DocBauer

Nick, one objection in regard to your OP. I do believe Wallner's arm IS a defensive factor. He just doesn't get to show it off any longer because he's shown how much of a weapon it is nobody runs on him any longer. Therefore, it has been a factor in his game and remains so. I actually thought he was pretty solid in the OF before 2025, where he mostly played LF. He digressed quite a bit last season. Did his injury affect him in the OF? Was it taking over RF on a daily basis for the first time and he was almost re-learning the position? I do believe his future spot is DH and part time OF, but I personally believe he was OK previously. As to Wallner as a hitter, I believe in the guy who made adjustments at every MILB level and produced and advanced with a .904 OPS. I believe in the hitter who had an OK rookie debut in 2022 with a league AVG .709 OPS. I believe in a hitter who was WELL ABOVE league average in 2023 and 2024 with a .877 and .894 OPS. It's true he spent some time in MILB in both '23 and '24 after some slumps. It happens. But he's always going to be a but of a streaky hitter. IMO, in both seasons, he was kept down longer than he should have been. And honestly, his 2024 slow start was in such a SSS, I'm still not certain he shouldn't have just been allowed to work through it at the ML level. Regardless, he has produced sp well, even with hot and cold streaks, the Twins should know who he is as a hitter. It's why I'm still of the opinion he was kept down too long each of those seasons. Did he have a disappointing 2025? Yes. But was his OPS still above league average? Also yes. As pointed out very well, his K and BB numbers actually improved, but his BABIP cratered compared to his previous seasons. Sorry, but I'll take 2 years of HIGH OPS and a very good BABIP over 1 year of lower OPS and BABIP as a better indicator of potential of ability. Can he reclaim his previous BABIP numbers? Maybe. Or maybe it's more of a compromised number between previous seasons and league average. ALONE that makes him a .240 hitter with a solid OB% and a potential 30HR producer. That's a really good hitter! While not exactly good, he's actually shown gradual improvement over the past 3 years when facing LHP. He's climbed from an OPS of .343, to .481, to .611 in 2025. Might there be room for additional improvement? Perhaps. And it's worth allowing for continuing improvement to take place. EVERY player is different. But the last thing the Twins need to do is to fall in to a self imposed trap where every LH hitter needs to be platooned. Wallner needs to probably make a couple adjustments next season, which isn't exactly a genius thought as most hitters need to make adjustments here and there. But I'm a Wallner believer based on his MILB career, and what he's done thus far in his ML career before a disappointing 2025 season. As far his future, as previously stated, I do think he's destined as the Twins primary DH and a part time corner OF. How soon that happens really depends on the young talent on hand. Rodriguez's option clock has been ticking for 2yrs now. Jenkins might be better served with a month or so at AAA for a good "runway" to hit MLB hot and just keep going. Same with Gonzalez. In an IDEAL situation, Martin would start 2026 the way he ended 2025 and play a lot of LF, HOPEFULLY with improvement in CF defensively so he could help a little there as needed. Roden will take what he learned in a SSS as a ROOKIE between 2 different organizations and start to translate his MILB success to the ML level. Rodriguez would have a good, strong, healthy Winter League and ST and the Twins would quit being so damn conservative with top prospects and give him an opening day job in RF. Wallner then slides in to his primary role at DH. Jenkins comes up a couple months in to the season as a 21yo. Rodriguez struggles some? You stick with him to let him adjust and grow. Think about the Brewers and a few other teams that have shown the willingness to let top prospects work it out. Still think he needs to go back down at some point? That's what his remaining option is for. But HIS clock is ticking. Jenkins and Gonzalez have clocks that either haven't started yet, or are just going to start. Wallner just might START the season in RF, but it might not be for long. As much as I believe in Wallner turning it around, I still believe my IDEAL 2026 OF/DH construction isn't exactly fantasy.

If this is indeed a final list it's an interesting group. But I'm a little surprised Vazquez didn't make it. I thought he was an interesting candidate. Rowson hasn't been with the Twins for 5yrs. I wouldn't expect the actual manager to spend much time on hitting insteuction. He's got a lot to handle just being the manager. But I'd warrant he would have some quality candidates for the hitting coach and assistants. He's probably my choice, but I'd want a solid bench coach beside him to help with the details. I find I like different aspects to each of the other possibilities. I like Flaherty to bring in energy and a more recent player profile. Shelton is a good baseball guy and shouldn't be penalized for his W-L numbers in Pittsburgh. Servais has "been there and done that" with some solid success in a similar market previously. Really no clue who is the best fit. I just lean toward Rowson with an experienced bench coach and a good pitching coach/staff in place...possibly Maki still...to bring in an outside voice as he isn't a lifting Twin and might help get the offense kicked in to a more sustainable level with the coaches he might bring in.

This draft looks a lot different if Canterino could ever have gotten healthy, even as a reliever. If you look at the draft as a whole, and not who is just playing for the Twins, it was a pretty solid draft. Cavaco was a bust and I didn't like the helium selection when it happened. Wallner produced back to back .800+ OPS in 2023 and 2024. Even in a frustrating and injury affected 2025 he was above league average. At 27yo, hopefully there's more of that .800 OPS still coming. While it would be nice to have the solid Steer as a RH role player, the fact that he was drafted and became a ML player is a "win" in regard to the draft itself. And while the Mahle trade didn't turn out as hoped, he was an available trade piece to make it happen. Gipson-Long and Legumina were good enough to bring in a decent pen arm and a solid utility player for some Twins help. Again, that's a win. SGL is still throwing for the Tigers. I never would have cut Headrick, and that was a mistake. But he's reached the majors. Even though Julien has apparently flamed out, his 2023 helped the Twins to reach the playoffs and actually win a series for the first time in years. Varland has transitioned in to being a quality pen arm, even though he's now doing so for Toronto. Again, even with the Cavaco mistake and the injuries that have plagued Canterino, there has been a lot of players from this class that have reached MLB, and some were solid pieces in trades. Just as a draft class, and not who's playing for the Twins now, this was a solid and productive draft overall.

Royce Lewis had offered an uncharacteristic amount of pushback late last summer when the Twins had toyed with the idea of giving him defensive opportunities at second base, but that had less to do with his opposition to the idea as a whole -- and more that he didn’t want to be pushed to a new position and have to learn it on the fly with a playoff push on the line. But this offseason, with time to prepare, his tone has been decidedly different, according to manager Rocco Baldelli. Baldelli and bench coach Jayce Tingler got lunch with Lewis and Trevor Larnach on Monday in the Dallas-Fort Worth area ahead of the start of the Winter Meetings, where Lewis shared with his manager that he’d been taking ground balls on both sides of second base -- which certainly leaves the door open to making the transition to second base, if needed.

