DocBauer

So Celestino WILL BE a top 4th OF with a nice combination of offensive skills to prove to be valuable, at least until he hits FA down the road or the Twins trade him. My opinion. But I'm not going to push him again, unnecessarily at this point. I'm going to bring in someone like Pillar for 1yr if I'm trying to have a good 2022 team. He fits, won't cost much, and is easy to walk away from if necessary. But Kepler and Gordon can also fill in, assuming Kepler is still around. I am not crazy about Gordon in CF, but I was very surprised at how well he adapted so quickly on the fly. I wouldn't have protected Cave. But I kinda understood why they did. Glad he's off the 40 man, because he should be at this point. But I wouldn't sleep on him. Despite his offense disappearing, I think his defense actually improved. If healthy, I could see him forcing his way back to the 40 man if his bat returns to his 2018-19 version of his past self. It won't be an easy road, but I could see it happening.

I'm sure Seth or someone else could correct me on this, but in regard to Lewis in the AFL, I think teams can designate a position preference for a couple of their players assigned. I may be remembering incorrectly, but am thinking that is the case. Regardless, Lewis struggled with some nagging injuries during 2019 but was still promoted about mid season before his trip to the AFL where his bat came alive and he earned MVP. I don't pretend to know Lewis's future at SS defensively. I know he has the arm strength and athleticism to play the position. I have seen a few ST games where he looked fine. And I've seen some hilight plays that looked outstanding. And if you can make those plays, then you should have the ability to make the routine plays as well, even if you are a little rough around the edges. And after positive "reports" of Lewis out of the secondary site in 2020, I'm still on his bandwagon. I think the Twins are as well. But I dismiss any notion he's ready for some early audition for 2022. Martin is a different story. He's a great athlete with a bat and decent speed and power potential who has been given a shot at SS because of his athleticism. I say "go for it" and give him a shot! He may surprise! At worst, he may be a fill-in. I do think it's a mistake to leave Palacios out of the conversation. He re-discovered the ability to hit and added some extra pop on his return to the Twins system. Other than that, this is the weakest position in the system to be sure. The "good news" is that there are some still very young options in low A that have a chance to take a step forward in 2022. Looking at you Cavaco and Javier in particular. I'm willing to Howard a pass for now as 2021 was his first year of pro ball. The one guy I'm really interested in is Steer. I'm not expecting him to suddenly morph in to a legitimate daily SS, but he's been playing the position. Could he handle it on an occasional basis as a utility player? If so, it adds even more to his future value.

Nick, a well thought arguement and one I've shared for a while without stating such. LF is a question mark for 2022 and the 4th OF is open and debatable. But it's not to say there aren't options. Larnach is the #1 guy so AK can concentrate more on 1B. I think Arraez can and will still play a little LF if his knees are sound. (Why he played so little there in 2021). Miranda may get some time there just to get his bat in the lineup. Yes, Rooker and Cave are still around. They could be anywhere from awful to excellent platoon based on history. And, you even have Gordon for a speedy fill-in. I don't want to rush Celestino again, or Martin, so I'm trying to think of each as mid season options other than "break glass in case emergency" scenarios. So IMO, unless Kepler is moved as part of a deal, I only see a quality 4th OF being added or needed. Pillar and Herrera probably make the most sense. Again, things change if they move Kepler NOW.

That video was AWESOME! What is Domingo Ayala doing these days? Could he be brought in as another assistant for morale and comedy relief? Assistant catching and morale coach? I felt like I was watching a new age Python sketch, LOL. On a serious note, one of the best things I think the FO has done has been hiring good coaches throughout the system, though we have, unfortunately also lost some of them. But I've also applauded them in recent years as to making their staffs more culturally varied. I think they've done a great job focusing on Latin coaches from the ML on down. That is so important in regard to not only development, but from a simple communication standpoint.

