DocBauer

I'm hoping what I say next won't earn me my first ever negative points from TD. But while the Twins have been about as bad as every other team against the NL this season, what pisses me off was we held our own against the Dodgers and SHOULD have won at least one game. We gave the Brewers everything they could handle and basically BLEW a chance for a series win there. For whatever reason, the Phillies had our number. And that doesn't excuse poor performances from the entire team. But for some crazy reason, the arms and bats suddenly woke up against Atlanta, and we got a sweep. Funderburk's final numbers weren't indicative of how how he pitched. This was a much needed win. The Padres are next. Other than a Giants series, the rest of the season is against the Yankees and the ALC, if IRC. That puts the final record for this season and any playoff options squarely in their hands. And that's how it should be. And I'm ROOTING for the Twins to claim that last playoff spot and HOPING like hell they might finish strong enough to actually win the ALC.! But I'm also waiting and wondering why the Twins aren't letting Jenkins loose. I can only believe it's because they are waiting to bring Rodriguez up soon.

Look, I understand the 2026 season isn't done yet. And I'm still engaged and hopefull out Twins will finish this season strong and make the playoffs. No matter what happens, that's just more FUN than the season ending. BUT, there have been so many posts about K-Pepper FINALLY up, and debates about Rodriguez and Jenkins and "getting ready for 2027" already, that my brain is already looking at tomorrow, while still paying attention to TODAY...especially with a sweep of Atlanta...that a combination of TODAY vs TOMORROW is heavy on my brain. While NOT ignoring the NOW, there's been so much conversation about "what's next" that is a bee in my brain looking at this ONE particular spot for 2027 that I just can't ignore. This isn't about moves the remainder of 2026. I have my own opinions about that, as do the rest of you. I'm just trying to coalece those opinions with the rest of 2026, and the reality of 2027 to answer a very serious question. To DH or NOT to DH? And by that I mean, when the dust of 2026 settles, what we WANT to see is a K-Pepper debut, which we got, and Rodriguez and Jenkins to also debut, which we haven't seen yet. There's still a chance we see both. But let's flash forward for a moment shall we? More than likely Bell and Larnach are removed. Jenkins is ready. Rodriguez, IMO, is also ready. And I've heard various thoughts that Rodriguez, out of options, could be treated as the 13th man, being nursed along to adapt to MLB. I call BS on that because the best and smart thing to do is let him and Jenkins play daily and live with some mistakes. LIKE other teams like the Brewers have done. STOP being afraid of playing your TOP prospects. But I regress. The CATCHING position for 2027, for now, is Caratini and Jackson. UNLESS the Twins just jump Houston, which is not their normal, the INF will begin with Lee, Culpepper, Clemens, and Lewis. (Personally, I think Houston is a given by mid season at least). That leaves a SU spot that is probably Kreidler, or a surprise of Ross. Maybe they sign a solid option instead? But the OF is going to be Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez. That's a fact. And I'm sorry for being long winded, but I'm just setting the roster table. That leaves 2 spots open, pending the IDEAL of Houston just being ready day ONE. But supposing Houston ISN'T just brought up immediately, there's 2 spots open. Buxton will need some days off at DH. We have a nice mix of Buxton, Keaschall, Jenkins, and Rodriguez in the the OF. And we have a pretty solid INF of Lee, K-Pepper, Clemens...at least for now...and Lewis with a battle of Kreidler and Ross that SHOULD take place for the SU role, unless they bring someone else in. So SHOULD the 2027 Twins be looking for another Cruz type of bat? Buxton will need some time at DH. Lee, while not a great hitter, has suddenly turned in to a potential 20HR hitter. POST trip down to AAA, Lewis has been very good/solid. And he doesn't have to do anything but just be the hitter he's been since he came back and he's a 20HR bat. While I don't expect K-Pepper to suddenly explode, he's shown XB and HR power in his MILB career. Clemens has shown power. Even as rookies, Rodriguez and Jenkins will provide some power. The biggest flaw in a potential 2027 roster is probably the 5th OF spot. (At some point, Houston is going to be ready). Cruz was an amazing difference maker for the Twins. And I have ZERO problem spending $15-18M for a similar player to be the DH for the 2027 Twins. But does it make sense is my point. THEORETICALLY, the Twins have 20 HR power at 1B, 3B, CF, maybe at SS with Culpepper already done that, plus Clemens, and the potential of Rodriguez and Jenkins. So SHOULD the Twins be looking for a Cruz like bat? Or should they leave the DH spot open to allow Buxton, Keaschall, Rodriguez, Lewis, and the rest of the lineup to just rotate through the DH spot?