"I would feel horrible if they put me out there and I'm missing plays that are routine or something,” Lewis had said on Monday, after his second-base debut. “We have plenty of really good second basemen and I don't want to mess up our defense just because we're going to try something new. It's not Spring Training -- or Triple-A, for that matter.” Direct quote. Yep. Sure sounds like a malcontent and trouble maker throwing his teammates and the organization under the bus doesn't it? Can we just stop trying to invent some bad attitude about this kid? It's just become some ridiculous rhetoric that's been repeated constantly over the last year or so.

What's slightly humorous is having to put together a team where some players moved around so much it's more about fitting them in somewhere. But I get it. CARDENAS: I've liked him since drafted. Despite a HORRIBLE 2024, he's been decent at the plate and has always mainted a solid OB%. He's solid behind the plate and has a good arm. I don't buy in to a power uptick at AAA. I think he's got a ML future ahead of him as a quality backup who won't embarrass himself at the plate. Maybe a slightly better Drew Butera type? SABATO: He got a lot of people excited with his development in 2025. But his changes didn't translate to AAA where he was mediocre. No reason to protect him. And he's no longer a true prospect. But he might be back at St Paul for depth and hope for an opportunity at some point. DeBARGE: I'm a little surprised how many people are down on him after a hot start and then cooling off. This was only his 1st full pro season. A lot of talent and defensive versatility there. I could see a major jump in 2026. DeANDRADE: What happens if this 21yo can stay healthy for a full season? Could he be a ML SS if so? At worst, I think he's a talented Super Utility option. He's got a ton of talent. Here's hoping for a healthy 2026 where he might surprise. CULPEPPER: He's on the same fast track that Keaschall was on. Frankly, he's better than I expected. Twins scouts might have been right on his selection. I'm going to be disappointed if he isn't the Twins SS around July 1st. He's really exciting! FEDKO: NOT a prospect until he seemed to put it altogether in 2025. But how do you dismess such an amazing season? He sorta reminds me of Lew Ford. He's got potential 4th OF who might be able to play some 1B as well. And he produced at AAA. To me, he's an easy keep over someone like Outman. JENKINS: Honesty, nothing needs to be said here. ROSARIO: Wan MVP in 2023 at CR, had a rough and injury related season in 2024, and SHOULD have won the league MVP this past season. Big arm, big power, major adjustments in his approach for improved K and BB numbers. Probably a future DH/part time OF. Any chance he can learn 1B? He's ready for AAA but probably doesn't need to be protected as it's hard to believe a AA OF, even coming off a great season, is going to be selected or kept. GONZALEZ: WOW! What a turnaround from one year to the next! Top 100 to a poor season. Obviously, injuries took their toll. Great arm, and supposedly really improved his defense this past season. I hope that's true from what little I've seen of him, and previous reports. That BAT looks almost ML ready. Still wondering a bit about DBLs power translating to HR power, but he looks about ready to take over a role as a DH and part time OF. Ready June or July 1st? WINOKUR: MAYBE the most intriguing prospect in the system? Considering all his natural talent, he doesn't have to add weight to increase power. But he might gain a little "man muscle" naturally. But even 15lbs to his frame shouldn't affect his speed. Assuming the hit to contact continues to improve, is he possibly the best CF in the system? He's also got 3B ability. At worst...other players blocking him...he's a potential 1B with power and speed. Long way to go in his development for sure. But the overall talent is undeniable.

I always appreciated Correa from the outside looking in while with Houston. I became an actual fan once he became a Twin. I couldn't believe some of the plays he made in the field. When he was healthy...all too brief...he actually had some of the best production in his career. And he seemed like a good leader who loved being a Twin so much, he followed the MILB system almost as much as bloggers, writers, and fans do. But alas, as excited as he made me on his signing, and his contributions when healthy, his tenure was just too short, and too injury interrupted for me to place him #1. And it's really hard to rank players from very different eras. The game changes over the years. But I have to give Smalley the nod at #1. He was solid and productive for multiple years. I've often wondered about the numbers he might have produced on better teams in the 70's. SIDE NOTE: After a great Twins career, then coming back late to win a WS, to being a long standing broadcaster, it's RIDICULOUS he isn't in the Twins HOF yet! #2 is Versalles. He was before my time. But I have tremendous respect for him from his numbers, to his MVP season, to everything I've ever heard or read about him. But he's slightly behind Smalley IMO. #3 is Gagne, IMO. He was helpful with the bat, but never much of a hitter. But IMO he might be the best, most dependable SS I've ever seen that never won an award. #4 is where I place Polanco, even though I'm a huge fan and believe he remains one of the most under appreciated Twins players over the past 10 years. Never a great SS, he was solid. He played hurt. He had a great and productive bat when healthy. If he didn't have so many ankle injuries that slowed his career, I wonder about how great might his Twins career have been? There's a really good chance he's #1 above Smalley without his injuries. But I have to take that in to account in this ranking. Despite all the tremendous defense and production I saw from Correa, and the little things I've previously mentioned, I have no choice but to put him at #5. His time frame and injury impacted seasons just didn't allow him to shine ENOUGH to be ranked any higher. Take away the injuries, he just might rank #1. Ironic that it wasn't his operated on ankle as a young kid that proved his undoing with his Twins career.

