DocBauer

Great step for Balazovic. He needs to get right and I believe he will. Still think the early knee issue and late start just messed with his mechanics and then with his head. I still consider him a top prospect unless he proves otherwise in 2023. I expect a huge turnaround. Losing CES in trade stunk because I think his bat has a chance to be pretty special, and I saw him as a possible replacement for Kirilloff at 1B if AK's wrist doesn't come round. But low and behold, Williams is having a monster year, best one of his career, and at 2 different levels. Good timing to break out!

I agree with waiting to see on all listed. Balazovic has the frame, and stuff, to be an anchor in a rotation. He has shown stuff, development, and continued growth throughout his advancement and made top 100 lists for a reason. SOMETHING has happened in 2022 with his body and his head to mess him up. Even if "healthy" is he feeling discomfort? Did his mechanics get screwed up and his head isn't right? You just DON'T give up on a talented arm after a bad season. You look for a re-set. We can argue all day long about Canterino and whether his arm was destined to implode due to college use or physical construction and it was only a matter of time. At this point, it doesn't matter. Healthy again after surgery, he still has a chance for a nice career, because a healthy Canterino has amazing stuff. Now, to be honest, despite amazing results we've all seen in the past, not everyone comes back. He could still be an outstanding stuff SP at age 26 with a shortened career, or a brilliant RP. The point is, either way, he can still have a fine career and be a PLUS arm either way, just not the length of a career hoped for or initially expected. That's a hell of a lot better than no career. In retrospect, I just wish the surgery had been done earlier. The guy I'm most concerned about is Martin. Were I in charge, I would have NEVER had him miss an entire year and then push him to AA. The Jay's made that mistake and the Twins added to it, after the fact, by acquiring him and making a lateral move with him. And to be fair, he WAS hitting and showing some bat control and ability, etc. Again, top prospect doesn't play for a year and then goes straight to AA AND is playing a position he's barely played before. Contrast that to the Twins handling of Lee this year, a very comparable player, who just gets his feet wet in the FCL, and then jumps to A+ where he's expected to do well and IS doing well. Now, whether after instructs and the offseason he jumps straight to AA Wichita or spends a few weeks at CR is debatable and TBD. But he's going to be at AA soon, if not right away. Compare that now to Marting not playing at all in 2020 and going straight to AA in 2021 and again, playing a mostly foreign position. If someone can't see the basic difference regarding simple indoctrination to pro ball, I'm not sure what to tell say. IMO, despite reports Martin is improving at SS, I'd be looking hard at what makes him COMFORTABLE. Find what makes him COMFORTABLE as a hitter and let him do THAT with continued advice and coaching to maximize his ability. And if he and you, as the Twins, just see him as an OF who can cover 3B/2B, his previous positions, then MAKE THE MOVE and make him an OF with a few games here and there at 3B/2B to keep his hand in play as a fill-in. IMO, he's been messed around enough. Let him play the OF...which we're told he's natural at, and give up the SS experiment, and just let him play and bat. I'd send him to the AFL and let him play the OF exclusively and just hit freely based on what feels natural.

Looked at all of his numbers by season as well as ML career hoping to find a positive sign. I don't see one. Pagan part 2 where a hard throwing 29yo is suddenly going to be transformed by the Twins in to something different and better than he's ever been before? I'm not buying it.

Lots to say! 1] Moral victories don't mean much, but the Twins didn't roll over and die in Houston. They are a good team that I would love to watch healthy, but they haven't given up. 2] LOVED watching Rocco in the dugout talking to Gordon after he sent Garlick up to PH. Anyone else notice that? The message was clear, it was the right move at the right time despite a negative result. But Rocco was instilling belief in Gordon at that moment. I thought it was awesome. 3] The pen was outstanding. What more can be said? Too bad Bundy couldn't have gotten one more out. 4] Urshela!! He was a fan favorite in NY, and he's a fan favorite with the Twins. The guy is just a good ballplayer! There is nothing great about anything he does, if we're being honest. He's a good fielder who makes some great plays, but he's average to above average overall. He's an OK hitter with decent power but not great in any way. Just look at the numbers. They don't lie. He's not great in any measure. But he sure is a good "ballplayer" to have on your team. I have a hard time giving him $8-9M in arbitration to keep him. But if the Twins could settle on a number that makes sense, I'd really like to have him back in 2023. Could discuss using him as a temp backup SS, or expand his limited experience but ability to play 1B/2B, but I'd just really like to see him back if the numbers work out.

