DocBauer

Do I think Buxton has just had some bad luck? Absolutely. Do I also think his body, from a purely physiological standpoint may be more prone to injury? Absolutely that could be a possibility. And these two ideas aren't necessarily, potentially, mutually exclusive. It could be a portion of both. We just don't know and there is no statistic or measurement that can give us a definitive answer. Might as well ask a Magic 8 Ball for an answer. IMO, part of the discussion here is past reality vs hope. And that's fine. I have tremendous hope that Buxton WILL be healthier and have better luck going forward. And I'm 100% on board with an extension! And I repeat it's tweaking/changing the incentives and not the up front money that is the issue. And again, if the team has to pay him for an successful and incentive laden season they would be ecstatic to do so. But I DO want to make a statement that was brought up about other athletes and injury situations. To his credit, Buck has worked hard to gain good weight and muscle for his bat and his endurance. He has made changes in his defensive approach to help avoid physical abuse on "hard" contact plays and it seems to have helped. And I am NOT necessarily speaking about Buxton when I say this, but while speed MAY diminish somewhat, a large number of athletes truly hit their physical prime in regard to strength, explosiveness and endurance between the ages of 27-32. Again, I'm not speaking of Buck specifically, I'm just saying it happens a lot. And maybe, just maybe, it could offer a little glimmer of hope for him along with his hard work, experience, changes, and maybe even, yes, a little better luck. He should get 6 or 7yrs at around $15M with incentives that aren't unreasonable or hard to reach if he's just healthy and should "add up" to around $25-30M ish. And if you want to add an extra $5-10M for an MVP trophy, wouldn't the Twins be fine with that as well if it happened?

One of Jax's performances to end the season. Good for him! I think he is, unfortunately, a victim of circumstance. Not sure everyone realizes or appreciates that when the Twins drafted him they thought the military obligation was going to change at that time. It didn't for about 3yrs. So he barely pitched until 2018 when he got a half season and 2019 he finally got a full year. And then, of course he lost2020 like so many others. He's actually been promoted rather aggressively, all things considered, but will be 27yo when 2022 starts. But I think the arm talent, maturity and intelligence are there mixed with so-so results and coaching as well as adjustments made on the fly that he's protected going forward. Whether a SP or BP option, I think he's a late blooming option that has a possible future and deserves to be kept and protected. Not his fault he's been behind the 8 ball to start his career initially. I think there's something worthwhile to still work with.

This is the key! Reports are two-fold. 1] He wants to stay. 2] There was, reportedly, at least some agreement on the BASE salary but questions about the incentive targets. He is STILL young. He is immensely talented, He has grown so much as a hitter. Any decline in some of his speed the next few seasons DOES NOT diminish his value as a quality defender or hitter and producer. (See Puckett). Let me state and propose the following; between base salary and incentives reached by just being healthy, do you think ownership would blink/balk in the SLIGHTEST at Byron earning $25-28M in a season? No way! It would mean they had one of the best and most dynamic players in the game, Great publicity. Butts in the seats. And a player probably leading a team to the playoffs. The initial want and need seems to be in place on both sides, Get it done! Period.

I think, and have thought for a while now, he's a done deal. While I don't have any clue if there have been any negotiations between both parties I would lay real money there has at least been conversation. Personally, I never had a problem with him not being traded at the deadline. The Twins wanted and needed a veteran presence in their rotation, which we saw, and which they openly spoke about. One thing that I think escapes memory is Pineda was really one of the first creative moves this FO made to rebuild the rotation, while needing time to rebuild the milb structure. Signing him to rehab and get ready for the next year was inventive and WORKED, The entire diaretic discussion and suspension is water under the bridge. What happened was unfortunate to be sure, but should have no bearing on what he's actually done when on the mound. Once he was healthy in 2019, it took him little time to fit in and find himself. And at times, he was the Twins best SP. His lack of opportunity in 2020 was not related to injury but rather the suspension and a short season. In limited action, he was again very good. Yes he had some injury issues this past year. And yes, some of his numbers and velocity slipped a bit. But some of his numbers were as good or better than his previous production in a Twins uniform. He is experienced, and seems to have a bulldog mentality on the mound. He's been adapting. I am ABSOLUTELY NOT comparing him directly, but he sort of has the Maddux ability to learn and adapt. I know he's getting a little older, but he's not ancient or over the hill, And I dismiss his 2021 injuries to a SMALL extent as we've seen a HUGE rise in pitcher injuries at both the ML and Milb level this past year post 2020. I do not expect 180IP in 2022, but I think 150-160IP is reasonable to hope for. I think he's an easy $8M-ish deal as a #3-4SP depending how Ryan and Ober perform. At worst, he's still depth and quality when healthy to bridge the gap for the prospects to get ready and get their feet wet.

