DocBauer

Probably too close to Harmon, unless you allow some homage to be paid, but: Killer K

I'm a big Polanco fan. I believe he will adapt to 2B very well and that his offense will return with his ankle now, supposedly, fixed this time. But I would make this deal in a heartbeat. Which means it probably isn't viable. Matt, I fully appreciate your well thought out arguements as stated. Your points and proposal are well thought out and well argued. But they just aren't practical. The Reds could use Polanco at SS in their re-tool short term and then shift him as the Twins are doing. The collection of draft picks the Reds would have helps re-stock their system, but seems more like a re-build than a re-load, which is counter to most of your arguement. Assuming the Reds are even interested in trading Castillo, it would take Polanco, one of Duran-Balazovic-Canterino and then one of Kirilloff or Larnach. I know that if I were them that's what I'd be asking for. Could the Twins afford to do that without decimating their system and future? Absolutely. But it's a steep price to pay, and a bit risky, with Rosario gone, Cruz on what is probably his final year and 3 rotation pieces with expiring contracts. On my own personal soapbox, I'm just not concerned about some playoff jinx and poor run. Virtually every single player, manager, coach and FO personnel have nothing to with that streak except for a couple recent losses. And I couldn't give a ×#$! about the Yankees or anyone's perspective on them even from respected media. The Twins are a very good team that has been re-tooled top to bottom and inside out over the past few years. And over the next couple of seasons, we are going to see some re-tooling on the fly both in the lineup and the pitching staff. If the Reds would so this, great! Otherwise, I like what I see right now. Talk to me again mid-season if there are injuries, poor performance or surprise opportunity to add.

A wonderful perspective in to off the field lives of players and their families. And all three ladies were absolutely engaging and charming. Looks like you had a lot of fun with this Seth, and I found myself smiling often while listening. Positively one of the best Twins interviews that you have done! Thank you.

I'm interested in seeing part 2 in regard to the proposed trade scenario presented. Please understand I'm not opposed to the Twins trading for a high end pitcher or player. Nor do I mean to dismiss the talent of Castillo in any way. But forgetting for a moment whether the Reds even WANT to consider moving him, or any potential return they may receive back, I'm just trying to take a mile in the sky look at this idea. 1] Maeda is a very good pitcher who seems to have gotten better. Berrios is even more talented overall, hasn't hit a ceiling yet we all hope for, and is just approaching the ideal age of experience vs stuff. There are 3 other guys behind those 2 and some interesting depth and options to make this a potentially excellent rotation. Does 1 guy deliver the goods enough with that being said pitching every 5th day? 2] Is a trade for Castillo about a potential short series post season or making the post season? There is a difference. Making it is #1. After that, you never know what will happen. Think the Twins in '87 and the Rays last year. Also think the Dogers and years of futility making the playoffs only to lose. 3] Right now, before the season even begins, EVERY team is scribbles on paper. Even the FO running teams know this. The Twins are one of the best teams in all MLB right now, and have been the last 2yrs. Barring horrific seasons or cataclysmic injuries, they could almost stumble to 90 wins. They have built or re-built a system over the past 3yrs that is starting to produce some exciting young talent that is getting really close to contributing and maintaining an open window and "sustainability" if not improving on the product we've already seen. So, does one SP make THAT much of a difference in the scheme of things vs what is given up for him? Not saying yes or no. I'd love to have Castillo. I'm just asking?

