DocBauer

As I stated in the other "goodbye Sano" article, his career is a disappointment due to potential, hype, and hope. But I can't say he's a failure as he's enjoyed ML success where so few ever do. And he's enjoyed some success, earned an award or two, been on playoff teams, and earned millions of dollars for himself and his family. Failure, no, disappointment, yes. He's a big human being and will remain one. Despite various reports over the years he was working hard to get in to great shape, I don't feel he's ever really invested himself in doing so. But beyond that, I just feel he was never willing to "mentally" develop his approach. I never expected him to completely re-invent himself. At some point, you are what you are. But his natural power is so significant that I've always felt if he just "held back" his stroke for better contact, ALL of his "good" numbers would have risen while still hitting a ton of HR, just more 400' shots and fewer 430' plus bombs. I could see him going overseas on a deal, though who knows how that works out. But I'm betting someone offers a small deal with incentives to play 1B and DH. And remember, everyone has the DH now. And more than likely, someone is either going to A] believe they can still "fix" him, or, B] be OK with his "streaky" hitter history and accept that as a dangerous #7 type hitter.

Don't forget, with little exception, most young infielders move around to 2 or 3 spots in order to get everyone on the field and at least introduce and watch them at other positions. And some of the college SS, if not all, have already played different spots at some point in their college careers.

Reminds me somewhat of when Canterino was picked. He wasn't coming off surgery, but there was a usage question. There were rumors he might not throw until instructs. Instead, he started 7 games at rookie ball and low A, but he only threw 25 innings in those starts. As I understand it, Priellip is now about 14 months post surgery and has already thrown some "bullpens" as an audition before the draft. So I could see him just work on the side until instructs. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him throw a dozen or so innings just to shake off rust and get introduced to pro ball.

SUSTAINABILITY is a very key word in all of this. 1] I think it's very easy to point to graduated player X and Y and say "but they were drafted by the previous FO". True. But the current FO has made developmental changes from the bottom up. So how can we not accept that "graduated" players from the previous FO haven't perhaps improved under the tutelage of said changes throughout the system? 2] Recent "graduation" of a large group of players, some absolutely the result of the current FO, despite maybe not yet finished products, will "weaken" any sort of prospect pool rankings. 3] There are a handful of players that have been highly ranked as draft choices or high ranking trade acquisitions, who have not yet raised their game, or suddenly regressed. Balazovic and Martin are great examples. If we don't want to give credit to Falvey and Levine for what they've built and promoting and developing "inherited" players, then we can't necessarily blame them for an acquired player who was perhaps rushed, played out of position, and will HOPEFULLY still turn put. Same with Ryan. We traded for him, and have been working with him and developing him. So as good as he might be, is that on TB or the Twins? And if Balazovic turns it around in 2023 and looks like the prospect everyone believes, where's the "mulligan" for rankings when he does? I'm just saying these rankings are so very fluid not only from year to year, but even mid year to mid year Other teams sure thought enough of our prospects to trade some quality ML talent for milb prospects, some of them only in their 1st full seasons. So, they are young and weren't yet in our top 10 or someone's top 100, but they were good enough to trade ML talent for? And isn't using your milb system part of building your parent club, no matter how your system might be "ranked"? How much better might put system be ranked if we just kept everyone and didn't trade for quality ML talent? 4] Where I DO have questions and worry is the pitching pipeline. I have no problem making trades to acquire talent, including good arms. But for a mid market team, you simply HAVE to produce a few good ones on your own, whether you draft them, sign them, or trade for them young. I am of the opinion a few of our arms were set back by covid, and we're not the only ones. I understand the principle idea of the FO that elite hit talent drops off early but arms who have not yet developed might be available a little later. It makes sound sense. Bring in a solid arm with something good to work with and make it better and add. The problem with that is too many Rooker and Sabato selections instead of a pitcher that may have more upside than a bat only player or "helium" flier like Cavaco. It's OK to take a risk once in a while on a "toolsy" player because if you hit, you might hit pretty big. But you can't fall in love with the bat philosophy so much that you draft too many too early vs arms Canterino and Enlow and now Prielipp are examples of "early" arms. You can't deny Canterino's talent, even if he now turns in to a quality BP arm with major potential. Enlow was just starting to look like the exciting arm we all heard about when he went through TJ. Prielipp is too new to accurately comment on. They haven't "ignored" arms early all the time. But reflection of some of their drafts has to give at least some pause that maybe they glossed over an arm one too many times over a bat. I haven't given up on a pipeline as of yet. There's still some good arms coming up, and a couple who have arrived in different capacities. And I'm not nearly as down about the system as the OP states for all the reasons I've just stated. But I think I would like to see a better balance of arms and batters in the top half of future drafts.

