DocBauer

Just horrible news for the entire Bell family. Cancer is never a thing to be taken lightly, but I sure thought from the initial reports this was something they had addressed and he had a hopeful prognosis. Love and prayers for the entire Bell family! As far as the game and Happ, meh, he's behind schedule and trying to ramp up as quickly as be can. I refuse to not be concerned but I recognize it's early for him, he has a couple more starts to go, and a lot of times veteran arms like Happ ARE just getting in innings and working on things. We've all seen veteran guys just turn on a switch when the season starts and they suddenly look like themselves. Will that happen here? No way to know. But having Dobber ready to go if he needs a little more time or needs a piggyback is quite the luxury.

Everyone healthy, this is the opening roster that makes the most sense, and has made the most sense for a long time. AK isn't ready YET. But he will be up soon. And this is the opening roster, not the final 2021 roster. So don't freak out! You just can't keep Garlik over Rooker. Funny how some see Astudillo as a fun story and nothing more, and yet the Twins see him as a nice 26th man. Me? I really like him, healthy. Because when healthy, he's a decent fielder and solid bat off the bench as the 26th man. And that's important. 2022 and beyond, he and Cave are questionable. But why do we worry about that now? I LOVE our top 3 SP and really like our 4/5 knowing Dobnak and Thorpe are going to contribute with a couple stud arms in the wings. Bullpen, to me, looks nice with a collection of 40 man options plus. I'm ready for the season to start!

I take nothing negative from Pineda's performance, nor should you. He's just trying stuff, working on stuff, and getting his innings in. Period. Very happy that we finally have a final and positive outcome in regard to Thorpe's extra option year. This is not just good news for the Twins, but as much so for Thorpe. After his disappointing 2020, and there is no further reason to reflect or react, he came to camp in great shape mentally, emotionally and physically. He has shown to the Twins and himself he is ready. There are only so many roster spots available to begin the season. NOW, which version of him begins 2021? Is it the 2020 version who suffered and struggled with "whatever"? Or is he the talented young prospect who lost 2yrs due to injury and illness and fought hard to re-establish himself as a quality/top prospect and who has worked so hard now to get ready for 2021? I'm betting on the latter and fully believe Thorpe and Dobnak will play important roles in 2021 in the pen and rotation while also making themselves pertinent parts of the 2022 staff. As far as Max goes, please correct me if wrong, but hasn't he had a couple bad springs before cranking it up when the season started? Waddell isn't going to break camp unless there is an injury. And I know his appearances were mostly late innings, but DAMN, can't you still be impressed by a relatively young LHP doing tbat well? Watch out Thielbar.

While appearing to be speaking out of both sides of my mouth, I am not worried about the pen, and am actually pretty optimistic, while also being concerned. Why concerned: Losing May. Let's be honest, he wasn't always Mr. Consistent. There were times he'd walk someone and then allow a big double or HR before striking out the side. But there were plenty of times where he was in a groove and could just be nasty. And once in a while you just need that high velocity, high K to come out of the pen. I really would have liked to spend a little more $ and kept him. Even if Wisler has a great year, he's not going to duplicate last season. But he was solid and versatile. The Twins have reasons for not keeping him that sort of make sense, but be was inexpensive enough I probably would have kept him. Forgetting Clippard is out now, we lost a very consistent middle inning arm who has proven himself over and over again. Why not worried: OK, RP are volatile in nature, such is their role, except for the best of the best. But there is no age or injury factor or years of mileage on Roger's arm not to expect a rebound. While I would have liked to keep May, how can we feel bad about Colome? They guy has been very good and very consistent for the past few years. I just bring myself to feel bad we have him. Robles was a poor signing if you only look at his horrendous 2020. But that's true for a TON of pitchers and players from 2020. His last few previous seasons are very good. The scales tip to the positive no matter how hard you look. Duffey started slow in ST, looked good, then had a bad game. It's ST! He's working on stuff, getting his work in, and I'm just not worried until I see something that should make me worry. Frankly, while optimistic, I'm more worried about Stashak and Thielbar continuing to prove they are good. I think they will, particularly the younger Stashak. I'm "worried" how long it may take Alcala to really harness his stuff and show the confidence in himself to replace May. The stuff is there, we've all seen it. We all have our thoughts, which is great, but IMPO, there are no "easy" removals from the 40 man to add additional BP arms unless someone, unfortunately, ends up on the 60 day list. But despite some top young arms like Colina and Chalmers and the possible, temporary, usage of young SP in the pen, the FO went out and loaded up on interesting depth pieces. Who ever heard of Harper, Wisler or Matt Magill before they came out of nowhere the past few years to provide real help for a time? For that matter, who really expected the re-appearance and re-surgance of Thielbar? How about Stashak looking like a keeper after being an OK milb starter? While gone now, what about what Littel did when given a shot? Only time will tell about Farrell, Waddell, Clay and Hamilton, maybe Sparkman, Minya and others. But it's a very interesting collection of arms with ML experience and none. 30yrs old and younger. Decent to excellent FB and sliders and other various other offerings that give St Paul a great introductory season BP while providing depth for the Twins. I get a kick out of "secret sauce" and it gives me a chuckle. What it really means is a collection of great coaches, given great data, and a collection of arms to work with and develop. But quick now, tell me the last great RP you can think of that was a RP all through milb and dominated at the ML level? Even just limiting it to the Twins, despite some successful role players, the best of the best were former SP. The nucleus is in place for an excellent back 4. There is the potential for a really good middle ground, with some exciting arms getting close. There are some really interesting depth options who could surprise given need and opportunity. (Again, a potential 40 man crunch). Secret sauce? No. Just some really smart baseball people with the Twins. Concern? Yes. I want to see the transition take place and work as well as hoped for. Worried? Not at this point.

