DocBauer

"Losing is a disease..." What else can go wrong? I mean, seriously! The Red Sox start terrible and then go on a HOT run. The A's start out terrible and then go on a HOT run. And both teams run over the Twins who aren't exactly running on all cylinders. But how many ways can the Twins find to lose a game? I'll give Maeda a mulligan and just say he had a bad day. It happens. But the offense comes alive only to see the defense and pen implode. As bad as Colome appeared initially, he also pitched well enough for the Twins to win. TWO routine ground balls were blown to give away the game. (Shaking head). You can, if you want to, blast the FO and Baldelli. But the talent, depth and potential of this team is too great to be playing this poorly. Period! I don't have any answers other than hoping a flip to the month of May will somehow bring a sense of "normalcy" to the team. Yes, there has been bad weather, injuries and covid. But the players on hand are still quality. And they need to look in the mirror. There is no Hunter dance party or Redmond walking through the clubhouse naked to loosen up the team. This might be the perfect time for veterans like Donaldson and Cruz to step forward and hold a players only meeting and chew some ass while also building up their teammates. SOMETHING has to be done to shake up the roster, at least a bit, and to shake up the players on that roster.

Simmons has been everything I could have hoped for. And I don't think we've seen the best of him defensively yet. The bat will regress to normal, but he's still an OK and smart hitter. I thought Robles was a smart under the radar signing that could be important. I think he looks good. Colome...man, it's early still and he's been so good previously...butI am VERY disappointed thus far. I thought he was a smart and good signing. There's a lot of season for him to right himself. And we're not talking about lost velocity here. But early impressions are not good. Happy wasn't my first choice. I wanted Odorizzi and was interested in a few others. But career history, including 2020, I was fine on a 1yr deal. And I think the 1yr was important to the FO with Dobnak, Thorpe, Duran and Balazovic, etc, available and coming up. He's looked OK, and he's a little behind. So there is just no way to accurately judge him at this point. Everything about Happ pretty much applies to Shoemaker. Remember, we're talking about a 5th SP who has been pretty damn good WHEN HEALTHY. I've seen good mixed in with not so good so far. I think he's still getting his legs under him and looking to get in a groove. Same as Happ. My hope is he can actually stay healthy enough to get in that groove and give us at least a half season plus. More is just gravy. The ideal scenario is those veterans do what the FO hoped and be quality, veteran place holders for the aforementioned Dobnak, Thorpe, Duran, Balazovic, etc, to settle in the second half of the season or at least get their feet wet for 2022. But honestly, it's just way to early 3 weeks in to make any real determination.

Unfortunately, the elephant in the room is Cleveland and our lack of any opinion from the Vikings. Clearly, he was drafted as another O'Neil; a long and athletic tackle with experience and projection with the idea he would develop for a season or so before taking over LT from Reif. His move to G last year was basically desperation of need. I remain perplexed as to why he didn't play LG, his more natural side, and have the more experienced but limited Dozier play RG. But I am repeating myself and digressing. If they like Cleveland, then isn't he first in line for LT? If so, the pieces begin to fall in place. Not only could the 1st pick be an edge rusher, but there is enough depth to trade out of 14, if possible, to pick up another pick and slide down a few spots and still get a quality edge player. Further, there are a lot of good looking guard options from the 2nd round on. The counter would be that Patterson is a tremendous coach who takes length, athleticism and potential and turns out good and great players. Whether we stay at 14 or trade down comes down, IMO, as to what they really think about Cleveland.

I think it's great MLB has allowed the taxi squad and the development team at an off site to get ready for 2021. But until someone from MLB can give me a really good reason for the delay of milb starting at its normal time I'm going to again question Manfred and his "leadership". There is no substitute for preparation than playing. But that has been removed. So what to do when you want to make a roster move? Taxi squad and extra site sounds like a good idea. Except, just like last year, no games and limited experience until games start. Teams, and prospects, are largely handcuffed until late May or June. Your comments on Gordon are disappointing, if not unexpected. But I have to wonder still, with a little more time to gain strength and endurance after his covid 2020, could he be servicable at SS with time and strength?

