DocBauer

The power is obviously there. Major power! The walks tell me has a decent idea as to what he's doing and has a solid approach. That would indicate the BA and better contact are coming. The one thing few ever spoke about with all the changes in milb that has occupied my thoughts from time to time is Ft Myers being the low A team now. It's been well documented that the FSL is a tough place to hit. I've heard comments over the years that if you can hit there, you should be able to hit at the next level. But now, the "hard to hit in" league is an introduction level, or second level for the really young players. And I find myself wondering if this could be a hindrance or a future benefit to the Twins youngest prospects?

Two quick comments that I think are important before addressing the OP. 1] The Maeda injury/surgery could very easily change the 2022 outlook/plan for the FO and ownership. And nobody should be shocked by that or "down" on the Twins if that is the case. It's one thing to believe you have a team that can contend with a couple pitching additions, re-work and add to the pen, maybe add one good bench piece, and keep developing your system, particularly the young pitchers...VERSUS....now you lost a quality front end SP when you already had various additional moves to make. Any additions for competing in 2022 just became magnified and doubled in importance as well as difficulty with the loss of Maeda. 2] Dismissing the Buxton factor for a moment as there are too many moving parts right now....IF the FO/ownership STILL believes in themselves, their staff their roster, their young talent and prospects, etc, ENOUGH to want to contend in 2022...they could target their 2019 and "projected" 2020 payroll and shoot for a $150M-ish 2022 payroll. While there would be various raises here and there, with no Berrios and Maeda only making his minimum, the Twins could actually have somewhere between $50-60M to spend to reach that $150M-ish number, IF they want to and believe enough. Done with that. Let's address a couple key parts of the OP and "what could be". 1] I wouldn't dismiss Verlander or Thor out of the blue. Each coming off injury is a bit of a re-hab risk financially, Verlander more so due to age. Speculation has Thor getting a QO from the Mets which would eliminate him from virtually anyone. Verlander would be a gamble for sure, but could be a surprise 1yr or 1+1 for something fair. And he and the Twins are very familiar with one another. 2] Gausman, assuming reports that he wants to stay on the west aren't 100%, and Stroman make perfect sense. Stroman and the Twins have been tied together for a few years now. And each is young enough to warrant a longer term deal without messing with future payroll. It just feels Stroman is an ideal choice and probably my #1 target. 2] The FO pulled off a pair of amazing trades for Odorizzi and Maeda and gave up very little to do so. Can they do it again?? I don't see them wanting to dent the ML roster but the system is deep enough to HOPEFULLY pull off a similar type of move. It could be easier and smarter than just spending more $ for a 2nd FA. I agree with that thought. I'm just spitballing, but something like Rooker/Wallner and Sands/Vallimont/Gross/Varland/Gipson-Long to a rebuilding tezm for a controllable arm similar to Odorizzi with potential and control? Doesn't destroy the system but seems fair. Almost assuredly gave up less to get Oddo and Maeda. Two guys under control to front the rotation. [Still wouldn't be shocked for something crazy like a Verlander on a 1 or 1+1 deal) Can they pull a rabbit out of the hat again? 3] Pineda is, IMO, already part of 2022. And I'm OK with that. I wouldn't be surprised if there hasn't already been conversations and maybe gentleman agreement. The #3 spot SHOULD BE something short term for $ reasons and prospect reasons, I guess where we MIGHT differ is, where and how do we factor the TRADE arm vs the 2nd FA arm? I'm not so sure, Nick, that your list of Kluber, Cobb, etc, might not be the 1yr option vs the trade idea. But I don't think we differ very far here. 4 & 5] These go together as they should. Without breaking the bank or doing anything to remotely destroy the system, we've added at the very least 3 quality arms via trade and FA. Barring a HUGE surprise, we've added a quality veteran arm to lead the way, a solid and hopeful arm with a couple years of control, and a 1yr flier that could be anywhere from solid to great. And while there will be some $ spent, we don't break the bank and we don't do anything to hurt the "system". Ober is pretty much written in ink. Ted commented in his recent post that Ober may have top 3 potential. I don't doubt that. But in this scenario, we are talking 2022 and not potential. A fully healthy Dobnak is the probable #5 at this time. If you don't like that, or believe that, then go back and re-read what he did in 2020 before a hiccup, which most young starters go through. THEN we can continue the conversation about changes he made and how good he looked in ST before the FO/staff deferred to Happ and Shoemaker over him. And we could argue over and over again if the FO and staff made a mistake. Right or wrong, they had a pair of veteran starters who they believed could successfully fill the back end of the rotation. Dobnak was tossed in to a difficult situation of long man vs starter and had a hand injury that curtailed anything he could do. Amazing how injury and a tough road suddenly glosses over the potential someone has shown. Dobnak is going to have to be healthy and re-establish what he has shown in the past. No doubt! Because Ryan and others are chomping at his heels. And we have September for Dobber to "get right" and Ryan to show what he can be. And ST will allow everyone to show what they can do. But I'm guessing Dobber WILL show what he can do/be. And A RIGHT NOW, TODAY, I'd expect a healthy Dobnak to be the 5th SP. But Ryan has a real chance to change all of that. And the 4th and 5th spots should be open to this kind of competition. There is so much talent coming forward that you don't want to block anyone or blow up your payroll. But the Twins CAN easily afford one long term deal and a short term option. The question is the middle. Trade or FA, where is the middle ground to bring in a 3rd SP to make this team competitive for 2022?