I'm still not certain how good of a hitter he might turn out to be, nor how much pop/power he might yet develop. I'm always surprised how the ball jumps off his bat. I think he's still developing as a hitter. So a few more walks and some continued power growth would be welcome and not totally unexpected at this point. His defense keeps improving, IMO. I think we often forget not only his battles with illness, and then covid, but he was having probably his best season in 2019 and was probably going to be called up before an injury, an ankle I believe. Instead, Arraez was brought up and good for both Arraez and the Twins! But it just goes to show his trajectory to MLB hasn't been anything close to a straight, upward line. I love watching him play as he seems to just genuinely love the game. And he's been, mostly, very good and exciting on the basepaths. Personally, I'd like the Twins to run him more. I think he's a very nice guy to have around, is still improving, and should have a nice career as a roll player. But he does have to keep improving because I think there's a couple of guys coming up over the next couple of years who might just be even better. But I am definitely a fan of his.

Look, I like the guy. I've become a fan. He's been gracious, hard working, team oriented and a leader. And even while his defensive stats are down, I've loved watching him play SS and he's made a real difference there. But his offense has not been anything close to what was expected by the FO, I'm sure, or fans. or Correa himself I'd bet. Slow start, hit streak, then slow again. Hey, maybe it's just a weird year for him due to the one injury and covid break. I don't know. Guy might just RAKE next year for the Twins or someone else. And he has time to get hot the last month and a half plus and make everyone eat their opinions. But as of now, his numbers simply aren't that of a SUPERSTAR $35M player. They just aren't. And past and future doesn't speak to NOW. And the now is his bat has disappointed based on expectation. Now, past leads us to believe what he's capable of doing yet again. But the OP and what we're discussing is the player he is in 2022. And that player is not a $35M superstar.

Good for Varland! I hope he finishes strong! Glad to see Lee bypass Ft Myers and go straight to Cedar Rapids. I think he's just too good, too talented not to push him a little to end 2023.

I HOPE the Twins don't need a 1B in 2023. That would mean Arraez and a healthy AK. But even if they bring someone in, I'm sure it won't be Sano. To me, based on hype, and hope, and talent, and recruiting rankings, yes his career has been a disappointment. But I have to refer to bighats's earlier 2009 graph of how few turned out, or didn't even make it. The fact that Sano has played several ML seasons who so few ever even reach that level, and has part of some playoff teams, and earned millions of dollars for he and his family, it's still hard use that word.

So Pagan has almost inarguably been the worst RP in all of MLB over a 3yr time span. He's very possibly the Twins #8 reliever now, 7th at best and is confined to a middle inning role. And he has no future with the club. Literally, would ANYONE be worse? At least someone younger could learn on the job and gain experience at the ML level for 2023 and beyond.

Palacios will need to be protected. You don't just give up a talented glove like his, position flexibility, and a potentially decent bat for nothing. At worst, he's probably a nice utility player. At best, he might be a starting SS for someone. If Correa leaves, he's the Twins starting SS to begin 2023, IMO. Really nice to see Enlow take a step forward. He was just turning a corner before he got hurt. A positive finish sets him up for a nice 2023. Is Sisk flying under the radar? Low A in 2019, no 2020, jumps to high A and then AA in 2021 before coming to the Twins in trade. Great start at Wichita this year and almost as good at St Paul so far. But to be fair, only 16IP at AAA so far. But he's shown nice, normal, steady progression. I'm sure he's behind Moran for now, unless the Twins want 3 LH in the pen. But I'd think he's a keeper for 2023 even if he doesn't audition this year. Can't risk losing a mid 20's LHRP showing promise.

