DocBauer

Awesome Brock! TD just keeps getting better and better!

So the Twins are obviously a better team than the A's. We're supposed to win. Guess what? We did! I know A's pitchers produced a ton of walks. But can we give at least a little bit of credit for the Twins batters to not bite and take those walks? How about 14 runs scored and not a HR struck? That means, as bad as the A's might be, the Twins still took professional AB and made things happen. Gray may have faced a low leverage lineup, overall, but he got his groove going and did a good job and should build on this going forward, healthy again. There is nothing about this game not to like. There has been conversation about how weak the next few weeks are on our schedule. Maybe so. These things are fluid based on injury and hot streaks. But it's also a perfect time to pad a lead, but more than that, it's a perfect time for a few bats to "get right" and show what you are capable of. And it's the perfect time for Bundy to "get well" again as well as Archer to start believing in his stuff and start pounding the zone again and stretch himself out to at least 5 IP per. NEVER apologize for winning. And never apologize for opportunity to get better.

I have been vasillating on the 2022 "fate" of Lewis since his promotion after his hot start with the Saints. I've moved from "great, but send him back to continue his development" to "the kid is just so ready that you have to keep him". And while I'm a bit confused and flummoxed by his demotion, I believe I can at least understand the FO perspective on this one. Their thinking, IMO, is that he's absolutely part of the future of this franchise. And after a pair of weird/lost seasons, despite a tremendous start to 2022, they will be damned if they do ANYTHING that could compromise his development and his future. He has already surpassed almost anyone's expectation for 2022 and his readiness. The FO isn't stupid, and they are as giddy as a Leprechaun in a gold mint right now with how he looks. (Weird analogy that made sense in my crazy brain, lol). But again, not going to do anything to disrupt "the plan" to ensure his future. So now that they know he's ready, they WANT him to with the Twins. BUT, there is "the plan" in place. Not too much too soon for the Golden Goose prospect. And so we're going to send him down for a few weeks and let him play SS as well as other positions with less pressure, get acclimated, and then bring him back up soon. Are they wrong? Not exactly. Are they being overly cautious? ABSOLUTELY! Dismissing a bit of hyperbole on my part, I think what I've stated is pretty accurate. It's really easy to point out Arraez and Gordon have learned new positions on the fly, which I did in a previous post today. Weirdly, Arraez has done so on winning teams and Gordon did so in a lost season. Is there a correlation? I'm not sure. But I will say Urshela is a tremendous defensive 3B who hasn't yet matched his production in NY. But he's also got a limited track record that makes you think there's more coming. Hopefully, he's being worked out at 1B, as rumors suggest. We know he can play a passable SS here and there. Gordon has an interesting role on the team, and seems to be still developing. So the Twins might be a little unsure exactly where they want Lewis to concentrate on playing. A couple more weeks might give better clarity at the ML level how Urshela's bat does, as well as his ability to play 1B. Back to Lewis, he played 3B until his senior year of HS. He played it a few games in the AFL, if I'm not mistaken. It's not foreign to him and he has the ability to handle the spot. He showed natural instincts at CF in the AFL. With Celestino and Gordon and even Kepler available for CF, Lewis doesn't HAVE to play CF in 2022, though he obviously could if needed. But "could" is different than how well. (Not that I think he couldn't do at least OK). And while I am no expert, it is my understanding that playing LF/RF is different than CF, not only due to the ballpark you are playing in, but reading the ball off of the bat is different. Do I have any doubts Lewis can adapt and learn? Absolutely not! Do I think he could adapt and learn on the fly the way Arraez and Gordon have? Without a doubt. Do I think they made a mistake by being too cautious? A resounding yes! But I believe, right or wrong, this is the perspective the FO is taking right now. But I'd be really surprised if Lewis isn't back up in just a few weeks, and up to stay for good.