Sorry, NO. Mendez has a great contact bat and limited power and a good OB%. He's also still a work in progress defensively. His ground ball rate might work at AAA, but it's not glong to work at the ML level. He doesn't have to be a consistent 20+ HR...Doubles are also great...but he will be another Miranda or Julien with contact only. He needs another year...and he's still really young...to learn to LIFT the ball for even more hits, as well as more power. He's ABSOLUTELY NOT on the list for promotion with Rodriguez and Jenkins sitting in the wings. In fact, I'd put him behind the RH Gonzalez before promotion.

I'm going to disagree with the OP somewhat strenously. The Buxton in CF we're seeing now isn't the Buxton of the past. But he's still damned good. And the defensive numbers indicate he's still good, according to the OP, but I still have a hard time conseptionalizing most defensive metrics where there are so many, and they often disagree. I haven't watched as many games lately as I normally due for various reasons. But throughout this season I've seen him continue to chase down balls that seemed destined for the gap that fell in to his glove. He's still QUALITY in CF from everything I've watched this season. He STILL belongs there. His sprint speed is still amazing. The fact that he holds up once in a while to preserve his body might mess with a few metrics, but it's also something he's learned, with the advice of the Twins and Hunter as well. For those worried about injury, both corner OF still have the wall to consider. In fact, corner OF have 2 walls to consider. So there is no saving grace there. I DO think Buck might move to a corner OF beyond 2027. And I DO think he might DH a little more in 2027 just to preserve his legs/hip, but he's still the best CF for the Twins in general, but also a quality CF, in general at the ML level. So NO, not now.

I've become a fan and believer in Clemens. He's never going to come close to being an All Star type of player. And his best role is as a valuable Utility player who plays 5 spots solidly. I say 5 because beyond all expectations, he was actually decent in CF a bit this season, though obviously he's not the 1st or even 2nd choice there. But damned if he didn't look at least adequate there. I mean, they bypassed Martin in favor of him there. I'm still confused by the fact that he played some 3B in MILB but the Twins haven't even tried him there in ST. I'd like to think he's at least competent there as a #3 type fill in, but maybe he's just uncomfortable there. Regardless, he's a very valuable 10th man with solid defense wherever you put him, who will never be a great hitter, or have a great OB%, but his defense is solid, and the power plays. IDEALLY, at some point in 2027, he actually becomes the 10th man, and plays 4 days out of 5. That's his best role. But I think we're beyond the SSS in his career with the Twins. While not a star player, he is a classic late bloomer who has turned himself in to a viable, and quality ML ballplayer. And I appreciate the work done in an OP like this one. It's a very detailed breakdown that is worthy of some praise due to said hard work, but also a SSS. And I'd like to know when it was actually written. Because his 5 games up until today, Wednesday the 19th, he was 6 for 19, which is a .315 AVG. And now, TODAY, he goes 2 for 4 with 3 RBI, and I believe both hits were against LHP. At least 1 was. So yeah, the timing of the article wasn't exactly that, timely. I have a lot of worries about the Twins, but Clemens isn't one of them.

The Twins still hold control over Banda. I'd love to see them bring Minter back in the offseason. But I don't have a problem having 3 LH in the bullpen with Funderburk. He's been inconsistent in his career thus far, but he's certainly flahsed when his mechanics are good.

Caratini is actually owed about $10M for 2027 due to some back loading of his contract.