Other than dealing with a lifetime stomach/digestive disorder he seems to have under control, and a bout of Covid that hospitalized him...not to mention a bum ankle a couple years ago just before the Twins promoted Arraez (although that turned out OK for the Twins)...Gordon's biggest problem might be failed expectations. If he had been a 4th or 5th round selection, many more would be singing his praises, IMO. He's hitting and getting OB and providing some unexpected power here and there. (Just surprised how the ball jumps off his bat when he squares up). He's turned in to a pretty good defensive OF. And if you look at his numbers, he's trending upward. I believe it was the SD series where he made a baserunning goof. But he had a really good game otherwise and showed a real spark. It's OK, and smart he's mostly playing against RHP, at least for now. Last time I looked, most of the human population and MLB is RH. The FO kept him on the 40 man when they took over for a reason. They saw something valuable even though they owed no obligation to him. I think he's only going to get better and better. Time and experience just might allow him to hit better against LHP. Continued maturity and maybe another couple of pounds might allow him a few more XBH. My only complaint on his usage might be running him more. His SB numbers this year are poor. Some of that is bad luck, and some is oversliding the bag. He was a speed weapon last year. Don't stop working with him and sending him. I have to admit I've chuckled a few times over the season when some suggested Gordon might be a DFA to make room for someone else. He's actually doing EXACTLY what the Twins want him to do, and giving exactly what you want the last player on the bench to do. Now, the Twins DO HAVE some very intriguing utility options in the system, Julien just to name one, who MIGHT squeeze him out. But that's another time and another place. Gordon is doing just fine in his role, while trending upward, and I'm damn happy we have him and the FO didn't give up on him.

Interesting idea. Full confession, don't know how his glove is. Bad 2022, but only 27yo tomorrow and with power and a solid quad slash line for his career until 2022. And the Guardians just gave up on him? Seems very strange to me. Kepler and Celestino back are very good things. Gordon just keeps contributing. Jury is still very much out on Larnach and AK for the rest of the year. But Reyes is RH hitter, so his comp would be Garlick in this case. I'd rather have the player I know, who has filled his role well thus far, if healthy and back. To me, it depends how Garlick is doing and when expected back. If there's uncertainty, then why not a flier on Reyes and hope to catch lightning?

The OP is about Correa, but I think bringing in discussion of Lewis and Palacios is relevant. IMO...and it's a combination of hope and belief in the kid...Lewis will recover and be an excellent ML player for years to come, even if he doesn't achieve the grandiose level of SUPERSTAR. If Correa is one and done, I could still see the Twins brining in a placeholder. Why wouldn't you? You'd be crazy not to have depth and options. A refresher on Palacios. He was traded for Odorizzi before 2018 as a good glove SS who could hit. Except, he didn't for 2yrs and was released after those 2yrs, and re-signed by the Twins following the missed 2020 season. And suddenly, he had learned to hit again. 2021 at AA: .259/ .340/ .439/ .779 with 17dbls, 19hr, and 18-8sb 2022 at AAA, so far: .297/ .360/ .477/ .837 with 24dbls, 10hr, and 10-7sb. His glove appears to be legit from reputation and what we saw in limited action. He's actually improved as a hitter despite jumping up a level in 2022. Really, only his SB % has dropped. All of that coming off a very strong winter league performance. Is he a late bloomer after 2 failed years and a missed season? Kind of looks that way. You could knock 40-50 points off each of his quad slash line numbers and still have an effective "contributor" offensively while playing great defense. I know I'd take that over what we saw in Simmons in 2021. Understand, I'm a fan of Correa and NOT saying I wouldn't like him back. I just don't, as of now, see a reality where he is. And I'm not trying to blow goofy smoke of illusions to anyone that a late blooming Palacios is a long term answer or that the Twins shouldn't look at a veteran fill in option should Correa actually leave. I am only trying to look beyond tomorrow to say that if he does, indeed, move on, a single spot in the lineup doesn't have to mean automatic depression or incompetence. There may be options and the $35M saved, plus Sano $ saved, plus Rogers $ saved, and possibly Sanchez $ saved, just might be better spent on extensions and additions. It would be great to have Correa back, somehow, some way. I'd be happy. But the sky won't fall if he does leave. It might even open up some new opportunities. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy having him around and hope his recent struggles reverse themselves and he will help the Twins win the ALC and some playoff games and then we will see what happens from there.

