky" in his production, Sano will always, eventually, be a big power number producer with a .800+ OPS who should never hit above the 6 spot until about June. Kepler should always be in the bottom third of the lineup where he can be dangerous, slide up against a RHSP, and just be what he is unless he suddenly adapts as a hitter, a quality RF and average hitter. Jeffers has REAL potential as a hitter with power and good defense. I ABSOLUTELY believe there is potential there as a hitter with power, but we just haven't seen it yet. Sanchez has power and a .300+ OB despite his offensive struggles in recent years. And he's been been better than I thought he might be. There is hope. But LF was SUPPOSED to be held down by AK. He should now be ready, talent, limited experience, and opportunity, to be the LF for now and future permanent 1B. And his entire career may hang in the balance over the next few weeks. So it's opportunity time for Larnach to step forward and SEIZE the opportunity. Can he do it? And despite his supposed ability to to hit LH pitching, is Garlick the RH hitting option we need in the OF? And despite his talent and potential in the OF, and despite his impressive 11 pitch AB today against Boston, shouldn't Celestino be in AAA to develop? Despite early struggles, this lineup shouldn't be this bad. And it won't be I'm sure. But this team is clearly needing an OF who hits RH. And that's been true since last season ended. And right now, we have Garlick. 3] I believe you can build a bullpen. I've believed that since the Tom Kelly days. And it doesn't matter if you don't have a "traditional" closer because over the past 10yrs we've seen that you need "fireman" for lack of a better term. Now it's "high leverage " pitchers. But the Twins needed another RH leverage pitcher for 2022 to join Rogers to be "competitive" in 2022. And instead of signing one, we traded our best one. I still don't get it. Paddack may prove me/us wrong. Pagan and the development of Duran may prove us wrong. Alcala was being counted on I'm sure. And now his future is in doubt. I just don't understand the Cotton move other than they felt nobody else might pass through waivers and they liked Romero better? I do believe the offense will come around. I don't know if Larnach is ready or not, but I sure hope so with AK out. And unless Urshela gets his offensive game together soon, Miranda better crank it up. While I think the Cotton move was a sily desperation move to play the roster, the Twins are going to have to make some hard moves soon, or be left in the dust. At some point, Minaya and possibly Smeltzer are going to have to be brought up. We'll see. The pen seems to be the biggest weakness right now, allowing the lineup to figure it out.

Watched most of most of the game, if that makes sense. I didn't see the reported hard contact on Bundy until the 6th inning, but liked what I saw. He seemed to be mixing up his pitches well and moving the ball all around, keeping Boston hitters on their heels. Not sure if he lost his control or was running out of gas when he went out for the 6th. I never hated his signing...have been hoping for an amalgam of his best Baltimore days and his 2020 with the Angels...but I didn't like him as the only early addition. Agree with puckstopper1 to be guarded and remember Happ's early 2021. But I am not displeased thus far. Smith did great! I have been so pleasantly surprised by Duran. It would be pretty easy to look at his 6.00 ERA at this point...SSS...and the run he gave up today...and wonder about his readiness. But he has made professional hitters, and some good ones, look absolutely silly at times. Even today, he still struck out the side. Despite all his talent and potential, he didn't pitch in 2020 and was limited to only 16IP in 2021 due to injury and obvious caution by the Twins. He does not look intimidated or out of place. I'm still hoping that 3rd pitch...what is that, a power curve?...could be augmented by some sort of change, split, or cutter to make him that much more dangerous, and maybe even pull a Santana-like move and go back to the rotation. But for now, he looks like a potential crazy BP piece. I was genuinely surprised by Jax. And I actually liked him going out for the extra inning. I'm sure he had a short leash, but with a lead, and him throwing well, I liked the call to build his confidence and save the pen. He wasn't perfect or electric, but he showed some composure and flashed some really nice pitches. I don't know what his future holds, but he's intelligent and has some decent stuff that plays up in a limited role I think. I didn't think Larnach's throw in to 3B was all that bad. Just a hair better, and the tag is made. Urshela missed the initial tag, but should have gotten the runner on the over slide. The bats did the job today and special notation has to be made for Celestino's appearance in, what was it, the 8th? That was guts and determination. I think he saw 11 pitches that AB! Despite being under .500, I am VERY encouraged by what I've seen so far against 3 good teams. Could easily be .500 or a game above with better hitting and one less BP blow-up.

The bad news is April could be a tough month. The worse news is Kirilloff and Alcala are already out for an undetermined time. (I've heard no updates at this time). And now, Buck may be out for a handful of games at best. We're also unsure how good the pen might be, and seem to still be missing a decent RH hitting OF. It feels like the team isn't "complete" yet. And that might be true. And I'm not convinced the FO is done yet, but we'll see. The good news is the team isn't quite "complete" yet, or hitting on all cylinders yet, but have still looked good. So as of today, we're 3-4. The rotation has been better than expected, despite SSS. Bundy and Archer were better than expected in start #1. Ryan was OK his first game, and great in start #2. Ober wasn't great, but OK, and again, ONE START. You can feel good, or bad, depending on how you want to view things, but the 2 worst bullpen appearances were the 2 most experienced and dependable guys. But if a pair of counted on guys have a couple bad games in the first 6 games, but everyone else looks good, what do you really have to complain about? We're still talking very SSS after a week of games. The offense hasn't been fully clicking yet, to be sure. And we've blown some opportunities that ONE HIT could have easily flipped the early record. But really, except for 1 game, IIRC, we've been in every game through at least 7 innings. It just feels to me we have a potentially good to very good team, but everyone is sort of still "settling in" and getting their legs under them. There's been a lot of change, the majority very late in the offseason. If the Twins can keep their heads above water for April, I think they have a chance to be pretty damn good based on talent on hand, young talent on hand and close, and the ability to add a player or two to add.

