DocBauer

C] Garver/Jeffers/Astudillo 1B] Kirilloff/Sano 2B] Polanco/Gordon SS] Galvis 3B] Donaldson/Miranda/Astudillo/Gordon LF] Larnach/Kirilloff CF] Buxton/FA/Gordon RR/ Kepler DH] Everyone, but especially Arraez, Donaldson and Sano. If you paid attention, you will see I cheated and selected 14 players. And that's not just a "someone might be hurt" cheat. I'm thinking one of Larnach or Miranda will start the year at St Paul. Larnach got promoted early, raked and teased, then needed a re-set and will, unfortunately, finish his year on the IL. But he is in so close! Miranda COULD debut as a super utility player. And I'm OK with that. There are very few rookies who just get handed a job from day one. And how is it a bad thing to actually have a quality roster where a rookie has to earn his spot? Garver needs to split time between catcher and DH. His bat is too valuable to keep him out of the lineup. He might even play a little 1B. Arraez needs to be in the lineup daily. Period! He can play 3 spots and DH. Unless you have an amazing bat to plug in to DH, who ever decided you needed ONE GUY to fill that spot? How about a really good and talented lineup where the DH is just a really good hitter having a half day off? And there is so much belief and hope that the 2022 lineup is that good. Spend $ on pitching, a decent SS and a quality 4th RH OF. The player portion of the 2022 team should be fine with good health. But, I am still concerned with the coaches and their instruction.

Barring a surprise, I think they keep him. In fact, unless someone picks up about 100% of his deal, his greatest value is keeping him. Actually paying someone to take him doesn't really offer that much salary relief, especially when you consider how little we may get back vs what he can produce if relatively healthy. He MIGHT be an interesting 2022 trade piece if the Twins aren't contending or have a viable replacement in place. I find point #4 regarding his personality to be interesting. I'm not saying he is a bad teamate. In fact, I think it's just the opposite. Since he was signed young players have gravitated towards him and he has responded with leadership and advice as a sort of mentor. But to coin an old expression, he is a "red ass". His team loves him, and opponents hate him. Think AJ back in the day before Mauer took over and just about every team AJ played for. He has been quite healthy for this year and has basically produced to career norms. I think he is mature enough in his career to recognize and appreciate his DH usage to keep him fresh. And really, this team could maybe use a little "red ass" to keep everyone sharp and determined. I will argue that when he doesn't play 3B the Twins are destitute there, (And yes, I'm hoping for AT LEAST 60% of his games being spent there). Arraez has gotten better there the more he's played there. Not great, but OK. And 3B might be Astudillo's best spot. And this prospect named Miranda may just take over the position at some point in 2022. I'd keep Donaldson 100% unless someone picks up his salary and offers something back you can't turn down.

Interesting idea. And Torres is a young player with BIG bounceback possibilities. But too many question marks and seems to MAYBE be Polanco part 2. Complete pass. Despite being a fan and believer, I'm grudgingly going to admit the talented and athletic Kepler probably peaked in 2019. That being said, I think a slightly different approach, through experience, maturity, and a change in the hitting coach that I think is forthcoming, I can still improvement of what he's done lately. Better health would help as well. Kepler/Twins need a quality RH hitting 4th OF via trade or FA. This is a MUST overshadowed by pitching needs that far too many dismiss. Barring significant growth/change, Kepler should start 120G, and will probably play in 140 as a PH or defensive replacement. He is good to very good used that way as a RF and backup CF option. Call me crazy, but I think the offense is fine for 2022 with what we have, including Kirilloff healthy and Larnach being ready at some point. Not to mention Garver healthy and splitting time between catcher and DH and MAYBE a little 1B. The offensive approach just needs to find a little more consistency. I would be excited, as we all would be if the Twins made a major FA move at SS. But I think they are better served with concentrating on various SP/RP moves...long and short term...and said 4th OF and bringing in a SOLID SS option. Galvin is a guy I'm high on. But I also have to wonder what happened to Iglesias? Did he just suddenly lose it? He could be very interesting.