I've become a fan. From day one he's just been a great teammate and leader for the team in general, and the infield in particular. He's done and said everything right, even to the point of taking a real interest in the trade deadline. His offense has not been as expected or hoped for, and the numbers bear that out. Still, he's been good. I have learned to understand and appreciate various statistics and analytics. But my goodness, there are so many that at times I'm just wondering what new defensive or pitching metric comes out next! Not everyone even agrees or supports some of the ones in existence now. Errors may be up, and his metrics might be down, but I've just loved watching him play defense and have not been disappointed. I've been very happy to have him, despite a good season being a "down" one. He's said and done all the right things to the Nth degree. He and his family like it here. I'm sure those statements are true. And maybe, just maybe he DOES want to opt in, help the Twins win, and bet on himself for a 6-8yr deal following a better 2023. I can see a path where that could happen. But here's the reality, he's getting paid almost $70M if he stays. He's getting over $100M if he stays all 3yrs and then hits FA near 30yo and will still probably get a solid offer of 4-5yrs from someone. But if he opts out for a new 7yr deal at "just" $25M...for conversation sake...that's still $175M GUARANTEED. Simple math shows he has an additional, approximate, $75M more locked in vs playing out his Twins deal and then looking at FA again. And I think my $25M is probably conservative. No matter what way he goes, he and his family are set for life and beyond. But I just don't see sticking around...making great $ to be sure...and then trying again in a year or two when he can opt out now and play the field for even more guaranteed money even if it's never going to be $35M per. COULD the Twins re-work his deal and add years? Absolutely. They could take on another 2yrs, keep the deal front loaded as it is now for around $35M, and then drop what would be years 4 and 5 to something around $30 and $25M. That means he can hit FA again at age 31. Is he still a viable SS then? Maybe. That gives roughly $160M in 5yrs with the Twins. So, again, he comes out ahead getting a new deal from someone else. He only stays if he and his family truly want to stay, and he's content with a deal re-worked for $160-175M because money doesn't always buy happiness and that's enough for him, with the opportunity to still sign another 3-4yrs elsewhere to finish out his career for $X, for age 31-34/35. I just don't see it happening.

Glad to see Sanchez back to fill a roster spot for the Saints. And as well as he's pitched since coming to the organization, he might be finding himself again. Might be a 6th starter for us at some point. Nice to see Wallner get going. What on earth is going on with Palacios? WOW!

