DocBauer

Just a couple side notes: 1] I have no idea right now without looking back at previous handbooks, or reading the new one comjng out, or doing exhaustive research, etc, what Fatherstone or Funderburk throw. But you don't have the K numbers they had this year if you don't have SOMETHING to offer in regard to velocity and breaking pitches. Seems jts all about control and refinement with them. 2] I remember Featherstone transitioning to the mound after his rookie half year as a position player. But I had completely forgotten he had TJ surgery and missed 2yrs PLUS the 2020 season. To miss all that time and yet pitch at A+ in 2021 with success and a high K rate is pretty remarkable, even with a high BB rate. 3] For some bizarre reason, I thought Laweryson was drafted earlier than 2019. I guess memory fails sometimes, LOL. He appeared in 10 games his rookie year at Elizabethton, 6 GS before I GS at CR. He then, like everyone, missed 2020 and jumped to A+ CR this year with mixed results in 15 games. His ERA was high but his other numbers were solid, including high K numbers. The more I look at and reflect on this group of "marginal" prospects who are all outside the top 30 prospect lists with the exception of Wallner, the more curious and interested I become. I'm expecting nothing from Bechtold, sorry to say. I have some hope that the athletic Helman will blossom. But more and more I'm seeing a real plan for the pitchers here. They are "asking" Funderburk and Featherstone to prove they are ready for Wichita next year. And they are asking Laweryson to follow the Gross and Gipson-Long path of later round draftees who have a SOMETHING to work with and develop. I hate to just repeat my previous comments about this group being "interesting" and agreeing they are all "show me" prospects, but the more I look and reflect the more I'm intrigued. I think the FO is being very deliberate with the arms they sent to AFL, knowing what they already have with the arms they didn't send.

Easy choice. And he may never again reach some of the numbers he hit this season. So what?! HR might decrease, doubles might increase, BA might go up, etc. This guy is a STUD. And we've seen glimpses of what he can do before and we shouldn't really be surprised. And while it's OK if the roster construction going forward has him as an occasional backup SS, he needs to remain at 2B. He's good there and only going to get better. In the history of MLB, SS and CF were defensive positions. And then things changed in the 80's and beyond when we began to see amazing athletes take over those positions to change the game and our perceptions. But for some reason, we still hold on to archaic beliefs that 2B is where you just "stash" a guy who can't play SS. Talk to Whitaker, White, Knoblauch and other amazing 2B along with Altuve and Dozier and tell me a 2B can't be an important player in a crucial position daily. This guy is a STUD. Keep him at 2B, and maybe a backup SS depending on how the roster shakes out. He can be a fixture for the next several years.

I'm going to flip the coin for a moment. Has there EVER been a team who has played 7 different starting CF in a game in modern MLB history? That's how bad the injury situation was for our beloved Twins in 2021. The only shock there is Astudillo didnt get a start there, LOL. Kepler and Cave were supposed to be options there. We knkw how that turned out due to injuries. But as much as we want to bang on the season, disappointment, the FO, etc, to find blame and the such, shouldn't we also offer up a little praise to the FO and the coaching staff and the players to acknowledge they did a good job with working Refsnyder and Gordon in to CF on the fly? I'm just saying the guys in charge right now might be a little smarter and more savy than the guys before.

Understood, but agree to disagree somewhat. Meyers was a consensus top prospect when acquired. Granted there was a lot of hyperbole he was Randy Johnson-ish, which was fine. He didn't have to be that. But it sure seemed like we got something really good at the time. Somewhat ironically, we have drafted and developed our own "tall man" in Ober. No comparison to Johnson to be sure, just darkly humorous to me. But interesting to me is nobody has mentioned the almost simultaneous trade of Revere for May. While we can disagree forever about how he was handled in regard to Pelfrey and a rotation spot, May did turn out to be a decent bullpen option. And I wanted the Twins to keep him. And he had a solid 2021 with the Mets. But he was paid $7M to be a decent RP? Sorry, over pay. But we are straying from the original OP.