Wish I could have watched the game, but alas, work. Great way for Sano to break out of his early slump. (Hopefully?) He's in great shape and seemed to have a good ST, is the problem bad weather and he can't get loose and comfortable? Seems that Ryan was DEALING. Not going to bang on Duran's bad 8th inning, especially if I'm reading correctly the defense did him no favors. But regardless, bad IP happen to everyone, much less a rookie breaking in. So far, SSS, Sanchez hasn't looked bad behind the plate. Certainly better than what I expected. A healthy roster, I still don't like him in the lineup daily. But after today, he's hitting .227, and that's an improvement over last year. If he can maintain that...heaven forbid he improve and look like the Sanchez of 3yrs ago...with his power and career OB of .300+, I'm OK with him. But without additional improvement, I still like him as a DH occasionally, and not daily. That should be Arraez's spot when not in the field. I just don't know Pagan well. He had a couple solid first years, and then a great year for Tampa in 2019. His 2020 ERA for the Padres was mediocre, but the rest of his numbers were actually good. While there has been some debate here on TD, my understanding is that his 2021 was actually really good before a late season "collapse" of about 10 IP that hiked his final numbers. He's looked good thus far as a Twin, SSS. Did we maybe get a pretty decent BP arm out of the Rogers deal? Lastly, and most importantly, I hope Buck is OK. He was in pain, to be sure, but I think his "ground pound" might have been more frustration than anything. (Hope that's true). The fact that he seemed to walk off without a limp or anything obvious gives me optimism. NOTE: While I don't feel Garlick is any kind of answer, up for a few days, I wouldn't be too down on him just yet. He was OK in his brief 2021 with the Twins before he got hurt. Still, I just have to believe the FO has the smarts to make a trade of a non top 20+ prospect to acquire a RH OF from someone either flush, or looking to shed payroll, or not expecting to contend and willing to get something back on an expiring deal.

What issues would I want addressed, other than RP? Well, unfortunately Mike, RP is part of what I believe should have been addressed, as well as other areas, including the primary point of this discussion, the need for a RH OF. [Larnach is LH, Lewis is a SS, Miranda an INF/3B, and Martin has yet to fully transition to the OF and I don't believe is ready with his bat just yet]. My reference to having a shopping list is, I believe accurate. Even with the Buxton extension being a MAJOR issue, thankfully resolved brilliantly, the FO had to have at least somewhat of an idea what the cost of that extension would look like in AV, otherwise they would have balked. Next, they KNEW their needs: 2SP, SS, 1RP minimum, and a 4th OF of some sort that hit RH. And the OF didn't have to be able to play CF necessarily with Kepler and Gordon able to fill. In the bigger picture, Celestino is getting ready, and there are a couple of guys at AAA for "break glass" situations. And despite some of our private thoughts on what the 2022 payroll might be, we didn't know. But the FO did, and they are around where they have been for the past few years, which is pretty much what the FO said they would do. So with all that information, why didn't they spend some of the money they knew was built in to their budget WHILE negotiating with Buxton? Those needs weren't going to go away, unless they did a complete 180 and began a much larger re-tool/re-build? Without needing to go in to specifics, there were a handful of quality SP options available that didn't require $20M+, or longer than 3-4yrs. Nobody that would have broke the bank or disrupted the 2022 payroll. Post lockout, they could still have made the Gray trade, and suddenly the front end of their rotation looks very different, and offers more concrete hope. The bullpen, IMO, even without traditional roles that are becoming less and less important, needed a quality RH arm to work with Rogers in late inning situations without having to bank on the rapid development of Alcala and Duran. And I'm NOT talking about some multiple year $10M deal. But there were a lot of solid, proven RH arms that just sat for a long time that were available. No offense to Smith, who was a good and inexpensive middle innings addition, but the $ and opportunity was there for someone better to work with Rogers. Not going to address SS because they did address it, and then re-addressed it post lockout in a way I just can't argue with, and won't. But there was a definite need for that RH OF to give AK and Kepler days off and to address the need against LHP. I believe it was Nick, but can't recall 100%, who commented it was a "quiet concern" I believe. I think it wasn't so quiet. Betting on Rooker or Garlick was no answer for a team wanting to compete. And rushing Celestino was also no good answer. Via FA or smaller trade, there was a real need for someone to fill that role. And look, I'm just spit-balling here as an example, and I have no honest idea what the guy has left, but even if the Twins did what the Dodgers did and sign Kevin Pillar to a milb deal with a small MLB salary, I would have had more hope for him contributing in that role instead of Rooker and Gadlick. Through FA or small trade, it just shouldn't have been hard or expensive to add and cross off a real need that the roster clearly had. Hence speculation now of signing Upton with hopes of decent OF defense in the corners and a bat that might play for quite more year in the sun on a team that has a chance to be competitive. I like a lot about this team. I really do. And I would be happy with either Bundy or Archer as a flier. Hell, dust settled and smoke cleared post lockout, the way things turned out payroll wise, the might have still been able to sign both! But I think my shopping list and the store closed analogy is very appropriate. Right now, they'd have a more proven 1-2 veteran, proven punch in the rotation. They'd have what they have at 3B and SS and Catcher. But they would also have a realistic RH OF option, a proven RH late inning arm, STILL have Rogers, along without trading hardly anything from their prospect depth. Sportrac's projected payroll for 2022 has the Twins at about $132.264 right now including the IL, primarily Maeda there. By being a little more aggressive early on, and taking advantage of other opportunities and needs as mentioned, they'd be in the $140's, maybe pushing $150M. Based on 2021 numbers, that would place the Twins somewhere between 15th and 11th based on 2021 numbers. Based on 2019 numbers, it would place the Twins around 15th to 12th in total payroll. So based on the past two full seasons of MLB, if the Twins were just a bit more aggressive in their moves, they would rank just slightly higher than the MLB payroll delta. For 2022, as of now, the Twins rank 17th in payroll. If they had been just a little smarter, a little more aggressive and addressed that damn shopping list as I've described, they'd be sitting, right now, 13th with the Giants and probably just behind the Cardinals. We'd be way behind Toronto, Houston, Atlanta, the Dirty Sox and others. It's not just about payroll. We've seen that over and over again. And Atlanta last year is just a recent example. It's about being SMART! [OK, sometimes luck comes in to play with a sort series and players being hot]. And I have been SO supportive of this FO for so much that they have done and accomplished from re-working the entire system, and been so supportive of ownership from 2020 covid and milb and about everything...but as a fan...and an intelligent human being... I also reserve the right to question if they have made a mistake or just blown opportunities. I think this team has a chance to be very good. And we all may be surprised by the pitching staff before all is done. And I don't speak about 6 games in regard to 182, but I DO think the FO BLEW some opportunities. And right now, I'm more worried about the pen than the rotation.