I've been waiting to hear but missed it somewhere. I can assume now, apparently, that Thorpe was indeed awarded the extra option year, yes?

I am telling you, for the record, we have not seen the best of Berrios yet. He hasn't won a Cy Young yet at 27yo so fan hope has lead to hopeful expectation that he hasn't reached yet, and therefore, to some, he's been a bit of a disappointment. Not bad by any means, but he remains only "solid". With his experience and work ethic, an adjusted training schedule, a few more mechanical tweaks, he's about ready to show us how good and consistently good he can be. It sure woukd be nice to find common ground for a fair/expensive extension because his value is only going to increase.

I think this was the right move at this time and I don't believe it had anything to do with service time. I also don't think this in any way diminishes the Twins opinion of him or that he loses any luster off his prospect status. The kid is going to be very good. It's just his time YET. Look, I get disappointment and I can almost appreciate the counter point arguements. But for a veteran player who has proven himself, ST is about ramping up and just getting ready. But for a young prospect and an invite, it is a time to show you are ready. It's the same in the NFL and the NBA. If AK was taking some walks and stinging the ball but had a low AVG that would be one thing. But he's not "settled", locked in or in any kind of groove right now. Another good prospect, Rooker, IS. Rooker has a chance to be a really nice ballplayer and have a real role on this team as a corner OF/1B/DH. Why aren't we celebrating him vs being so worried and filled with angst that Kirilloff isn't breaking camp with the Twins? AK is going to come up and probably have an excellent career. And by the end of the season his being sent down at this time is going to fade away as a memory and some AAA time will just be a small step in his career.

I'm in favor of anything that makes the game actually better. And I'm almost surprised MLB is even trying to make changes as they are so slow for any change. So I applaud any effort that doesn't dramatically "change" the integrity of the game to an extreme. But as to these ideas: 1] Enlarging the bases and changing their composition prevents contact injuries potentially? Do it yesterday! Look, replacing a 15" square base with an 18" base...as long as said square is placed in the same central location...puts 1B 1 1/2 inches closer to home and the batter gaining 1 1/12 inches closer to being safe. But the 1B is also an 1 1/2 closer to any throw he receives. There is NO difference/advantage! If it increases safety, just do it. 2] Requiring infielders to be touching dirt, to me, and opposed to the article speculating more hits, is maybe more about being able to cheat in for a potential bunt. This, potentially, would have more affect in the NL with pitchers. But we all know/speculate a universal DH is coming anyway. You want a change? Shifts should be limited to TWO players on either side of 2B, no matter how close they may play to the bag. You want to bring an OF close to the infield, that's up to you. 3] Stepping off and number of throws is ridiculous to me. CRUNCH TIME in a game with a SB threat at 1B...think Buxton there...a game within a game is fascinating and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. You are messing with the pitcher, the defense, and messing with any drama the situation could provide. Just stupid. 4] I'm in favor of a 20 second pitch clock with nobody on base. And I get the idea of stepping off the rubber re-starts the clock. But can't there be some compromise that doesn't allow the batter to spend an extra 20 seconds to adjust everything on their body? 5] I can't honestly comment on the robo-umpire. It sounds so easy. But the experiment they tried previously had mixed results from both hitters and pitchers both. So can someone create an algorithm that is so perfect that everyone is OK? And are we ready to accept that? For a moment, think about a human being writing an amazing algorithm for balls and strikes. Do we, are we ready, to accept that as PERFECT? I'm serious. If Maeda throws an amazing pitch 1" out of the robot zone and it's called a ball, how do you complain? Replay should NEVER be about EVERY play. But it's a good tool to get things right. But for me, I'd rather keep the human element still involved with much greater grading systems for umpires who just don't deserve to have the status they have obtained.