This list is perfect, though I could see arguements in regard to rankings. But I will comment based on the current list. 3] Ober: He's supposed to be in AAA considering his draft selection and injury history despite video game numbers when he was on the mound. He's worked very hard on his delivery to not only increase velocity, but to just feel healthy after each start. Tall and lanky, he was prone to injury. Suddenly, with hard work, he's found a fluid motion that has not only increased velocity, but he's gained a smooth and repeatable delivery. He's even tweaked his slider delivery on the fly. He's only gotten better the more he's pitched. Just STOP with IP arguements. He's a rookie, still learning, and having his IP monitored not only to protect him, but because the Twins are looking to toss some IP to others. This kid looks like a keeper. And if you don't think so, you aren't paying attention. 2] I was WTH, when Thielbar was brought back. Despite what he did in the Detroit system, I couldn't believe the Tigers wouldn't have brought him back. But he shined pretty well in 2020. His early 2021 numbers with the Twins don't indicate how bad he, and everyone else, were with runners in scoring position. (Inherited runners). But a switch was flipped a couple months ago. And while I still struggle as to how good be can be, and for how long, he has looked really good yet again. (Same as Duffey). 1] My single, biggest arguement with Rocco is in regard to Arraez. The , unfortunately deceased Bell, told Rocco to put him at #1 every day. There is a very wrong and disappointing misnomer, that being a "ballplayer" means you have grit but not ability. And that is SO WRONG! Arraez is NOT a superb athlete. He is NOT a power hitter or speed demon. But he is a BALLPLAYER! Has anyone taken time to actually look at his career? Or do they just casually gloss over reality? He's been asked to play LF/3B/SS/2B since he was brought up in 2019. And his attitude has been: "play me and give me a glove". And I've watched him since the day he came up. Do you realize his initial LF instruction was touch the wall and then step back 20-25 feet? He is still only 24yo. The more he plays, the better he is defensively. But 2B/3B/LF/DH he needs to be in the lineup for 500 AB or so! Bell bad it right! And Rocco needs to figure that out! Additional underrated? I didn't expect Jeffers to replicate 2020. Too much too soon. But you can see the ability and the potential. Garver showed yet again what he can do when healthy. Let him split time and DH and MAYBE play some 1B. If you actually look at the numbers, Donaldson has actually produced. He needs to continue to play 3B as well as DH. In fact, one of the biggest "problems" the Twins may face is finding enough playing time with a healthy and young talent group of Kirilloff, Lanrach and Miranda. Have to give a shout out to Farrell and and Minya and Coulombe. Their future is a mystery. But did anyone see them actually producing for 2021, much less be an option for 2022? Oh, sorry, almost left Alcala off the list, we've seen good and bad. But we've seen mkre good than bad recently.

Only got to watch a couple of the middle innings, which was great as we had the lead and the pen was performing. I can't and won't comment on the umpiring as I didn't see enough. What disappoints the hell out of me as I had this wonderful post half composed in my head about the way the Twins can beat the Yankees is jump on a red-eye to N.Y. for a single game, arrive with little to no sleep, then throw a bullpen game to win. But, alas, it was not to be. The strange perception I take out of this game is Colome. He BLEW IT. No question. And it sucks and hurts, and not just because I had a fun post planned. If Colome had pitched the whole season like he has since June 1st, would we have such vitriol? We might still have a blown season because ONE GUY isn't to blame for 2021. IF Colome had been what was expected, he'd still have a few bad games here and there, including today. But fan/public opinion might be very different. Look, I wouldn't be surprised if Colome was brought back on a smaller contract based on his career, and what he's done since June. (Should be a smaller contract IF it happens). There is potential for him to be an experienced middle guy. And I wouldn't be surprised if both parties just walked away because it just didn't work out. But what I find humerous/interesting is if both sides walk, there will be someone who looks at Colome's career, and his much better 2/3 of a season and think they got a smart signing. If he has a great 2022, do we, as fans, then gripe we didn't keep him? Understand, I'm at BEST keeping Colome at 50/50. I just think perspective in a horrible, disappointing season is difficult to quantify. Fans deal with emotion. A FO and coaching staff see things differently. Just tossing this out for conversation sake and interest. This game still stunk!