Guess I'm a little later to this party than intended, but at the same time, haven't we already been her 2 or 3 or 4 times already? I WANT Kirilloff playing daily and mashing in LF/1B/RF on occasion, etc. I completely believe he is going to be a good to great hitter with solid OB numbers and probably crank somewhere around 60 XB every year. On a related note, I think Larnach is going to be the same and that Rooker can be a very nice ballplayer and have a good career as well, though he may lag behind defensively. I also think all 3 have a future, especially when we look at 2022 and beyond. From all reports he was impressive in St Paul last year and showed real growth despite not playing a normal season. And his first hit and sliding catch in the playoff loss to Houston was exciting. But we have to remember he's still never had a single game played at the AAA level and was in that playoff game because the Twins were short of bodies. YES, they believe in him enough to give him that opportunity, but he's not there if not for injury. And that doesn't take away anything from his ability or potential. Even with a season missed due to TJ surgery, had 2020 been a normal, full season, he very easily could have made his ML debut. But that's not the reality of what happened. Despite secondary sites, coaching, simulated games, etc, every single milb player lost a year of normal play and development. IMO, this FO and coaching staff are not looking to play service time games. They are looking to build the best roster they can with the idea of WINNING. If Kirilloff looks fine both offensively and defensively and appears ready, he probably opens with the club. But service time arguement be damned, there are real and logical and logistical reasons for him not to. There is a real arguement to be made that him getting a little more time to hone a few things and ramp up are a positive. For that matter, what did Rooker display in his career thus far and his SSS last year to indicate he doesn't deserve a shot at some playing time? I can easily see a scenario where AK opens 2021. But I can also see viable reasons for Rooker and Cave, maybe Arraez also, sharing LF come opening day from a purely baseball and roster situation. Personally, I disagree with Bonnes's thoughts that they will make an early decision on this. With about 2 1/2 weeks to go, I'd argue the best thing they could do for AK AND the roster is to let Kirilloff stick around for as long as possible for development and competition. Baldelli and his staff are going to make what they believe is the right decision, whichever way it goes. And I don't believe it will bave anything more to do than simply putting the best initial roster together.

IMO, should be Arrez when he plays. Especially if Donaldson is going to remain in the 2 spot. I like Polanco as an alternate if he's back to his old self. I appreciate the BOOM Kepler can bring to the spot, but I think his LH power needs to hit lower.

Maeda looking like how he finished last season. I have no problem with Colome. I like him. The Dirty Sox let him go because La Russa wants a traditional closer. Still say Robles just being his normal self is a key to the pen. In regards to Oddo, I wanted him back. I thought it was a given for so many reasons. I thought he and Pineda would give the team a tremendous 3-4 punch. But everything I have heard and read is he wanted a longer and greater $ value than the Twins were willing to offer. Good for him. And if he had been willing to go 1yr or 2yr we might have found a match. But Happ for 1yr would seem to equalize things with some really nice options being ready or almost ready. And there is depth. There is imminent potential. I don't feel we are at a disadvantage simply because we didn't keep Oddo. There's just too much coming up really soon and on hand to stress the rotation for 2021. I'd like to have Oddo. For 2021, I still like what we have.

He has to show more than what he's thrown thus far. (Yes it's early). He's also older than Wisler. Just because we are talking slider-centric doesn't mean he's directly comparable to Wisler. In fact, I would say Anderson and Hamilton are better comps. They are closer in age and pure stuff IMO. The primary difference being Sparkman has been a starter in the past and I'm not sure either Anderson or Hamilton have ever been such. But should that matter? Both Anderson and Hamilton appear to be better comps. Either, or both, could contribute this year. We traded for Anderson and he has potential, as well as being on the 40 man. But I keep reflecting on Hamilton and what his status was before an accident and a volatile ball to his face tbat further de-railed his potential. Over the last several months, he FINALLY is working for ONE team. And that is important. If there is any chance for him to find himself, there is no more waiver wire B.S.. He gets to work now with an established team. A competitive team with a new and progressive coaching structure. His arm seems to be healthy. Can he get over the mental hump of what he has had to endure? I'd like to think that he can being part of this organization. Not saying Sparkman doesn't have a shot. But these other 2 are much more comparable, IMO, based on youth and stuff.

