DocBauer

Not a game player at 1B yet and not a game played above AA. I think there's budding power potential and he's definitely got some solid bat to ball skills. But last I knew he still had around a 60% ground ball rate. That isn't going to cut it going forward. So there's plenty of work to be done. But there is some potential. Hopefully they make a veteran addition ar 1B that pays off with a large sized bat and acceptable defense. But if they stick with youth only, Roden has plenty of 1B experience and projects as a much better overall hitter than Clemens if his MILB numbers can start to translate. For that matter Fedko has some 1B experience and good results at AAA, even if it's only a couple of months. Both also offer up OF versatility. Both could be better overall bats than Clemens.

To be fair, Berrios' combined WAR the past 2 seasons is 3.6. SWR...who debuted in 2024 minus 2 brief appearances previously...has a combined WAR of 4.2 over the same 2 seasons.

We all understand and agree ownership is the #1 problem yes? We should never forget Falvey has done a tremendous job of bringing the Twins in to the 21st Century in so many ways. Some of his moves have been questionable to very bad. But he's also made some very good moves as well. No FO HITS on all of their moves. You hope you're right more than you're wrong. And we don't have to rehash all of this again, good or bad. But I can't help but wonder still what Falvey might have done for 2024, and the roster, IF ownership DIDN'T follow natural, inflationary costs, but simply KEPT the payroll the same instead of a $30M cut. They might have added a stronger bat at 1B or DH. Maybe another solid pen arm. Maybe added in a better RH bat for the OF. Those 3 moves might have deepened the club just enough to prevent the utter, confounding collapse of 2024. It's hard to say for sure, but we might not be talking about replacing Rocco today. We might not even have replaced our hitting coaches, who have found great success with Toronto this season. I don't think Rocco was a great manager. I don't think he was a poor manager. I don't think he's necessarily been the problem with the 2024 collapse, or the disappointment of 2025. But he, and his staff, certainly weren't part of a solution either. Sometimes you just need a change in voice and approach after 7 seasons. So I'm OK with replacing him going forward, especially with a collection of young arms and position players on hand, or ready to debut. But a change only makes a difference if the man in charge has at least some autonomy in selecting his staff. And a change only happens if the new manager isn't micro managed by some pre-conceived ideals from Falvey. I'd like to believe Falvey...who has a pretty solid history of hiring good people...would hire a new manager, let him pick his staff, and then kind of get out of the way. Falvey is one of the most powerful men in all of MLB in his current role running almost the entire organization. I'm not even sure how much power/control Zole even has as the GM right now. Shuffling deck chairs only? Maybe. But I'm hoping Falvey is smart enough to get out of his own way, recognize what's been happening the last couple of years hasn't worked, and will hire a quality manager and give him control of his staff and how he runs the team. If he does that, the chairs can stay where they're at, the band can take a break, and the ship just might start to right itself with talent on hand, talent set to debut, and a few solid additions to help out. We might even see fan interest return.

