DocBauer

I was a no until I saw increased velocity, weak contact (mostly) and a few K's his last time out. Like others, I am now on the fence. If the Twins are thinking a 4 man rotation, then I think he should be an opener and just go all out for 2-3 IP. Otherwise, I agree a middle guy who starts an inning clean.

WHAT A SEASON! I predicated 80+ wins with a shot at 92-93 if a few things broke right. I am happy as can be that I was both right and wrong! This has been one of the most fun and fantastic season's I have ever experienced as a lifelong fan of my beloved Twins! I want 100 wins! I want the Bomba record! Yes, OF COURSE I want the magic to continue and win at least one series if not "the whole damn thing". But in full honesty, right now, no matter what happens, I am pleased and happy and just GLOWING in the season OUR Twins have had. No matter what happens, never let us forget what a tremendous season and ride this team has taken us on!

Lots of great opinions, so I will throw mine in as well. I agree with the premise of a 12 man staff. And I also agree Littell is a GIVEN. *Note on Littell: I have already decided he is a mainstay for the pen, and a good one, for the next few seasons. He is no longer the inexperienced and nervous starter who just didn't look ready in 2018. But I forget about how young he is and guys who got their feet successfully wet in the pen before transitioning back to the rotation. Am I/we selling him short for 2020??? Regardless, he's a given for the playoffs. GIVENS: Berrios Odorizzi Rogers May Duffey Romo Littell Dobnak If you don't think what we have seen from him, especially after the Pineda suspension, and think Dobnak is not a lock, especially for a bullpen game or two, then one of us is either nuts or out of touch. ALMOST GIVENS: Stashak Perez Smeltzer Stashak lacks experience, as do a few others on this list. But nobody can discount how well this kid has done. In fact, the only reason he doesn't have more appearances and IP on the season is because he rode the Rochester shuttle to bring in a fresh arm when needed. At some point, the Twins will need a second LH arm out of the pen. But, they also may need length at some point as well. Smeltzer and Perez can both fall in to this category. Smeltzer has PERFORMED in whatever situation he has been brought in to. I think his future is pretty bright, but Perez has more experience. We can bang on Perez all we want after his hot start, but after a brutal stretch, he has been better to close out the year. By no means great, but better. And he remains good against LH batters. Is there room for both? I'm not so sure. ALSO: Gibson Graterol Thorpe Let me make this clear, I LOVE the potential of Thorpe! And I love the glimpses I have seen of him. I believe he could be an outstanding RP as early as 2020 but that would be very short sighted as I think he has SP stuff and potential. And right now, crunch time, he is behind Perez and Smeltzer. Despite allowing a run the other night, I was surprised what I saw from Gibson the other night out of the pen. He was throwing 94-96 and most of hits allowed were weak or against the shift. He brings experience in a variety or roles. But is he healthy and strong enough to do that NOW come playoff time? Graterol, IMO, has a great career ahead of him. I laugh at times when some talk about him moving to the pen. You just don't do something like that with an arm and potential he has. But we are talking about contributions NOW, this year. We have seen him not yet ready, and we have seen him look outstanding. Are the Twins ready to ride this SSS in to the post season and hope for lightening? Gibson vs Graterol is your 12th arm unless they decide to leave off one of Perez or Smeltzer.

1] Chalmers is exactly the kind of flier this FO should have picked up. Re-built arm, new lease on life, new organization, he could be gone after 2020. But he could also gain better control and finish next season rocking AA ball and be in the conversation for 2021. 2] With all of his athleticism and pure potential, I love Lewis moving around in the AFL. It has nothing to do with his potential as a SS. So young, and with all his gifts, he might be rough around the edges, but the ability to play SS is absolutely there. But Polanco continues to grow and develop at SS. And I don't care about metrics anybody wants to spout. The simple fact is he is still young, still growing in to the position, and still improving. If Lewis turns out better, FINE. But the Twins will find room for Lewis. He could turn out to be an outstanding 3B with Sano moving to 1B/DH/backup 3B. When I first mentioned Lewis moving to 3B last season as a possible outcome, some told me it would be a waste of talent. Huh? To me that's like saying Machado or A-Rod playing 3B is a "waste". Makes no sense to me. Tabling the idea of Lewis moving to CF to replace Buxton at some point...a maybe, but with other CF options in the system who are intriguing...Sano is fine at 3B, and probably going to continue to improve. Ditto for Polanco at SS. Then you have Arraez at 2B. Unless traded, how about Gordon at SS or 2B, or a fine utility option. Further down the list, Javier at SS/3B. Does Bechtold figure in here somewhere the next year or two? The point being, you put the best players on the field and where they can perform the best. Haven't we all seen how much positional flexibility matters to a team? Nothing wrong with having an uber-talented infield and moving guys around.