Just a little better control, a little more consistency in his slider to keep getting LH out, he has a real chance to be a quality BP piece. I agree that I'm not pencilling him to start 2022 in the pen, but I can see him being quite valuable when brought up a month or so in and allowed to handle middle innings initially. I do think there is a real chance someone like Coulombe, Thorpe or Smeltzer could make the initial roster, giving us 3 LHRP to begin the year. Now, I'm not necessarily saying all or any of those guys are protected on the initial 40 man roster...maybe none...but I have doubts as to all of them going elsewhere either. So between protected or invited, I see the potential of a 3rd LH breaking with the team and Moran coming up later. But, I'd be very happy if he worked hard this offseason, had a great ST, and the Twins just went with him. I have a real conflict in regard to Colome, and not because he blew the Yankee game today. Ugh! Since June he's been about as good and reliable as he's ever been. He's pretty much been the guy we THOUGHT we were signing. Whether his option was picked up, or signed to a smaller deal, I can't argue too hard about having him back as a veteran arm. Not sure fan backlash is real. If he pitched in 2022 like he has been, like he has before, I think fan "forgiveness" would happen. But I also agree that maybe it's just time to move on and he could be replaced. I sort of disagree the Twins need a "closer". I think they need a RHRP to team with a HOPEFULLY 100% Rogers as a FIREMAN of equal ability. I think we've learned that a traditional closer role isn't necessarily as import as a high leverage fireman.

I was impressed with how Jax responded. He could have allowed himself to be rattled but he didn't. He went out and threw 5 more really good innings. Does make me wonder why he didn't get another one though, considering the pit h count.

OK, I finally am caught up enough to say I love a post and say THIS! They absolutely had to re-build the pitching staff. I know Berrios is gone now, but the Odorizzi and Maeda trades were brilliant. In fact, despite the suspension interruption that was a major bummer and complication, the idea of singing Pineda on a rebound deal was very smart. Borderline brilliant when you look at what he's done when healthy. I think the biggest problem in regard to "decisions" for 2021 is retrospective. And that's not really fair. Again, while we didn't all agree on every choice made, most of us, and the "experts" thought they made smart moves. Proves back of the napkin smart ideas just don't always work out. Agree with what is sitting at AA and AAA. There are a lot of kids getting ready and could be ready really soon.