After reading some of the other posts here, I felt the need to add to my previous one. We won the central twice with Polanco at SS, and give me all the numbers and metrics you want but my eye said he wasn't the disaster some say he was there. But he's just so much better at 2B and continues to grow. Its also easier on his ankles and the last thing we need is to take an absolute stud at a position an move him somewhere where he is less effective and could put greater strain on his ankles. High Heat summed up the lineup rather succinctly; guys get hurt and your initial lineup/roster construction will vary throughout the year. It's a GOOD THING to have more talent than roster spots! Your 13 man player roster will need to be expanded out to about 18-20 guys before the season is done. And the "problem" the Twins have offensively is not really MORE offense, just better health and more CONSISTENCY. C] Garver/Jeffers with Rortvedt at AAA. (Astudillo if around). Garver also takes turns at DH to keep his bat in the lineup. 1B] Kirilloff/Sano/Miranda/Astudillo/maybe some Garver: AK can still play the OF and Sano can DH 2B] Polanco/Arraez/Gordon/Miranda SS] FA/Polanco/Gordon (need a good glove at AAA just in case) 3B] Donaldson/Miranda/Arraez/Astudillo/Gordon LF] Larnach/Arraez/Kirilloff/4th OF TBD/Rooker/Gordon/maybe Miranda/Celestino CF] Buxton/Kepler/Gordon/maybe 4th OF TBD/Celestino RF] Kepler/Larnach/4th OF TBD/AK/Gordon/Celestino DH] Donaldson/Sano/Arraez/Garver Unless I just forgot how to count, that's 19 guys for 13 spots and depth. Rortvedt and Celestino and probably Rooker begin the year in St Paul. (IMO, Rooker is protected over Refsnyder and Garlik each of whom I'd love back on a milb deal). My roster includes a FA SS TBD, as well as a RH 4th OF who may or may not be a CF option, (I hope he is). I've been banging tbat drum for some time now and will continue to do so. It's very possible the Twins will look for a proven corner option allowing Kepler and Gordon to be the backups. Further, they could just blow off my opinion all together, LOL, and stick with the RH options already on hand. But you see how easily the numbers work out for the roster and depth, right? And YES, I'm including Astudillo for now. I fully recognise he might not be protected due to the numbers game. And if NOT protected, I would also love to have him back on a milb deal. IMO, left unprotected, someone would try to sign him for his versatility and his intangibles. I also think he'd rather stick with the Twins on a milb deal, maybe a split deal, vs going elsewhere. The whole point is, there is a lot of talent available here to have a good roster for 2022, albeit a couple young guys still proving themselves and fitting in. Larnach is a perfect example. He is just so close to proving he's ready, but might not break camp. And let's use AK as a comp for Miranda for 2022. For whatever reason, Kirilloff just had a lousy ST even though be was virtually handed a job. So he went down. He sure looked ready a month later and rocked it before a 2nd wrist injury curtailed his year. I believe in Miranda, like AK, 100%. But does he have to be handed a job? No. Again, having too much talent and depth is a GOOD THING. And to further repeat myself, I am NOT saying the Twins shouldn't/can't/won't trade someone off the roster for pitching help. But if they bring back Pineda, which I believe they will, they ABSOLUTELY have the $ available to bring in Stoman to front the rotation for the next 3-5yrs. And he's durable enough, proven enough, and been tied to the Twins for a couple of years now. Makes so much sense it's scary. That leaves ONE rotation spot to be filled via FA or trade. But when I have seen how "little" the FO spent to bring in Odorizzi and Maeda, I have to question whether we actually have to disrupt the ML roster to do so. I'd like to keep the roster as intact as possible. Miranda WILL get opportunity and force his way, even if he's not on the roster day one. I'd just really like the FO spend a few $M for 2 rotation spots, a little help in the pen, my preference for a 4th OF, and THEN look at the options available to them like a spreadsheet for the 3rd SP they need. Can they pull a rabbit out of the hat a 3rd time by trading within the system for a solid rotation addition? Or will the market deliver someone to them to fill that last spot? There is work to do! But Miranda will get his shot, no doubt! It all comes down to how big of a re-tool we are looking at. Because there is a lot to like looking at 2022.

Agree that Donaldson is a positive for the Twins both offensively and defensively. He also provides a certain degree of leadership as well as experience. Now, if he suddenly wants out or is disgruntled and could be a disruptive presence, then you do all you can to move him. Arguing about his health is pointless on a couple levels. No player is of value when out with injury. And if Donaldson is such a risk, even after been largely healthy and available this year, then wouldn't other teams ha e to consider that in regard to trade talks? I'm not saying don't trade him if a good/smart deal comes along. But how much $ do you have to throw in to get him moved for virtually nothing in return? And how much $ do you actually save to make a difference, especially compared to his potential value you are now losing? It's just not as simple/easy as saying ",move him". When the Twins add a SS...and hopefully a quality RH 4th OF...it's really easy to see a player roster of up to 18 players to roll through during the season. A lot of times these things just seem to work themselves out. I can't wait to see Miranda. And I'd like him playing daily or close. But unless 2022 is a true lost re-tool situation/opportunity, nothing wrong with having the most talent you can, the most depth you can, and work Miranda in rather than just handing him a guaranteed job.