And Span should have been kept in retrospect. Especially considering the lack of any depth. And I actually had to applaud the FO at the time for being aggressive to bring in a high potential arm that the team needed. But man, 20/20 revision would change things.

With the exception of Wallner, this AFL group does seem light on prospect status. But I find this group to be "interesting". I agree with jmlease1 that this is very much a "show me" group. But I'm kinda OK with that after the lost 2020 year and who these guys are. Funderburk and Laweryson are 2018 and '19 selections that need IP. One is a high K LH RP and the other a SP. Again, they need IP to get ready for 2022. They wouldn't be here if the Twins weren't looking at each moving up at least a full level in 2022. Featherstone is a bit older, but a recent convert to the pen after being drafted initially as a position player, much like Gore. He is absolutely a "show me" something high K arm who again needs IP. Helman and Bechtold are very similar while being very different at the same time. Both are a little long in the tooth prospect wise, but each is again "interesting". Helman is a 2B/CF who mostly played the OF this past season. He is a good athlete with speed and power potential he began to really show this year. But the bat hasn't fully played yet. This is his opportunity to show he's ready for AA in 2022 or maybe get passed by. Bechtold has always been reputed as being an excellent defensive 3B who has also played some 1B and a little 2B. As a JC draftee he dominated his rookie half season and then slid production-wise. The power seemed to come in 2021 even though the bat lagged a bit. He also began to work behind the plate between games in order to utilize his arm and increase his versatility. I believe he got a one game start behind the plate at the end of the season. Don't be surprised if you see him behind the plate in a few games. Not a great group. I do believe the Twins are being cautious with some arms they COULD have sent. But I think they are being very deliberate in the arms they sent to AZ to see if they can improve and make the next step. I was excited when Bechtold was first drafted, but an OK rebound in 2021 doesn't excite me. The more athletic Helman interests me. But really, I'm watching Wallner and the arms to see what they might do. Not an exciting group to be sure. But there is some interest here.

This reminds me of a post I made about 3 or 4 years ago concerning the loss of Hunter and the ongoing ramifications it had on the team. In short, losing Hunter meant they HAD to find a CF in their Santana deal, not necessarily the best package, and then rush him as they didn't have a backup plan. And then, as pointed out, the same for Hicks, etc. IIRC, and some may have a different recollection, the Twins offered a deal for 4yrs that was mostly fair at the time and he was close to accepting before the Angels swooped in for 5yrs and about $5M more per and blew the Twins out of the water. One of the interesting things is Buxton's development over the past few seasons. I'm not here to blast the previous administration, but former players have been rather outspoken about everyone being "pigeonholed" in to a similar approach and many didn't achieve success until they broke out on their own in their approach. One thing this current FO and system have received notoriety for is a more tailored approach to each player/pitcher as an individual. When Buxton was allowed to do what felt "right" to him he began to take off. A shame some of the previous CF options, and others I'm sure, didn't have that kind of developmental approach. I also don't think this FO would have gone in to a year rushing someone without having some sort of fallback option. Not going to go in to details at this time, but I agree with Brock: PAY THE MAN, in regard to Buxton. He's just too important. Find a way between both parties to be satisfied and get it done!