I like your optimism Jimbo, I really do. Not sure I agree with Maeda and Buxton being "young talent", even though Buck isn't exactly OLD. And I think you're premature in regard to Martin and Lee. One is trying to figure himself out still and one is just too young and inexperienced yet to expect anything in 2023. You might have included Julien as a possible, but Canterino is out until 2024, barring a miraculous recovery. But you're not wrong with the other names mentioned. HEALTH is a HUGE part of 2023, and not just Buck. A healthy Maeda is big. A healthy Jeffers makes a difference, even though some don't like him. How much better is the offense with a healthy Larnach and Kirilloff? How much better with the talented and dynamic Lewis if he gets 100% by June? Winder healthy, Sands healthy...maybe in the pen...and Balazovic, Varland, SWR, and a few others pitching to their ability in the rotation and the pen. You're not wrong to be optimistic. And while the Twins absolutely need to add a few pieces, the nucleus is there. But I'm not so sure HEALTH isn't the #1 thing the Twins need for 2023. Aren't we due????

Never expected him back. But really hoped he might be to help, but mostly to shake off a little rust. I don't know what it is about Maeda, might be his stuff, his experience, or his mindset, but I've just always felt that as long as he's healthy, he would be just fine when he came back. He doesn't have to be the Cy Young 2020 candidate version of himself, or the ST 2021 version, working on a 5th pitch, and looking just as good or better before his arm blew up. All he has to be is 100% healthy and just be his normal self. If he is that, the Twins won't have a "Verlander" type of #1....but how many teams do....but even without an addition they could have 4 #2 SP who will sometimes pitch like a #1 ACE-type. Not saying I wouldn't add an arm, just saying a 100% healthy Maeda makes a difference in 2023 whether he pitches a single inning this year or not.

Your not wrong. Their general philosophy has been, as a mid-market team, if we have to cut payroll somewhere, the pen is the place to do so. In theory, that's legitimate. You can have a couple great arms, and find others between FA and prospects with good stuff who can transition, or get their feet wet in the pen before moving back to the rotation as the Cardinals are reputed as doing. And to be fair, they've had a few solid signings and trade arms and transition arms. I made a comment that the FO has been learning, to some degree, on the fly. And I think that's fair. When you're put in charge, you have a plan. When that plan doesn't work, you have to adjust. Duran and Jax are examples this year. The trade for Lopez, who they have control of, and Fulmer, who might be an easy re-sign, are examples, IMO. Injuries have really deprived them of options. Winder is a top SP prospect, but found success as a middle/long man who slid in to the rotation when needed. They've done that with Smeltzer as well, in similar fashion. Not so sure Sands wouldn't already be in a mid spot if not due to injury. Now, I have no answer as to why Pagan is still around other than injuries and inconsistent performances from some young arms and left as a sort of "last man standing" and just hoping for the best, but I think the FO is starting to realize that there is a difference between cheap and hopeful vs frugal and smart in the pen. Learning, growing, and changing/adapting is good. Stubbornly holding to precepts gets you nowhere. IMO, the FO seems to be adapting. I don't believe they will spend big on the pen in 2023, unless Duran is sudden placed in the rotation, but I don't believe they will ignore it so horribly as they did to begin 2022.

I agree with a lot of what you said. And yes, the Twins can afford to keep Correa, though I'm not sure about the $25M. Now, I've become a big fan of Correa, despite his limited production here in 2022. And I have little doubt his bat will rebound in 2023, wherever he's at. But based solely on his production this year, my question...to myself if nobody else...is are the Twins better of spending his $35M around the ENTIRETY of the team and fill in the best as possible at SS, especially with hopes of Lewis back in June? Not saying I have the answer, but it sure seems plausible that his moving on might lead to overall roster improvement. While we generally agree on needs, I'm still wondering about spending some real $ on a RH OF to potentially replace Garlick as a better overall player.