FACT, but not completely proven just yet. First of all, I'm just sick of the whole "pipeline" mantra. Who came up with that? And why should a "pipeline" only be concerning pitching? I also vehemently denounce the "there is no such thing as a pitching prospect" mantra I've heard for decades now. Of course there is! Pitchers are just as much of a prospect as INF and OF and C are! Some make it, and some don't. TWO quick adds: 1] Cleveland, often held up as a certain standard the Twins are SUPPOSED to emulate has acquired many of their quality arms via trades. They haven't all been draft selections. 2] Not all, but the majority of Twins pitching prospects we currently discuss were drafted in 2022, or later. Yes, a few were picked earlier, like Ober for example, but most come from '22 or even more recent. This is 2025. How many TOP arms should be embarrassing ML hitters in their 3rd season? If you don't want to include Lopez or Ryan as part of this silly, mythical "pipeline", that's your choice. But the Twins acquired and then improved Lopez. Ryan was in AAA, but he wasn't one of Tampa's TOP prospects. The Twins turned him in to an All Star caliber pitcher. Duran was a lower level arm turned in to a stud closer. Jax was a peculiarly high draft choice as a SP from Air Force and was turned in to a stud setup man. Ober was a later pick turned in to a quality #2-3 SP. Varland was a 2 time MILB pitcher of the year that just couldn't translate to the ML level on a consistent basis as a SP. But he sure turned out to be a hell of a pen arm! SWR was acquired as a 20-21yo kid with a crazy MILB developmental time table who has been turned in to a decent SP, and who's new splitter just might have him raising his game another notch going in to 2026. Festa was a late round pick who has absolutely flashed since his debut, but hasn't found full consistency yet. His shoulder probably bothered him most of 2025 in retrospect. His early prognosis is good. I think he moves to the pen as I think he can dominate there, and his arm/body are probably just a better fit there. And then comes 2022. Prielipp, Morris, Matthews, CJ Culpepper, and former MILB pitcher of the year Lewis all came out of that draft. We all know Prielipp's story, and his very successful 2025 season. Whether he remains a starter or converts to the pen is TBD. Matthews was pressed in to duty late in 2024 earlier than what he was ready for. His numbers don't look so great on the surface. But some of his numbers are intriguing, and he's absolutely flashed his potential. Berrios stunk as a rookie. So how about a little slack for Matthews at this point? Morris was almost as good as Matthews in a similar skyrocket through the system in 2024. He had a solid 2025, and a very strong finish. Culpepper has had a couple minor injuries that have slowed him slightly, but had a good 2025 and seems ready for AAA in 2026. Lewis had a season he and all of us would like to forget. But what if he moves to the pen and just throws as hard/well as he can and mixes in that crazy knuckleball for some K's? A couple more throw-ins: Raya's good stuff by lack of consistency has him probably moved to the pen now where he's got the potential to be late inning dominate in the near future. MacLeod and Nowlin are a pair of hard throwing LH that have converted to the pen as well, and might be only half a season away. Our own TD RP of the year had arms like Laweryson, Hoopes, Bragg, Parades, and Whitaker all throwing at AA...or above, even briefly...as 1 UDFA, and a collection of late round picks who might help in the pen as early as next season. UDFA surprise Klein had a great season and reached AAA at the end, with mixed results. Again, how many arms from 2022 and later should we be expecting dominating performances from at this point? And YES, I know they had drafts before that. That's where Ober, Varland, and Festa come in to play, along with Ohl, Adams, and a few more arms I've previously mentioned have reached the ML level, or are close. If we want to dig deeper, as @Dmanalready did, there's more than a handful of really good looking arms like Soto, Hill, Langenberg, Bohorquez, and others that should keep Cedar Rapids really strong next season. Heck, if you really want to stretch, you could even say this silly "pipeline" idea brought Gray to the Twins when they traded #1 pick Chase Petty to the Twins. If your idea of this crazy "pipeline" process is only about drafting arms, developing them, and turning them in to front line SP, or even mid or backend SP, I think you're misguided. Nobody does that in COMPLETE. Not even the Guardians. BTW, I haven't even mentioned recent additions such as Bradley, Abel, Rojas, Gallagher, or Horn. And I can understand not including Bradley since he's already pitched for Tampa for a couple of seasons. But then again, wasn't he acquired FOR a Twins success story in Jax? So YES, this silly "pipeline" idea is a FACT. But it's slightly unproven as of yet until we see a couple more arms like Matthews, Festa, Morris, etc, firmly establish themselves as either viable starters or important pen options. That's part of the unproven part. But improving Lopez, developing Ryan, Ober, Jax, Duran, SWR, and Varland are part of the FACT portion of any arguement.

I DON'T want the Twins to suddenly turn in to a "small ball" team. I still want them to focus on power. Power always plays. On the team now, or debuting sometime in 2026...more than likely...Buxton, Wallner, Lewis, Jeffers, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and possibly Gonzalez all have 20+ HR capabilities. Keaschall, Culpepper, and Lee all have double digit HR power. But there's also a mix of HIT ability mixed in there as well, and more speed than we've had in some time. And speed can produce some SB, as well as the ability to take an extra base. It can also assist defensively. So I want a manager who will assemble a solid staff thst will work on defense and the fundamentals. You have coaches on your staff to work with players, not just have a title. And without repetition, sometimes players csn grow lax. With no offense intended to anyone, I don't want a 70yo manager who's near the end of his career. I want someone young enough to embrace the game as it's played today, and has the ability to connect with his players. Some of the guys I'm interested in have already been mentioned. SKIP SCHUMAKER would be a great hire, but he's probably got his pick of jobs. What about 43yo RICKIE WEEKS JR from the very well run Brewers? He was in the player development office 2022, and moved to bench coach in 2023. CRAIG ALBERNAZ, 42yo, from the Guardians, who came up through the Rays system initially. SANDY ALOMAR JR, 59yo, is very well respected but has only had a shot at managing one time, for a couple weeks, at the end of the 2012 season as an interim. Still not sure why he's never received a shot at the main job. Possibly 39yo RYAN FLAHERTY from the Cubs, who is their current bench coach, and has served in that capacity for the Padres from 2022-23. All of these guys provide something a bit different in regard to playing and coaching experience, and are currently bench coaches for successful teams. All might be good fits as someone who fits the knowledge and experience and relative youth idea and might be ready to skipper a team. But I do really like the idea of 50yo GEORGE LOMBARD from Detroit, as presented by Tom Froeming. He's been in the game as a player and coach since he was 18yo! And he's still young enough to connect with today's players, have good energy, and the ability to embrace the concepts and analytical side and today's game. That's some of the options that I think fit the Twins: experienced, solid resume, young or relatively young, and all working for currently successful teams with solid managers running said teams.

