DocBauer

Oddorizi looked really good to me. Guy can't catch a break this year. I hope he's ready to go in 5 days. He can still make a difference before this season is done. THAT was the May we've seen before and need to see more of.

Agree with Trov and basically everyone else. 2020 will stand as it will in regard to numbers and the eventual champion. But there are so many weird aberrations in regard to performance numbers for pitchers and players in 60 games and a weird ST that I will pass no judgement. Kepler's best? A normal season, which we hope to see in 2021? MAYBE a little less HR power but a better overall hitter. 2020 does NOTHING to diminish what I think of his talent, ability, and foreseeable future. Same holds true for Polanco, BTW.

Someone had to go down. Dobnak has options and Odorizzi has to be looked at. I have no problem with this, even though it stinks. You still have to play the roster game. I think Blankenhorn has a future, but it's not NOW. Oddo pitching or not, it's time for the team to get angry and determined and make a statement the next 2 games.

It's still up to him how good he could be. At 24 and coming off AA with the St Paul experience, he should be close though he may not be fully ready until sometime in 2021. I think the comp to Gonzalez is fair, even though they are different players. Blankenhorn is larger and probably has more pure power. And it's very debatable at this point how good defensively he will be ANYWHERE. But he is athletic and has a strong arm. I object to conclusions he is slow as he has twice stolen double digit bases and has been successful doing so but with limited numbers. And he has more than enough speed to handle the OF. A few reviews of his play last season should show that. What he is is a so-so defensive player at this point with an OK bat with power who could, potentially, be a 5 position reserve. There is HUGE value in that! Now, can he be that or more is still up to him.

I agree he needs to play. There is no sense bringing him up to just sit, especially with the bats of Adrianza and Marwin being so quiet. Though Marwin seems to be beating up lately. But let him play and get his feet wet at the bottom of the order. The worst thing that could happen is he gains experience for the future. Despite not yet showing the defense we'd like to seem he remains a pretty good athlete from everything I've read. He's twice stolen double digit bases with a high % of success in his career. And he's looked good in the OF, range wise, from the few times I've seen him. So I don't think speed is an issue, though he is no burner to be sure. I'd like to think he has a chance to be a really nice 5 position bench piece with an OK bat and power. Up to him to prove he can be that.

I guess this is where I stand. You just can't have so many positive underlying numbers and a high BABIP and say the guy is cooked. But at the same time, there simply has to be something mechanical taking place he needs to figure out because even with only 17IP bad luck for his BABIP can only go so far. And then it means despite his other good numbers he's grooving a few pitches he hasn't the past 2 seasons. They have 2 weeks to get him right. And they need him right, whether he remains the closer or not. May is in the same situation despite not being the focus here. His velocity, SO numbers and most all peripherals seem to be career bests and yet he seems to be allowing HR at an alarming pace. Then he finishes things off by SO the side. Both this guys are talented and important with some big stuff. And both need to figure it out over the next 2 weeks. Need Johnson and company to work some magic and get them on a roll.

I'm with Chief and others on the RBI discussion. I fully understand RBI doesn't work as a tell all in regard to hitting ability. And opportunity...such as being put in a 3-5 spot in the order for a good team...only goes so far as an excuse for debate. Actually GETTING RBI is still clutch, still a moment, still a skill to actually come through when it matters. We had nobody do that last night. That stinks and is unexpected just with the volume of opportunity. But I'm not blaming Cruz just because he had a bad game. I love Rocco, but nights like last night do make me wonder why the Twins don't play just a little small ball. If you truly have a feel for the pulse of your team, which I think Rocco does, he should have felt it was an off night. Especially with so many guys out. It's would have been a good night, here and there, to try to manufacture a run or two, IMO. Still just ONE game.

I tend to agree with you. But the Wade I've been seeing this season looks comfortable at the plate and seems to just feel he belongs. I didn't feel that way last year. He's made some good plays in the field and looked very good at 1B the other day. (I confess I forgot he could play there some). I feel Celestino remains a good year away. The team is better keeping Kepler in RF and having someone else fill in at CF, other than a game here and there, of course. Right now, Cave is that guy and he's improved his defense tremendously, IMO, but he is not the productive hitter we got the second half of 2018 or 2019. Meanwhile, Wade is taking great AB and wearing pitchers out and tossing in some hits to go along with those AB. With Kepler and Larnach getting close, not to mention Rooker, the Twins may have to make a tough decision on Cave vs Wade in the near future.