Personaĺy, I have NEVER thought service time was the issue. I have ALWAYS felt the FO was sincere that they believed in him and were honest when they stated they wanted him up for GOOD when ready. Unfortunately, and a major dent in their initial plan, he had a poor ST. Arraez is, and always has been, despite their original reports, been a part of the LF plan. But the FO has always been planning on AK being part of this season as a corner OF and 1b option. And then be tanked ST. But at this point, with injury and illness, the time is NOW to promote him and let him show if he's ready or not. The offense needs a potential spark. Cave is a solid player but needs a demotion to get himself together, like early 2019, or get passed over and move on. Kirilloff was SUPPOSED to be ready already. But we all know how best played out plans work. Which means tomorrow. Interesting how AK was brought up instead of an additional pitcher for the recent double header. Just stinks how Rooker and Garlick are both out to provide the best OF options right now. Let's hope Kirilloff is READY and has a chip on his shoulder to prove that he's ready to stick for good!

I am frustrated and disappointed with the start to the season thus far, make no mistake. But I am not in panic or knee-jerk massive change mode. Why? Because I've been watching baseball for 50yrs...OK, I was a small kid the first few years...and I have seen a ton of teams start slow and then ramp up. And I've also seen many teams start hot and fade. So despite how disappointed and frustrated I am, I'm giving a pass, grudgingly, for April unless we just tank the rest of the month. That doesn't mean changes can't be made or shouldn't be made. What would I do at this point? Well, it's to say because MLB, in their infinite wisdom, (extreme sarcasm), has decided to delay the milb season and messed how you play with your roster early in the season, despite the taxi squad and the reserve roster working out at St Paul. Lineup wise, you just can't "give up" on Polanco and Sano at this point. Sano is MISSING barreling up, but is doing everything else right. He's taking good AB and not flailing, which is what we want. Polanco hit before before some bad things happened in his life and he got busted for a substance. But he hit when healthy after those events until his ankle got messed up. Healthy, reportedly, he had a great ST but has looked BAD so far. Is he just finding his stroke and timing? Can you give up on him this soon? Same with Garver and Kepler. Even if both never approach their 2019 seasons, we've seen they have the talent and ability to be productive hitters. Two weeks is NOT time to freak out for anyone, no matter how disappointing the start to the season has been. I like Cave as a 4th OF. He has a solid 2018-2019 but a bad 2020. I excuse a lot of guys for a bad 2020. He had a bad beginning to 2019 before being sent down and then coming back up strong. I believe he has an option left, so despite no AAA play at this point, I'd send him down and bring up Kirilloff and run with him. We're looking for a jump start so why not? He can play 3 spots and Kepler can cover CF here and there. And it shouldn't take away from AB for Arraez at all. Speaking of Arraez, just put him at #1 and leave him there. He's at least OK against LHP and it provides stability. With Donaldson behind him, be should be even better. Cruz and the crazy and now ready to go Buxton should/could make a great first 4. Tell me, convince me, with previous history, that Kepler, Sano, Garver/Jeffers and Polanco shouldn't start to hit and produce over the next couple of weeks with any sort of "normal" taking place? Sometimes, baseball, football, basketball, sometimes your lineup just needs time as well as tweaks and changeup. It really stinks that BOTH Rooker and Garlick are out right now. But a shakeup is needed once in a while. Especially when you don't have a backup catcher who walks naked through the clubhouse to provide relief, lol. I've seen enough of the rotation thus far to be VERY encouraged! I've seen enough of the pen so far to go from "concerned without worry" to begin to worry. I'm not going to let myself plunge in to panic mode at this point. BUT, something needs to "click" soon or changes will have to be made! I think Dobnak has a real future in MLB. And he's had some good IP. But not everyone can transition to the pen easily. I'm starting to wonder if the best thing for him isn't pitching at St Paul and then taking over a rotation spot when someone is out. Of course, once again, there is no AAA going on right now. If the 2021 Twins were a car, an engine, back in the 80's/early 90's, I would say they were an engine ready to drive hard and fast with a tuneup to the carburetor and/or plugs. It's up to not just the players, but to Rocco and his staff and the FO for said tuneup. Again, I'm willing to give April a pass due to a lot of things. But May 1st is coming up. Things are going to get real soon. And while I am a huge fan of Rocco, I don't think he's been on point thus far. But it's still on the players to produce as well. But I laugh at those wanting to replace him, especially after what he's done thus far, with someone who spits fire. Even TK, and his not quite as successful protege Gardy, preached an even keel approach. How many of us have worked for a day to day DRIVER, or watched such for a sports team, and have felt/witnessed a lack of direction due to being hit over the head day in and day out? That method of management just doesn't last beyond a short period of time.