Unless they spend $6-8M on someone they like better, Pineda will be back as a veteran #3-4 part of the rotation. He's not special. But when on the mound, he's been good to very good for 3yrs now. PLEASE find a way to agree on an extension for Buxton. At some point you have to gamble a bit in hope of winning. The kid just dominates and makes a difference in so many ways when he's in the lineup. Again, it's a bit of a gamble. But you just have to find a way to make it work. Polanco is a STUD! PERIOD! Amazing how this team has played .500 ball and beaten or held serve against top teams since trading away our top hitter and pitcher. This confirms what I've felt for some time now. 1] Real money spent on ONE GUY, probably Stoman, to head your rotation. 2] Trade or splurge on a 1yr deal for a #2, but keep the roster in place. 3] With apologies to our current coaches, but bring in someone who can communicate a different approach other than bombas. Homers are awesome! But we can't just live by ONE big inning. The talent on hand, including a healthy Kirilloff as well as Larnach and Miranda coming up, is fine. And K's are just part of today's game. But there just HAS to be a way to take the talent on hand and provide more efficiency. 4] I have issues with some things Rocco has done. Never more than this season. I think he's still growing in to his position. But PLEASE, give him a bench coach with experience who can get in his ear and advise him on a few things he might not be seeing clearly. I think Shelton did that. I think Bell might have been that guy. And I don't know who THE GUY might be, but Rocco needs a smart, maybe veteran guy, who he can respect to hold the reigns a bit.

I would be lying if I said Sano hasn't been a disappointment based on talent, projection and ability. Injuries, similar to Buxton, have curtailed a portion of his career numbers as well. But speaking of career numbers, let's just pause to look again at his career slash line. .237/.328/.818 Mediocre BA, solid OB and big power. Despite a losing 2021 for the team, and a really disappointing first couple of months for Sano in particular, he's got 23 Dbls, 29 HR and 71 RBI. And as the OP states he's been a much better hitter since the first few months. Has he increased his trade value? The answer is NO. The Twins, and everyone else in MLB, know who Sano is. Healthy, he's generally a .240-.250 hitter with a decent OB and tremendous power. He will slump and he will destroy. But he is not the guy, usually, you want daily in the 4-5 spot. But he is very dangerous, despite his streaky nature, as a 6-7 hitter. Is it possible at 28yo that there is room for improvement? Call me crazy but I believe there is. His new-found mentor Cruz never found himself until age 28/29. And I am NOT saying Sano will be anything close to Cruz going forward! NOR am I suggesting in any way he could suddenly be another "lost" Ortiz. BUT, I will say that mental, emotional maturity is different for everyone. We are STILL seeing Sano trying to tweak his approach. He seems to be SLOWLY recognizing that at times he needs to attack early vs being patient. Were he just to accept and follow a similar path as Cruz, he would mentally accept being a DH and part-time 1B and work and study and find a balance of aggressiveness vs laying off the crazy outside stuff. Again, has he improved his trade value? Not really. Teams know who and what he is. His trade value is about two things: 1] With a universal DH, which should happen in 2022, there could be a number of teams who would love to have him as a DH/1B and emergency 3B who could give them something in the lower half of their lineup they just don't have currently. He could be a great 2nd part of a trade. 2] As part of point #1, his value could increase because a team really believes their coaching their approach, and their belief he's STILL making adjustments and figuring it out could unlock another level of sustained success. And as Ash pointed out, if there is a chance for real growth and potential, then isn't his value better just to keep and see? I'd trade him if the value is there. But I'd keep him for now and see what happens in 2022.

Well deserved! And probably an easy choice with how well he threw this year. Just a few comments/observations: 1] Take a moment to look at the numbers for all 6 guys again like I did. Sure, a WHiP or two is a little higher than we'd like, Gipson-Long's ERA is a little high but was inflated by some early bad performances, but the overall numbers for each guy are quality, and the K's are definitely there! 2] Realize this impressive list doesn't even include Duran, Canterino or Enlow, filled with potential but injury plagued in 2021. Further, for various reasons, there is no Ober, Ryan or any other of the arms recently acquired with real talent. Kind of makes you excited for the next few years doesn't it? 3] The 2020 draft was what it was, short and no opportunity for anyone to play. Unless I'm mistaken, 5 of the 6 listed here were 2018-2019 draft choices. Despite limited milb experience, and a lost 2020, there is some aggressive promotion taking place here and, apparently, some good drafting taking place. I am very excited about the arms in the system in a way I haven't been for YEARS!

