DocBauer

Topless frozen yogurt bar? Yes please!! NICE shot at Gleeman for the expired drivers license! Whole thing had me rolling!!

I believe Thorpe is going to be part of the Twins rotation and fairly soon. I eliminate him from the #5 spot right now simply because I think he's too far behind with the time he missed. Love Smeltzer, his guts, his story, and I think he can be solid. A return to form by Chacin could be a huge steal. But I'm rooting for Dobnak. He's got a chance to be pretty good and around for a while. It would be nice if "a while" began now.

A few comments after LMAO at Nash's comments. 1] I should copy and paste my comments on the 3B depth post, but won't. Shouldn't have to. NOBODY who has a very good 3B has a plug and play alternative. The Twins have depth in Marwin and Adrianza. Maybe Astudillo if the 2018 and non-injured 2019 version fighting to get back in to a groove after showing some production when healthy and not chasing the way outside pitch version of himself returns. (Whew!) Sano can also still be decent/passable if something dreadful happens. (I need wood to knock on!) Oh crap I AM repeating myself! 2] There is NO REASON why Lewis can't be a future 3B option, since it was brought up. He has tremendous skills to be harnessed, and all the ability to play 3B. In fact, if you can play SS, unless your reactions are slow, you should be able to play 3B at least decently. Arm strength is similar. Again, Lewis's first introduction to MLB may be as an injury call up. Which is why, like all milb players, and to develop versatility, he should play other positions besides just SS. Referencing depth in the system, Miranda is not a singular option. What if the young, talented Polanco continues to improve defensively? What if he proves his new throwing motion and continued game experience turns him in to at least an average ML SS? What's wrong with Lewis becoming a future stud at 3B? I've mentioned that a time or two and been told it would be a waste of his talent. How so? It is complete and utter hyperbole at this point to compare HOF players, but that's like saying A-Rod was somehow "wasted" playing 3B for the Yankees while Jeter played SS. Hyperbole, yes, but the argument is still similar. 3] While I was never as down as some regarding Sano at 3B and his potential there, no doubt this move makes the Twins better, offensively and defensively. It may even help Polanco. I will not anoint Sano any sort of Gold Glove, but I think with some time, he has all the ability and experience as a former SS, 3B, to take his skills to be at worst a solid 1B defensively. Especially considering his new-found dedication and willingness to move and improve himself and the team. 4] The undervalued and unexpected contributions of Donaldson. I was NEVER against his signing by any means. But you heard whispers, gossip, about him. But from his press conference to his first days of ST, all we have heard and seen is a guy who wants to play and perform and contribute. He is already becoming a team leader for the club and imparting experience and knowledge to the prospects. Remind you of anyone? Cruz perhaps? I am becoming more and more enamored with our FO and the choices they make. All of the moves they have made from the top on down, including manager, coaches, etc, they have also brought on board 2 different but highly productive ML veterans who make a huge difference with their performance on the field, but who might be making as big of a difference with the rest ofntbe roster and those who are getting ready to contribute.

Ted, love your work and appreciate the OP, but find it a bit strange to compare a CF and 2B 10yrs apart in the beginning of their careers. Despite changes in philosophy over the years, especially defensive shifts, Arraez nips Revere in every quad split during their milb career. And while it is a very SSS, Arraez EASILY eclipses Revere in those same quad splits for their rookie season. There is a difference in making contact and making successful contact. It would appear, to this point, that Arraez has better bat control, a better approach, and just a better "hit" factor overall. His eye and control leans to better sustainability and a much better OB%. None of this is to say he will or will not continue what he showed as a rookie. But it sure appears they are very different players and hitters, as the OP points out in various numbers. I just don't think they are really comparable despite a few similarities.

Short answer is absolutely no. When they are ready, they will push for a spot. This is not a rebuilding team who would probably promote anyone and everyone from AA/AAA and cycle through them and live with struggles and hope something sticks and sticks soon. Now next year, depending on who stays and who goes, and how the 40 man sets up, perhaps you'd have an arguement for someone being held back. But that's also called depth.