I believe there is a vast difference between excuses and reasons. Has time, even in his early 30's and never a true flamethrower, and the league just caught up with Colome? Well then, you can make all the excuses you want but reality is what it is. Now, is just fine but struggling with mechanics? Was not 100% during ST and we don't know it and he's still finding himself? Then you might have a reason for his poor performance. And this could apply to more than Colome. The bite is, for a proven performer, whether you slide him temporarily to a low leverage situation or not, you are forced to stick with him for a while longer to see if he "finds" himself...or not.

Thanks Seth! Really missed milb last season and just love the way you and the rest of TD are so informative and thorough in regard to the Twins system. AA should have an amazing staff this year and I'm not sure how you find room for everyone. Hopefully, half of them will reach St Paul this year. Regarding Oliveras, don't care if he just transitioned to the mound and has a long way to go. If you can throw that hard at 18yo and show ANY affinity for breaking or off speed stuff people should be paying serious attention to you. Not sure what it is, but I just have a hunch Steer is going to be GOOD, whether he settles in to a primary position or becomes a super-sub.

I deliberately "touched" on the OL last post about the draft to address it more directly here. There is a black hole problem here that goes way beyond Spielman's selections. Indeed, it may be a problem that is beyond Spielman's responsibility, even though he is supposed to be "the man in charge". But even a GM can't always wear the crown of responsibility if those in charge under him drop the ball. It's been pointed out recently on another Vikings site tbat NOBODY has drafted an OL in the first 2 rounds in the past 3yrs except the Vikings; O'Neil, Bradburry and Cleveland. So it's not as if Spielman has just ignored the OL. Samia, to best of my knowledge, was 1st team BIG12, and I want to say 2nd or 3rd team All America. Udo was a tall, long, athletic, powerful but rough small school OT that looked so good his rookie season the Vikings didn't dare expose him to waivers to keep him on a practice squad they kept him on the standard roster. He played a good game as a starter in the final, meaningless, game in 2019. There was NO rookie camp or OTA or pre-season in 2020. So to say Udo got screwed for developmental time in 2020 would be an understatement. (We can argue this with Samia if you want to). One GLARING question about 2020 I would like someone to answer. Desperate for quality guard play, Cleveland...an athletic left side player his whole college career...was out at RG with Dozier at LG? Experience? Experience at what? Letting rushers overwhelm him? I would have put Cleveland on the left side and put the more more limited Dozier on the right side. Personally, I believe the late 2020 choices of Brandel and especially Hinton were very smart. With a year or two of development, each could be a solid player. Especially Hinton. His top 4 testing numbers at the K-State pro day would have put him in the top 5-10% of ALL OL had he been invited to Inianappolis for the combine. There is a MAJOR problem here in regard to development and philosophy! Is it Zimmer? Is it extenuating circumstance? I'm not sure. But somebody better figure it out really quick. Let's examine the past few seasons from an offensive standpoint: 1] Norv Turner had a great career and did great work with the Vikings and decided he was done. Since then, the Vikings offense has been run by Shurmer, DeFiippo, Stafanski and Kubiak and memory forgive me, I swear there was someone else temporary. And amidst all of that turnover, there was the addition of Sparano and his sudden, tragic death, followed by fill-ins until Dennison took over. Four straight years of death, promotion and at least 1 dismissal of OF co-ordinator and OL coach. Zimmer is a defense coach who has largely done a great job doing so. He's, for the most part, placed the offense in the hands of someone else. He trusted Norm and believed in him. I think he's been scrambling a bit since then because two of his co-ordinators got head coaching jobs. You can draft all the OL you want to. But you still have to have a system in place, with coaches you trust, to implement tbat system. I remain exited and equally dubious that the younger Kubiak has learned from his father and will also be aggressive and progressive in how to run a modern offense and attack while also being fundamentally sound with a quality ground game. More to the point; does Clint have enough balls to tell Dennison he's wrong or replace him? Despite Dozier..,who MIGHT have value as a reserve...whats on hand and a couple smart draft choices could take this OL from mediocre to at least pretty good with potential. But what Zimmer wants, and has always wanted, was for an OC to take charge.

