DocBauer

Interesting question! I agree it could be Lewis as he will likely have rookie status at the beginning of 2023. I also believe it could be Canterino as he also might have rookie status to begin 2023. 2020 and injuries are just a fact that has provided a delay for both. Both could/should find at least some ML time next season. But of the suggestions beyond those two, I think the tools of Urbina would make him #1. I say no to Petty because we don't even know if he's going to pitch this season or how much/little.

Guess I know what I'll be watching Wednesday night.

Your exuberance is fun, fine, and even warranted to some degree. I just can't understand a shot for Gibaut in any way unless it's a temporary filler before being dropped again for someone else. And I understand the want to promote some younger arms from AAA. I want to see that as well. And I'm frustrated! But I CAN understand taking a look at these handful of arms to help make better off-season decisions. These guys are 25-31yo, for the most part, and 1 or 2 could be kept. Also, a couple could end up being smart milb signings to bring back. So I get it. The lack of an expanded September roster hurts teams like the Twins. But there is room TOMORROW to still drop a couple of these guys and add/promote a couple of the milb arms for September for auditions. Right now, just forgetting the rotation needs for a moment, the Twins really, really need to add a couple quality arms for 2022. We all know this. It's no mystery. But it's also OK to be taking a look at the guys on hand to help decide who to bring back in various degrees.

Despite real reservations initially, and a real surprise he was protected and brought up so early, I've been impressed since his first start. Now, that first start wasn't a very successful one, but you could see potential. And he's only gotten better. And the last month or so, he's performed well against top competition. He's also been making some adjustments on the fly with his slider. I commented a few weeks ago that Ober has been the most impressive rookie SP I've seen in years. Someone reminded me about Dobnak. And yes, Dobnak showed promise at the end of 2019 and had a great start to 2020. And I'm not dismissing the flash a healthy Dobnak has shown....and I still think he has a shot as a solid back end SP...but Ober has shown more, in as many or more IP. The league will adjust. And Ober will need to do the same. The good news is he's already shown that ability so far. Despite a much, much better season since June on, I just don't see a place for Colome. Thank him but send him on his way. Just great to see Donaldson have another big moment. I think there is a real chance the Twins will shop him this offseason. But while not his biggest fan, I don't want to trade him for next to nothing for only a few $M saved. He's still a big and productive bat and solid defender even though we're probably talking about a part-time 3B and part-time DH. And I'm OK with the value he still offers if a trade just doesn't offer enough relief/return. Tough to run to Detroit for a win, then run back home for another series and lose that day off. They've shown a lot of fortitude this past month. Time to take care of the Cubs.

At this point, Winder and Duran being re-habbed and resting and Balazovic taking regular turns in AA and continuing to get in IP, sure looks like the rotation will/should be Ryan, Dobnak, Ober, Jax and Albers to finish things off. 4 of those 5 figure in to plans for 2022 in varying capacities. Very good chance ST Paul is absolutely loaded in their 2022 rotation, but Albers could have depth value on a milb deal again.

I LOVE these reports on milb talent! And I appreciate this and every other report. It helps us get to know these prosoects better, and remind us who they are. And I can't help but humbly apologize as about a week ago I commented how good a start Gipson-Long had after a similar TDpost. And then I realized I was thinking about Gross. So I offer humble apologies from someone who SHOULD know better considering how faithful I try to follow the system. And then I not only felt a little better after I realized they were BOTH drafted in 2019, Gipson-Long in the 6th round, and Gross in the 10th round, but also because they are very similar in regard to prospect status. There has been this very long discussion about our FO building an infrastructure similar to Houston and Cleveland and TB, and it sends my mind racing! These are the kind of pitchers drafted by those organizations and turned in to quality starters. You do realize that Balazovic and Winder, and Ryan, and others, weren't top of the of the order draft picks, right?

