DocBauer

Hindsight is always perfect 20/20 so I think a good deal of perspective needs to be taken in discussions like this and future ones that will take place in the future. Call me foolish or overly optimistic, but I felt this was a legitimate 94-95 win team that MIGHT be a few games better thzn that if a Shoemaker, Robles and a couple others stepped up. (At least for the first half when some additional talent would/might be ready for the second half). I NEVER saw this many injuries or virtually the entire team getting off to such a poor start. But it is time to cease finger pointing and blame and "whoa is us as fans" complaints and address tomorrow, and the days after that. This team, as constructed, has holes to be sure. And it reminds me a lot of 2018 when it felt like the Twins were ready to turn a corner before a poor '18 slide. But the nucleus of that team was in place for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. And most of those guys are still here, and still under 30yrs old. And while there are questions, serious questions in some cases, I don't believe these players have suddenly quit caring, quit trying, or suddenly lost their ability to play baseball. I hate to say it because it will come off like a poor excuse, but sometimes s**t happens. Guys get hurt. Guys have a bad start, or a bad year. Sometimes a FO, even a smart and successful one, put a plan together and it JUST DOESN'T WORK, even if it looks generally good on paper. What was CLEARLY supposed to happen, IMO, was a very solid team with a few question marks, that was preparing to win/contend while still having the luxury of re-tooling some on the fly. For example: a healthy Shoemaker being solid for the first half as a back end SP and Duran being ready to step in later. Example: multiple arms, some signed and some prospects, doing what we saw in both '19 and '20 and filling in/being promoted when called on. Example: Kirilloff ready for daily duty, or nearly ready, and Larnach to follow later in the year and Rooker building on his milb performance and SSS in '20 before injury robbed him of finishing the year, as a solid role player. These are just a few examples of how this team was built and how things were supposed to go, more or less. But to "blow up" and re-build a team with so many under 30yr old players who just brought in back to back ALC divisions is foolhardy as well as short-sighted. And I'm NOT saying to NOT trade or promote and audition. But to just dump guys tomorrow is a little silly as someone has to play the field and take the mound. The milb season started late, in case you forgot. As 2021 luck would have it, two of our top SP prospects had a delayed start. A kid who might already be in the pen, Colina, may be out for most of the year. Lewis is definitely out for the year. But yes, very soon, they will need to move some expiring contracts and get what you can for them, whether it be a decent A flier or maybe a potential bullpen arm at AA on the rise. 5yrs in, barely, and we want to complain about the system producing or not producing....forgetting the past 2yrs and injuries...Kirilloff and Larnach aren't going anywhere. We've seen what Jeffers might become, though he was pushed a bit. Rortvedt and Celistino, also pushed, are getting their feet wet. So has Ober and now Jax. Duran has only 3 or 4 starts so far, but could be ready by July. Winder has looked great as has Canterino. Both should be ready for promotions soon. Same with Miranda. And these are just kids at the upper levels who could all be ready soon. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Financially speaking, an actual full year of "normal" baseball helps the team's pocketbook. There will be expiring contracts, some traded, to allow for additional trade or FA signings next year to re-tool the roster. (Though there are a couple potential extensions to still consider). But any tanking idea or dismantling of the roster, despite 2021, is just naive. The Twins need to promote and audition in a lost season. They need to cut bait here and there to be sure. But as a whole what the roster needs is a re-tooling, not a re-build. The problem is said re-tooling was supposed to take place during a very different 2021 and the off season and not begin now.