This! Totally on board with a trade down if the 1st round plays out as it SEEMS likely to do at this point. I don't like the idea of passing on a great player at 14, but overall, this draft appears to be as deep as last year despite fluctuations by position. It may be in the Vikes best interest to trade down, if possible, to garner an additional selection. My question woukd be, would you still trade down X number of spots if you could only get a 3rd third round pick? I'd still be tempted as I think their greatest priorities...interior OL, S, and some talented WR and DT for the staff to develop...could bring in a nice harvest in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Mock drafts and draft analysis would say there are about 4 1st round DE talents that should be available from 14-24 with talent and projection. There are also some very interesting options in the 3-4 round areas that could play with development time under Patterson. Seems to be a very good S class and WR depth seems every bit as good as 2020. DT depth is shallow on top, but has mid round fliers that could develop. Meaning what? Trade down if you can, grab the best DE you can, grab TWO G ASAP, and snag a S and WR. Period. That's 5 of 8 picks in the first 4 rounds you have. Don't get cute and start trading up for someone unless you are 100% convinced you get a difference maker! Use those remaining 3 picks to address athletic projects/possibilities at CB, QB and LB. If you just feel you HAVE to have more picks because you believe the draft is deep enough you can do more, then use your 2 5th round and 6th round pick to do so. But bring in a RB, WR who can contribute on ST as well as on offense, potentially. Maybe a TE to compete with Dillon at TE. Another S to develop wouldn't be a bad idea. Trade down for a 2nd round pick if you can. Settle for yet another 3rd round pick if you don't have to drop TOO FAR. There is still real potential value there. And just don't get cute and reach. Draft for need where you need it. Because it sure seems that where we need it most is deep in this draft.

There is just way too much talent and depth on this roster to be this bad and make these many mistakes over this stretch. Has anyone informed the baseball gods it's NOT 2020 any more and things are SUPPOSED to "normalize" now? Roughly 2 weeks until May 1st. Things had better "normalize" by then or some serious changes will have to be addressed. I'm not one to panic or knee-jerk, but this team is too good to be playing this poorly. On top of that, they are ruining the mood of my vacation. Go Twins!

Despite his struggles, I believe Polanco IS a good hitter. But but man has he been struggling! Really disappointed as he had a nice spring, Now, to be fair he hit when Molitor was the manager as well, so this isn't all about Rocco seeing him produce. His use of an illegal substance has been brought up. But IIRC it was one of MANY players who were guilty of a banned substance and not necessarily steroid related. I think that distinction has to be made as he hit before Rocco, and he's hit since came on board. I just think his timing has been completely out of whack for whatever reason. Maybe he's coming out of it now. But be should absolutely drop down otherwise until he figures stuff out. And a day or two off wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Great article, I only wish it was longer. A lot of it is about development, especially at the lower levels. You’re trying to develop kids, so putting the best lineup on the field isn’t always what you’re doing. There’s times when you’re not putting the best guys out there or you’re putting guys in positions that they’re not the most comfortable in,” Gardenhire said. “It’s about trying to develop those guys, so that when they do get up to the Big Leagues, they’re ready for whatever gets thrown at them. It’s a lot about development at the lower levels. As you get going up, then it’s not as much. Then you’re trying to win more games and stuff like that.” I really liked Toby's comments and perspective here. If he can bring all of his player perspectives and coaching perspectives together, he could be a very interesting amalgam of old ways of doing things and new school analytics. He's not the AAA manager due to nepotism. I think we know the FO better than that. I'm excited to see what he does and accomplishes in his role. Bench coach at the ML level in a year or two??