Just a bad game and embarrassing loss. Gant MIGHT have a future in the 2022 pen but throwing him out there is a diservice to him and ANY potential he has. HOPEFULLY we will see Ryan and Dobnak SOON to actually build towards 2022. And I think the Twins are doing right at this time in a lost season to audition some BP arms. And as much as it sucks, a game or two doesn't really show potential for a couple guys they are looking at. But you also have to be willing to pull the plug and let some of the AAA arms to bet their shot! And it's time! Colome what? Lover or hater, tell me the Turtle hitting a HR wasn't fun. Tell me, even in an embarrassing loss, tell me you didn't laugh and enjoy Astudillo tossing up crap and having a clean IP. Dark humor isn't a bad thing. LOL

I am an absolute believer in Ober right now! And it's not just some hope/hype. I've seen enough young pitchers come up over the years, including Gibson, Berrios, etc, who took their lumps. And I've seen a lot of kids who came up and had magic for a game or two and the reality set in quickly. I was NOT a fan of Ober being protected. HONESTLY, I was WTH? Despite video game numbers, there was just a sense it was an illusion. And he was always hurt. He commented a year or so ago that be always felt poorly after a start. And he's worked hard to perfect his delivery for health and production. And I'm repeating ALL OF THIS from previous posts. So forgive me. Ober has been promoted VERY aggressively! Take the time to look at his career numbers. Don't be lazy. He's started 15 games and has pitched better the more times he takes the bump. His numbers are solid across the board and he hasn't built those numbers against poor teams. Just recently, it was reported he changed his slider on the fly. He's throwing it harder now, with a little less break, but it plays off his FB better. And he's doing this as a rookie. I have watched most of his games thus far and have commented at times his stuff seems to break almost too much. And I will echo Dman that you can't live high in the zone all of the time. But his FB PLAYS. Especially considering it looks even faster than 92-94. His slider also plays big time if he can harness it a bit more. Early returns look good. If he can find any sort of 3rd pitch to keep LH honest, he might be a legit #3 rotation piece. I believe in him that much! And before the season began, I was like REALLY?

There is no question in regard to Buxton's talent and the fact that he is a difference maker when on the field and in the lineup. Despite everything that has gone wrong this year, a recent stat from Aaron Gleeman, reported in a different TD article, states the Twins were 42-20 when allowing 5 or fewer runs. Now, Buxton was around for some of those wins, but certainly not a majority of them. And that is a reflection not only about the pitching in 2021, but also a glut of errors early in the year like I've seldom seen. And, of course, there is the Cruz factor that is no longer relevant. This is to say the Twins have offensive talent, and have been breaking in a handful of quality young prospects that will only get better. So can the Twins win without Buxton? Yes. But are they a better team, especially with Cruz gone, WITH Byron? Absolutely. I am going to echo what terrydactyls mentioned, unless I am mis-remembering grossly, the rejection of the 1st couple of offers from Buxton's camp were not about the base $ offered but the structure of the incentives. Unfortunately for debate, we really don't know how those incentives were built. This tells me a basis for a deal still exists. I believe the Twins need to "gamble" and make this deal work with changes to said structure of incentives in order to actually make it work. I don't expect Buxton to suddenly become an iron man. And there IS risk, hence the incentives. And I'm not going to blame him for a broken hand on a poorly controlled pitch. And with his migraines seemingly under control, with his body built up, with him learning to preserve his body better in the field, there is hope to some degree that he has matured physically and intellectually to see the field more often going forward. The reward portion of risk/reward is just too great to not make a real effort to make this work and take the gamble. All that being said, there comes a time when the numbers just don't line up and the Twins will have to fold and make a trade decision or decide to run with him for 2022 and get the best/most they can from him. Really, there are only a few teams that could afford a big $ gamble on Buxton. I really hope it doesn't come down to saying goodbye and they can find a common ground that makes sense.