While I expect nobody to man 2B other than Polanco for the next 3-5yrs or so, I really like the depth at 2B over and above Arraez and Gordon. While the jury is still out on any prospect, Steer, Julian and Severino, there is some exciting potential there. At this point, I view Soularie as an "athlete" looking for a position. Steer and Julian have moved around the diamond and field and could offer some great super utility options with potential offense, including pop/power and even some speed in different combinations. Thus far, Steer has seen some time at SS at each of his stops. I don't know how good his glove is overall, much less how well he plays SS, but I'm really hoping he can be serviceable there to increase his overall value. I think Steer's ETA is 2023 but wouldn't be shocked if he made a ML appearance late in 2022.

I guess I always have thought of him as a quality offensive catcher but had forgotten just how good until I read the OP. He was always quality behind the plate and tough as nails. He was one of those "redass" players that you love on your team but hated to play against. (Not sure tobthis day exactly why he fit so poorly with the Giants). I think he was VERY GOOD and undervalued in large, but I don't think he's HOF worthy. Note: The Twins had a game of the day I watched late in the year on the MLB app in which he was the color man and found him enjoyable to listen to.

Been a Twins fan for over 50yrs since I was around 5yrs old. But I didn't really understand what was going on or who guys were for a few more years. Mid 70's I became plugged in. And I remember the days of Hosken Powell and Willie Norwood, followed by others and can barely recall Oliva as part of those teams. So I never got to enjoy, much less appreciate, what he did in his career. But I know the numbers and the accolades. As already pointed out by Trov, Oliva and Puckett are very similar as outstanding producers who DOMINATED before injury. I often think/reflect on someone like Sayers in the NFL. There is room for outstanding/dominate careers curtailed by injury. Oliva should have been in long ago! And Kaat had a long and tremendous career. Both have given back since their retirement in so many ways. Hell, Kaat could almost be included just as a broadcaster! So happy that both are in and feel each is so deserving.

Just to be clear, I'm not on either side of the aisle here. I'm on the side of BASEBALL and the health and well-being of the game! The owners are just that, they OWN their business and have a right to profits and control and structure of their business. The players absolutely have the right to benefits and financial rewards and opportunity for growth as a player and individual. IMO, BOTH sides are to blame as neither side seems to be concerned about the game itself. The owners appear to me to just be obtuse about the health and growth if the game. How can they not see the health, wealth and growth of the NFL where things such as balanced revenue sharing and financial floors and ceilings create much better open competition for all franchises in the league? Again, my opinion, how can the union also not see the same things in the NFL? Further, it feels they are concerned more about the wealth of the top 10-20% "star" players and their earnings and less about the bulk of the players and their salaries that make up the league as a whole. If a floor and cap situation restricts the earnings of that top 20% but the remaining 80% earn more, isn't that a good thing? Isn't the purpose of a union to provide better pay and benefits for ALL members? Isn't a strong game, with shared wealth, and opportunjty for ALL franchises to compete and make the sport more balanced and fun for everyone, including the fans? Doesn't that lead to greater popularity for the game to grow and more than likely increase financial growth? I don't think Manfred's letter does anything other than toss fuel on a smoldering fire of discontent, even if his points have validity. But I am against ANYTHING that increases an already lopsided playing field for the "haves" and further lessens competitive balance and opportunity for all franchises and the health and growth of the game.

I really can't disagree with your argument, but I'm forced to. Despite angst and argument that the FO may have been egregiously patient and short-sighted in regard to just spending available $ to bring in at least 1 if not 2 quality arms that could easily fit in to budget parameters....different arguement that frustrates and confuses me....we know how the numbers usually work out. If you have 10 top pitching prospects, 2 will be good to great. Two more might be solid. A couple more might be good to better as RP. Numbers matter. And from the draft and trade, there is a large number of arms in the system right now. The FO has done that part right. Right now, the Twins HAVE to make at least one trade to put together a decent rotation. And they may surprise us, as they have done previously. But when you have built this much depth, I'm concerned you would deal too much too soon. Strotman is an example that confuses me, for example. A year ago, or so, he was a better rated prospect than Ryan. Coming off surgery, and then missing all of 2020, suddenly he's a "bum" to some because he jumped to AAA and was mediocre. Just silliness. I think the Twins are going to have to give up at least one of their pitching prospects, maybe two, to aquire a solid SP via trade. I'm OK with that. But history shows you need pitching depth, arms to work with. Arms for tomorrow. I just wouldn't give up more than a couple of arms, tops, in a trade. I'd rather spend a few $M more to augment my roster and hold on to the best arms I can, at this point, and make ONE trade move while keeping as much as I can.