1] Rosario frustrates at times but damn is he fun, entertaining and GOOD! A "feeling good" and hot Rosario, Cruz, Sano, etc, and a nursed and ready Kepler is so important. 2] Dobnak is NOT Les Straker because Straker had a full, mediocre but solid season. Dobnak doesn't have that. And while maybe I'm just drinking the right flavor of Kool Aid...or something else...i actually think Dobnak is better. He is not just a fun story at this point. I think we could say the same things about Smeltzer, but this kid just knows how to pitch, seems to have pretty decent stuff, fine control, and just doesn't show fear. Now, is he ready for prime time playoff action??? IDK. TBD. But at this point, while I think I feel more confident in him next season, I wouldn't bet against him at least being solid in the playoffs, even if he's part of a bullpen game. BUT, his story is just crazy fun and good, right? 3] Cleveland down by 2 as I write this. We could clinch tonight. What I want is everyone to play, stay sharp, audition where needed, rest where needed etc, but selfishly, I want 2 more wins in the final 4 games for 100! 4] Selfish yet again, long ball anomaly season or not, I want the Bomba record!

Just going to echo a lot of what has already been said. HEALTHY for the next 5 years or so, I would pick Buxton over Sano in a close call due to speed and defense. And that's with Buxton maintaining what he was showing this season and not improving offensively, which is something a fully expect a healthy Buxton ro do; improve offensively. I think Sano is just starting to hit his stride. I don't know that the Cruz comparisons are out of line at all, though he may not match the pure OB part of such a comparison. Again, this is a very, very close call to me. It would be easy to pick Sano as to which of them WILL be more valuable due to health concerns and just being on the field. But both of them have had injuries over the past couple of years. I just want both of them healthy for 140 games per beginning in 2020 and not argue about which great player is better than the other.

Hate to pile on the kid, but very disappointed in Romero. His stuff is HARD and NASTY, both FB and slider. His stuff has real life and good movement. But it has to be thrown for strikes more often to actually do anything. Watching him it looks like he's trying to spot the ball instead of keeping it in the zone and letting the natural movement take over. A lot of better and more experienced eyes here than mine. It just looks like "don't think, just throw the ball" might go a long way here.

And a belated Happy Birthday to you sir.

Despite his immense talent and potential, I never really saw him helping in the post season. He's adjusting to ML hitters and the ML ball in a very short period of time. Looking not so great last night is part of his very SSS. That being said, Gibson's illness now has me thinking he may make the post season roster as a wild card option, hoping he can get hot. He absolutely needs to be a SP come 2020. Working on "pitching" in general and a 3rd offering...whatever that pitch may be...is important. Between 6 man rotation options, skipped starts, and even some bullpen time, I see no reason he can't jump to 120IP or so in 2020. I hadn't honest thought about his being in the Twins pen and transitioning like Santana did. Didn't Liriano do the same??? I guess that is for ST to determine, ML level or Rochester to begin the season. As far as injury, IMO only, it's about being a large, strong young man growing in to his body. He was simply not this tall or filled out when the Twins signed him. Not even close.

Was thinking the same thing last night. Never saw so many contributions from young pitchers happening this year, and certainly not those guys. And let's not forget some nice work by Thorpe and even Poppen before he got hurt.

Not going to talk about Gibson as there is a whole new thread about that, along with one I posted, and a 3rd about being done with him. Enough! Bombas are great! But Thorpe's 4 IP were solid. Not great, but solid. His ERA doesn't show it, but if you have actually watched him pitch, this kid has stuff and potential. He could help in the post season, potentially, and I'd bet he could be a great RP for 2020. But it would be so much smarter to have him as a rotation candidate for next year.

