DocBauer

First round picks wash out all tbe time, or never reach anything regarding great success. But 3 in a row like that really hurt, especially considering such a need for pitching at tne ML level. I was never that excited about Garbe, he just seemed too raw, but IIRC Mills and Johnson were pretty highly regarded. Was it bad luck or poor development from the old guard way of doing things back then? Considering neither Mills or Johnson did anything with anyone else, I'm going to go with bad luck. While nothing is proven yet, sure seems like the current FO and the new approaches have built up a system that could start paying real dividends in the field and on the mound soon.

While the Park signing was interesting, maybe a little exciting, it just didn't fit the construction of the team at all, especially with Sano moving to the OF. But the worst move was the trade of Hicks to the Yankees. He was rushed...just like Hunter had been years before and like Buxton was...and then dumped with no viable option to replace him. It wasn't trading him for Murphy that was so awful in of itself, it was not having a backup plan.

I also found his decision puzzling. I'm sure it can't be financial considering Big 10 money, but who knows. Wish I cod remember his exact comments, but again, something it not being fair to other seniors who weren't athletes losing out so no preferencal treatmen. Still puzzling to me.

College seniors can go back for another year or the NCAA, but there are catches there. 1] Can they afford to go back for another year of partial scholarship money and risk another year? 2] Is there money even available to them considering the state of athletics and funding across the country? 3] Will their school even let them come back? Wisconsin, for instance, stated they would not let seniors return as it was unfair to non athletes and the such who missed out. I think if you're a college senior selected in these 5 rounds you are pretty motivated to sign up.

Just throwing this out there. And probably deserves it's own OP. But despite some labor issues, and a couple work stoppages, the NFL and NBA have still seen far less labor angst than MLB. In fact, though tables could turn post-covid...and there is already early expectation/speculation...the NFL and NBA have vastly grown worldwide. Meanwhile, baseball is still stuck in some mire I don't understand. Is this the epitome of the "old boys network" we used to hear about? Is it remotely possible MLB owners are still carrying on archaic ideas from original ownership dating back 100yrs? Or are they just smarter than the players union where they see the realities of loss and diminished return that could have far reaching affects? (Already early reports the NFL could be cutting payroll next year by 40% vs normal annual raises)

UGH! Should cover it. But to be fair, Terry Ryan meant SO MUCH to this organization. He was a tremendous scout. And while his teams never won a WS, and he could be convicted of being guilty of never making a BOLD move because he was too conservative, he was the GM over those teams in the early century who had a shot. Maybe he shouldn't have been brought back for a 2nd tenure. But we should always remember that he brought a lot of good seasons and competitive ball to the Twins.

Cody, you're a fan of horror movies aren't you?

The diversified approach makes the most sense on the surface. And while the FO has done a decent job of playing the salary game the past few drafts to shell out extra for a sliding player, this draft is only 5 rounds. So how much sliding will actually take place? Especially considering that HS players are almost guaranteed to go to college unless they are a TOP 2 round selection. Unless a team is going to overdraft a college senior who can't go back to school...and they are out there...or just doesn't want to, in a 5 round draft how many "steals" will be available to over-sign? While the ML draft is ALWAYS a crap shoot, you don't want to just waste a draft selection either. The system is healthy and one of the best and deepest around. It turns out this is one of the best and deepest college drafts in years, especially in regard to pitching. Now, all of this applies to ALL teams, not just the Twins. So you have to rely on your scouts and analytics perhaps even more, hoping you are smarter than most organizations. Do you become a gambling team and cross your fingers and hope any saved money pays off? Or do you get conservative and draft chalk? For this draft, I'd trust my scouts and the new approach I have laid down over the last 3yrs. The Twins FO is not immune to absolute talent. But when it comes to pitching talent, they look very much to projectability. And that aspect may not be more true than this crazy year. And they know so much more about the prospects available than any of us, not only in regard to projection, but signability factors. If there is a HS player they love and think they can get, go for it. But I would be focused 100% on college players. If there is a position player you love and believe in, grab him. But for this crazy, short 2020 draft, I would focus on the 4 best college arms I could find and run with it.