While I don't believe a Verlander, Greinke, etc, will be a probable target, some of these FA pitchers are getting long in the tooth. Verlander is coming off a lost year due to injury. I wouldn't be shocked to see a 1yr deal or 1+1 for one of those veterans. Stroman or Gausman make a ton of sense and are affordable. The investment is needed. Money is available. The offense is there for support. Stroman seems the logical choice based on familiarity and past ties to Twins interest in him. Either is quality enough, proven enough, and young enough to warrant a multi-year deal. (And no, neither is an ACE, but either can lead your staff). The problem is the 2nd and 3rd spots. Absolutely the 4th and 5th spots belong to Ober, Dobnak, Ryan, Jax, etc, etc. But unless the FO pulls off another Odorizzi or Maeda type trade, which they might, you have to "guess/project" correctly for another couple veterans to fill the #2 and #3 spots. And you have to do so without breaking the bank or going long term because you need room for the young arms coming up. IMO, Pineda is already coming back as the #3 for a smaller deal, probably, than this year. I think he likes it here, wants to come back, and probably will be with a good health report card. And I'm OK with that, even knowing he might not go a full 30 GS. But what smart trade or signing brings in a solid #2 guy is the mystery/question to me. IF the Twins still want to contend, or at least be viable in 2022 despite the loss of Maeda, and are willing to just match the 2019 and 2020 pro-rated payroll, we're talking somewhere around $150M-ish payroll for 2022. That leaves them about $50-60M to spend based on current obligations and Berrios off the books and Maeda only earning his minimum due to injury. I have no clue if the "contending in 2022" mantra still exists at this point. But there is a good and exciting core of veteran and young talent position player wise. But we also need a couple quality BP arms...that don't have to break the bank...a SS, and hopefully an inexpensive RH 4th OF. I expect a ONE SP signing. I expect Pineda or similar signing. But they have to find a solid #2 option for the rotation. So one extended deal, one short deal, and an "I don't know" for the #2 rotation spot.

Would be awesome to get in a month or so in to stretch out, shake off rust, and ramp up for 2023. My father, tongue in cheek, commented that might mean he's available for the playoffs next year. LOL

Won't pretend to be any sort of medical expert here, but IIRC Hill's version of the surgery was a repair of the ligament and it was re-inforced by attaching to the bone, or something similar. If the "brace" part of the tweet is accurate, I'm going to guess something akin to a mesh was put in place for better stability and potentially faster healing.

I confess Woods Richardson slipped my mind. I stand by my initial thoughts above, but I have to change my vote for SWR as #1.

Interesting question! I agree it could be Lewis as he will likely have rookie status at the beginning of 2023. I also believe it could be Canterino as he also might have rookie status to begin 2023. 2020 and injuries are just a fact that has provided a delay for both. Both could/should find at least some ML time next season. But of the suggestions beyond those two, I think the tools of Urbina would make him #1. I say no to Petty because we don't even know if he's going to pitch this season or how much/little.

Guess I know what I'll be watching Wednesday night.