I love your work Nick, and I appreciate this article, but this has become the 3rd article since the Twins season ended where Lewis is the primary topic. (Sigh). But I guess it's probably warranted considering he's a bit of a lightening rod in regard to 2026 and the future. THE BAD: A pair of knee injuries and a number of soft tissue injuries have messed up some of his projection and performance, not to mention availability. And from August of 2024 to around July of 2025 he was simply BAD. THE GOOD: He played the most games of his career in 2025 and was basically healthy from around July through the remainder of the season. He was around league average as a hitter from that time on. The number of games played is a positive. Being at least league average for 3 months is a positive. Suddenly feeling good enough to run and steal some bases is a positive. THE "COME ON": When do we stop nit picking every comment Lewis ever makes? For the UPTEENTH TIME, he NEVER refused to play 2B. Paraphrasing a bit, he stated he didn't want to move mid season for fear of making an embarrassing mistake, or more, and cost the Twins a game. In fact, he worked out at 2B this past offseason to get ready to play some 2B in 2025. It was the Twins who told him to forget it, and just concentrate on 3B when ST began. He sometimes is too open and honest with some of his responses. Frustrated and struggling, he makes comments about changing his batting approach mid year and how it might affect him. Honest? Yes. Accurate? Probably so. Never should have been said? Absolutely. He's never thrown anyone under the bus, or pouted, or refused to play 2B. Nor has anyone else ever stated he's a malcontent or a bad teammate. The only thing I've ever seen him being guilty of is a mouth that moves before he thinks sometimes, and shares thoughts he should probably just keep to himself. PROJECTION: Royce made a really vulnerable confession last season that all of his previous injuries had him feeling uncomfortable and unbalanced at the plate. Again, some paraphrasing here. And I believe he was brought back in 2025 too early from his ST injury. He worked hard the last offseason with a trusted physical therapist to avoid the soft tissue injuries that have been plaguing him. While he didn't escape ST without injury, was probably brought back too soon, he did escape injury the remainder of the season. Again, he was at least better the final 3 months, and the fact that he was running...successfully...would seem to indicate a re-newed sense of health and confidence. What he needs to do this offseason is CONTINUE work on flexibility to avoid those nagging soft tissue injuries that have plagued him since his 2 knee injuries, and body changes. But he also needs to find a stance, approach, to be comfortable at the plate to get closer to his old self and work on the issues that have been present as pointed out in Nick's OP. He may not be the Superman hoped for, or flashed over the previous couple of seasons, but at 26yo with a lot of talent still in his young body, it's really about continuing to make adjustments. By all accounts he is a very hard worker and had generally maintained a positive attitude despite a vast number of setbacks. He might not be what we all hoped for, but I'm betting we see a real re-surgance from Lewis in 2026. There's just too much ability and determination to bet against him.

Your basic numbers are about right. Speculation and projection has the team moving on from Larnach, and a post arbitration payroll of $86-90M. First base simply isn't the big producing position it uses to be. Possibly due to the changes regarding the universal DH a few years ago? The bad news is the Twins dont have a 1B. The good news is an upgrade...even for only next season...might see a prospect or 2 ready for 2027...is it's the one sure fire position where the Twins can solidify the INF somewhat and definitely improve the lineup. I had hopes of Naylor for $12M. I repeat myself that I think it will be around $15M for 3yrs and someone will outbid us. But let's use the $90M post arbitration number, and let's also say we can grab the LH O'Hearn for your projected $8-10M. We'll go high again and call it $10M. They need SOMEONE to be that 30-35% games played #2 catcher for #4M. So now payroll sits around $104M. They then add 3, competent, experienced pen arms for around $4M each. Not TOP arms, but just solid guys who are capable of filling roles along with what'son hand, and some young arms converting, and a couple pen arms on their way thst might be close to helping later in 2026. Maybe it ends up being closer to $15M for those 3 veteran signings. Again, we go with the high number. That means a 1B, C, and 3 decent, veteran arms. (We need arms, even if they aren't going to go big). That's a payroll that's just under $120M. It's also a payroll about $22-23M LESS than opening day 2025. I'm absolutely not saying this is a great team by any means. But you've upgraded 1B, added a veteran backstop, and 3 experienced arms for the pen. Combined with players on hand, SOME hopeful development from those players, and a collection of really talented prospects almost ready, it could be a fun team with a lot of young and young-ish players that might surprise a bit. But let's break down that almost $120M payroll a bit further. The initial $90M post arbitration number includes roughly, for easy math, 5 minimum salary players projected at a combined $3.8M. So subtract that from the $119M I proposed, and you're really sitting about $115M. That might be enough for a veteran utility INF bat to replace Fitzgerald, and you are STILL at, or under, $120M total payroll WITHOUT breaking up the rotation. Naylor is the dream at 1B. O'Hearn is the next best option. Hoskins is someone I just don't trust...I think age and injury have caught up...but he might end up as a surprise that we miss out on. But the Twins margins are so slight, that I'd rather have someone like O'Hearn who seems "safer", while still good. But going back more towards the original intent of the OP, 1B is the easiest spot for the Twins to solidify the lineup in a positive way.

Absolutely crazy that we all sit and hope and cross fingers that ownership would OK a $130M payroll for 2026, which would STILL be about $10-12M or so BELOW opening day 2025. He'll, I'd even settle for around $120M at this point. Of course, I've been pounding the table for Naylor on a 2 or 3yr deal to just settle 1B for the next few years. Even with a $120M payroll they could do that and still have room to add a few decent pen arms and a veteran backup at catcher. I'm of the opinion, unfortunately, that someone will simply outbid the Twins no matter what the payroll is. My second target would be the LH Ryan O'Hearn. He'd be a Naylor-lite signing, but would cost less, still be solid, and has decent enough career splits he wouldn't necessarily have to be platooned. And I disagree with any option that has Clemens as a platoon partner with anyone. If he makes the club, and even replicates his ML average OPS, he's a bench player who hits LH. He doesn't have to be any part of a platoon anywhere. IMO, O'Hearn could be a really nice fit for 2026. I just have a hard time trusting in Hoskins at this point. While 33yo next season doesn't make him ancient, and good health could see an interesting rebound, I think I'd only consider him on a cheap 1yr deal for him to prove himself. He was still an above leage average bat in 2024, though not great to be sure. But I'd only be willing to bet on that 1yr deal and then see how the position shakes out for 2027.