For a moment, forgetting my confusion and utter disappointment at what the FO has NOT DONE at this point, I see a semi-clear path as to their intentions. I can easily see the Twins offering Rodon a 1yr deal, and very easily a 1+1, for around $18M. Why? Because the talent is there, the upside is there, and there is "no such thing as a bad 1yr deal". And if they do a +1, the buyout would probably be small. Why wouldn't the Dirty Sox keep him? Don't they know him better than anyone? Yes. Great points! But as aggressive as they have been, they still have a payroll to consider as well. And they HAVE been VERY aggressive. Further, they may have some plans for promotion, etc. I'm not crazy about Rodon, but he seemed to be OK in his brief late appearances after coming off the IL. The Twins have been seemingly good about nurturing the IP by their SP the last few years. Do they trust their scouts and med profiles to take a shot for a 1yr with an option? I have no idea. But the reward could be great, even if he's only available for 22-25 GS. It's a gamble they just might take. The risk/reward might be worth it for 1yr while getting the prospects in the system a little more time to rise up. I, like most of us, feel Pineda is back. And I'm OK with that even though I don't expect 30 GS from him. It would be awesome if he could do so because he's experienced, solid, and proven when healthy. He's a great bridge to the prospects getting more time to come up. I DESPISE the idea of the Twins making more than ONE trade for a quality SP, thinking Oakland as an obvious partner. I say this because unless you get a steal or two, why would you decimate the ML roster or lose 4-6 top 20 prospects unless you got CONTOLLABLE pitchers for more than 2yrs? I've always thought the Twins would make at least one trade for a SP. Hopefully, it's a smart trade that won't hurt. But even then, they still need a Kikuchi or Pineda signing to just put a semi-decent rotation in place.

I've been kinda in on Galvis as a good glove with some power/pop. And I've been lukewarm but OK with Simmons if the Twins really believe his 2021 bat was an aberation from his previous 4 years or so. But I'm starting to think hard on Villar for his bat and OK defense. While I love and want good defense, I'm starting to wonder just how important a great glove at SS fits in today's game vs a better bat and OK defense. Story would be exciting and a great get. I'd be happy if they got him. My hunch is the Twins are still going to look harder at pitching via trade and at least 1 of the best remaining FA rather than decimate the roster or milb system with a series of trades. I mean, they went out and accomplished their intent to bolster the system with arms to develop and sort through. Why would they now trade those arms so soon? I just think they're going to go short term at SS and believe in Lewis.

