DocBauer

Should still come down to the Twins and Indians. I firmly believe the Twins are the deeper and better team. Not being a downer or a pessimist here, just asking, but does not playing against some of the better teams in the East or West hurt the Twins come playoff time?

I think this roster makes sense and seems the most likely. I wouldn't sleep on Poppen. Just have a hunch he's the next young RP to step up. And ST 2.0 could offer up a reprieve for Chacin, who didn't look very good in version 1.0. I like this team A LOT!

But if the Twins win it all, it will make 2020 suck a little bit less. And if they do, I could care less what anyone who isn't a Twins fan thinks. Given the situation, they came out in top.

35-25 might get the division. But 40-20 sounds like the target I'd like to see and that I think this team is capable of.

I'm banking on Snell rounding back to form and riding a hot streak. You can still piggyback Pineda if you need to. WAY too much talent available to get crazy.

Without taking time to put pen to paper and really go in depth, I think Matt's and Seth's roster are both interesting and largely accurate. With 3 catchers already rostered, and Jeffers as an absolute addition, I'm really not sold on Graterol or Telis. Hopefully, the taxi squad will get hands on instruction and play some sort of simulated games. I like Seth's idea of Rortvedt getting developmental time as the 5th catcher. Never in a million years did I consider Javier as part of the 60 man roster. But I think it's a brilliant choice. Most, if not all, of the extra 20 guys selected will not see the field. Hopefully. So it's about coaching and development. Wander remains an enigma, but is also one of the most gifted players in the system. And he's had a run of injuries/bad luck. It makes so much sense to keep him around to work with him and get him ready for 2021. I hadn't thought about Ober before this OP. And he may or may not turn in to anything special. But healthy, his numbers are crazy good. Considering most, if not all of the "extra" 20 are about prospects, who are really included for development and potential emergency, why not let Johnson work with him and see what happens. I mean, we're talking about one of the last spots on the 60 man roster.

According to a report on mlb.com, each team will have a 3 man taxi squad with 1 player being a catcher. If this is true, then we might as well cancel the season now.

Just read an update on mlb.com concerning the proposed season. It makes no mention of expanded playoffs, which was proposed earlier and which I assumed was a given. Further, it speaks about a 30 man roster that reduces down to 26 after 4 weeks with a 3 man taxi squad that must include a catcher. I have taken no sides in this cluster mess, though I confess a slight 51-49 in favor of ownership just based on pure financial logic. But after everything we have heard and read of proposals and rosters and taxi squads comes down to a 30/28/26 man roster with only a 3 man taxi squad....then my opinion has shifted towards the players and I will call out the owners as complete idiots!! There is no milb season. We have no idea about effects of covid, much less normal injury. So we have a 3 man taxi squad? If this is factual, then just call the season off now! This is an absurd joke if true.

I don't want a 60 game season. I still want 82 games. But I will take what I can get, as will the rest of us. But barring big injuries, or covid outbreak, even with hit streaks and slumps, I do believe 60 games is enough for the cream to rise to the top. The Twins were one of tbe best teams in all baseball last year despite the finish. They have done nothing but improve and deepen the roster since then. They have a powerful, dangerous and productive lineup. They have depth everywhere. It appears they have a strong pen and a solid, deep rotation. The one ongoing "complaint" is lack of a true ACE SP. But while I felt an adjusted routine, as well as experience/maturation would give Berrios his best season yet, a 60 game season should allow him to shine. And, as already pointed out, Oddo had a great season, really finding himself, and would have been a legitimate ACE and Cy Young candidate over half a season. Berrios would received votes as well I'm sure. Now we add Maeda and hopefully Hill for a half season along with depth, I think the rotation holds its own against most anyone. My concern, strictly from wanting the Twins to do well and win it all, is the expanded playoffs, echoing Ash's concern. The Twins could legitimately go 40-20 or 45-15 But face a lesser team in a short series that they just don't match up well against and lose out. Unfortunately, it's not an uncommon phenomena for a great team having a great season but a lesser team, even having a losing season, just has a team's number at times. I think we have a tremendous team with as good of a chance as anyone. I just really wish we had 82 games and a normal playoff for something close to a "normal" season.