Duran should be up at some point the 2nd half of the season. As a SP, PERIOD. Even if the Twins SOMEHOW go on a June tear, let him start. Hell, if the team did go on a tear, he might be part of the reason. Winder needs to be up to AAA SOON! ML promotion is somewhat debatable, but let it ride. Canterino, IMO, should have started the season at Wichita. There is value in protecting his arm due to IP, but only because he missed 2020 and not because of his college use. We are beyond that now after sitting most of last year. I can absolutely see Sands and Enlow at St Paul the second half of the year as well. Maybe not a potential ML debut that Duran should have, maybe Winder, but them closer and ready. Balazovic is frustrating only because of his late start. DON'T blow it by over burdening him, but don't be afraid to at least give him a couple weeks at AAA if he's healthy and doing what he can do. Promote Miranda soon. The Twins invested heavily on INF a couple years ago and we are generally seeing very positive results so far. Promote them soon. You can't be afraid of prospects playing well after a lost year. You need to adjust timeliness. Get Julian and Steer and others up to the level they deserve to be at. There is a lot to like with what is happening at the milb level right now. Please don't be passive.

Just wanted to address the Lewis idea. I have little doubt he could be a quality CF with his talent and his look-see at the position during his AFL stint. And versatility is a great thing! But while he may still be a little raw at SS, he has the range, arm, and body control to be a solid/good SS. You don't give up on such a talented kid at at SS at this point.

No offense to Celestino, who I have high hopes for and should have a floor as a 4th OF, but how crazy is this season when we're on our 5th CF the 2nd of June? I'd rather let Celestino play great defense and get his feet wet rather than bring up Broxton and have to create yet another 40 man spot. And let's not forget Broxton slid a lot in ST and hasn't done anything at St Paul this season so far. Really hoping Whitefield continues to play well and gets to spend the 2nd half of the year at St Paul. He's not just a good story, the guy has real skills and is a quality athlete. But we all knew he was going to take a while to tap in to that ability. Run with Celestino for now. Not going to lie, I really like the idea of Gordon getting some side work in CF and maybe trying it when he gets back to AAA. He's still young, fast an athletic. He adds his lost weight back on, hopefully adds a few more pounds of muscle...and there's room to easily add 10-12lbs of such...his arm may improve at SS a bit. You MIGHT yet end up with a useful utility player that MAY be able to play a little CF here and there. Absolutely worth a shot, just not at the ML level in games at this point.

Unless this forearm tightness is something bad, I'd say to re-sign him. I like the 2yrs for $26 idea a lot. I don't like the trade him and then re-sign him. Feasible? Yes. But he could like his next team as much as the Twins, they like him too and so they offer an even better deal. Things change when things change. We need pitching...everyone does...and I'm for keeping what you have when it's good. And he's a good, solid SP who would be excellent in the 4th spot if we can find someone better for the front of the rotation. Now, is someone better via trade, FA or Duran getting his feet wet the second half of 2021? But I'd re-sign him.

Just so happy to have milb back as well as the TD coverage of such. And that coverage is awesome! Thank you and everyone yet again for all of your hard work. While we have SSS here and there to consider, I think the positives outweigh the negatives when breaking down your OP here and the previous one. And there have been some good surprises thus far as well, in fact, too many to really name. I agree age shouldn't really be a defining factor for anything other than prospect rankings. But age IS a factor currently after losing a full season. Basically, the entire 2019 draft class saw a half season at most before sitting for a year. Some guys, injuries being a factor in some cases, barely or never saw the field at all. Of course, the 2020 kids saw nothing until now. So age vs level and production may take a year or two to level out to something more "normal". The one thing I hope the Twins will do is be aggressive with promotion in 2021. Beating a dead horse yet again, MLB did EVERYONE from the parent team down to each and every prospect a dis-service by shortening the season. Yes, there was an Instruct League, but there's always been one. Only a few prospects got the benefit of the reserve team in 2020, more so for non-conteners, less so for teams like the Twins. Glad to see Celestino get hot and get promoted. Did Whitefield learn and develop enough in 2020 to follow him? I know he's raw but he's looked tremendous thus far. (I can be patient) Miranda and Winder and Canterino should be up soon. And they need to be for the Twins and their own personal future. IMO. Can't wait to see a healthy Balazovic get on the bump! Still getting used to the new milb format, but some version of the GCL is still intact, correct? DSL and young, recently drafted players will still start to play at the Ft Myers complex soon with hopes of being promoted to low A before the year is done.