Cody, no offense, but I really don't even understand the premise here. Why Clemens? I'm assuming because they each saw time at 2B and 1B. While different positions, I believe a more accurate comparison is Julien vs Larnach. Why? Both are LH and true FB first and seemingly only hitters. In MILB Julien surpassed Larnach in OB%, but Larnach surpassed him in actual AVG. Larnach made a comment a year or so ago that he hadn't seen much of anything but breaking balls and offspeed stuff since he was in the minors. But he has, more or less, adapted and turned in to a ML average to slightly above average player. Meanwhile, Julien simply hasn't been able to do so. While Julien doesn't have Larnach's pure power, he's clearly shown HR and XB power previously. Both were relatively good, patient hitters in MILB. One has made adjustments, though he's never become the hitter or power plant hoped for, and the other simply hasn't been able to make any adjustments at all. While different positions, I actually find these two to be a more accurate representation of what the Twins hoped for in Julien, albeit with a little more speed and playing 2B. That being said, NEITHER Julien or Clemens should be on the 40 man going in to next season. I'm OK with a MILB deal and a possible invite, but that's it. Period. The Twins need to shoot higher, and that's been part of their problem the past couple of seasons. Some have mentioned Fitzgerald here and there. I don't know that I'd protect him either. But at least he's a viable backup glove at SS with a solid AAA resume, meaning he hopefully won't embarrass himself at the plate. Clemens' actual numbers, save his 1st month with the Twins, are just really bad. The ability to play decently at a couple spots, provide the occasional HR, are nice. But the Twins should be looking for better than that! Everyone is so down on LH Roden. But he's younger than Clemens, and has FAR better MILB numbers and his rookie debut was just that, a rookie debut. IF the Twins don't address 1B in any sort of meaningful way, I'd much rather see Roden and Fedko at 1B rather than a 30yo journeyman with a sub everything quad slash line for his career. At least you'd have a couple 25/26yo with SOME potential and upside. And who knows, maybe they WILL address 1B. But the point is, they need to be using their imagination to put together a solid team and quit making excuses for a poor player simply due to exit velocity and a good month.

Crap rolls downhill. The owners aren't going to fire themselves. Hopefully they still sell the team thr next few years. I suspect they might depending how the next CBA changes financials, and how the TV deals with MLB change. Falvey had his legs cut out from beneath him after 2023. That limited a lot of what he might have wanted to do. I think there's a lot of broken promises made to Falvey based on comments Joe had made previously concerning the future. And I really appreciate a lot of the things Falvey has done to improve the structure of the entire organization. But there is a disconnect between MILB development and players reaching MLB. Is there a system wide issue that Falvey has been blind to? And how can he run the business side AND the baseball side? Seems to me they need a GM/President of baseball operations who has the power to actually run things and make changes. Is Zoll that guy? If not, let Falvey run the business side and bring someone else in. I didn't always agree with some of what Baldelli did. There have been times where he was handled a lump of crap instead of clay and told to make a nice ashtray out of it. But I've certainly had some issues with how he ran the team. But also, where is the blame on his staff? Has he had any say in them? Or was that all on Falvey? I do believe Rocco is a bit of a fall guy here. But I've also had enough questions and concerns about strategy, player usage, lack of defense, bizarre miscues at times, that I've begun to question he AND his coaching staff. But again, how much input did he actually have regarding his staff? It would appear the actual talent level of the team is starting to change, and hopefully improving, over the next couple of seasons. The SYSTEM should be put in place, along with good coaches at the MILB level, to prepare players. I just don't know that Falvey hasn't been blind to some changes in the SYSYEM that should have already taken place. Regardless, the manager and the coaching staff should still have the ability to work with players and tweak as necessary. Isn't that PART of their job? How many rookies come up and are just ML ready DAY ONE? And that's why I'm OK with a change at this time. A new voice just might be needed going forward. A new approach to how things are done. I can only hope whoever they bring in has a real say...if not complete control...over his staff. Said new manager has to have coaches he trusts to help bring out the best in the roster he has. If he DOESN'T have control over his staff, and his approach to working with players, then the Rocco firing truly will be a "face saving" ploy by Falvey and not much more.