Within the confines of the system being what they are, I think the numbers presented seem fair. I am not touching at all on Buxton or Rogers at this point as their are mitigating factors too complicated to deal with at this point. But as to the rest.... I'd avoid arbitration with Duffey and give him a lower annual number but give him a 2yr deal. He's just been too good, has made adjustments, and just too young to expect the wheels to suddenly fly off. Garver is under control for a couple more years, won't cost you much, and will reach FA, probably, too old to demand a huge deal. But he's also too damned good to not keep and split his time between C and DH. I'd do the same as Duffey. Just dismiss the B.S. and lock him to 2yrs. Arraez and Thielbar, no issues. Gant is a problem for me. Yes he showed flashes as a SP out of necessity once the Twins acquired him. And while he's had limited success as a SP in his career, he seems to have better numbers and value as a quality BP option who can swing in to the rotation when you need him. I'd really like to keep him in that role. It may sound like splitting hairs, but I think $2.5-2.7 makes more sense. I MIGHT even go $3M. Anything more than that just feels like an overpay to me. Not the time or place to discuss Astudillo's worth to the team. But IF the Twins have room and decide to protect him, his number hurts nothing and is just fine. (I think he's 50-50 being kept and the Twins would love to re-sign him to a split milb deal but think someone else might give him a better offer). IMO, Minaya has a history, a good 2020 at the alternate site, and a quality 2021 that he is probably protected. His salary is a drop in the bucket. Coulombe would be a nice milb re-sign. But there's just no room for him on the 40 man. Same with Refsnyder. I really, really want Refsnyder back on a milb deal for depth, and because I really think he re-invented himself as a hitter, post injury notwithstanding. But again, no room. And he could be quickly passed not only be Celestino, but also Kerrigan and Contreras, though younger. The small elephant in the room is Cave. I like Cave. I think he's a gamer and a solid ballplayer. He might even have a solid future. But after injury and 2 poor years, I just don't see a fit for this team going forward. Frankly what the Twins need is a RH version of him in 2018-19. That may come via trade or FA or from within. A FA might cost more. Celestino could jump up. Regardless, it's time to move on.

I'd like to address Chief's comment directly. But I would add Donaldson to the "has to go list" along with Kepler and Sano. At least in theory. (I'd disagree on Arraez because I think he fills a role that nobody currently can as the team is constructed). I am not going to re-hash my previous post, which was basically I'm not sure trading anyone from the ML roster makes sense as there are enough question marks to go along with real hope and projection to be excited. For example, I think Kirilloff is going to be great and I think Larnach is going to be very good. But how easy/ready are we to replace Kepler? If you already need to, hopefully, find a better 4th OF than Cave, now you might need someone even better if Max is gone. Further, any sort of "consistency" from the inconsistent Sano is still something productive and dangerous that I would love to hitting in the 6-7 spot regularly. And then there remains the debate about CAN you trade Donaldson, and what would it cost in $ to do so, and do you get enough back via $ relief and/or a player to make it worthwhile? But Chief is 100% correct that unless you are prepared to begin the 2022 season "heavy" with positional depth, even without a set DH, you still have a hard time finding room for everyone. Now, that's a good problem to have for sure. Kirilloff is READY, whether at 1B, or the OF, or both. But we need room for Arraez. We need room for Garver to DH some. Sano plays 1B and DH. How soon will Larnach be ready? Day One? A month in? And even IF Miranda starts 2022 at St Paul due to a roster crunch, you will have to make room soon if not immediately. Pitching is the issue, and we all know that. And sometimes "room" just happens organically due to injuries and the such. So I do think "room" may have to be made just to balance the roster and include SOMEONE in a deal for pitching. I don't like weakening the lineup at this time with optimism but question marks on hand. It would be my hope that another Odorizzi/Maeda trade from within the system would bring in #2 SP...unlesswe double dip in the FA market. (I'm not including Pineda as I think he's a done deal on a $8M-ish already). But I am thinking the Twins may have to make room by moving SOMEONE as part of a deal to provide opportunity for the talent on hand and be able to utilize it properly.

I've always been a huge fan of Berrios and really miss him. Not going to take this space to comment at all about whether be should have been moved except to say I do understand why be was, and the haul was excellent. While I think there are some very intriguing options out there to "replace" him, maybe even very effectively, I do think there is a segment of the fan base that never fully appreciated how good he is/was and may change their opinion now that he's gone. Not sure I can say anything more about Ober that hasn't already been said, or that I haven't already said myself. But all the hard work, adjustments made on the fly during the season, he's just a great story. And I think he's a keeper though I'm uncertain of his ceiling. But what he did isn't just a SSS at this juncture. I'm not that concerned about his HR totals as a] he was a rookie and b] when you keep free passes down, HR and XBH don't hurt you so much. And while his ERA isn't outstanding, without an exact number in front of me I'd bet he's at least a quarter run per below the AL average.