As I've stated before, I'm torn on the entire subject. I am disappointed Lewis was sent down, and I'm willing to bet this was discussed with Royce ahead of time so everyone was on the same page. And I'm sure this was discussed and understood before last night's game. If you look at this with a purely logical eye, it does make sense. He is their most prized prospect. He hasn't played in a real game for 2yrs due to covid and then injury. A hot start of 1 1/2 months guarantees nothing, even though he looks very good. They want him to be the best player he can be, both offensively and defensively. The simple fact that they are not planning on playing him exclusively at SS, but rather, moving him around to take advantage of his skills in order to keep him in the lineup, is very forward thinking, and actually pretty aggressive. They believe it's in everyone's best interest to get a couple/few weeks of doing this in a less pressure packed situation at AAA rather than at the ML level. MIranda stays up for now to help play 1B and then goes down when Larnach comes back. By then, they hopefully have figured out another option to back up there. Additionally, it may be the same time frame All perfectly reasonable and logical and practical. And I can't argue with this vehemently, even if I hate seeing him go down, even temporarily. HOWEVER....not only is he performing well, so far at least, with the bat, but I don't see how you can transition Arraez to 1B and LF both on the fly, and Gordon to CF/OF on the fly, and then tell me Lewis can't do the same thing. So while I think they have the right approach to take advantage of all his talent and work him all around the field to maximize opportunity and his potential, I just don't understand why he needed to go down at this time vs the struggling Miranda. A good long view...but short-sighted in implimentation.

Honestly I remain torn on this matter. On one hand, he's super talented, has more than held his own defensively despite a couple of not so great plays, and has really looked as good as I always expected him to. And he's hitting and producing, granted SSS. And it's not as if he's never played other positions or lacks the ability to do so. And couldn't he learn from Correa, both watching and talking? And unless he hits a wall offensively, he can learn so much being at the ML level to get ready for 2023 and beyond. As much as I love watching Correa play, basic logic tells me he's going to look for that 8-10yr deal after this season. But on the other hand, what's truly best for Lewis and the Twins and his future? Despite all his talent and years of playing SS, I have no doubt he's still learning and growing and will continue to get better and better. But despite looking good right now with the glove and the bat, he's still shaking some rust off after 2yrs of zero actual, real game action. Is he better served playing every day at AAA FOR NOW at SS to better refine his defense for 2023 and beyond? I think it's a valid question. We can say a SS only has 4-5 balls hit his way in a game so why can't he learn at the ML level? But 4-5 chances 5 days a week is different than 2 when we're talking about opportunity to work on footwork and positioning and all the subtleties of handing SS on a permanent basis. I think both scenarios are valid arguements, and thus I'm torn about keeping such a talented and, so far, productive player on the ML roster vs what's ultimately best for his future. For now, I see him staying and playing him at SS/3B/OF and use him in a super utility role. Miranda goes down for a re-set, taking knowledge and experience from this first call up with him. You play Arraez at 1B and figure out your best alternate option there. When Larnach is back, unless someone else gets hurt, we may have to re-examine Lewis' spot, at least for the short term.

Hey there! Sorry, doesn't look like I'm going to make this week. I wasn't paying attention to the schedule and didn't realize the Saints were in town this week. Stink too as my dad and I promised we'd see them when they came to town, even if hard the roster is up with the Twins at the moment, lol. Got some plans in the works already, but if something changes I will shoot you a message.?

The guy scares the hell out of me at times, but so far he's gotten the job done. A new pitch, colder weather, just a couple bad days, could have all lead to his suddenly high BB%. As noted, his career BB numbers have been decent previously. Love the 3rd pitch and hope it settles in nicely. He's not a second coming of Joe Nathan, but he's looking much better as of late, so I think his role is safe for now, sharing the closer role. But man do I wish we had a healthy Alcala to work in this pen.

Wholeheartedly agree the manager gets too much blame at times and not enough credit at others. But they are the one in charge and they do get to make a lot of decisions, both before the game as well as during. Rocco "manages" the entirety of the team/clubhouse very well. And I don't think that's in doubt when you both listen and watch the players. Nothing but positive vibes. Even in the vast disappointment of 2021 the guys seemed to enjoy playing and being together and actually seemed to play better as the year went along. To be honest, there are times when he's pulled a pitcher, starter or reliever, and I am beside myself with frustration. Guy is pitching well and the bottom of the order is coming up? Unless he's just gassed, send him put there to save the pen. Reliever comes in and throws 5 pitches and gets out of the inning and then sits down? I don't get it. And some of his lineups have made no sense to me, even when the roster is healthy. So yes, I disagree with him sometimes. And to be honest, I think I'm definitely right sometimes and he's wrong, lol. But I can't say he's done a bad job at all. I just think he's made mistakes at times and could do better. And the numbers are there to indicate he's been successful thus far. I think he's growing and learning and will get better. But I think he's pretty solid, even if I don't always agree with him. And who says any of us have to agree all the time?