Not going to lie, I'm disappointed and basically PO'd at this point! The market has been moving! There were SEVERAL solid, quality FA SP available without breaking the bank in any way. And the FO let them all pass. I laid out an option where the FO could have been "inventive" with Ray and front load his deal, including an opt out. And they could have done the exact same thing with Stroman, which the Cubs just did! Grrr! And I'm sorry, but I'd easily pick the Twins over the Cubs as being a legitimate playoff contender the next 2yrs. I am disappointed and unhappy, perplexed, and PO'd at this point. BUT...in regard to Bundy exclusively, I will say I was intrigued to sign him as a #3 option instead of Pineda. He has pitched for nothing but bad, losing teams. He's had a strange career where he's generally been good about every other year. A couple years ago he was seen as a guy who needed to be "rescued" from Baltimore to reach his potential. And after a good 2020, now he's an also-ran. I think he's worth a cheap flier to be a solid #3, but I don't know that the #2 potential he has flashed, and many thought he could be, is viable at this point. It would take a major turnaround to be that guy many thought he could be a couple seasons ago. MAYBE we get lucky. I don't think luck and hope is how you build a staff to compete in 2022. So what now? We re-sign Pineda and make a trade of ML and milb talent to bring in a quality arm to front the rotation and hope for the best with a bullpen that has a chance to be good with a smart addition or two? Even with a good lineup, is that enough? The more you trade away, the less you establish the "continuous competition" idea preached by the FO. I've never asked, and few of us ever have asked, that the Twins just blow up payroll. But I, and most of us I think, have just asked to just spend to an acceptable delta of payroll. The FO had a chance to just add a couple good arms on "decent" terms to remain competitive while waiting for the number of arms in the system to reach their potential. So are we really NOT re,-tooling? Are we actually re-building for 2023 and beyond? Then just admit it. I've been an advocate for our FO in so many ways, but I'm confused and frustrated right now with their approach. There is too much talent on the ML roster right now, and too much coming up, to just "give up" for 2022. I will wait to fully chastise until I see what moves take place before ST actually takes place. Right now, I'm confused and losing faith.

Hats off to the Cubs for being aggressive and inventive in their deal. They're overpaying for 2yrs for a team that doesn't look like they are ready to contend right now. I wish the Twins had been as aggressive and creative, because I think Stoman may have made a mistake in regard to a team that could/not contend.

I think this is just about spot on when trying to forward project with the best possible accuracy. I'm 50/50 on Sano being on the club. I think there's a good chance, as dex8425 stated, that Sabato and Wallner are on the club by then. Good chance Sabato is the primary DH with others rolling through the spot on occasion. Taking things a bit further, I'd also see Celestino as the primary 4th OF. I just have a good feeling about him and think he just fits so many roles as a PR/4th OF with range and acceptable arm, who should decent power/pop and SB ability. The reserve infield options are just so hard to predict! As much as I love Arraez and think he can be a key part of the top of the lineup the next few years, and while also believing Gordon just may carve out a nice niche as a speedy, athletic, multi-depth piece, I can absolutely see both Steer and Julian pushing for spots to replace them by then. The thing I'm really excited about when you look at this player roster is the tremendous flexibility you have not only in regard lineup construction, but the versatility for so many guys to fit in to so many different positions comfortably due to days off or injury. I am really, really hoping the Twins can keep this new, potential nucleus in place while still adding to the pitching side the next year or two, without compromising what we are seeing here. FA is an option that only costs $, not prospects. And for the 100th time, sorry, can they add via trade without said compromise by pulling off another Odorizzi or Maeda type of trade?

I think the 2 foot jumping and playing deeper are smart and have already paid dividends in regard to his health and well being. The only "problem" with him playing deeper is the potential for banging his noggin diving for a great catch. You can never fully take the competitive instinct out of him. But he can learn and adjust to a certain degree where he slides under better control, or just let's up once in a while and let a singlr be a single. His value on the field and at the plate is more important than making every highlight catch he can. He's built his body up through weight training and the such. But I wonder if something like yoga or pilates could help his finely tuned body be a bit more flexible to avoid certain pulls and strains. Just a couple thoughts.

I've always been in favor of taking a look-see at a quality pen arm, or starting arm for that matter, that hasn't achieved great success yet, or, has fallen on hard times. The cost is usually small and once in a while you strike gold. Honestly a little surprised the Cubs let him walk. He's obviously got good velocity and averaged about 11.5K throughout his milb career. He touched 3 levels in 2019 and didn't pitch in 2020. I agree he might be better off throwing just ONE breaking ball and more often, though I've always found fault with just eliminating a 3rd pitch entirely, unless it was just BAD, so that a RP could at least keep the hitter guessing once in a while. Hard to say if Megill will amount to anything or not, nor can we even predict if he will even remain on the 40 man, but he's probably a good flier look-see. As far as Cave, I remain split as to whether or not I would have protected initially at all. (Probably wouldn't have). But I think we just need to step back and realize the reason he's still around has nothing to do with the past 2 seasons. While his 2020 was just terrible, his 2021 was basically wiped out due to his back injury. The Twins aren't keeping him around just because he's a "gamer" or nice guy. He's still around because he's under 30yo, and had a combined .795 OPS in 2018-19 with power and solid production and offers solid/decent defense at all 3 spots. And we can argue about being clever/smart with their handling of him, but that's rather pointless really. They just want to keep him in their back pocket because he has some talent/skills and if he returns to his previous form, he could be a cheap and solid depth option. I'm OK with that.