I think what we are seeing from Buxton is unsustainable because he's just been lightening and thunder at this point. But I think we are seeing growth and development that is real and being a mild, consistent thunderstorm is probably real. Sooo frustrated with Polanco and Sano at this point. But I can't dismiss Polanco being healthy and having a good ST and have to feel he's going to get going. Sano has been laying off bad pitches and "just missing" good contact. Now, he can't just "keep missing" for much longer. But I'm considering his past and not worried yet. I'm actually more worried about Cave at this point. He's proven to be solid, but he just hasn't looked good at all thus far. I'm pleased with the rotation, even though Happ and Maeda are still rounding in to form. Happ needs innings and I'm wondering if Maeda is just lacking a bit of "feel" with colder weather at this point. I won't lose "season" faith in Colome because he's been so good for 5yrs and his game has never been about pure velocity and super high K rates. But at this point, he's looked OK a couple games and just aweful the rest. It's time he gets low leverage. You have to pitch what you have. And you have to use everyone and make moves as needed. As pointed out already, 2019 didn't start out great but the pen worked out very well after some time. I like Rocco so much as a manager! And I laugh when people talk about having a "firey" manager that would make a difference. I think, maybe, a football coach with fire can help motivate to some degree. But that fire tends to burn out rather quickly. And I don't believe fire works in a day to day sport well at all. Kelly, so revered, and deservedly so, had an old school and occassional "red ass" approach, but generally preached a calm and day to day mantra because baseball IS a day to day game. But I do believe Rocco blew the game Sunday. Now, we can't scream to leave SP in longer, and then complain when it backfires. But, especially this early in the season, I don't understand pulling Pineda with about 70 pitches one day and leaving Shoemaker in for as long as he did when it looked like he was running out of gas. And while the intent Sunday was for Dobnak to start a clean inning, sometimes you have to make adjustments. I just don't think Rocco handled Sunday well. I hate the extra innings rule and believe it should be implemented in the 11th inning at earliest and would prefer the 12th. And you will lose a few games as the rule is in place right now as is. Really not sure a bunt for the first batter is some magical and automatic move. First of all, hunting is not automatic, especially in today's game. Second, who's up to bat? Not happy with 5-4, not happy with missed opportunities, unhappy with a couple of Rocco's moves. NOT depressed or filled with anxiety after 3 series and 9 games. While all games matter I learned a long time ago how little the first month matters in the marathon that is MLB unless you just stink. Nothing truly stinks after 9 games except for some blown opportunities. Despite some flaws and missed opportunities, this team is trending in the right direction. What DOES STINK, IMO, is the delayed start to the milb season because, IMO, it creates unnecessary confusion and lack of opportunity for any team to make changes for the first month plus.

Can't disagree with a thing you said, mostly because I think I said the same things, lol. There are a lot of ways to get outs. While SO the side is exciting, it's not so great if it happens after a walk and a 2 run HR. But a baserunner allowed with a couple groundouts and a fly ball can be even more effective. I don't know. I miss May. But if Colome pitches as he did the past 5 seasons, aren't we better off with fewer K's but as good or better results? To me, jury is out and still too early to make any decisions. Especially with Robles looking solid and the potential of Alcala. A few weeks from now, this pen could be outstanding.

Am I happy the Twins have lost 3 games, all in extra innings, that they could have and should have won? Nope! Nada! Nyet! Am I worried about the pen at this point? No. Not yet. Nor am I worried about a slow start for Sano or a healthy Polanco, who had a fine ST. I'm just going to panic or be worried after 8 games. A couple brain farts and a mis-handled ball and 2 of those 3 loses likely don't happen. Likewise, just another clutch hit or two from an offense that has generally looked solid so far and those games don't go to extra innings. If the pen was actually imploding, those 3 close games don't even go to extra innings. Think about that perspective for a moment. I think Robles could be a sneaky good signing. Thus far he's looked like such. Colome has been back and forth so far and I admit some frustration and concern, but I am not reaching for a panic button on him at this point. Same for Rogers who has also been 50/50 thus far. Sorry to play the old tune, but such a SSS, despite the frustration of the losses, does not call for decision making or desperation. Despite his inconsistency at times, my "worry" was losing May, not Clippard, Wisler or Romo. Despite some cold spells that made you want to throw your hands up, May could bring pure heat and SO potential you just need sometimes. Alcala may be that guy, but I don't think he's ready for that role just yet. But I don't think the pen is worse or less talented with the elder Romo and Clippard, or 1yr flash Wisler gone and replaced by Robles, Colome and Alcala. Someone to take that May role does give my pause at the moment. Rogers and Colome settle down over the next week or so, this becomes a non-issue and we won't even remember talking about it. Now, that doesn't happen, THEN we can talk about real issues with the pen. Until then, 3 close losses but the pen not exploding/imploding, looking like an old Irwin Allen disaster movie, after only 8 games is frustration and nothing more.

Waddell a little wild but I can see the slider the Twins like. And a little late love for Thielbar looking very good thus far and easing my consternation for the front part Of the pen. Just need Stashak to settle down.

Not sure I can stick around for the full game. Barely slept the past day and a half. Lost a furbaby very early this morning and functioning on fumes. No pity asked! Just a really nice diversion to see the Twins play well and enjoy some conversation and laughter in a game thread with my TD family. Go Twins!