I'm still trying to figure out why Cotton isn't worth keeping around after 5 days but Rodriguez is the better arm? I can only assume they were going to drop someone no matter what for Upton/Garlick and promoted Rodriguez for a day or two as an extra arm before also being dropped. Just really disappointed 1 or 2 more known issues weren't addressed more aggressively before the lockout as well as after. Feels like someone couldn't find the shopping list until it was too late and the store was closed.

I've argued for some time that "dumping" Donaldson with $ or prospects spent to rid the Twins of his contract was a huge mistake because he's a quality hitter and quality defensive player despite his lower range. The guy has great hands and a great arm, despite his limited range. And he more than proved himself yet again with the bat in 2021. He remains a fine 3B defensively, with limited range, and a potentially big bat. BUT, Correa, even for 1yr, replaces Donaldson's offense and defense, especially considering we are talking SS vs 3B, though I value both spots as being almost as important. So did the Twins actually downgrade as much at 3B as they upgraded SS? Isn't that the real question? Time will tell. But when you add, for 1 season, one of the best SS in all of baseball, who's offense pretty much matches what you could expect from a good Donaldson, plus add Arraez at 3B, and Miranda waiting in the wings, have the Twins really downgraded at 3B? The Urshela at 3B from 2019 to now is good to great defensively. The Urshela addition is offensively great to good. With the Yankees, ST, early returns from 3 games played, he can play the position very well. In fact, considering his ML experience at SS, I might be inclined, if I were Rocco, to just keep Polanco at 2B and let Urshela or Gordon play SS for a day to keep a better status quo defensively rather than move Polanco. He is a late blooming, quality glove player who has potential to make a real difference for the Twins in 2022. He has a great glove. He has hit ability. He has power. He has experience. But his future potential is limited. Unless he surprises us beyond expectation, how is he not just a good placeholder for Miranda, with Arraez being part of the equation?

I am always in favor of BPA, period. That's what you do with your 1st rounder, especially when you're drafting as high as the Twins are this year. I don't believe in drafting for need, however, if you "score" 2 players nearly the same, go with need. No way to know how the draft will proceed once the time comes, but there are a pair of really good looking catchers available and it would be a good bet that at least one of them will be available for the Twins. There are some good defensive catchers in the system. Some have surprising athleticism and can even play other positions. Some have power potential. Some even have decent hit potential. And we drafted a couple fairly early last year. But there is nobody in the system that you can point to and say: "a couple years, he's going to be really good and ready." My interest and hope is one of the catchers, who have bats and power, to be another Jeffers, hopefully. Need meets talent and opportunity in this draft.