I both agree and disagree with the OP. Positional versatility is a GOOD thing on a limited size roster. You need to move guys around once in a while for days off, matchups, or even injuries. But OVERALL roster construction is important. And the construction of the Twins Opening Day roster was flawed at best. And while changes made during the season haven't erased those initial roster mistakes, they have made the defense a little better than how it began. Lee to 3B was the 1st move that created a cascading event. I believe this was the RIGHT move as I think it's Lee's best position for a variety of reasons. And he will only get better. WHEN Kreidler played SS, the whole INF was better. If there's one thing about Shelton I disagree with, it would be he love of Gray. At BEST he's a decent 3B/2B backup who can play SS here and there. K-Pepper is a very talented young man, but a rookie, who may move to 2B when Houston is ready, but let us not pick on him so early, OK? I don't think Lewis was a poor 3B, I just like Lee better there. And again, I think he'll only get better. I think Lewis has the potential to be a very good 1B with a little more time and experience there. As a former SS and 3B, I really don't have a problem with him playing some 2B here and there. He SHOULD be able to be competent there with a little more work. I still believe Keaschall can be competent at 2B with time and work. He's too good of an athlete to NOT be able to get over the "over thinking" plays and just trusting his instincts and natural ability. But regrettably, I DO think he's better in the OF. He's actually flashed in the OF, but has also made some poor mistakes out there. But I actually believe he has the potential to be a solid OF with some more time there. I even think he can be a decent backup CF with more experience. But if you haven't already guessed by my comments, the problem is TIME and EXPERIENCE. ALL of these changes have been happening ON THE FLY during the season. But as average to poor as the results have been, the defense has still looked better. That's how badly the roster was initially constructed. And that's why I state I agree and disagree with the OP. Lewis HAS worked out at 2B in the offseason, but was then told to forget it and concentrate on 3B. NOW he's learning 1B, and also being asked to play a little 2B. Even Mauer took a season or two to become an excellent 1B. Lee has been asked to play 2B, SS, and 3B in his brief career. Now he's finally SET at a singular position. I think that's important. Keaschall, due to his arm injury, has played very little 2B. He's mostly played 1B, OF, and DH while in MILB. His TALENT says he can play all of these positions. But come on! The kid has played all over the place just to keep developing his BAT before surgery. Then he comes up early, flashes, and gets a broken forearm that robs him of months. He's not only still, hopefully, getting at least a little more arm strength back over time, but also adjusting to semi-new positions at the ML level with limited time playing them in MILB. Do you realize Julien had more time at 2B to prove himself than Keaschall has had? Bouncing around at both the MILB level and at the ML level hasn't exactly been beneficial to his development. But he's flashed in the OF, and made some poor plays in the OF. But he does seem to learn from his mistakes. But here is where the GOOD NEWS starts to take place. Lewis will gain confidence and experience at 1B and continue to get better. I still don't have a problem of him playing a little 2B or 3B if needed. But he will be the PRIMARY 1B in 2027. Lee is now the 3B. The fact that he CAN play a little SS or 2B if needed due to injury or late game changes is OK. But he's the regular 3B. Until Houston is promoted to the regular SS spot...and I'd seriously consider that for Opening Day based on potential, and the BEST INF alignment...K-Pepper is the Opening Day SS. So again, I agree and disagree with the OP. In 2027, there just shouldn't be a need for Caratini to play 1B unless it's a late game switch. Kreidler should ONLY be a Super Utility player, and not a regular. There's just no reason for him being anything but that. Keaschall is a key to the lineup. I remain STUNNED that Shelton hasn't already put him in the #1 slot. Larnach has been slumping, and Keaschall has been great since May. But how much better might he be defensively in 2027 with some hard work at 2B AND the OF. It's up to him to improve, but I have a hunch he will put in the work. I DON'T dislike roster flexibility. I think it's a good thing when you have the talent to do so, unlike this current roster who is doing so out of necessity. But that's going to change in 2027. Even with some growing pains, the OF of Rodriguez, Buxton, and Jenkins will bring back memories of the "no raindrops falling" of past OF defense. Keaschall will have the offseason to turn himself in to the next Marwin Gonzalez. And I'm not joking when I say that. He's got a lot of work to do, but he's got the potential to be a 5 position player. And we already know he's got the BAT to play. I really respect Kreidler. And even with a slump, he still impresses me with his bat approach, some power, and his defense is excellent. Even still, I'd love to see Ross give him serious competition for 2027. SOME of the roster flexibility for this season HAS held the Twins back, no question. But roster flexibility as a whole is a good thing with better players. The Twins for 2027 are poised for a better lineup, potentially, and with better roster flexibility out of options, and NOT necessity. Clemens becomes a great 5 position player who can also DH. Kreidler, unless Ross beats him out, is the Super Utility player. Keaschall can also be a 5 position player who plays daily because his BAT is too good to not play. I'd have him as the #1 in the lineup daily. The only thing this team needs is a good hitting RH OF to balance the roster. So yeah, the roster flexibility of the 2026 team is actually kinda hurting them because of changes on the fly. BUT some of those changes could really help in 2027. Personally, I think that's more important.

First of all, let me state that I don't dislike Martin. He's grown defensively as an OF to actually be pretty good, even with a mediocre arm. I liked what he showed with his bat in 2025, and I love what he did early in this season. And I was fully in favor of him getting a full time opportunity when Larnach was sent down. Unfortunately, he's also proven he really is a RH bat that should only hit against LHP and be a late inning defender and PR. (Though his reported speed has NEVER translated in to being a good base stealer). I agree with NOT burning his last option with a month and a half left in the season. I also agree he still has value as the RH counter to Larnach in LF, at least for now. I wouldn't just give up on him at this point. But is he the RIGHT FIT for the Twins going forward? I have to say no. Martin never had to be a power hitter to be successful as a ML player. He just needed some decent POP in his bat. If you don't have SOME XB threat in your bat, ML pitchers will adjust and challenge you repeatedly, and often win. Without that ability, you'd better be an amazing HITTER. And I just don't think Martin has shown to be anything but a decent hitter. Unfortunately, the Twins are very short on RH OF. Gonzalez is really the only option close to being ready. And he might need a little more time at AAA before he's ready. The Twins don't need to find an expensive RH slugger for 2027. But let's be honest about the roster next season. The OF will be Buxton, Jenkins, Rodriguez, and Keaschall in what I believe will be as a utility role, but playing daily. Clemens can also help in the OF as needed. (Yes, there will be some growing pains with the rookies, but the potential payoff is huge). What the 2027 Twins need...via FA or trade...is just a competent defensive corner RH OF...who doesn't completely stink against RHP...but who hits LHP well and can lace DBLS and crank out a few HR. A hitter LHP have to respect in the box. I don't think Martin is that guy, and Gonzalez probably won't be ready. Again, I wouldn't just give up on Martin or burn his final option at this time. He's still the best viable option for this season. But I just don't believe he fits what the Twins need going forward after this season.