You have to realize/remember, 5 runs given up is an aggregate/delta. For every 10-8 game there are as many 3-2 games, as an example. So it's about consistency. You have to remember a truth that has been born out year after year...everyone will win 60 and lose 60. It's the other 42 games that make the difference. [Don't you DARE talk about 50 win teams as they are an outlier and you know this]. The problem is not offense, even though it's underperformed at times for various reasons. And there are a few tweaks that could help with better health and approach. And I would tell you that there is a lot of optimism here with the talent on hand. But clearly the issue is pitching. Two days ago I would have told you what this team needs is a quality SP...and there are different options and scenarios...to add and bring back Pineda or someone similar and let the 4th and 5th spots be fluid various arms. Sign a couple quality BP arms that shouldn't cost more than $7-10M combined....which MIGHT include the Colome option...plus a flier or 2. But IF Maeda is a surgery issue, we enter a whole new territory for 2022. Suddenly we go from a quality SP addition...Stoman?...and Pineda or similar...to needing THREE SP pitchers if Maeda is gone. This, unfortunately, puts us in an entirely different dynamic. We are SO CLOSE to seeing pitching prospects arriving at the ML level. But we are also in a very bad place if Maeda is out. Suddenly a re-tool is a potential re-build. Is there enough guts for the FO and ownership to still bring in a top arm? Then you have to bring another second arm to replace Maeda IF he is out. Then you'd still like a veteran arm so Ober and others don't HAVE to be counted on. I don't envy the FO right now. You need another SP for a good team with talent and potential. You need to help the pen and make sure the #3 spot in your rotation is OK. And Suddenly you don't know if Maeda will be part of 2022. Nightmare situation for the FO.

I think we're sympatico on Kerrigan and Gore. A useful "extra" OF who could be useful and is definitely flying under the radar. And who cares what age Gore is, right? You move to the mound and suddenly you find a role. IF you hit MLB at 28yo or so and do well, does anyone care? Absolutely agree on Whitefield as well. Of course I love his story! A hard softball leaguer from Australia who the Twins sign? How can you not love a story like that? And because of that, he's been a guy I've been following for some time. Just feels like he's been around for a while. And then I rezlize he's still only 24yo and teased us with a solid 2016-17 at rookie and low A ball before a pair of bad seasons in 2018-19. And after a brief 2020 ML appearance and time at St Paul, he's suddenly having a solid year for Wichita. Absolutely agree he is un-refined and needs work. The K's need to come down, better contact has to be made, and he's way too big, strong and athletic to show so little power. But what might he be with an off-season and a return to AA as a 25yo still learning the game? Not expecting greatness here, but could he be a bloomer in 2022?

This is not directed at anyone, just a comment I have to state in general terms. Everyone just needs to stop focusing on the ages of prospects. Guys are ready when they are ready, whether it be 22yo or 25yo-ish. What matters is what they do when they arrive. But we all have to remember, using Ryan as an example, a 25yo SP is really a 24yo in regard to development time. And that's the same for all of our prospects, pitchers or position players. You just can't dismiss an entire lost season of experience and development even if some kids were at reserve sites in 2020. You just can't dismiss what was lost. As far as Ryan in particular, I'm very excited about him. The FB, location and presence seems legit. Like ANY young pitcher, he's going to have to harness his other offerings. In the 1st inning video clip I saw an amazing change, a bad one, and one that probably should have been called a strike. I want to see the kid getting his feet wet before this year is done. I think there's a reasonable chance we will. But he needs time to get his feet/legs/head re-acclimated. He quit being a milb pitcher over a month ago to prepare for the Olympics. He traveled almost half a world away to do so, got traded to a different organization while there, comes back a half a world distance, and gets a single start at this point. I don't care how much boxy the kid has, that's a LOT to deal with in a month plus time frame. How about we just let him settle in for another start or two and then talk about a promotion to dip his feet in the Ml pool?

Don't even have to comment about AK. Dobnak is a very easy choice and not because he has some committed $. He's still a relatively young and inexperienced SP still learning. We've seen glimpses of what he can do when healthy. You don't walk away from that. Same with Colina. Healthy, there's a good chance he's up with the Twins for about half this year with Alcala, honing his stuff and gaining experience. Smeltzer MIGHT be kept as he's LH and has looked solid at times. Agree his ceiling is a 5th SP and is probably a useful BP piece. I'm going to root for the guy whatever happens. But I think a numbers crunch will leave him off the 40 man. I'd like to see him back on a milb deal. I'd also like Stashak to remain in the organization on a milb deal. He's shown real promise, even in SSS, but I don't think there's enough there to warrant a 40 man spot at this point. Garlick just isn't a fit at this point. Rooker is younger and has more potential. Celestino is better than both, but a different type of talent. And I think it's time we just admit that Refsnyder, a former decent prospect, really has re-invented himself as at least a decent bat with solid OF play.