Right now, there is a 3 man battle for the 4th SP option between Hill, Dobnak and Odorizzi, who should be back this week. IMO, this a sign of strength, not one of weakness. Dobnak has slipped his last couple of starts, but I'm tossing out his last one due to 3 days rest, suddenly too much movement on his stuff, a hit batter that didn't actually get hit, and a display by the young Jeffers for not getting his foot on the bag. Hill looks like he is ramping up a bit and has tons of savvy and experience. Odorizzi has the smallest chance as he has probably only 3 starts to show he is stretched out and fully good to go. Agree there is a chance one of these guys assumes more of an opener position but we have a couple weeks yet to figure it all out.

As long as Alcala is OK and May's back tightness is just that, with Odorizzi coming back the entire staff is 100% plus, even without Littell. The lineup is mostly intact and the offense has started to look like the one we expected. Catcher is the only real worry and Jeffers has been easing that concern. Everything is coming together at the right time. I don't think that's just a co-incidence with the way Rocco manages. Is Maeda a true ACE? Or still too early to call it? Image the team record without the Royals being involved. Just glad we won't have to play them come post season time.

I absolutely love Romo from his fire, his humor, his experience to his production. I thought he was a certainty to come back this year and was ecstatic when it happened. I want him back next year as well at this point. Love the guy. But without further information/clarification, i put the onus on Romo for this little dust up. I don't know that I have EVER seen a batter do what Lindor did, basically trotting sideways/backwards down the line and chirping. Uncalled form IMO, regardless of what was being said. Run it out, and then say something if you really feel you need/want to. BUT, he seemed to be smiling and laughing the whole time. MAYBE he said something completely uncalled for. Again, we don't knkw at this point. And maybe Romo had a right/reason to bark back. But he just kept going and going and didn't seem to want to calm down. As others have well stated, you have to be able to take it if you dish it out sometimes. Kudos to Sano for being the peace keeper/brick wall. Honestly, I think this is a tight race in a short season with a bit of a bubble around everyone and some cabin fever setting in and that is all.

I'm also going to echo twins-89. This is the PERFECT time for Gordon to get his feet wet. The problem is I doubt he is physically at full strength right now after such a prolonged bout of illness, and has something like 2 weeks over at St Paul. I really, really want to say just roll with Marwin and Adrianza who are experienced and we know they can do the job. I know they are struggling mightily with their bats right now, but like other hitters in the team, what if either or both gets in to a groove? We've seen what they can do previously. With this crazy season, I'd take a month and a half struggle from both with a strong finish. And that may be the smartest route to take. BUT, Blankenhorn is already on the 40 man. I think he has a future as an offensive super-utility guy who can be OK defensively at potentially 5 spots. The Twins think enough of him to protect him and played him a lot during both Set's. Give Blankenhorn a shot. Let him get his feet wet. Coming off 2 off days, another 2 off days in a week, the pen rested and the staring staff rounding in to form, there is nothing to lose. *I hate losing Adrianza at this or any juncture. And be won't come back 100%. But doing this now may keep him stronger for the finish to the season.

I remain so-so on the runner on 2B. I despised the idea but am now ambivalent. I was OK with 7 inning double headers for this year, but not going forward. But I have to admit, I like the pace of the games played, the short turnaround between games, and pitching staffs and rosters overall not being worn out by a pair of traditional length games. I think I could get used to this. Hate the idea of the expanded playoffs.