Guys in the high 80's who mix it up and change speeds and hit their spots can start. I think he's a #5. I also think he's behind a couple guys right now and is best as a middle/swing guy.

I thought all along Odorizzi would be back. I'm surprised he's not. Why he's not is moot at this point. For this ONE YEAR that is 2021, reflective of Happ's age, I believe any 2 of 3 of Pineda, Happ and Oddo are the same quality of pitcher. So I'm good with 3-4 and love our top 2. Shoemaker was a smart sign. He could be about the best #5 SP in the league if healthy enough for 22/23 starts. If I could be guaranteed he'd be available for 14 and just be his normal career self, I'd still be happy. Because by the end of the season you don't only have Donnak and Thorpe, but you've got at least a couple more arms that are probably ready to make their debuts.

If I'm not mistaken Waddell allowed all of his runs in his first appearance and has struck out just about everyone since. Of course, the guys he's been facing are AAA at the end of the game mostly, but could be a nice depth piece at some point.

#1] The jury is still out on Dobnak as it should be for any young pitcher. After only 75IP at the ML level you still don't know what you have, whether he's a top prospect or a great story and surprise. BUT, in his milb career and those 75 IP Dobnak has performed and looked good thus far. (There are ALWAYS highs and lows for ANY pitcher, young or veteran). I have listened to and watched Dobnak pitch almost every game since his debut. He seems to have control, an idea how to pitch the mythical "bulldog" mentality you want, and doesn't seem to beat himself. I've been generally impressed from what I have seen from a YOUNG pitcher still feeling his way and learning. What has been frustrating is his inability to just make that ONE PITCH to get a guy out who battles him hard. And I'm not talking about necessarily striking someone out. He seems to often cruise and then spend too much time in a battle that limits his potential to extend himself in a game. It's always felt to me he was just lacking that little something, that one offering, that could provide a K or an earlier out to just be done and move on. (He stated that same thing in an interview after his performance today). He doesn't have to suddenly find some crazy new velocity mark or amazing SO per 9. All he's needed is just another pitch on a consistent basis he could rely on. It may only be ST, but the early returns are exciting. But no, there is no controversy regarding Shoemaker's spot. Barring injury or some continued ineptitude...remember Shoemaker looked good previously...a talented, experienced and healthy Shoemaker is a quality SP. He has his spot. Dobnak is clearly the 6th man at this point and ready and able. Opportunity will present itself. Funny how close we are to the Twins in our view/perspective of things and our opinion. Perhaps skewed too much to the past? This rotation is the best we've had in YEARS. And to have someone like Dobnak looking good and showing improvement and a former top prospect like Thorpe doing the same...WOW. #2] I feel sorry for Garlik. He's done everything he can do to make an impression, if not the roster. But no way you keep him over Rooker. But there will be opportunity at some point.