Anyone have word on Sands? Injuries to pitchers seems to be an epidemic this year. Just amazing to me how missing 2020 and losing that routine has affected so many young arms. Agree with jmlease1, just get as many IP as you can the rest of the year and keep everyone as healthy as you can. Just a couple quick thought: 1] I hope Kerrigan sticks around for 2022. Solid defense everywhere and a decent bat, he's njce to have around as a 6th/7th OF type. Whitefield is having a rezlly nice rebound season at Wichita and is still only 24yo. Athletically, he's a potential 5 tool talent who might need to repeat AA in 2022 to further harness his potential. Not saying he's a top prospect, but he has the potential be a solid reserve in a couple years. 3] Gore doesn't have ideal size, and he's a little long in the tooth after converting from SS to RP, but I don't care about his age for that very reason. Is he part of the St Paul pen in 2022? 4] The turnaround for Sabato is amazing. Was he hurt earlier? Was he putting too much pressure on himself? Or was it simply a young guy taking longer than hoped for/expected to make that initial transition? 5] Kind of ironic that days after an article on TD about Gipson-Long he has maybe one of his best performances. A little more "oomph" and/or movement on his FB and ANY variation of a change pitch and I just wonder if he could be a really fast riser in 2022. 6] I would love someone with more immediate energy than me to break down the monthly records of our affiliates. I might be mis-remembering, but it feels like everyone was hovering around .500 or so early in the season before just taking off.

I love these prospect profiles! Let's us really get to know the guys in the system, particularly those that aren't high selections that get all the ink. Agree his future would eventually be in the bullpen as of today. But I stress "as of today". He started 11G for rookie level Elizabethton after signing in 2019 with OK but not great numbers across the board. Fast forward past an entire missed 2020 and he's a stalwart at A+ after skipping low A entirely. Not blowing smoke, but I would think there is a real chance time/coaching could add a tick or two to his velocity and maybe a little more movement to go along with his control and quality slider. Would it be so much of a reach to think a guy in his first full season might harness/adapt the grip on his change to make it a decent offering? Over the years I've seen guys adapt a straight change to a circle variety or even a palmball grip variation to suddenly find success, I've also seen some just abandon a traditional change and learn a split-finger or cutter as their "change". At 6' 1" and 210lbs and still only 24yo, 23yo in prospect terms if you follow me, I don't know if his hands are built for the splitter, (It's always been my understanding you need larger hands/longer fingers to make a splitter work). But a cutter, or other variations on a change I just don't know enough to speculate. Just saying the guy has shown so much improvement in so little time that I'm not going to bet against his FB showing a little bit more life and some kind of refined 3rd pitch offering. And even in the pen, any kind of remotely solid 3rd pitch takes you, potentially, from a candidate to perhaps an important piece. Thank you and keep up the great work!

Having a great eye, and a great stroke, and big power potential doesn't mean you have a golden ticket to ML success with very little milb time. I have always been fluxomed by those who see a very, very few who transition to the MLB level with little to almost zero time at the milb level. So generational players mean everyone else are poor prospects? Larnach has the tools and was rushed. And I guarantee you he learned a lot. So did AK. So did Celistino and Rotvedt with their early arrival which will pay dividends. Larnach is going to be fine. He has a great arm and decent defense and a high offensive profile. Same with AK who is almost the same player. BOTH are going to be FINE and part of 2022 and beyond. It just takes a little time.