1] Move the 2B extra inning runner rule to the 12th inning. 2] Enforce a 20 second pitch clock. I can go along with 15 seconds with no-one on base. But you also have to enforce the batters staying in the box as well or you've done nothing. Give the batter 5 seconds to step out and adjust. Your fault if you didn't put enough pine tar on your bat before you stepped in. 3] Eliminate the 3 batter rule. I think it's been proven to have no positive effect. 4] Shifts are fine. Extreme shifts are just boring! Everyone should be required to have TWO players on the dirt on either side of 2B. You can cheat all the way to 2B, but not 3 on any one side. 5] DH in both leagues. It's time. And I think even those who aren't crazy about the DH realize it's time for uniformity. 6] A 27 man roster with a cap on 13 pitchers. Similar to 2020. The game has changed. It's time to change with the times. Not everyone has their AAA club across town or a couple hours away. There are still minor injuries that happen but don't warrant an IL stint. Platoons and situational baseball has changed. An extra bench player to provide PH, PR and depth options makes too much sense in today's game. 7] Eliminate the STUPID September limited roster roster promotion rule. This was done as a ridiculous "integrity of the game" idea that losing teams, out of contention, wouldn't load their lineup with prospects against a team still playing for a post season spot. How in hell is a bad team that much worse auditioning a player or two at the end of the season? Further, how about a playoff team that wants to audition a player or two for the future and maybe rest a couple guys getting ready for the playoffs to be ready for optomim performance? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face! Maybe I'm just being an experienced and opinionated jerk, but I think all of these points are logical, needed, and easy, and cheap, to implement. And they ALL improve the game. A pair of final considerations: A] I am not against robot umpires. But you go down a rabbit hole to milb, college baseball, etc. It may happen. And that's fine. But I'd still rather see education, more review and grading and control. MLB and the players union have more control than the umpire union does. I'd rather start with better evaluation and promotion-demotion. B] This one is just tongue in cheek and silly and having a bit of an old school love, but since there are so many uniform rules in all sports already, how about some rule where pants have to be so many inches above the shoe, or below the knee? LOL! I know it sounds stupid, but there is still something fun about actually seeing the traditional look of the socks. Accept everything posted and give me all the crap you want to about the uniforms.

I would ave preferred Semien and was hopeful. I know Semien at SS would be a downgrade at SS, but he would have been solid there, IMO, and still allowed the move of Polanco to 2B. The thing that we just don't know from the above numbers is how Semien's total value might have dropped, in comparison to Simmons, were he at SS instead of 2B. I think the Twins did well to pivot to Simmons and I'm just not sure, were I in charge, that I would have signed Semien for the extra $8M. That just seems like a lot. But if I could revise the off-season, I think I would have done it and spent another couple $M on keeping May over Colome. And that's not rear looking 20/20 vision. It's just what I would have done, though admittedly it would have bumped the payroll a little. I have no problem with the Simmons signing to be sure. And he's a better offensive player the past few years than we are seeing right now. He's been slumping a bit lately after coming off the IL but history says he should/could rebound and improve. Any disparity between Semien and Simmons might be closer at the end of the year than we see now, not including the aformentioned caveat "what if" Semien was still at SS. But again, Semien for 1yr at $18M and a couple $M more to keep May would have been a net payroll raise of approximately $5-6M. I am not blasting the FO for what they did in this equation, but coming off back to back outstanding seasons and looking to contend in 2021, I would have gone this route.

At the end of the day, I'm glad we won. That's the most important thing. And not all wins will be pretty. But all wins count the same. (Like it or not, the Royals have been TOUGH on the Twins for several years now). Nice outings by Alcala and Duffey. Not so great by Robles but he's been looking pretty good and everyone allows z run here and there. Rogers was just...WOOF...before finishing it up. A double followed by a 2 run shot for Mondesi's first of the year with a 3 run lead? Not so good. And if I'm not mistaken, wasn't it on a 0-2 or 1-2 count? I think Kirilloff and Larnach are here for good, barring a temporary demotion due to roster crunch or similar. They are just too good and both seem ready. I know it's still SSS, and I know regression to some sort of norm is coming, but I'm starting to think/believe Refsnyder just might be the "RH version of Jake Cave" this team needs going forward, especially as LH dominant as the OF now stands.