There are about 5 posts I want to just scream "THIS"! So I am forced to merely LIKE those posts and add my own comments. (And YES to everyone debating in a wonderfully civil tone). 1] Absolutely agree, and have argued this point previously many times, that the FO got the short straw when initially hired. Despite being FO executives in MLB, there was no way for them to fully know, understand, or comprehend the entirety of the Twins system from existing infrastructure to the ML roster on down through the milb system, including coaches and instructors. They basically took control the first of Novemeber and hit the ground running making their evaluations and beginning to implement changes. The fact that they inherited some quality young players to build with was a HUGE positive. HOWEVER, those players had yet to congeal in to anything resembling a successful team. How many teams in all sports have we seen underachieve, or not yet approach their ceilings, and then a staff turns over, a new way of doing things is implemented, and progress and winning is achieved? Kudos to the Ryan administration for brining these players to the organization, but some "automatic" improvement/achievement is short-sighted. 2] If we want to give the FO a pass or sorts for their 1st year, I'm OK with that for all the reasons previously mentioned. But they still produced a winning 2017. What's most important is the changes they began in regard to infrastructure changes. Sawyer made HUGE changes in the development of catching within the system. The results were so dramatic and well received him we lost him to the DAMN Yankees. Shelton was valuable as a bench coach, instructor and good baseball man. Then we lost him to a manager gig. Rowson did a tremendous job and then was hired away for a promotion to the Marlins. Hefner was so well respected as out bullpen/assistant pitching coach he became the Mets pitching coach. So the FO sure seems to know how to identify good coaching talent. Current and former players who are still around and plugged in to the system have commented on the changes within the system in regard to approach changes and having a more personalized approach to player development throughout the system. So they have been doing an awful lot of things very, very right thus far in regard to the infrastructure. 3] Prospect and especially pitcher pipeline? Just how fast have some people expected draft choices made the last 4yrs to reach the majors? Look, I don't like every selection made, but Lewis, for example, misses all of 2020 and then has an unfortunate injury that is going to cost him 2021. That's the fault of the FO? Enlow looked like he was going to turn a corner this season and got hurt. Again, the fault of the FO? Jeffers has already reached, so has Larnach, obviously with mixed results. But you can see the potential. And there are a number of good looking players only in their 1st-3rd seasons within the system showing potential. But let's just look at the pitching pipeline we've been promised. At the ML level, we got a pair of productive steals in Odorizzi and Maeda. They had a smart idea of brining in Pineda on a make good, rehab deal. And despite some hiccups, he's been solid to great since he recovered from his original surgery. Prospect wise? This organization is about as deep as its EVER been in pitching prospects. Jordy Blaze was drafted by the previous FO in 2016. But it's been under THIS FO and their watch he has developed. Look at every, single SP prospect in the system, including Ober and Dobnak, (however you feel about Dobber and what he's done so far and might yet do), have been signed, drafted, or traded for in the last 2-3 yrs by THIS FO. This includes Winder, Duran, Sands, Canterino, Sands, Enlow, etc, etc. So where is the pipeline? It's coming! We have only seen the tip of the iceberg thus far with Ober, Dobber, maybe Jax to some degree. A lost 2020 season and injuries in 2021 stink! But het again, this is the fault of the FO? I like this FO so much, so far, for their infrastructure changes. I don't like every draft choice they have made to be sure, but I also can't argue a lot at this point after just a few years and a lot of great choices they have seemingly made. Its just way too early. And I can't say I've agreed with every ML move they've made, especially a couple FA choices. But I also can't say I have a leg to stand on with some of their choices. A few of the guys I would have wanted/ signed turned out to be a poor idea. (Me playing amateur GM). I wanted Odorizzi or Walker instead of Happ on a 1yr. But I was fine with Happ, and he looked really good early. And we all know that. I was OK with Shoemaker, healthy, on a 1yr $2M flier. But I would have given Dobnak the 5th spot to open the year. Is that Rocco or the FO making a mistake there? Most of my BP choices woukd have turned as bad or worse than my choices. So I guess I'd already be fired, LOL. But almost universally, "experts" thought what the FO did was smart and they were poised to challenge for the ALC yet again and reach the playoffs. And then the 2021 season actually played out. So after several years of just lousy, losing baseball, the current FO implements changes from top to bottom and bottom to top. Their teams have 3 winning seasons, including 2 divisional championships, one season slightly under .500 and one just horrible and disappointing season. There remains a lot of player talent not exactly old, and have auditioned more than a few quality prospects who show real potential. They have a quality milb system with some of the best pitching prospects we have seen in about 30yrs. And make no mistake, there is work to be done for 2022. But it is short-sighted, and assanine IMO, to look at what has been achieved thus far and think or demand that some change needs to be made. Just ridiculous! This FO needs and deserves 2 more years to see this through, make some moves, and let their prospects rise up.