IMO, Gardenhire did a good job while he was the Twins manager. Yes, he's "old school" but so was TK. And to this day, there are some good things about being "old school" such as defense and fundamentals that STILL PLAY today. I LOVE Rocco as our manager and think we have a good one! With no disrespect to Ryan, who I appreciate and feel did a lot of good things in his time, Gardy's final results might have been greater had he been manager with the current FO's ability to assemble a team. Of course, would Ron have accepted the new analytics that Rocco embraces? Hmmm...maybe...maybe not. But a little better team and depth might have still seen better results overall. Still, whatever, I like the guy. And having him in the booth makes me laugh and smile. And I've always found his comments to be honest. It was fun to listen to him and he brought some good luck.

NOT meaning to re-create a SSS post that already exists elsewhere, BUT, it's hard not to look at Garlik's ST and first few opportunities and his great throw from RF Wednesday and not wonder if the FO didn't bring in a solid contributor.

Opinions will vary and only time will tell if it as a mistake to not protect Badoo. But I do agree that "gave up" is the wrong title/approach to the OP. If this was the Twins from 4-5yrs ago, losing 90+ games a season they probably would have protected him on the 40 man due to potential and lack of talent. But that's not the case today. They are a TOP contending team that needs to protect youth where possible while also providing depth for a long, contending season. And as was already pointed out, there are only so many teams that could "afford" a roster spot for an A ball player, even a tools one, who had barely seen the field the past 2yrs. And I don't buy in to the "spots were available" arguement. The Twins, like most clubs, especially those who should be contending..fill their 40 man with a combination of today and tomorrow while usually leaving a spot or two or three for FA signings or trade acquisitions. Two important items to consider here: 1] How many contending teams...Yankees, Dogers, Astros, Dirty Sox, Etc...would have had room to add a toolsy, no hit, A or A+ OF who had played little or not at all the past 2yrs who didn't "figure" to contribute in the next season or two? 2] Want to argue room on the 40 man for said player, Badoo in this example? Fine. You keep him instead of Wade and cut Wade loose. Now you lose Wade for nothing. One example. The Twins signed and kept some pitchers only to demote them off the 40 man to add someone else? Happens all the time. But it's also a "timing" issue. Cut someone too soon, they get claimed and you lose them to a team still trying to set their roster. Wait a little, as the Twins did, and those guys tend to sneak through. Think about the entirety of the 2021 season and the potential of Clay and Waddell to contribute. Coming out of ST, both looked like great additions who could help. 5yrs ago, they make the opening roster, but not now. Waddell is up now only because Colina was transferred to the 60 day. But at least he's available. Let's say they "crowded" the 40 man with Badoo, who honestly didn't figure to play for a couple years at the ML level. Then, you cut him before ST to make room for Shoemaker, Happ, Garlik, whoever. He then passes through waivers. The Tigers couldn't have just picked him up THEN? The only difference, from Detroit's perspective, is they had to wait a few more weeks to add him if they liked him and had their eye on him. Tell me the last guy the Twins, or anyone, "lost" an A ball player via rule 5 that turned out to be a stud player that turned out to be a "mistake" by not protecting". Most "loses" by the Twins, or anyone else, usually come in the form of AA or AAA players lost who find new life with a new opportunity. 6 games and 11 AB, despite a hot ST, indicates NOTHING at this point. Simply being a Twins fan for more than a few years...much less a baseball fan...you could make a decent sized list of guys who had a great ST or early season hot start only to never be seen again, or need to be demoted before coming back again later. 2020's missed milb season is going to have an affect that we can't even see at this point. Badoo plays a full season in 2020, he might have been an automatic "keep" no matter what. But you CAN'T make 40 man roster decisions based on a non-existent "what if" scenario! History and statistics would tell you Badoo is going to have his balloon burst in the next few weeks. Time was, unless there was an IL stash and manipulation, Badoo would then be returned to the Twins and we wouldn't have this debate. But things have changed and Detroit will have the option of a re-building team to just stick with him for the duration regardless of any balloon burst. No doubt the FO played 90/10 or 80/20 odds at worst that Badoo wouldn't be selected or would be/will be returned. And as a baseball fan, it's not hard to root for Badoo to defy odds and have a good/great career. But the Twins did not make a mistake not protecting an A ball player with a questionable future from A ball.