The Twins would prefer to keep Kepler in right. Of course, they would also prefer Buxton to never or seldom be injured. But a primary reason Kepler didn't play CF last year was battling leg injuries for an extended time. Hamstring IIRC. I have little doubt he'll play some CF this year if 100% again, especially for short stints. Celestino needs more time but I think he's getting close. He would be more if a long term fill in, IMO, until he's ready to contribute as the 4th OF on a permanent basis. I believe Gordon will also play some CF. Hoping Martin can not be rushed and just focus on his developement for most of the year.

Very Happy! But I am also surprised. Not only does his 2022 stay level vs an immediate jump, his his guaranteed yearly is $1-2M less than I would have expected. Further, I saw things such as MVP or GG or All Star selections being gravy and games played or PA being tied to the meat of his incentives. This is actually very team friendly, without being unfair, and Buck will be worth every dollar of a potential $25M-ish if he's healthy enough and good enough to earn all bonuses any given season. Guarantee you the team will be happy to write that check. Now that that's done....on to pitching!

To me, there have always been two distinct criteria when I examine if someone is a HOF player. 1] Pure production, and that can be defensively as well as offensive numbers. 2] When said player played, was he amongst the best in MLB at his spot for a number of years. That allows for variances in the game over the decades. As to #2 first, I don't feel I'm a fan or a homer when I state that he was one of the very best CF in MLB for a good 6-7yrs, and a solid RF for a few more. As to point #1, his accolades and production numbers in the OP are worth re-reading again, and I'd invite you to re-read them again yourselves, as I just did again before continuing on. Not going to re-hash them all, but the GG's, the assists, All Star selections, consecutive seasons of HR production etc. Hits and HR BETTER than 11 and 13 of 19 CF already enshrined? ALL of this screams HOF to me. BUT, I think he's a later, veterans type of selection due to 2 things: 1] His first couple of seasons were non-descript offensively and he had a few injuries that held him back. 2] His actual BA and career OPS, despite some very good numbers, probably hold him back. I think he's worthy, or at least in serious conversation. And I'd have him on my ballot. But I feel he just comes a little short, especially today when criteria like OPS have become such a profound measuring stick. I do hope he makes it at some point and if so, I don't think anyone can say he doesn't deserve it. **A quick aside: I'm late on the Nathan OP but just wanted to star that a decade ago Nathan has almost no chance based on perspective and past voting. But with changes not only within the game, but his numbers/production and perspective changes, he should absolutely be a HOF selection at some point. And it's not just about save numbers, it's about dominance, production and numbers for about a decade.

Definitely something to look forward to and contemplate. And there's enough depth at each spot that a couple guys just don't turn out, or are traded, there's another prospect to potentially step in. Would be nice if another LH could step up in the pen. A couple guys you didn't list that I think should be added are Steer and Julian as utility types. I'm excited by them as potential contributors. A lot of fun!