I make no excuses for him in regard to his "streakiness". Despite some injury setbacks, he's experienced enough now they shouldn't be as prelevant as they are. But it's also hard to argue with a career OPS of .824. He's just not consistent enough to put him in a 3 or 4 spot in the lineup. But he's so damn dangerous you don't want to put him lower than 5 or 6. The misnomer about him is that he's only a feast or famine player who takes poor AB. The truth is, he takes great AB and works the count. The problem might be that he is not aggressive enough at times and ends up SO with 3-2 counts, etc. Sorry for bad recall, but during a recent broadcast they were relaying that one of the things the staff was working with him on was looking for a pitch early that he could handle vs working the count. Sounds crazy, right? But it also makes a lot of sense when you think about it. When you have that dangerous of a bat, maybe being a little more aggressive early...unless you're just getting out of the zone offerings...makes real sense. Maybe being a little more pro-active is the key for him.

Yep. It feels like either "panic" thinking that 2021 is lost so might as well start a re-build, or, "we just don't like Berrios or believe in him". And that's not a shot at anyone. Just my interpretation on the subject. Again, we're walking a tightrope. You don't want to develop a quality arm...who still has potential...and then lose him for nothing but a draft pick. I get that. But I've always believed you keep what you have, when it's good unless the numbers just don't make sense. And we just don't know enough yet about those numbers. Also, we often debate about "going all in". Is it really so hard to see a few changes and tweaks to this team in the next off-season and see them as legitimate contenders in 2022? If so, then isn't keeping Berrios for another season, even if you risk losing him, part of "going for it"? Just tossing that out there.

An outstanding breakdown Parker, as usual! Why aren't you working as a coach somewhere again? One of the best things about baseball is the stories of the players themselves. Some guys have a hot month or two, Refsnyder currently, some have a couple good years, think Led Ford, and some turn in to potential MVP sluggers at age 27+, think Cruz. I refuse to think of Refsnyder as anything other than a guy who got hot at the right time when given an opportunity....for now. His milb career has been solid, but he's never been able to put things together at the ML level thus far. I'm sure there are many reasons why, including the points stated in the OP. But is entirely possible that at 30yo he found the right place and time, and the right coaches to help him coalesce his previous experience and experiments in regarding to hitting for an approach that just "works". Totally agree regression is obviously in order. I also agree that if he could settle in as a .260-.280 hitter, etc, etc, that he could be a RH version of Cave with greater positional flexibility. And that would be a good thing because other than a roster crunch that could force the Twins hand, Kirilloff and Larnach don't appear to be going anywhere and neither is Kepler. What has truly surprised me is his defense, the little I've been able to watch him. He's a 2B/utility fielder who has played some OF here and there, but doesn't seem to have played any CF until 8 games in 2018 and 5 games until 2019. And yet, he's looked surprisingly comfortable and competent in CF with the Twins despite the drop a couple nights ago when a ball hit the heel of his glove.

The biggest problem with this whole idea is two fold: 1] We really have no clue what Berrios is hoping for/expecting OR what the Twins have offered thus far. I mean, is he looking for $18-20M per? With his track record and being only 27yo with upside remaining, he's worth that. Does he want $25M+ and 7-10 -years? Then you're talking crazy numbers. 2] Do the Twins want to compete in 2022? If the answer is yes...and not blow things up...thdn you need a quality pitcher like Berrios and any "who cares who fills his spot" thinking is short sighted and dangerous. The Twins system has more than a few really good looking SP options on their way. And several of them could/shoukd see second half promotions this year. There is a really good chance a few them could be ready to audition late this season. But I can't see a contending club in 2022 just saying "oh, we think at least one of them will come through and shine and we'll be just fine". And I don't buy the arguement either of "we won't pay thjs guy, so we'll trade him and just sign someone else". Huh? I know we're walking an uncomfortable and narrow line of 1yr of control left and will he or won't he re-sign, but without more idea of the numbers involved...and speculation of demands isn't a fair arguement...i feel any trade discussion is premature at best.