Arm talent and potential is harder to define than athleticism and bat potential, IMO. I don't think that is a hard stretch. In regard to pitching, especially SP, there are few "guarantees" when it comes to the draft. There are so few guys like Clemons, Verlander and Strasburg at the TOP of the draft you can have the luxury of drafting as a close to sure thing. The next best thing to do...NOT talking about major trades or major FA signings...is what the current FO is doing. That is, revamp coaching. Which they have done. Next, draft a guy who has 1 or 2 great pitches or qualities you see and develop them. I would call this the Cleveland/Dogers/Rays format. I think we all know throwing 95mph+ doesn't mean you can "pitch" and be successful. But what if you can throw 92 with a great change or curveball and the Twins staff can add velocity and help with command and teach you a slider, slurve or cutter? The FO looks for arm talent, to be sure. While it's not talked about, I believe they are also looking for intelligence and the obscure "coachability" talent. Duran was obtained through trade, Vallimont through trade, Enlow and Sands via the draft. Dobnak came from the nether regions, lol. And I've left a lot of guys out, obviously. The point being they are astute at looking at coachability and projection. And not everyone will make it as a SP, or make it at all. But being a 1st round draft choice as a P guarantees little. It's about having as many arms as you can to work with and develop as you can. Right now, I am so encouraged as to what may be coming up the next couple of years that i am giddy with anticipation. And yes, I did use the word "giddy". Lol

I've already stated my love for Eddie and all the reasons why I think phasing him out NOW is a huge mistake. Also stated, for many reasons, why I think he will be back in 2021. And I am happy and good with that. But I really like this post. Forgetting defense metrics, I think Kepler is the better pure hitter with as much power. And I believe Kepler has more in him. Short, weird season and injuries, I would have LOVED to see some sort of combination of Arraez/Polanco at the top of the order and Kepler as the LH #4 hitter with the productive Rosario sliding down to #6 behind Polanco. It's not a slight to Eddie. It's about the top of the lineup and then staggering the lineup for greatest production and depth.

While the jury is still out to be sure, I've been very impressed by their drafts thus far, as well as the overall changes in development philosophy. They also seem more aggressive in promotions. I don't want to start yet another debate about who was traded in a bad season, but it does appear they brought in a few guys who have real potential and some high ceilings when they did so. And let's not forget Dobnak came under their watch. Right now, Dobnak, Alcala, Jeffers and Littell are part of this team and Acquired via the FO recent moves. Sure I'm forgetting someone. Maeda was acquired by actually moving a prospect, something we aren't used to seeing. I wish the best for Graterol, I really do. But right now, I can't imagine not having Maeda on this team. And I believe he's here for at least 3 more years. There is another thread concerning Rosario that I don't want to get in to because that discussion should stay where it is. But I would make one point that references that discussion. Teams and rosters DO CHANGE. And they do so for many reasons. While I personally don't feel a championship contending team should be banking on prospects to replace a quality position player, with a wide window of opportunity, especially coming off a no milb season of normal development, how tantalizing is it to reflect and speculate on Rooker, Kirilloff and Larnach...with Celistino just behind...as future fixtures? (Or part of trade possibilities, of course). And not that there aren't other solid prospect behind them. Teams change every year. And while there could be arguments for mostly keeping our current Twins team intact for 2021, changes WILL take place. How about Lewis, Gordon and Blankenhorn for infield additions soon? I do share Dman's concern somewhat about a lack of top selections pitching wise in the draft. I'd like to believe this bas been a result of taking the best player available and a belief in their ideals of draft and development. The Cleveland way of doing things if you will. But then I see what Dobnak and Alcala are doing. (Completely different additions). I see the potential of Duran and Balazovic and maybe Chalmers. I wonder about Colina and Enlow and maybe Sands. I suddenly remember Celistino, recently added to the 60 man. And while I'm sure I'm leaving a few guys out, I'm starting to see the Twins version of a pitching pipeline potentially beginning. Drafting, signing and trading for young talent and developing them IS the lifeblood of a successful organization. Isn't that what Falvey and Levine spoke of when hired? So far, so optimistically good I'd say. Despite some really nice and even key veteran performers on the roster, there are a lot of still young players that make up our beloved Twins. And the window OP opportunity appears wide open to me with a ton of young talent ready to rise up over the next year or two to replace and augment the team. Not everyone will make it or stay with the the organization. But I am really excited for what we have and what is coming up.