I'm a little late to the party but need to comment. A key quote from the OP is: "Before 2017, when the soon-to-be-chronic issue first emerged, (his calf issues obviously), the slugger had made three straight All-Star teams and been a top 10 MVP finisher in four straight years." Go ahead and re-read that quote. His 2017 and 2018 seasons get largely washed out due to repeated injury dealing with his calf muscles. (To be honest, I'm not certain if it's both or one leg). It stinks, but injuries of various sorts happen. He then adopts a new training routine with the help of a specialist, from Minnesota, and has a tremendous rebound 2019 in Atlanta. Then he signs with the Twins. Now, we all know 2020 was a bizarre season in the world of MLB. I was grateful to have baseball, even an abbreviated version, and enjoyed every moment. But we saw an odd display of career seasons, split season's of success and failure, and some downright ugly years. And I don't mean just the Twins, but all across MLB. So coming in to 2021 there is element of "I don't know" about a lot of things. This includes Donaldson. If 2020 had somehow been normal, with a said normal ST ramping up to the regular season, does Donaldson have a healthy and great season like he had in 2019? We don't know. I'm sure he continued to work out and do what he could to be ready, but did the short ramp up affect him? If there was more time available, could he have re-habbed and been just fine after? The answer remains the same, we don't know. Even though EVERY team was affected by 2020 in different ways, including injuries, speaking solely of the Twins, they were on a 100 win pace until a small slump had them finishing at around a 96 win finish. This despite injuries to Polanco, Arraez, Garver and others along with un-even season's. Not 100% sure I can call Donaldson's issue "chronic" at this point after 2019 and the weird season that was 2020. Does he warrant some caution and continued maintenance in regard to routine and preparation? Absolutely! But so do a large number of athletes, if not most. IMO, 2020 is a mulligan for just about everyone who had a bad year. Look no further than FA BP addition Robles who has been a fine RP for his career until 2020. Some look away from 2020 and some focus on it. The Twins are being smart to bring Donaldson along slowly. But they are doing the same thing most teams do with established veteran players. Get them there time, but they know at this point how to get ready. Yes, I'm an optomist, but I also think I'm a realist. I will be surprised if "doomsayers" don't look up recipes for crow before the year is done in regard to Donaldson. As for the depth issue, I'm focused more on the future. My gut feeling is Blankenhorn has a chance to be a decent 5 position role player with a decent bat that provides power. IF he can settle down defensively, he has a shot to be the next 3B. Were I a betting man, my money would be on Miranda 2yrs from now. I get Cavaco as a very young and athletic option who continues to grow physically and might become a great 3B option in a few years. The dark horse, and it pains me to describe him as that, is Wander Javier. STILL only 22yr old, he is no where near the 165lb teenager listed on his milb profile. In fact, I've long thought that part of his injury situation may have been him growing in to his body. IF he can stay healthy now...and he is one of the Twins prospects hurt most by the missing 2020 season...I could absolutely see him begin to mature as a hitter and be in the 3B mix in a few years.

My response is no. But I like what they do have.

Rooker, a talented and younger prospect, should get the selection before Garlik initially. Not sure when Braxton's opt out takes place. Typically it's a month or so in the season from what I've seen in the past. I'd really like to see him stick around for a while. Tons of talent and still potential, but a good week vs a poor past few seasons doesn't put him above Cave. Won't find a bigger fan for Thorpe and Dobnak than right here, but not sure there is room for both. But the obvious caveat is the health of Thielbar. Really hope Thorpe gets that 4th option year for both team and player. I am a HUGE believer in Kirilloff and his future. I think he's going to be a hitting STUD with decent defense regardless of final spot. But regardless it's up to him to earn his spot. And he can. But with no games above AA except for his one playoff game experience when injury practically forced a promotion, I'm still flabbergasted in regard to all the angst that he might spend a little time at St Paul to better transition.

I'm a sucker as a fan for LH pitchers and the various prosoects that have been signed from Down Under. So no big surprise I've been following Thorpe closely for years and rooting for him. I saw glimpses of his potential late in 2019 and was excited for him in 2020. So you can imagine my disappointment when things unfolded as they did. Because of how last season went, I think a lot of people forget how good he looked before injury and illness wiped out 2 full seasons, and just how good he looked when he came back. We may never know the ful story of what happened to him last year, and maybe it doesn't matter. What DOES matter is how he got his head and body RIGHT again. Did he really gain 30lbs? I doubt it. I believe he re-gained weight he lost and then packed on a little more muscle with his new-found dedication. Regardless, good for him! I really hope he gets tbat 4th option year. Not just for the Twins and roster flexibility, but because it allows him a more linear progression of development in 2021 to perform and be sent back and brought back again if and when he just needs a re-fresher. A 4th option is a blessing for both team and player.

So if things work out this summer, my dad and I are planning on a "double header" where we get a game in ST Paul and Target Field. Also hoping to catch the Kernals at some point. And living here in Omaha, really Excited to catch the Saints here as well. So fans in general is kind of a big deal. But so is number of fans.