Absolutely not being snarky, but we really have a measurement that includes "ducksnorts"...old school term for sure...as part of BABIP data? Crazy. I'm with others that the defense should be better in 2026. Lewis has turned in to fine 3B. Keaschall has all the range you could want, he just needs to be able to actually PLAY to iron out some awkwardness he's shown so far when he gets to the ball. And he doesn't need a cannon at 2B, just a healthy arm. I think Lee has enough skill to develop in to an average SS. But we want/need better than that. Unfortunately, we have to hope for average until Culpepper is ready. 1B is a huge question mark right now, and I'm not going to speculate on it at this time. I think we're going to see more of Martin and Roden in the OF, and that's going to help. And Rodriguez and Jenkins, whenever each debuts, have a quality defensive profile. While I only enough knowledge on pitching to be dangerous, and offer up some very basic thoughts, I believe Matthews biggest problems probably come down to sequencing, tweaking some of his arsenal, and finding enough command and confidence to play in the edges more. It's up to the coaches, and the catchers, to work on sequencing. It's up to the coaches to help him make adjustments on his actual pitches to make them more effective. Does he need a grip or arm angle adjustment to harness his secondaries to simply make them more complete/dangerous? He looks really good in flashes, for a whole game, or parts of games. And he still gets a lot of K's. But he also throws a lot of pitches. So far, he doesn't seem to be able to finish off batters efficiently at times. I think that also goes back to something I heard when he first came up, and that I've heard rather persistently, and that is him probably filling up the zone TOO much. That maybe he has to learn to play the edges better for more weak contact in the form of slow grounders and pop ups and the such. Even a few more swings and misses could make a big difference. I'm not dismissing better defense will help him, as well as the entire staff. But from reading about him, from looking at box scores, from watching him in games, it just seems that some of his pitches need just a little more bite and he could be nasty. A couple more weak contact grounders and pop ups and he gets out of innings quicker, lowers his pitch count, and would have fewer "flares and burners". I know it's not as simple as I make it sound, but he so often just looks so close to taking his game up another notch. He appears capable of being a really good ML SP. Can the staff...whoever they are going to be in 2026...make a couple tweaks/adjustments to his pitches and sequencing to over that hump? I sure hope so. Because when I watch him, I still see a lot of potential. SIDE NOTE: SWR and Bradley are out of options. So even if Matthews has a great ST, he may still go down to St Paul to begin the season the way Ober did a few years ago. But at some point, it's possible Matthews or Bradley may shift to the pen, even if only temporarily. But that's also true of Abel and Morris, etc.

I always attempt to take a long view. Wallner climbed up the MILB fairly quickly, and impressively. He struggled a bit at first, quickly adjusted, and then moved up again. He had a solid rookie debut. And then his 2023 and 2024 seasons provided a combined .885 OPS! Read that number again! What's always confused me, frustrated me, and frankly pissed me off is the way the FO has treated Wallner. Look, I can understand if a young prospect goes through a slump and you want to send him down for a few weeks to get straight. It happens. I get it. But in both 2023 and 2024, the FO decided for ridiculous reasons to IGNORE what Wallner was doing at AAA and stubbornly stick with poor veterans why? How many teams in MLB would have a top prospect and not let them play through a struggle? OR, how many MLB teams would send a kid down for a few weeks, see him RAKE, and wait another month plus before bringing him back up? .709 OPS as a rookie. A combined .885 OPS the next 2 seasons but they can't find room for a highly productive bat because they can't deal with some slumps here and there? This one of the areas where I've been frustrated and angry with how Falvey has handled the roster. Now, I get frustration and concern about 2025. I'm still confused about Wallner's sudden decline defensively...where he was at least average previously...and his sudden dip in HITTING. Did his hamstring injury continue to bother him all year? Did he lose confidence? Did the injury and some poor production after get in his head? I have no idea. But he STILL produced a .776 OPS which was well above average. His OPS+ of 110 still meant he was 10% above league average. Arguing his HR totals should have produced more RBI is a bit silly. What about opportunity? It's a BS argument, but shouldn't Buxton's 35HR have produced more than 83 RBI? Again, I understand it's a BS argument because context is always involved from everything including BABIP to runners on base, etc. For ME, I can't ignore Wallner's MILB career, his decent rookie debut, and a pair of excellent 2 seasons before a weird but still OK 2025 season. And there's no question we were expecting and hoping for more last season. I dare say we were COUNTING on him having a good '25 to help lead the offense. I believe he's an OK OF, despite regression last season, with an arm that's a weapon. IDEALLY, going forward, he's the primary DH...even against some LHP as he's shown growth there...and a part time corner OF. That's what SHOULD happen. And he might just return to his .800+ OPS level with 20-30HR. But what DOES happen? IMO, it depends a lot on Em Rodriguez. He's already burned 2 of his options. Buck is in CF. Larnach is gone. Martin and Roden just might form a solid LF combo to begin the season. Frankly, it's TIME for Rodriguez to have a good winter, and a good ST, and be given a starting spot. Live with some struggles, if they happen, and enjoy good defense and some power and excitement. Wallner is the primary DH. Jenkins comes up a little later. Gonzalez forces his way up a little later in the season. Where everyone actually hits in the lineup is TBD. But that's how it SHOULD go opening day.

It's my understanding that prospects in the AFL have a certain hierarchy, almost akin to draft selection. Some weird "first come, first served" scenario. As an example, a few years ago Royce Lewis was still playing SS in the Twins system. But he was "behind" a couple SS from different organizations. So he spent his time at 3B and CF, with maybe a couple games at 2B, but I can't recall exactly. So it's possible Mendez is just "behind" Amick and someone else. It's also possible the Twins don't care and just want to see him in the OF some more and will work with him more 1-1 in Instructs during the offseason and we'll see him at 1B some in 2026.

I don't dismiss this as a future option. As of today, I think he's a potential 3B, but his best spot might be CF. And when you consider Rodriguez and Jenkins as CF options, that might sound crazy. But at 6' 6" and almost thin at 210-215lbs with really good speed, athleticism, and a strong arm, he just might maintain his speed longer than Rodriguez and Jenkins. He's got the frame to carry another 10-15lbs and still run the way he does. Considering his power potential currently, he doesn't need to gain weight/muscle. But only 21yo when next season begins, it's possible natural development just adds a little weight/muscle. If his defensive instincts hold up, he just might be the best CF in the system. With speed, power, a great arm, he wouldn't even have to be a great average hitter to be dangerous and valuable. However, maturation just might slow him down a bit. He could easily slide to a corner OF spot, OR, he could be a really fine 3B with power and speed and a cannon arm and maybe Lewis slides to 1B. A LOT of conjecture for a kid that's super talented, but 2-3yrs away. But let's just say the still young Lewis gets right and solidifies himself at 3B begining in 2026 with his BAT straightened out. Rodriguez and Jenkins debut and begin to establish themselves. But let's say a couple years from now 1B is still poor. I object to the idea that it's a "waste" of talent to put a great athlete at 1B. A great athlete at 1B, with INF experience, should develop in to a fine defensive 1B. A strong arm is a bonus. His power plays there. His speed is just a bonus. Over the years I've seen quality CF like Erstad and Bellinger play a good 1B and produce quality offense while still playing in the OF. Who decided your 1B had to be a lumbering power hitter? So yes, Winokur is a possible 1B a couple years from now. He should be. Because you always want to play your best 9 on as much of a daily process as you can. BUT, we're 2-3yrs from him debuting and a lot of things can change between now and then. So I'd just want to enjoy his development for now and see what the future holds.