A beautifully written piece that tugs at the heart strings as well. Wonderful! To me, baseball is not just a sport. It signifies spring when it starts. The oncoming of better and warmer days following the gray post holiday winter months. It brings hope and promise. It means another game, another day of possibility even after a loss. Even in dark seasons, there is that next day opportunity. Who will shine that day? What young player might emerge next? What new thing do my dad and I have to talk about? That's baseball to me. I am so disappointed in a short season. But I embracing each week, each game as something rather precious that could have been missing for the whole year if not for this abbreviated run. And so, just like a normal year, I embracing both today and tomorrow, no matter what happens, how it turns out, and celebrate what happened while getting amped up for next season all over again. Hopefully a full season with fans and milb to enjoy and debate as well.

Late to the discussion but had to weigh in. Keep in mind, I'm a fan of his, despite some of his flaws. I don't think anyone is saying Rosario is a bad player. Period. It is about the team getting better as well as managing the team/roster going forward. The one area of Rosario debate that amuses me is his production is somehow "expected" or "excused" because he should somehow "easily" produce power and RBI numbers because of where he sits in the lineup most days. Please. I'd like to think Rocco and his staff are smart, and probably smarter than we are. They put him in those lineup spots because he CAN produce runs. He has the power to do it. He has the confidence in himself to do it. And that's not true of everyone. So to dismiss his production...good production...because almost anyone could do it is just wrong. Could he do better? Is he streaky and sometimes maddening? Yes to both. But he is a good and productive ballplayer and to dismiss him, even if you aren't a big fan/believer is a disservice. All that being said, I think it makes complete sense to realize he may not fit in long term. Now, ANY thought of phasing him out during a playoff season is ludicrous. IMO, it's also really hard to believe he won't be back as an important piece in 2021. No matter how the work is coming along in St Paul, or what any AFL or EST may happen or look like, it seems a bit short-sighted to just audition prospects, top prospects, who have some to no experience above AA ball with no actual milb season this season and is also without a normal September call up scenario. Additionally, there are 40 man implications and no real fluff remaining that you just feel OK to dump to make room for someone until you have to. I feel Rooker has a chance to be pretty good. (Though I remain frustrated that such a good overall athlete still has some defensive questions). I feel really good about both Kirilloff and Larnach both and love their potential. And yes, I also feel either or both may indeed be even better than Rosario. But I'm not ready to bank on any of them being able to replace Rosario at the start of 2021. While Eddie could be moved in a deal, auditions and possible platoons could happen to replace him, I believe he will be back in 2021, his last arbitration season. At some point next year, certainly before 2022 hopefully takes place, I believe Rooker, Kirilloff and Larnach will be ready. Celestino hopefully close behind. Finances are a part of the game. And there are other guys I would choose to extend and keep that I believe are far less easy to replace.