I know there was a full milb season in 2021, but with the lost 2020 year and so many injuries last year, THIS YEAR actually feels "normal" to me. And that's not to dismiss the prospects who had a good and healthy 2021 at all. We're seeing a TON of position players and pitchers settling in to develop naturally. Numbers and records seem to indicate that, including a few who started slow but are starting to heat up. But a few coments: 1] I feel sorry for the Saints and attending fans because all of their best players are with the Twins right now, for the most part. GO Balazovic and AK! Some reinforcements may be coming soon. 2] Just awesome to see Enlow back! Also gives me some hope in regard to Paddack, if he needs surgery, to be ready by June or July 1st in 2023. 3] Steer and Julian could make great options for 2023. And SWR, Balazovic, Canterino are just a couple of arms that could be ready before the season is done, and especially for 2023. 4] I am BLOWN AWAY, by how many arms are at Ft Myer, CR, and Wichita, some of whom have been recently promoted. I fully understand and appreciate exactly what the FO is doing, and have been doing. They have been drafting arms with projectability with "something" they already have and working on the rest. And they haven't been afraid to draft injured arms and projecting what they could be when healthy. And i know there are so few early 20's arms who are special enough to not only make MLB, but also succeed. So age to me is not that big of a deal. So the drafting of so many college arms makes sense in so many ways. What the Twins are doing with college arms just makes so much sense: draft as any solid arms as you can and work with them. But there remains the fact that some are just old enough and experienced enough that they SHOULD dominate at the lower levels. What I'm pleased to see is not only development of those arms, but an aggression to move them up quickly to the next level. I understand someone like Canterino is unique, but even he has been promoted pretty quickly all things considered. Not all of these good looking arms are going to turn out. But with tutelage and aggressive promotion, the best are going to rise.

I think Miranda is going to be just fine. He just may not be quite ready yet. And that's OK. The learning curve is different for everyone. He's got all the ability and potential you could hope for. He was a high pick who Twins scouts and FO personal have been quietly saying for the past few years, from various reports; "just wait...just wait". Well, he started to figure it out in 2021. My opinion? He's pressing. He got off to a poor start with St Paul and was getting hot when promoted. And he wants to do so well he's almost forgotten all the adjustments he made last year. He's suddenly reverted back to just making contact vs the good contact he figured out. And he could suddenly "click" any day! I hope like crazy that happens! But I think he needs to go back down when the roster gets healthy and take what he's learned and get himself right again. I DO THINK the Twins did themselves, and Miranda, a HUGE disservice by not brining him up late in 2021 to get his feet wet then. He might be more ready now, regardless of any success he might have had.

I can't disagree with you, even though I still have qualms about Lewis' development as a ML SS for the future not playing the position on a regular basis. I like the idea of Lewis, if kept up, splitting time here and there. I also believe Arraez should be in the lineup just about every day between 3 spots and DH. Urshela's offense just SHOULD be better than it's been based on his last 3yrs. But his glove flashes GG caliber. He needs to be in the lineup against LHP and can also be a defensive replacement. The glove is good enough to be in the lineup once in a while against RHP as well, in your scenario. Gordon also fills in here and there, etc. The only "problem" with your presentation...and it's a GOOD problem..is trying to build a 13 man position roster with Garlick to face LHP, Larnach back, Kirilloff MAYBE/EVENTUALY back, and then Sano back at some point and potentially ready for a strong 1/2-2/3 of a season. I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but we COULD have a roster crunch coming relatively soon.

Only Buxton and the Twins know best how he feels day to day. His knee could have to be monitored in this fashion all season. It's also very possible that with the weather finally warming up to normal, and a few days off here and there, along with a few DH days, plus the All Star break, his knee might just get better and better over the next month or so. As someone who has an acceptable but "bum" knee...I wear a sleeve when I go for a long walk and the occasional jog for stability...I know first hand the warmer month are way more kind to me. As to him as a DH, he hasn't done it much, we're talking a SSS, it might feel more routine as he does it more. Also, if he isn't doing it already, he might take a page out of Cruz's notebook and hit the exercise bike here and there between innings to keep himself loose and warmed up. But as much as Rocco and the Twins want to follow their maintenance plan with Buck, unless his knee has really flared up on a given day, I find it inexcusable to not have him available to PH in the 9th or 10th inning in a crucial spot instead of someone struggling to hit .200. Again, unless it's a bad day, he should stretch out, loosen up, warm up on an an exercise bike, to get him ready for a PH opportunity in games it looks like it may be needed. I absolutely want what's best for him for this year, next year, and all the years yet to come. But if you told me general maintenance would give Buck 100-110 games in CF, another 20-25 as a DH, (unless he just stinks there), I'd be ecstatic with those 130-140ish games.