I picked 4, even though it could take a day or two for everyone else to be brought up. Close enough for me to pick 4. Ryan is up. Moran or Hamilton is up. Maybe both. Decent chance it's just one with the other up a couple days later. Miranda up by the end of the week. Who is not listed? Dobnak. He might get one more start, but then he too is up. Gant needs to be in the pen. He just might be a viable, experienced BP option in 2022. Ober, Ryan, Jax, Dobnak and Albers to finish the season in the rotation. Gant to the pen where he joins Hamilton and Moran. Miranda gets his feet wet before the week is done. It's about 2022 and the Twins future, and not about a strong finish for St Paul.

Your exuberance is fun, fine, and even warranted to some degree. I just can't understand a shot for Gibaut in any way unless it's a temporary filler before being dropped again for someone else. And I understand the want to promote some younger arms from AAA. I want to see that as well. And I'm frustrated! But I CAN understand taking a look at these handful of arms to help make better off-season decisions. These guys are 25-31yo, for the most part, and 1 or 2 could be kept. Also, a couple could end up being smart milb signings to bring back. So I get it. The lack of an expanded September roster hurts teams like the Twins. But there is room TOMORROW to still drop a couple of these guys and add/promote a couple of the milb arms for September for auditions. Right now, just forgetting the rotation needs for a moment, the Twins really, really need to add a couple quality arms for 2022. We all know this. It's no mystery. But it's also OK to be taking a look at the guys on hand to help decide who to bring back in various degrees.

Despite real reservations initially, and a real surprise he was protected and brought up so early, I've been impressed since his first start. Now, that first start wasn't a very successful one, but you could see potential. And he's only gotten better. And the last month or so, he's performed well against top competition. He's also been making some adjustments on the fly with his slider. I commented a few weeks ago that Ober has been the most impressive rookie SP I've seen in years. Someone reminded me about Dobnak. And yes, Dobnak showed promise at the end of 2019 and had a great start to 2020. And I'm not dismissing the flash a healthy Dobnak has shown....and I still think he has a shot as a solid back end SP...but Ober has shown more, in as many or more IP. The league will adjust. And Ober will need to do the same. The good news is he's already shown that ability so far. Despite a much, much better season since June on, I just don't see a place for Colome. Thank him but send him on his way. Just great to see Donaldson have another big moment. I think there is a real chance the Twins will shop him this offseason. But while not his biggest fan, I don't want to trade him for next to nothing for only a few $M saved. He's still a big and productive bat and solid defender even though we're probably talking about a part-time 3B and part-time DH. And I'm OK with the value he still offers if a trade just doesn't offer enough relief/return. Tough to run to Detroit for a win, then run back home for another series and lose that day off. They've shown a lot of fortitude this past month. Time to take care of the Cubs.

At this point, Winder and Duran being re-habbed and resting and Balazovic taking regular turns in AA and continuing to get in IP, sure looks like the rotation will/should be Ryan, Dobnak, Ober, Jax and Albers to finish things off. 4 of those 5 figure in to plans for 2022 in varying capacities. Very good chance ST Paul is absolutely loaded in their 2022 rotation, but Albers could have depth value on a milb deal again.

I LOVE these reports on milb talent! And I appreciate this and every other report. It helps us get to know these prosoects better, and remind us who they are. And I can't help but humbly apologize as about a week ago I commented how good a start Gipson-Long had after a similar TDpost. And then I realized I was thinking about Gross. So I offer humble apologies from someone who SHOULD know better considering how faithful I try to follow the system. And then I not only felt a little better after I realized they were BOTH drafted in 2019, Gipson-Long in the 6th round, and Gross in the 10th round, but also because they are very similar in regard to prospect status. There has been this very long discussion about our FO building an infrastructure similar to Houston and Cleveland and TB, and it sends my mind racing! These are the kind of pitchers drafted by those organizations and turned in to quality starters. You do realize that Balazovic and Winder, and Ryan, and others, weren't top of the of the order draft picks, right?

Just a bad game and embarrassing loss. Gant MIGHT have a future in the 2022 pen but throwing him out there is a diservice to him and ANY potential he has. HOPEFULLY we will see Ryan and Dobnak SOON to actually build towards 2022. And I think the Twins are doing right at this time in a lost season to audition some BP arms. And as much as it sucks, a game or two doesn't really show potential for a couple guys they are looking at. But you also have to be willing to pull the plug and let some of the AAA arms to bet their shot! And it's time! Colome what? Lover or hater, tell me the Turtle hitting a HR wasn't fun. Tell me, even in an embarrassing loss, tell me you didn't laugh and enjoy Astudillo tossing up crap and having a clean IP. Dark humor isn't a bad thing. LOL