I watched a little of the game on lunch break today and had to go back right before Sano came to bat. Ugh! Sure wish I had gone to break just 5 minutes later! What I saw of Pineda was what he always is, good if not great. We all know Happ and Shoemaker were signed to 1yr deals with intent. That intent being, obviously, to fill out the staff and bridge the gap until a couple of the prospects were ready. And while they have been a bit inconsistent, they have largely done what was expected. But, no question either or both could be moved at some point if the Twins don't fully right the ship and get back to .500 relatively soon and keep climbing. makes obvious sense. What I don't want to see happen is trading Pineda and his expiring deal, regardless of their record and any contention , or not. In fact, I'd really like to keep him around for another couple of years, and I suspect he really likes being a Twin and would like to stay. I'm not sure the $ parameters of a deal, but he shouldn't be overly expensive. I know the jury is still out on Dobnak...practically a rookie still...but Berrios, Maeda, Pineda and Dobber are a njce 4-sum to begin 2022, with the kids coming up and trade and FA possibilities available. If you've got something/someone good it seems to be you try to keep it. Way to go Sano! It was only a matter of time until he started making better contact and going on a tear. Now we need Buxton back.

Sorry, typo I meant Winder not Wisler.

My takeaway is simple, you're supposed to beat lesser teams. We did that. It's gut check time for the 2021 Twins. They have a stretch where they can fold or reclaim themselves to be a competitive and quality team. The injuries are massive. Coupled with just bad and unexplainable poor play early leaves 2021 as a probable disappointing season. But there is still a shot to do something. Berrios wasn't in top form. But he battled. Isn't that what a top rotation SP is supposed to do? We can proclaim the Twins are playing a lesser team, and I believe that is true. But this also can be a stretch where we just "get right" and play better and gain confidence and maybe, maybe, start to look like the team we were supposed to be and make a run. Kudos to Refensnyder for getting a shot and running with it. Despite a bad ball play he should have had in tonight's game, he has been pressed in to a position NEVER expected and has done unexpectedly well. We are NOT where we are supposed to be for a variety of of reasons from injury to almost unexplainable poor play from everyone all at once. There is still some small hope. The next 50 games or so will determine that hope. But regardless, I will be here as a fan. And I will love watching AK and Larnach establishing themselves and others who may make their appearance. I don't think the 2021 Twins are done just yet. They ARE playing better as of late. They might even challenge for contention. Especially if they could actually get healthy. Pipe dream? Maybe, But we all know baseball is also a reflection of life. There is always tomorrow. The Twins have more than a few potential tomorrow wins in front of them. And IF they can't capitalize, I will love watching the young talent on hand and that will come up the second half. But this team isn't done yet.

First of all thank you for updates like this, and thanks to all the milb game writers. The milb updates are a true joy for those of us who pay such close attention to the system, in my case since the early 80's. Really missed this in 2020. What still confounds me is the late start to the 2021 season after the washout of 2020. These kids already missed so much time and the late start to the season handcuffs the Twins, and everyone else, when it comes to promotions. There is nothing to be done about late starts due to injury such as in the cases of Duran, Balazovic, Vallimont, etc. But what about guys like Miranda, Wisler and Canterino, for example. If they continue to progress as expected and hoped for. A few extra weeks delay also delays their potential promotions, and delays possible ML appearances. Think about the Twins injury depleted OF. Refsnyder has been, at least, a temporary godsend. And he should be applauded. But what if he crashes and burns soon? What if there is another injury? Celestino got off to a slow start and Whitefield got off to a tremendous and surprising start. What if the Twins have to drop down to AA for legitimate CF help? Would a few more weeks make a huge difference? Perhaps not. But it COULD provide more confidence in promotion for the Twins, but also greater confidence for the player themselves. I may be splitting too many hairs here and I'll admit that. But after losing a full season of development time, I think MLB did a dis-service to the teams and the players with their delayed start and shortened season.