Huge ^5 to the posts above I liked! Very good takes, even if I don't agree 100%. I agree Donaldson should have been included in the OP. He can't be ignored as a trade piece due to depth and replacement options. His biggest problems as a trade option are obvious and we all know them; age, injury and salary. I am and have always been OK with moving him if the right deal, presents itself. But there is also the idea of how little he may bring back prospect wise and salary relief wise vs being a good ballplayer and veteran presence and "red ass" who could bring a little fire to the team. It's not just about finding room for Miranda and others to play. A lot of times these things just work out over a full season. We've seen this over and again. But having too much talent is NOT a bad thing! That's when your manager FINDS ways to get guys in the lineup. Which is easier without a fixture at DH, which I believe will be the case in 2022. Please trade Donaldson IF IT MAKES SENSE for what you gain vs what you lose. So why do I start with Donaldson? Because keeping him or moving him affects the rest of the roster and the others proposed here in the OP. A healthy Kepler is way better than what we saw in 2021. Unless someone blows us away, you are selling low. He is a premium RF defensively and a solid CF with power who just needs to sit more against LH pitching. Despite my belief in Kirilloff, Larnach and Celestino, all other OF options are solid journeyman or prospects a year away. Garver is a good, not great, solid catcher who is one of the best offensive catchers in the game. He needs to catch 50-60% of the games and spend time at DH and maybe even a little 1B to keep his bat in the lineup. I think Jeffers has a bright future, but I'm not ready to give him the #1 spot right now and move Garver. As has been pointed out by others in various threads, you don't necessarily get better by trading someone who is amongst the best at his position. Arraez may be the best pure hitter and clutch hitter and OB hitter on the team. And with a team of talented producers with BIG TIME power you'd want to trade the BEST pure hitter, contact hitter, and OB guy? He's only 24yo and has basically 2yrs at MLB. He's OK defensively at 3 positions and can also DH. Again, why does a DH have to be ONE GUY? He will only get better, I propose, defensively with experience. He fills a needed spot in the lineup as something different than a 3 outcome player. The Sano debate has been ongoing for a few years now. You're either done with him, or, you recognize his career OPS and how dangerous he is as a streaky producer but would just love to see him as a lower fixture in the lineup as a 1B/DH and "emergency" 3B and want to hold on to him for at least one more year because he can carry a team at times. Look, I am NOT opposed to making trades to re-tool the roster. Not at all! I just don't feel moving Kepler or Garver or Arraez at this time makes roster and production sense. I think those moves potential hurt as much as they help. I'm OK with moving Donaldson and Sano if it makes sense. I think the FO WILL make some FA moves. I think they WILL make some trades. But when you make trades, you have to give up something to get something! But I'm tired of the Twins traded Gil, or Yanoa, both low A prospects to get something they thought could help the team. Doesn't every team, even the best and smartest teams, still make deals of prospects in hope of augmenting their roster? I just keep reflecting on the Odorizzi and Maeda trades. Can this FO do it a 3rd time? They need to find a quality veteran and spend the $ to lead this team and Stoman is the obvious choice. But isn't there enough milb depth to make a similar move without depleting the ML roster?

My only quibble is the "improved" part of the conversation. IMO, Polanco was a "rebound" winner, with Garver finishing 2nd, because we've already seen what he can do when healthy. Yes, I'm splitting hairs, but I think he's always been awfully good when healthy and ready to go. I think I would have voted Buxton, despite the time he missed. He's been growing and developing each of the past couple of years...despite the missed time...until he just turned in to a DOMINATE presence in 2021. IF he's still around in 2022...and I sure hope he is....(I think he will be)...and if he's healthy enough for 120-140 games....(knock on wood or anything hard)....he might just be the Twins #3 or #4 hitter. Ahh, but to dream.....

