DocBauer

Only have the box, this report, and the last 2 innings to watch during lunch. Needless to say, my lunch didn't quite settle right watching the end of this one. THE BAD: Kind of obvious here, right? The one guy Romo shouldn't have walked is the guy he did. And Rogers wasn't perfect. Disappointing as hell. But just being realistic, you aren't going to win them all. Even the worst teams are still MLB teams who will win some games. Stinks to only win 3 out of every 4, right? (Sarcasm alert)! THE GOOD: While Maeda may have grooved one, I take what I've seen already and the report here to be further satisfied we have a really, really nice SP here. We are starting to see real life in Sano and Buxton. And that is very important for the remainder of the season. I was very encouraged by Buxton's deep fly out late in the game. May have been an out, but would have been out in some parks, XB hit a couple feet either direction, and showed with his HR that he might be rounding in to form.

There's 3 categories to consider: 1] Non contending teams: They have some of their top prospects on the 60 man already so they can still continue to work and progress. No doubt a few of them will make their debut at some point. Detroit and Mize is a great example. 2] Contending teams: Other than injury or covid-19 issues, a contending team is not going to want to mess with their 40 man, if at all possible, as it means a mess at the end of the year and potential loss of a player or two they might have to leave off in preparation for 2021 and beyond. Now, if a guy looks ready, then his addition is just following the normal path of addition and subtraction. But part of the problem remains roster size and end of season call ups. As of now, the reduction to 28 and then 26 man rosters is in effect. But with so many injuries and various outbreaks, I believe roster sizes might end of up being changed on the fly and moved back up to 28 or 30. But even then, you still have 40 man issues to potentially deal with. 3] Twins: Everything stated above concerning contending teams applies here. The "negative" of being a contending "going for it" is the large number of AAAA players on the 60 man for depth rather than additional milb prospects getting developmental work. And that's a good problem to endure, of course! But if injury or illness requires those guys to come up, you play a 40 man game with guys you don't regret having to waive later. Bringing up and playing non 40 man guys that are top prospects really messes with the 40 man going forward. So barring disaster, there will be no Lewis, Kirilloff, Larnach, Jeffers, etc. They will continue to work out and gain development time. Though I am still utterly confused and lost why Balazovic isn't in St Paul. Let me state for the umpteenth time, yet again, just how ridiculous and short-sighted the entire September call up situation is! Regardless, this where you could see a couple of Duran, Chalmers, Gordon, Celestino or Blankenhorn get a shot. Perhaps Rooker or Celestino get added over someone "disposable". The long and short is the Twins, and any contending team, will only promote via business as usual to replace a lesser player. Only the lesser teams, BAU again, will be promoting top prospects.

I do think, and hadn't thought about it previously, that working with so many new members of the staff could be having an affect as Garver takes real pride in his play behind the plate. It's at least worth considering. But I think the question does remain, "is there a problem?" He has a good eye and a short, compact and powerful swing. He hit in college. He hit in the minors. He hit decently in his rookie season before exploding in 2019. But he hasn't really done anything so far in 2020 after 11 games. Buxton and Sano are still feeling their way, as has been Donaldson, though for different reasons. I believe Arraez was hitting only .245 before Sunday, and was suddenly up to .270+ after Sunday. Kepler hasn't hit worth a darn, but has a huge slugging percentage and then also has a big day. My whole point is it's a weird and short season. And numbers are going to be stilted for a lot of guys. Littell, for example, could return in a few days and pitch just as well for the rest of the year as he did last season and still never bring his ERA down to a decent number after that one bad 1st game performance. Garver will probably not see as many FB as last year. Wasn't his HR the other day off a change? He has to make adjustments. And I'm sure he will. And he could absolutely rake the rest of 2020 and still never come close to the numbers be put up in 2019 as they were almost historic. So I'm not going to bummed out he has 3/4 of a productive year in an abbreviated short season. I just want him and the rest of the team to just relax, do what they do best, find their comfort levels and run with it.