As far as a roster spot, yes, these things take care of themselves. He may or may not break camp with the Twins, but he will play for the Twins in 2022. And his ability to play multiple positions will aid him in the transition and opportunity. From every report I've ever read or heard, he was a high pick for real reasons. It was only a matter of time...with hope which is the case of all prospects...until he put it all together. I couldn't comment on his defense except to say I've never heard anything bad. The few highlight plays I've seen over the season indicate he can get it done. And yes, they may have been hilights, but if you can make those kind of plays, further time and development should allow you to develop and be solid, if not good. I just never saw Cabbage breaking out the way be did this year. There is still a K vs contact component to work on. But he's only 24yo, a former 4th round pick, and there is enough potential showing after his breakout 2021 that I think you need to find a way to keep him. Steer and Julien were part of the 2019 draft where the Twins seemed to concentrate heavily on infielders. Of course it was Cavaco #1, but they also grabbed Steer, Gray and the Auburn duo of Holland and Julien. IIRC, both Holland and Julien signed over slot due to some savings. The fact that Steer and Julien, despite being college players, have progressed so quickly with a short 2019 and no 2020 is pretty awesome. While we don't know how good either may ultimately be, their early results as possible infield fixtures as at least multi-position options is very encouraging! I'd really like to keep Contreras and Kerrigan around for 2022 if possible. I just don't know if either offers up enough offense to go along with great defense. But either could provide depth and a possible future as a 4th OF.

Justin is a class act. Always has been. He was a TREMDOUS player and representative of the team and still is, He deserved better than a bad loss, but life is what it is. What could have been without serious injuries to he and Mauer? NOT life, but professional life cut short too soon.

I say what I say with all deference to any and all posters, I've watched Rooker since day one he was drafted. And what I have seen is a powerful and high OPS bat who has taken a few weeks at every level he's been at to adjust and then rake. And in the mixed up 2020 season that it was, he did the same thing before getting injured. I have always been frustrated by various reports he could run well and had a good arm and was a sound athlete. And I've heard reports how bad he wa ps defensively. But last year, and this year, I've seen the back but also seen some really solid plays with the glove and arm that teases me and makes me wonder if he could be at least average. He's already shown me he's as relevant as Willingham or Young when it comes to defense, with the potential to be better still. But it still comes back to the bat at the end of the day doesn't it? The Twjns NEED a RH 4th OF who can do something both offensively and defensively. Celestino may be that guy eventually. Hell, he might even be a starter, And he's shown progress, but he's not ready just yet. IMO, the Twins should try to bring back Refsnyder on a milb deal. But I just don't know about Rooker at this point. He's old enough, experienced enough, that you would think he might grab opportunity and run with it. But he just hasn't. I would love to keep him for one more year to see what happens. But with the DH almost certain to be league-wide in 2022 and beyond, i would absolutely include him jn a deal with a couple other solid prospects for a solid ML SP option. Some sort of Odorizzi/Maeda deal with him and a couple other solid prospects to secure such a deal. If I'm a re-building team in either league, I'd be VERY curious as to what he might do daily as a 3rd piece in my re-build.

I'm going to treat this thread a bit differently that the BP OP because for starters, no pun intended, there are far fewer options/names to consider. First of all I'm eliminating both Stashak and Thorpe from this discussion. I'm eliminating Stashak because he has already reached the "if healthy again, he could re-establish value in the BP and has already moved on from a rotation spot option" part of his career. I am also, grudgingly, moving Thorpe to the "too much has happened and his arm just never came back from surgery and now he has to transition to throwing as hard as he can, and use his other stuff, to try to carve out a role in the BP" part of HIS career. Sucks! DOBNAK: Like many pitchers, and many top prospects, injuries completely foiled his 2021. I believe the FO missed the mark on him to begin the season by ignoring his impressive ST and deferring to the veteran Shoemaker initially. It sounded like a good idea at the time, I guess, letting Dobber sit in the pen and trust in a Shoemaker rebound. But not every pitcher adapts to easily to such a change in roles. I just can't ignore his 2019 or what he did in 2020 for us and dismiss him for 2022. Believe me, I don't WANT to say this, but I could see a scenario where the Twins via FA and/or trade, pick up a pair of experienced SP and just trust Ryan, Ober and Dobnak to fill out the rest. I just think that's asking too much of 3 young arms. I believe the Twins will come up with 3 arms....more to come on that....and Dobber will compete with Ryan and Ober and someone will go to St Paul. SMELTZER: Yes he's a tremendous story! I wish him the best! But with so much young talent across the roster, I just don't think I can protect him. Previously, he's shown be can be a solid fill-in piece in the rotation and the pen. I'd love to have him back in a milb deal. BARNES: I just don't there's enough STUFF to keep him unless he's the 39th/40th guy. I watched him closely his last start and saw high 80's and a couple low 90's FB and a couple really nice breaking and off speed pitches. Also so a few hung and crushed. I think he's done enough, shown enough, that if it turns out there is room, go ahead and protect him. Otherwise, expose him and see what happens. Love to have him back for depth and hope. GANT: He's had SOME success as a SP in his career, and has looked surprisingly solid for the Twins thus far, starting almost out of necessity. What I think the Twins have is not some late bloomer, but a solid middle man who can be stretched out and fill-in, If they expect more than that, I think they've shot low. He could be a solid BP piece with versatility. JAX: Oh, what might have been! The Twins were confident the military was going to change their demands/restrictions and allow him to persue a professional career. But it took 2 1/2 years for that to happen and it probably happened too late for him to reach his potential. And yet, despite rather pedestrian numbers, he's actually been solid in his milb career and has been promoted aggressively by the Twins, albeit out of necessity this season. At the ML level, he's been quality the first time through the order. The Cubs game the other day he supposedly couldn't feel the ball for his FB. But his slider looked great. And I thought it was his secondary stuff that was the problem? As a back end SP option or maybe a quality middle RP option I like him and would absolutely protect and keep him.