Outstanding Nick! That was fun! Well written! Of course Ober is the slam dunk winner. How he re-built his delivery in 2020 for increased velocity and smoother mechanics for greater durability is a great story. Further, he and Johnson continued to tweak his approach and delivery during his rookie season as well. I'm really impressed with the kid. How good can he be? Time will tell. But I think he's very possibly headed for a nice career as a #3-4 SP. I was also very impressed with Kirilloff rebounding after his poor ST. He just needs to be healthy. Guy is going to be a good one. Larnach was rushed, like a few others, and really flashed initially. Should we be surprised? I don't think so. Nor should we be surprised that he then struggled. I still have a lot of hope and confidence going forward. But will he be ready to start day one in 2022? Mmmm...I hope so but wouldn't be surprised to see him begin the year over in St Paul. The "arguement" for Gordon says it all. Very Happy for the young man! He has overcome a LOT. Now he just needs to gain 10-15lbs before next season and continue what he's been doing. I was wary of Jeffers repeating what he did in 2020. I've seen enough at this point to be pretty optimistic about his future. I don't think there is anything to add in regard to Ryan. Can I toss out a couple honorable mentions or "at a boys"? Celestino and Rortvedt were never supposed to play at the ML level this year. But I think watching them you can see talent and potential. Celestino took what he learned to St Paul and finished strong. Rortvedt not so much, but you saw glimpses of ability and potential. And finally, while others will disagree with me, and that's fine, Jax had moments and games where he actually showed potential. He also was not supposed to be in ML ball this year. The FB is OK and the slider shows some nice stuff. I have no idea what his future holds, probably in the pen, but there is enough there to keep him around and see.

I just don't understand the timing, like everyone else. But it would make some sense they were trying to sneak him through while nobody was looking. I watched the interview with Falvey after my original shock and angst and found myself looking at the situation a bit differently. While we have heard ZERO specifics, and probably never will, it appears painfully obvious that his 2022 is in doubt. And while the Twins HAVE to make moves via FA and trade to augment and change portions of the team, they also need 40 man spots to do so, as well as protecting a handful of some quality kids in the system. Remember, Enlow has to be protected and is coming off surgery. Hopefully he will be ready to take the mound at some point in 2022, but when? And Maeda also has to be protected. Right there are 2 pitchers taking up 2 spots that can't be counted on for much of anything at this point. Not sure there is room for. 3rd. I'm disappointed and frustrated, but I'm starting to see the logic here.

On paper this sounds like a good idea. But in reality I don't like it. I think Garver's bat is just too important to move. Echoing previous comments, his bat is needed and he should be spending time at DH as well going forward, something I've been championing for some time. I could buy in to trading Jeffers with someone else to make a move like thus, even though I hate to lose him as I think he has a bright future. If that was done, we'd need to bring in another backup, preferably LH, as I just don't think Rortvedt is ready yet. I keep reflecting on the Odorizzi and Maeda trades and want to believe they can pull another rabbit out of their cap for a solid starter, along with a FA signing, using some milb depth.

While I'm a little late to the party, I have to toss my $.02 in to the conversation. And I'm giving Rocco an overall grade of a C, maybe a C+. But I'm splitting my grade with a D in the first half and a B in the second half. I don't put all the blame on Baldelli for April and May. I don't blame him for injuries. I don't blame him for Colome because as bad as he was, you had to believe in his history and I'm sure it was believed he would quickly figure things out. (Of course, he did, but not until around June). Where I find fault with Baldelli was some strange pitching moves and player substitions that often made no sense. While SP often only work 5 or 6 innings at a time now...and I'm sure there was a sense of protecting arms for the duration of the season after only a 60 game one in 2020...there were a few games when someone was rolling pretty well and should have been stretched another inning. And while poor play/performance falls on the players primarily, as a manager part of your job is to make sure your guys are mentally ready to go. And there were just too many mistakes and errors and ineptitude those first months. And why on earth do you speak about Bell's desire/opinion to have Arraez, your best over "hitter" and OB threat being a fixture in the #1 spot but then not do it? The team played much better the second half. And they didn't quit. As a squad, they seem to enjoy playing together and seem to like playing for Rocco. I think it's incorrect and perhaps a little naive to say they played better because their season was over and they had no pressure on them. It would be very easy to be out of contention so early and just lose interest or become frustrated. And there was no fighting, no back-stabbing, nobody ever got thrown under a bus. A lot of the crazy mistakes we saw the first few months disappeared. And without their best bat and best two pitchers, and a rotation that was cobbled together, they simply worked better as an overall team. So that's my opinion and my grade.