Nick, I absolutely love this piece! I have argued for some time about Gibson, and his career, and have often felt be has been a victim of expectation. Understand, this is NOT me tooting my own TD horn, but I wrote a piece in the Forum days ago that seemed to fall on deaf ears. Were I a bit more computer say, I might include the link here. I also wonder if my post might have lead to your post. No ego, just wondering. Gibson is not only a good guy, and a good Twin, but he is simply not the poor pitcher some have made him out to be. A few moments of search will show that. Early 30's, coming off the best 1 1/2yrs of his career, he was poised to help lead the rotation for this team. But illness, double illness, possibly related, he gutted out a ML average performance before running out of gas. Whatever happens for Gibson tomorrow, I pray and hope for 2 things: 1] Control of his ailment, whether it means diet and medication allows him to continue his career with the Twins or somewhere else, or retire and move forward with his life. 2] People will actually look at his career numbers honestly and objectively and realize that he really was, over all, a pretty good MLB SP, and not a disappointment for speculation.

#2 on my list. He has a long way to go, but looks like the pure stuff is there to be a major steal. Better control, fresh and healthy 2020, he finishes at AA???

Dyson will be back and I'd be willing to bet healthy and looking like his old self. Old self meaning the first half of this season as well. I think there is a very good chance Romo is back on a 1yr deal. And I'd have no problem with that. He is experienced, effective and performing well. He also seems to be a clubhouse guy. (Added bonus). Rogers Dyson Duffey May Romo Littell Stashak/Poppen/Alcala That leaves room for a LH as the 8th man. Smeltzer and especially Thorpe could maybe fill that role. (Thorpe has the better SO stuff). But both should remain in the rotation for 2020. Graterol should and will also be a SP in 2020. Need to find a quality LH from somewhere and I'd be very happy with what is on hand now for next season.

Think I have my eye on Raley more than anyone else. He had a nice 2018 and was off to a great start this season in Rochester before his injury. Had he not gotten hurt, I think he may have been up with the Twins the year over Cave.

I blame the entire TV broadcast crew for almost losing the game. You NEVER put up graphics and wax poetically how good something or someone is because inevitably it will lead to something awful happening soon after. Don't these guys know anything about baseball???

Generally speaking, I like the lineup in the original OP with caveat of moving Cron in at 1B, Marwin to RF and Cave to the bench simply depending on individual matchups/history and who is hot. I like Arraez in the #1 spot and I think he ends up there eventually. I think there are 2 reasons he hasn't been there much this year: 1] Kepler has done excellent and had his breakout season so why mess with a good thing at this point? 2] Arraez does such a great job knocking guys in, moving runners and setting the table in a.mid to lower spot that he's almost a second lead off hitter. At this point, I stick with what's worked, save the possible Cron-Marwin-Cave swap mentioned.

I'm not putting a lot of stock on the poor bullpen outing for Gibson. He isn't used to preparing that way and he had pitched a few days before that. I do, however, put a lot if stock in what he does his next time or two out. I lean to him to be a starter with a short leash based on being RH and a veteran. Seems to me Perez is better as an extra pen arm, even if he looks good his next time or two out. And except for a really bad clunker, he's looked much better as of late. I'm starting to like Dobnak, but would he be better as a 4th SP option? Not really using only 3 SP are we?

I gave to go with Kepler in a very narrow win over Cruz. I do so because his numbers have been amazing, consistent and he has been clutch. Not to mention excellent defense, which included a primary position switch due to Buxton's injury If Cruz had missed just a little less time, I probably would have gone with him even without playing a position just because I think he's made such a difference in the clubhouse, in the dugout and the lineup.