I posted shortly after the draft that there was a common theme regarding all 3 position players drafted, in addition to other "corner" type players drafted in the past few years with our FO and revamped scouting department. You obviously want and need some HIT ability. Pure "80" power does nothing if you can never put the bat on the ball. But it appears the Twins look for power and potential power with BB ability and will live with some SO. Think Sano. Sano has great power, but can hit. He also takes BB and usually maintains a solid to high OB despite his SO totals. Sabato is pretty young, so I don't expect a fast track being a 21yr old sophomore, but who knows maybe. I live his approach and the mentorship his hitting instructor gave him. Despite not being a versatile player...in the least...not every player on your roster has to have positional versatility. There is absolutely room for a quality 1B/DH only who can hit and mash. I'd like to think that coaching, work and repetition can turn him in to at least a decent fielding 1B.

All for giggles, but my knee jerk ranking when the draft was done as as follows: 1] Matt 2] Seth 3] Steve 4] Ted 5] Cody 6] Jeremy According to Zips I was way off on Seth and Jeremy, but really close everywhere else. (A couple of my rankings were only a point apart). But I am curious about Zips and their career projections. Are these milb career projections or a deeper crystal ball projection to ML careers?

I mentioned this in a post elsewhere, but a couple weeks ago on national radio a journalist, Heyman I believe it was, stated he had read the March document and it contained a provision to open dialogue again as more information was gained, such as no fans in attendance.

Despite velocity issues with Stankiewicz, how can you possibly ignore his incredible production? And velocity isn't everything. Being able to PITCH is is still paramount. Not everyone can do that. If they could, well then there would be a bunch of guys on fliers we recently had who would still be here. And hopefully, Stankiewicz, and his big frame, will find another notch or two uptick with his velocity along with everything else he bas to prove a steal. But a young college LHP with that frame and some decent stuff to work with? My vote for #1 post draft FA signed. Great interview!

There really is no progress. Both sides are entrenched not for 2020, but already looking forward to the next CBA. And I think we all recognise this. I'm really worried about the future of MLB and I absolutely blame both parties. Instead of nurturing the golden goose, each side wants to hunt it, claim it, and have it dressed up as a delicacy to their liking. I miss baseball so much I can't even describe it. The world is just better when there is Baseball. Today stunk, but there is always another game tomorrow. Game threads, box scores, milb games and numbers, discussions, a game on the car radio with static, I miss it all. Forgive me, but I'm so pissed at both sides and their posturing and short-sightedness that I almost want the season cancelled. Maybe then both sides would come back in 2021 with tails between their legs and less ego and posture and realize they need one another. Damn! I miss watching a game with my dad and just talking baseball! IF they play some sort of season this year, I admit I will watch and root. And no matter what happens, I will look forward to 2021 and a hopeful full season of both MLB and MILB. But I will know, in the back of my mind, that 2022 is basically a fantasy. Every other sport is working through issues to make their sport work. Except baseball. They are mired down in posturizing on both sides for today and tomorrow that they can't see the forest through the trees. And NEITHER SIDE seems to have the ability to look at the success of other sports to realize what a common framework of cooperation could bring. So I will watch and follow 2020 and what it brings. And I will do the same in 2021. And I will expect little or no baseball played in 2022. And I will watch both sides destroy a beautiful game and part of our ingrained society. And I will HOPE, beyond hope, that when players actually play, win, have fun, cash checks, fans rejoice, owners watch and enjoy, that each side will realize they need and want one another and want resolution that benefits everyone. Before it's too late.

Velocity alone does not a pitcher make, much less a successful one. His results are outstanding! Guy obviously has decent secondary stuff, control and the inate ability to pitch. But with his size, still surprised he tops out in the low 90's. I'm guessing the Twins see a velocity increase with coaching tweaks to go along with his positives.

So I'm trying to dig in to Zarion Sharpe a little more. I'm seeing 6' 5" and 205 lbs, up an inch and 30lbs since HS. Drafted by the Cardinals in the 19th round last year. From a couple pictures I've seen he appears lanky with a build to add more weight/strength. Low 90's velocity with 2 additional offerings, slider and change. That and the numbers listed above are all I could come up with. Solid numbers and a great start to last season. Sounds projectible.