Isn't funny how prospects are initially viewed and debated as opposed to hiw they turn out. My favorite Twins example is the drafting of 1B Dave McCarty out of Stanford...I want to say he was All American...in the early 90's and turned out to be a bad choice. But a local HS kid like Kent Hrbek, drafted in the 17th round a little over a decade previously became a Twins icon. You just never know...until you know...how a prospect is going to turn out. I've basically given up trying to "figure out" Brooks Lee. He has more HR power than was expected, but isn't the sure fire HITTER he was supposed to be. And when you read all the numbers presented in the OP, you still end up with an enigma as to whe he is, and who he might yet be. The actual production doesn't seem to mesh with some of the underlying numbers. As a hopeful fan, this is what I DO know, this is only his 2nd full ML season. And I think we often forget that. YES, he debuted in 2024 as a TOP prospect. But 185 PA and 172 AB is barely above rookie status, (150 AB), and less than half a season. And it was a mediocre debut. In 2025, his 1st full season, he improved his quad slash line numbers across the board in all categories, and the HR power began to appear. It wasn't a great season, but it did show improvement. Now 25yo, in only his 2nd full ML season, he has once again raised all of his quad slash line numbers yet again. He's also already surpassed his XB hit totals, and HR mark, with a month and a half of the season yet to go. For giggles, his 3yr OPS numbers are .585-.654-.721, though 2026 is not over yet, of course. His OPS+ numbers are 64-81-101 again with the caveat that 2026 still has a month and a half left to play. So we can look at positive numbers, and negative numbers, that don't necessarily align. I think we're looking at a still young player who is improving as a hitter, and improving his power and production, but in a way that not only defies a few underlying metrics, but is also different from the player we THOIGHT we drafted. He's SUPPOSED to already be a .270-.280 hitter with good contact, a solid OB%, with good DBLS power, but somewhat limited HR power. Instead, we're getting less AVG and OB%, and less contact, but more power. He runs hot and cold, but he's also had some great moments and key AB with key hits that have won games. So who is Brooks Lee as a hitter? I still don't know. I think the question should be, deapite analysis, who MIGHT he be? Again, I just don't know. But I do think he's growing and adapting as a ML hitter. He's currently on pace for about 46 XBH, which includes 21 HR, and is targeting around 78 RBI. That's not a bad ballplayer. And while I don't expect him to ever win a Silver Slugger award, if he just maintains the growth path he's shown going in to 2027 as a 26yo, we might be looking at a .260-ish AVG, a .315-ish OB%, and a .450-ish SLG%. That's a .765 OPS. Now, he could regress, or he could do better. But continued improvement for someone who will only turn 26yo during ST next season, with 2 full seasons behind him, I don't think growing as a hitter should be unexpected. Growth as a ballplayer eventually hits a ceiling and you are what you are. But I don't think we've seen the best of Lee yet. I expect he's got another level yet to reach. He's probably never going to come close to being an All Star caliber player, and maybe that's a disappointment considering his draft status and hype coming out of college. But if he can raise his game that one more notch, he's a really solid ML BAT who fits anywhere from 5-7 in a good lineup. Again, I've stopped trying to figure out who he is, and might be, as a ML hitter. But I believe he has one more level he can reach. And that level plays nicely.

I don't disagree with you Ash. I've always believed, generally speaking, that a pitcher is/can be his best in his late 20's and early 30's because of experience/knowledge plus stuff, as long as the stuff doesn't suddenly go away. I don't know that Coors Field, by itself, can "ruin" a pitcher. But I do wonder if it can mess with their approach, and maybe rob them of confidence at times. It's the "this worked before, why isn't it working here"? I absolutely love what Ober has done this season for the Twins. For whatever reason, his FB just seems to be gone. But except for a few bad games, he's been largely effective for a rotation that needed him. And he's been throwing "old school" with location and deception. I have doubts the Twins will bring him back for 2027 though. Marquez might be toast. And I hope we don't need to rely on him. Visions of Dallas Keuchal (sp?) still run through my brain at times. BUT, if he can STILL hit 93-94, there MIGHT be something there to work with if he hasn't lost the feel for his other pitches. I have zero illusions he's some kind of steal. He was signed to a MILB deal for a reason. But he MIGHT be a better version of Keuchal if we need some emergency rotation help.