I will politely disagree. I enjoy a 3 man booth often. In tonight's game, what I enjoy is the perspective of a hitter and a pitcher in the booth. While I, as a fan, enjoyed Blyleven, I did understand some opinions that he had become a bit of the "grumpy old man". But even at the end, I really thought he shined when there was a 3rd person in the booth. He had the wherewithal to ask questions and open up discussion with whoever joined in. My guilty pleasure was when Kaat or another veteran was in the booth to share some great stories. I do appreciate the fact that sometimes there can be too much talking. I enjoy Smalley when he's in the booth even though others don't. He sometimes talks too much, and will repeat himself, but he's smart and I like what he has to say. There are enough "quiet moments" during a game that "talk" doesn't bother me. Maybe it's because I spent decades just listening to the radio before the internet allowed me to watch the game. But comparing anyone to Scully isn't really fair. First and foremost, he was the primary play by play guy, and not the color guy. And he was also tremendous at allowing room for his color sidekick to shine. I think Dick is pretty good at that. But Scully was the greatest play by play of all time. Only Herb Carneal, IMO, was anywhere close.

To be honest, Bundy has surprised me. He's not great. But he's been durable and solid, as well as pretty consistent. He's got a real bulldog mentality, doesn't walk many, and keeps the Twins in most every game for 5 innings. He's clearly a smart pitcher. I keep thinking how many years in the past we'd of loved to have him as our #5? I think his "value" to this team is underappreciated a bit due to struggles from the pen as well as frustrating injuries to other arms and Archer still sitting there as a 4 inning arm. I wouldn't be upset if he was brought back, but I think $11M would be high when I think the Twins can and should aim higher. Of course, there are some financial questions we just don't know about at this point, meaning Correa, but that's a different discussion for a different day. Pagan, to me, is simple. With a 3yr history of poor results that have continued to trend in 2022, and responsible for double digit losses that have almost single handedly kept the Twins from being in 1st place in the ALC, he should have been gone already. You CAN'T run a state of the art analytics team and NOT be able to look beyond beyond velocity and K's to see poor results that AREN'T NEW in his career. You're just not going to strike gold with a 31yo arm that will be 32 in May next year and expect different results! Even as fans and amateur GM's we can see him pitch OK one day, and get nailed the next. For giggles, Megill probably doesn't have a big future for the Twins. His stuff is as good, and probably better, than Pagan. At 28yo, 29 in December, at least he offers a CHANCE to be viable for a couple of years as late bloomer with a change of scenery. Maybe. But almost 4yrs of Pagan, he is what he is. I don't know if the FO is being stubborn on Pagan, or if injuries and some poor performances from younger arms are "forcing" them to keep him as a middle man for now. But if it was me, he would have been gone after the deadline and I'd be trying almost any arm at St Paul to provide middle relief.

I think this wonderful news and long overdue. My one concern might be dues for the union, and I really have no clue what those dues might cost. The recent raise in wages and provided housing for the majority of milb has been a nice change, again overdue. And I would dare so being unionized would further increase wages and allow for payment during instructs and the such. So covering union tithes may not be a big deal. I had forgotten about Manfred's rather ridiculous comments. (Shaking my head). Now, to be fair, if your housing is paid for during the season, and if the club provides 2 quality meals per day, I don't think the players are necessarily at a poverty level with the recent raises. But how good is the housing? What quality are the 2 meals per day? And I think those are important considerations going forward. And while the current raises in pay aren't insignificant, there has to be room to bump those salaries, especially in the lower levels. Additionally, the parent clubs aren't subsidizing as many players/teams as they used to. And while some milb clubs are in smaller locales, where the cost of living is undoubtedly smaller, some are in fairly large communities. Think St Paul for instance. This is a good start and really pleased to see the MLBPA take this first step. I hope they are honest and earnest in their attempts. Sure sounds like they are.