I am an absolute believer in Ober right now! And it's not just some hope/hype. I've seen enough young pitchers come up over the years, including Gibson, Berrios, etc, who took their lumps. And I've seen a lot of kids who came up and had magic for a game or two and the reality set in quickly. I was NOT a fan of Ober being protected. HONESTLY, I was WTH? Despite video game numbers, there was just a sense it was an illusion. And he was always hurt. He commented a year or so ago that be always felt poorly after a start. And he's worked hard to perfect his delivery for health and production. And I'm repeating ALL OF THIS from previous posts. So forgive me. Ober has been promoted VERY aggressively! Take the time to look at his career numbers. Don't be lazy. He's started 15 games and has pitched better the more times he takes the bump. His numbers are solid across the board and he hasn't built those numbers against poor teams. Just recently, it was reported he changed his slider on the fly. He's throwing it harder now, with a little less break, but it plays off his FB better. And he's doing this as a rookie. I have watched most of his games thus far and have commented at times his stuff seems to break almost too much. And I will echo Dman that you can't live high in the zone all of the time. But his FB PLAYS. Especially considering it looks even faster than 92-94. His slider also plays big time if he can harness it a bit more. Early returns look good. If he can find any sort of 3rd pitch to keep LH honest, he might be a legit #3 rotation piece. I believe in him that much! And before the season began, I was like REALLY?

The question for Ryan is what is best for him, and his future with the Twins, and NOT about a horrible rotation right now in a lost season. Ideally, he'd get at least one more start at St Paul to continue settling back in to a normal routine. Ideally. And I'm on the "what's best for Ryan" wagon. BUUUUUT....I believe I've changed my stance. And I've done so because he's "riding the lightening" right now. He's been good at AAA, looked amazing in the Olympics, and had a pair of great starts for St Paul. I think it's his time. And he doesn't even have to catch a flight to just travel across town to make his debut. By the time he does, he will have had a couple weeks for his body and head to adjust to being HOME again. It's time. Further, and off topic again, Dobnak will hopefully be healthy and ready to go soon. And a few starts for him to finish the season could be very important as a springboard for 2022. This also allows Gant to stick to the pen. He MIGHT have a role as a middle man in 2022 but does anyone really think he's even a HOPE for the rotation? No. And Albers, sorry, is doubtful to be the next Thielbar. It's Ryan's time NOW. Get him up here and get his feet wet. Get a healthy Dobnak up ASAP as well. Then keep running through BP options from St Paul. September is about getting ready for 2022 and paving a new road.

Except those extra 10 games are part of a playoff format from what I read and heard a month or so ago. Originally, the idea was to simply extend the season for all teams to get extra work for prospects in the system. They changed that idea to have playoffs for the top teams only to crown a sort of champion. So unless we have a milb team at the top of their division, we, and everyone else, lose the extra 10 game for play and development. MLB and it's infinite wisdom messing even further with milb after a lost 2020 year. And I have been on my soapbox for some time now about the absolutely ridiculous September call up restrictions. MLB decided the integrity of the game in September pennant races would suffer from teams playing a large number of milb players. Have they paid attention to history or some of the current teams this season? How does a bad team be "worse" by playing some young talent to get them experience before the next year? Idiocy at its best.

There is no question in regard to Buxton's talent and the fact that he is a difference maker when on the field and in the lineup. Despite everything that has gone wrong this year, a recent stat from Aaron Gleeman, reported in a different TD article, states the Twins were 42-20 when allowing 5 or fewer runs. Now, Buxton was around for some of those wins, but certainly not a majority of them. And that is a reflection not only about the pitching in 2021, but also a glut of errors early in the year like I've seldom seen. And, of course, there is the Cruz factor that is no longer relevant. This is to say the Twins have offensive talent, and have been breaking in a handful of quality young prospects that will only get better. So can the Twins win without Buxton? Yes. But are they a better team, especially with Cruz gone, WITH Byron? Absolutely. I am going to echo what terrydactyls mentioned, unless I am mis-remembering grossly, the rejection of the 1st couple of offers from Buxton's camp were not about the base $ offered but the structure of the incentives. Unfortunately for debate, we really don't know how those incentives were built. This tells me a basis for a deal still exists. I believe the Twins need to "gamble" and make this deal work with changes to said structure of incentives in order to actually make it work. I don't expect Buxton to suddenly become an iron man. And there IS risk, hence the incentives. And I'm not going to blame him for a broken hand on a poorly controlled pitch. And with his migraines seemingly under control, with his body built up, with him learning to preserve his body better in the field, there is hope to some degree that he has matured physically and intellectually to see the field more often going forward. The reward portion of risk/reward is just too great to not make a real effort to make this work and take the gamble. All that being said, there comes a time when the numbers just don't line up and the Twins will have to fold and make a trade decision or decide to run with him for 2022 and get the best/most they can from him. Really, there are only a few teams that could afford a big $ gamble on Buxton. I really hope it doesn't come down to saying goodbye and they can find a common ground that makes sense.