Let me state that while it remains to be seen if May can find the consistency needed to go from good to great, I wanted him back. Frankly, I was a little surprised by what he got. Getting outs is what's most important, and there are a lot of ways to get them. But every once in a while it sure makes you feel good to have a high velocity, high K to put on the mound. And until Alcala, or someone else, becomes that arm, it's the ONE part of the pen that gives me pause. I'm in the camp of trusting Rogers, Colome and Duffey. I've said before and say again that Robles could be a key. While the nature of RP is volatile, I look at his career body of work and I can't help but dismiss his awful as an aberration. If he is his normal career self, I feel confident in our back 4 with some nice middle pieces in Thielbar, Stashak and the potential of Alcala. So I'm with Ted on that. Where I'm going to disagree, however, is the depth issue. Very few teams draft and develop and nurture a bullpen fireman through their milb system. Absolutely bullpen arms are developed and reach MLB and do well. But unlike years/decades ago, bullpen arms are no longer regarded as "failed" starters. A pitcher is not a "failure" because he couldn't be a rotation fixture and instead becomes a valuable and reliable RP. Wisler was a tremendous find last year and thought the Twins should have brought him back. I get they had mild concerns about arbitration numbers based on a season he couldn't hope to duplicate again and wanting to have more "option" flexibility with the front half of their pen. I still think they should have brought him back. But who was he this time last year? How highly regarded was Stashak 2yrs ago? Or Thielbar last year? I'm not degrading anyone or wanting to sound condescending in any way, but the Twins are neck deep right now in Wisler-type to work with and develop and promote as needed. I am also not going to blow smoke up anyone's backside, to use a favorite old euphemism, that they have a collection of prized, surprise studs at the ready. And I'm also not going to get too high or too low on ST numbers and their SSS. But just look at the list of possibilities for depth at St Paul: Anderson, Coulombe, Farrell, Hamilton, Law, Minaya, Sparkman and Waddell. Most of these guys have at least appeared in the ML meaning they aren't just wide-eyed rookies. Now, also think about Colina and Chalmers...who I still very hope will find a 3rd pitch and maintain the control he suddenly found the last half of 2019 and stay in the rotation...along with other prospect arms who could be knocking on the AAA door if not kicking it down. And we're not even talking about top SP prospects helping out in the pen before hopefully settling in to a rotation spot. Sorry. I'm not buying a depth issue, especially with what this staff has done the past few years. My only concern is Rogers, Colome, Duffey and Robles just being themselves. Give me that and I'm very happy. Tell me Alcala is going to continue to harness his stuff and improve and I'm almost ecstatic. But depth is not my worry.

Regarding payroll, I've also read different $ numbers at different sites. And I could be wrong, but I think FanGraphs at $129M is the most accurate and seems to track the various running totals presented here on TD. With incentives, primarily Maeda, the projected final number is around $134M. Depending on where you look, the adjusted 2020 payroll was around $138-140M. So they are very close to the projected numbers of last year. In regard to Robertson, he was on my 2nd tier of want and "why not" list. He's had a fine career and I have been very surprised someone hasn't given him a look-see at this point. You would think he'd be worth a couple $M with some incentives. I can only assume that there simply wasn't enough known about his recovery, early enough, for anyone to make a move when the FA glacier finally nudged forward. I would have no problem with the Twins taking a closer look. He could be a steal. But at this point, aren't we talking about a milb deal with incentives and an opt out? I would do that though, in a heartbeat.

Does it get much better than Cruz as your DH? He has defied Father Time so well that I just believe he has at least one more high quality season in him. But as Nick states, he could "come down to earth" this season, see his OPS drop a 100 points and STILL be a dangerous, productive hitter. There is also a TON of depth to handle the spot when necessary and looking further down the road as well. Kind of amazing that he did very little at the ML level until he was 28yo. While i wouldn't dare to compare them, it sort of gives perspective on someone like Rooker who is only 26yo but has a potentially fine bat and has made steady progress every season after being signed out of college. And yet some question his potential because he may be too old.

100% agree with this and have been arguing for it even without all the data points presented. Arrraez and Polanco are my choices to bat #1 for all the reasons we already know and have discussed. I've struggled with the 5 spot being Sano or Garver with the other probably hitting 7th whenever Kirilloff takes over LF for good. Some good debate about how to stack Buxton and Simmons. And yes, the lineups will always be fluid so everyone rests and plays and Arraez won't be in the lineup every day. But the basic stacking of the lineup just seems so obvious to me.

Maybe I've just always been a fan of Kepler due to his story and his athleticism. IMO, he started behind similar young players when he was initially signed. He played in Germany and didn't have the same level of opposition or camps or touring teams, etc, that his counterparts had as HS'ers in the US. And here I go with, "that being said", he's been in the league long enough now that it's time to see him hit his ceiling and harness all that athleticism on a more consistent basis. Now, I think he did that in 2019. I'm willing to throw out 2020 for Kepler the same as I am for a number of guys. And I think that's fair to do as we all know how strange last year was for everyone in so many different ways. I have no negative issues going in to this year, and a lot of belief, UNLESS we see a repeat of 2020. Numbers I've seen somewhere recently showed he had some really good numbers leading off a game. That can be a great way to jump start your team. And I'm sure Rocco has all the data points that makes him believe Kepler is a good choice as the #1 batter. But I really think he's more valuable hitting lower in the 3-4-5 spots mixed in with Donaldson and Cruz and ahead of Sano for sure. And there were some very interesting numbers about Kepler on the ST Live podcast Tuesday concerning his being better than average when it comes to SO and moving runners along, etc. Ax far as the future goes and depth, I find myself wondering about room for Max along with Kirilloff, Larnach, Rooker and Sano come 2022 and beyond. Not saying a trade couldn't happen, but 5 guys and 4 spots, is there room for everyone? There could be. I think it's something to contemplate.