Well, I'm always an optomist, but I really like what I see on this list. While it's really too early to make blanket statements, I can appreciate the opinion that position-wise there may only be a couple 2 or 3 potential difference makers. There are a few young athletes only in their first year or two that have the tools to make them reaĺy exciting another year or two. Just s couple general comments: 1] OF: Despite Rooker being on this list, he's going to "graduate" from prospect status soon. AK and Larnach have already graduated. This would seem to leave OF a little light. But I like Celestino a lot and think his floor is 4th OF with a good overall offensive balance. Urbina could be as talented a kid as we've drafted or signed over the past several years. But he's a long way away. I was surprised the Twins only drafted a single OF this year, until you look at the youth just hitting the ML. But you always need depth and don't want to leave any spot short in your system. I could see them grab a few more next year. But there are a few guys not on this list who are very recent selections/signings at A ball and lower who we could be talking about in a couple of years. 2] INFIELD: I read opinions that we're short here, especially at SS, but I'm going to disagree, overall. Opinions differ on Lewis at SS, and I'm not going to get in to a debate here, but the Twins like him there for now and he has the skills, let's just see. Maybe Martin can stick and maybe not. But my goodness, a milb rookie at AA? PLEASE keep him playing there to see! He could end up at 2B, 3Bm CF or LF or super utility with a great BAT. Cavaco has a long way to go, but the potential is there to stick. I like the Miller selection. Steer could end up as a starter somewhere, or a great super utility guy. Julien the same. And there are others. And we signed a couple top international FA last period that obviously aren't on any list yet. So while an arguement could be made we don't exactly have a glut of SS prospects that look tailor made, the infield depth is actually really exciting. Miranda! Do I have to say more? Mmmm....yes. Miranda was a high selection with projectability the Twins liked. Guess what happened? Don't downplay the number of recent selections and signings just because he and Lewis and Martin are the only TOP prospects currently. 3] CATCHER: I'm going to admit at being a little "meh" here. Jeffers and Rortvedt have basically skyrocketed through the system. But there are a couple of kids who are showing some ability and power in the A leagues that are at least intriguing. I'm glad they grabbed 3 In the draft though I'm unsure if they signed all of them at the moment. We're not exactly desperate here, but a top pick next year may be pertinent. 4] PITCHING: PLEASE baseball gods, just a LITTLE luck and grace for health and development! (Aren't the Twins due)? This list is heavy with real arm talent. Some of the best I've ever seen in the system. A couple will wash out. A couple will almost certainly turn out to be good/great pen options. A couple should almost certainly become quality ML SP. The talent is there, and you're never quite sure who they will be. Rememeber the mantra; "The best way to find 2-3 quality SP at the ML level is to have 8-10 arms to work with". We have that. I understand patience is difficult and frustrating. And I understand impatience for the FO to produce a pipeline that was hoped for. But how fast does anyone expect that pipeline to develop? HS or college, you draft and then develop. Results should only take 3-4yrs? Especially with an almost completely lost 2020? Wow! Pipeline results? Have you been watching Ober? He was a decent ceiling, probably low floor, draftee flier who has been advanced very aggressively despite limited IP and no 2020. But he has worked hard to re-build his delivery and has been adjusting and learning on the fly and looking like one of the best rookie arms we've seen in many years. And he wasn't ever ranked as a top prospect. Just a guy the FO liked. I am uncertain about Jax. He was a high pick the Twins saw with projectability and believed would be released from his military obligation. He wasn't. So his first couple of years was nothing more than a handful of games. So he is a potential late bloomer who just may never turn out as hoped for, But in limited action, promoted aggressively, he's been looking like a kid who MIGHT have a shot to actually make it in some capacity. Just saying, a couple guys....leaving Barnes out of any discussion at the moment...have been showing actual potential and they aren't even TOP prospects. I'm feeling very good about what we are going to see over the next year or two from the system. The Twins will say they didn't deliberately draft LH pitchers in this past draft, and that's fine. But I think they did. My hunch? A year from now we may be viewing Hajjar as another Winder. Big 10 baseball is far better than most people realize.

If the Twins make a HUGE investment on a 2yr or 5yr deal for one of the top SS on the market, I'm not going to cry. I'll be tickled pink, dance a big, etc, I just don't think that's the direction they are going to go, and not sure they should. There are a whole lot of reasons to look at the Twins right now and feel very optimistic about the offense/lineup/depth next season. And despite all the young pitching talent in the system, if you really want to contend, pitching is where the $ has to be focused on. I don't think we should LOL at Simmons. Even slipping, he's quality defensively. His offense this year has been aweful after April. But for his career, his offense hasn't been dreadfully aweful for a generational defensive talent. I am NOT saying anything NEGATIVE about him as a person, but he has caught a lot of flack for his early covid illness and opinions. And I don't recall anyone ever stating was a problem player in any way for any team he has been on. But sometimes guys just don't "fit in" with a team, I have no idea if he "fits" on this team. But I wouldn't dismiss him as an option so easily for 2022. I think Iglesias and Galvin are both interesting options for next year. I think Galvin might be the better idea. My initial thoughts are a 1yr deal with an option. I am frustrated that Palacios hasn't been promoted to St Paul yet. I guess it's my understanding that despite production and a decent glove, the "hit/contact" ability may not be where they want it just yet.