A healthy lineup has solid/good hitters and good power across the lineup. Ad a result, there's nothing wrong with your DH or 1B being a different kind of hitter than has been the traditional mainstay. There is a need and place in most any lineup for a special hitter like Arraez and this works. Yes, more length can sometimes be a split second arrival of the ball to glove or an extra inch allows for a wider catch radius on a wide or high throw. But the most important thing is just to catch the ball and to handle hops and scoops. Arraez can do that without issue. Again, this works. (It also helps to have some pretty good arms in the infield where you don't have to scramble for errant throws constantly.)

Friday night's implosion after being sent out after such a long wait notwithstanding, I've been impressed with Jax in this new role as well as his "new" slider and higher velocity FB. I know different analytics can be used in different ways to break down a pitcher for both good and bad. But despite some pretty bad final numbers in 2021 as a SP, Jax was pretty good for 3 IP, or once through the order. I don't know if he can succeed, generally, as a 3 inning, 59 pitch pitcher or not. Maybe. My hunch though is he's best for 1-2 innings cranking up that FB to 94-95 and using that impressive new slider. He seems to have the temperament to handle a BP role. He's always had pretty good control. And he is pretty bright, meaning he can adapt and "figure things out" as he goes along. There is potential there as a possible setup man, but I think he's a SO 1-2 IP 5th to 7th innings guy. And there is real value in that. I sure wish we were talking about Duran, Jax, AND a healthy Alcala.

I don't think anyone has ever stated he's a 4th OF and that's all. I just think it's been accepted as being his floor and his role for now. I mean, healthy, pretty sure Kepler, Buxton and Kirilloff/Larnach will be the primary starting OF. I am so surprised this kid has come on as strong as he has. And not because of his inauspicious debut last year, but just being as young as he is and a half year at AAA...even though he looked good...I just figured he'd need a little more time to develop before settling in to a ML role. It's a little hard to gain experience and confidence sitting on the bench after all. But he's responded wonderfully. The defense is there, and his milb numbers suggest a solid bat and OB. The question as to his future as a starter, IMO, is how much pop/power does he really have? And while he has speed, is it transferable to SB? Answers to these questions will determine if he's eventually a starter or not. A good balance of everything but nothing exceeding "norms" would keep him as an outstanding and versatile 4th OF.

Obviously disappointed in losing all 3 games. I would have been OK with some sort of split. But 3 losses against a very good team even at home, doesn't spell doom and gloom going forward. It's baseball. Stuff happens. We weren't supposed to win in Tampa, remember? I didn't get to watch today, still, a few personal thoughts: 1] Ryan wasn't as sharp in the opener as he has been. Personally, while it was atrocious, I felt he got squeezed a lot by the ump. Disappointed in Winder today, but I have faith in him and a rebound. Bad games happen even for seasoned pitchers. You're going to, obviously, have a few bumps in the road here and there with rookie/young pitchers. 2] More disappointed in Archer Wednesday night. He just seemed tight or pressing and seemed to overthrow or miss constantly. I don't know if it was the weather or just a very bad day. I've been surprised and encouraged before that game and how the Twins have been handling him. But he's got to rebound next start in a big way. 3]I know we're playing a little short and banged up at the moment, but the offense was starting to click. And I know the Astros are a quality team with some good arms, but the offense has suddenly disappeared the past 6 games. Come on guys! 4] Arraez could fall out of bed every day and hit .300. He's an important part of this team and I'm glad he's still with us.. 5] Gordon's draft status will probably always mark him as some sort of "disappointment" no matter his career going forward. But he's starting to hit. His speed is a valuable asset. He can cover 6 positions at least "comfortably" defensively. That catch in CF today was OUTSTANDING and I just marvel at how quickly he has adapted to the OF, on the fly, pun intended, since being thrown out there in 2021. 6] In baseball, there is always tomorrow and the next series. Time to move on, get back in the saddle, and get back in the WIN column starting tomorrow. LET'S GO TWINS!

There is a real chance he could play a big role for the Twins the last couple of months of the season. Even with good health for the current staff, IP could be a factor. With no setbacks, Balazovic could be a real factor come August/September after 2 1/2 months to ramp up and iron a few things out.