Maybe. And Maki and his staff do a hell of a good job bringing out the best in arms that have talent. But as I understand it, there isn't enough time, right after a trade, to just tweak the hell out of a veteran arm just acquired. But I have no doubt the Twins offered up a couple initial suggestions they believe can make him better. While Kremer is no stud, top of the rotation arm, I think we have to remember that they didn't trade for a guy with a 6 plus ERA. They traded for a pitcher who has a history of a high 3, low 4 ERA who's been pretty solid as a #4-5 SP, who had a similar ERA before a couple of blow ups just before the deadline. I have no doubt Maki and his staff have offered a couple tweaks in his repertoire and arm angle. But I think Kremer also deserves some credit for embracing those tweaks immediately, and just pitching closer to the pitcher he has been. When all is said and done, the "meh" of acquiring Kremer just might turn out to be a "hmmm...and we have him for 2027 also?". We still have a month and a half to go before the season is done. But if the Twins really did get the Kremer from the previous 4 seasons, and if Maki can tweak a couple of things to raise his game even a single notch, this will turn out to be a very solid traded for acquisition.

I tend to agree. Which is part of my point of what is most important, playing the best players, promoting top prospects to get ready for 2027, or holding on to a potential #2 catcher for next season. I mean, let's just say the Yankees, for example, decide Jackson is better than what they have. But whoever might grab him. He might be DFA'd again in the offseason. I believe, to this day, that the catcher position is undervalued. But is Jackson really so valuable they could've find a different #2 in the offseason? I did listen to the G&G podcast from Wednesday. And I honestly don't recall Gleeman stating Jackson was going to be dropped. I think it was more his opinion, matching my own, and not a report he was passing on. But I was driving at the time, and might have missed something.

I agree totally. And I hope we don't need him. But as @Greglw3stated, we've already seen that Maki and his staff are really good at what they do. If there's an arm that has hidden talent, they're really good at enhancing it. I sometimes wonder if the very quiet Maki isn't greatly under appreciated for the coach that he is. Marquez might just be toast after all of those years pitching at Coors Field. But 31 is not exactly old. I am NOT expecting crazy waiver wire street FA steal. But if there's still life in that arm of his, I think the Twins are one of the better teams to resuscitate such arms.

Well we know it's 1 of 2 options in Roden or Jackson. It might not be "fair" to send Roden down as I think he needs and deserves a little more runway. And I think the Twins would like to give it to him. And he's more useful than Jackson sitting as the #3 catcher. But it seems sort of natural to send Roden down, replacing 1 OF with another. I've been fairly impressed by Jackson. And I do think the Twins want to keep him for 2027 and are worried he might be grabbed off waivers by someone. Maybe they try to sneak him through in September when teams may be less likely to need/want to grab him? But with all due respect to him, are we really that concerned we can't trade for or sign a different #2 catcher in the offseason? Is that important to keep vs a more useful player like Roden? And there is the Jenkins and Rodriguez situation. One could be added by removing both Roden and Jackson, the other could be brought up September 1st. So yes, I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth. I'd rather give Roden more time. But I think long term thinking is important here. Removing both makes room for Buxton, and let's say Jenkins. And in a little over 2 weeks, we can bring Rodriguez up as the 14th position player without having to make a roster move. That also gives him a couple more weeks to ramp up at St Paul. Regardless, I think it's Roden going down, fair or unfair. But I still think risking losing Jackson to bring up Jenkins is still smarter than being worried we might lose Jackson.

Why not? St Paul isn't exactly flush with starters at the moment either. If someone went down tomorrow, I think it would probably be Rojas who came up first. Gallagher has been on a hot streak, but I doubt he's ready to make his debut yet. I had thought they might be on the lookout for someone to bring in. I had thought about Littel, but he would have to have been an immediate 40 man add, so that was pretty doubtful. So yeah, this signing makes sense. I just hope we don't need him.