I was and always be a Gardy fan. But it was time for a change and a new voice. The Santana signing was exciting and despite how it ended in career ending injury it was a good and important signing. It stunk, of course, that the team couldn't finish the deal and earn a WC spot. But we started to SE our team win again and hope was offered by a new manager, a quality SP signing, and the kids starting to play and tease what they could become.

It's been reported by a national writer...sorry but I forget who at the moment...that read the agreement made in March. In it is language to continue discussions if there are no fans. I also am frustrated by both sides. I do, however, think the owners last proposal was mostly fair and I was really intrigued by the profit sharing split of all post season $. Where the owners made a mistake was the sliding % scale to the highest earning players, who also seem to have the most power in the union. They also could have put in a provision for additional sharing if fans do indeed come back. I thought the players proposal way way off. Especially the part about deferring additional pay so they could recoup more later. Most everyone and every business is taking some sort of hit through all of this.

That was a riot!

Interesting. Don't care. Because the Twins are going to nab someone really good at 27 this year.

What I remember most was how good Hughes was. He may have earned a new contract, but it shouldn't have happened after just 1yr. And I don't know if he would have made a big difference the next couple of seasons or not, but I would have like to see what a healthy Hughes could have done for the duration of his deal. The second thing I remember was just how good Santana was. While miscast as a CF, he didn't stink and was put in an awkward spot. With his athleticism and potential...I remember breakdowns during games how quick and strong his wrists were when turning on a ball...I thought we had found a really, really good super utility player. Ugh! What might have been for both guys.

I'm hoping not in regard to Celestino for obvious reasons. Despite pitching depth, I may have made the OP about 4 players and included Duran.

While he missed time here and there, as most all players do, I believe he was a starting catcher for 9yrs. Now that's not 12-14yrs, but it's a long time. Multiple All Star games, MVP, THREE batting titles, etc. IMO his career behind the plate speaks for itself. And then you look at some of the other criteria posted in the OP, and the arguement for him in the HOF just continues to grow. IMO, baseball writers are "smart enough" about all he did/was behind the dish before the move to 1B and won't hold it against him. In fact, his ability to still be a solid player and re-invent himself in to a Gold Glove worthy 1B should only enhance his resume. Again, IMO. A lot of guys may have faded away overnight or hung it up. Don't see any way he's 1st ballot. But I think he's in.

A little surprised Wade was selected. I think the kid still has a chance despite a poor 2019. A good eye and solid OB skills with solid defense just don't go away. But it feels like he is a tease at this point. He seems to have all the ability to be a perfect 4th OF who can fill in anywhere and who can do everything well, just not great. With that being said, he seems to posses enough overall ability to mature in to a potential starting corner OF...who could fill in at CF...and have the triple slash line to be productive and even dangerous as a #1 or #2 hitter along with good defense. (A better Cave). But I need to see a step forward we haven't seen yet. Really interested/excited by Seth's selection of Chalmers. If I could pick ONE GUY in the entire system who gets potentially screwed with no milb season, it's Dakota. (Though he could/should be on any proposed taxi squad). How many times have we seen a big arm have issues early on and then find the right place and time where he is healthy, learned and grown, and then is ready to rock? IF he is 100% and ready to go he has to work on control, duh, and find a 3rd pitch to keep him as a SP. Changeup, palmball, splitter, cutter, SOMEBODY find him a 3rd reliable pitch and you could have something solid to special. Who cares if injury set him back a full season or so. The wait could be worth it. I just think it's a mistake to speculate he's a RP waiting to happen. And he could be a great one! But I would be willing to give him at least another season, perhaps two considering where we are right now. Stud RP or quality/potential SP? I'm OK with the RP idea. I just want to give him enough time to know for sure.

"Daddy, when is the scary part over?"

I know there is so much to scouting and projection than just some basic numbers and observation. And I fully appreciate the reports presented here in this list. Maybe it's just me, but I seem to be as excited, or more so, for the pitching prospects in the last list.