Heard about the opening schedule in April and glanced at it just now. It's very different than what we've seen before. The Twins play the Brewers on April first, have an off day, then play 6 straight games. After a 2nd consecutive Friday off, they then play 13 consecutive days. And there is where there could be an issue. But with 3 1/2 weeks left in ST, the couple early days off to stagger the rotation slightly, I'd like to believe the rotation could function normally during that crazy 13 game stretch. In fact, were Happ to be the "5th" rotation option he could throw on the side and pitch with a full 5 days rest between his 1st 2 starts. So unless there is some injury or setback, I think the rotation could be managed those first few weeks without having to go to a 6 man rotation. Things seem to normalize after that and I really dislike going with a 14 man staff and shorten the bench. (You might refer to my post about a larger roster post and comment if you haven't already). Considering how well the Twins adapted in 2020 with injuries I'd like to think they can stagger things well enough during the first 3 weeks with their chosen rotation and an 8 man pen that we would be OK.

Fully appreciate your arguement. But, respectfully, I'm going to disagree. You're right he is a very good pitcher. And you're also right he hasn't reached the mythical true ACE status. And he may never do that. But year to year, you have to appreciate there are only a handful of truly dominate ACE pitchers. But there is a difference from being a quality #1 SP vs being that special ACE. In all my years watching baseball I have seen a handful of the Clemons or Blyleven or Ryan or Hernandez types. Some were studs from day one. Many flamed out before reaching late 20's or 30. Most were good or even very good before stuff and experience, maybe a new team and coach, took them to a different level. Only a few were THAT GUY for YEARS. I think about Stieb and Key from Toronto. I think about Randy Johnson who was very good but not what he became until his late 20's. Despite 1 great season with Pittsburg, Cole never found his greatness until later when he went to Houston. My point is Berrios may never be that GUY, but you very seldom draft or sign an international FA who is that very special #1. Most need time to harness their stuff, learn their craft, and turn in to something special. Again, Berrios may never reach that special level, but he's already good. And he's at just the right age at this time where he COULD be ready to explode in to a true #1, MAYBE a true ACE. I'd rather hedge my investment at this point from what we've seen and what could be rather than risking losing what we already have and what could be.

8quote name="ashbury" post="1015381" timestamp="1615075785"]I try to remind myself not to follow thread-jacks when offered, but it was your thread in the first place, so I accept. I'm with you on the pitch clock (I think it's self-evident and I'd be even more agressive than you propose), but on this one I'm concerned with the unintended consequences and difficulty in enforcement. It's akin to a zone defense in other sports, and attempts to outlaw those lead to edge-cases and judgement calls. There are other ways for the offense to defeat the shift in baseball, let them adapt. Thank you for recognizing a self-imposed thread Jack, LOL. NOT my intention! But some have claimed less is better going back to my original OP, and I disagree. The length of games played has been increasing for years now with a 25 man roster. We've had ONE YEAR of an expanded roster. So getting things back on track, how does an expanded roster further extend games? There are mkre and more commercial breaks, and that's not going to change. We add an extra song in the 7th inning. Not saying that's bad but it lengthens the game. It's what happens on the field that needs to change. I'm a very young 55yo, but I've seen changes in all sports. Gone are the days in the NFL of 40 man rosters and 14G seasons that were built on ground and pound. I still remember early 80's even, if not mistaken, when there was no 3 point line. So no #2 hitter in baseball hitting .245 because he had bat control and bunt your 30+ SB guy at leadoff has also changed. A dozen or more complete games from your #1 SP has also changed. Bullpen usage is up. But I would argue that most of those RP actually begin an inning rather than come in mid-inning. Recent rule changes have taken away the traditional LOOGY and forced teams to play to 3 batters or the end of the inning. I like that rule. The days of a 10-11 man staff are over. And that shortens the bench, as well as any platoon or PH options. A full time DH in both leagues is inevitable. Again, potentially shortening benches even more. The 26 man roster is a step in the right direction. It provides greater depth for moves. But can we just acknowledge that the game has changed, baseball is slow to change and adapt, and that the 28 man roster actually WORKED well last year? Do we want to argue we had a larger roster due to a sprint and so few days off? Well, most teams play 6 days a week during a "normal" season, so what is the difference? If you really have a hard time with RP coming in, cap the roster of pitchers at 13 like 2020, or maybe 14. Potentially, an even or almost even split. To your points directly, Ash, I could agree being more aggressive with the pitch clock. But 20 seconds with nobody on base should be mandatory, IMO. In regard to enforcing defensive changes, I can appreciate your notion of "letting them adjust". In fact, I believe at some point someone is going to drive everyone nuts with situational hitting and SB again and things will adjust accordingly. Scars and HR may be sexy, and the chicks may dig both, LOL, but adjustments will be made. But they will never change back fully. It's the fluidity of sports. In the NBA...when they enforce it...there are still violations of things like time in the paint. In the NFL, there are still formation penalties. What's wrong with a SS or 2B still being on their side of the field? That's not bard to enforce.

