DocBauer

Honestly, I HATE doing the whole retro thing because ultimately it doesn't matter. But I think we have to at this point to fully appreciate and conceptualize where we are at. The FO wanted to move on from the Donaldson deal for the future of the team. They didn't know if they could, but they wanted to. It was in the best interest for the team, if not both parties. The original signing wasn't stupid, it made sense at the time, but it was also time to move on, if possible. The bitch is, even if "unknowing" whether they could move Donaldson or not, the FO knew they still had a good ballplayer on hand and NEED for SP. They also knew they had $ to spend on a SP regardless of Donaldson. The didn't HAVE to make a 5-7yr deal. There were several, quality SP available on 3-4yr deals that could keep our team in contention while still working the system pre and post lockout. It didn't take a rocket science expert to realize the time was ripe to strike for just a solid, quality #2 type pitcher that wouldn't break the bank, with hopes for additional moves beyond the lockout. An "F" grade that turns in to a "D+" for brining in Bundy. And that grade jumps to a strong "C" and maybe even better if we get some combination of the Baltimore Bundy and the 2020 version of him for 2022. What does Archer bring? The same thing as Bundy. Every year an arm either figures it out, or gets healthy enough to be what they were, or could have always been. The Twins have TWO of those arms right now, hoping to find themselves again. If ONE of them does this, combined with Gray and Ober and Ryan, the Twins could really surprise. I blame the FO for not being aggressive enough to sign ONE ARM early that was better than Bundy. But I have to also applaud them for signing a "come back" arm that could have real surprise potential. What both Bundy and Archer provide, beyond hope, is a couple of experienced arms who can "hold the fort" in the short term to give Winder, Balazovic, Sands, SWR, and others time to get ready. Hell, a fully healthy Canterino could blow past everyone and be up sometime in 2022. So Archer and Bundy have the ability to raise the floor, and one of them could raise the ceiling. At worst, they can provide time. And I don't blame the Twins for over paying to Oakland, or anyone else at this point. NOTE that so far NOBODY has been willing to give the A's,Red's, Marlins, etc, what they are asking. This offense could be great. There is real potential for the pen. There are some serious arms about to join Ober and Ryan in the rotation as well as the pen. This team should be ready to compete. I'm just hoping like heck we get a surprise and maybe a surprise deal that doesn't hurt too much to push us over the top.