He offers quality CF defense as a starter and #9 hitter or a late inning defensive replacement. He also offers ability as a PR. I guess as a 13th man there is some value there. Other than that? I honestly can't think of any reason to bring him up barring yet another injury. I'd rather stick with Gordon and Celestino day in and day out until Buck comes back.

All due respect to Cave, who came up with a clutch hit late Saturday, I still can't understand why Helman wasn't brought up either in place of Cave or the recently returned Beckham. He's having the best season of his career, is an actual OF, (unlike Beckham), can fill infield spots, and is actually RH. If the Twins were going to clear spots for and Beckham, I would have rather seen a young talent like Helman get an opportunity. He might surprise, and he was a better fit need wise than either of the other two.

No, it's not too early to look towards 2023. I do it often, and have been since July, way before our recent fade. If you're just giving up on 2022, then it's too early. There is still a realistic chance they can pick it up and make a run at the ALC. And I'm still focused on that. But there's nothing wrong with still looking forward for fun and conversation and projection. Three major questions that make it really tough to project 2023: 1] Does Correa return? If he's back, you are expecting/hoping he returns to his previous offensive ability. With him, the Twins can still afford to add payroll, and they need to, without jumping to some crazy high mark. (Buxton gets a bump, as will a couple others, but nothing to truly handcuff finances, and there are others coming off the payroll). If Correa is gone, the Twins have a TON of money to work with. While I've become a fan and really like Correa, I have to wonder...based on production this season...are the Twins better off without him and spending the money elsewhere? It's not that he isn't good/great and might not reach great heights again in 2023, but I'm talking about replacement of production from 2022. 2] Health. Can the Twins really and truly feel good about a return to health of Larnach and Kirilloff. Those two greatly influence any sort of roster construction for 2023. And that's a real issue because if in serious doubt, your 2023 plans have to include another bat. 3] Does Duran remain in the pen or move back to the rotation? We've heard whispers he wants to start. The potential there is intriguing to be sure! But are the whispers true? Maybe he's loving being a BP fireman. Maybe he sticks there. Where he's at changes the complexion of the roster. Nothing about Larnach's injuries yell chronic. And for now, I'm going to make the assumption that AK's new procedure will actually alleviate his wrist problem. Optimistic? Yes. But in theory, what they've done makes sense. NEEDS: 1] One more good to great SP. Good is good, great is better. I have my eye on Rodon as he's been tied to the Twins in serious discussions twice now. He has some risk. But if you want to get better as a mid market team, you have to take some risks once in a while. Correa gone makes this possibly happen. With Correa, the Twins might have to look a notch lower. But better than Bundy and Archer is a must to take the next step, regardless of young arms like Ober and Winder. History clearly shows SOMETHING will happen. 2] One good, solid bullpen arm. If you end up moving Duran back to the rotation, then this becomes a higher and more expensive priority. A re-sign of Fulmer might just satisfy this need if Duran sticks in the pen. 3] Another quality catcher is a must. Whether you like him or not, and I'm not going to debate worth, Jeffers is liked by the coaches, the FO, and the pitching staff, which is most important. But he needs a solid partner. Sanchez is just not the answer. Nor is Leon. I'd LOVE to have Leon back on a milb deal as the 3rd catcher. I like his game calling enough and defense I'd have to consider him on the 40 man. But I don't think that will be necessary. I'd love a LH hitting option to pair with Jeffers, but it doesn't matter as much as just a good staff handler with solid defense and a bat that isn't embarrassing. POSSIBLES: 1] A LH BP arm to fill a middle spot. Thielbar will be back, and he should be. Do the Twins trust in Moran, Sisk, and even Smeltzer to fill a role? I'd take Coulombe back in a heartbeat on a milb deal for "break glass", but it would be nice to have a 2nd LH arm in the pen from SOMEWHERE. 2] Garlick has been a surprising contributor last year and this year against LHP. But how about looking for a better version of him for a few $M who is perhaps better defensively? Not a knock on Garlick at all, but why not aim higher? 3] Do we need a fill-in option at SS until Lewis is ready? Do we just trust Palacios in a temp role? Maybe an inexpensive signing to compete with Palacios? 4] If there are any serious doubts about Kirilloff, the Twins are going to have to consider another 1B/DH to fill out the lineup and provide production. Arraez and Miranda play there, but no AK, another bat could be huge even if it's not an All Star slugger. C] Jeffers/FA 1B] Kirilloff 2B] Polanco SS] Palacios or filler until Lewis is ready. 3B] Miranda LF] Larnach CF] Buxton RF] Kepler DH] Arraez (plays 2B and 1B, just listing him here) BENCH] Urshela, Gordon, Celestino, Garlick or FA Yes, that's 14 when the roster only has room for 13. But I'm allowing 1 extra spot due to injury and roster manipulation at this point. ROTATION: Mahle Ryan Gray Maeda FA DEPTH: Paddack mid year, Winder, Ober, Balazovic, SWR, Varland, Sands, and possibly Dobnak, Smeltzer and maybe even Sanchez. BULLPEN: Duran Lopez Fulmer or FA Thielbar Jax Alcala TBD (all SP depth along with Stashak, Moran, Sisk, Cotton, Megill, etc, and possible solid veteran FA) TBD Lineup will vary, but Arraez, Polanco, Buxton, Miranda, AK, and Larnach make up the top 6 most days. Kepler, catcher of the day and SS make up the bottom third until Lewis back. A healthy Lewis is probably slated in the top 3 in the order once back. The Twins can avoid being absolutely snakebit with for a 3rd year in a row with injuries, I'd go to war in 2023 with that team and actually expect to make some noise.