I don't want to trumpet Cano as any bullpen savior, but to be fair, he was seen as a fast riser when signed. A lost season shouldn't affect any trajectory as to what he could be. I would dare to say his reports at signjng and limited time and projection and performance would say his floor is a solid middle man and a potential set-up guy. Anything more than that is gravy. But age, stuff and numbers and experience indicate he should be a pretty quick promotion to AAA. From there, we will see. But he clearly has arm talent. It's the reason he was signed in the first place. Selfishly, I WANT Chalmers to stay in the rotation. I WANT better control...which he has flashed at times...and a 3rd pitch that is at least decent to remain a SP. But I think we've all known for a while now that his projection is a RP. Now, he still needs to work on control, but being a little wild as a RP is not a killer with big SO numbers and poor contact. Some kind of 3rd pitch is still beneficial and I hope he can still find/maintain at least a decent offering there. But his projection is floor as a solid arm to ceiling as quality set-up to potential closer. It's up to him, but he was a great flier no matter what. Hackimer follows a great tradition of ML and Twins RP who throw side-arm, or lower, who produce and flash. So very few have had great or long careers. I hope he defies the odds. He has to be able to throw 90+ consistently with control and also have a couple other pitches. He doesn't have to throw mid 90's due to deception and arm angle. But arm angle alone doesn't do it. He needs to "drop in" breaking stuff and change of speed to be anything other than another milb arm.

I was honestly a little surprised that Wells and Badoo were selected considering Wells basically missing 2yrs and Badoo so young and having played at such a low level. Even still, I had thought/hope that either or both would be returned. Unfortunately for the Twins, they were selected by re-building teams that appear determined to keep both regardless of performance in order to keep both players. I wish them both the very best. Unfortunately, you can't protect everyone.

1] I agree with Smalley that that was one of the best 4R rookie performances I've seen. Ober wasn't great in any way. But I saw a decent FB and off speed stuff with movement that kind of surprised me. Almost looked his stuff moved too much. Over amped? Unfortunately his change betrayed him a couple of times. I do think he got squeezed a couple of times. I am NOT an Ober hater, but I actually expected the worst tonight. I say that despite AMAZING milb numbers and being a seemingly intelligent kid, but despite his numbers, he has so few milb IP in his professional portfolio. But the FO has liked enough of what they have seen and at least some projectability to put him on the 40 man. I'm not sure his future value other than a 4th or 5th SP, with time and better control, especially his change after what I saw tonight. And I love that his velocity has crept in to the 90's to go along with control and deception. Really surprised how fast he's been promoted with limited time. A little more control...mmmm...mjght be a solid back end SP. And that's not a slight. IMO, the Duffey pitch was lack of control or a slip on a dirty mound. LaRussa had already apologized to the Twins for the HR the night before. In the history of "retaliation" pitches, have you EVER seen one that was so wide and outside it was almost a wild pitch? Even IF it was an intentional pitch ,it was so crazy outside and unintentional in appearance that any removal from the game was BS IMO. But kuddos to Rocco to being kicked out for defending his team and pitcher. Maybe we need a little more of that. Maybe too little, too late, not his fault for everything that has transpired, but kudos for Sano to FINALLY find himself.