Just gone with the game thread and a read here of the overview. Just a bunch of thoughts to lay out there. 1] Thorpe is better than this. His milb success says so, and the brief glimpses of him in 2019 at the ML level also says so. I won't say he was pitching "scared" but I will say he looked nervous. Felt like he was aiming instead of throwing. Whatever personal issues he was dealing with in ST...and I'm not making light...an abbreviated summer training hasn't resolved yet. At least on the mound. The Twins clearly believe in his potential and I love that they are sticking with him and working with him. I don't think he's going to be ready, not really, until 2021. But that doesn't mean he can't still gain confidence and refine his game in 2020, but I was disappointed tonight. 2] Remember when Wisler was just like some of the rule V guys we picked up that never turned out and might just sneak on to the roster for an extended look-see? While not "hairy" and not throwing frisbee style, guy reminds me of a young Romo. That slider can be devastating! Mourneau touched on the topic with a story in his younger days, and brought Johnson and the modern Twins philosophy in; if you've got a special pitch, use it. Might have a real find here. 3] No quit in this team, which we also saw last season. And you won't win them all. And patience can be a virtue. And this is true for a team that seems to balance aggressiveness along with patience. (And they obviously are not firing on all cylinders yet offensively, no surprise there). But there is too much talent/ability for "crafty" SP to make this team look so bad some days. 4] You take all the wins you can get. Even the ones you may not "deserve" because there are also games you should win but don't. So never apologize for the ones you sneak out.

Avilla has been a great addition. Honestly, I was worried about letting Castro go. I wasn't worried about Garver, I was just worried about losing a veteran presence on the team that I think meant more than some people realize. But Avilla was the perfect replacement offensively and defensively, and maybe in the clubhouse as well. Mitch has been off to a slow start. Duh! But he will be fine in a day or two. He's smart. He has a good bat, a good eye, a short, compact and powerful swing. But he has to make some adjustments because pitchers won't just throw him FB any longer. But I tell you he WILL make adjustments. Meantime, Avilla is doing great and was a nice addition. Cruz is Cruz and a STUD. Enough said. The "T's"? You said it all. A couple weird or mis-plays, which happen, would take away a couple runs from this group. Strongest performance so far? 1] Cave. And not his offense, which we have seen glimpses of previously. (Still shocked how bad he was early 2019. Pressing?) But I have been impressed by his defense in CF so far. He has the range and glove and arm to be a decent CF option previously. But we've also seen a lack of recognition that has lead to some bad play. SOMETHING has clicked as he has looked solid in CF enough for Rocco to trust him there. 2] Polanco. More than a few of us stated repeatedly to just give him time to settle in, gain experience, and grow in to the position. I have no doubt that Donaldson will assist him and cover for any weakness. Except, I thought his weakness was charging balls and his arm? But even in SSS, so far, all I've seen is a great glove and accurate arm to make plays.

LOVE the defense Marwin played the night before at 1B! Because he's not an offensive force, I think a lot of people undervalue what he brings. (And he's still solid offensively). And I fully appreciate Rocco giving time off when needed, and to preserve the season. And to let guys feel their way. But you also have to let guys play. And Sano is ready and getting dialed in. You can disagree with me, but I'm really liking Sano at 1B. I see good play and potential. He missed a close play tonight where his foot was off the bag on a close call, but a week from now, I bet his foot is on the bag. He's a work in progress, but you have to like what you're seeing, IF you're paying attention. Offensively, just pencil him in because he's settling in. Marwin may have to play 3B for a few days due to a Donaldson hamstring tweak. GREAT to have this kind of depth. Maeda, may not be Carrasco's equal to some. But who pitched better? Cleveland has a great rotation and some live young arms in the pen. But so far, Twins are UP!

They let Dobnak toss 90 pitches last night in his 2nd start. Maeda hit 84 last time out but pretty much cruised through his first 4 innings. One would speculate he's being targeted for 90 today and hopefully 6 IP. Can you imagine how good this team may be when we start hitting just a little bit better?