I have to begin my thoughts by making a couple of precursor statements: 1] Rogers has never been a/our "closer". He was/is a high leverage "fireman". And that's NOT to diminish him! Modern analytics...and just history and basic logic of watching baseball...has shown a diminished value in a SAVE. A save with a 2 or 3 run lead in the 9th with a "closer" facing the bottom 3 of an order is not as great as a "fireman" facing the heart of the order before that to keep the game in check. I could be wrong, but I think it was Cleveland pen and Andrew Miller, recently retired,who really changed this perception a few years ago. Tampa has also embraced this change in recent years with great success. So it's not about a pure "closer" in the old sense, it's about having high leverage arms who can make things happen in the late innings as needed. 2] Being a broken record, I've been stating over and again that the pen could be just fine with a healthy Rogers AND a quality RH version to work along side him. I never asked for or expected some $10M+ 3yr deal. There were enough proven arm on the market to add for somewhere around $5M-ish on a 1or 2yr deal to add so Duffey could just be a reliable arm, Alcala could continue the transition to dependable late option, Thielbar could just keep doing what he's been doing, and the middle innings could be in good hands with the arms available, whether or not the Twins transitioned Duran to the pen on a temporary or permanent basis. Instead, we traded Rogers and only signed Smith as a veteran middle guy to fill the role that Clippard was so good at. For those who want to debate WAR or F-WAR, or any other metric in regard to the pen in 2021 and how it finished, and it finished strong WITHOUT Rogers, Colome was part of that and pitched well after May. Duffey, still here, figured it out and was still good despite a lowering of K numbers. Minaya and Coulombe were also part of that 2nd half pen. I was surprised Minaya wasn't protected, and glad he's back. Also happy Coulombe is back and doubt he won't be part of the team in 2022. And I get roster crunch and players you want to hang on to for potential, but we were lucky that both of these solid vets decided to re-up. NONE of my comments have ANY weight after 2 games to open the season against a good Mariners team. Let me be perfectly clear about that! This was 2 games! Duffey could be as good as ever after today, though he, like everyone, has bad moments. We should actually be pretty excited about what the first 2 games showed us. Despite less than ideal weather, just first appearances, the pen has been solid. Ryan and Gray weren't necessarily on top of their game, but they were OK. I am not going to hang Duffey out to dry for 1 game where he looked bad. But I AM going to hang the FO out to dry in a few weeks for NOT adding ONE quality late inning arm to add to the pen with or without Rogers still around. As to the OP in general: Romeo/Cotton: They're both here on a temporary term because the Twins want to see what they can do, vs Minaya. Romero hasn't thrown yet. Cotton did well today. I don't trust either, but I'm inclined to like what Cotton did when healthy last year and still surprised Texas just let him go. Both are on a short lease. Coulombe is not on as short of a lease. He's had a decent, OK of a career. But overall, by the numbers, his 2021 Twins term has been one of his best seasons. When does Moran develop enough to make him obsolete? For that matter, a healthy Smeltzer had a great ST. Coulombe may be a part of 2022, and he's off to a great start with his ST and 1st appearance, but when is he replaced by someone younger? For right now, I like him as a mid innings pitcher. Thielbar struggled early in 2021, like everyone, and that should be commented on, but like Duffey, he figured it out and suddenly was very good, yet again. And he still looks good. I actually have a lot of confidence in him. His ML lifeline may be limited, we'll see, but he sure figured out the whole complicated "pitching" part of MLB. I trust him in the 6th and 7th innings. But as good as he's been, he shouldn't be an 8th inning guy. Smith is Clippard in retro, and partially Thielbar. Proven and can do the job in the mid innings. Awesome. Pagan is a guy I admit to know nothing about, except for BB Reference and what I've read here. Great 2019 and mediocre since. Apparently, despite a poor 2020 and final 2021 numbers, he has an arm. His reported 2021 had him on a quality trajectory of a season with a low 3 ERA before he collapsed in his last 10÷ games. I took a few minutes to actually look at his numbers. I don't know that we got some kind of surprising stud back, but you also have to look at the numbers. By all reports, he took his career numbers in to August and then had a meltdown his last few appearances. He can either climb back up, or, succumb to his late 2021. He's a WC, and I sure wouldn't put him at #3 on the list at this point. But he could surprise. Duffey is NOT the #2 guy unless he suddenly finds something else. He's been a stalwart, and sort of re-invented his approach in 2021 to finish strong. And that actually comes from a Rogers comment. He's good, and I bet he will be good, But I'm doubting his "fireman " status at this point. I hope I'm wrong. But I think Alcala and Duran will prove to be the STUDS of this pen for 2022, at least eventually. And I don't doubt the middle relief has some great options, including Winder to get his feet wet. But pen wise, I'm optimistic but scared. Right now, we have arms and velocity and options. And we might be OK. I hope we are. But just like the rotation, I'm afraid we lost an opportunity to add an arm who could have made a difference.

A nice list and I can't disagree with any of your choices, but man, at each stop there some very good choices to sort through. I'm going to cheat and go with a pitcher and position player. AAA: I absolutely agree with Lewis. I'm going with Balazovic for the pitcher, just ahead of Winded and Duran as both have "graduated", at least temporarily, to MLB and I'm not sure that both don't spend a lot of 2022 with the Twins. AA: Martin showed some very good things for a rookie missing 2020 and jumping straight to AA. He showed hit and OB ability that is very intriguing. But there is so much room to hit even better and to add power, with a healthy wrist and some adjustments. To me, it's a virtual tie between SWR and Canterino for breakout pitcher. Taking nothing from the super talented SWR, I'm going with the older Canterino being healthy and charging up the system and prospect rankings. A+: I am so very tempted to also select Severino as my player pick. The talent is there, and his huge jump after jumping from Ft Myers tells me he's ready to take the next step. But I can't ignore the bat and power of 3B/1B Encarnacion-Strand. In a toss-up, I'm going with CES. Povich just has to be my choice for breakout pitcher here. A-: I am also going to jump on the Hajjar bandwagon. Just makes too much sense that he's the guy. But position player wise, how do you pick from Rodriguez, Miller, Rosario and even Cavaco? Healthy and a year of maturity, Cavaco could surprise. No matter how talented and no matter all the initial glowing reports on Miller, he's a rookie. Rosario was the short season top player last year. But I am going to go with Rodriguez. His second year state-side and "used" to pro ball and Ft Myers now, he's my breakout position player.

And I'm not going to disagree with you. And I can certainly understand our FO not wanting to make a 7yr commitment to a SP. There is a sound logic behind their reasoning. But they were willing to go 7yrs for Buxton, for a lower yearly guarantee, but more per if and as he hits incentives. Now, a healthy Buxton is amongst to top 5% of players in all of MLB to be sure. But if there was ever a time to make an extended deal with a SP, Berrios should have been that arm. He was only 27yo at the time of the trade, a model of consistency and health and work ethic. And he has remaining upside yet. I think a strong argument could be made he ranks in the top 25% of SP in MLB when you take all of that in to account. I know opinions vary. And I'm not trying to hijack the thread by any means, but I think the context of my thoughts do address this trade and the need for it. To take it a step further, even with the Berrios trade done and over, we needed SP, and there was money available for 2022, even with Donaldson on the books still. And I understand the FO was locked in on a Buxton extension last fall. But there was opportunity and finances available to make a solid, quality signing for 3-4yrs for a FA SP that wasn't necessarily a TOP FA that was as good as Paddack might be. And they could have/should have been able to multi-task the Buxton negotiations AND still jump on opportunity to add an arm before the lockout where we wouldn't have to have made this trade to begin with to add to the rotation at this point. And again, I hate using revisionist thinking, but this was all in play before the lockout, when the "hot stove" even began. So it's not just 20/20 hindsight viewing. I just think it behooves us to fully examine WHY this trade was necessary when there was real opportunity a couple months ago. And I'm NOT trying to be a downer about what we gained, and the potential of what we gained, or be a downer on the Eve of opening day, but I think a thorough examination of where we are and how we got there is more than fair for us as fans. I have largely been a big supporter of our FO for everything they've done on and off the field. But as much as I support them, like them, understand moves that have and have not worked out, I've always tried to be honest and fair in my evaluation of them. That being said, their offseason has turned out OK. But I re-state I think the FO have handled this offseason haphazardly, seemingly uncertain what direction they were going to take, and I'm optimistic this is a pretty good team with some potential, especially if a few things break right. But I do think they've missed some opportunities early that could have made this offseason even better.