Two of my all time favorite quotes: George Carlin: "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" Rolling Stones: "You can't always get what you want" I really like the way this team is constructed position player wise. IMEDIATE CAVEAT: I like/love the position players and lineup with a healthy AK. Without him, it's still good. But without him, we need to add a bat somehow, some way. And I don't necessarily mean a DH. There is no reason, especially how this team is built, to have ONE GUY filing a non defensive position. Period! Larnach, Buxton, Kepler, Miranda, not sure but Lewis eventually, Polanco, Arraez, Kirilloff, Jeffers is a great starting lineup. I like the ability and potential of Celestino as a 4th OF, but that wouldn't stop me from adding competition. Not sure what Gordon has to do to prove he's a really nice 25th man. I would bet Ursela is brought back for 2023. Despite trades made, there are a couple of very interesting prospects from Palacios, (a possible fill in at SS to begin. 2023), to Hellman to Julian moving up and a couple others. Can Wallner continue to grow and develop? Is there any chance Isola can continue to it and play good defense behind the plate and be a viable catching option soon? Could Williams suddenly climb the latter as a 1B/DH/C? The roster looks very good with the exception of SS to still be figured out. And there are some interesting pieces getting close to at least provide depth. Am I the only one who's been intrigued by Correa's recent comments about making additions? Is he only being a great teammate and wanting to win? Or is he really sincere about sticking around? Just something to contemplate and fantasize about I guess. The lineup is just fine with heath and questions about SS being the only main issue. After that, it's backup/shared catcher and competition for the 4th OF spot. Pitching wise, how can you not be exited for Mahle, Gray, Ryan, Maeda, Winder, Ober, etc, with depth from various arms even before the FO MIGHT make a move. And Paddack comes back June/July. If the FO is as smart as I think they are, they will learn from their mistakes and add at least one solid arm to this group, if not a great one. Rotation and bullpen, it's awesome to have a plan that makes sense in your blueprint. But when 2020 happens...and I know some are tired and dismissive, but it happened...you have to adjust. And the FO has done that, much to their chagrin I'm sure. There is a real chance that guys like Balazovic and SWR and others will rebound in 2023 and we will wonder WTH suddenly happened from one year to the next. I know he's not a pitcher, but think about Martin for a moment. He was drafted in 2019, missed an entire season of ball, went straight to AA, and we wonder about developing and urgency. SWR was moved very early, lossed half of of a year due to the Olympics and we wonder how such a talented young arm isn't ready yet. I'm not yet a dis-believer in the pipeline yet. I've seen early returns. And I hope to see more soon. But I haven't yet lost faith in the plan or some of the arms. And I don't want the FO to be complacent. But I'm still holding out real hope for some arms that could make a difference

OK, YES, Maeda might be the biggest missing piece. Short season or not, he was OUTSTANDNG in 2020. Despite that, he was working on a new pitch to be even better going forward. And he was looking great in ST and ready to roll. And then his arm betrayed him. And a healthy Alcala, growing and developing and coming off a tremendous late 2021 run, has been missed. And listing them is obvious and relevant to be sure. And perhaps they should be included. No argument from me. But in regard to just the OP.... ....I'm really torn how to rank these choices. 3] I actually like Jeffers a lot as a catcher, even though he's disappointed this year with the bat. (Though he was heating up and has real bat potential). Sanchez is much better than I expected defensively, and I think some of that is kudos to the Twins. Love his arm. Leon has next to nothing with the bat but hope, but he provides what you need behind the plate. 2] I'm going to say Ober as #2 due to his ability, and potential, but also because of the rash of injuries in the OF. I think a lot of people sell Ober short. His IP were closely monitored in 2021 for a real reason. He was looking very good in 2022 before his injury. Frankly, he was better than Bundy or Archer. He might have continued to be a 5 IP starter who might occasionally pitch 6, but he's still better than anyone else. I think we've missed him a LOT! He has a chance to be a solid back end piece for the next few years. 1] Take your pick between Kepler, Kirilloff, and Larnach. Arraez and Miranda can play an OK 1B. But AK can play a very good 1B, a solid OF, and has legitimate middle of the order production if he can get 100% one of these days. Contreras is a good defensive OF, but he's not the experienced Kepler nor does he have his bat. And Larnach is "solid" in the OF with a great arm who has shown in 2021 and 2022 that his bat has real life and potential. Give me ONE of them healthy and ready to go I'm OK and sorta happy. Give me 2 and ecstatic. All 3 back somehow? I'm going to dance an embarrassing jig. Based on the OP, that's my list.