Yet another honest and well done article, Nick. And yet another thank you for your hard work. All of the pitchers who ended the season on strong, positive notes is nice. At the very least, they flashed the talent they posses for future hope. At this point, you could write a rather lengthy OP about the career SWR has had from top prep selection, to a stronger push up the ladder than was maybe called for, to losing development time due to the Olympics, to helping save the 2024 rotation, to a rough-ish start to 2025, then losing 15lbs due to a parasite/intestinal issue, to discovering how good his splitter might be and a strong finish to this season. All before he turned 25yo just a couple days ago. IIRC, he's out of options. But I believe he has now firmly secured a rotation spot for 2026. I believe Bradley is also out of options as well. I believe Matthews has as much, or more, potential. What happens if he starts to put it together next season? Maybe even in ST? Do they send him down? Would they dare to move a young arm like Bradley to the pen to just keep the best young talent on hand? Maybe I've not read quotes from Ryan...or Lewis for that matter...the same way others have. I've only read snippets where they simply state they just don't know what's going to this offseason, with wonder whether they might be moved or not. That's how I've taken their comments, which all seem pretty reasonable at the end of a disappointing season and the fire sale at the deadline. What's interesting to me are various quotes from former players like Jax and Bader in a NY Times article I read today from Hayes & Gleeman in which they state the clubhouse had a positive vibe all season, even though the year didn't go well. Granted they weren't part of the team the last 2 months, but still, there was no negativity presented at all. So I'm just not reading "trade demands" from ANYONE, including Ryan and Lewis. I think everyone is just frustrated and confused about the future. Just way too early to give up on Lewis and Lee, I agree on that 100%. A strong offseason of health and hard work could see both take a positive step forward. Will they? IDK. But you'd be selling really low on a couple of former top prospects who are still quite young. K-Pepper provides some real excitement for the INF along with Keaschall. But Lewis in particular taking a step forward is important for 2026. (Not to dismiss Lee's importance at SS, or possibly a valuable utility INF. The OF is in flux, but Martin's sudden emergence is a positive going in to 2026, though it's possible his future is as a 4th OF with the pending arrivals in 2026 of Jenkins, Rodriguez, Gonzalez, possibly Fedko, and Roden hopefully taking a step forward. I believe Larnach will be gone due to salary vs performance. But Wallner's 2023-24 seasons simply can't be dismissed. There's a lot of potential and a bunch of options for an opening day OF, and one that might look different, and even better, come around June 1st. I'm quietly intrigued by Sands...up and down since the deadline...and Funderburk seeming to take a step forward given their opportunities. I think Ohl has a chance to be pretty good. Not so sure Adams doesn't offer some hope as well. Good initial debut from Lawyerson in a SSSS. But there's obviously a lot of work to be done regarding the pen this offseason. While my faith in the FO is virtually gone, I remain intrigued about the Twins OF and INF. I still like Jeffers behind the plate, but who backs him up? If they're going to spend $3M for a veteran backup, might it be Vazquez? It might be. But how much gas does he have left in the tank? I think I'd rather take a shot elsewhere, but the backup catcher is the least of my worries as of today. Falvey speaks about some development time for young players and some possible speed bumps...by no means a direct quote...but also speaks about talent on hand, depth, and depth of young talent about to arrive. He even includes Ober and Ryan when speaking about the strength and depth of the rotation. So is he just talking out both sides of his mouth? Or is he saying they both figure in to the 2026 plans but breaking in the younger arms, and the young OF, and Keaschall and K-Pepper all breaking in? Maybe he's also talking about Lewis and Lee needing to take a step forward without naming them? Or again, is he just talking out both sides of his mouth? I guess I'll reserve judgment for now. I'm still mixed on Rocco back as manager. I still don't believe full fault should be placed on his shoulders. I think the player roster is starting to round in to more of what he wants, power, (the potential is still there), but a better mix of athleticism and speed. The single biggest issue over the past couple of years has been the offense. Case on point, they have basically been the worst or 2nd worst team in all of MLB with the bases loaded over the past 5 years. And it's NOT due to K rates as the Twins have sharply declined that factor as of late, but have actually seen their production actually drop. There's been a serious disconnect with the offense. A shakeup needs to take place. With Miranda, Julien, Correa all gone, and Larnach probably gone, that shakeup is starting to take place. Martin stepping forward, and the arrival of Keaschall, are another pair of lineup changes, which also is a portion of more running, or at least taking an extra base. And a collection of really nice looking prospects about to debut adds hope, potential, and excitement. But do these recent and impending changes ignite the offense? Does it improve the defense? And how much blame do Rocco and his coaches bear? How much is on the players? Does Rocco deserve another opportunity to work with a re-tooled roster to play a different game with more speed and better defense? I really don't know. And I have no clue who would be a better choice. I have no doubt Baldelli would have a job in a different organization tomorrow if let go, whether in a FO, or on someone's bench. He's pretty well respected as a baseball guy. But maybe the Twins just need a new voice and approach? There's just too many unknowns today, with the regular season done. I do know that I'm excited about the OF, cautiously excited and optimistic about the INF, excited about the rotation and depth of arms, and those are really good places to start. But I do wonder if it's time for a new voice and approach from a new manager and coaching staff.