I agree "disappointment" is probably the word that best describes Sano's career, at least to this point for sure. But he's not a bust. How many top 100 prospects and high draft choices have failed to reach the ML level or wash out quickly with abysmal results? So the fact that he has played a "decent" 3B/1B and produced the OPS he has for his career might be disappointing for all that was anticipated/hoped for, but he's not a bust. I cant' explain his inability to be better than he has been, though I do agree he long ago seemed to disregard any attempt to just put the bat on the ball and let his natural strength do the work for him. I can't explain his slow starts every year. I do know that if you can live with him providing little value through mid May to the 1st of June, you get a POWERFUL and DANGEROUS hitter for the rest of the season that will carry your team for a week or two at a time even. And his final numbers will be very solid, though I'd still have a hard time batting him higher than 5th. But if you have a team that wants to challenge for titles, and has as much young talent arriving as the Twins have now, can you afford a streaky hitter who all but disappears the first month and a half to two months of the season? I've never been a hater, often a defender, of Sano. And while he will probably still play and contribute before the season is over, it's just time for both parties to move on after 2022. And that's disappointing.

I guess my answer is...yes...but not completely. I have been generally impressed with his defense, especially so in the OF where he never played until being tossed out there in desperation last year. Last season, he hit, then he didn't, then he hit again. The speed and SB ability is real. Despite his thin frame, the ball jumps once in a while and he has more pop than it looks like he should. When I read something like this OP, I'm not only reminded yet again of his consistent "second year" at a level progress, but just how good he was in 2018 at AA, and in 2019 at AAA, his "second year" there. In fact, had he not been injured, it's almost a certainty, IMO, that he would have been promoted instead of Arraez. I say "not completely" as I've been a little disappointed in him here in 2022, though I admit the SSS at this point. I really expected him to raise all his numbers to more or less average. And he might still. But that's why my answer is in 2 parts. (Note* While never a large dude, I think he's still lost weight and strength over the previous 2 ill/hurt years that has cost him. I'd really like to see him a good 12-15lbs heavier)

The key to any pitcher is to throw off a batter's timing, throw off his vision plain, and to keep him guessing in general. Columbe does all of that by changing speeds and mixing pitches and locations. And I think he's actually pretty "real" considering how he's looked, and the solid job he did last year. But he is not high leverage. He's a middle guy to fill and IP or 2. Eventually, he'll probably get timed up/figured out and begin to lose effectiveness. I do think it's just a matter of time until Moran is up for good and replaces him. But then again, a 3rd LH in the pen isn't a bad thing either.

Not only has Duran been pretty amazing, but so has Jax. And then Duffey and Thielbar have suddenly turned it around. Even with Pagan getting us on the edge of our seats lately, he's gotten the job done. I still feel the pen is probably one good, proven arm away from continued success. Other than that, my only concern is a Ying/Yang karma regarding injuries. We've had a bunch so far, but only Alacala and Sano appear long term at this point. C4 and Larnach back soon, Ober back soon, Arraez and Bundy off the covid list and Paddack OK, I'll breath a huge sigh of relief. But I'll breath even a little easier if AK's wrist feels good and he starts to hit again like he's capable of.

Despite the 2nd year option, I believe he was really signed for depth, and to be a place holder. If he does better than that and earns his option being picked up, it's a bonus for the Twins. Even in a good, healthy season you will need 7-9 SP over the course of a season, and the Twins have that right now. Bundy is a part of that, for the moment. In addition to injuries, there is a real innings concern this year due to young arms as well as Archer's comeback. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple "tired arm" IR stays here and there. Bundy had a really bad game. Then he had another in which he was probably ill, and the defense had a lousy game behind him, offering no favors. The game could have been very different with better play. You absolutely give him a few more starts to see what you really have. He's not the pitcher he was in his first 3 starts, and I think we all knew that. But I don't think he's as bad as his past 2 appearances either. I can't say exactly how many starts he gets because there are too many variables. But the good news is depth and upcoming depth will allow the Twins to walk away if necessary, unlike last year when they almost had no choice.

Buxton was Buck! Winder was again all we hoped for. In fact, he's been better than I expected as a rookie. He's going nowhere except his next turn in the rotation. Is Duffey the pitching version of Sano? Like last season, he suddenly seems to know how to get outs. Reminiscent of early 2021. Awesome first HR for Miranda! He looks good early, only the smallest of "deer in the lights" look, which might have been mitigated with a September fall up last season. But whatever. He will be at 3B soon, and for years to come. He's doing just fine right now with more to come. I can't wait for AK to be healthy and ready to go and be a part of the future of this team. But in the meantime, let's give a shout out to Larnach and how quickly he has adapted. And has Kepler FINALLLY become the player we hoped for? I'll take 2/3 . Lewis was a highlight. Saw at least one great defensive play and got his first ML hit in his first ML game. What's not to like right now?