I love Smeltzer as a guy, a story, and a gamer. And frankly, I was surprised this season when I saw his FB sitting in the low 90's and hitting 93 at times. He does some good things. But he doesn't seem to have a single pitch that is anything special. I think he's a very good option in the pen as a 1-3IP middle guy who would be a 3rd LH behind Thielbar and Moran. And for a re-worked BP that really, really needs to dump Pagan, and could really use a couple of arms you can count on to fill the middle innings without being a HR, high run allowed disaster, Smeltzer could be perfect for such a role. And his competitive nature might be perfect for such a role. AND, FWIW, they could really use a RH version as well, though I'm not sure who's left to fill that role at this point due to attrition. Sands MIGHT be that guy....BUT.... ....due to attrition, the Twins just might want to keep Smeltzer and Sands stretched out to offer up SOMETHING akin to a "decent" SP option for injury and any potential double headers. In the long run, I do think Smeltzer might fit well in the pen. And it's very possible that Sands will make a Jax-like move to the pen. But do they want to do that NOW? (I think Sands' recent promotion might be temporary). Said it multiple times this week and will say it again, I really, really hope Aaron Sanchez will stay with the organization. He was once good, and then injury and loss of everything hit and a once top looking arm struggled. He looked awful with Washington earlier this year and was cut. He looked very good with St Paul. He pitched well and looked good in his ONE start with the Twins. I know it was against Detroit, but the stuff looked good. And recently signed Peacock seemed to rebound in AAA this year, but never got a shot with KC for whatever reason. I'm not saying EITHER guy is going to be a sudden difference maker. Peacock MIGHT have a couple really good months left in his arm. But at 30yrs old, Sanchez has a CHANCE to be a legitimate rebound candidate who finally gets healthy and gets his game together, even if it's as a fill-in starter or possible BP conversion. With the upgrades to the pen, they're still a good 2 arms away from having a couple of SOMEONES who are good enough, to just fill the middle innings. And clearly that wasn't the released Duffey, and Smith, nor the "needs to be gone" Pagan. Smeltzer just might be one of those guys. I just don't know if they don't want to keep him stretched out for now.

For me, the answer is no. Guy hasn't hit a lick for 2yrs. And the OF defense isn't really the issue, which is JBJ's one saving grace. I just don't see the reward. And as far as Cave bashing, the guys was solid for a couple years before injury and such. He's been playing good ball in St Paul all season, and yet, the Twins have turned to younger players previously. Why? They've also been doing well and have some upside. But when Jake Cave, doing well at AAA, is like your 7th or 8th OF, that's a luxury very few teams have. He's here to help, not to be part of the future. Just relax

Personally, I think Sands is up temporarily until they can bring Moran back up. Makes a heck of a lot more sense. I do believe there is a chance that Sands does, indeed, end up in the pen eventually. I don't think it will happen until next year though. While he just hasn't been the SP I was really hoping he was going to be this year, we're starting to run out of options if we have to dip down to St Paul. So I think any transition will take place next year. AND...while I've been optimistic a less pressure impacted, middle innings Pagan might be valuable to us...after his last appearance being so horrible I'm just starting to wonder if the squeeze is worth the juice. I don't know for sure who you'd replace him with, but maybe he needs to be gone next. Peacock maybe??

I remember when he first came up in 2015 and looked like a HOPEFUL piece for the future of the rotation. Man, he looked solid and made some batters look just silly. After finding out he just wasn't, in fact, a ML SP, he was absolutely lights out as a FIREMAN in 2019 and '20. He got off to a poor start in 2021, but re-worked a few things, settled down, and had a really nice year after that rough start. But that early 2021 and a drop in velocity and K numbers was teasing the end. I was really hoping the "not as good" but still solid Duffey of 2021 was going to return in 2022. It just didn't happen. And that's too bad. He has been an important part of some very good teams and a class act all the way. I wish him all the luck in the world going forward.

Seth, I've heard and read your referencing Nowlin more than a few times. Small school kid, not that big, but seems to have some electricity in his arm. He's been splitting his time between starting and relieving. Walks are too high, but the rest of his numbers are good and the K's are fantastic. He screams possible electric RP capability. Or is there more to develop and he has a shot to be a SP? Really like to hear your thoughts on him. Seems he's an arm nobody really knows or pays attention to.

I can't quantify why exactly, gut feeling maybe? But I just keep thinking Funderburk is a BP just waiting to happen. And I get being a starter allows him more IP to work on all of his pitches to develop, but I keep thinking if they just moved him to the pen full time we might have a really good looking BP option that might move quickly.