And BTW, any else impressed by the defense we've seen from Polanco this far?

I was generally impressed by Dobnak, even with some extended AB with numerous fouls. And 90 pitches for 5 innings isn't exactly ideal. But I think it's obvious most pitchers are still ramping up. But really, how can you complain at his results? He did his job for those 5 IP and should only get better. Guy is a grinder and very solid.

Amazing what a lightening rod Rosario has become. I have been a fan since be was brought on board, and remain so. I think he is a tremendous personality, a team leader, and a proven performer. Despite those who argue against his performance, statistics have proven he was a top performer in RBI situations in 2019. Clutch is still clutch. Despite some borderline to silly plays, he has proven himself...when healthy...to usually being not only a quality OF, but one capable of great plays. And I'm willing to forgive a bad play for every 3 good plays. Because those good plays are usually damn good. It's Eddie being Eddie. And if you take a big picture look at everything over the last 2 seasons, you have a choice. You can look at instincts fielding, base running, and quality production, in clutch moments. Even with a shoulder problem in 2018 and a bad leg in 2019. OR, you can say he can't play defense above average and anyone could produce numbers in this lineup. I'm not saying you are wrong if you think Eddie is easily replaceable. In fact, when you look at the potential of Larnach and Kirilloff, it's really hard to argue about future replacement value. But I do think Rosario has been victimized a bit by injury the last couple of seasons to reach his true performance level. I think he is smart enough to realize the limitations on his game due to over-aggressiveness. But can he understand that and make adjustments without losing the right kind of offensivness that makes him so productive? In direct terms, just a 10% adjustment in SO/BB could be huge. Has he, can he, as a young veteran player make that change? I sure hope he can!

I missed bits and pieces, unfortunately, but thought Berrios was just fine except for one really bad pitch that cost the game. Nobody should panic at this point, especially with such a short training period to get ready. Jose seemed to have some nasty stuff 1st game, but was overthrowing. Again, he made one really bad pitch tonight. Would you rather have an injury like those that have plagued so many top hurlers already? Or a talented pitcher who overthrew one game and made that bad throw against a potential Cy Young candidate? Abbreviated season or not, it's still early. We really haven't seen anything to cause concern at this point. Tip of the cap to Bieber for pitching a fantastic game. Like it or not, he appears to be developing in to stud SP. Not sure anyone could have beaten him his first 2 times out. We can, if you want, argue all day long about Sano's defense at 1B after 6 games, a short training schedule, and an even shorter one for him. OR, we can acknowledge he has mostly looked good at 1B, has all the talent in the world to be a good defensive 1B, and is still developing there and feeling his way. (Something we all knew would be true). The lineup is deep and dangerous but in no way, despite some early outbursts, are our hitters performing to expectation. Yet! But nobody should hit any panic button. I don't care it's a short season, 4-2 is good and it's still early. I trust Rocco. I think he's awfully smart. He seems to have a feel for the pulse of the team and his players, and knowing when to play guys and when to rest them. I also think he's smart enough, even after ONLY 6 games to know if someone is pressing. I think Donaldson is pressing. Sano and Buxton had almost zero time to get ready. I want him to do what he does, and has done, and keep the lineup fresh. And you don't get in a groove by sitting. But I do hope he mixes the lineup up a bit tomorrow for giggles sake. Guys often respond by a little shake up.

I'm not going to pretend I have an answer here, but speculation and reflection might help? Reed got $8M per and was an established RP with some closing experience. May is younger and has better pure stuff but lacks the history. So I'm saying that would be a ceiling. But the good news/bad news situation is Covid in regard to contracts. Teams are going to lose money and I think most of agree the market is going to go flat for the next couple of seasons except for cream of the crop FA. So that makes May, and others, more affordable. Odorizzi the same way. But then again, the Twins are probably losing money as well, so what can their budget afford? A lot of ying/yang in regard to next off season.