To the OP, which was great, 2 points: 1] REAL is just too early after a month due to SSS, as well as weather. The batters will heat up with the weather. But then again, arms will get warm and loose as well. So the SSS works both ways. 2] Archer and Winder should have been included So let's get to the heart of the matter RYAN: He might have a rough patch here and there, but most pitchers do. Everything about him screams REAL, whether that means potential ACE or just very good top of the rotation SP is TBD. But he's good/very good and potentiallyspecial GRAY: He is a bona-fide top of the rotation SP with a quality history. I've been so impressed with his leadership thus far. I absolutely love how he's taken the lead with other pitchers to "force" them to watch one another in bullpens and the such to communicate and learn with one another. He and Ryan will, anchor this rotation all year long. OBER: He's exceeded all expectations after putting up video game numbers, despite injuries, in his milb career. He had a very good 2021 and adapted his stuff during the season. He doesn't have anything special, but he's just good overall and still learning. I don't know how good he can still be, meaning his ceiling, but he can be a quality part of this rotation for years to come. I feel he's downgraded by some only due to IP. But I think the staff has been brilliant in slowly building up his arm in 2021 and this year as well BUNDY: He had a really bad game but hung in for 6 IP to take one for the team. Then the Orioles game happened and I'm not sure how much blame you can put on him. For maybe the second time all year, the defense stunk. He didn't throw all that bad. And a pair of games, with defensive miscues, doesn't define him. He could easily be just as good as he was previously his first few starts. But to be honest, even IF he proves to be only OK going forward...NOT saying that will be the case...being a solid guy for half a season while others take charge wouldn't be a bad thing. But I'm not doubting him after one bad performance and a bad team play game. PADDACK: Did the Twins fleece the Padres? This kid has STUFF and potential STUFF. But he is an enigma. He had the great rookie season and then slipped. But he's got control, velocity, a great change, and suddenly a great curve. But for some reason, he couldn't put it all together in SD. The FO has liked him for years. Now they have him. Suddenly all the pitches are starting to work? Is this another example of our FO and staff, Johnson and others, making things happen? I still hate losing Rogers, but you don't gain if you don't give at times. Time will tell, but we might have burned the Pad's on this one. ARCHER: I have been blown away by Archer's health and stuff and looking like his old self. Kudos to the FO for taking a shot and ALL doctors, therapists and instructors who Archer worked with to get him healthy again. The guy is throwing as well or better than he ever has. This is the kind of "come back" story that happens every season or so. The Twins are treating him much like Canterino, baby steps to build up the arm for IP with a potentially great outcome. The difference is about 8yrs. Canterino is being nurtured, rightfully so, as a SP with a future in that role. Archer is being re-established as a MLB SP. This easing in could pay major dividends before 2022 is done. Let him play up and build up his arm and see what he can do. BUT...I could also see him take a different route and transition at 33y to take all of his health and stuff to be an outstanding RP. I wouldn't do that NOW. BUT as the next few months play out, and if for some reason he just can't go more than 4 or so IP, I think it's worth looking at. WINDER: Despite his early results coming in as a long reliever, when push came to shove, I thought he might go down to St Paul when the roster shrunk, because he had options. The I heard the FO never intended to send him down. The I saw a couple outstanding starts. And injuries and stuff happens to make room. But I think it's clear now Winder is going nowhere. Everyone healthy and ready to go, SOMEONE, not Winder, is going to the pen. Depth is amazing! But you don't sacrifice the future for ego. And these thing always seem to work out. .

Kirilloff played a lot of CF in HS but was projected to being a corner OF with growth, even though he continued to play some CF when the Twins drafted him. He lost a season due to TJ surgery early on, and while I never heard that he lost anything from his throwing, Larnach was reputed to having OK defense but a strong arm when drafted. When both were in the lineup in 2021, the Twins usually placed Larnach in RF and Kirilloff in LF. Now, that could be Larnach having the better arm, or it could be Kirilloff having a little better speed to cover the larger expanse of LF. Both are reputed to have decent to good arms and OK defense throughout their drafting and milb reports. Pay no attention to "can't play the OF" reports. They are both at least average in the OF. AK just has a gift to play a really good 1B.