I might nudge Canterino a bit higher despite his short debut. In a normal season or not, just a hunch, Wallner could be better than Rooker or Sabato. No milb season really screws with Javier and Cavaco! Here's hoping for some kind of expanded EST format so teams don't squander young talent. *Normal season, even with depth in the system, allowing for graduation or not, if Celestino could pick up where he left off...top 10 next year no problem.

Unless traded, I actually expect all 5 of these guys to be quality Twins players soon, and for the foreseeable future. And I'm not just being an optimist. Logic and history of pitching in general would seem to indicate Duran and Balazovic are the biggest question marks. Or is that just a jaded past reflection? The new way of doing things and their pure stuff SHOULD have us all giddy with anticipation, even if it takes a year or two to adapt and smooth things out. Honestly, these are the best two arms the organization has produced since Berrios. (Yeah, probably just past angst working me). The only problem I see with Kirilloff AND Larnach is room. To make room for both, Cruz and Rosario have to go. No matter how much we love and enjoy each of them, age and finance may make room. And soon. Totally believe in Lewis 100%. Kid had a rough 2019. But finished strong and the Twins sent him to the AFL to play with the caveat he would barely see time at SS. All he did was play quality defense wherever he played and earn MVP. Slow start in ST and then heated up before everything stopped. My only question is, especially with a supposed brief 2020, where does he end up? Is he a super sub initially? Does he take over 3B for a Donaldson move? Do you trade Polanco or Arraez? It will be an interesting and tough call when rock meets hard place. A call most every team would love to have to make.

In a recent thread, there was a big debate about the Twins FO not drafting a college pitcher in the first round. As if the Twins don't care enough about pitching and only want to draft corner offensive players. Of course, me being me, I rambled a bit, lol, but found the arguement a bit silly. The FO has drafted a stud OF, 2 athletic SS and a 1B in their 4 drafts. And they HAVE selected numerous pitchers, both HS and college, some quite high. Just not in round 1. Not exactly cornering the market on corner players or ignoring pitching. I'm with Seth on being excited for Raya. He is my favorite selection in this past draft. I keep reading references to Stoman, which is fine. But to me, he reminds me a lot of Berrios. Especially reading this interview and what seems to be a competitive fire within. I believe he turns 18 in July, which makes him very young. Kids his age often grow an inch or two as they mature. (Many college pitchers who end up top prospects do this). And maybe he ends up "stuck" at 6 foot. But only 165-170lbs? What happens when he muscles up and hits 190+ over the next 2-3yrs? Reports say smooth mechanics and low 90's and can hit 94 with a pair of quality breaking balls above average with a decent change. How good is he 2-3yrs from now at AA with coaching and maturation hitting mid 90's consistently with even better command of his secondary stuff? It's ONE interview. But I appreciate the desire and work ethic...and confidence...he speaks of. I really appreciated his comment about whoever selected him, in 3-5yrs, everyone was going to know his name. Confident but not cocky. He recognizes he has a road to travel before he arrives. Reminds me a lot of Berrios.

I understand and endorse suspensions for anyone who tries to cheat. Did Pineda take a masking agent? Or was he just irresponsible taking a diaretic to control his weight? MLB seemed to think he just made a silly mistake as they reduced his initial suspension. With all the agreed upon service time issues, with or without a season, I am absolutely dumbfounded there has been nothing discussed about proration for suspensions in a shortened or zero season. I'm sorry, but just look at the lack of logic here. The players union is supposed to be looking out for all of its members. (Again, don't like or support cheating). Betts could, conceivably, be traded to the Dodgers and never play a single game for them if there is no season. But a suspended player, in an abbreviated season, must still serve his entire suspension. And if I'm reading things correctly, if there is no season, a suspended player must still serve the remainder of his suspension in 2021? Please correct me if I'm wrong here. Again, no sides taken in this collective bargaining cluster between both sides that are at fault, but it sure seems to me the players union is as focused on $ as the owners without a sense of "fair" being part of the discussion.