Going to preface my comments with a couple quick points: 1] With $50-60M available to spend, IF the FO/ownership IS intent on competing, there ARE ways to add to the top of the rotation via FA and trade to do so. I'm NOT saying they WON'T, just stating an obvious caveat to be considered. And that flows in to my second initial point... 2] Whether they go big, semi-big, or pull a rabbit or two out of their hat to add to the rotation...whatever...the pen has to be able to be counted on. (As best as you ever can considering the volatility of bullpens in general). I am way more confident in a possible pen for 2022 now than I was a couple months ago, and it's not just SSS and smoke and mirrors. LOCKS: That would be Rogers, Duffey and Thielbar. Unless the Twins know something they refuse to share, the expectation is Rogers will be healthy. Can't argue with what Duffey has done the past few years and his rebound the past few months. Despite some inherited runner problems earlier in the year, Thielbar has been a find, and a good one. NEAR LOCKS: Alcala, Minaya and Colome. If you've watched Alcala this year and not just read box scores and the such, you woukd have seen wicked stuff, SO, and some quality work. Mixed in, unfortunately, have also been 2R HR after dominating a couple of batters, But the flashes have been there. And he's looked really good the last month or so, he has to prove he's turned a corner. Minaya has a solid history and by all accounts I've heard, looked pretty solid in 2020 at the alt site. He's been good at St Paul and seems to have unlocked something the past 30 games plus. And please don't shoot the messenger on Colome! Despite his atrocious April and May, he's been very much his career self since June, despite a couple bad days. With his buyout figured in, he only costs about $4M for 2022, which has been previously pointed out. I believe he leads the league in saves since July if I read the stat correctly the other day. I think we have to look at his career and what he's done since June and just realize he'd probably be an excellent 7th-8th IP RP who COULD close a game. Whether via his option or a re-worked deal, he's back. FRINGE: Stashak, Garza, Garcia, Garcia, Farrell, Coulombe, Baraclough, Burrows, Vincent. The Twins are far smarter than I am, as well as much closer to the situation. There are almost undoubtedly a couple of these guys they have seen enough, and liked enough, to protect. But I suspect that is it. Just one or two and the rest allowed to walk or re-sign on a milb deal. Stashak may be an outlier from the rest. Despite relatively SSS, he was very good in '19 and '20 with high K numbers to start 2021 but poor secondary numbers before he was lost due to injury. Has he shown enough that you don't want risk losing him? WHO I DIDN'T CHOOSE: Gant and Moran. Gant is a given to be protected, but I am unsure about the Twins plans for him. He's had limited success as a ML SP and has looked solid thus far doing so for the Twins, almost out of necessity at this point. But I sure hope the plan is for him to be in the pen in 2022! Moran is a given to be protected as well but I doubt he's a "break camp" arm. Only reason I didn't include him. WHAT'S LEFT TO DO? Sign one quality late IP arm for $5-7M. FINAL CONCLUSIONS: Think about this pen to begin 2022: FA Rogers Duffey Thielbar Colome Alcala Minaya Gant Between a couple protected options and others not even discussed in the "who survives" portion of this discussion, not to mention young SP who can also fill-in, would you feel good about that pen beginning 2022? I would. The one negative I see here, which others have broached, is a pen with limited options. My arguement would be, if you have a really good pen, and at least a DECENT rotation...different topic...does the "option" situation matter as much?