I wish I could have watched the game instead of just checking the box score and the listening to the break up of the perfect game while in my car. Even though Cleveland has a less than stellar lineup, how can you not be impressed for what Ryan did tonight? He was amazing! This kid is riding lightening right now and the Twins need to give him all the chances they can to get him ready for 2022. He has the stuff and the attitude to be a stalwart. Just how good he can be is yet to be determined, obviously. I am super amped up as to his potential as a potential ML SP piece for the Twins. But I'm also a realist. I am NOT being a downer, but I still want to see Johnson work with him the rest of the year and going in to next season on some sort of reliable 3rd pitch. He finds any sort of 3rd pitch with his FB, slider, and control and moxy, he just might be special. At WORST, we might be looking at a really good #2 or excellent #3 SP. And let us pause for a moment to remember how good Ober has looked and developed while even making some adjustments on the fly. I want to be guarded knowing growing pains will happen at some point, but, how can you not be excited this first wave of young rotation pieces, one developed and one brought in? Really excited as to how each finishes the season. Also really excited to see what Dobber does to finish the year, healthy again. Despite some bad pitches and some poor defense there was a lot to like from his last start. IF he can finish 2021 looking like the initial 2020 version of himself, the Twins could be looking at a 2022 pipeline of young SP talent for the future. There's still a lot to play for this season, even in a lost year, to get ready for 2022.

Totally agree. Sometimes there just isn't a fit and both parties need to move on. And I'm not so sure that isn't the case here as well. But you can also easily imagine Colome going somewhere else for a fresh start and simply performing to his career standards and voices clamoring as to why he didn't do that for a full season for the Twins and why didn't they keep him, etc. I am NOT saying the Twins SHOULD keep him. I'm just saying, keeping him as a proven 7th/8th IP option shouldn't be discounted because of 2 terrible months.

No. They did not mis-evaluate their signings. They just didn't turn out. And they pretty much ALL didn't turn out. That doesn't mean they mis-evaluated. Happ has had a pretty solid career. He was coming off a solid season. Be started this year quite well and suddenly fell apart for whatever reason3. For the first month or so he looked like a great #4 SP option. Shoemaker was signed on a very cheap 1yr deal as a #5 SP who has had a lot of solid success when healthy. He was NOT signed as any savior, just an interesting #5 flier with potential as a spot holder, We're going to blast the FO for a 1yr $2M flier spot holder? Please! Colome had each and every one of us cursing his first 2 months. Like some perverse Invasion of the Body Snatchers, he was NOT the guy we signed. BUT ,despite a few bad games, have you checked out what he's been since around the 1st of June? Since then he's been the guy we THOUGHT we were signing, Robles, to me, was a cheap key to our bullpen. He stunk. Then he was good. Then he stunk again. I may be more disappointed in him vs any other signing. The FO didn't BLOW anything. They speculated and made smart decisions that just turned out WRONG. Sucks, sucks BIG TIME, but it happens. Boston was supposed to fight the Orioles for last place in the AL East. The Giants were supposed to be re-building. The Padres were supposed to win 100 games and get to the WS and maybe win it. The Angels may have the best 2 players in all of MLB. How have those teams turned out? I am NO apologist for our FO, though I like them, because there are indeed moves they have made and not made I disagree with. And their FA trade record is questionable at this point to be sure. But there is a difference between doing things wrong and things not going right. And they have pressure on them in regard to 2022 to "guess" right.

The FO or Rocco has apparently decided he can't play a decent SS at the ML level. FINE. They are far smarter and more plugged in than I am. But then why in hell have I watched him playing SS the past two ST? I'm NOT saying Polanco shouldn't be the #1 backup SS at the ML level, but why doesn't Gordon at least get a shot to see what he can do there? I have ZERO illusions the kid is going to go somewhere and become a high quality ML player...other than maybe at 2B for a losing team just looking for potential. But if you liked him enough to protect him, stick by him, and believe enough in his athleticism to learn CF/OF on the fly, and drop him back down to AAA with the purpose of getting AB and playing EVERYWHERE, then for goodness sake let him play at the ML level EVERYWHERE. And that includes SS. I expect no greatness but you might actually end up with an inexpensive, speedy, utility player. Far short of his original draft status and initial hope, but what's wrong with gaining some real value for him?