To be honest, I have very mixed feelings on this trade. And with the dust PROBABLY settled now to begin the season, I'm very confused by the various actions and in-actions of the FO. As to the trade itself, Paddack is a "C" level SP at best at the moment. But I absolutely understand/agree he could be at "A" if they can figure out what happened to make his FB suddenly so hittable. The change and curve look nice, he's young, under control, inexpensive, has experience, and has already flashed how good he could be. I get it. I'm very, very hopeful. But while I no longer conform directly to traditionally defined roles in the pen, preferring "firemen" or "high leverage" arms vs the old fashioned, traditional slotting system, I felt thr Twins needed another quality arm to join Rogers and Duffey and Thielbar to seal the back end of the pen. That way, you aren't relying too much on Alcala and Duran and others at the moment. They brought in a good middle man instead, and now the back end of the pen has been weakened. I'm not saying we have crap in the pen or it might not work out, or guys might not step forward, but I already felt we might be 1 arm short and now we may be 2. And I don't know enough about Pagan to even comment, so I will let that go. While I dont want to be a hypocrit by doing something I always state can't be done fairly, with everything that has taken place, I just can't help look back and wonder why we didn't just keep homegrown and super reliable Berrios for 7yrs and then trade for Gray. Wouldn't that be a better 1-2 punch? I'm crazy excited to have Correa over Donaldson, even if it turns out to be 1yr. But even with Donaldson being a bit of a question mark, would the Twins be better today with him and Garver and Rogers and a fill-in SS for 2022? I'm just asking the question because I'm excited, I like a lot about this team, I love still having a bunch of young kids getting ready to debut, but this while offseason plan feels really haphazard to me and I'm honestly not sure if this team is better from a pure roster construction standpoint. Keep in mind, I generally like and support our FO most of what they do and have done. This whole offseason has just felt there wasn't any real plan in place. Good luck to Rooker. I think this is a new opportunity for him he probably needed. No way you take a talented young arm like Ober, who has a future here, out of the rotation to make room for a veteran flier.

I'm not disagreeing with you. But the moves made also allowed Correa to be here, for at least one season. We downgraded 3B for an upgrade at SS for one of the best players in the game. Despite some controversy that follows Donaldson, which I think is overblown, he provided leadership in his own way, PLUS offensive production and quality defense, even though his range has started to slip. I would LOVE to have both Donaldson and Correa for 2022, but it wasn't going to happen. Donaldson may just stay healthy the next 2yrs and provide excellence for the Yanks. But for the Twins, or most teams, to bet on that for his age 36-37yr seasons is impractical. The Yankees can afford to take that chance. Urshela may or may not equal Donaldson defensively in 2022, combined with Arraez, but you also have to factor the vast improvement both offensively and defensively at SS with Correa, while still having solid defense andoffense from 3B. BTW, the move of Donaldson also opens up opportunity for Miranda. So back to the original OP, I am still surprised/stunned the Twins didn't promote Miranda to end 2021. I can only surmise they wanted him to end the season on a positive note and get ready for 2022 because the new RIDICULOUS limited September rules regarding promotions would have limited opportunity. Come the lockout, and the abbreviated ST, how much time could Miranda have to prove he's ready? And he's not the only one affected of course. But when you aquire a solid, veteran ballplayer to fill a spot, what makes more sense? Throw the good veteran away who could be good, or just trust the rookie, no matter how good he could be? IF the Twins get the 2019-2020 version of Urshela, the Twins fleeced the Yankees (his 2021 version wasn't that bad). From the OP, it would be easy to be flippant and just say "he had a bad year. So what "? A late bloomer who had two good/great years and a mediocre 3rd year shouldn't be dismissed in any way. But I do believe he's a good place setter for Miranda. And then, we're talking about depth, and potential trade depth piece, whether it's Urshela or someone else. When is having too much talent on hand a bad thing?

In general, I believe in the building of a pen philosophy the current Twins have. I say "current" because if you recall/look back, you would see that the best Twins teams over the years employed a similar philosophy. They used re-treads and converted SP, not necessarily their own, and a few career BP guys to create quality pens. Even Nathan was a SS turned RP, who became a stud All Star caliber closer. Same with Eddie and Perk. But I do believe baseball has changed, and the pen has taken on a larger role in today's game. But I think the general philosophy the Twins employ is solid. If we want to be really real, pretty much everyone STUNK in 2021 for the first month. It was like a dark comedy. But Rogers settled down. Duffey settled down and was just as affective some adjustments despite some downturn in his peripherals. Thielbar's numbers were OK, but his performance was not. But he also turned it around. Alcala turned in a great last couple of months. If I wanted to be slapped around, I could remind everyone that Colome was actually pretty good once the initial chapter of his horror story was done. Hell, we could even talk about how well Coulombe and Minaya threw, and lucky to have them both back as non roster options. I GET fear about Rogers or Duffey or Thielbar suddenly regressing. I GET Alcala suddenly regressing after his strong finish. I GET all the question marks. But those question marks will always be there year to year, even for some of the best pens. It's a strange and unique and volatile spot. I'm OK with the Smith signing as a carbon copy Clippard signing who could be invaluable. But I would have spent a couple $M more on a more proven late inning guy to help Rogers instead of banking on Alcala and Duran. Speaking of, there is the real possibility Alcala WILL keep developing and embracing his role and make a huge difference. And Duran has even MORE stuff and potential. And if Duran can take all of his stuff and potential and turn out to be a LIGHTS OUT closer, I'm fine. But I still have hope that this will be a transition season, similar to Santana, where he gets experience and grows and slides back in to the rotation again. I think the arms and depth are there for the Twins to make a really good pen for 2022.