One thing to always remember about the AFL is it's really a precursor for the offseason development program all teams have, usually referred to as INSTRUCTS. As an example, the Twins sent pitcher Kade Bragg there last season. He was a LHP drafted in the 17th round in 2023. As is typical, he didn't throw until 2024. And his 2024 amounted to only 6 games and 8 IP, with solid results in a SSSS. There was an injury involved I believe. So they sent him to the AFL for additional work where he was basically terrible. Fast forward to 2025 and he threw at 3 levels, finishing at AA, and was basically excellent at all 3 stops. You'll see him at AAA in 2026, whether DAY ONE, or a bit later. But do yourself a favor and look at his 2025 numbers. But back to our regularly scheduled programming: Did we get a steal from the Phillies in Mendez? He hit like crazy after we got him and hasn't stopped yet. Reports I've heard is he isn’t much of an OF, and that's part of the reason he began working out at 1B. Other reports have been a tremendous amount of ground ball hits, which won't play at AAA, much less MLB. I'm guessing he's working on elevating the ball. But he sure looks interesting so far. I was a little surprised Winokur was sent to the AFL. Honestly, I thought he did enough, especially with a strong finish to his season after a poor start, where maybe he was tiring down the stretch. Not great, but still producing runs, is a solid indicator for me at this point. Amick is there to do nothing but get AB after missing so much time in 2025. He's been awful so far. But the way the AFL works, he could be one of the best hitters the next couple of weeks. But again, it's just about AB and working on stuff. Really impressed so far by Hunter Hoopes. He was an UDFA who has a big velocity arm who somehow flew under the radar. He's not young at 25yo, but in his rookie pro season he blew away both A levels before a not so great finish at AA Wichita. And that's probably where he begins 2026. But he just might be a fast riser next season along with the aforementioned Bragg, Parades, and a kid by the name of Whitaker.

I'm not worried about his finish for Cedar Rapids unless he performs poorly there next season, which is getting WAY ahead of things at this point. When you begin with solid bat to ball skills...something the Twins scouts have focused more on the past few years...you have a solid foundation to work with as a hitter. I don't really care that his HR surge in his last college season was aided by playing in a smaller park. The kid is 21yo and 6' 3" and 205lbs. He's not small. But power is not automatically there from day one for a lot of prospects. I have little doubt he has the potential for double digit HR power. But I'm more concerned with him having a solid approach, and just spray the ball all over and hit 30+ Dbls, maybe a few Trips, and SOME HR power. He just doesn't have to be a 20 HR guy to be valuable. I just want to see solid swing decisions, solid bat to ball skills, and the power to spray/line the ball around. The speed should also provide some SB potential to help out. His calling card is defense. In this draft, he and a top rated HS SS...who's name I can't recall at this time...were the best defensive SS in the entire draft class. He's done nothing so far to disprove that idea. He's probably not the offensive player K-Pepper is, even though I don't like to label or restrict pro rookies. And I fully believe Culpepper replaces Lee as the Twins starting SS by July 1st, with Lee becoming a Super Utility INF across the while diamond. Houston just doesn't have to follow the advanced path that Keaschall and Culpepper have shown thus far. Everyone is different. OF COURSE it would be awesome if he DID follow a similar course in his first full season. But not doing so wouldn't sour me one bit. Maybe Culpepper is just so good at SS that Houston becomes a really nice utility player. Or, as good as Culpepper is, maybe Houston really is a potential GG candidate at SS...with a solid offensive profile...that there is an INF shuffle with K-Pepper moving to 3B/2B. But at this point, after only 24 games and 110 PA, do we even care? Should we even care? He's a good athlete out of a tough conference with previous production and he's got a tremendous defensive profile with a solid, if not great, offensive profile. All I care about is how he looks in 2026.

Defensively, I think he has solid instincts. I like his hands, his ability to get the throw off quickly, and I think he throws well off balance. There's room to improve of course, but I don't believe he's seen as a long term SS at all. I firmly believe the more athletic Culpepper will be up by mid season and take that job for the next few years at least. Offensively he's really disappointed me this past year. As I've stated before, he barely exceeded rookie status in 2024, so he didn't come in to 2025 as a very experienced ML player. I think he's actually got more power than was initially believed, but as Nick pointed out, some of his exit velocity and batted ball data is skewed by poor swing choices that provided easy outs. He's not small. He can easily add a little more muscle to just let him drive the ball a little more consistently. And he may never be a big BB hitter. But my goodness, some of his swing decisions last year boggled the mind. His bat to ball ability is excellent. It's a real strength that can serve him well in the future, and what gives me the most hope for improvement. But just because you CAN make contact with a pitch doesn't mean you SHOULD. I loosely refer to that these days as "Miranda disease". When Miranda finally found the discipline to fight the crazy temptation to make contact with everything, he blossomed in to a top prospect. He had a nice rookie season and a good first half in 2024. Between a back tweak, a ball to the head, and even a bizarre hand injury early this past season, he suddenly became a flailing, weak contact hitter again. Lee himself has commented that he needs to reign in the crazy swing temptation. He seems like a bright, enthusiastic kid. He's smart enough to recognize his primary issue. Does he have the mental fortitude to actually make it happen? THAT is the key, more than anything IMO, to him hitting .250-.270 with an above .300 OB%. The power is there for 30+ Dbls and double digit HR totals, even if he doesn't hit 20. I can squint only a bit to see scenarios in the lineup where guys are moved around...for various reasons...and he becomes a starting 3B or 2B. But I honestly think his best role will be a Super Utility INF who plays all 4 spots, who plays almost daily, but doesn't have a fixed position. Some might say that's a disappointing result for an early 1st round pick with hype. I don't believe that is the case. A guy who can cover the entire INF, provide some power, and have a better than leage AVG OPS would have tremendous value. It all really comes down to getting the BAT to improve to something closer to what has been expected, hoped for, and what he showed in college and in MILB. Still only 25yo when 2026 begins, and only 712 PA over 2 seasons, there's still a good deal of projection there. But he's got to start figuring it out and making some obvious changes, begining with some hard work this offseason.