So any implication to steroids for Cruz dates back to 2012, over 9yrs ago. Nothing since. So??? He is Ortiz 2.0. He is a well conditioned and experienced and smart hitter who is very well prepared and ready to go unless I see evidence of anything else. These kind of players come along once in a while. Witness Brady at QB and the recently retired Brees. Sometimes, you just can't quantify a player's development, nor their career projection. Unfortunately, there still remains the age factor. Baseball has so few players who exceeded normal production past 40yrs old that at some point you just have to expect a loss of ability. Right now, Cruz looks like he is ready to defy age and have another good/great season while turning 41 soon. Were I to make a bet, despite his greatness, he will be on the market in 2022 as the Twins will move on to younger talent and not take on the risk. I'm betting on one more good/great season in the sun before a quiet fade with someone else. Bless him if he could achieve the 500HR milestone but I just don't see it.

I'm a very smart amateur psycholist and sociologist only but damned if you didn't make me LMAO with this post! Thank you!

They did? We do? SOME people weren't tremendous fans of Rosario. From my best recollection, nobody was looking to get rid of him 3 year ago. Was there SOME debate about his value 2 years ago? Yeah, maybe some. The replacement debate really started in 2020 and this last off-season based on finances and replacement cost/value as well as pure roster finances. Even the majority of "time to move on" posters acknowledged he was productive and fun and didn't necessarily want to see him go. I'm in that group. I never wanted to see him leave, I'm a fan. But even as fan, I saw the talent comjng up and the financial implications involved. Had 2020 been a normal or semi-normal year, I believe the Twins would have spent the $10M to sign him for one more year to buy time. But we can't re-write history. Sooner or later, 2021 or 2022, room had to be made for the future. Is LF a mess? IMO, NO. It is only in transition. EVERYONE knew Arraez would be part of LF unless Kirilloff just took off. But to blindly assume he would just grab the spot and run with it jumping from AA ball with only the alternate site in 2020 to make the jump was optimism. The FO knew that as well. It's part of the reason they claimed Garlik not once, but twice. They love Kirilloff and Larnach. They like Rooker. They also like Cave and knew Arraez could be part of the equation, at least early. These guys in the FO are pretty smart. LF is NOT a mess, it's a spot with opportunity and a transitional spot for Cave, Garlik and Arraez to play and produce while waiting for Kirilloff and Larnach....and to a degree for Rooker...to grab hold. Rooker is a DH who can play some 1B and corner OF as/if he improves defensively. Kirilloff and Larnach will be fixtures at 1B and corner OF to replace Cruz. There is a method to the madness here. Garlik is a fill-in who has a great milb track record who has never shined at the ML level thus far. And you could make an arguement he hasn t had a sustained opportunity or could be a late bloomer. IMO, he's a short term option only unless he surprises. But LF is NOT a mess, simply a position with multiple options who can contribute until someone grabs hold. And that will probably be Kirilloff very soon, though I hope very much Rooker will show he's ready to be a 5th OF/1B/DH option come 2022. But none of this accounts for Badoo, potentially lost. Celestino is above Badoo. Period! A couple of kids like Urbina and Rodriguez are generally ranked as high or higher than Badoo. I wish the best for the kid and hope he is returned to us. But we are in no way decimated if not. Nor is LF some some sort of disaster.

There are least 3 posts I would like to copy and paste but that would difficult, long, and perhaps boring, lol. Unless you are a bad team with limited talent and in re-build, your 40 man is very complex. If you are a contending team, you HAVE to consider depth for your team, not just an opening for a roster spot for an A ball player with skills but limited results thus far. How many good, contending teams would EVER protect an A ball OF on the 40 man with limited results thus far over someone who not only has produced at a higher level, but could actually be "expected" to contribute when called on for said contending team? The Twins ARE a contending team with talent, depth, and some great prospects. Some of those prospects, well ahead of Badoo, are on the 40 man already. Some are going to have to be added next season, if not before. Already, there is discussion about potentially adding a quality BP arm or two and who would have to be let go or transferred, unfortunately, to the 60 man IL just to make room for them. It sounds so easy doesn't it, cut Gordon, cut Garlik, cut Smeltzer, and just add and promote someone else. But then someone gets hurt, and you have to promote someone from a lower level. Think Polanco about 5yrs ago. And then the guy you let go does really well with a different organization and you wonder why we didn't keep him? Vicious circle with best guesses. Oh, BTW, if you fill your 40 man then you can't sign FA without cutting someone. Almost forgot that POINT! I hope for the best for Badoo as baseball fan and a fan of the young men in the Twins system. Selfishly, I hope he struggles enough, and avoids injury, and the Tigers give him back to the Twins. But not protecting him was the right move to keep roster spots open for signings and depth.