Interesting comment made by Tom on his Monday video concerning the FO not adding someone of greater value before the lockout. If you haven't listened, he used the term "sequencing" in regard to events. His general belief is that the Buxton extension was finalized just before the lockout...with hope but no guarantee Donaldson might be moved...and there were too many unknowns at that time to invest in a FA at that time, and not enough time to make a move. (I'm somewhat paraphrasing here). He has a point. Still, unless the FO really didn't feel relatively certain the extension was going to take place, they absolutely had need and payroll room to add JUST ONE solid, quality, proven arm that wouldn't break the bank. And that is my one big disappointment for this off-season. (Still would have dropped a couple $M on a viable RH hitting OF as well, but different topic). My version of the BAD is rather obvious, we currently have a rotation that with defense, quality offense, a couple bats very close, and a potentially excellent pen, the Twins could have a wining team and make the playoffs. But an awful lot would have to go right to actually win in the post-season. The GOOD is based on hope and speculation and depth. I like Gray. I like Ryan and Ober a lot. They are gamers, smart, and have solid stuff. I know we're banking on them a bit, but this is the kind of young rotation infusion we've needed and been waiting for. I've seen enough "flame outs" to know early results guarantee nothing. I've also seen plenty of poor initial performances from young pitchers to know that good/great performances may be ahead. But I'm very encouraged by both of these guys to be AT LEAST solid parts of the rotation, with potential. And I feel like depth is being provided by a number of arms where we don't have to go in to panic mode. Barring a last minute move, or an in-season move at some point, Bundy and Archer are fixtures for the time being. Call me crazy, but I'm somewhat optomist here. I think I feel a little better about Archer. It's my understanding he's 100% healthy for the first time in about 3yrs. Reports are that his workouts in Arizona were filmed, and came with a flood of electronic data from velocity to spin rate, etc. Of course, scouts were also visibly in attendance, and I'd bet the Twins had someone there. Bundy, despite the loss of velocity from his prospect days due to injury, was pretty solid in his Baltimore days, playing for a bad team. I don't expect him to again be his career best 2020 version. But if he could just be a solid veteran who is a mix of his Orioles and 2020 Angels season, he would/could at least be a solid rotation piece. Am I mis-remembering, or did I read that despite a poor 2021, he actually pitched well his last few starts? I am not clinging to blind hope that Canterino and SWR just blow through AA and AAA to make a difference in the 2nd half of the season. Nor am I holding out hope that Maeda makes a tremendous recovery to help a playoff push late in the year, though all of these things COULD happen. But I absolutely DO think Winder and Balazovic have the potential to make a difference before all is said and done. I think it's OK to say "with a little bit of luck" at times, because health and experience and good coaching can help make "luck" happen. So with "luck" at least one of Bundy and Archer will prove themselves as worthy. And with a little bit of that "luck", this rotation will be solid for at least a couple months to buy time for Winder and Balazovic to get ready to contribute. I'm hopefully optimistic right now.

Two things to begin with: 1] Milb systems and rankings are ALWAYS fuid from year to year with promotions. 2] Milb talent can improve or regress from year to year, which comes back to development, not just draft position. I am so tired of saying this but 2020 affected so many things, for EVERYONE, not just the Twins. I can't wait for a full milb season to take place so prospects can have a full, hopefully healthy, season to just be who they might be. I mean, 2020 affects even 2018 draftees because they barely played, then had a full year, then lost a full year, then are still catching up. I believe there is a tremendous amount of fluidity in the minors for ALL teams that will begin to even out in 20202. Which comes back to scouting and development, the way it's supposed to be. Just had to get that off my chest. Getting back to the OP, Winder and Duran are not guaranteed of anything, but they have opportunity. IF the Twins handle this right, both could/should make a mark in the pen and potentially the rotation over the course of a full season. No question Winder is a future SP, SOME question where Duran fits. Duran could just be a STUD RP, but the window remains open for making a Santana type move in the future. No question he is a lightening rod arm to see what happens. As far as Winder, just don't do a "Dobnak" and bounce him too much to confuse him and ruin his potential. Miranda and Celestino are going to be fine, same as Larnach, and they will all be up and find themselves as part of the Twins future soon. They're just going to "cook" a little longer at St Paul, and that's fine. Do we really believe Lewis and Martin are going to debut in 2022 and remove rookie status, as the OP suggests? I think Lewis at AAA, with Palacios, and Martin at AA is perfect. Does everyone forget Martin went from college to nothing to AA? How about he gets a little time to hit without a bum wrist and work on his power game and still play some infield before, probably, moving to the OF full time. And he's probably going to finish 2022 at AAA I'm sure. But I'm not certain Lewis and Martin finish in the ML and "lose" rookie status. But let's say they do. Next, we assume how many pitching prospects debut and go beyond "rookie" status. Winder and Duran will hopefully do that in various ways and usage for 2022 and getting ready for 2023. I still believe Strotman will see time in various roles, potentially. But to just guess/bet Balazovic and SWR and Sands will surpass rookie status is blind faith that the Twins will just stink, and need to premier young talent, or there wil at least be opportunity in the pen to help the team to make a push. But for 2023 and beyond, prospect wise? 3yrs ago nobody knew who Balazovic was. 2yrs ago nobody knew who Winder was. A year ago, nobody knew who Varland was. Henriquez, Canterino, Gross, SWR, Gipson-Long, Povich, Hajjar, and others I'm not even mentioning could be top pitching prospects for 2023. Sabato, Encanacion-Strand and Julian and Steer, Julian, Holland, Mack, Miller, others I'm forgetting. Wallner, Urbina, Rodriguez, Gary Jr., Rosario, OF options. I know full well I'm leaving out and missing other pospect options. But to believe the Twins are on a precipice of adding great talent to the roster very soon and leaving the system barren is not right, IMO.