Projecting what I think, not necessarily what I want: CATCHER$ Jeffers and Sanchez. I like Rocco. I don't find a lot of fault in what he does, though I do argue about his batting order construction at times. And I just can't buy in to his comments about Sanchez spending at least a fair amount of time at DH. It just doesn't make any sense unless he suddenly, almost miraculously finds his "old self" at the plate. It's OK he's playing daily in ST in attempt to work on things. But Arrzez needs to play, Sano needs to DH when AK plays 1B. And there are half days off for others. Despite maintaining a .300 OB% while hitting near the Mendoza line, and still having big HR power, Sanchez hasn't hit in 3yrs. Now, he can improve to the .230-ish level, OK, maybe I can see some DH time. And despite a fresh start and supposedly great attitude to work on defense, his best attributes as a catcher/player is experience and power. I have nothing against Sanchez. By all reports he's a great guy with a great attitude. And I cross my fingers and hope for the best. But he shouldn't be in the lineup daily unless we see a serious turnaround. Goday begins at St Paul and is only minutes away. INFIELDERS: Sano, Polanco, Correa, Urshela, Arraez, Gordon. IF the Twins get the 2019/2020 version of Urshela, they really fleeced the Yankees, all things considered regarding Donald's $ off the books, the opportunity to sign Correa, etc. If they get the 2021 version, they got a good glove,, decent bat utility player who should be working hard at 1B and 2B, which he's played sparingly in the past, to become a really good utility player. If they get a combination of his past 3yrs offensively, they STILL fleeced the Yankees in the deal, and they should STILL work him hard at 1B and 2B because they just might have a super utility infielder on their hands. I'm leaving Miranda off making the club initially, but they're going to have to make room for him SOON. I don't believe the Twins are playing a service time game with Miranda. For whatever reason, limited roster expansion in 2021, I think they just wanted him to finish strong without pressure. Now, while playing almost daily, he's been fine and hitting. But with a short ST to get ready, I think he starts the year with the Saints and is a 1st call up. Gordon will, hopefully, do what he's always done previously and improve at least a little bit with the bat. He provides speed and OK defensive versatility and can even give Buxton a day off. For the 100th time, Arraez needs to be in the lineup almost daily as one of the best hitters/OB guys on the team. OUTFIELD: Kirilloff, Buxton, Kepler and ? Celestino and Larnach are going to go the wire as the 4th OF. The problem is both could benefit from another month or two at St Paul to get their legs under them. And the other problem is that Rooker would be a great choice to at least begin the season as a RH bat but hasn't done anything to make a move to make the roster. If you twist my arm, I'm going with Larnach as of now. I wouldn't be shocked if the Twins pick up a waiver wire OF to begin the season. POSITION PLAYERS: I'm at 12. We need 13. No way they keep both Larnach AND Celestino. Just don't think there enough AB for both.. Assuming, for now, no camp invite or waiver wire addition to the 40 man, it comes down to Rooker, Miranda or Goday. Rooker has been out, and has a week to prove he deserves to go north. Miranda looks good, but can they find daily AB for him? Maybe. Hopefully. I'm going to reverse my earlier opinion and Goday is the 13th man to start the year. STARTING PITCHERS: Gray, Bundy, Archer, Ober, and Ryan. Not much to say here that hasn't been said already, and I don't want to rehash woulda/coulda/shoulda. Like him or not, believe in him or not, a healthy Dobnak provides depth here that is now missing. Honestly, none of the invites provides interest much less confidence. The good news is a plethora of young arms that will get opportunities during the season. It's a double edged sword as young pitchers don't always acclimate immediately. But then again, some do, witness Ober and Ryan in 2021. Every...single...year...there are guys who suddenly figure it out, or suddenly get healthy again. Archer is the latter. Could it happen? Bundy is the former. He's NOT the top HS prospect from YEARS ago. His Orioles career was a mixed bag, but solid, and it was thought escaping Baltimore he might do well. He was outstanding in 2020 before a bad 2021, though he finished strong from all reports. Do we at least get some combination of his previous years? If so, smart move. I remain hopeful but skeptical for both Archer and Bundy. But maybe this is the year where we guess right on a reclamation project? Aren't we due? Crossing my fingers. BULLPEN: Rogers, Duffey, Lewis, Alcala, Thielbar, Moran, Cotton, Romero, Jax, Stashak. I'm going status quo with the OP because it just makes sense at the moment. I really like the Lewis signing even though that's not the direction I would have gone. Even before all the trades and freeing up $, I felt there were a couple strong arms to be had in the $5-7M range that were absolutely affordable to team with Rogers for the back end of the pen. I have to conclude that not only were they confident in Rogers and Duffey being ready to go, but they believe Alcala is about ready to assert himself. Further, and I don't like it to some degree, I think they have decided already that Duran's future is as a power arm capable of some great things in the pen, at least in the short term. And maybe the Twins will do a classic Cardinals move and play him in the pen for now and transition him to the rotation later. But as much as I feel I unwrapped the biggest Christmas gift to only be somewhat disappointed, can you imagine a 1-2 punch of Alcala and Duran mixed with Moran and a couple of other live arms for the future of the pen? Duran might sneak in here, but he's been mostly pitching late innings in ST. He's going to AAA to start the year. Minaya and Coulombe have done exactly what they did in 2021, pitch solid. But they aren't on the 40 man, so they are going to wait until needed at some point. Cotton looks pretty good. Still not sure why the Rangers let him go. Lot of potential in that arm. Jax has a decent FB and great slider and smarts. The Twins aren't going to give up on that easily. They also like Stashak, and believe a fully healthy version will get him back to where he was before. But make no mistake here, Jax and Stashak in particular have to PROVE IT. And if they don't, guys like Duran will come up soon. And they could very quickly lose their 40 man spot to others. If you want a wild card for the pen, look at Smeltzer.