The problem with this crazy year and financial situations that can have FA and even arbitration repercussions for the next few years is it also affects internal development for each team with no milb season, only taxi squad development at this time for a handful of prospects, and no idea right now if there will be any sort of EST or expanded version of it. And let's not forget the finances of MLB are not only affected by 2020 but also labor questions beyond 2021. (Not taking a labor stance, just stating an obvious situation). You mentioned Cruz and Avilla. I don't think Cruz is going anywhere based on want and need from both sides. Avillla could retire? I'm impressed by Jeffers thus far, even though the ML bat isn't quite there yet. Would it be so bad to bring Avilla back on a cheap 1yr for insurance and depth? MAY] I'd really like him back. Some might say he's easily replaceable after a couple rough days recently and the FO ability to develop a bullpen. But that's an easy cop-out, even with a few arms close. A couple other guys may or may not be back. I want to keep the bullets we have. As good as May has been the last 2yrs, I don't feel he's proved enough over enough time to warrant a Reed like $8M. But 2020 makes that a near financial impossibility unless someone is just in love with him. I can't say what he's worth in this climate, but I can't believe he would cost more than $3.5-5M. ODORIZZI] Things couldn't have gone worse for him in 2020. Not his qualifying offer, but any chance to build on 2019. You can argue all you want, but even without the qualifying offer, was anyone going to offer him more than $20M per? I mean, he's solid and very good at times, I like him and want him back. But I've been arguing for a long time now his QO is more than fair. Again, unless someone is just in love with him, I believe his fair value will be somewhere in the $14-15M range with a max of $16M. More than fair for a good/great #3 SP who often pitches like a #2 when healthy, even if it's for 5-6 IP per. He also wants to stay. I think the Twins want him to stay as well. Biggest question, in my mind, is not if they like him. The question is do they have another Maeda type move in mind, or trust their system to replace him quickly enough? ADRIANZA] With Gordon being out until recently, I could see Adrianza back on a smaller salary. His glove is excellent. He's versatile. Do you bet the bat of the last 2 seasons is more accurate than his 2020 bat? Gordon may not be ready. Blankenhorn is a different player. I think it's easily dismissive to say he's easily replaceable. Again, defense, versatility, 2 previous years of a solid bat...i think he is absolutely worth another 1yr deal, but probably at a reduced salary at this point, I would have argued about Marwin in the OP, were it me. I'd of argued him over Adrianza. As of now, despite some early flash, his bat has disappointed. But he's part of the depth the Twins have built up. Where would the team be right now without him in 2020? He's flashed defensively at 3B and 1B filling in and is a solid corner OF to give guys days off. He's been damn important last year and this year. Now, he's not showing himself to be worth another $9M to the Twins or anyone else. But he's still worth something. What is he worth to the Twins in 2021 or anyone else? He's not old, but he's not getting younger. Do you bet the bat rebounds to go along with defense and versatility? Marwin coming back on a cheaper 1yr wouldn't disappoint me. He's a fine ballplayer. But if the team really believes in Blankenhorn...and they protected him, played him a lot in both ST...Gonzalez may be more easily replaced than Adrianza. At least his bat. Experience and defense are still worth something. The Twins will have money coming off the books here and there, but will also lose the $10M from the Dodgers in the Maeda deal. How much do the Twins lose in 2020? What kind of payroll are they willing to deal with in 2021? (PLEASE, not another Pohlad's are cheap arguement)! There WILL be roster changes for many reasons. But the window of opportunity for this team is WIDE OPEN, regardless of how this season ends. And I have NO PROBLEM if the vast majority of this team comes back in 2021 with a milb season and a packed 40 man roster chomping at the bit to come up.

Can you provide additional information on Balazovic, Canterino and Barnes being added? I'd heard rumors MLB might allow additions to the reserve list but haven't heard a word of anything substantial. If this is true, very excited Balazovic gets a potential 2 month still, at least, in 2020. Little confused by adding Canterino unless they expect to fast track him in 2021. Barnes surprises me. He's done OK and has moved but seems to be a soft tossed curveball type. They must see something we don't as of yet.

I watched part of the game and listened to what I didn't see. (Deck project). Going to again toss my $.02 worth in comments: 1] The pen lost this game. That stinks! But sometimes, a guy just had a bad day. But EVERYONE had a bad day at once? Dick even made a comment on the broadcast that sometimes a guy has a bad day, but you expect SOMEONE to stop the bleeding. I'm not going to blame the bullpen games at this point as the pen not only won most of those games, but have continued to excel otherwise, even with a little juggling. And I think the rotation is starting to be healthy and settle in. The pen lost the game but I won't blast them. Sigh...baseball. 2] Encouraged by Hill. But unless he shows more, I'm thinking piggyback SP or long RP when crunch time hits. But he encouraged me a ton today. 3] I am a HUGE Eddie fan and supporter. I love his passion, his instincts, his arm his production, etc. And I accept that for every great 10 plays he makes there will be a couple bad ones. But his blatant base running mistake is unforgivable. I want to forgive him for the defensive mistake he made on the ball that bounced out of play and kicked back in off the wall. At that point, I was listening to the radio. Dan and Corey were both sure it was a ground rule double. Pretty sure when I switched back over to TV Justin was also surprised. Seemed the umps were the only ones who knew this weird rule. Should Rosario have known that rule, even as obscure as it is? Did Rocco? I want to forgive Eddie for that play, but I don't know if I can. Maybe he should have known. Maybe he should have continued the play regardless. I'm still blaming the pen for this loss, with no beat down, as ANYONE pitching effectively leads to a win. But it was a BAD DAY for Eddie even if you can forgive him for that one play. 4] From what I heard...didnt see...I was really disappointed in Astudillo today. I've watched him a lot behind the plate the last couple of seasons and found him solid back there. The other night he made some good stops. But I'm not going to blame the loss on the team's 3/4 catcher. We scored enough and played well enough to win, despite some mistakes. 5] I feel sorta sorry for Wade. It's up to him to prove he belongs. But he's been lost a bit in the shuffle of opportunity. The kid can play defense and he knows how to take a professional AB. He has decent speed, some pop, a great arm, good defense, but has yet to take that certain step forward. Is he about ready to? I hope so. He's had some great AB and that 3rd strike today was RIDICULOUS! 6] Rooker has impressed me thus far. He looks "ready" and has produced in SSS. I am cautiously optimistic. But his history is initial struggle at a new level and then figuring stuff out and adapting before raking. At worst, his time at the other complex and with the Twins now should be setting him up for 2021. My thoughts. It's still one game. Need to win Monday!