With one possible exception, I think the roster is set right now as is. A question remaining is keeping Coulombe and making a move to keep him while risking losing someone on waivers. I'm OK with Bundy or Archer, but never would have ran with both of them. There is actual upside with both of them for different reasons. But I would have been more pro-active before the lockout, even without knowing if Donaldson was going to be moved, and target someone I had greater faith in for 3yrs and about $14-15M per KNOWING I had need, availability, and the money to do it. Gray, combined with Archer/Bundy and basically everything else that took place I'm OK with what and who and when and why. Smith is fine for the middle of the pen, but it feels like we have those guys already. I would have loved to have seen a little better signing for the backend up the pen. The last big issue, as I seee it, is the 4th OF spot. And that's where I see some unfinished business and a possible inexpensive move. The 4th OF doesn't even have to cover CF with Kepler and Gordon on hand and Cestino close by and getting ready. But they never should have gone to camp just expecting Rooker or Garlick to emerge. A smaller Fa signing or trade should have been made to ensure we had a viable RH bat 4th OF. An earlier FA SP signing, a back end arm, a better 4th OF option pushes the payroll in to the $130's, more than affordable. And if incentives are earned that pushes the payroll further, you can bet the team would be thrilled by that. I like an awful lot about this team despite the comments I just made. And im generally a FO supporter.. I think there a NUMBER of really good kids who are ready/nearly ready to make a difference and take on jobs. We have the depth to still make a trade later on based on need and record. And I'm excited to have baseball back! The whole world is just better when it's base baseball season. I'm just perplexed/disappointed a couple more/different moves could have made this offseason even better without doing anything to break the bank or sacrifice the future. GO TWINS!

Disappointed Moran didn't have a better spring and force his way on the roster, not only for his potential, but also because he's on the 40 man. Smeltzer and Coulombe have each pitched well enough to be kept. (Coulombe was also good last year). But I'm not convinced the Twins want to sacrifice/risk losing someone for a 40 man spot for 3 weeks of an extra LH right now. A 3rd LH would be awesome, and part of me wonders if a small trade might take place that might open a spot. But I'm saying no for now. Glad they weren't tempted to keep Cave. He doesn't fit the roster right now. Rooker should be the guy for now over Garlick for the last OF spot because he's on the 40 man and you don't want to risk losing him for nothing. And Garlick has like 1 hit all camp. So he's done nothing to deserve a spot at this time. Still won't be shocked to see a waiver wire pick-up when rosters get trimmed. Just might be a surprise available that fits.