Just to add to my previous rather lengthy post, after some more reflection, what frustrates me a tremendous amount is two things; 1] For a team that is so analytical, how can they not see that they are the best in MLB at getting a runner in from 3rd with less than 2 outs, but at the bottom of the pack advancing or scoring runners from 2B with less than 2 outs. Is that on Rocco? The hitting coach? The players? It's maddening! Other than Miranda and Arraez, nobody is "clutch" in those scenarios. You can't overcome injuries at a certain point. But when do you try something different in hopes of trying to at least scratch out a run? And how can this team, at least a month ago, tee off on SP but be so bad against bullpens? Rocco has commented before about great scouting reports that just seem to be wasted at times. Is that on him, his staff, or the players? 2] No insult to him, but the Twins brought up Beckham as an "emergency" RH bat. He's a veteran and was having a great season in St Paul. But he was a square peg for a round hole. If you're going to add someone to the roster, why not the much younger Hellman, having his best season, who can actually fill a needed role as a RH OF? Maybe, maybe Pagan actually finds a successful role as a solid middle guy. But really, he should have been gone a month ago based on just how bad he's been. Almost anyone could have been as bad, hopefully better, but at least you'd be looking at upside. Now, is that Rocco or the FO? When decimated by injury, even depth pieces injured, there is only so much you can do as a manager. When you're having to play roulette in the rotation and OF, I'm not sure what to expect or who to blame. I'm not happy with some fundamental errors I see. I'm not happy with a few pitching moves here and there. I'm not happy with not trying some different things from the lineup during games. But I also think Rocco has been playing poker with a short hand. I do see him back barring a complete collapse this season. But I do believe he's potentially on the hot seat in 2023 if we don't see more production out of the team he should have in place.

I don't disagree with anything you said. But to clarify, I think any first time manager will learn and adapt as things move along. If he can't learn and grow and adapt, then he shouldn't keep his job. If something doesn't work the way you intended, then you adapt and change. When you are hit with massive injuries, you also need to try something different. And that applies to the FO as well. If one approach...say too many short arms in the pen but no middle/long relief options, you crumple up the previous plan, toss it away, and change your approach. So I think it's fair to say Rocco and the FO are still "learning as they go" and adapting. Neither has been in their exact roles before, so despite lots of good things done, not everything has worked right, so you learn, grow, and adapt. Now, I they can't or won't do that, then they shouldn't be in charge. And I guess that's more of what I meant to say.