You have to realize/remember, 5 runs given up is an aggregate/delta. For every 10-8 game there are as many 3-2 games, as an example. So it's about consistency. You have to remember a truth that has been born out year after year...everyone will win 60 and lose 60. It's the other 42 games that make the difference. [Don't you DARE talk about 50 win teams as they are an outlier and you know this]. The problem is not offense, even though it's underperformed at times for various reasons. And there are a few tweaks that could help with better health and approach. And I would tell you that there is a lot of optimism here with the talent on hand. But clearly the issue is pitching. Two days ago I would have told you what this team needs is a quality SP...and there are different options and scenarios...to add and bring back Pineda or someone similar and let the 4th and 5th spots be fluid various arms. Sign a couple quality BP arms that shouldn't cost more than $7-10M combined....which MIGHT include the Colome option...plus a flier or 2. But IF Maeda is a surgery issue, we enter a whole new territory for 2022. Suddenly we go from a quality SP addition...Stoman?...and Pineda or similar...to needing THREE SP pitchers if Maeda is gone. This, unfortunately, puts us in an entirely different dynamic. We are SO CLOSE to seeing pitching prospects arriving at the ML level. But we are also in a very bad place if Maeda is out. Suddenly a re-tool is a potential re-build. Is there enough guts for the FO and ownership to still bring in a top arm? Then you have to bring another second arm to replace Maeda IF he is out. Then you'd still like a veteran arm so Ober and others don't HAVE to be counted on. I don't envy the FO right now. You need another SP for a good team with talent and potential. You need to help the pen and make sure the #3 spot in your rotation is OK. And Suddenly you don't know if Maeda will be part of 2022. Nightmare situation for the FO.

BTW, just call me Doc. Lol I honestly can't remember if Miranda has to be protected or not this offseason. And we're NOT talking service time! We are talking about protecting enough young talent, primarily pitchers, that if he doesn't have to be protected, I can see logical reasons to let him rake for the new AAA affiliate in playoff contention and just bring him to ST as an invite. Milb is about developing ML talent. Period! And this is Miranda's BREAKOUT year. I hate to say it as his loss from St Paul could mess with their playoffs, and his addition to the 40 man could cost us a protected player/pitcher, but he needs to be up to get exposure and get his feet wet for the future. You can only keep lightening in a bottle for so long.

Nice! And smart. I expect nothing less. I think the Dozier comp is very accurate. It's pretty awesome to have someone starting a game, or an inning, with the potential to make a splash. And maybe, just maybe, as you alluded to, said batter just seems to produce better in those situations. Maybe I'm just too old school in my approach, and a bopper at the top is great....I reflect to Boggs, Downing, and a few others...but I still believe getting on base and being a quality hitter before your PRIME hitters just makes more sense. I remember Rocco speaking about the way too soon departed Bell insisting to Rocco to bat Arraez #1 all the time, regardless. It seemed like they did that early in the year before falling in to old habits. And believe me, I get the temptation to have as good of a hitter like Arraez hitting 5-6-7 to be clutch and set the table for other hitters. But old school or not, modern baseball or not, you STILL want to wear our pitchers and get runners on base before your best RBI and power bats come up! Arraez should ALWAYS be #1. IMO, when in the lineup. Kepler should slide down in the lineup, with Sano, to utilize their XB ability. Sometimes, even a deep fly ball can score a damn run. Right? I should have included the use of Arraez in my proposed Q&A with Rocco and the FO. I think you will agree with me on these points that you helped bring up.