ATTEMPTING to keep it brief: 1] Dobnak: In a season where everything went wrong, I'm not sure it could have gone any more wrong for one guy, that being Dobnak. An obvious miscalculation by the entire organization was committing to the veteran Shoemaker vs just taking a shot on the young prospect that was looking great. I have never expected greatness for Dobber, but he blew through 3 levels in 2019 and finished strong Before being put in a very awkward position of starting a playoff game against the Yankees. He was great to good for a little over half of 2020 and helped the Twins win the Central. HEALTHY, and given a real shot, I'm still very encouraged for him in 2022. Just keep him as a SP! 2] Colome: The pitcher he's been since June is basically the pitcher we THOUGHT we signed. Am I upset if they pick up his option or sign him to something smaller. Nope. Just as long as he's brought back as a middle man or potential setup man and he doesn't get in the way of ANOTHER $5-7M arm to team with Rogers. Because we need that along with another $2-3M Robles/Clippard sort of arm. I think we have to stop blaming Colome for a lost season and just realize he was only a small part. He's already bounced back in 2021, Don't sacrifice the 2022 pen by letting someone go who could help make a difference just because a horrendous 2 month stretch in 2021. 3] Jeffers: I love so much about Jeffers even though I think he's still developing. I just never fully bought in to the fact he would continue his 2020 production. It was just too much, too soon IMO. But I think he's more than capable of growing, developing, and actually being the 2020 version of himself going forward. But I love his ability and potential as a quality ML catcher. I also like a LOT of Rotvedt's game and potential, but he was as rushed as much as Celestino was. Garver should be the #1, no arguement, IMO. But if Jeffers finds his bat, to any degree, that allows Garver more and more to play DH, maybe some 1B, and stay in the lineup daily splitting time behind the plate more easily.

Dude, MLB has screwed with the September promotion in a big and bad way. We all know this. It used to be about promoting a few prospects for the next season. And it also allowed a guy or two to be rewarded for his milb career and get his cup of coffee at this level. Yes, it's OK to have a feel good story at the end of the season. Before MLB screwed with September call ups, it was about auditions as well as a reward here and there for a call up who was a "good soldier" and deserved his shot and cup of coffee. And he absolutely deserved it.

Roger hit on a point I was wanting to make. Unfortunately, the 40 man is an evaluation and guessing process that once in a while you are going to make mistakes with. It's basic math, a 25 man projected roster and only 15 more additions to protect. And EVERY team has a few of those 15 spots filled by lower level players that you don't necessarily expect to play for you that year, but simply have to protect. Celestino would be an example this year. I would have liked to protect both Badoo AND Wells. We all would, and so would have the Twins. But realistically, they seemed "safe" to not protect. Wells hadn't seen the field for 2years and neither had Badoo, more or less. And both were also coming off surgery. I don't know about you, but I was a bit surprised when they were selected and basically shocked when they were kept. I really expected both to struggle as young, inexperienced players and be returned to the Twins. And you can't use revisionist thinking now to see someone like Smeltzer, for example, who would end up hurt and miss almost the entire season. Smeltzer, again as an example, was seen as a useful depth piece for a team expected to contend, vs protecting someone not expected to contribute after missing 2yrs. I am not the least bit happy we lost Badoo and/or Wells. And we can say the FO blew it by not protecting either or both. But honestly, when is the last time you saw TWO rule 5 picks from a single team make the ML roster of a team and stick? And how many of you actually thought/predicted these two were going to do what they've done? I am NOT defending the FO here, mostly because I'm not sure they need to be defended for all the reasons I've stated previously. But in a year in which so much has gone wrong it's way too easy to point an extra finger of frustration at the rule 5 and sound off "See?!" For the record, I wouldn't have protected Badoo, no matter how talented being an A level prospect coming off injury and a lkst 2yrs. But I probably would have protected the older Wells who had reached AA. I think I would have gambled on health and projection that he might have been ready to contribute late in 2021.

I just love stories like this! It's part of the history and mystique of baseball, the "Crash Davis's" of the world getting their cup of coffee. I think this is well deserved and I'm happy for him. All the more reason I'm still upset with MLB for changing the September call up numbers. Come on MLB and fix this mistake for 2022 and beyond.