OK, it's really ridiculous to try and quantify these trades so soon. But I'm willing to bite regardless. 1] I didn't like moving Jax, but the younger Bradley, and a SP, and how he's looked? Big win. Awesome that Jax has become a decent SP for Tampa. But I don't need to make a grade here. The Twins win. 2] Bader was traded for a LH HITTING MACHINE who can also get OB and has power potential? The only question is where does he fit? The BAT plays. But is he a DH only? Or can he learn to become a competent corner OF or 1B? Considering the future construction of the Twins roster, is he more valuable as a trade chip? Do we really need a grade here? The Twins won. 3] Paddack got moved for a young, low A catcher who has the potential to be a decent bat, with some pop/power and a strong arm with a good sense of how to call a game. He's looked good since he was aquired, but it's a major bummer he's hurt now. He probably projects as a really solid #2 at the ML level. But for an impending, mediocre FA pitcher, again a win for the Twins. **small note: If Paddack would get out of his own way and just accept a shot at being a full time RP, he might be able to continue his career.** 4] I became a fan of Correa for MANY reasons. And I find it almost absurd that removing him suddenly from the team was a positive? And I don't mean TD opinions. But I've read enough articles offering innuendo, that I start to wonder. REGARDLESS, the ONLY real problem here was NOT taking advantage of the $20M saved to re-invest in the 2026 Twins. Deciding to move on, let younger players play, and save $20M is fine. But the Twins might be leading the ALC today if that $20M was used on the bullpen. Oops, I forgot the ownership didn't know their payroll before TP took over. Sorry, I just couldn't resist a DIG! But the truth is, the $20M savings on the Correa deal MIGHT add to TP's promise for a greater payroll in 2027. So MAYBE there's a positive outcome here? Moving Lee to 3B, promoting K-Pepper and actually using that $20M next season? Maybe that turns out to be a win. No grade here because of YTB. 5] Castro for Gallagher and Armstrong is a positive IMO. I'm not sure how many readers and followers realize that Gallagher was a 6th round pick by the Cubs in 2024. He didn't debut until 2025, where he started at A+ and was moved very soon to AA. That's when the Twins got him. And while his numbers at AAA with St Paul are kinda nasty, he's really been very good his last few starts. And he's only in his 2nd professional season. He's probably a #4-5 SP option. But even that is a great outcome for a trade for a rental player. I honestly have no opinion on Armstrong at this point. But does it matter? The Twins got a potential back end SP for a couple months rental. Again, do we need a grade here? 6] Coulombe for Horn. OK, we traded a LHRP who's always been best for the Twins, more or less, for a flyer on a LH arm that might be his replacement with more upside. We haven't really seen much of horn so far due to injury. He's got a live arm if he's healthy again in 2027. He might surprise. But we didn't lose anything here. The Twins signed Rogers foe 1 more season. He's pretty much taken over the Coulombe role. And he's been better than his ERA overall. But this is kind of a "nothing to see here" unless Horn is healthy in '27 and starts to shine. This was a dart shot for a LH arm that MIGHT turn out in a couple of years. There's no winner here unless Horn is healthy and gets his act together. 7] Stewart for Outman was a joke from day 1. The Dodgers were HOPING to get a few quality IP before his arm fell off. Which it did. It doesn't matter that Stewart's arm fell off. The Twins LOSE this trade BIG TIME because the FO was so stubborn, so limited in thinking, dare I say stupid, that they didn't trust their OWN prospects vs a failed 28yo plus player who had no future You want a grade? This one is an F- if there is such a thing. It's debating who was in charge of this deal, but it doesn't matter. Its a throwaway deal anyway. Because Zole was in charge when ST happened. And he SHOULD have been smart enough in his new role to shove Outman aside and run with Rodriguez. He might have even kept Roden as a 4th OF. But should have KNOWN Rodriguez was ready, and out of options. And he SHOULD of followed the path of the Brewers, the Rays, and the Guardians to allow a top prospect to learn on the job. Instead he followed the Falvey BS idea of veteran depth and set the potential roster back months. So this is a clear F grade on how things were handled. And I lost immediate trust in Zole. 8] I'd rather have Duran and pay him, but I kinda understand this deal. IF the Twins actually signed a couple solid FA BP arms, this deal would make even more sense. The truth is Abel has looked like a potential stud top of the rotation arm before his injury. It's silly to give up on Tait with his bat, power, and strong arm so early as a 20yr old at A+. A healthy Abel looks like a potential rotation stud. By himself, he might make the Duran trade good. Tait, a couple years from now could be a powerful catcher or 1B. That's an outstanding return of a quality SP and a powerful catcher/1B option. I'm not going to put lipstick on a pig and say this was a great trade. But even if Tait doesn't turn out, but a healthy Abel comes back next season and builds on what he showed this season, it MIGHT make this trade at least neutral. A WIN if Abel reaches his potential. An even bigger WIN IF Tait reaches his BAT potential as a catcher or future 1B. I still think Abel is the key factor In this trade. 9] The Varland trade should have never happened. That's my F grade. Roden has a chance to be a solid 4th OF. And I can't deny the potential of Rojas. But is he the next Santana/Soriano, or is he just a very good, potentially dominate RP? BUT, Rojas has a chance to make an F turn out to be an A if the Twins figure out what to do with him.

You are correct about the Royals vs Culpepper. My bad! Since CJ Culpepper is a solid pitching prospect, I usually refer to Kaelen Culpepper as K-Pepper. It's also a really fun nickname, IMO.