Does anyone else get perplexed or wonder about what's going on when you realize that the A's are running a garage sale, and the Red's suddenly "declare" their pitchers are off limits, and what in the hell happened to a building Marlins team who is suddenly silent? I am NOT excusing the Twins FO from making a SP move to make a difference for 2022, if not beyond. But if nobody else is either, it shows there is a sudden FREEZE in the market right now. The bad news is they blew a chance to add a decent pitcher before the lockout. The good news is: 1] They MIGHT end up with a surprise rotation piece. And it happens every single year. 2] There is actually a good chance that even brining in "fodder" still allows time for the prospects to get their stuff together and make a difference for at least a half season. 3] There's actually a chance this bullpen is damn good...even though I'd rather see Duran in the rotation, at least eventually...and can help the ST get acclimated. 4] Again, not crazy about Bundy or Archer. I think we BLEW a chance for a solid SP for 2022. But we COULD end up with a potential steal. That would be great! Greater still would be just some IP by a couple veteran arms and some young arms early in various roles to ramp up and gain experience early. Truth is, it would be a shame to waste the lineup we have and the potential of the pen we might have. But there ARE some young arms that could make a difference in 2022. And this IS the year we should start to see "tomorrow". ALSO, I have to add, the system is still strong enough and deep enough, that unless we go crazy, we can still bring someone on board via trade a month from now, or at the deadline. And $ is also in our favor. I still think we BLEW an opportunity before the lockout to make a difference. But considering the freeze in the market right now, and the expanded roster for the moment, and the number of quality arms to play/project/protect, does all of this maybe play in our favor a couple months from now?

Not happy with this. Every single year, SOMEONE finds themselves again. We're betting on 2 guys right now. Hopefully ONE of Bundy or Archer finds themselves again and actually performs. I'm willing to lay money Bundy will be more successful than a rebounding Archer. And honestly, I thinkI Ober and Ryan are better than Archer at this point. But why not take a cheap shot at this point? Despite rumors of the A's and others having pitchers available, NOBODY has made a move yet. So the market might might just be dry at this point. The Twins have the depth and money to invest if things change. But right now, we might be looking at what we have. Is that a bad thing? Is it OK to bet on Winder and a 8-10 man pen for now? Opportunity exists for high quality arms to prove themselves. And we have the depth to make a difference not only in 2022 but beyond. Are we there yet? At some point we have to give Opportunity or trade away. I don't hate the Archer flier. I'm just hoping this is a cheap flier that reaps benefits like the , Bundy, flier that just gives the Twins a little more time to let let Winder, Balazovic, and others time to make their mark at the ML level.

Are you saying he isn't playing enough OF? That's how I read your post. Forgive me if I'm wrong. The Twins have stated they believe he has the ability to play at least a decent OF right now. Obviously, the more he plays it the better he gets. But if he's as talented athletically as he is, reported, wouldn't you want to see him in the infield as long as you could to see if he could at least cover the infield like Marwin or Marte or Kiki Hernandez? His future is BRIGHT. BUT, most forget he's only been a pro for 1 season. How about we just let him play ball for at least half a season. This kid could be awesome a year from now, if not mid season. But let it play.

I remain surprised about the DH role in some opinions. The DH removes the pitcher and the "floundering" of someone specialized to anything but being a hitter, to add a bat to the lineup. So who decided the DH should be a power bat? And that has always perplexed me in regard to building a lineup. If you have a SPECIAL bat like Cruz or Ortiz, for example, who can't play a position, or who you don't really want to, then you plug them in to DH and find guys to hit before them. And if your team is good enough, versatile enough, deep enough, you can plug anyone in to the lineup for a half day off to fill that position. As the Twins are "seemingly" constructed right now, barring injury or just a bad season...forgetting injury factor because how can you predict that...LF/CF/RF/SS/2B/1B ALL project to 20+ HR production. Urshela, if he's back, projects to double digit HR totals. Jeffers, still growing and developing but with a solid/good offensive potential and Sznchez powering what he can, 3B and catcher should provide at least double digit HR totals, if not more. (3B could change depending not only on Urshela but also Miranda). By himself, in a disappointing 1st full year, Jeffers still hit 14 dangers, IIRC. Regulated to splitting time at catcher...which I hope for 1yr, Sanchez should add enough to see 20+ HR at catcher, the bottom of the order. What in the hell is wrong with having one of the best "hitters" and OB players on your roster being the primary DH and setting the table? I get arguements that Arraez's hitting and OB and contact skills could be valuable lower in the lineup. But he's probably amongst the best BA, and OB hitters on the roster. He makes the pitcher work. Power potential is everywhere on this roster. How about letting your DH, who also plays in the field here and there, be a table setter to be driven in?