Watching Hill was a joy. But the pen, WOW! 4 IP, ONE hit, ZERO walks, SEVEN SO.

SOMEBODY on the Bomba Squad should have THUNDERSTRUCK by AC/DC

Great article! Let us remember a couple things about young hitters in general, and Arraez specifically. Arraez turned 23 in April. And we talk about physical maturation and gaining "man muscle" as a young player. It's only partially true as we've seen other young 20yo players who already have muscles and natural power/strength. And I'm not talking about a 1B or OF who is 6' 2" plus and a good 200lbs plus. Even those guys develop physically over time via nutrition, weight gain, etc. But we also see infielders who seem to "muscle up" over time. Think Dozier, as an example. And I don't doubt for a second that power can't be developed via physical gains as an early 20+yo. But I also think some of the "muscling up" we talk about is just a young hitter gaining experience and being able to put round bat on round ball more consistently for more pop/power. Arraez is not a large human being and never will be. Doesn't mean he can't build up a bit and get stronger. And let's not forget he missed an entire milb season and had a whopping 66AB in Rochester for 2019 before coming up and sticking. He will never be, IMO, any sort of power threat. But he doesn't need to be. Greater exit velocity speaks not HR power necessarily, but hard and true singles with doubles power and a few more HR. As good as he hits and makes contact, and uses the whole field, power equates defenses playing him honest. And at that point, he has the other team right where he wants them.

#1] Cave produced his first go round. For whatever reason...pressing perhaps...he really struggled the first part of 2019 before getting his legs under him. While I doubt he is any late start STAR in the making, his strong start shouldn't surprise. My #1 problem with Cave has been he absolutely has the tools to be a decent CF, allowing him to fill in there, and allowing Kepler to stick in RF most of the time. And he's made some nice plays there. He's also made some terrible plays there and either not tracked the ball well or tried to make a tremendous play vs a safe play. If experience and/or work can allow him to play a solid CF defensively, he just raised his value to another level. I know it's only a couple of games, but he just looks more comfortable there to me. More importantly, Rocco seems to think so. #2] Adrianza has done nothing since the Twins signed him but come off the bench and contribute. He is, absolutely, a utility player. And he is no member of the Bomba squad. But he has done nothing but hit decently, maintain a decent contact rate and OB, pop some XBH here and there, and play quality defense. What more could ever be asked? As much as I love former contributors such as Newman, Reboutlet, Hocking and Pinto over the years, I think I'd take Adrianza over all of them. 3] Gonzalez did last season pretty much what he has done his entire career: produce and play well. His OPS in 2019 basically matched his career line. No matter how much we can debate about roster construction, depth and versatility, as well as flexibility, some guys are just everyday starters and some guys are role players. All he does is come off the bench a few days a week and play solid to good defense at a number of spots, hit, take professional AB, club double digit 2B and HR and make a real contribution to the lineup/team. IMO, there are very few teams in MLB that have a 3sum off their bench like the Twins have. Now, there is hope that soon we could have guys like Gordon, Blankenhorn and others...maybe even Lewis as he breaks in...who could be as good or better but this is a really, really good bench to work with right now. And I'm not sure that all 3 won't be back in 2021. I kind of wish, Cody, that "bench depth" might have included pitching. Or is that a 2nd article you have planned?