I'm commenting on this AFTER commenting on the recent Buxton extension idea, so forgive any repetition. The CBA could blow up how things are negotiated contract wise in the future, of course. And I don't want this to sound pro-ownership, because I'm not in either camp, but I think the financial world of MLB has changed even without the whole bizarre covid situation. But analytics are not just part of the on the field product any longer, they are part of the financial structure. While there are, and always will be healthy players who hit their ceilings early and demand huge $ returns, teams are far less likely to hand out massive and long term deals any longer with the return being based on the first few years of a massive deal while "over paying" the final years. Even in the crazy world of professional sports and dollars, there is a wall to be run in to of dimished returns. While the actual yearly $ is variable, I think the types of contracts signed with Polanco, Kepler, Sano and "proposed" by John in his Buxton article may be the new way for teams and players to find fair and common ground. Fair GUARANTEED $ with financial security that exists regardless of production or injury while still allowing for FA around age 30+. Yes, a player could explode and be "underpaid" as a result, but that is also the equitable tradeoff for their guaranteed earnings. Teams are risking floors vs ceilings, much less regression or injury, but hedging production vs cost as well as maintaining roster stability. Berrios is, agreed, in uncharted waters as there simply may not be an adequate comp for his situation. He's very good, young, talented, been a stalwart, and has potential to be even better. In fact, he's just coming to the age where I have always stated experience and talent meet when a pitcher achieves his peak value. Possibly even the rare ACE status that so many yearn for. But despite all he has done, there are at least SOME questions surrounding his full season endurance. That might have been answered in 2020, had it been a normal year and because he began to make some training adjustments to finish 2019 stronger, but it didn't turn out that way. He's never had a significant injury. Hopefully, he never will. I applaud Jose's work ethic, determination and belief in himself. I'm a fan/believer who thinks we haven't seen the best of him yet. And I'm sure there is a part of him, beyond just loving playing, that would like to earn $200M+ in his career. But he also strikes me as an intelligent young man who KNOWS he could, unfortunately, have an injury tomorrow or just never achieve the financial status he might hope for, for whatever reason. And 5yrs of a GUARANTEED $100M+ and still be a FA at age 31 would have to give him pause, IMO. Be gains incredible security for he and his family, while still betting on his future and a second major deal at a still young age. The devil is in the details that I won't get in to here. But between salary, bonuses, etc, 5yrs and $100M is something I'd really like to see both sides as being very fair and just get it done.

I really like this idea. There is mutual and equal risk/reward for both sides. Buxton is protected from further injury lowering his potential earnings while still gaining a great deal of financial security. Meanwhile, the Twins are betting he will be healthy enough to earn that $ and perhaps prove to be a bargain. The recent contracts with Polanco, Kepler, Sano and this idea with Buxton is very forwarding thinking and may be the "new way" contracts will work in today's game. Of course, a new CBA may blow this idea completely up. And there will always be guys who put up insane numbers and are looking for and probably worth max dollars. And there will always be those who want to bet on themselves. But in a new financial world where teams no longer wish to hand out huge dollar values over 6-7+yr term deals...really only gaining a reward in production the first few seasons...this may be the smart play most often for both sides.