I like the basis of your post but am going to disagree slightly. Larnach will never have the speed/range of Kepler. And I honestly haven't seen enough of Larnach to know how good he is or could be defensively. I know he has the arm for RF, which is why he usually played RF when he and AK were both in the lineup. From what I have read, Larnach is a decent athlete, though by no means as good as Kepler, but not a statue. Martin is a great athlete, and the Twins have stated they feel he's already more than capable of playing the OF right now, despite their intention to focus him on the infield for now. And I think that's the smart play. Why wouldn't you develop him as much as you can in the infield for now for future possibilities? But I fully believe he's going to be our LF, and a good one. He'll cover CF for Buxton, but could/should have the ability to also cover a couple infield spots. He could/should be an excellent LF...not some bat stashed there...and a combination of Martin, Buxton, and Larnach should be an excellent OF production wise, but can also be, excellent, excellent, good/solid defensively. And that's ASSUMING Kepler being gone, which might not be the case at all! Then, let's toss in Celestino in to the mix as a high quality defensive player across the entire outfield who can bring a little bit of everything offensively, suddenly we have offense and defense across the board with a combination of 4-5 players. Again, as always, SOMEONE, might be moved. But looking to the future as things sit right now, this OF could be COMPLETE in all ways as early as mid season. I don't think the FO is dismissing defense at all. I just think, much like the pitching prospects, we're just a little behind the expected/hoped for development due to covid and a shortened ST this year.

*always with the obvious caveat of a potential trade that could still happen.* I think Larnach is going to be fine. He was pushed pretty quickly last year, (along with Celestino and Rortvedt), and then got dinged. The fact that Larnach didn't finish strong for St Paul tells me he was hurt worse than believed. I do see him taking over for Kepler eventually; younger, cheaper, better bat with as much power, strong arm, not as much speed/range. And I do believe Kirilloff does eventually move to 1B on a permanent basis, but he's needed in LF for now. Just my opinion, but limited time to set the roster and get everyone ready, I think Larnach and Miranda are both going to begin the year in St Paul, even with the expanded roster. Those extra spots go to pitching. I suspect neither Larnach nor Miranda will be with the Saints past June 1st. Since he was mentioned and ties in here, I think Martin will end up in LF eventually, while backing up CF and being able to cover across the infield. A super utility with a primary position of LF. But I suspect he's more of a 2nd half of the season call up. He's still inexperienced and needs to tap in to his power. He won't be down long though. I think Celestino will be up for good in the near future as well. And he's going to do it all as a great 4th OF. Biggest problem right now is we need a 4th OF who has a RH bat to begin the season at least. That's maybe Rooker or a non roster player. Not great choices there.

Maybe I'll too old school or stubborn, but I'd sure like to have Arraez hit .300+ with and OB% ahead of some guys that can drive him in. Further, I like the idea of him generally taking 6-8 pitches so the guys behind him can see what the pitcher has got that day. So my preferred choice for #1 is Arraez as a DH/2B/3B. You can put Polanco, Correa, and Buxton in any order and not be wrong. I mean, I can see an arguement for Buxton as a very dangerous and productive cleanup man. Some don't like the speedy Buxton behind the slower Arraez. While I don't see Buxton being wild on the bases in an attempt to prevent injury, I can see his legging out a few plays he might not be able to with Arraez on base ahead of him. OK, Arraez also makes a great #2 hitter followed by Correa and Polanco in whatever order. But that's my top 4. AK can hit, hit for power, and indont believe he's going to be intimidated by youth or overly negative against LHP, I've got him #5. #6 Sano: too dangerous to not be here. #7 Kepler: Still good against RHP and power. #8 Urshela: Nice, solid hitter with pop/power. But not as dangerous as those above him? #9 Jeffers/Sanchez: Lots of bat potential for Jeffers, but no pressure down here as he takes over the #1 job. And I'm sorry, but I'm not putting Sanchez and his bat higher than this until I see some turn around. He's dangerous here, but here is where he should be until he hits again.

Wouldn't it just be Twins/Minnesota luck that a HS pitcher picked at 27 would defy the odds and turn out to be a stud? But I still applaud the trade. It just makes sense. And the MLB draft is ABSOLUTELY about taking the best player available above all professional sports because you aren't loking for immediate help, you're looking at future potential. And sometimes you hit, and sometimes you don't, and sometimes you reach. Witness Cavaco and HOPE you get it right, even if it takes a few years for fruition. The Twins have a handful of catchers they have drafted, signed, traded for, and converted over the last couple seasons. And there a couple of guys from AA down that have at least flashed some potential. And there is the potential for a couple surprises from that group: But man, despite drafting a couple catchers last year, best thing they could do now is NOT ignore BPA, but make sure they look HARD at the draft board and bring in a couple interesting/quality catcher options for the good of the system.