I remember when Cabbage and Blankenhorn were drafted. Back to back or very close as I recall. And I remember the scouting reports for each was very similar, good, multi-sport athletes with a chance to really blossom given time to concentrate on just baseball. Blankenhorn, honestly, quickly surpassed Cabbage in the system. I saw a ceiling of solid, productive 3B with a floor of valuable RH bat useful utility player. And Cabbage just never seemed to hit his stride. Crazy how things change a year plus later where Blankenhorn is gone and Cabbage is having the best season of his young career. I'm unsure about his defense at 1B or the OF, But he clearly has to hit better, K less. BUT, he's still here, and producing. He's probably targeted for a return to Wichita to begin 2022, but he's made huge strides in 2021.

Love and enjoy every game the Twins win. But a few comments to toss out there: 1] I've been pleasantly surprised by Gant. I saw him as a toss-in when the trade was made. But not only have I been pleasantly surprised thus far, but I've looked at his career numbers a couple of times. They are nothing special, but they aren't bad either. His career K/9 is nothing great, but career ERA, AVG, and WHiP are solid. I get the Twins are looking at him as a POSSIBLE SP, and they kind of have to right now out of necessity. But everything about him just screams to me as him being a quality, dependable middle man. And there's real value in that. I hope that's where he ends up. 2] Good for Rooker. Just wish he could do that more often, as well as just make better contact. There's still something there to like and work with. It's all up to him at this point. 3] Anyone else paying attention to Alcala? Despite some good highs and really bad lows, he had a couple pretty good games before his IL stint. Since his return, he's had a few really good performances. I'm taking 2021 as a good building block for his future. 4] Please don't make me duck and cover for this, but I'm starting to think the Twins would be smart to pick up Colome's 2nd year. (Initial and obligatory duck). Despite a few bad performances...which happen...the numbers for his last 30 games are pretty stellar: 2-0/ 2.73 ERA/ 11SV/ 1.21 WHiP. I believe his 30G dates back to around June 1st. Since then, he's pretty much been what he was supposed to be despite a few hiccups. I absolutely want the Twins to bring in a quality RH arm for $5-7M to work with Rogers, and another $2-3M version of Robles that can, hopefully, be more consistent. Can't believe im saying this after April and May, but maybe keeping Colome as a veteran performer in a set-up role isn't so crazy if you look at his career and the past 3 months.

In regard to Jax, all I can think is, what might have been if the Twins had guessed right and they would have changed the obligation rules earlier as they had expected/hoped. At this point, despite pitching at the ML level and showing SOME promise, sure seems like he's looking like a quality middle RP. Tòo bad. Shoulda/coulda/woulda. I keep wondering about Simmons. Is he playing to help the staff at this point defensively? Are the Twins thinking about re-signing him for 2022 on a smaller deal as a fill-in and just wanting to see how he finishes/responds? Otherwise, I'd just say STOP. Let him go and do something crazy and let SS be played by almost anyone. Use his roster spot for Miranda. Maybe go completely nuts and bring up someone like Palacious for 3 weeks. Just saying, if you don't expect/want him back, just use the roster spot for SOMEONE. Still fine auditioning various arms to see who you want to keep or invite back. That's what you do at the end of a disappointing season.