It does sound as if Provus is merely speculating. And I hope that's the case as I really want to see him a Twin for life. Not to mention he's still currently the best player, a class act, and someone to help lead thr younger players. I no longer trust the FO/Twins. Or at least, any trust is greatly strained. Despite speculation, there is no smoking gun regarding a trade of Ryan to Boston at the deadline. All we have is an erroneous report of a trade being made, and what appear to be actual, accurate reports that Boston came in late, asked, the Twins listened, (which they always state they do), and then rejected the offer made by the Red Sox. And Falvey seemed to indicate in his most recent interview that he sees the rotation as a strength for 2026 and included Ryan and Lopez in that discussion. That would seem to end speculation...for the most part..that Lopez and Ryan are automatically being moved as part of a massive teardown. Thus, it should also end speculation of a disgruntled Buxton requesting out. But once again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone. Simple logic would indicate new partners, elimination of debt with new cash flow, and a large stockpile of young talent on hand, or getting ready to debut, and room to add to the speculated post-arbitration payroll, would make ownership WANT to keep Lopez and Ryan...and Buck as a result...and try to increase what remains of trust and interest from the fans. Simple logic. But then again, my trust in the Twins is greatly strained, if not gone.

Could they have run more earlier in the season and been as successful? I think that's very much open to debate for a variety of reasons. But having nothing to lose, having Keaschall back. Lewis' legs getting stronger, Martin taking another step, would surely have added to this sudden surge. I like the ability to steal some bases. It's another way to score runs PROVIDED you can be successful at a high %. It can be a useful weapon. Otherwise, you are just giving away outs to the opposition. But frankly, I'm more interested in better team speed in regard to better defensive range, and the ability to take extra bases and score successfully on base hits. My greatest worry is a team that finished dead last in AVG and OPS last season with the bases loaded and are dead last in AVG and 2nd to last in OPS over thr last 5 years. How is that even possible? I'm just fine with more SB to have another weapon at our disposal. And it is an exciting form of baseball. But I'm more concerned with disappearing power and the worst hitting in the league over 5 years eith the bases loaded. How many games were lost right there?

Lawyerson is RH.

I was a little surprised that Logan Whitaker wasn't on the list. He had a great season. What's interesting is that everyone except for Gomez pitched a substantial amount at AA, or above, this season, or at least finished there. A few of these guys, if not all, might help in 2026 at some point. (With Whitaker thrown in).

28yo in 2026 coming off surgery and 1 good season, one great season, and then a poor season. You bet. You're 28yo coming off surgery and a poor/mediocre season before that. Is it time for you to think about a move to the pen to further your career? You have risk attached to you. How about 1 year at $3.5M with a team option for $5M? No? OK. God bless and move on.

If Lewis hits .270 next season with 34 Dbls and 25 HR this all goes away. And that's what frustrates me the most. But I really don't understand this post, Van. Where did Lewis EVER REFUSE to play 2B again? In September 2024, Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis publicly expressed his resistance to moving to second base, calling the prospect "terrifying". He explained that changing positions mid-season, especially during a playoff push, was too disruptive for him and created a defensive risk for the team. Reasons for Lewis's reluctance Mental adjustment: As Lewis put it, "The moment you have to think in this game is when the game speeds up on you". All-Star caliber players rely on muscle memory for defensive reactions. Moving to a new infield position requires re-establishing that muscle memory, which is a difficult adjustment to make on the fly during a pennant race. Defensive concerns: Lewis stated, "I don't want to mess up our defense just because we're going to try something new". He felt the team had other talented second basemen who were more prepared to handle the position. Troubling injury history: Lewis has a long history of lower-body injuries, including two torn ACLs and multiple hamstring and quad strains. His 2022 ACL tear occurred while he was playing center field, another position he was trying out for the first time in the majors. This history of injury during positional changes likely contributed to his cautious attitude. Team's perspective and resolution The Twins were looking for more lineup flexibility to field their best offensive players and create defensive alignments. Moving Lewis to second base would allow Brooks Lee to play third, his natural position. Despite Lewis's initial hesitation, the situation evolved: Late 2024: Lewis did make his first career starts at second base during September 2024, signaling a willingness to at least try the position. Offseason 2024-2025: Lewis's attitude changed considerably. According to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, Lewis began taking practice at second base over the offseason, telling the manager he was doing so "just in case" the team needed him there. This was seen as a sign of his growing maturity and open-mindedness to a potential future transition.