I'm not sure why, but the extra option is up before an arbitrator. I've heard the final decision is supposed to come down this week. Not sure how anyone could rule against Thorpe and the Twins and not grant the extra option.

Dobnak is not only a great story, but his milb numbers and 70+ IP at the ML level should provide optimism. His biggest problem, as Dman pointed out, and something I've pointed out previously, is too many "battles" with hitters. He seems to have everything to be a solid 4-5-6 pitcher and have a successful to very successful career. What's missing is eliminating those 6-8 AB outs. A better defense behind him helps as he is a ground out pitcher. But once in a while you need that SO or a couple more wezl pop ups. What's crazy is this recent adjustment is only weeks old. Johnson magic? Maybe. But Dobber is pretty heady, if you haven't figured that out already. And he's ready for whatever. He may or may not be a fixture in the rotation as a 3-5 SP option. I am crazy excited about the future of Duran, Balazovic and Canterino, amongst others. And I am SUPER excited about Thorpe if he gets the 4th option year because he can spend a full year between teams finally getting his stuff together. But from what we have already seen from Dobber in 77IP, imagine how good he could be with a better slider to go along with his sinker and control?

Happ making his debut is the most important thing. Really good chance be gets 3 more starts and can also be the 5th starter to open the season to continue his ramp up. Thielbar ready to pitch is great. Takes far less for him to get ready as a RP. Garlik is on the 40 man and has done all he can. But he absolutely has to be behind the younger Rooker if there is a spot on the initial roster.

The moves the FO has made for Kepler, Polanco and Sano thus far are smart and beneficial for both parties. Reminds me much of when Cleveland seemed ahead of the game years ago to keep their core together. I don't think that is any coincidence considering our current FO. And while the $ will almost certainly be different for Buxton and Berrios...especially Berrios...I see them working the same platform. I love Arraez. He's still young enough I can still see some more POP coming in to his game, even if double digit HR totals are not a norm. What's wrong with 30+ doubles ever year with his hit and OB Numbers? Despite him being so young in his career, I don't think the Carew and Gwynn comps are so abstract. I also feel his defense is better than advertised. I don't watch every game available, but I watch a lot. Especially the last 2 years. Arraez was tossed in to LF and basically told to touch the wall and then take a certain number of steps in. Let's just say he was "credible". He was asked to play 3B and a few innings at SS and was again, "credible". In case you misunderstood, "credible" means you didn't absolutely stink or embarrass yourself. And there's something to be said for that, even at the highest level. We often become jaded about euphemisms like someone being a "ballplayer". But who and when was that decided as being a bad thing? Because somewhere along the line that term became regulated to nothing more than a scrappy utility type? When and how and why? Tell me Trout isn't a "ballplayer". Tell me Ballinger isn't a "ballplayer". Arraez is a "ballplayer" meaning he can not only hit, but he has good instincts on how to play the game. It means you can give him a glove and toss him out in the field and just say: "do the best you can". And he's done that thus far in his career. Hell, he played with a bad knee most of 2020 and hit well but everyone questions his defense and versatility. Except, he was at least OK wherever they tossed him out in 2019, unfair as it may have been. Kid IS a "ballplayer". All of this hyperbole, and the logic of the OP, there are other extensions more immediate than Arraez. There is enough control to warrant a wait until next year.