Going to try and say all of my thoughts clearly and succinctly, even though they might not be popular. And for MY thoughts, I have to at least touch on the FO because I think they are tied to Rocco. I largely love and support most everything the FO has done since day one in regard to drafts and the entire revamp of the milb system. I think they've mostly made very smart trades. But I've been critical when they've made mistakes, IMO. And without re-visiting this past offseason, I didn't hate the Bundy signing, but really didn't like the Archer signing. I really liked the idea of Cueto. That's been proven to be an error. I love the Gray trade, and the trade acquisitions. I hated not brining in a RH bat and trusting in Celestino. And I really like the potential of Celestino, but I wanted someone more experienced/proven. And I absolutely hated NOT adding a proven pen arm! All of this to say.... ...Rocco has had to deal with the roster presented to him and do the best he can. So, bullet points: 1] Injuries have been extremely detrimental to the club. I just don't see how that can be argued. We can forever discuss Paddack...who might turn out great in the long run...but Winder, AK, Larnach, etc, the injuries have just compiled. Ever think, for a moment, that losing Garlick would be major? He filled a certain role. Depth became obliterated in late June, early July. I mean, Sands of all people was actually looking like a potential middle inning arm and gets hit on the arm by a hard liner. What happens next? When Cave is your 7th or 8th OF, how do you even construct a viable lineup? 2] The idea of just trusting in the pen on the cheap is smart if you can do it right. But ONE addition just wasn't smart! Now, it's nobody's fault that Alcala was injured. But it IS someone's fault that Pagan was allowed to turn a potential 8-10 game lead was turned in to a 2-3 game lead. Is that on Rocco or stubbornness from the FO? And while I have disagreed at times with Rocco's choices, he can only deal with what he has on hand. 3] Managing the TEAM on a daily basis is where I have issues with Rocco. I can question a few pen moves here and there, but he might be way more right than I am. But some silly base running and defensive miscues here and there make me wonder about concentrating on the basics. It's one thing to be a player's manager, but it's another thing....especially being a former player...to NOT work on the basics and drill things in to your players to do just do things right! Is that so much to ask? 4] We can talk all day about stretching SP out. The game has changed. Late in the season, Rocco has been clear about allowing opportunity to do so. But the pitchers have to respond! Is "saving" arms worthwhile? Is that on Rocco or the FO? I understand Archer being limited and Ryan as a rookie, but is there a point earlier in the season to bridge the gap? I suppose it goes back to the pen again. 5] Rocco is a former player, and young enough to remember what it's like to play the game. And he's actually done a few more bunts and such to try and make things happen. But when you are the worst team in baseball at advancing runners from 2B with less than 2 outs, why don't you try something different? Is Leon the ONLY bunter on the team? 6] HATE my opinion or not, I think the FO and Rocco are still "learning on the job". The FO has rebuilt the system the system, but are still in the "oh crap, we we need to look at THIS as a mistake. And Rocco needs to trust in himself more as a former player to just trust his gut as that former player to stick with a pitcher earlier in the year, or bunt to move a runner when the offense is struggling, or hit and run, etc. I think the best thing Rocco can do is quit being a "manager" every once in a while and just remember what it's like to be a "ballplayer". DRILL your team once in a while. You often win due to the small things. If you don't like the team you've been given, then have the guts to tell the FO what you need! It took until late July before he stated he wanted some long relief options. Duh! Is that on Rocco or the FO? Rocco is going nowhere for 2023. Again, as much as nobody wants to hear it, I think Rocco and the FO are learning and growing together. And if they can take everything they've seen in 2022, they have an opportunity to build a great 2023. The FO has an opportunity to add. Rocco has the opportunity to grow from everything from pitching handling to lineups and approach. That doesn't happen? Changes will have to be made.

I keep seeing the many, many Roadrunner cartoons I watched as a kid. BEWARE of ANYTHING marked ACME anywhere around Buxton or Target Field.