I'm sorry, but "juvenile"?? It's OK if you want to criticize Lewis for his production post 2 knee surgeries and a slew of soft tissue injuries since then that has have robbed him and the Twins for production we're still dreaming of. (Not in his control). And it's OK to criticize his heart on the sleeve comments when he's frustrated and maybe should keep his mouth closed or be more calm, collected before he speaks at times. But his comments about playing 2B, once again were probably not the BEST he could have said. But was he wrong to not throw his teammates under the bus? Was he wrong to say he was worried about making a poor play being thrown in to a position he wasn't used to and would rather have an offseason to learn the position? Yes, he probably should have added, "I'll do the best I can". Or did he say that? I can't recall exactly. But then what did he do this past offseason? He spent time at 2B to prepare for 2025 and then the Twins said forget about it. This is the reality. And I STRONGLY object to anything I've stated as "juvenile"!

Absolutely! I'd tell them to get out there and just do the best they can and we'll see what happens. But by your own admission of Lewis going out there, where is the argument? Are we truly saying Rocco had so little power that Lewis had an unreported fit? Or are we just frustrated that a potential difference maker for our team is human, and fighting a whole bunch of injury crap, and once in a while says something in the moment that Crash Davis would have smacked him for?

OK, I never pick on anybody and I seldom call anyone out. It's not my nature. And I'm not doing that now with you either, just to be clear. But Royce Lewis is guilty of only 2 things to this point. 1] Having immense talent but has been cursed with 2 major knee surgeries and subsequent soft tissue injuries that he's been trying to fix. NOT his fault. 2] He wears his heart on his sleeve and when asked a question, he doesn't always think things through and just says what he's feeling in the moment. Once again, the topic of playing 2B he commented he didn't like the idea of playing it mid season for fear of blowing a crucial play. I don't recall his comment about the team having enough players to cover 2B, but I'm accepting that as something I just don't recall. But was he supposed to say "we have poor players there, so I'll try to be better than them"? What kind of teammate would that make him? Should he have said I don't want to move there mid season because I'm afraid of making a bad play that can cost the team, but I'll do my best? Yes. That little extra might have made a difference. Honestly, I'd love to find the while quote because maybe he did say something close to that, I just don't recall the entire conversation. But he DID go out and play some 2B. And I don't recall Rocco, or anyone else, ever saying ANYTHING regarding a poor attitude or a refusal to go out there and do it. And last I checked, Rocco makes out the lineup. How hard or how long did Royce work out at 2B this past offseason? Does it matter? HE never said to stop doing so. The Twins made the decision to stop the experiment at 2B shortly before ST. And IIRC, I read a quote from Lewis in the offseason stating something to the affect that he was working at both spots to get ready for wherever he was needed. Yeah, sounds like a primadona to me. (Sarcasm note, not directed to anyone) I've NEVER heard even a whisper from Rocco, the coaching staff, players on the team, or the FO negative about Lewis directly. Correa's abstract comment after last seasons disappointment was directed towards younger players. That could include a rather large collection. He NEVER singled out anyone. It's OK if we as fans are disappointed that the STUD we hoped and thought Lewis might be has caused disappointment and frustration. He's certainly tantalized like a superhero at times the past couple of seasons. But maybe he's just not really Superman. Maybe he's really Batman. (And I'm a Marvel guy, LOL). But Batman is still really good, and a potential All Star here and there. But until I actually hear something from elsewhere that Royce is lazy, Royce is a "me first" player, Royce is a poor teammate, I'm going to accept him as a super talented player who STILL has a nice career ahead of him if he can stay healthy. As to the rest? I'd love a veteran in the clubhouse who could locker next to him and just put a hand over his mouth once In a while and whisper in his ear; "pause before you answer, because they're just looking for a quote". And that's about the only thing he's guilty of at this point.

But despite his comments that he didn't want to convert to 2B mid season because he didn't want to blow a game for the team, he still went out there didn't he? And Rocco still fills out the lineup doesn't he? And Lewis still spent time this past offseason working at 2B until the Twins told him they had decided against him playing there. Do we really have to continue repeating ourselves? Do you just really dislike Lewis? Or are you just frustrated he hasn't been the Superman we hoped he might be? But I'm really tired of repeating the same circle of comments at this point.