You have to keep Kepler. I think he's a much better overall hitter than he's shown this season. And we absolutely need his defense, great in RF and solid in CF occasionally. I have no doubt his injuries have affected him this year. It's been obvious at times. And I'm going to continue to bang the drum of the Twins needing a quality RH 4th OF so Kepler, and others, can sit at times against LH pitching. I'm still good keeping Sano, though I wouldn't be upset if he was moved as part of a deal for a SP. I can live with his "streakiness" as a hitter because he's very dangerous and can carry a team at times. But, generally speaking, I want him hitting around 6th-7th. I think his defense is better than what the error numbers show, though I think he was better last year, which I don't get. Big target, great arm, great at scoops and digging balls out. He'll share 1B with Kirilloff, maybe Garver, and also DH. He's just too dangerous to dismiss, but should keep that dangerous bat lower in the order. OBVIOUSLY SP is the #1 concern. The Twins HAVE to make a major investment in someone to lead the staff. And they have the $ to do so. I'm not sure who that guy will be, but Stroman just jumps out to me as the obvious choice, for various reasons. Is he going to cost $18M? $20M? I don't have the answer, but he or someone similar is key. Next, the FO just has to pull out another Odorizzi/Maeda type trade. The system is deep enough they SHOULD be able to find a match for a good, solid SP with a couple controllable years without having to make it hurt. This may be harder to do a 3rd time, and harder than just using $ to sign a FA. But that's what the FO is paid to do. I believe they then need to keep Pineda, or sign someone similar. (IMO, Pineda is almost a done deal). Ober and Ryan fill in 4th and 5th with Dobnak, healthy, as competition and depth. But there is also tremendous depth beyond that with beyond that coming up. But you just have to have 3 decent veteran types to lead the rotation to at least begin the 2022 season. From there, things can become fluid. It sounds easy. doesn't it? Target a guy or two at the top of your list and just get it done. Do what you've done before and do it again. Then sign a solid veteran to a 1yr deal, or maybe a 1+1. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as it sounds but it's what they need to do. IF they can do that, however, they will have proved their abilities. Next comes that 4th OF I'm banging the drum for. Then comes a pair of RP for $8-10M to add what we have. I just don't know they have the $ to sign one of the TOP FA SS. But as nice as it would be, do they have to? A quality defensive SS who is OK with the bat, and the offensive ability/potential of the lineup might be all we need. Galvin? If Simmons had been the hitter he was the last 3-4yrs he might have been a great signing. Didn't turn out that way. Could the Twins believe he might rebound and be that guy again?

Barring a surprise, I think they keep him. In fact, unless someone picks up about 100% of his deal, his greatest value is keeping him. Actually paying someone to take him doesn't really offer that much salary relief, especially when you consider how little we may get back vs what he can produce if relatively healthy. He MIGHT be an interesting 2022 trade piece if the Twins aren't contending or have a viable replacement in place. I find point #4 regarding his personality to be interesting. I'm not saying he is a bad teamate. In fact, I think it's just the opposite. Since he was signed young players have gravitated towards him and he has responded with leadership and advice as a sort of mentor. But to coin an old expression, he is a "red ass". His team loves him, and opponents hate him. Think AJ back in the day before Mauer took over and just about every team AJ played for. He has been quite healthy for this year and has basically produced to career norms. I think he is mature enough in his career to recognize and appreciate his DH usage to keep him fresh. And really, this team could maybe use a little "red ass" to keep everyone sharp and determined. I will argue that when he doesn't play 3B the Twins are destitute there, (And yes, I'm hoping for AT LEAST 60% of his games being spent there). Arraez has gotten better there the more he's played there. Not great, but OK. And 3B might be Astudillo's best spot. And this prospect named Miranda may just take over the position at some point in 2022. I'd keep Donaldson 100% unless someone picks up his salary and offers something back you can't turn down.

Interesting idea. And Torres is a young player with BIG bounceback possibilities. But too many question marks and seems to MAYBE be Polanco part 2. Complete pass. Despite being a fan and believer, I'm grudgingly going to admit the talented and athletic Kepler probably peaked in 2019. That being said, I think a slightly different approach, through experience, maturity, and a change in the hitting coach that I think is forthcoming, I can still improvement of what he's done lately. Better health would help as well. Kepler/Twins need a quality RH hitting 4th OF via trade or FA. This is a MUST overshadowed by pitching needs that far too many dismiss. Barring significant growth/change, Kepler should start 120G, and will probably play in 140 as a PH or defensive replacement. He is good to very good used that way as a RF and backup CF option. Call me crazy, but I think the offense is fine for 2022 with what we have, including Kirilloff healthy and Larnach being ready at some point. Not to mention Garver healthy and splitting time between catcher and DH and MAYBE a little 1B. The offensive approach just needs to find a little more consistency. I would be excited, as we all would be if the Twins made a major FA move at SS. But I think they are better served with concentrating on various SP/RP moves...long and short term...and said 4th OF and bringing in a SOLID SS option. Galvin is a guy I'm high on. But I also have to wonder what happened to Iglesias? Did he just suddenly lose it? He could be very interesting.