Thank you for the report, and every report previous. This was not an outstanding group the Twins sent to the AFL this year. I think that was, honestly, they just didn't want to tax some arms that were limited due to injures, AND, they just wanted a look-see at some guys with potential and question marks. I'm OK with that. Final review/opinion: Wallner will be at AA and a fixture and reminds me of Larnach. His eye might be not as good as Larnach at this point, but I think he's got a real future as long as his defense is OK and he doesn't turn in to a K machine. I'm encouraged by his AFL OB%. Featherstone and Funderburk are similar, so I include both here. The results weren't the same in the AFL, but they both continued to SO batters, and show areas of needed improvement. The difference is final results in a SSS. Both seem destined for AA Wichita. Both may end up in the pen, which is fine, but Funderburk seems to at least warranted a shot in the rotation for now. It's OK for ANY pitcher to transition to the pen and find a home there and excel. But it's OK to also keep someone in the rotation as long as possible to see what happens. SSS in the AFL, Funderbburk is in the rotation for 2022 and Featherstone moves to the pen. Both need to work on control. The good news is both are a couple LH arms who could have a quality future in the pen a couple years from now. That doesn't suck. Sisk, just being honest, was a throw-in. Nice to see him and Funderburk finish strong. If ONE of them continues to improve and become a quality pen piece, GREAT! Thought Bechtold might be a steal at 3B when drafted. He's done little since until the power suddenly developed in 2021. Now he's trying to use his arm to play catcher. IF his bat and defense can maintain and he can learn to be at least a decent catcher, he has a shot. But he's Hamilton with more potential power. He's got 2022 to prove he's worth keeping around. Helman is the AFL guy I was really interested in. He's an athlete with speed, versatility, and budding power. My hope was he would build on a solid 2021 to become a solid future option. And maybe his play was better than his numbers, but I was disappointed in what he did. Hopefully he takes a step forward in 2022 with Witchita and establishes himself as a late bloomer super utility player who has some future. Pleased with what Laweryson did. Repeat what I said before that he might be the 2022 version of Gibson-long and Gross. A guy who isn't a top pick who has something to work with and some projectability who is ready to take another step. Short story? Wallner has real potential. I think Laweryson has a real shot. Featherstone, Funderburk, Sisk, prove it at AA Wichita. Bechtold and Helman are about out of chances, IMO. They get ST and maybe half a season to prove they have a shot before being passed over.

I actually hated to lose him 2018 and thought he would have been a valuable multi-position option for us. I wasn't so concerned with losing him in 2019-20 due to Marwin and Adrianza on the club. If we got the 2018-19 version of Goodrum I'd be very pleased. But I'm going to echo just what everyone else has already stated, I didn't know his glove at SS was that good. Most of the games I've watched the past few years he's usually been stationed somewhere else. So yep, if his glove is that good, I'm in on him as one of a handful of options I'd be happy with. He offers an OK bat for the position with some decent speed and power as well.

Love your belief in Steer as I share it as well. I just don't know at this time if Steer is going to ever have a full time spot...unless he can surprise us at SS...due to being potentially locked by Polanco and Miranda. But that's OK! I think he is going to be GOOD and valuable and flexible and a tremendous utility type. He might appear in 2022 but I'm looking more at 2023. I am also very excited for Julian on a similar timetable. It may sound silly to some to be excited about utility players...barring injury or trade...but I fully embrace a roster that is deep and flexible. But I have a good feeling that BOTH of these guys have a chance to be integral parts of the Twins roster very soon as great "bench" pieces who play all over and contribute. For those few who might not be paying full attention, position player wise, the Twins are trying to build a roster the way the Dogers and Rays have done, and are looking at the best EVERYDAY options as well as versatility and depth. And I have a really good feeling about both these guys.

If your monthly numbers are correct, then my memory is shot, lol. I guess I should have been more clear that, as best I can recall, the power was there but the hitting was inconsistent. I may be right, or may be mis-remembering. And I guess that was where I was coming from. I hope I'm right that the bat isn't proven yet to other teams enough to select and stash him.

Agreed it's hard to pat the owners on the back for doing something they should have done a long time ago. But I will at least give credit for finally getting this done. The ability to make meals shouldn't be dismissed. There certainly are hotels who gave kitchenettes, so I do think those are viable options. Agree with Steve71 that a smart and progressive owner should be doing all they can to go the extra mile for their investment in the lifeblood of their franchise.