Not going to pretend I know enough to offer any real insight here, but thought I'd toss out some opinions nonetheless: Stankiewicz has ideal size and solid numbers. The ERA and SO/BB look especially nice. No clue where he might have been drafted in a normal year, but it would appear production vs velocity kept him undrafted. Wish we knew more about his secondary stuff. Can the Twins bump his MPH up a couple notches? Seems the control is there. Sweany is a tall LHP. Period. Guessing there is some velocity projection there. Why not for $20K? Hall, the catcher, is interesting to me in a unique way. His numbers, at a pair of smaller schools, is nothing to get excited about even a little bit. Seth states he's a good athlete. But what I find interesting is be was recruited to Arkansas by Dave VanHorn, one of the best college baseball programs in the country and one of the best and most respected head coaches in the sport. No clue why he didn't end up at Arkansas, but I find it interesting he was recruited and originally committed to such a powerhouse school. Sharpe is another LHP, which I have a fixation for, lol. Very little offered here in regard to, well, anything, except career ERA and SO/BB numbers. Think I may be too busy and/or lazy to look up more information, lol. But obviously Twins scouts are familiar with him from their initial scouting of Jeffers, if nothing else. Looks like he was off to a good start before the season was cancelled. Without more information on each of these guys, or some context where they might have been drafted/ranked, all just "meh" on the surface. But it sure seems like the current scouting department is pretty thorough these days. Maybe there's a surprise in there somewhere?

I "liked" some comments here and didn't "like" others but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the opinions or those who made them. Once again, varying viewpoints presented in a logical manner by the audience that is TD. And I almost hate to say anything more because no matter how well you attempt to write something, what you say can still be interpreted differently depending on the reader. But regardless, a few comments follow. There is a classic axiom that goes something like: "Those we fail to learn from history's mistakes are damned to repeat them." I don't know that the removal of this statue, or others, are necessarily right or wrong in any or every particular instance. I'm a pretty smart guy, but I never pretend to know everything. But perspective changes over time. These changes can be personal or public/social. Something that seemed OK or at least innocuous at one time might, over time and reflection, have a different meaning and perspective later. And each and everyone of us has said or done something silly/stupid/regrettable in our lives even though tbere was no ill intent. But as we have learned from our personal mistakes, so can society learn. To this day, I am a proud, crank up the music and singalong rocker and country boy. I harbor no ill will to anyone based on anything other than maybe we just didn't get along. Period. But I am very glad NASCAR...big fan as a kid and still kinda like it...has banned the confederate flag. In my youth, I had a small confederate bandana tacked to my wall for a time because to me... and this has been widely discussed in recent weeks across media...somewhere along the line that flag meant "rebel", southern charm and rockabilly, Dukes of Hazzard and just having a good time. What and where it came from became distorted. The perception changed. Personal and public reflection is now asking how that happened, and has re-examined history, and decided, rightly so, that you simply re-invent something with such a negative origin, even if, again, there was no ill intent. And I don't believe in ignoring history or attempting to re-write it. Nor do I believe in knee jerk reaction to simply remove everything and anything that some might find offensive. Then we are talking about censorship and fascism which is a whole different arguement and not what we are talking about here. We are talking about learning from past, from history, and recognizing that certain public figures, certain public symbols, just really aren't appropriate for a society that wants and needs to grow TOGETHER. Should Calvin maybe have a plaque somewhere in Target Field as the owner and founder of the Twins as part of the team's history? If he doesn't already, perhaps he should. That's not my call, nor am I making a judgement on that. But people learn individually from mistakes and grow. So can/does society. HOPEFULLY. There was no ill will made by the Twins when the statue was erected, I'm fully confident in that. They didn't make a mistake at the time. But growth and reflection years later allows for change and new perception and understanding. And that's a positive thing. There has been no condemnation to the Griffith family. No personal attacks on anyone. This is a reaction to recognition that we still, unfortunately, have issues in this country that we all wish had disappeared years ago. Some may see it as merely a gesture. If so, hopefully it is a gesture with heart behind it that will be one more step up the staircase to full enlightenment.

I had a feeling this was going to happen. While we can never change history, of Griffith's part of it, nor his importance in the foundation of the Twins franchise, this was the proper thing to do IMO.