OK, just going to get this out of the way 1st. Like everyone else, I'm sick and tired of mentioning the lost 2020 season. But being sick and tired of it doesn't change the facts that all but a handful of prospects missed an entire season of playing and developing. (The "handful" were at an alternate site). Wallner may be 25 next season, but as a prospect he's equivalent to 24yo next year. I just don't believe a missed year can be so easily dismissed when we talk about the ages of players, more so college draftees. I'm actually optimistic about Wallner, but cautiously so. Others have watched him play defense, I haven't. But it seems like he runs "OK" based on doubles and an increase in his SB. Or is that luck? The arm sounds great. I do believe repetition, work, and coaching can iron out his defense to be at least solid. Am I wrong? He's probably always going to K quite a bit. But as pointed out above, his K percentage this year has actually declined per month, showing development and recognition. His OB and BB totals are relatively solid. And if he's nothing but a future K windmill, then why is he hitting in the .290's for the season? I'm thinking he can actually HIT and take some BB despite SO quite a bit. Is he a better HITTING version of Sano from the LH side? If so, there's real value in his offensive potential. I am curious in regard to his OPS being only a few points different in regard to facing LH/RH pitching. Is that 2022 or his career? Either way, it shows either consistency OR potential growth. I think it's easy to see him as a big guy with some errors and SO and think he's questionable as a ML player. I get it. And again, I'm CAUTIOUSLY optimistic. I don't think he's Rooker part 2. I see a guy who can run well enough for some doubles and a surprise in SB to think he's not exactly a statue and can work on his defense. I see a hitter who can actually HIT a little, takes some walks, and seems to be able to adapt and actually lower his K rate as time goes on. If what what was posted in the OP is accurate, he's far from an auto out against LHP. I like Larnach and AK better at this point in all regards, though Wallner probably has more pure HR power than either, TBD. And he has to CONTINUE to grow defensively as well as offensively, proving he can continue to do what he's been doing, which is be a hitter with decent OB and average. But I think he grew a lot between the AFL and this current season. Again, I'm cautiously optimistic but I wouldn't bet against him at this point. Constant growth is a good sign.

I do believe analytics play a smart and important part in what the Twins do. I also believe there remains room for some old fashioned ball play and gut instinct and belief in your players. Not sure the Twins have found the right balance just yet. Ryan is a rookie, Gray has missed some time, Ober has missed a bunch of time, basically every OF has been hurt. Now Mahle isn't quite right. Injuries have really hurt the club and that can't be denied. I read recently, I believe here at TD, that the Twins were in the top 5 of MLB in games missed. However you want to look at it, or spin it, injuries have been a factor. I pegged the Twins at 88 wins this year with a shot at 92. And after the first few months, I looked pretty smart. I didn't like the inactivity in the BP or rotation, but felt pretty good about the team as a whole coming in, knowing they would still need a move or two at some point. They've done that! But you can't win when you don't score runs and have a third of your lineup is bench and fill-in players. You can't score runs when you don't advance them or knock them in with your best players, Miranda excluded. BTW, this team is one of the best in OB% and avoiding K's and chase rates, etc. They are also the best in MLB at knocking in runners from 3B with less than 2 outs. But they are also amongst the worst at advancing or knocking in runners from 2B with less than 2 outs. Where is the disconnect there??? Healthy, I like so much about this team and it's potential. I like the trade moves. I think they're set up well for 2023 with a couple additions, even though I haven't given up on 2020 just yet. But the injuries are to the point I just don't know if they can recover to finish strong. And I am simply amazed how a team can have so much positive run production but just bottom out on a single KEY statistic. But I do know 2022 has been a lot more fun than 2021.

If it is impressive in any way, exit velocity, tremendous defensive play, triple, triple play, anything that is a great moment is something worth recognizing, especially if it shines a positive light on baseball to gain attention and interest. That's all good for baseball. Speaking directly to exit velocity, generally speaking, I don't care a ton. If Buxton hits 40HR on a season and all 40 just clear the fence, I don't care because they count the same. But at the same time...COME ON...he cranks a rocket that hits the 2nd deck isn't exciting?? It pumps me up, his team, and the fans. It's worth an extra fist pump. Anything done great is good, unless it's against the Twins, of course, lol.