Always believed a prosoects age should never be a consideration. If a young 20yo comes up and shines and then slips or washes out did it matter he arrived so young? If a kid arrives 25-26yo and has a nice, solid or very good career, does it matter he arrived "late"? For example, on the Twins right now we have 2 tremendous players who were "late" arrivals in Donaldson and Cruz. I've always felt Rooker would be a solid ML player with the Twins, or someone else. And not just due to his power. He has produced and produced well at every level AFTER taking a little time to adjust. I hope be does well and provides a spark. But at least, his time now should help with any adjustments. The one thing that has confounded me, however, is that for a good all around athlete the reports are consistent that he is average defensively anywhere he's put. Average isn't bad by any means if you have a good bat. But it just seems his athleticism should allow for a better defensive player. Wish him tons of luck and hope for the best!

I believe I heard the Twins were the 7th playoff team beginning today due to that horrendous 6 game losing streak. If the Tigers won 1 game today I believe they would be at .500. So if 4 of 5 teams in the ALC are still in the hunt, does that mean the ALC is not as bad as thought? Does it mean the NLC is just that much worse? I mean, the wins are comjng from somewhere, right? Do we love and hate the 60 game season for all the drama that it is brining? Or do we now hate it that much more? Some quick thoughts and questions from today's DH: 1] We saw the long ball and we saw clutch hitting. We won. Are we happy with that or disappointed the bats went silent again and we missed opportunity? 2] Congrats to Rooker for his first games, first hit and first RBI. I wish he had gotten in front of the one sinking ball instead of trying for the big catch. 3] I get Rocco wanting to secure the win in the 1st game. I think I would have thrown Dobber another inning. 4] You can like Astudillo or not but having him available was important today. He was able to take over the C spot late in game 2 and made some nice stops back there. With Avilla back barking, he couldn't have been ready at any more important time. 5] I feel bad for Poppen, I don't think he was throwing badly. Seemed like bad luck. That happens. 3 more to go, and we ARE the better team. Now let's go prove it.

Baseball is virtually run by numbers and statistics. And we have so many of them that it can not only be confusing, but you can select which statistics you feel are worthy or support your arguement. So it is virtually impossible to fully argue, predict or agree. Now, the flip side of this...over time and not just a SSS...is that a pitcher or hitter can hover around a number like BABIP and see an abberation. We can then conclude that a cold spell SHOULD normalize and that player will rise or fall based on previous performance. We can dismiss BA for a hitter or ERA for a pitcher and say new metrics make them absolute. Maybe, maybe not. But if a hitter has a career BA of X, and a pitcher has a career ERA of X, but a season or 2, or even a bad month or 2, then that outlier means something doesn't it. IIRC, I heard Rogers's SO numbers were actually up this season. That's a good thing and a good number to measure. But his BABIP, as mentioned, is up above the norms he has produced. So you can therefore state he's good, even better in some measurables, but unlucky, or missing spots and having a bad year. I have always found that there is a "truth" that can't always be quantified in regard to statistics. Call it life, the human factor, karma, whatever. Things tend to balance out and reality is always somewhere in the middle of things. And let's be honest here, ANY statistical information for baseball this season will be at least somewhat inaccurate as it's based on a 60 game season as opposed to the normal 162. A couple bad weeks or an injury destroys your 2020 numbers. In a full season, it can end up being a blip.