Obvious caveat that I wish a couple good signings had happened before the season so we didn't have to make all the trades. There, had to be said. But I really, really like what they did! I give the FO a solid "A". I think we gave up some really good young talent. Steer would have been a good utility player for us, but we have some, more are on their way, and Lee mitigates not only his loss but CES as well. CES might end up being a true 3 outcome 1B/DH, but I think he could be a dangerous one at that. I liked him as a possible 1B option to replace Kirilloff if, God forbid, his wrist never does get right. And I think Povich and Hajjar have a real shot at being solid SP at the ML level, with floors as really good BP options. And the system isn't exactly flush with LHP. But Prielipp might be as good or better than either. And you have to give to get, and the FO didn't touch the 40 man, which is fantastic. I really like Mahle and at 27yo he's just coming in to what should be his very best years. And away from the Red's ballpark, his numbers are very, very good. I can easily see a path where he and the equally young Paddack, once healthy, are both extension candidates that could be part of the rotation for years to come. While it's possible there could be changes, maybe even a possible quality offseason addition, 2023's rotation begins with Gray, Ryan, Maeda, Mahle, and deepens with Winder, Ober, a healthy Paddack, Smeltzer, a healthy Dobnak, and some young arms who keep developing and/or getting healthy. Even if Lopez has some regression for what he's doing now, he'd still be excellent. Fulmer has only been a RP for 2yrs now and has looked good doing it. I'd lay $ he's a re-sign. Add in Duran, Jax, a healthy Alcala, Thielbar, Moran, Pagan as a middle innings arm with velocity and K ability, and the 2023 pen already looks very good even before we talk about Megill and a couple other "interesting" arms or prospects moving to the pen. I have respect for Leon as a fine defensive catcher who can handle a staff and has a ton of experience. No problem with him. And while he might surprise, I had hoped for a backstop who might be expected to hit .200 and not someone we hope will. But that's a small quibble at this point. I held out some small hope the FO might find a rental rotation arm on the cheap for a couple lower level fliers. And I don't think we'll ever know if they tried, or if there just wasn't anyone they liked better than Bundy and Archer. Bundy hasn't been Mr. Consistent, but he's certainly passed my expectations. Archer has been solid in regard to his role. But I am disappointed he hasn't found the sustainability to consistently reach 5 innings. Maybe too much to expect in 2022 after all his setbacks? I wasn't expecting a last minute addition, but I wouldn't have been opposed to it. I understand some who feel a bat was needed. To me, that was a need, potentially, after what they got. You can't trade for better health. I wish you could. But a healthy Kepler helps a lot. If at least one of Larnach or Kirilloff can be fit and ready for September and beyond, I still really like the position players, depth, versatility, and overall production. Just, please, a little better health to finish the year! SIDE NOTE: While not trade acquisitions, I really think Sanchez and Peacock could be late season surprises. Sanchez was good, disappeared, re-surfaced poorly with Washington earlier this season, but has looked great with St Paul and had a very impressive 1 start with the Twins, showing good stuff. I'd love to keep him around. Peacock was a very useful jack of all trades with Houston for years. He was throwing great for the Royals AAA Omaha club, and I have no idea why they released him, unless it was just due to age. But if he truly has something left, he could be a surprise option if needed. Go Twins! Time to take the ALC and go from there!

A problem I have with the FO is "fear". Especially in regard to the pen. They aren't afraid to take a chance on someone, but they are equally afraid to let someone go, seemingly "afraid" they might lose out on someone. What more does Moran have to do to earn an extended shot? How can he get better and grow and prove he belongs other than to stick around? The Twins are not going to get the Duffey of old magically and are almost certain not to bring him back, unless it's on a milb deal. And I'm OK walking away from Pagan as well, but at least I can see velocity and a somewhat decent breaking ball and a splitter that is still a work in progress but shows potential. So while I'd run with someone else, at least I can see a reason to stick with him for a little longer. And I think Duffey is a great guy and teammate and did a great job for a few seasons, but the harsh reality is he's got nothing left but guts and guile and its not working. And you're trying to win now, and next year. Who gives you a better chance to do that? A RP who's toast? Or a young arm with potential who will hopefully get better with time and experience? I actually kinda like Megill a bit. So they keep him up but send down Moran with as much or more potential? Duffey should have a "tired arm" or SOMETHING, if you want to keep him and SEE. Otherwise, quit being afraid. If somethings not working, then go down a different path.