I think you'd have a very hard time finding any team that has a very good/stud 3B and a plug and play backup option. So I think the Twins depth is fine with Marwin and Adrianza, plus Astudillo plus Sano, though I don't like the idea of playing musical positions with him. Lewis and Blenkenhorn should absolutely be included in the prospect section. Lewis should be considered not because he can't play SS, but rather because he has all the tools to be successful at 3B as well. The Twins, as they should, are open to him playing other positions just like any other prospect. In fact, they seemed almost pleased that he got to move around so much in the AFL so they could see how he would do. There is a very likely scenario where his first ML action will come as result of injury. His talent and flexibility should/Could allow him to help out in a variety of spots. If the Twins are giving up on Blenkenhorn playing 3B, I think they are making a big mistake. He was drafted as a 3B. I've never heard his arm is weak. We keep hearing he's a good athlete, especially for a larger guy. Unless he is an absolute butcher at the hit corner, you keep playing him there. And then you play him some more. All he needs to be is passable there to be a greater asset. Hopefully, he should be able to play all 4 corner spots as well as 2B. He could be an excellent super utility player in a season or two.

Absolutely embrace this new FO and their approach from the top on down. No question each player is unique and finding the best ways to untap their potential is the answer. I am a big believer in what is happening. But, I have an objection in regard to the objection of "Twins Way". We can object to how a lot of things were done all too rigidly within the confines of the system. Times change, and the Twins are changing and changing FAST. The "Twins Way" was developed during the TK and MacPhail era. It was defense, aggressive baserunning and yes, pitch to contact. Remember, pitch to contact was throwing strikes and not some bizarre concept of "let the other team get hits". Most of those precepts still work today, though hitting and pitching approaches have clearly changed. The regime that set the standard produced some great seasons and 2 WS championships. It's simply time for this new FO to re-brand what the "Twins Way" means. I think they are doing that tremendously well.

Absolutely love these updates, Seth! Thank you! 1] Gleeman has commented a couple times from his sources the Twins really like Thorpe. I do as well. But he's behind everyone else. He also referenced the Twins wanting/needing him to continue to stretch put and start and is probably not a pen candidate for that reason. I agree. But a comment he made puzzles me somewhat. Dobnak, being a little older, and probably less of a ceiling, is a guy you feel OK getting the most out of now, including a possible bullpen role. I can't really disagree, and he's shown thus far he is up for anything...but...I think some people are selling him a little short on his potential. I think the guy is super smart and has the innate ability to "pitch". I think Chacin has a leg up, however, if he shows well the next few weeks, due to experience, past performance, and the option factor. 2] Someone PLEASE get Colina to find a quality 3rd pitch. Just have a hunch about this kid. 3] Was really happy to see Marwin get time at 2B. I don't think there is any question Adrianza is our best "reserve" middle infielder. But Gonzalez is only 30-31 and not some decrepit old timer. You never know when he may be needed on the dirt. I like him getting time there.

The Minnesota Twins 2 deepest positions might be the starting rotation and the bullpen? THE Minnesota Twins? MY Minnesota Twins? Please...don't wake me up. I like this.

Do they have enough depth? Absolutely! I don't even think it's debatable when you look at the past 5-10 years plus. It's almost a perfect blend of proven talent vs potential. Young veterans and older veterans and prospects. It wouldn't be hard to argue the Twins have better depth than most teams. Are there questions? Absolutely. But questions abound for virtually every team. I am NOT debating the Twins having a Verlander heading the rotation. And that's not what the OP is about. They have a pair of young and young-ish SP all stars, a couple of really nice veterans behind them, a couple of very interesting fliers, a potential half season stud flier in the wings, and a few interesting prospects ready to make a mark, after showing some real potential in 2019. Forgive me, but there is POTENTIALLY, a logjam come July. Berrios, Oddo, Maeda, Pineda, Bailey, Thorpe, Dobnak, (not even any sort of bounce back by Chacin), and then Hill is ready to go for a half season. Is it guaranteed to work out this way? Nope. Could it? Yes. But We're a long way from that point. But the depth of options is absolutely there to begin the season.