I'm going to echo this. When all is said and done, from defense to offense to mentorship of the young talent on the roster and those waiting for opportunity, Donaldson will still be the best signing. But Maeda is good. His career numbers say he is good. He eats RH hitters for breakfast and lunch and is coming off his best career year against LH hitters. The whole Dogers moving him to the pen has been overblown, IMO, from everything I've read and heard. The Dogers had enough rotation depth...one of the best in MLB ...to use him in their pen. (Nice problem to have). And I think some of the hyperbole that came with Maeda that the Twins acquired some front of the rotation stud was ridiculous. But what they got was a very good, experienced and professional hitter who can fit in well as a quality #2 or #3 guy. He may not dominate, but he just does everything well. I also enjoyed hearing Morneau speak about how well he's been fitting in with the team. Despite the language barrier, he has a good sense of humor and seems to be comfortable. One thing I feel is underrated is just how well the clubhouse works from the manager and coaches on down. The Twins seem to have built a team that is filled with ability, confidence, and good chemistry. And I believe that's been done very deliberately. So no over reaction. I disagree with over reaction #2, not only because I really never want to be compared to the Yankees, lol, but I think the Twins 2019 depth was pretty damn good as well. It's unfortunate, however, that the Twins were less healthy at the end of the season than the Yankees were at the time. But I will say the depth for 2020 is even better after Donaldson, Hill, Clippard and Maeda were brought on board. Not to mention Dobnak, Smeltzer, Thorpe, Littell and Stashak gaining experience. You're obviously being silly about Sano and Rogers. But I was a little surprised Rogers and Romo never pitched. And with the day off today, Monday, I think I would have played Sano all 3 days to help him heat up. As to Cruz, well, I doubt a DH wins MVP nationally. But internally he easily could. Even at 40, could he be one of the best and most dangerous hitters in the game? Little surprised you didn't include Stashak and/or Wisler. Because...DAMN!

Two words came to mind watching him: "smart" and "professional". While a different pitcher, he reminded me a little bit of Radke. Not overwhelming velocity, but he mixed pitches, changed speeds and hit spots. Always seemed in control of himself. I was fascinated at one point where be threw something like 5 or 6 straight FBs and Morneau commented how he was changing up the Dirty Sox game plan on him by doing so. Really looking forward to watching him this season. I really like his control and ability to adjust. I think this is going to be a very smart acquisition.

In the past, there was a lot of confusion about injured players hanging around and no information and then suddenly being placed on the IL, later than they should have been. I haven't really seen this with the current FO. While they haven't always spilled out tons of information...which is their right...they seem to be protective of their players well being and aggressive with the IL and promotion. At this point, they have said "stiffness". And I will accept that and a missed start, maybe 2 with a couple early off days. If it's more than that, I will absolutely begin to worry. But I give benefit of doubt at this point. The Twins have depth, but I don't want that to be taken for granted. Thorpe has a ton of potential, and Dobnak and Smeltzer both have decent potential. But I'd like them to ease in to reliability through experience and opportunity as much as possible. Same with Duran. But a short season changes said parameters of opportunity if this is something more. In regards to an extension, there are 2 ways to look at one: 1] I HOPE NOT, but if this turns out to be chronic related to 2017, Oddo is up against a hard place and will be looking for the best 1yr deal in a post 2020 season he can get. The Twins could still need him and easily bet on him for 2021 While waiting for some of their top arms to arrive. And he's already stated he enjoys pitching for the Twins and working with Johnson. 2] Even if he is ready to go with mild stiffness, and the Twins are just being cautious, and he makes 10-11 regular season starts, and we see the 2019 version of him, he is still up against a rock, though a less threatening, less jagged rock. He is a very good #3 SP who can/has pitched like a legitimate #2 most days if you accept 5-6 IP. He was a legitimate All Star in 2019 who was almost as good the 2nd half if you take away July dealing with a finger issue. And he no longer has a draft choice attached to him for 2021. But he's also making just shy of $18M in 2020, though now pro-rated. Even if the 2020 season plays out to completion, including expanded playoffs to make up for financial losses, are teams really going to invest big money for 2021? Especially considering the CBA and questions about 2022? Except for elite talent, I would say no. I think a healthy and productive Odorizzi is looking at a 3yr deal for about $45M. I believe the Twins can not only afford that, but I think he's honest in wanting to stay here. It might also be his best offer.