A well thought out piece but I would disagree somewhat here and there. I agree Dobnak needs to work on control, and this is just my opinion, but I think his stuff almost moves too much at times. But the secret to him is getting that slider to be consistent. I watched him a little in ST and that slider looked wicked! He harnesses that, and can reign in the break of his fastball, he has everything needed to be a solid SP. We are in agreement on Thorpe. A "dead arm" for a week or two early in the season is not unusual. You build up, you lose a little, and then you "muscle" back up. A LH with control, a change, a solid breaking ball, can succeed with high 80's velocity. A LH who can throw in the low 90's with the aforementioned can be pretty good. So who is Thorpe? I'm not sure right now. But I'm confused and kind of upset the Twins aren't just letting him pitch as a starter right now. Ober surprised me tonight. I expected the worst. I saw a decent, solid performance from a rookie starter with limited experience who threw some great pitches and maybe got squeezed a bit. But his change killed him. But I saw some good things I wasn't sure I was going to see. But I am just if not more excited for the second half of the season. Happ and Shormaker will be gone. Personally, I am hoping Pineda is not only kept but is re-signed as our 4th rotation piece for 2022 with another addition to the rotation next year, however it happens. And I'm 100% with you on letting the prospects play/pitch at this point. But what I'm waiting for is Duran, Chalmers, Winder, Balazovic and Celestino and a few others to climb the latter the second half and audition and get themselves ready for the second half of 2021 and 2022.

Yes, I absolutely 100% feel the Twins have been a victim of bad luck. They have had a covid issue, they have had a number of injuries including multiple in the same game and I think you could even make an argument that 2 weeks of day games to begin the season took the team out of normal routines, especially when they started to slide and maybe could have used some infield or batting practice. They've also had a number of weird bounces and hops and lame duck bloop hits, and seeing eye grounders, etc, that have victimized them in crucial moments. And these things absolutely could and probably did lead to some tough losses and might have lead to the cascade of losses that now make this season look like an apparent lost year. BUT...not including vast injury issues...tough bounces, blind singles, bloop hits and weird bounces happen to every team and balance out overall. What is NOT bad luck are fumbled grabs, poor throws, hanging pitches with 0-2 counts and ineptitude to put a ball in the OF with runners on 3rd and no or 1 out(s) or a failure to even advance a runner in crunch time. Weird things happen in baseball at times. What's truly weird to me is a sudden collapse of so many players and such bad performances all at once. You expect to see bad years, bad weeks, even bad months here and there. But a virtual collapse of performance in all areas for a talented team expected to contend like this is something I've seldom seen. Unfortunately, reminds me of the Twins in 2011, but maybe even worse. I don't think Baldelli just became a poor manager or Johnson just suddenly became a poor pitching coach. I don't think the "talent" of the players just suddenly evaporated like vapor in the air. But a successful team is a result of many pieces of a puzzle put together. Once in a while, you build what appears to be a good team, but the pieces just don't fit right. You add some bad luck like injury situations and the such, suddenly you have the 2021 Twins.

Maybe it's hopefull naivete, but I still like Dobnak based on the majority of his work thus far...a rookie who has flashed but had some bad days...and his new, still developing, slider. He needs to continue to get innings and be stretched out and get a shot. In a lost season Happ and Shoemaker aren't part of 2022 and beyond. I think he has a shot to be a solid bulldog back end SP who MIGHT rise to #3 status if he can truly harness that slider. Thorpe is more of an enigma. He WAS projectable his entire milb season even after 2 missed seasons. There was enough velocity, stuff and numbers including K numbers, to indicate he had a future as a SP. Then came 2020. However, he came in to 2021 with a better frame of mind and a body that was in great shape to match his new attitude. His first start with the Twins was solid. He seemed even better in his 2nd start and it was unfortunate he was credited with 3R as 2 inherited runs scored when the pen couldn't come through. After it was reported his velocity was in the high 80's after being in the 90's in ST, he stated he had a "dead arm" despite pitching solidly. Now, it's not uncommon for any pitcher early in the season to have a short stretch where his arm feels that way. It happens. You've been ramping up, pitching, lose a little velocity, and then the arm just recovers like any part of the body does/can and suddenly the velocity comes back again. Again, not uncommon. But why isn't he starting for St Paul? If they still believe he has a real shot, and want to bring him up as a SP as they have done twice already, then why isn't he in the Saints rotation? This perplexes me to no end. IF the Twins want him in the pen, then fine. Move him there and let him cut loose with velocity and be the best RP he can be whether it's for one inning or two. But until you make that final determination...and I wouldn't at this point...put him in the rotation and ride him. The Saints rotation, by mid-season hopefully, will have a couple live arms joining them with big upside. But who does Thorpe block at this point? Nobody. Let him start!