BTW, yes I'm obviously a homer, but 30yrs the memory fades a bit until reminded of some things. I remember 7 games and Puckett and Morris and Larkin, etc, with a little prodding I remember more. I don't know if history will mark this as the best WS ever...but it has to be in the conversation. It was incredible!

A perfect win on a celebration night! It couldn't have gone better. Two quick comments: 1] Don't dismiss Maeda for 2022. He's probably not a Cy Young runner up, and maybe not the equally amazing pitcher he was in ST this year before the entire season went to crap. But don't think he isn't/can't be a top of the order pitcher next year. 2] Is there a chance Rooker is starting to look like a real force as a DH and fill in OF/1B bat who can make a difference? I'm starting to lean that way.

Great post and great questions! For a moment, we have to forget a trade could happen and, of course, guys do end up on the IL list from time to time. Donaldson is a key for 2022 and nobody can deny it. He COULD be healthy, as he's been most of this year, and provide a positive influence and transition to 1B and DH and allow progression of the prospects or he could a negative for a re-tooling team. His future absolutely agree influences initial roster construction. But let's get back to your questions. Larnach is absolutely an OF, and he plays either corner. Mostly LF with Kepler in RF. No reason he can't play both. Kirilloff is also a decent corner OF and the only reason we are talking about him at 1B is because of depth and because he looks so good there. Garver should have 600PA as a C/1B/DH. Arraez can play multiple positions AND DH. Never said he should only be a DH. People are obsessed that the DH spot should be a slugger. How about a good roster/lineup where you just put a great bat/OB hitter there? Just saying, the offensive line-up posibilites are interesting and not resteictive.

I love good defense. I want good defense. I still believe it's important in today's game. I have seen enough of Polanco at SS that I still feel he's fine as the backup. And while I don't mean to disparage anyone, much less a former great Twin, what we need is another Gagne for just a year or two. Simmons was supposed to be that guy but other than the first couple of weeks of 2021, he clearly was not that guy. It would be awesome to sign one of the top FA SS that will be available this offseason. But really, position wise, there is a ton of optimism for the offense in 2022. And $ should be spent on a SP and a couple high quality BP arms to add to the few guys we already have. Who is a SS we can get to play quality defense and not stink at the plate for 2022? We have seen Polanco be outstanding. We have seen him injured, depressed, and suspended and everything in between. But we have absolutely seen what a healthy Polanco can do. And despite a few bad plays while still adjusting to 2B on a daily basis, he's looked good to great. And yes, the best of him is still to come. STOP that Arraez doesn't have a role! Still young, bounced around position to position, he's still growing and learning. He can play multiple positions "OK" and that's fine. He can also be a DH at times. What's wrong with that? More time at 2B will only make Polanco more comfortable and I wouldn't be surprised if he won not only a Silver Slugger but a Gold Glove, FWIW. And even more time just gaining experience, I wouldn't be surprised if Arraez turned out to be at least a solid defensive player at multiple positions as well as DH at times. I mean, just be honest, you've seen Arraez make some bad plays. But you've also seen him make some great plays as well. What the Twins need in 2022 is a quality SS who can just be quality defensively and contribute offensively. Second base is locked in.