I am going to reserve future judgment on this for now after more information and listening to the Falvey interview. This STINKS for Colina AND for the Twins. This kid has future BP piece written all over him and probably would have been a fixture the second half of 2021 if healthy. And I don't want to be dismissive of lost opportunity, but I have to say now, with more information, with many moves that have to be made, protection, FA signings and the such, a second surgery really clouds Colina's future. I really hate to say it, because it really sucks big time, but the FO may actually be right on this one, despite my initial chagrin. It's very unfortunate, but I'm not sure you can protect an arm that may be a half a year to another year away when you have so many other moves to be made.

Absolutely dumbfounded! They either truly believe his arm is damaged and his career is in jeopardy, or, they just tried to out-cute everyone by sneaking him through. If it's the latter, JUST STOP. You need to be smart, not cute.

Agreed. But as I just posted previously, how do we feel this same time next year...maybe mid-year...when Celestino, Waller, Steer, Julian and others have some more time under their belts? Instructionals and another normal full milb season could easily change a lot of things. There are a LOT of kids I have my eye on from AA on down to the FCL. (I still can't get used to the FCL name). Prospect lists and milb rankings could change a lot by this time next year, including depth of positional players.

A well written OP! And I mostly agree with everything stated. 1] While there has been some gnashing of teeth as to the Twins not selecting a P in the 1st round, I think the early results of the past few drafts have shown this FO and their scouting department have a good eye identifying arms from the 2nd round on. Not including some great to very interesting arms acquired in trades, they've brought on the likes of Enlow, Sands, Canterino, Verlander, Gipson-Long and others. The only bummer/downside is one that has seemingly affected most teams in that we are dealing with injuries as well as a lost 2020. I could care less about other organizations, but the Twins plan of bridging the gap from what was on hand to prospects got a big, heavy monkey wrench tossed in to the middle of the plan. Still, there is so much depth and potential it's hard to not be excited about what's coming up the next couple of years. 2] I am going to disagree somewhat on the offensive talent in the system. While I agree an infusion of additional offensive talent might be needed, there is a difference between lack of talent and a "gap" in talent. By that I mean to state the obvious that Kirilloff, Larnach, Jeffers and Rooker...despite SSS and what anyone's opinion of their potential might be...more or less "graduated" to MLB. (With things to still prove to be sure). We also saw Rortvedt and Celestino get promoted too early, but will hopefully take their experiences and grow along with the others. The Twins made a pretty concentrated effort over the past 2 or 3 drafts to bring in position players, especially in the infield. Steer and Julian are a part of those drafts. And while there may be some question as to where they will play, they are both showing versatility and mad offensive skills/potential. Holland from Auburn and Cavaco and Gray, Helman, and Mack are a collection who have all played a max of 2yrs thus far with mixed results thus far. They've also drafted OF like Keirsey, Garry Jr., Waller and Rosario since 2018 who have, again, barely played. We can also add in Sabato and Soularie as infield/OF options recently added to the system. Then you have to look at recent international signings from the past 2yrs who have only just hit the states. So while I think...without ignoring the mound...the Twins would be smart to add some additional offensive talent, I don't think they've been sleeping on adding positional talent. The only "problem" is a "gap" of positional talent created, in part, by the lost 2020 season. We have to remember the 2018 picks got a short season, and then 1 full year before sitting for a season. The 2019 picks got a half year to play pro ball. Period. The 2020 picks got nothing but instructs at best. Just saying, by this time next year we could be looking at the offensive potential of position player depth very differently after another instructional league and a second full season of milb. IMO, the problem may not be talent, but bad timing and the aforementioned "gap" that was created.