Wait, even if I don't recall the statement of him saying the Twins had "good options at 2B" , you're saying him NOT being negative about his fellow teammates is a bad thing? How does that equate to him saying he didn't want to transition to 2B mid season because he was worried about blowing an important play? Should he have said instead we don't have anyone good at 2B so I'll give it a try mid season? That's what he should have said instead? By your own post he DID play some 2B. Rocco makes out the lineup. Lewis does not. Lewis also spent a lot of the offseason playing 2B to get ready for 2025 and then the Twins said don't worry about it. Do you have a personal grudge against Lewis? Or are you just a frustrated fan looking to vent? Because I really don't see any issue here.

The reason is BOTH hitters and pitchers don't feel the AI is accurate enough yet. I don't have all the answers, but that's been the complaint. There are enough variations...per reports/complaints...that bend and depth of pitches and individual strike zones aren't accurate enough yet to make it fully viable. I think it's coming, but this is a step in the right direction for sure.

I absolutely love this being implemented for next season. I watched a number of ST games this past year and absolutely loved it. It's quick, accurate, and doesn't disrupt the game at all. My only thought is, since the game is based on 3 outs per inning as a basis, should the challenge system be 3 challenges? The process is so quick and easy, I just feel there should be a parallel of 3 challenges allowed per team until nullified due to an error in asking. Somehow it just makes more sense to me.

Here's the problem with that. Just like so many clamoring for Wallner or Larnach to grab a glove and put them at 1B, it's just not that easy. While LF and 1B are at the bottom spectrum of defenensive value, you just can't tell a guy to grab a 1B mit and go there. Forgetting nuances of actually playing the position, you have to have the ability to handle off target throws and grounders, and throws in the dirt. How many career OF have had to do those things for years, if ever? Now, that's not to say some guys haven't had previous time in the dirt in HS or college, or don't have a more natural ability to perform those basic operations. Fedko has been working some at 1B for St Paul, and had 13 games at Wichita in 2024 at 1B. That's not an impressive resume at the position. But maybe he's got the ability to do so? Maybe that's why he got some AAA time this season to work at it? It sure would increase his roster value and potential if he could be competent there. Perhaps Rosario has time to try 1B? No better time to attempt a shift than in MILB. And I have ZERO clue if he's EVER played on the dirt, even in HS. Maybe he did? Maybe he's a smooth enough athlete to begin the basics at least at AAA in 2026? I'm not against your idea. You have merit. But most 1B start out as catchers, or 3B, and occasionally as a SS or 2B who outgrow their previous position. But again, those guys actually played in the dirt. I'd honestly take a look at Rosario at 1B next season to see if there is any chance he could be a decent 1B. I'd continue having Fedko play 1B to see if he could do the job. Let's not forget the injured and recently acquired Roden who has a fair amount of 1B experience going back to college. The Twins have been working Hendry Mendez, recently acquired, at 1B behind the scenes. Now he's going to go to the AFL and possibly work more at 1B. But he, like Rosario, are AA OF. So you might be correct in asking some OF to try 1B. There's been speculation that Billy Amick might be the 1B of the future. And he's going to be at AA next season. I'm absolutely not picking on you, or your quote. I'm really just talking more at random to a lot of posters that just say; "put him at 1B". It's just not that simple. But I do agree that there are SOME OF prospects that might be able to convert to the position and should do so.

It's an impressive list! And it's a very good thing to have so many good choices to debate about! I'm really not sure you could pick a wrong answer for #1, or in whatever order you want to list the top 5. But do you give position a bias? Then it's definitely Culpepper. Do you go positive or negative in your vote regarding prospect status? Or just the best season overall, much like the monthly awards here at TD? Again, wonderful choices and I don't think you can go wrong. But IMO, I think TD got it right. #5 JENKINS: He's accomplished so much considering his age, and even considering time missed. But total results put him at #5 for me. #4 ROSARIO: I know R and RBI are somewhat argumentative in context as they depend somewhat on opportunity to knock guys in, and who hits behind you to knock YOU in. But Rosario's season shouldn't be dismissed. He's possibly going to win his 2nd league MVP in 3 years. The only reason I don't have him higher is othes beat his AVG and OB% enough for me to keep him at #4. But how many past seasons would we be RAVING about his numbers? #3 CULPEPPER: SS bias might have made him the Twins choice for HOY. And no question he had a hell of a season. He did it ALL from across a great quad slash line with speed mixed in as well. And the R and RBI numbers are there as well. He seems to be on the "Luke Keaschall" train of almost ready in your 2nd full pro season. And he plays a premium position as well. Even still, I almost put him at #4. But the better AVG and OB% kept him at #3 for me, following the TD writers path. #2 FEDKO: I simply don't care that he was 25yo when he had his breakout season. He was still only 25yo when the season began, was still 25yo when he reached AAA, and didn't turn 26yo until the last, or next to last day of the season. He had a solid AVG, a great OB%...par for the course with him...and suddenly found his power stroke with 53 XBH and also ran for 38 SB. He was very close to a 30/30 season. And again, we can argue about R and RBI numbers, but he and Rosario were neck and neck with their final numbers there. He produced nearly as well at AAA as he did at AA. Like Rosario's season, how many years would we have been ecstatic about his season? I ALMOST wanted to put him at #1 simply based on his season, not his prospect status. **While I don't often like to compare players directly, Fedko reminds me so much of Lew Ford 20+ years ago, who debuted with the Twins as a 26yo. Might he be a similar 4th OF with a well rounded game? #1 GONZALEZ: I just can't argue this choice, even though I almost did initially. And playing at 3 levels, while impressive, wasn't what swayed me. He didn't steal near the bases as everyone else, and he didn't match Rosario, Culpepper, or Fedko in HR. But how can you argue against a quad slash line of .329/ .395/ .513/ .909! And 56 XBH mixed in as well? He's deserving of the #1 spot. Ask me today who is more ready to challenge for a spot on the 26 man roster in 2026, I'm going to say Fedko for a variety of reasons that we don't need to go in to right now. But ask me who is the better, more productive BAT a few months from now in 2026, Gonzalez is the answer. For obvious reasons Rodriguez isn't part of this discussion. It's about best season, not future potential. But how good does it make you feel as a fan to see these 5, and add Rodriguez to hope and potential, and realize they are ALL going to be at AAA or with the Twins in 2026?