So today happened. Ugh! The good news is Dobnak looked OK and I agree he he serves another start. Very disappointed in Littell and Smeltzer but not going to panic over ONE GAME, and first game at that. Not the least bit worried about Berrios after one game either. Once again, first game, limited time ramp up, and facing a good lineup. He seemed to settle down in the 3rd and 4th. Honestly, I think he was too amped up and over-throwing.

I agree on Gordon. He's had some tough luck will illness a couple minor but badly timed injuries. I agree he would probably have been called up before Arraez in 2019 if available. Of course, Arraez has worked out pretty well so far. I still believe Gordon will have a solid career as a useful utility player with decent offense. Potentially, he could still start for someone at 2B. Not what was envisioned or hoped for, but a quality/useful ML player is never anything to dismiss, despite original expectations. Whitefield has been an interesting story since the day he signed and has been one of my favorite minor leaguers to root for. I'm sure he will only be around for the first 2 weeks but should fulfill a dream by making some PR and late defensive appearances. I'm super happy for the kid and understand he's older than Celestino and has played more at a higher level, but still a bit confused why the Twins didn't just go with Celestino, already on the 40 man. I'm guess it's age, experience and the start of his clock. Earlier today, before I even read this article, I was doing a little fantasizing about the reserve roster in St. Paul and realized that if they could scrimmage someone else's reserve list tomorrow...with Gordon cleared from Covid...their lineup would look something like this: 2B: Gordon SS: Lewis RF: Kirilloff 1B: Rooker LF: Larnach C: Jeffers 3B: Blankenhorn DH: Weil CF: Celestino SP: Duran While Gordon may not be a top 20 prospect any longer, he remains a decent one. I think it could be easily argued the only real non prospect above would be Weil. That's a pretty interesting lineup right there.

Mildly scared by Odorizzi. He's had back problems before, see Tampa in 2017 for a good part of the year, though he finished strong that year. They say mild stiffness and I figured with the expanded roster he might miss a single turn and no reason for the IL. Guessing/Hoping retro will still have him missing only a start, maybe two. IIRC, they have a couple off days early so maybe this is just being overly cautious??? Crossing my fingers. I've never been sold on Bailey, and that has nothing to do with his performance Wednesday. Healthy, though younger, he was solid to very good. Healthy again, he re-invented himself in 2019. We are not talking a top of the rotation SP. We're talking a solid, experienced 5th SP. I'm trusting the FO on this one. Surprised a little by Blankenhorn not making it, even though it would only be for 2 weeks. I am borderline shocked by Whitefield. I have been a fan and hopeful supporter of his since day one. (The potential and story are just too good.) While no prospect expert the book on him is great defense with legitimate CF instincts. He has some pop and power potential. Tremendous speed and SB ability. 23yo and still a work in progress as a hitter. He has more time than Celistino at A+, so that may have been a factor. But considering a 40 man move to add him vs just keeping Celestino for a couple of weeks, I am confused. Otherwise, everything makes perfect sense.

I agree. My caveat would be the Twins final record. I'm not sold yet on Bailey, and it has nothing to do with Wednesday against the Cubs. At this point, I am only mildly concerned with Odorizzi having some back stiffness. Sano and Buxton being OK but slightly set back doesn't scare me. There is just so much depth and talent positionally speaking, and rotation and pen depth, that I honestly feel this team should win 40 games.

I don't buy in to the Dirty Sox just yet. They made some good additions and have some young talent on hand and some just about ready to make their mark. But I just think they need too much to go right at the same time to challenge this season. Cleveland is still dangerous. You have to give them the advantage in SP, even though though the Twins have quality and depth. I also like the Twins BP and depth over the Indians. We can debate INF vs OF but it's a balancing act. I'd pick the Twins overall, including DH. In the whole of AL/NL Central, the Twins and Indians should be the top 2 teams. I still don't feel the whole "Central" battle is quite the cake walk some make it out to be as there are 4 teams in the NL that could be 30+ win teams, plus Cleveland and the CDS to contend with. But Cleveland is the only team that really worries me.

Got anything good to share? I haven't see anything about Sunday.