Because when midnight struck, she was suddenly in "horror mode". And in horror movies, BBT. Forgive me gang, I didn't make this up. It's darkly funny. And if you've watched a collection of horror movies in your day, you will understand and laugh. But please don't kill the messenger here. BBT= Bitches Be Tripping. Again, darkly funny and I didn't make it up

I didn't watch the game today, so I can only speculate. While he wasn't exactly good, my guess is he was "gutting it out" for the sake of the team. 4 runs in 5 IP and 90 pitches isn't exactly good, but he did manage to keep the Twins in the game. I have little doubt that Matthews could be a fine RP. But pre foot injury, he had delivered something like 6 quality starts with a pair of clunkers. Or it might have been 7 of 9. Regardless, he's shown some real improvement this season. So I'm not ready to place him in the bullpen just yet. My impression is that currently he's out there for the team, hurting, not as effective as he wants to be, but doing the best he can. With Ryan back, I could see a temporary move to the pen to finish the season. That move won't fix his foot, but only throwing 1-2 innings might mitigate the pain somewhat, and allow him to still contribute. Rojas is the next man up. And the Twins are stretching him out. The kid has massive talent, and I'm still not sure where his future lies; exciting SP if he can get better control/command, or elite reliever. But currently, he's the next man up. After that, it's probably Gallagher. He's been throwing really well his last few starts, but he's really not ready for MLB yet. Anyone crazy surprised that we miss Parades being on the IL? Stuff happens. They really don't have a choice but to rely on Matthews for now. But maybe it's only 1 or 2 more starts for him to "gut it out" and do the best he can before Ryan comes back. THEN a decision could be made as to whether Matthews moves to the pen to help as best he can, or go back to St Paul. Remember, the AAA season goes longer than the rest of the system to mirror the ML season. And MILB also has a 7 game "reserve" list. So it's also possible Matthews could be sent down, placed on said reserve list for a healing rest, and still come back.

I stand by most of my previous comments. But to be fair, I realized I had forgotten Buxton should be back sometime in the near future. So indeed, someone other than Jackson has to go. Barring an injury, i suppose that's Roden, even though I don't think he deserves to be sent down yet. But it makes the most sense. My apologies for memory failure. I'll blame working in the heat today for a memory lapse. 😀

I was working and couldn't watch the game, so take some of my comments with a grain of salt. Matthews was, I believe, something like 6 of 8 starts as quality with 2 bad outings. And then he developed his cut/blister on his foot and hasn't been as good since. But the cupboard is basically bare now so he HAS to pitch. I'm guessing he was really gutting today's game out. Would anyone else agree to that? Really, really needed to take this series. The Twins are probably in the toughest part of their schedule right now. You don't get a W in your record for giving the Brewers all they could handle and probably giving that series away. The Phillies and Braves are no picnic. But something around .500 wouldn't be bad. CLOSE doesn't get you very far. But maybe they understand they have the ability to win some of those games if they just play clean ball? IIRC, the Twins actually have a winning record against AL teams. And once the Padres series is done, the rest of their schedule is all AL teams with the exception of a 3 game series against the Giants. And the vast majority of those games are against ALC teams. That means if they don't choke away the next couple of series, they really control their destiny for a WC, or even the ALC banner. Now, if they could just find a voodoo priest to remove whatever hold KC has over them this season....

All things being equal, I agree with Rodriguez coming up first for all of the stated reasons in the OP. Not only is he "ready" with his AAA production and a pretty solid spring, but the lack of options means he's got to get hus feet wet as much as possible THIS SEASON to get ready for next year. Unfortunately, he's just got back to St Paul for what, 2 games now? Surely he needs a couple weeks to get in a groove. Meanwhile, Jenkins could conceivably be up tomorrow. So while I say it SHOULD be Emma up first, it will probably be Jenkins. I have a soft spot where Roden is concerned even though he hasn't been very productive until today's win over the Orioles. But I like his general approach at the plate, and I think he's got a chance to be a solid platoon/4th OF. So I don't like seeing him go down. But does he even have to? It's time for Jackson to go down. Hopefully, post deadline, most teams are set and he goes unclaimed and we can keep him. But I am far more concerned with Rodriguez and Jenkins getting some time in '26 to get ready for '27 than I am potentially losing a decent, solid, but journeyman to be our #2 catcher next season. So bring Jenkins up. And we're only about 2 weeks from being able to add another player for September. By that time, Emma will have a couple weeks to get in a groove and bring him up then. So to me, it's probably a moot point as to who SHOULD be first. Jenkins is ready, and Rodriguez comes up September 1st. Issue solved, IMO.