I think we have to remember, based on a few previous comments, that "incomplete" is accepted for now for the Twins, and ALL teams. Grades will be re-visted again at the end of the season. One very important factor involved with all of this speculation and re-tool is the Twins have some really, really nice young position players ready, or nearly ready, that might not factor in to the day one roster. And more than that, they have a NUMBER of arms ready or just about ready to contribute in the rotation and pen. In fact, we have so many young arms, we could end up with a numbers crunch next year as things stand now as there will be others that will have to be added. So we have to remember the FO is finally/hopefully about to deliver promises of a re-vamped pitching program the next year or two, along with promised sustainability for the franchise as a whole. Me being me, no way I don't address this OP in detail now that I have time to do so. Let's re-visit what's been done so far. And this is real and honest stuff gang. THE GOOD: 1] Locking up one of the greatest talents for the bulk of his career on a "cheap" deal that increases if he's healthy and productive. Butts in the seats, publicity, winning, great numbers, ownership will GLADLY pay Buxton his incentives if he earns them. We're talking about one of the top 5 overall talents in the game. 2] The trade of Petty for Gray was brilliant. Hey, I don't like the idea of moving that talented and young of an arm. You want to dream, right? To the Red's credit, they are re-bulding in their own way, and are willing to take a risk here. And maybe Petty stuns and turns out to be really good. But history is WAY on the Twins side here for a really good SP for 2yrs, maybe more if re-signed. 3] I don't dislike Donaldson in any way, except for being overly brash at times. His bat is still high quality. His range has decreased, but he sure can "pick it" at 3B for what he gets to, and the arm is still viable. I didn't WANT the Twins to move him for all he could bring. But part of moving him, by initial thoughts, was also adding a prospect potentially, and eating a portion of his contract. I didn't like that and questioned a true value outcome. Being able to lose his entire remaining contract was something I didn't see happening. And yes, it cost us a quality defensive catcher in Rorvedt with at least SOME power/offensive potential. But in the long run, this probably turns out to be a win, not just for the Correa signing, but potential financial flexibility going forward. While I was ABSOLUTELY not looking to "dump" Donaldson, he does carry a certain risk 4] Urshela is, at least, intriguing, as an addition. He's a quality defensive 3B, an OK SS cover player, and he has bat potential. My general attitude is...based on other roster moves we get to in a moment...he's a fine placeholder who could be an outstanding 10th man in a month or so to allow for Miranda to take over. I said something in a different post that when you look at the ultimate delta of things...finances, production, future value, etc...if we get a combination of the 2019-2020 Urshela, we fleeced the Yankees. If we get the 2021 version of Urshela, combined with Miranda plus financial considerations, even still including Arraez as part of the infield equation, we probably still win, overall, unless Donaldson suddenly achieves MVP consideration. 5] I am NOT wanting to include Sanchez here. I have nothing against him. I believe he DOES provide some experience as a player who has been there, done that. AT WORST, he's that BTDT player who can "play" at catcher and has power and a career OB% above .300 which not everyone can say. I can live with him as the #2 catcher for a year with hopes and prayers that a new team, new approaches, less pressure, new coaches, a familiarity with players on the roster, and a reported willingness to learn/grow/adapt will make him a better catcher...at least to a medium level...and MAYBE he learns to hit to an at least an acceptable degree again. 6] Correa! There is nothing to be said here except for that. He's 6th for the time line. But this signing, even if for 1yr, changes 2022. And it also changes the face of the entire Twins franchise in a higher degree than the Donaldson signing did. 7] So far, agree or disagree with what they've done, they have moved only Petty, and nobody else. The system is still deep. Ryan and Ober SURPRISED everyone and bring optimism. NOT exactly excited by Bundy and Archer, but they absolutely could surprise, at least one of them. Hopefully! And the system in still in place for now. And honestly, begrudgingly, there is hope for at least one of these two to be at least solid. THE BAD: 1] DESPITE a plethora of arms in the system acquired via draft and trade and filled with potential, the FO KNEW they were a year behind their initial plan for all their arms. And if they didn't want to make a HUGE 5-7yr deal for someone, OK. BUT there were so many arms available via FA they could have signed SOMEONE for around $13-15M for around 3yrs on the vast market available to KEEP all prospects while KNOWING you had $ available to spend even if you couldn't move Donaldson So despite all that, massive opportunity available to you, you just "gave up" and settled on nothing but Bundy? Tell me how that limited vision looks now with all that has taken place? Wouldn't it be much smarter in the future to identify the ONE guy/position you NEED and be aggressive and THEN play the slow card? Or is that just to obvious to fit in to modern day alanytics? How nice might our rotation look with Gray and maybe DeScalfini or Cobb on a cheap 2-3yr deal for around $12-14M instead of Bundy and Archer fliers? And that's assuming we aren't just banking on our prospects and Ryan and Ober Is Pineda at $5M a worse risk than Archer? However it ultimately works out, I think the FO BLEW a chance to add a quality SP via $ versus prospect capital, to front the rotation along with Gray. They SHOULD have been smart early and just spent some damn money they could afford. 2]NOBODY in their right might mind, was hopefull enough to expect Celestinto to be ready for the 4th OF spot after being thrushed in to CF job, or 4th OF job, so early in 2021 when EVERYONE got hurt. It doesn't matter how well he responded when going back to St Paul to finish the season. He needs time to develop. He could have a good to great future. But he's just not ready. He needs a little more time. His talent and production at AAA should fill us with hope. Doesn't mean he's ready. Rooker has been given opportunity, hasn't taken hold of it yet. Maybe he will. Thought he would after 2020, but it seems he's digressed since. He may be on a short lease, but he probably gets 1 more shot before being traded or designated. . Garlick is a filler kind of player, not even on the 40 man. And I think we all know Celestino, Larnach, and Martin are important pieces of the future OF. And ALL of them could be part of 2022, especially 2023 and beyond. And it's OK if Gordon and Kepler back up Buxton for days off in 2022. The Twins FO didn't have to sign a true CF 4th OF option. But there was NOBODY to sign or trade for on the cheap to just be a decent bat, decent corner defensive OF to spell Kepler and AK? HUGE mistake, IMO. 3] Joe Smith is a solid and probably undervalued signing. And he might be a "Clippard" kind of pitcher. And Alcala might be ready to step forward. Duran might be even better, but I'd rather see him working in the Saints rotation. And MAYBE he will do a Santana conversion to the rotation. OR, maybe he's just destined for the pen. And maybe, for now, Smith is really the smart play. But it sure seemed there were a few quality arms out there that didn't break the bank that could be better to add to Rogers and others to raise the bullpen floor. Again, the FO better be right. 4] This whole Sanchez being a primary DH is WRONG unless he re-disovers himself, or Roccco just figures crap out. For some reason, Rocco falls in love with certain players being in certain spots. And he has to grow and learn from that. And if he can't, the he's the wrong guy to lead our team. Because there are some things SO OBVIOUS that if you can't adjust and figure it out, maybe you aren't the right guy. I give the FO a B÷ and agree with Ted's OP overall. The bitch is, if our FO was a bit smarter, a bit more smarter and daring, we'd be looking at a solid A to A÷ if they weren't so damn conservative.

With little exceptions here and there, I have been a plaudit for the FO. I think they've done a pretty amazing job from re-vamping the ENTIRE past singular coaching strategy to being more focused on the individual, to coaching hires...some who have been pilfered...to a more modern analytic system that makes sense. Even a few moves they've made didn't turn out, but made sense at the time. But I'm calling them out right now! Even uncertain if they could move Donaldson, they KNEW they needed to add to the rotation. The payroll was low enough they could have easily added ONE of many quality, solid arms out there in November for an easily affordable $14M ish deal for 3yrs. I GET that we're looking at a ton of young arms getting ready. But if you want to truly be competitive, you AT LEAST, sign one solid arm that doesn't break you. Opportunity will present itself during a 162 game season. That's all they had to do. THEN, post lockout the world turns and stuff happens and we are where we are. We have Gray with pitcher X and Correa and a rotation and pen and lineup that looks like a 90+ win team with a real chance. And STILL opportunity for the young arms. And I'm ignoring brining in a RH hitting OF to balance the 2022 lineup on the cheap which could actually make a difference. Our FO SHOULD have been smart enough to realize they might, or might not move Donaldson. But payroll says they should have easily been able to sign a single quality SP beyond a flier like Bundy or Archer. There are a couple of good/great arms about ready. I get that. But for 2022 and being ",competitive ", I think ego got in the way and they might have blown a chance. I sure hope I'm wrong.