Initial, short answer is YES, it's way too early to dismiss him as a prospect. Detailed, longer response, EVERY SINGLE PROSPECT is DIFFERENT than EVERY OTHER PROSPECT. If that wasn't the case, MLB would assemble a draft depth chart on some sort of (fantasy) projection algorithm and teams would decide what position they needed most, and when they would project to need them, and would place an order for "the 7th rated SS on the list that should be ready in 4yrs as we're probably OK until then". If you pull up the draft grades of Gordon and Cavaco, they match almost exactly the same across the board, despite them being drafted 8 spots from one another. Without going in too great of detail, virtually identical in HIT ability and Gordon having a slight edge in arm, speed and fielding, with Cavaco having an edge in power. The greatest difference, IIRC was Gordon was more well known, had been on the "circuit" much more, had more experience at SS in his HS career, while Cavaco was less experienced at SS, had a better frame for power, and was a less known "fast riser" prospect that several teams had their eye on. BOTH had the athleticism, speed and arm to stick at SS with time and coaching. BOTH had speed, Gordon a bit more, while, again, Cavaco offered a bigger frame and more power. This is all for reference sake. Every draft is different. But if you want a HS SS with real athleticism and potential, you usually have to grab them fairly early or you won't get them at all. Cavaco had a LOUSY 1st rookie ball season. Then, despite no 2020 ball at all, he was sent to A- ball at Ft Myers this year, which happens to be a notoriously tough hitters league. He actually lead Ft Myers in BA for most of the 1st half of the season before missing time with injury. Since he came back, he's been struggling. Now, before anyone dares accuse me of being a FO apologist or homer, let me clearly state I wasn't in favor of EITHER the Gordon OR Cavaco selections. (Let's also be very clear that each selection was made by a different FO). But again, to be equally clear, if you want to draft a young HS SS that has the POTENTIAL to STICK at that spot, that has the POTENTIAL to actually hit, run, hopefully provide some power as well, in other words a dangerous and well rounded athlete and potential offensive spark plug, you are going to have to draft them pretty early. In each case, there was a college player, or two, I liked better were I in charge. In each case, said player(s) were coming off down seasons and didn't necessarily posses all the tools that Gordon and Cavaco offered. I became a Gordon convert after his first couple of seasons. THEN he battled an intestinal problem that slowed him. And just when it looked like he had figured that out, he had an injury that robbed him of a promotion and gave Arraez his initial shot. After that, Gordon dealt with a severe case of covid that had him hospitalized, I believe, and caused a major weight loss he couldn't afford to have. Now, with the jury still out, with time and health, Gordon looks like an actual, useful ML utility player who is hitting a little, playing OK defense while also learning brand new spots, stealing some bases, and looking like he actually has some kind of career ahead of him, with the Twins or someone else. Perspective. But Cavaco, 1st round pick or not, has gone from HS to 1/2 a season of rookie ball, no baseball for a full year except his own workouts, and then sent to A ball where he held his own and lead his team in BA before his injury. He's following the right path. In fact, he's following the same path that Miller, our 2nd round pick this year, will surely follow; rookie ball to A- ball. The difference, besides being completely different individuals is, one will have continuity and one will have had a completely lost year. So while not a big fan or the original selection, and would rank him lower on the prospect lists despite athleticism/talent/projection, short and long version answers are YES, way too early to dismiss him as a prospect.

Makes sense. Just wanted to make sure I hadn't missed an injury tweak or something. Thanks!

To echo Topgun#22 and others, a well thought out and written arguement, but I am also going to disagree. Maybe not entirely, but I will nonetheless. First of all, signing someone like Stroman would be a quality veteran who is relatively young to help front the staff and have value for 3-5yrs. SOMEONE besides just a bunch of rookies are going to be needed to start 162G. There are a number of "decent" options such as Pineda, for example, on 1yr deal for $6-8M as a stopgap. The question, in my mind, is do you stop there and use the final 3 spots for the young arms, OR, can the FO pull off another solid trade as they did for Odorizzi and Maeda? If the FO can make such a trade, you still have the remaining 2 spots to be Ober, Ryan, Dobnak, and others. And we all know you are going to need more than 5 or 6 SP for a full season. And if your 1yr signing doesn't turn out and the young arms are looking good, you can release said veteran. Further, if said signed actually pitches well and you aren't in position to contend, or again someone young is ready, you have a mid-year trade option. There is sufficient $ to spend without breaking the bank to make these kind of moves. A 1yr SP does nothing to block young talent. And maybe some will disagree with me, but other than a decent, solid temp SS and a solid, quality RH 4th OF, I think this team is good position player wise. Now, the pen needs addressing, no doubt. But a single, long term contract, a hopeful trade acquisition and an inexpensive 1yr starter does NOT blow up the payroll or handcuff you. And you will have more than enough opportunity to throw the young arms throughout 162G schedule. Why wouldn't you try to compete in 2022?