I love baseball and baseball season. I especially love the Twins! Period! I think how one defines a successful season is very open to internal perspective. Good: Win the Central Very Good: Win a series and advance. Terriffic: Reach the WS Awesome: Win it all!

Love these updates, Seth. Thank you! I had also forgot about Olsen. This year's version of Cole Sands?

This supports everything I felt I saw the second half of the season. It just never seemed Rosario was the Rosario I/we were used to. Echoing statements shared Eddie is far from perfect, but healthy, he's a really nice, dangerous and productive player. Really hoping for a full year of health in 2020.

1] Unlike Perez, Bailey not only maintained his solid numbers throughout the season, but showed improvement. (Yes, the A's ballpark may have helped). Perez started hot and then regressed. 2] Bailey has been working on a new pitch that not everyone is capable of, and seems to be developing a feel for it. Refer back to point #1. 3] Bailey was once pretty good before a series of injuries. I wasn't a fan of Bailey's signing. At all. And then I looked back at 2019, read more about his new splitter, remembered how good he once was, and then decided it was actually a smart move. Now, whether he is "back" in some form or just fooling everyone and they will soon catch up and figure him out, that we just don't know at this point Interesting to me is Chacin has better or nearly matching career numbers in everything from ERA, ERA+, WHIP, BA to BB/K statistics. And he's a year younger, FWIW. But Chacin is coming off a bad season while Bailey is on the rebound. So Bailey gets the $7M ML deal and Chacin gets the milb invite. I know there is more to it than just that, but I find it interesting.

He's probably going to muscle up a little more the next couple of years naturally. And he has the ability to make consistent and solid contact. So 8-12HR and 30+ doubles should just be natural for him. But he should be himself and do what he does and not try to change in to something he's not.

Hill may do nothing this season. There is also a very good chance he does something pretty darn good on a partial/half season basis, as has been most of his career norm. From the day he was signed I've dismissed any sort of June return to the mound. I have always felt he was a secret weapon/second half addition. And unless things blow up, that's what he should be. Pineda comes back in May. Bailey has a chance to at least be solid. Chacin would have gotten 2-3yrs and $10-15M if he had been a FA following 2018. Thorpe's recent leave of absence hurts, but isn't decimating. Dobnak and Smeltzer are still here and ready to compete. All I wish and hope for in regard to Hill is to be a hired gunslinger who bides his time and rides in to town sometime in July. He twirls his gun...errr...stuff, for about 10-12 starts and holds a spot for the playoffs and helps mow down the opposition with his accurate bullets. And then he rides off in to the sunset having helped the good guys win the day against the railroad/land baron/disreputable cattle rancher/Yankees that are all evil. That's why he was signed.

Great post. In reference to Marwin and Adrianza at 1B, I think we are fine there. Might like Adrianza more defensively, but we're talking about a fill in, right? Call me crazy, but if someone were needed more than a game or two, I'm not so sure a roster move wouldn't be made for Wiel to get a shot. He's one of those guys who flies under the radar who could actually get a shot at some point and not embarrass himself. Of course, I hope the need isn't there.

I think you are correct. However, since he finished that inning, could he start the next inning and then be removed at any time? I believe if he started the next inning he now falls under the 3 batter qualification, yes?

End of the day I get my choice for free? I take Wheeler and his velocity and the hope he takes another step forward. That's why he got the offers he did. That's not to knock him. The Twins, myself, majority of people here wanted him. But he is good with hope attached. I was never really in on Ryu. Just hard for me to be in on a guy, even a talented guy, who I just have no clue if he's going to be available, for how long, etc. I liked Bumgarner as I don't agree he will just "fall off a cliff". I like his success, knowledge and bulldog mentality and thought he would be a solid second choice behind Wheeler. Now, Maeda vs any one of these guys? I'd probably still take Wheeler, straight up, with the hoped for upside. But I am not disappointed in Maeda, like the trade, and it turns out even better when you factor in Donaldson and the Maeda $ numbers. Man, it's almost like our FO is smart or something.