Hey Mike, you are 100% correct. But he was a high selection from the previous FO. He was selected #73 which puts him as a 2nd or 3rd rounder with comp picks and the such, so forgive me if I don't have the exact round. And while he was OK in the early part of his career, he didn't exactly light things up. I wouldn't have drafted him rule V either. And while I dislike rumors and 2nd hand reports overall, I respect Gleeman and feel he's fairly well plugged in to things. And he has stated multiple times that when he talked to various sources of someone to watch out for, Miranda was a name that kept popping up. To Miranda's credit, he has worked hard and taken full advantage of opportunity to grow, develop, play winter ball, etc, and start to realize his potential. NOT saying you are being dismissive of him, and you are correct other teams passed, and with good reason, but he is an early draft selection who has figured it out. Thank the baseball gods that nobody else saw this coming because we are about to reap the rewards.

Outstanding! Agree almost 100%! Just a couple quick comments: 1] Agree on Kepler for about 70-80% games started as RH SP is clearly prevalent. He probably appears as a PH and/or defensive replacement another 10%-ish. It plays to his strengths. Also why I've been on my soapbox so much how that RH 4th OF is so important for 2022, whoever he might be. But I really don't understand the obsession with Kepler hitting leadoff. 2] Totally agree that it is silly to label Kirilloff as a 1B at this point. He's just fine as a corner OF. But he can and should continue to play some 1B. Creates opportunity and roster flexibility. And I also believe Sano is far better than he's shown the 1st of this year and think we'll see the better player we think he should be and history has generally shown he is next year. He could be so dangerous as a 6/7 hitter. 3] I think Larnach has a very good chance to be a regular starter with the Twins in 2022, albeit with a possible start in AAA. Also part of the reason AK should continue to see time at 1B. I am fully convinced from what I've seen that both guys are going to be very good. Only a question of WHEN. 4] Also agree on Donaldson about half the time at 3B and plenty of time at DH, unless he has one of those surprise seasons he's had before where his body suddenly responds well. But even still, there is room for Arraez at 3B as well as 2B and DH. We need to stop thinking that the DH spot has to be ONE GUY. AND that the DH has to be a big power bat. With as much offensive power as the 2022 team could/should have, nothing wrong with Arraez seeing time there as a tremendous tablesetter. [I also like Garver spending half days there to keep his bat in the lineup]. Even with Cruz gone, offense isn't the problem and we all know that. 5] The ONE GUY who "messes" with lineup construction is Miranda. Never a TOP prospect until now, he is someone the FO has just been waiting to tap his potential. He's done that now. His presence makes roster construction and lineups on napkins more complicated, but in a good way. You FIND a way to make it all work when you have someone that young and good and ready! And let's be honest, there is no such thing as a static 13 man player roster. There are always injuries and IL time that forces you to juggle at least another few guys in and out and up and down. It always seems to work itself out. GREAT POST!

Liked this and a good post, but I disagree about service time. We can agree to disagree, but I truly believe the Buxton issue is old was not about service time. It was about a horrendous season and injury and protecting an investment to just let him get right. And we have heard no negativity from Buxton, or his camp, about that situation best I can recall. I think the Twins love Miranda and rumor is they've just been waiting for him to reach that next level. He has. And I agree he is somewhat blocked at the moment. But that's a problem I wish we had more of! Falvey recently commented how much they like Miranda and just want to make sure he has time to learn some of the little things to make him successful when brought up. Judge that as you will. I honestly don't recall if he has to be added to the 40 man this season. I want to say he does, but can't remember correctly. If he doesn't, I don't think that would be about service time, but rather, just keeping an open spot for someone else. Personally, I think they are eager as hell to get the kid up here and get his feet wet and see what he can do. His versatility is a blessing as he may break in as a super-utility player. But there are a lot of moving parts before 2022 gets here. And that might include a move of Donaldson or Sano as part of the moving forward machine.

My "napkin" OF has Kepler, Buxton, Larnach and Kirilloff, (who will also play 1B), and a TBD. IMO, Celestino has a floor as a quality 4th OF who does it all. He was rushed out of necessity but will take that experience and learn from it. I'd love to have the re-invented Rwfsnyder back on a milb deal. But despite needing a SP as our #1 addition for 2022, and Pineda back or similar, and needing a couple solid pen arms, I just can't stress enough how important I think a quality 4th OF who bats RH and can play all 3 spots is to this team. We very much need someone to give Kepler and Larnach and AK days off against a quality LH. Maybe Kepler most of all. It let's everyone play more to their strengths. I don't care if it's by trade or FA, but said player shouldn't cost very much to add and could be hugely important. I digress a bit as it's supposed to be about questions ya'll have for Rocco and the FO.