I was not a big fan of the trade at the time as I felt the 2018 Twins had more talentthan their record and had a shot to be pretty good in 2019. And, as it turned out, the Twins WERE very good in 2019 and ended up with a solid bullpen, overall, to finish the season even though the first half was held together with duct tape, bailing wire and overuse of Rogers. However, the arm talent of Alcala is tantalizing, even if he never achieves stud closer status. There is absolutely potential for him to at least be a quality set-up man. Celestino is not a direct replacement for Buxton, shoud that occur in a couple of years. But he is a legitimate CF defensively with a budding bat, some pop and a little potential power to go along with speed and SB potential to bring a different dimension to the club. Right now, I would rather have had Pressly the past 3yrs, even though I don't know how much of a difference he would make here in 2021. He AND May this season may have made a difference. But 2yrs from now, I think it's very possible we watch Alcala in the pen and Celestino as a starting OF, or at worst a young 4th OF still developing, and we may see this as a WIN for the Twins. But I think we're still a couple seasons from having a final determination here.

Encourad by everything Ober has done. His injury history is a concern. His lack of pure velocity also has to be a concern. But you can't deny the AMAZING numbers he's produced when healthy. Encouraged by his reported new regiment to make himself just feel better after starts. Despite very obvious physical differences, he sort of reminds me of Radke. Radke threw a little harder, but relied on control and changing his offerings. Same with Ober, with length that probably makes his FB look better than it is. Both seemed to know how to pitch and stay in the zone with their stuff. I'm still unsure right now. I watched Winder in ST and read and watched everything I could about him. I honestly think he's on the same level right now as Duran, Balazovic and Canterino. I know the Twins are having a collape similar to 2011, but I'd be really concerned about gutting the roster, OR, promoting young arms too early. Hard as it is as a Twins fan, I'd really like to wait until mid season to ramp up all of these arms for 2022 with a couple MAYBE helping the pen for the second half. ALWAYS thought the FO was thinking Happ and Shoemaker would be replaced sooner or later by Dobnak and Thorpe with Duran and Balazovic and Winder and others coming up soon. I think Gray has a real shot. The talent and instinct seems to be there. He's off to a great start. But a 2019 draft selection with half a season, then no season, and a hot start? Like a lot of guys, unfortunately, he's starting behind the 8 ball. But a good start so far in 2021! Ditto for Julian! I thought the Twins had a reaĺy good 2019 draft, all things considered. Which means not only is the MLB draft the ultimate crapshoot, but I also realized they addressed a lot of need in the organization and brought in a lot of infield options. Julian is one of them. I know you were only focusing on 4 guys at each level, but I feel there are 3 guys that HAVE to be looked at, even at thjs early point. Cavaco, despite a poor 1st rookie season as a fast riser draft pick has seemed to embrace development in the pandemic and is off to a great start in 2021. We don't know yet where Steer will play. Probably not enough power to be a full time 3B. MAYBE he's just not a good enough glove man to play SS on a daily basis. But it sure seems like this kid can hit and pick it and play just about anywhere . And I have to bring Whitefield in to the discussion. How can you not? I know his 2021 production, so far, could be a mirage. But the Twins didn't sign him simply as a fun story. They saw an ATHLETE with power and speed and defensive ability who MIGHT put it altogether after a few years and turn out to be an quality player. He looked good early and then struggled. Not surprising. He was always a long shot. And a SSS is nothing to bet on....but...is maturity, talent, time spent in ST Paul last season....suddenly bringing about growth and maturation we only hoped for? Hes at least an early season surprise at this point.