Are we talking to open the season, or are we talking in the future? Maybe even the near future? That changes my opinions for sure. And I prefer to stay out of trade scenarios as they are so arbitrary. CATCHER: Nobody is ready to replace Jeffers. In fact, they need to spend a few $M to find a decent backup as well who can catch 35% of the games in 2026. And trade ideas mess with my head. We trade prospects for a different catcher that might cost the same, or more, $ plus prospects? I'm not sure I see reasoning there. So at least in the short term, the Twins have a solid, experienced game caller with a better than average bat. Way better than average for a backstop. With a little more time, Cardenas or someone else might step up as a viable ML catcher to at least help. But starting help is a good 2yrs away. But having the bat and experience of Jeffers behind the plate is a good place to start, for now, at least to begin 2026. SHORT STOP: I don't believe anyone believed Lee was a ML SS on any long term basis when drafted. Seems to me he was always going to end up at 3B or 2B. And that can still happen with different speculative views of the INF. I believe he's got the basic instincts, hands, transition ability, and enough arm to handle SS for opening day, with room to still improve. I think we often forget how young and truly inexperienced he is as a 24yo simply because he was a hyped high draft choice. My biggest disappointment so far is his bat. He's showing some power, and some ability to hit for sure. But he's been almost "Miranda-like" in a false confidence to trust his bat to ball contact ability that ends up with too much WEAK contact. BUT, he actually seems to recognize this issue. The question remains if he can go beyond recognition and actually FIX the issue. If he does, his BAT suddenly starts to increase his worth as a ML INF. IMO, he's not only OK to begin 2026 as the Twins SS, but I wouldn't be surprised if he looked smoother, and we saw at least a small uptick in AVG, OB, K, and BB numbers. And again, I can see different INF configurations of him at 3B or 2B at some point. What I see as ideal, MY OPINION, is improvement in his BAT and overall glove work and he becomes a quasi-starter across the entire INF. No reason he can't end up as a solid backup 1B in addition to the other 3 spots. He OPENS as the 2026 SS but he gives way to K-Pepper by July 1st. Frankly, Culpepper is quicker, faster, more athletic, has a stronger arm, and should be the superior defender. So that addressed OPENING 2026, but looking down the road a bit with a better starting option. Houston is a couple years away from challenging. Unless they uncover a "Castro" surprise, or spend a little $ on what will undoubtedly be a limited budget, Fitzgerald and Eeles provide immediate depth. That isn't great, but I don't believe Fitzgerald will embarrass himself as a temporary option. And if Eeles has his legs back under him 100%, he might surprise as a depth option. But it's Lee to begin next season, though I don't believe he finishes 2026 there. That improves the defense, and the depth. SECOND BASE: Keaschall has more than enough quickness, speed, and athleticism to make plays at 2B. We all know how the bat/offense plays. But some of his throws have been bad, and he's looking mechanical fielding the ball at times. But the TJ recovery and subsequent broken forearm has really messed with his ability to get repetition at 2B for 2 full years now. I have no doubt he's going to be at least average at 2B in short order. He might even become very good with a little more time and work. He's just not Julien at 2B. Speaking of Julien, I'm not convinced he's even back for 2026, though there might be enough 40 man room to keep him around for now. But Fitzgerald and Eeles also figure in to depth at 2B for 2026. Again, Lee may also down the road when K-Pepper comes up. But when we talk about up the middle defense and players and depth, I think Schobel should be included. He was a major disappointment in 2024. But this past season he really took off! Unfortunately, right after his promotion to St Paul he was hurt and didn't appear again until very late in the season. But I don't think he should be written off. SS/2B PROGNOSIS: Lee and Keaschall to start the 2026 season, which isn’t great to start the season. OK, not horrible, but not great. But a couple months in to the 2026 season? Keaschall is starting to feel comfortable again at 2B. Culpepper is up and flashing and Lee starts the transition to Super Sub. Fitzgerald might perform better than expected and stick around, but IDEALLY, Eeles is back to his fully healthy 2024 self and is an almost direct replacement for Castro. Additionally, Schobel is doing great at St Paul and we suddenly feel a lot better about the INF and depth. Further down the line, since they've been brought up, DeBarge is doing well, as are Salas and DeAndrade. Why wasn't DeAndrade mentioned in the OP? He's very talented, still young, and just needs to stay healthy. He might just jump a few others in 2026 and rise again in prospect rankings. CENTER FIELD: Well, this is obviously a healthy Buxton. My only wish is that he "accepts" being a #2 or #3 hitter so he has more runners to knock in. He doesn't even have to be as good as he was in 2025 to be a stud and potential All Star. He remains an excellent CF defender, though I'm thankful he finally decided he didn't have to sacrifice his body on a daily basis. Obvious depth is Rodriguez being healthy, having a good Winter League, and a good ST and just taking over a corner spot...maybe RF and let Wallner DH primarily...and run with the opportunity, even with some ups and downs. Right behind him is Jenkins, oh so close to his debut. Futher depth would be Martin. Can't believe I'm saying this but, if Martin could improve even half as much as he's improved in LF over last season, he might be a viable backup in CF. Roden and Fedko are additional options "as needed" but not part of great or future depth. That belongs to Rodriguez and Jenkins, with the possibility of Winokur a few years off. FINAL ANALYSIS: CATCHER is fine for 2026 with a decent backup. Long term is very interesting. Mid term is a mess without an extension of Jeffers, OR, another Suzuki, Vazquez type signing for 2027. But the future looks bright if we can find a bridge. INFIELD IN TOTAL: Way worse defense than we'd all like for opening day. Much better mid season when Keaschall is more comfortable and Culpepper comes up to flash with the bat and glove and move Lee to his super utility spot. And there are some very nice depth pieces on their way. CENTER FIELD: Buxton is THE MAN, and very well could be for a couple more seasons. But Rodriguez and Jenkins are just behind him and for the first time in years, the FO doesn't have to look for a fill in type of player. They should dump Keirsey and Outman man from the 40 man...just admit Outman was a mistake and offer either a MILB deal...and realize Roden and Fedko are just younger and have more potential...and roll with the younger players/prospects. So SHORT TERM and LONGER TERM there ARE solid option UP THE MIDDLE. But there is a difference from Opening Day vs July 1st.