I LOVE our Twins! I LOVE baseball! I WANT baseball! But right now, I am so damn frustrated with both sides that I almost don't care and want to concentrate on football season even though it is months away. I actually think the owners proposal was MOSTLY fair and realistic. Especially when they offered to basically split the post season pretty evenly with the players. (Post season $ is HUGE in regard to the established TV contracts). But I think their sliding scale to pay less % of salary to top players was off the mark...though understood from their point of view...and was guaranteed to rankle the top players who hold most of the power in the union. A big mistake on the owners part, IMO. The players tick me off with an even longer season...to get more prorated $ of course...as there is no guarantee the postseason happens if additional health concerns pop up. That takes a HUGE bite out of MLB profits, incurring additional ML losses, and the players know that. (As a fan, of course I'd like more games). Oh, and the players "graciously" will allow the owners to defer $ down the road. Down the road from what? A country and economy suffering from a pandemic and sudden social unrest and a future CBA right around the corner that could cause a work stoppage and further damage the entire structure of MLB? So now rumor spreads the owners, per the commissioner, are posturing a 60G season to mitigate losses. Both sides need to pull their heads out and find a compromise that is as close to fair and equitable as they can find. The players are absolutely, positively, not going to make the $ they hoped to make in 2020. The owners are absolutely, positively going to lose $ in 2020. (At BEST find a way to break even). And these things are going to have an affect on the next 2-4yrs as the entire economy of the U.S. and the world, much less baseball, Players: You are risking not only 2020, but future income and growth and public interest in your sport/profession for years to come. Do you not remember the ramifications from the last strike? Owners: You're going to lose $. You can try to mitigate your losses. But what happens if You alienate all of your key employees? Do you also not remember the ramifications from the last strike? To Both: Do you not remember the ramifications from the last strike? Have either of you paid attention to the growth of the NFL and NBA? BOTH of you suck it up, be smart, compromise, and don't destroy your sport. The Twins still have the potential to succeed and do well in a 60G season. Maybe win it all. But I don't expect a season that short. It will be at least 80G or it won't happen at all.

Yes please. May we take two? Ironically, Baseball America has the Twins taking Carmen Miodzinski with their 1st round pick 27th overall, which is where you have him ranked. Considering that coincidence, and the very makeup of his last name when reflecting on Twins history must make him the real world selection. If so, hoping all that Cape Cod magic is warranted.

To me, this not only one of the worst seasons in Twins history, but may be the most disappointing. This was a team that seemed to have everything in place following 2010, but also a few interesting additions and some guys coming back. If memory serves, it also the Twins previous record payroll due to high expectations. Despite never winning it all, or getting bounced earlier than expected, the team largely had a really good run from 2000 until this year. For various reasons, this was the beginning of mostly bottoming out for the next several years.

The Ramos deal turned out to haunt in the future. It was one of a few bad trades around this time. But when you had Mauer behind the plate, it's still really hard tomfault the idea of a prospect for a proven arm in a season when the Twins were in a "go for it" season.