OK, so you're down in ST? Tell us more about what you are seeing.

I don't want to get too wrapped up in a really solid rookie year, or early results from ST this year, but I have some pretty high hopes for Ober. What impresses me most about him is not his length and how it "adds" velocity to his stuff or hides the ball, it's his overall control, his obvious work ethic, and his intelligence. He re-worked his delivery to not only add velocity, but most importantly, to find a comfortable, repeatable delivery to keep his body sound. He had some injury issues earlier in his career and commented once how he just "hurt" after games. That looks to be a completely past issue at this point. Very impressed that he worked on developing his new slider during the season. And instead of having difficulty doing so, or wearing down near the end of the year, he actually improved and seemed to grow stronger. Despite his new slider, I have to wonder, might it not be smart to occasionally use the "old" variation here and there, take a little off, and get that greater horizontal movement as a "show me" offering? Or does that over complicate his normal release and arsenal? While he might settle in as a very good #4 starter, I'm not so sure he doesn't grow in to a legitimate #3 with a little more time and refinement.

Between now and draft day, there are going to be a lot of changes I'm sure. But I am really holding out for a top, easily projectable college catcher just sitting there when it's the Twins turn.

Just looked up the 40 man and believe it's current. Maeda and Dobber to the 60 day IL. One more signing with Enlow's spot available still. Anything more than that, someone has to be dropped. O If there is a trade, also have to make room. But I think it's a fairly safe assumption that any trade would include at least 1, if not 2, players currently on the 40 man. Never know, but I doubt there's another Odorizzi like move available that only includes someone/various someone's not yet on the 40.

I am fully aware RP don't usually rank high on prospect lists. I understand he's now 27yo, maybe a late bloomer. I get he doesn't have then ideal frame. But he throws mid-90's with a milb WHIP of just over 1.00 and has averaged a K of 10 per 9 and has a couple options left and was just dumped? Wow. I'm not predicting anything for the guy, but his numbers and options make him seem like someone you'd like to hold on to. Must be something we can't see from the numbers that makes him questionable

A very well written article and some quality perspectives! Not a big fan or believer in Sanchez. However. Once upon a time he was a top prospect, an All Star and a Silver Slugger. Just 3yrs ago? Seems longer. And I honestly thought he was older than he is. A change of scenery, a fresh start, different voices being heard/interpreted differently CAN sometimes make a difference. I hope in this case he has at least a decent rebound. As I've stated elsewhere, non-horrid defense, a .230 AVG with power and continuing to keep his OB above .300 could at least provide a solid bench option.

Nope, not worried about DH, and NOT because of Sanchez in any way. A full time DH is only a ONE MAN spot, usually, when you have an Ortiz or Cruz who is a special hitter. When you have a deep and versatile roster, as we potentially do, you need to find room for everyone. And who says your DH spot can only be manned by a power hitter? Until another OF is added, or a prospect grabs the LF spot and makes it his, AK is going to initially play there a bunch, but he will also cover 1B until he can make the move there more permanently. Sano is going to play 1B and DH when not at 1B. Arraez needs to be in the lineup almost daily at the top of the order. He will play 2B, 3B and DH. Whoever he replaces in the field can take the day off, or a half day and DH. Sooner or later, if not immediately, Larnach and Miranda are going to be ready for daily action, in the field or even in the DH mix. They also mean more time at 1B for AK, more time at DH for Sano, etc, as things expand and trickle down. As far as Sanchez at DH on a regular basis? I doubt it for all the options listed above, plus the fact you generally hate to play both your catchers, plus he doesn't hit well enough to be in the lineup daily despite his power. Sanchez, despite defensive limitations, provides experience, power, and an OB above .300, if only barely. Hopefully he will raise that OB to around .320 and raise his AVG up beyond the Mendoza line and around the .225-.230 range. That's enough to make him valuable as the backup catcher, starting around 1/3 of the games. But there are far better options at DH than Sanchez unless he suddenly resembles his previous Silver Slugger self, which seems unlikely at this point. There is no need or good arguement for Sanchez to see primary AB at DH. If he's there a lot, we have some serious issues, or, a serious reward. But I'm not worried at all about DH. I can easily see 10-11 guys that can/should be playing daily.