Excited about this. Have we heard why it's taken so long to get him going?

My eye test tells me Polanco is definitely improved. Might be just settling in to 2B more, or his ankle being a little stiff early in the season or both. My eye also tells me Arraez has looked better. I think that's as simple as playing 3B more often and just getting comfortable. Sano frustrates me. He seems to field 1B cleanly and does a great job on scoops. He chases foul balls generally well. I've even seen him make some really good throws from 1B. He looks fine to even good at 1B and then just muffs a play or makes a ridiculous throw/play and I roll my eyes. Total Jekyl and Hyde. I think we're fine at catcher with some obvious growing pains from a couple young rookies that have played a lot. I don't know what to think about Simmons. He's still solid, but it does look like he's slipped. Is he disinterested? Is he taking his offensive struggles to the field? With average offense I'd take him back for a smaller deal. But it might just not be a good fit and time to find a different short term option.

Watched and listened to most all the game. Dobnak wasn't exactly perfect, far from it. But I was impressed. While he was high with his pitches in the 2nd and 3rd and was knocked around, he was also let down by his defense. But he also had a great 1st inning. He also had a fine 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th inning. His first game back. Call me encouraged!

Thank you. I thought he had to be protected and actually forgot he was ,left unprotected last year. All the more reason I'm confused why he isn't getting a shot now. I know the FO is sifting through "do we keep them or invite them back on milb deals" options, but time seems to be running out to get his feet wet. Unless they already know they are going to protect him and just let the other arms continue to audition. Hamilton is another arm I just don't get. We all know his tragic history. But he's been claimed, waived, claimed, waived, etc, over and again because everyone also knows his story. And yet, he also has yet to receive any sort of audition. Again, I can see a method taking place here. I'm just worried we might be missing a couple opportunities.

I'm tossing this out here as a discussion idea that I briefly touched on in my previous post. I think it's an interesting idea. Verlander is a future HOF SP. He's also coming off injury and a lost season. He will also be 39yo when the 2022 season begins. My hope and expectation is Stroman or Gausman on a multi-year deal to help anchor the staff. I can easily see Pineda, or similar, signed on something as short as a 1yr deal. And the various options have already been named. But instead of trading for a solid #2 option type....which I am not opposed to....what if the Twins did something a little crazy and took a shot for Verlander on 1yr deal? MAYBE a 1+1 deal. Despite an amazing career, age and injury are real factors. There is an obvious risk factor to signing him. But he and the Twins know one another quite well. Could he be looking for a short term deal to re-establish himself? Is he feeling the end is near and maybe agree to a 1+1? Either way, is he worth a serious shot? How much would it take? Would you sign him at 1yr at $15-18M with incentives up to $20M+? Or does Houston or someone else just take a huge plunge and just offer a guaranteed number that we don't want to touch on a 2 or 3yr deal? Thoughts?

I also have to confess that a lost 2020 milb season has me scratching my head once in a while when I read reports and look at box scores. And Shreve is one of those guys I "just don't anything about", unfortunately. Seems most of the entire 2019 draft class is sort of "lost" to many of us and we need to catch up. Thank you all for continuing reports and honors to get us caught up! Loved and laughed at "sure-fire future big leaguer Jovani Moran". When does he get his chance? I'm not sure if he has to be protected this offseason or not. Right now, I keep thinking either he doesn't have to be protected so they are playing that game, or, they don't want to "audition" him to the world and hoping to "stash" him away and keep fewer eyes on him. Either way, even with the pen doing so much better these days, I'm still confused he hasn't gotten a shot yet. What is up with Gore? He doesn't have a big, long frame, but be brings velocity and just keeps cranking out great performances after transitioning to the mound. IIRC he's yet to win a RP of the month award, but could end up winning the RP of the year award. I'm keeping my eye on him.