DocBauer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I dont think there has be a moratorium either in regard to his total IP. Pitching, hopefully, a full season or close to one, and simply monitoring him while allowing him to creep up to the 90-ish pitches per game mark should allow 150IP (or so) very organically. But they've done an outstanding job this season not only building his endurance up and maximizing him, but by also working on his pitches and subtle changes on the fly.

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

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

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

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

Agree you should ALWAYS play to win. 100%, even in a lost season when you are also auditioning various prospects for the next season. (How great would it be for a healthy Kirilloff and Larnach continuing to get ready for 2022)? Hopefully Miranda gets a taste yet this year. Very happy to see Gordon getting playing time and taking advantage of it. But I just can't agree with Rocco's choice to not let Maggi play in one of the 3 games in Toronto. If you are going to give the guy a taste of his dream, why wouldn't you give him just a little bigger bite and let him play in at least one game? I'd hope you would agree that in a lost season you can still try to win and give a guy like Maggi his one brief shot. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? He could do nothing in a losing game, or, MAYBE make a good play and get a hit. I just think his reward is a tiny bit hollow considering the circumstances.

Agreed. Also mostly supportive of the FO, and Rocco, but Maggie not seeing the field in Toronto is just disappointing. I want to say stupid, silly, ugly, but will stick with disappointing. The Twins aren't playing for anything. Maggi will always be able to say he reached the ML level. He made something like $9K in 3 days! Good for him! But there was no reason whatsoever he couldn't have started a game or been thrown in half way through a game to actually see the field and maybe have an AB. Very disappointed in Rocco on this, especially being a former player. I hate to play this game but I'm betting Gardy and Kelly both, in a losing year, would have made sure he saw the field.

Question, as I'm not sure of the milb clock rule, but if the pitcher and catcher aren't on the same page, or if they want to change the sequencing with a runner on base, and the pitcher steps off, does that re-set the clock? Can they do so once? Seems to me, while in favor of a pitch clock, there has to be some allowances involved. With runners on base, I'm not sure you have to eliminate the clock, but perhaps extend it another 5 seconds or so? I would think, especially with runners OB, should the batter and pitcher be allowed ONE time out where they can step away and re-set the clock? Again, uncertain as to the milb rules they've been playing with. And I'm in favor of a clock. But there are questions as to allowed TO or adjustments with runners that have to be worked out.

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

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

One of the beautiful things about baseball is there is no time limit, unlike most sports. (Soccer has their own weird version of a time limit, but whatever). But there is no reason why baseball can't control the time within the game itself. I haven't read the article...no subscription at this time...but if I were to speculate, part of the extended length of games is also attributed to additional commercial breaks. And there is no coming back from that! It's like and NFL game. Score...break. KO or punt....another break. They need to feed the beast. I get it. All the more reason to clock the play on the field. I agree with NineofTwelve and Ash regarding batters. Batters should only have a few moments to think, re-adjust their gloves and crotch, and get back in the box. And as Ash stated, a clock affects both sides, so it's fair. BUT, I also agree that runners in base, especially in scoring position, might allow either extra seconds, or a delayed clock. What I find funny/interesting is most pitching coaches through history have preached a fast approach. Sucks if you can't adapt. LOL. But this makes so much sense it's crazy.

I still like the core of this team when healthy and getting a fresh start in 2022, WITH help on the mound. The Twins projected payroll for 2020 would have sat almost dead on at $150M. Two years later, with fans back and the game back to a full season, and the FO stating they want to compete and believe they can, that means $50-60M available to re-tool the 2022 Twins and only MATCH the projected 2020 payroll. That means $18-22M, roughly, for a top SP. Might even have to bump it up slightly. Secondly, unless they just want to toss $ at the bump, they need to make a move similar to Odorizzi/Maeda where they acquire a good, solid SP for some young talent. What the cost would be is just too hard to predict. Third, they really need to add a decent 3rd rotation piece. Think Pineda or similar for what, $6-8M if you get lucky? Fourth, you almost have to spend a combined $5-8M on a couple decent BP arms. I understand this is about PLAYERS and not pitchers, but I use this as a reference point in regard to what the team needs and what is affordable. I just don't see where the $ is available for one of the TOP SS on the market to effectively build a team. Unless the FO just knocks it out of the park in a rotation re-build, or gambles on TWO experienced arms and trusts the other 3 spots to young talent, Baez or anyone else just don't fit payroll wise. I love the Taylor idea on a 1yr, or 1+1 type of deal. Maybe even a 2yr. Galvis is my #2 SS option, and might be the most practical fit. My #3 is, somewhat grudgingly, Simmons with the hope his bat would more clearly resemble his previous 4yrs, but at a reduced salary. After that I can't give you an exact name right now, but I want a RH 4th OF for $2-4M who can play defense and provide some solid offense to spell Kepler/Kirilloff/Larnach. Think Pillar on a rebound or someone similar. Spend the $ on pitching but bring in a good defensive SS who can handle a bat and that quality 4th RH OF. I'm happy with that.

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

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

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