The truth is Buxton has never been and never will bet he high AVG/OB speed guy we originally envisioned him being. So what?! I know it's a completely unfair comparison, but that's what Puckett was supposed to be and was initially before his power emerged. Again, unfair comp, but there is a parallel there to consider. Buxton has been emerging as a real XB power threat who legs stuff out and can still steal a base while providing special defense. Doesn't mean he doesn't have room to improve aspects of hitting, contact, OB, etc. But we've seen what he is capable of the last couple of years. Unfortunately, the injury history is the very large elephant in the room. And right now, I can't give you a single example from memory of a player or pitcher that dealt with a number of early injuries before suddenly getting healthy except maybe Hunter. But I know they are out there. (I've sometimes referenced Robert Smith from the Vikings, but different sport entirely). In fairness to Buck, without being dismissive, some of his injuries have been "fluke-ish" in nature. And no way a FB to the helmet at the end of 2020 was on him. To the Twins credit, they have worked hard with him on everything from positioning to jumping for balls to helping him realize that sometimes running in to a wall at 26mph or laying out for an incredible catch may not be best for him or the team in the short as well as long term. To Byron's credit, he seems to be listening and learning. Also to his credit, he's been working hard the last couple of years to build muscle and strength for his body. The simple fact is, athlete or not, bodies grow and mature differently. He was a long, lithe speed demon initially but may have still been growing in to his frame in his early 20's. While losing little to no speed, he's really filled out his frame the past couple of years. Still only 27yo and already a difference maker when on the field, is he just ready to start reaching his prime both performance wise and physically? Maybe I'm just hopeful, but I think I'd take that bet. I am fine with Kepler as a fill-in at CF here and there. He'd probably start there for some teams. He's not great, but he's good. While his offense has thus far been "streaky", unfortunately, I was impressed with Cave defensively last year. He seemed to be much more sure of himself and his reads and quit trying to make amazing plays that would have him diving for balls out of his reach. I've gone from hopeful on Celestino to a believer. Whether a 4th OF or future replacement for Buxton, I think he's going to make it. And there are a few others behind him that have a real shot and provide depth in the system for sure. Still hopeful that the Tigers aren't going to find a way to keep Badoo and he will be returned. I'm in favor of an extension for Buck, even though there is risk involved. Much like Berrios, same age but different endurance situation, I feel Buxton may just be hitting the time and place where he's ready to take the next step. And I'd hate to risk being late to that dance.

Agree with part of your post, Dan. I was hopeful on Celestino but I'm starting to think highly of him. Going to disagree on Cave though as I saw a lot of improvement in his CF defense last season. He just looked more sure of himself and I didn't see the odd plays where he tried too hard and dove at balls that were 5 foot out of his range. Garlic is on the 40 man, has a nice milb track record, some ML experience, and has done about all you can do thus far in ST. But he's still got to be behind Rooker doesn't he? And BTW, Rooker has had a nice ST so far following his quality appearance last year. Interesting conversation between Aaron and John on their last podcast regarding Kirilloff. They mentioned not only a few extra AB here and there, but his time spent at 1B. Would seem he's being viewed as a real piece of the roster. Though performance and initial roster construction are very fluid still. Assuming the Twins don't go with a 14 man staff, AND Kirilloff making the opening roster, there appears to be 1 spot left. That spot would seem to be Rooker, (ahead of Garlik IMO), and one of Astudillo-Lin-Riddle. Do they keep the young bat with promise? Or do they keep another versatile bench player? And does opening on the road for a series in the NL have any effect?

Look, I know ST numbers and results only mean so much and only tell a small portion of the early story...but.... Dobber pitched 3 and only gave up one hit and struck out SIX. (K's may be fascist, but keep it up Dobber). 0.0 ERA thus far. Apparently he wants to make the team in whatever capacity. Have to say, very impressed with every SP thus far. Clean IP by Alcala in the 4th, 2 groundouts and a fly out. Waddell struck out the side and "lowered" his ERA to 10.80. Lol. Not picking on the guy. He is one of many who could provide help at some time coming over from St Paul. Just nice to see a good day. Law got the win with a perfect 6th and struck out the side. No runs allowed thus far. I may be wrong but wasn't this only his 2nd appearance? One great year and then seemed to lose it. At 30yr old but a FB/slider option the Twins like, does he provide help at some point? Meh. I'm betting on Anderson, Hamilton and a few others before him. Albers? He was a great story for a few starts a few years ago. I doubt we have another Thielbar reclamation story here. Beyond a great performance from Dobnak, and the clean IP by Alcala, the story in a meaningless game is Astudillo. Yes, his game winning HR came in the 7th and means little overall. But he's hitting over .400 thus far and whether you like him or not, the staff does. While nothing special to be sure, he plays acceptable defense at multiple positions. How you view his defense...or offense for that matter...IMO, depends how much you have actually seen him play. I've seen him miss balls behind the plate, but also watched him catch shutouts and 1 run games for reference. NOT saying he's making the initial roster or he is a great player, just saying he's having a good ST thus far and is a pretty decent "hitter" with some pop as long as he's not up there flailing at the ridiculous outside stuff. And yes, I've seen that negative part of him as well.

I have real hope that Blankenhorn is going to be a valuable role player at several positions, hit decently, and bring some bench power. Just not convinced on the "hit" tool yet. Misael Urbina should maybe be on the list despite his youth. You want a dark horse candidate? Spencer Steer. His numbers improved across the board every year in college and he had a nice debut season.