This list is perfect, though I could see arguements in regard to rankings. But I will comment based on the current list. 3] Ober: He's supposed to be in AAA considering his draft selection and injury history despite video game numbers when he was on the mound. He's worked very hard on his delivery to not only increase velocity, but to just feel healthy after each start. Tall and lanky, he was prone to injury. Suddenly, with hard work, he's found a fluid motion that has not only increased velocity, but he's gained a smooth and repeatable delivery. He's even tweaked his slider delivery on the fly. He's only gotten better the more he's pitched. Just STOP with IP arguements. He's a rookie, still learning, and having his IP monitored not only to protect him, but because the Twins are looking to toss some IP to others. This kid looks like a keeper. And if you don't think so, you aren't paying attention. 2] I was WTH, when Thielbar was brought back. Despite what he did in the Detroit system, I couldn't believe the Tigers wouldn't have brought him back. But he shined pretty well in 2020. His early 2021 numbers with the Twins don't indicate how bad he, and everyone else, were with runners in scoring position. (Inherited runners). But a switch was flipped a couple months ago. And while I still struggle as to how good be can be, and for how long, he has looked really good yet again. (Same as Duffey). 1] My single, biggest arguement with Rocco is in regard to Arraez. The , unfortunately deceased Bell, told Rocco to put him at #1 every day. There is a very wrong and disappointing misnomer, that being a "ballplayer" means you have grit but not ability. And that is SO WRONG! Arraez is NOT a superb athlete. He is NOT a power hitter or speed demon. But he is a BALLPLAYER! Has anyone taken time to actually look at his career? Or do they just casually gloss over reality? He's been asked to play LF/3B/SS/2B since he was brought up in 2019. And his attitude has been: "play me and give me a glove". And I've watched him since the day he came up. Do you realize his initial LF instruction was touch the wall and then step back 20-25 feet? He is still only 24yo. The more he plays, the better he is defensively. But 2B/3B/LF/DH he needs to be in the lineup for 500 AB or so! Bell bad it right! And Rocco needs to figure that out! Additional underrated? I didn't expect Jeffers to replicate 2020. Too much too soon. But you can see the ability and the potential. Garver showed yet again what he can do when healthy. Let him split time and DH and MAYBE play some 1B. If you actually look at the numbers, Donaldson has actually produced. He needs to continue to play 3B as well as DH. In fact, one of the biggest "problems" the Twins may face is finding enough playing time with a healthy and young talent group of Kirilloff, Lanrach and Miranda. Have to give a shout out to Farrell and and Minya and Coulombe. Their future is a mystery. But did anyone see them actually producing for 2021, much less be an option for 2022? Oh, sorry, almost left Alcala off the list, we've seen good and bad. But we've seen mkre good than bad recently.

Only got to watch a couple of the middle innings, which was great as we had the lead and the pen was performing. I can't and won't comment on the umpiring as I didn't see enough. What disappoints the hell out of me as I had this wonderful post half composed in my head about the way the Twins can beat the Yankees is jump on a red-eye to N.Y. for a single game, arrive with little to no sleep, then throw a bullpen game to win. But, alas, it was not to be. The strange perception I take out of this game is Colome. He BLEW IT. No question. And it sucks and hurts, and not just because I had a fun post planned. If Colome had pitched the whole season like he has since June 1st, would we have such vitriol? We might still have a blown season because ONE GUY isn't to blame for 2021. IF Colome had been what was expected, he'd still have a few bad games here and there, including today. But fan/public opinion might be very different. Look, I wouldn't be surprised if Colome was brought back on a smaller contract based on his career, and what he's done since June. (Should be a smaller contract IF it happens). There is potential for him to be an experienced middle guy. And I wouldn't be surprised if both parties just walked away because it just didn't work out. But what I find humerous/interesting is if both sides walk, there will be someone who looks at Colome's career, and his much better 2/3 of a season and think they got a smart signing. If he has a great 2022, do we, as fans, then gripe we didn't keep him? Understand, I'm at BEST keeping Colome at 50/50. I just think perspective in a horrible, disappointing season is difficult to quantify. Fans deal with emotion. A FO and coaching staff see things differently. Just tossing this out for conversation sake and interest. This game still stunk!

I was impressed with how Jax responded. He could have allowed himself to be rattled but he didn't. He went out and threw 5 more really good innings. Does make me wonder why he didn't get another one though, considering the pit h count.

I wish I could have watched the game instead of just checking the box score and the listening to the break up of the perfect game while in my car. Even though Cleveland has a less than stellar lineup, how can you not be impressed for what Ryan did tonight? He was amazing! This kid is riding lightening right now and the Twins need to give him all the chances they can to get him ready for 2022. He has the stuff and the attitude to be a stalwart. Just how good he can be is yet to be determined, obviously. I am super amped up as to his potential as a potential ML SP piece for the Twins. But I'm also a realist. I am NOT being a downer, but I still want to see Johnson work with him the rest of the year and going in to next season on some sort of reliable 3rd pitch. He finds any sort of 3rd pitch with his FB, slider, and control and moxy, he just might be special. At WORST, we might be looking at a really good #2 or excellent #3 SP. And let us pause for a moment to remember how good Ober has looked and developed while even making some adjustments on the fly. I want to be guarded knowing growing pains will happen at some point, but, how can you not be excited this first wave of young rotation pieces, one developed and one brought in? Really excited as to how each finishes the season. Also really excited to see what Dobber does to finish the year, healthy again. Despite some bad pitches and some poor defense there was a lot to like from his last start. IF he can finish 2021 looking like the initial 2020 version of himself, the Twins could be looking at a 2022 pipeline of young SP talent for the future. There's still a lot to play for this season, even in a lost year, to get ready for 2022.