Just didn't have time to comment on the 11-15 list but have time now for this list. I think that we can even debate THIS list with the PREVIOUS list is pretty awesome. The simple fact that 1-15 seems so fluid/debatable in our minds is indicative of the overall talent and depth of the system despite "graduation" of several prospects in 2021. And I am NOT concerned about a few guys dropping a spot or two, It just further reflects the depth that still exists and the guys just brought in. I also pay little attention to age right now for some if these guys after a lost 2020. We have to realize virtually every prospect is a year "behind" where they would probably be RIGHT NOW without that missing season. So things are going to be skewed a bit, with no reflection in age. Potential and talent vs proximity to the ML level and in season production will always be an understandable debate. But that's also why these are "prospect" lists and not "who is closest to helping" lists. Also why this is an amalgam list. Cavaco: I'm OK with him at 10, though I might have slotted him a little lower. While his numbers aren't outstanding, the talent is there, and he is already leaps and bounds better than his rookie 2019 campaign. I think that's relevant. The FSL is notorious for being a tough hitting level. Is that good or bad thing for being the Twins A+ level? I guess if you can hit there, it should be that much easier to advance? The talent is there. I think he can stick at SS if he doesn't outgrow the spot. He's a few years away, but you can't deny the talent, A Javier clone if he stays healthy? Petty: Looong way to go for this kid. But what I can't figure out is how a HS pitcher who hits 100mph and has a good slider, a good frame, and was committed to a top program, and has great projectability lasted so late? While I can't recall body type, how different is he from Greene, who the Twins didn't draft a few years ago? Kid is talented and confident and seems to have just the right amount of cockiness you'd love to have in a SP. Regardless, this was a tremendous value and I'm fine if be takes 5yrs to make it. Love the huge upside pick so late. Canterino: One of my favorite prospects! Electric stuff that just needs a little more work and HAS to have a 3rd pitch to reach his potential as a SP. Some worry about his delivery. I'm not for 2 reasons. (And I'm NO expert)! He is comfortable with his delivery. He's been doing it for years now. He seems "herky-jerky"? Maybe I'm wrong, but his "herky-jerky" motions seem to come before a relatively easy release. He may be easy to steal on, but I just don't see the problem some talk about. And I think his recent IL stin is more in keeping with what we are seeing across milb and the system, guys just needing time off after missing a season. Easily top 5 mid season next year if he just stays healthy. Ryan: I just don't know enough about him before joining the Twins to say how accurate his ranking is or how to project him beyond what I've read and heard and seen to this point. Crazy as it sounds I'm giving him "moxy" points for his Olympic performance. He was pitching against mostly professionals in the Olympics. I think his stuff plays. I think his mental approach plays. Like every single SP prospect, you have to bring more than 2 pitches. And he will probably take some lumps initially. But he's been promoted in a quality organization who is known for pitching, you performed excellently on a world-wide scale, and your IP aren't too high. I'd be surprised if he didn't see time with the Twins to finish 2021. Miranda: He was a high pick out of PR as a HS player. The only negative you ever heard about him was the power potential to develop along with a good eye and solid approach. He used 2020 and winter league ball to make something out of nothing. He is not a sudden surprise out of nowhere. He is a guy they've just been waiting to put it all together. He has. I get keeping him at AAA while Donaldson was missing time to continue development and success. But he absolutely needs and deserves to be up before this season is done. You just DON'T deny a talented, young prospect with helium his opportunity! His greatest obstacle at this point is Donaldson. Can they move him this offseason and live with potential growing pains? Donaldson is still quality. Does he transition to 1B, despite depth there, or DH, again with depth there, and Miranda is initially a super-utility player? Keeping Donaldson for 2022 is a good thing. Moving him is also a good thing. Regardless, the Twins need to make room for the best and most immediate player in the system.

Strotman really intrigues me. Has a good frame, good velocity and the makings of solid secondary pitches. He misses all but a handful of rehab games at the end of 2019 due to surgery, then misses allnof 2020, and skips over AA to head straight to AAA. He could be a real gem with just a little more time and patience.

Just a couple quick comments: 1] I am a believer in Ober and his potential. The league will make adjustments. He will have to make adjustments as well. But his rookie numbers are better than any rookie I can think of in recent memory. 2] With due respect to all of us wanting changes in the pen, and super disappointed with how the pen turned out this year, there is a reason the FO grabs guys to audition. We all know the volatility of RP. And they NEED to bring in a couple good arms for 2022. But isn't it crazy that the quality veteran Colome who we all wanted gone a month ago is suddenly looking like the guy we THOUGHT we were signing? So maybe he suddenly finds himself, too little too late, but has an option year. Is it a mistake to see if maybe the initial signing wasn't so bad after all? And there are a couple others like Farrell, if and when he gets healthy. I don't expect a lot of these guys to be protected as there will be a 40 man crunch and need for 2022. But when you see Minya suddenly look like the decent arm he was a couple years ago, and see Colome suddenly look like the guy we THOUGHT we signed, you understand why the FO makes some of the moves and auditions they do.