I state my opinion on Jeffers with no attempt to change anyone else's opinion on him. We're way beyond that. But I like him behind the plate. Are there better defensive catchers according to measurements? Of course there are. But I like the way he calls a game and handles the staff. That's #1 in my books. Over the past 3yrs he and Vazquez are almost dead even in team ERA and CS%. I don't say that to downgrade Vazquez, who I have great respect for, but merely to point out that the better receiver isn't as far ahead as others and certain measurements say he is. I'd like to see a better balance of the numbers he improved on last season and a return od his power. But since his debut, I believe he still ranks in the top 5 of OPS for catchers who have at least 200 AB, or something similar. Maybe that changed in 2025, but his offense is still above league average, and well above what we generally see from the catching position. Of course you tender him. And then you have to spend $3-4M for some sort of decent backup, though I'm predicting he starts something like 60-65% of the games in 2026. He's young enough and strong enough to handle that, IMO, if it's 2 days on, 1 day off. If the season goes in the tank, I believe you could see if there's trade value at the deadline. But I don't know that you get enough back vs what he brings to the Twins. Maybe someone like Cardenas looks ready to contribute by then. I believe his agent is Boras. So while I'd like to see a 2yr extension through 2028...when Diaw and Tait may be ready...I'm betting it takes at least 3yrs to get it done. A solid 3yrs and $30, though it might have to be a little more dollar wise. That puts him back on the market at 31yo. Young enough for another deal if he doesn't collapse. An extension doesn't break the bank, fills a major need that doesn't have anyone else ready, and doesn't force the Twins in to a prospect laden deal for a replacement. I just don't know if it's doable, but I'd like to see it happen.

I appreciate what the Brewers do, and have done. For instance, they haven't been afraid to audition internal prospects, or give top prospects a chance to play early and live with some growing pains. However, having a team built almost entirely from players from different organizations is a big mistake long term. And just because the Twins played a more exciting brand of baseball the last 2 months of 2025 doesn't mean they actually scored more runs. The team needs balance, something they lacked during those final months. I think borrowing from Milwaukee, Tampa, and Cleveland makes sense. You MUST draft and develop. You can't be so paranoid about veteran depth of mediocre players that you ignore your own talent. And you do have to make some smart trades here and there to augment and shake up your roster at times. I believe the Twins have changed their draft philosophy the past few years and have brought in some very interesting talent. Their International Signings haven't provided much in years now. But they've also recently shaken up that part of the scouting department and we can hope for changes there that will help in the future, even though those players are years away. As much as most of us greatly disliked the fire sale at the deadline...or at least a couple of the moves...the juice might end up worthy of the squeeze in the long run. Especially if they can add additional help through other moves by investing in the team in the short term, while developing the young talent on the team, in the system, and recently acquired. The FO has to be smart in the following areas: 1] Is there a dysfunction in the developmental path of MILB players? Or has it been more bad choices that just weren't as good as projected? Or, is this more a change in approach from the "bomba" days to a more balanced approach that's still in flux? A combination of all 3? They need a step back and honest reflection of the system wide plan to recognize if they've missed something and make corresponding changes. 2] Continue to look for "smart" options as they have done previously in players like Castro and Thielbar and Stewart, as just a few examples. But make sure you keep the right ones. 3] Don't micro manage your manager. Yes, you have a plan. Yes, you have information to be used to make decisions. Yes, you want and need to work together for the best plan, the best players, and find the best way to implement your plan and all your information. But when you hire a new manager that you believe is a smart choice, allow him a STRONG voice not only in how he runs things, not only his roster, but also in building a staff that can accomplish how he wants to run the team. Opinions will vary, but I openly state I have no idea if Baldelli WAS micro managed, or to what degree. The FO has the power, the right, and supposedly good knowledge for viable input to help accomplish this. But don't hire the next manager and then not let HIM put his STAMP on the team. Isn't that why you hired him in the first place? In different careers with different companies, primarily sales, one thing I always advised new hires is to "steal" from everyone. Not sales! But when you see or hear something others do that you like, STEAL that idea/approach and use it. Refine and change it to meet your own personality and perspective as needed. The Twins SHOULD look at the Brewers. That doesn't mean they should BE the Brewers. The Twins attempt to borrow from the Dodgers at times in roster construction. That's a fine idea. But the Dodgers can have a $300M payroll and the Twins can't. So borrow where you can, but always retain perspective. Borrow from Tampa and Cleveland, but don't believe you have to BE them either. The last couple of years, despite efforts by ownership to handicap the FO, I can still see a general idea of change slowly taking place. My biggest complaint/issue is coming up with an actual IDENTITY as an organization and make decisions/choices to implement that identity. When I squint, I can see the formation of an identity. It takes time for change. And ownership may have messed up any plan or identity that the FO has in mind. But that just means you have to find different ways to carry through on that identity plan and see it to fruition. But please, don't copy anyone. STEAL from everyone as you see fit. But have your OWN identity and make it stick.

I gave a thumbs down on the OP even though I agreed with a lot of the points. My negative selection has to do with a broad stroke implication that candidates with former ties should be a non-starter. I'm not big on Suzuki, but I could be convinced. But just because he played a couple of seasons with the Twins a decade ago doesn't make him a Twins "homer" choice. Ditto for Rowson and a couple others. A couple years spent in the Twins organization, vs a long career with multiple teams, doesn't make someone a "homer" selection. I just want the best man for the job. Period. Are the Twins one of the worst open jobs? I think that's somewhat debatable. Ownership is a mess right now, and that might provide a resounding YES opinion. But managing a team in the ALC, in a fantastic ballpark, some decent talent on hand, and one if the top ranked farm systems might offer some counter points. But I digress. I'm in favor of someone who has some coaching experience for solid organizations, who might even have some managing experience in MILB or winter leagues even. I like someone who's had time to see the game from different perspectives. I'm in favor of a manager who isn't stern, who will embrace hus players, but also one who believes in basic fundamentals in how to play the game right, and who won't coddle players, even as he embraces them. There's a handful of candidates that I really like including Vazquez, Flaherty, Lombard, and Albernaz based on what little knowledge I possess as a fan, their experiences, and the organizations they've worked for. Doesn't mean I have any idea who the best choice might be. But I don't believe someone who played a couple of seasons for the Twins in a career that has spanned 15-20yrs as a player and coach should be considered a poor choice simply because he wore a Twins uniform for a couple 2-3 years.