Not prepared to list keepers and non-keepers in full detail at this time, but do have a few thoughts. Rooker has shown the ability to adapt at each level thus far, excluding ML at this point, save his productive SSS in 2020. But there is still some hope and potential there. I think he has to be kept over Garlik and Refsnyder, though I'd like both of them back on milb deals. Jax is probably headed to the pen eventually. But there were a few good games and moments in his audition and I think he stays in the rotation for now and I think they keep him. Respectfully, in regard to Jax and someone like Vallimont, I believe you keep a potential SP AS a SP for as long as you can until you just feel certain he's not going to turn that corner. Never know when a kid will suddenly have a light come on and the control, or that extra pitch, just starts to play. At worst, more IP is more time to grow, learn, and harness his primary pitches. The 40 man is going to be tough. I fully believe we are going to have a couple guys selected again this year. Doesn't mean they will necessarily be kept by the selecting teams, but we're going to see some guys picked. And I don't want to re-hash what happened last year in the rule 5 because that was pretty unusual. They key is guessing right as to who to keep.

I'm taking a strange, opposite approach here. Rooker has always been declared as a solid athlete since drafted, and throughout his milb career, with a decent arm. This has been referenced to some degree in the OP. So why has that not translated? Has he just not worked hard enough at it? Or does he just not have good recognition skills? After watching such OF as Willingham and Young play the OF, I have the belief Rooker has room to improve defensively just through work and repitition. But his bat has to be his calling card, whether he is a DH or role player. He MIGHT be running out of time after a productive and exciting SSS in 2020. He sure didn't seem to take advantage in 2021 with the opportunities presented to him. But with a little 20/20 vision used, as well as some of the positives listed in the OP, he has clearly demonstrated in his milb career that each promotional level he has needed a little time to settle in, figure some things out, and then rake. Now, he hasn't exactly done the same thing at the ML level to be sure! And maybe he won't. But it's the hardest last step to make. I could see him being included in a package, especially to a team hurting for a semi-young power bat to add to their offense and willing to give him 400-500 AB. But I think he's talented enough I'd keep him on the 40 and continue working with him.

The world of a RP is volatile to be sure. Some arms die early, sometimes very early. Some arms seem to die and then try something different or take a different approach and find a 2nd life. A precious few are just great for almost their entire career. IMO, Duffey is SIMILAR to point #2. He won't turn 31yo, I believe, until December. There is no question he was mediocre the 1st half of the year. And I don't have his numbers in front of me, other than the team's last 30 games, but he seemed to turn a corner the 2nd half. His velocity seemed to increase lately as well, I've also seen and heard that he changed his off speed approach a bit. There was an interesting interview with Rogers lately where he spoke about changes Duffey made this season which lead to his better 2nd half. I think the Twins are counting on him and I would as well. I would do a 2yr with an inexpensive 3rd year option.

Totally off the subject, but just for fun here in Nebraska we have 2 different ways to define the seasons: 1] a: winter conditioning, b: spring ball ? summer conditioning mixed with recruiting, and d: football season. 2] a: winter, b: road construction season

Not going to blow smoke, but I'm pleased the team didn't throw in the towel and give up. I'm pleased I saw the initial development of several young players that should only get better with their ML experience. I am bummed a handful of guys like Kirilloff and Larnach weren't able to finish the season healthy and strong. I am, of course, very bummed about how disappointing this season turned out. I am excited for the off-season as I think it will be interesting and maybe even exciting with FA and trades. I am just really bummed the season is over, no matter how disappointing it was. Having baseball just makes the world a better place. I can't wait until ST!