I don't expect Rosario to suddenly re-invent himself. And let's be honest, guy is an amazing "bad ball" hitter. But if he can take all his experience and just reign it in even a little bit, he becomes so much more dangerous. And while not mentioned, I would like to see The Turtle make a few adjustments. Contact is great! But contact on stuff way outside the zone doesn't cut it. We saw he could hit in 2018. Healthy, we saw he could hit in 2019. When hurt or coming back, he really struggled at times. Able to just lay off the crazy/stupid stuff, guy has value as a reserve. Not a stud, not a star, but potential as a useful reserve.

I absolutely love the mentoring attitude of Donaldson! And while it isn't his job to coach, I sure he works with Blankenhorn. I've been intrigued by him since drafted. IIRC, he was a multi sport athlete in HS. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's not uncommon for those kinds of kids to take a little longer to hone their skills once they settle on a single sport. Kid is a good all around athlete with power and seemingly some hit potential. I've never heard he has a weak arm. Last year he concentrated on 2B and LF. He has the size for 1B and I would think he should be able to play at least a decent RF as well. I think it's a huge mistake to move him off of 3B so quickly. Now, I don't know, maybe he's just a butcher at the hot corner. But if he can play the position at least passably, or develop that ability, how valuable could he be as 5 position player with power?

I also thought for sure you were going to mention Duffey. I really liked what I saw of Littell last season, but there is absolutely room for improvement. And I mean that in a positive way. But if we're going to include Littell in this conversation, really curious why Stashak didn't make it an article about three potentials.

I appreciate the idea. I'd rather Kepler stay in RF if/when Buxton has any time off. Just not sure I can get behind trading any of our pitching for all the reasons given previously. I was really hoping there was a veteran FA flier to bring in on a milb deal for some insurance to start at Rochester and see if he rebounds. Not sure there is anyone left that fits that thought process. Might there be a similar player during the course of the season? Possibly. Could a trade option be available during the season? Also possible. I think I'd go status quo for now, see how the guys on hand actually do, and make a move if necessary rather than trade away a young pitching asset right now.

Just tossing this out there, but there's a neat article on the Twins website about Sano and Donaldson already creating a bond from day one. And let's not forget, Sano helped champion Donaldson joining the team via a video message he made. Sano has clearly been growing the last year or so from everything we have seen. I'd invite everyone to read the article.

Kind of stole my thunder Cap, and that's OK. I think where the Yankees pen exceeds the Twins is in 2 areas: 1] They probably have more experience. 2] NAME RECOGNITION Point #1 can now be argued, somewhat at least, as a non-factor with Romo and Clippard on board, plus the experience of Rogers and May over the past few season's. Point #2 is easily arguable, reflecting some back to point #1 as well, because no matter how good any of our pen is/may be, everything from time to press...not results...would favor the NAMES in the Yankees pen. Skipping to the rotation, you also made a valid point or two in regard to the Yankees vs the Twins. I am not denegrading the Yankees...or Astros, or anyone else...when I/we look at the rotation depth. And while there are certainly some things left to prove, I really don't knkw that anyone has the depth of talent/potential/numbers that the Twins do. I was literally lost in thought yesterday on a 3 mile walk rolling the rotation options over and over in my head. Berrios, Odorizzi, Maeda, Bailey and one of Chacin, Thorpe, Dobnak or Smeltzer to begin the season. Let's just suppose Chacin is toast, which I kinda doubt, and the 5th spot belongs to one of the kids. Mid May, Pineda is now ready. Unless someone is hurt or just stinks, someone has to get bumped. July comes around...and I'm playing the long game here...and Hill is ready for the second half and hopefully the stretch run and playoffs. Now who gets bumped? And what about a couple of these young guys raking in Rochester for depth? It's a long season for EVERYONE. While we may not, in February for sure, match up at the #1 spot, the depth is outstanding. Winning and getting there is half the battle. And from there, anything can happen. I think we match up pretty well. Are we the best team? I don't know. But the pen and rotation are good and deep. The lineup is one of the best in all MLB. The fact that we are even debating as to whether we are the "best" team at this point is exciting as he'll! Can't wait for the season to begin!