I have chosen to stay out of the conversation, thus far, for a variety of reasons that are mine, and not because I am apathetic in any way. And I may or may not respond again, as that is also my choice, and again, not because I am apathetic. Any my own political beliefs will also be left out as they are personal, varied and really not important to this discussion. Honestly, not quite sure how politics were brought in to a human condition and society OP to begin with, but I guess these things happen. Nick, love you man. Love your courage to put yourself out there like this. It isn't easy to do things like this. I'm sure you knew that beforehand but betting you underestimated some of the backlash. I don't always agree on everything you say about baseball, or the Twins, but I always respect you, as I do now. As to MY $.02: 1] While I appreciate your reference to Kepler's picture and subsequent posts, referencing was probably appropriate. And while I think you were pretty clear on your Kepler stance, naming him in the headline and using him as an example, may have been a mistake. I believe he should have been left out of the lead as he ends up looking like a target, unintentional though I'm sure it was. REFERENCING the recent, unfortunate events surrounding him would have been more appropriate. I don't have to tell you that sometimes what you write and intend may not come across exactly the way you intended it to. To everyone, not directed to you, the TIMING of Max wearing that mask is seen as poor. But is it really? What happened is so abhorant and disgusting that I can't even find words. But something wonderful has happened in our country over the past couple of decades where we, as a society, have begun to pay real tribute, and show deserved respect, to our military forces abroad and our fire/rescue and police force in this country and to the men and women who make up these branches. Despite all the flaws that social media presents, one of the great positives is the sharing of good and profound opinions, actions and thoughts. Police officers across the country, of ALL races, have spoken out VERY directly and deliberately about what took place. They have been STAUNCH in their opinions and beliefs! And THEY ARE that blue line. T-shirts, posters, bumper stickers, hats, flags, rings, and so much more has inundated our society the past couple of decades for good reason. We should NEVER forget what that blue line means and represents to us as a society. If Max is guilty of anything, besides bad timing, it's having a bad PR campaign where he could have eased out of this uncomfortable situation with more grace. 2] Not sure how politics got brought in to this except for the reference to someone who is in politics. Which really shouldn't be an issue considering the quote you used was about life, rights and basic humanity and the quote ITSELF stated it wasn't about politics. Does the nature of the quote source just bring out angst from some that shouldn't be applied in this context? 3] I don't agree with the generalised comment that our community and country are "broken". Perhaps a poor choice of words? There are REAL ISSUES in our country that need to be addressed, INCLUDING race issues. And while it is so easy for me as a midwestern white person who is NOT affluent to state such things, I think the American society HAS changed and GROWN very much over my lifetime. MORE CHANGE is clearly needed. I don't think any of us could argue differently. As a society of quality human beings, we should all support additional growth and change. And none of should want anything more than that of hurry our heads in the sand. 4] Despite my "critique" of your post, GROWTH and UNDERSTANDING is what is most important. Whether you like Nicks post or not, whether you feel he espoused any political agenda or not...(go back and re-read calmly)...change for the better is something we should all want. I LOVE this site, what it is all about, and the WONDERFUL community that it is. And while all of this is an absentee community for most of us, I honestly feel there is a connection and friendship and sort of "familia" brought to all of us. But i am rather disappointed by some of the attacking comments I've read. It's OK to disagree. I've disagreed with Nick on a few things here without being nasty. And I know the whole world is in a weird, mixed up pandemic mess right now and this is a hot social topic. I just wish it could have been handled with a little more decorum. And I'm OUT!

Like and agree. But it's not that simple in today's game. Rogers earned the right to be the closer. But originally, early in the season, veteran Parker was OK in his role as traditional closer and Rogers was used more in high leverage situations. As things changed/developed, May and Duffey really came on and Rogers assumed a more traditional closer role. Advanced analysis and statistics have taught us that WINS and SAVES don't necessarily mean/indicate what we once thought they meant. I get that. I understand that. But at the same time, while a SP might pitch great and get screwed out of a win, or even end up with a loss despite a great performance, a consistently good SP may also gain a win or 2 or 3 to make up for it on a decent, competitive team. The life of a RP, however, is volatile. You can blow everyone away and do your job 4 times out of 5 and still have mediocre numbers due that that 5th appearance. Despite "easy" saves, I still find the role of a closer to be VERY relevant. IF your SP is of any quality, and your team is of any quality, you are still looking at most games with your SP going 5-7 IP. How does your team respond offensively? How does the rest of your pen respond? IMPO, the 9th inning guy is still very important. Unlike other sports, there is no real substitution in baseball, other than PH or the occassional double switch component. And yes, with all of that, how often does the closer really get a cheap 7-9 hitter save opportunity? Couple that with a quality bat off the bench. So what Cody is saying is, if you have May and Duffey available, and the 8th inning has your opponent's heart of the order up, maybe you let Taylor be your FIREMAN and let someone else pitch the next inning. THAT I can agree with.

Off subject but still on topic, I've mentioned before in discussion of the whole milb payment structure, were I an owner, knowing the milb system is my lifeblood, even though only a small percentage ever make it and make a real difference at the ML level I'd still like to leverage my odds. Unless there is some rule(s) I don't know about, I'd be the organization that would willingly pay more to my players, and do the best I can to improve their daily, weekly, monthly benefits. Why? Because a milb FA worth a darn might be more inclined to sign with my organization. An international FA might be more inclined to sign knowing he will be better taken care of in regards to salary and simple but important things like room and board plus introduction to English and culture lessons. Things like this can pay dividends over time, and the cost would be minimal compared to ML costs. Think about the 5 round draft coming up. Players, and we're talking about college seniors and draft eligible college players, who would you rather sign with if you can't go back to school for another year? Would you sign with a team that has already cut players...to be fair if it was a normal year EVERY team would be making some cuts pre draft...or sign with a team making NO CUTS at this time and guaranteeing pay and benefits for the rest of the season? Again, the Twins being classy, caring and forward thinking.