I think it's an interesting flier based on past performance. I don't like it for the 40 man. But I suspect his 40 man status changes in the next couple of days, pending another trade. I really, really wanted the Twins to grab Carlos Martinez as a high upside arm coming off a bad year. The Giants pounced. Good for them. I think we blew a chance there. I don't feel the pen needs some $8M plus arm. But I felt there were enough good arms out there they could have made a solid a solid addition better than this to insure a quality back end. And I'd be willing to bet they still will. At least, hoping they will. He screams middle relief to me. Which is good. But I think we really need a viable, potential, 8-9 IP option. But I'm not certain what is left at this point. Uncertain where the payroll is at, and certain a trade for a SP is coming. But have to wonder about Smith passing through waivers to be kept as a flier considering future moves. I'd really like to believe there is someone better on the horizon plus MAYBE a surprise cheap 4th OF to provide some depth and balance.

Even with 1yr Correa does so much to enhance the 2022 team's chances, with an additional SP yet to be determined. But the one thing I think is missed here is how he affects 2023 even if he is gone. His presence in 2022, offensively and defensively, allows less pressure on Lewis and Martin to be rushed, whatever their future outcome. It allows for a potential surprise in Palacios to prove he's actually the "potential" SS the Ray's traded for a couple years ago, after his 2021 season and strong winter league. He's in camp. Could he surprise? His top of the order presence allows guys like AK, Larnach and Miranda to feel less pressure for their 1st full ML season. Urshela might also assist here. At worst, he gives the Twins a tremulous lift for2022, but even his abscense in 2023 could still provide dividends for the future.

Forgive me, but too much to say! I was asleep when this happened, caught the news in the morning, and even working a short day I am PAGES late to commenting. Therefore, going to concentrate my thoughts here. The first is HUH? WOW!! I never saw this coming even though for a split second yesterday...after reading about other teams "in" on Story...I wondered about a switch to Correa, maybe on a short 1yr deal, but quickly dismissed it as fantasy. The second is, after reading about numerous teams being in on Story, and ZERO positive news for days, I was feeling pretty confused and pessimistic and had previously posted under the "positional catcher report" that I was feeling pretty bummed. I believe my words were "disappointed" and "apathetic" and felt like I was coming down from a high with baseball back and some of the early moves. Apparently I wasn't the only one from "likes" and other poster's comments.. WOW, what a difference a day makes! I have largely been supportive of our FO from day one for everything from drafts, to signings and trades, to the hiring of personnel, to the total revamp of the system and the way of doing things. I've defended them on many occasions, but I'd like to believe I've been fair to also criticize them when I've questioned their decisions/actions at times. Fellow Midwesterners like myself, born and raised, will understand I've always had a love/hate-hate relationship with the month of March. (11yrs in SD, 55yrs in Nebraska where the weather turns on a dime). Invariably, March teases an early Spring only to deceive days later. And EVERY SINGLE YEAR I remind myself to NOT fall for it's ploy. Such is the same for our FO. I know and understand how they work. And again, I have largely applauded their approach, with disagreements I have been clear to state when I felt was necessary. I was enthused after the first 2 trades, and dumbfounded and filled with anxiety after the Yankees deal. I apologize for being so negative previously, especially to myself for not just waiting. I should have known better. Even when the FO seems to be distressingly "over patient" they have almost always made "smart" moves...even if they don't turn out. (Witness Happ, Shoemaker, Colome). But to move on... I applaud getting out of the Donaldson deal. His signing was unexpected, but actually made sense at the time. It also showed this wasn't the older, more traditional Twins way of doing things. Previous FO's wouldn't have taken that shot, and probably wouldn't have made the Maeda and Cruz moves either. They sure as hell wouldn't have played the game of MLB chess that we're seeing right now! Thirdly, if the initial Donaldson signing, a couple of years pushing payroll, various reports from agents as to how professional and generally pro-active the Twins were in arbitration cases, hasn't changed the perception of how this FO operates, THIS signing moves the needle as to how this team operates. They may be frugal, (Not a bad thing considering revenues and market place), they may be calculated and hopefully smart, but they aren't "cheap". (Yes, I am aware of continuing debate on this topic). Fourth, I really wish the opt out was after the 2nd year. But that was never going to happen. But for 2022, at least...things could change...the Twins made a MAJOR move to fill a hole with the top available player at his position. It not only brings enthusiasm to the fans, but also the players. It also allows at least 1yr to re-set the time table for prospects like Lewis, Martin, and even the somewhat forgotten Palacios. I fully expect Lewis to be the SS of the future, barring Martin having a lightbulb turning on. But what if the new-found bat of Palcios is real and his winter league numbers are a sign he's actually going to hit at the ML level with his defense? Fifth consideration, even ONE YEAR of Correa not only makes the team and lineup better, but his presence as a top of the order hitter also brings less pressure for other young players. Not sure that's even been considered by some. Another trade for a SP seems a given, so names could change. But his presence could make the transition for Kiriloff, Larnach and Miranda that much easier for 2022. (Urshela can also help here in a smaller capacity). Final comment: I really, really wish the Twins had made ONE commitment, besides, besides the Bundy flier, to one of the many FA SP that were available before the lockout. The annual value might have be en more than a trade target financial cost, but it would have come without a prospect cost.But we're past that point now. Now it's about ONE MORE SP via trade to make a difference. I don't want to sacrifice the future just for 2022. But the originizational depth is there to make another move.