I agree with the principle, if not the practice. I became a fan of Kreidler when I watched him play defense. And he surprised the hell out of me when he hit better at AAA than he had done before. And THEN he hit for the Twins WAY above what he had done before. He's popped some XB hits and stolen some bases. The guy is a BALLPLAYER, but he's also shown natural regression to the hitter he is. IF Kreidler can hit .200 ish, with some pop/power and his defense with a little speed he's what should be the 13th man. K-Pepper sets SS, with an obvious learning curve to give the kid a chance to settle in. Kreidler becomes a pretty valuable Utility Player. But he's NOT a daily player. The idea of versatility for position players is nothing new. All Newman was a super utility player and so was as was Punto. Defensive versatility is a good thing. As long as it makes sense. Lewis playing a little 2B as a former SS and 3B makes some sense for now. That could change in 2027 when Houston debuts. But for now, Lewis playing some 2B isn't a mistake. Keaschall learning and growing and even making some mistakes isn't overly eggriouas. It's part of his development. The Twins are adapting overall in the 2026 season. And I'm actually IN with most of the changes being made. BUT, Defensive flexibility only matters if the players can be competent. I like the idea of Kreidler's glove and decent speed and occasionally power as the 13th man. I Don't like him as a Castro replacement as his bat remains week. K-Pepper turns Kreidler in to a Super Utility player which is good. Personally, as much as I respect Kreidler, I'd love to see a competition next ST between him and Ross, who might not be as good with the glove, but better with the bat. Kreidler's glove helps everywhere, and I'm good with that overall. And he only helps with roster flexibility if he plays here and there. He DOESN'T need to play DAILY and that's on our manager and our FO. I'd love to keep Jackson around, but isn't he potentially replaceable next offseason vs holding down a roster spot right now? Forget roster flexibility when we have a 3rd catcher who isn't playing. YES, K-Pepper up changes things. Kreidler becomes a SU, which is what he should be. But we're still missing someone who might make a difference. I understand the Twins wanting to give a good look at Roden. I actually like him. But at some point, the FO HAS to look at Jenkins at this point. And Rodriguez is very close behind. And 2027 SHOULD HAVE BOTH Jenkins and Rodriguez in the OF. Not sure there's much of a choice. K-Pepper was only the first debut for what's coming! And even he might be moving to 2B soon, despite being a solid SS, with Houston in the wings. IF the Twins are smart enough, and brave enough, the FO will be challenged to do the right thing and follow blueprints other teams have already done.

It's not part of the OP, but since it was brought up in the comments, I do think there is a portion of fans that do ride certain players very hard. When HOPE of GREATNESS doesn't transform in to such, for whatever reasons, that projected HOPE turns to disappointment, and then disappointment turns to a frustrated anger. Think Gibson, Sano, Buxton, and Lewis. Is that fair? I think not. But I can understand it, even if I think it's misguided. I would refer back to @bean5302 post earlier where Lewis has clearly been a different hitter since he came back up. NOT to be condescending, but Lewis had been on a low road for about a year and a half before his demotion. Did that provide a new perspective and maturity as a person, or player, or both? Did he have fun with St Paul and remember that he actually loves the game? So mentally AND emotionally, did that reset give him a new approach and bring back his confidence? Is it a combination of all of those things? One thing Lewis has never been lacking is work ethic and confidence. But when you have to work SO HARD due to injuries, and your game doesn't come so easily any longer, and your confidence wavers, you end up with the Lewis for about a year and a half. Regardless of exactly WHAT transpired in his head and heart during his demotion, he's been a solid, competent hitter since he came back. And he seems to have a "determined" attitude to be the best 1B he can be...which I think he can be excellent with time and repetition...as well as being an occasional 2B, which is OK usage IMO for now at least. Almost ALL players go through hot streaks. They also go through cold streaks as well. It's part of a 6 month plus season. And it's awesome that Lewis is hot right now, especially with Buxton out and a couple other players struggling a bit. But Lewis absolutely WILL NOT carry the team. That's just a falacy or fantasy that ONE GUY can carry a team. What the Twins need from Lewis is CONSISTENCY for the rest of 2026 and the future. It's ENTIRETY possible that Lewis, at 27yo has FINALLY "figured it out" as a hitter. Maybe he's even recognized that he doesn't HAVE to be Superman! To say a player has finally matured isn't an insult. It's acceptance of ability, but recognition that not only he doesn't have to be perfect, but just recognizing he can still be good, or great, without having a greatness burden. I'd like to think Lewis has FINALLY figured that out. I'd also like to believe that he's matured enough to realize a couple bad days also don't define him. I love Lewis at 1B and think he can be outstanding there with a little more time. But he's more than athletic enough to play a little 2B here and there until the INF really settles down in 2027. Look again at his numbers since he came back from his demotion. He's a legitimate 20 plus HR bat with good DBLS and a few SB. He's on an upturn currently. But if he SETTLES as a .270 AVG hitter with a .325 OBP and 25 HR and 30plus DBLS, would you be disappointed? A hot streak is awesome. But I want a CONSISTENT Lewis, even if his numbers are only borderline All Star.