One thing I wonder about is Rogers' stats being skewed somewhat due to 4+ plus batters faced, and sometimes 2IP earlier in the season. I also wonder, as bad as some of the stats listed above appear to be, how do they compare to the rest of MLB? Arguments have raged for years about pitching, both SP and BP. Statistics can be played many ways, both pro and con. Maybe the Twins pen is horrible with no days rest. Maybe its average or well above average compared to the rest of the league. And that's what is missing here. Just like, the Twins rotation is nothing special and maybe even poor. Except, they have been mostly healthy and pitched amongst the ,leaders in GS, IP, etc. Even when we KNEW the pen needed arms for the long haul, the numbers indicated they were still OK. And then kids came up and did well and a couple trades were made, and the numbers indicate the pen is still good. Or am I just missing something?

Mentioned in another thread that when you look at what Ober has accomplished, you can't help but be stunned and optimistic as hell. But the injury factor can't be discounted. I have to think there is SOMETHING about his height and/or build that has contributed. Maybe its bad luck. But I sure am hoping this FO, and new training staff and methods, and all the analytics they have at their disposal, will indicate he needs weight training, Pilates, yoga, SOMETHING, to find the right balance he needs to just be healthy and pitch every 5 days. It sure seems there is something pretty special here if they can keep him on the mound. Because when he is...WOW!

Hello, my name is Byron, and I'm a Twins fan and Twins milb fan. (This where everyone know inclined to say "hello, Byron, lol) I love the prospect lists as well as the monthly and year-end lists! And I thank everyone for all the time, effort and thought that goes in to daily reports and these special lists. #1] I am ashamed to admit that when I looked at past winners I had totally forgotten Oswaldo Arcia and who he was. Just not like me. #2] I completely understand and appreciate that these hear end lists are NOT a prospect ranking. So when I read said lists, and the performances of pitchers and hitters listed, and I DON'T see top prospect names listed due to injuries and the such, it makes me feel all the mkre warm and fuzzy about the depth of tne system. I have no problem with Larnach as #1, but agree Davis would be there with more time in the system. I am both excited and chagrined when I look at what Wiel did this season, and his steady but under the radar progress through the system, and wonder not only if their is a place for him on the roster in the future, but whether there is even room for him on the 40 man. Going to agree with Mike that I think Jeffers is on a fast track. I don't know about next season as there is not only his bat to continue improving, but his catcher skills as well. From day 1 I've heard the FO likes him behind the plate. If their love is substantiated, what a surprise steal he may turn out to be! Just wanted to comment a bit on honorable mention Blenkenhorn. From the outside looking in following him from day 1, I see a very talented ballplayer who has yet to put it all together. Despite steady progress and development, be remains a player without a position. The potential to play 2B and 3B seems to be there. He seems to be solid in the OF as well. The TALENT is there to play almost anywhere. And I understand part of the milb process is working guys in different places to increase their value and find their best spot, eventually. And versatility is important. But I sometimes wonder if a player can be moved around too much. I have made comments in different threads that I believe the Twins organization has enough depth EVERYWHERE, that they could hold on to their top 4 prospects and STILL make a very attractive package of prospects to a team looking to trade a quality SP in a re-build. While I am not anxious to move Blenkenhorn, we're I a potential trade partner, this is one prospect I'd have my eye on. By no measure has he arrived yet, but there is just so much athleticism and potential available that he could be really nice in a year or two.

Great write up Parker! Agreed he is hurting, but also agree his ding is probably affecting him more in the field and on the base paths. Of course, perhaps it is robbing him of "drive" to power up on balls he hits solidly. That I don't know. He wants so badly to do well and be good that I'd like to think his ego would step aside in order for him to be at least a little more discerning. But, I'd also like to think the Twins have seen the same things as presented here. Has it simply not "clicked" in his head yet? Very reminiscent of Sano a couple months ago. And we see how that turned out. Come on Eddie! Bomba!

Run of just rotten luck as of late. But we are expecting better health for the weekend, we are on the road, it's a big series and we are due. I'm going to say we take 2! Brandish that Hello Kitty underwear boys and let the bombas fly!! (Really curious to see how the staff stacks up on Saturday)

What I also find interesting/exciting is I would have bet real money that at LEAST 1 of the 4 honorable mentions would have been in the top 5! Great season for SP! And this is with Gonsalves (mostly) missing the season, Wells missing the season, Wells just coming back, Graterol missing time, etc. I would think...which Seth has echoed...that with more IP Ober would have been the top dog here.