Caught a recent interview from Mike Greenburg with Bob Costas on the way home today. Costas brought up 2 interesting points/ideas that he shares with I want to say Tom Verducci: 1] The average time between pitches in today's ML climate is 23 seconds. That's just crazy to me. His idea is simple, no runners on base, a pitch clock between each offering should be in affect. Again, just my opinion, but I'm not sure there is more mid-inning replacement of relievers. More used in a game these days to be sure. But with the 3 batter/finish an inning rule in place I think that helps the pace and excitement of the game. The days of a LOOGY are basically over. 2] Costas also went on to say that he things the extreme amount of defensive shifting of infields is damaging the game. He believes shifting/alignment should still force a team to keep 2 men on either side of the infield. Crowding someone near 2B would be OK. Bringing in an OF...in an extreme clutch situation, especially extra innings...to be an extra infielder would also be acceptable, but no more 3 men loaded to one side of the infield. I thought both points have real merit and I find myself intrigued by the shifting limitations for sure.

NOT going to freak out about Robles at this point. Just a veteran getting stretched out and working on a few things. We should all know this by now. Deliberately not going to debate AK at this point. His future is BRIGHT! Frankly, tired of talking about him. Can't we just let things play out? I don't care it was some B.S. appearance in a ST game, Padulo will NEVER forget the time he got to be on base. KUDOS to Rocco for that!

Excited for the potential of this kid NEXT year. Why does every prospect have to be the "next" whoever? Oh yeah, we want the next future MVP and Cy young to debut at 21yo. I lost the memo. How about this talented kid gets a chance to play a full season of ball and work forward and get called up when even close to ready?

Dropping in to make a couple comments. Thank you for comments/opinions thus far. I was honestly afraid this was a post 2020/still relevant 2021 thought and pending CBA idea that might get swiped under the couch with the exuberance of ST. I disagree that roster size does anything to lengthen games. Baseball has been on a 3hr clip for years now. Ironically, the same time table as an NFL game. Whether you like it or not, limited bullpen subsition can only keep the game more interesting. Full league acceptance of the DH, which seems inevitable, should provide more offense, more excitement, more game drama, but lend the roster to have more flexibility. (Sorry for purists, but it is natural progression). I disagree that high market teams will have an advantage, though I appreciate the sentiment. An expanded roster might, instead, allow for a smaller market team to play "old school" ball and build a roster of platoons or have a bench that drives other teams nuts. Look, I grew up with 200 IP SP and 20-25HR being a benchmark. But that's not the reality any longer. I also grew up in a time where if you didn't have an NFL RB who could churn out a 1,000 yard season plus you were toast. But sports have changed. MLB is SLOW to adapt and change. We know this. And maybe a reviluttionist way of thinking with a 25 man roster is the way to go. Maybe not. But I think this arguement is worth having and I appreciate each and every opinion presented. I just tossed out a few more thoughts to reflect on.

My only comment is this: we take away the positives we've seen thus far. We're a week in. Some guys, pitchers in particular, have barely played. Veterans are simply working on things and getting time. There is nothing to get too excited about or worry about at this point.

A painful reflection...pun intended...of history of some top prospects having to overcome injury. I hate to sound flippant in any way regarding Lewis's injury, but I'm just not worried about his recovery. I have complete faith in his youth, modern medicine and recovery, as well as his athleticism and attitude. What stinks is the timing of his injury in regard to already missing a milb 2020 season, despite his participation and hopeful/reported improvements at St Paul last year. I truly think he's going to be OK, but set back a full season. Twins history, however, I think most of us will forever wonder how good Kubel and Liriano may have been without a pair of rather devastating injuries. For that matter, if you really want to go down a dark path, why does it seem the Twins endured more concussion injuries to top players more than anyone else? Koskie was pretty special until his. Both of the M&M boys saw their careers curtailed. Oh what might have been without a couple of those unfortunate injuries. I just don't believe in curses, even though a part of me has the "of course, Minnesota fan" angst that seems to be built in being a fan. But I do believe "bad luck" just happens sometimes. But Sano's injury, Arraez and Kirilloff the same, has not come back to derail their careers. I expect the same for Lewis.

I tend to agree. The power is there and so is the sweet swing. I call a mulligan first a lot of guys concerning 2020