One of the most intriguing prospects in the system, and a personal favorite of mine. No question he's young and needs more polish. The floor is a washout, as it is with all prospects, but the ceiling is quite high. I'm impressed how he didn't allow his first couple of months to impact the rest of the season. POTENTIALLY he's capable of 30HR and SB, even though 20/20 is more safe to project. Defensively I just don't this early in his career. There are posters who have seen him play WAY MORE than I have. But from what little I've seen of him, he moves pretty well at SS and has a cannon of an arm. I've seen him make plays, and almost make plays, that flash tremendous potential. But I still have doubts about his sticking at SS. I have little doubt he could be an excellent 3B. All the tools are there. With his frame, he could add 15lbs and you'd hardly notice. With his speed, athleticism, and arm, I've stated for a while he might be one of the best CF prospects in the system currently, allowing Rodriguez and Jenkins to concentrate on the corners, and provide CF backup, in another 2-3yrs when he's probably ready. However, even with his frame, if he were to bulk up 20-25lbs, it's possible he loses some of his quickness and speed, and that might make him a corner OF, rather than a true CF. And that's not taking away the possibility of him at 3B still. I'm speaking only of him as an OF. While it might feel like a waste to put him at 1B, Bollinger says "hello". There's absolutely nothing wrong with having a good athlete at 1B with power and speed who can also play OF as needed. With SS and 3B ability, he'd probably make an excellent 1B/OF option in a couple of years. While SS is probably a question mark in the future, it doesn't hurt keeping him for now to see how well he can develop there. It sure doesn't hurt his ability at 3B. So for now I'd keep playing him at all 3 spots, at least through his age 21 season and then re-evaluate. Maybe be then he focuses only on 3B and CF. Maybe not. Maybe he surprises everyone. But absolutely no need for 1B anytime soon. He can be adapted there later, IF that provides the best opportunity for him when ML ready. You play the best players. And if that means moving a 3B to 1B, then you do it. But we're a couple years away from worrying about that. Keep him doing what he's doing for now, and keep focusing on better contact, lowering the K's and increasing the BB as well. He's already shown as a 20yo at A+ that he's capable of growing and adapting.

We're going to have to agree is disagree here. Sorry. I trust a very talented 26yo Lewis to finally adjust to his changed body to figure stuff out. So I remain hopeful. I'm admittedly a little less hopeful on Lee as I thought natural bat talent would start to take hold. We saw glimpses this season. But then I remind myself, and everyone else, that he entered 2025 with 180AB, which is only 30 removed from rookie status. So despite hype, he was a 24yo barely removed from rookie status. He is NOT the future at SS. I think he ends up as a 3B or 2B, but if other young talent comes through, he might be a TREMENDOUS 4 position utility player. But can we just allow a little more time for him to grow as a hitter and defender? Again, honestly, he was almost rookie status when 2025 began. (I expect K-Pepper to take over SS at some point in 2026). Can we give Keaschall an offseason and another ST before we decide he can't play 2B? He played 1B and LF, with a little time in CF, but mostly 1B and DH because everyone KNEW about his impending TJ surgery. He didn't even play ANY 2B before the Twins broke camp. Then he comes and does great and gets his forearm broke. The whole point is he's BARELY played 2B for 2yrs now. He needs playing time to just do the little things like being in front of the ball. Little things like making sure the glove and ball meet properly. So can we give him a little time to adjust? NO to Clemens as the full time 1B. Not sure where anyone has suggested that's an actual good idea.

Sorry, but I have to strongly disagree with you here. Being 100% transparent and honest, there have been things Falvey has done or embraced that I have disagreed with, or strongly questioned. Most, but not all, of those involve certain philosophies in regard to roster choices, AAA roster choices, and other general roster and approach issues. But the one thing he has been very good at is identifying quality off the field hirings. I'm just NOT going to get in to a debate about Rocco, but even as frustrated fans, we can't ignore good things that happened his first few seasons. Rowson seemed to go a good job and got stolen away by the Marlins. Chad Swanson was hired as a catching coach and did a great job with Garver and Jeffers before the Yankees signed him away. Wes Johnson was hired from the college ranks before leaving for LSU, and then Georgia, but did a great job with the Twins before taking over some of the top programs in college. Jeremy Hefner was so well regarded as an assistant pitching coach with the Twins, that the uber spending Mets snagged him away for a few years as their primary pitching coach. There are more examples. If you read small blurbs here and there, there are additional MILB coaches and scouting department personnel that have been poached from the Twins over the past several years. **I really don't want to talk about dismissing David Popkins and the changes to his staff once joing the Jays that really made a difference.** My point is, whether you dislike Falvey for his organizational approach, or just dislike some moves he's made, he ACTUALLY has a really good history of finding good people to fill roles. WHOEVER is hired as the next Twins manager, he's going to have to deal with any failings some of us believe Falvey might have. And some of those failings are going to be due to the Pohlads. But I do believe it's disingenuous to believe Falvey can't hire a solid next manager. The one thing he actually has proven to do is hire good baseball people in various roles.

The FO always plays situations like this close to the vest. So all we have, or will get, is speculation until a hiring happens. But some quick opinions: PUNTO: I'd be very interested in him as a coach. There's just not enough time in a ML FO, or coaching anywhere that tells me he's ready for anything close to being a ML manager. A few years from now might be a different story. ROWSEN: Very well respected, and he's been around. His actual ties to the Twins is 2yrs. So isn't some nepotism type hire. He would be the MANAGER and NOT a hitting coach. (Though I could see him helping there). What I like about him is who he might want to bring in FOR the hitting coach and assistants. Given control, or at least strong input, he might help solve a major issue plaguing the team for the past couple of years: OFFENSE SHELTON: He's got a tremendous reputation as a good guy and sound baseball man. Any failure as the Pirates manager should be tempered with "what did you expect" reflection. They have to be considered one of the 5 or 6 worst run franchises. Still, there is something I can't put my finger on that just says he should "come home" to Minnesota as a respected, knowledgeable bench coach. VAZQUEZ: I really like this idea. He's been around multiple organizations as a player and coach. He's got some experience running teams in the Classic and the Winter Leagues. Never a star player, he forged out a career the "hard way" over multiple years. And while I don't know that being bilingual in of itself is huge, it helps. I think the ability to RELATE to Latin ballplayers goes beyond just speaking Spanish. FLAHERTY: He has been on my top 5 list since day one. Again, he's one of those guys who carved out a solid career the "hard way". Those guys always seem to really comprehend the subtleties of the game. He's spent time as a scout, coach, and bench coach. He's young enough to also communicate well with today's players and the changes in the game. Of these 5 options...who else might be considered we really don't know...but I'm pretty convinced Vazquez and Flaherty should be the top 2 choices. And I'm really uncertain which way I'd lean at this moment. Both seem to offer some very good qualities. I'm not certain I lean in to the "new wave" of managers with little or zero experience. That might work if his staff is REALLY SOLID. But I still like the idea of someone who's had at least a little time in a FO, or on the field coaching, to see a different perspective than as a recent ballplayer. Not saying I'm right, it's just my perspective.