Matthews flashes his potential in what might be his last start, and finishes the season on a positive note. But I'm almost as excited that Sands suddenly showed back up again, and Funderburk has continued to throw pretty well since the deadline.

Totally get where you are coming from. And at some point, a signing like we're speaking about doesn't make sense. But considering how low the Twins payroll projects to be once Larnach is presumably moved out...$90M...and factoring in the minority cash flow to eliminate debt, the Twins have room to add to the payroll and still end up less than the approximate $140M that the BEGAN 2025 with. I know you know this, I'm just rehashing to make my point. Philosophically, I believe in putting together a team with a mix of different types of hitters. The Twins, through recent drafts and a couple other moves, are starting to move in that direction. And then I believe in trying to compete yearly, whenever possible. I also believe in always having an eye on the future, which can mean re-tooling your roster. Cleveland and Milwaukee are good examples of mid market teams that do that pretty well. I think the FO has been slow to do that. I seldom agree with the "blow it all up and start over" philosophy because history shows that doesn't always work, or takes a lot longer for a successful re-build to actually take place. We've some of that with the Twins in the 90's and the 00's. So if I'M the one in charge and I see a need for my team that is this obvious, and I have a $90M payroll and room to add, yes I'd be willing to add that 3yr deal to my team providing the bidding doesn't get out of hand. If that happens, I then have to re-evaluate where I go. Now, I understand there are no guarantees as to who is going to come through, and how good they might be. There's still questions about development of the talent on hand. Rodriguez, for example, is he going to make it? And how good might he be, or not be? But it's nice to have a number of options to roll through and see who comes out on top. Same with the rotation. Give me 8 guys for an OF or rotation and I'll probably get 3 or 4 good ones. But in the current situation "MY TEAM" is in, adding that proven veteran becomes all the more important, IMO, to stabilize the lineup. Buxton is only $15M before any bonuses. Pablo is about $21M. Currently, the $10M we will be paying Houston for Correa being gone will be the 3rd highest deal on the books for 2026. Barring extensions for anyone...which wouldn't kick in until 2027...the next highest deal for 2026 would be Ryan/Jeffers for around $8M each. The remainder of my total team will be anywhere from around minimum to maybe $4-5M. I've got cost control for the next couple of seasons and a lot of minimum wage players either on the roster, or soon to debut. In theory, Correa, Buxton, and Naylor...in this scenario...all come off the books in 3yrs. (Lopez possibly as well). So that coincides very well with future raises for the rest of my roster. I've even advocated signing Jeffers through 2028, when other young catchers in the system should arrive, and that deal also expires at just the right time. I know that's a long winded response, LOL, but I want to be thorough in my answer and how I see the finances of the team playing out over the next 2-3 years. Now, I need to spend a few $M for a couple decent/mediocre arms for the pen to help with the initial re-build there...along with some fliers...and maybe a veteran backup to Jeffers, but those are inexpensive moves in total unless I want to jump back up to a $140-150M payroll. (Which isn't happening tomorrow for sure). So once again, yes, I'M willing to make that addition/commitment because it helps stabilize my INF and my lineup. And it helps my current team without impacting future payroll in a few years when certain players start to get more expensive.