Just another filler arm for AAA. Period. Could he suddenly find better bite with his slider and maybe find new life? Maybe. Maybe he finds new life as a bullpen option. It happens. But like Rodriguez, I think he's just depth for AAA. But unless we trade a couple young arms in a move for a quality ML SP or other, it feels like there's already enough talent to fill up the St Paul rotation already. But, there could be a move, guys do get hurt, and depth to just have your AAA team competitive doesn't hurt I guess.

Just wanted to add, I've seen just enough of him in hilights and a few ST games that I don't believe range is any kind of issue. I don't believe arm strength is any kind of issue. I can fully appreciate your comments, and others I've read, that being more efficient with his throws is something to work on. I've also read where he just needs to work on general positioning and footwork needed to make the normal plays consistently. I would respond yes to all of this, but aren't these general fundamentals that pretty much every young SS has to work on and develop? I might be an optomist, but I believe the athletic package is there, the arm is there, the work ethic is obviously there as well, and all he really needs is time to play and refine himself. I'm not predicting GG defense...though that would be awesome...but I think he's got everything to become at LEAST a solid ML SS just given a little more time to refine. Would you agree?

I couldn't wait for the lockout to end and for baseball to begin. I was excited by the first couple of moves and thought we were going to get a few things done and put a good team on the field in 2022, while still allowing opportunities for the prospects. Right now I feel disappointed and almost apathetic, like I just came down hard from a sugar/caffeine high.

Personally, I don't believe Sanchez is going to get a ot of time at DH, barring a HUGE turnaround in his career. I'd be happy as can be if he could just provide experience and simply hit in the .220-.230 range with power as the #2, for about 1/3 of games caught, and probably be done by the end of the season. I think we can easily see better options at DH; Arrzez and Sano jump to mind immediately. And I don't expect a lot from Godoy. I'm hoping his defense is solid. He's only 27yo, bats LH, and while possessing little power, he hit fairly well in milb and his OB was solid. If he's got some defensive chops, he's going to be the 3rd catcher and spend all or most of his season in St Paul, barring injury issues. This isn't how I mapped out a re-tool, but I'm not anxious about a fairly young 3rd catcher with at least some hitting potential. I'm more anxious about what is waiting to be done.

While the entire process of this re-tool has me a bit confused, I see a method to the madness. The Twins believe in the Jeffers they drafted, honed, and have seen throughout his milb career, what he showed in 2020, and glimpses he showed in 2021. They believe he is the future. I can't disagree with them. We also have to reign in angst about Sanchez as the Twins didn't go looking to trade for him, they took him back as part of a deal to shed Donaldson and to free up $ for additional moves and flexibility. NOW, they need to figure out how to USE that flexibility and maximize it. I am not a fan of Sanchez. I'm not crazy about him as out backup catcher. But barring injury, he should only catch about 1/3 of games. Despite being questionable behind the plate, he's "been there and done that" and offers experience to impart. He has power. Despite his falling BA the last few years, he's still kept his OB above .300. I'm expecting nothing from him that is substantial. But it isn't inconceivable that a change of scenery, a new opportunity, a new voice of instruction might see him rebound to say a .220-.230 hitter with power. That could make him a decent asset as the #2. I don't buy in to him spending much time at DH as we have other options there that are better hitters. And I do expect him to be gone after this year, if not during the year at some point.