Just STICKING someone in LF isn't an easy answer. You have to expect at least average defense or you are asking for trouble. Julien has played some OF, it's not foreign territory to him. Maybe he just lacks the ability to judge the ball off the bat? That's a major issue. Maybe he needs to stick to 1B/2B/3B, all of which he's played at some point. But I sure would work him hard at instructs and maybe the AFL in LF to see if he can stick there. At some point, always thought Larnach might take over RF and either Martin or Julien might settle in LF. If nothing else, Julien just being acceptable in LF increases roster/lineup flexibility and gets him on the field. Regarding Martin, the Twins have previously stated they believe he is an OF natural right now. Probably the reason they've been so determined to keep him at SS to see if he can actually develop and stick there. IMO, at some point, you have to make a decision that it just might not work and just let Martin play mostly OF and hope the bat comes around. Beckham is a filler RH bat because they don't have another one to call up. Cave is an OF filler because everyone else is injured. Honestly, even if you decide not to protect him, I'd just as soon see OF Helman up to play OF and provide a RH bat. Not sure he wouldn't hit better than Cave, provide a platoon option with Gordon, and fill a role until/if Garlick is ready. He's got talent, is having a solid season, and tossing Cave out there day after day isn't accomplishing anything at this point.

I think Moran has legitimate ML stuff. His BB are absolutely an issue, but haven't always been as high as this year. For whatever reason, there has been fluctuations over his career. He's got some velocity and a decent slider, but it's those pitches he needs to harness better, IMO, and not the change. And while his BB are unacceptable at any level, the K's are there and most of his numbers at the ML level are actually better than at AAA in almost the same number of IP. Weird. Sisk has had a good year, no doubt, great at AA and good at AAA last I looked. The Twins need a 2nd LHRP option and I'm not sure who that is going to be. Just might be a FA signed this offseason. But at some point, Moran and Sisk do deserve a look, or another look. It's up to Moran to PROVE he belongs, but he also deserves that next look see at some point. Biggest issue, IMO, is the middle relief now and going forward.

I have enough old school in me that I have mixed feelings about playing every NL team. On the one hand, it's fun to play someone "different" now and again. And while I enjoy inter league play, I've always embraced at least some separation between the leagues. But the NFL and NBA haven't had such stringent scheduling restrictions for years, so it's probably time to open things up a little more now, especially with the universal DH. I greatly dislike the Brewers match ups being mid week games. Each should be a 3 game weekend series for the sake of the fans for both teams, PERIOD. I also dislike so few games within the division late in the year. It takes away from potential excitement for a divisional run. To me, there has always been a lot if interest in 2, or even 3, teams going down to the wire the last month of the season to see who comes out on top of the division. Forget scoreboard watching, I want to see those teams play against one another with the division on the line. I don't know that this new schedule necessarily is necessarily "harder" on the Twins, or anyone else. Maybe. But there are "poor" teams in each league and every division. And at the end of the day the goal remains the same, win your division, and then shoot for a WC if you don't do that. Where I DO see a potential pitfall is a WC chase. There remains a financial discrepancy...not to be fixed any time soon...between markets. Now, those discrepancies aren't exact, and even some large market teams are simply bad at times. Money available doesn't always equate to success. Witness the Orioles and Angels as examples. But it could make the WC a little harder.

I never bought in to 10yrs and $350M. I mean, why not ASK for it? But just because the Rangers DID do similar doesn't mean anyone else is going to. Even with bad timing, it's still seemed strange someone didn't make a longer deal offer at least. But a year older, down year at the plate notwithstanding, why take $70M over 2yrs and try again when a 5 or 6 year deal now for "only" $30M per more than doubles that? Even $25M per more than doubles the $70M. So even if he wants to stay, even if $35M per is off the table, he's still smart to opt out and end up with a bigger payday than opting in. There's competition in the market this year yet again. And a lot of the top spending teams may be out, for all the reasons listed in the OP. He's going to get paid, no question. But I think it's more $30M-ish per for 5-7yrs.