DocBauer

You could have and should have done a "ditto" for Larnach in reference to Kirilloff. I think disappointment leads to speculation and hope that one of these guys could somehow replace Kepler or Rosario. Come on! But the Rooker opinion is smart and right on. He has to be added to the 40 man after this season. Isn't there some move available to do so now? I hate his age discussion! Not everyone is a 21-23yo prospect ready to come up and kill it. There are a plethora of guys who are 24-25 when they are ready and do well. And as stated, he adjusted to AAA after a few weeks...which has been his constant...and did well before injury. No offense to Wade, who is "struggling" for opportunity/consistency, but he is behind Cave. Rooker should absolutely get a shot as a RH bat at this point. I don't think Vargas was a bad cash acquisition. I don't think he is a bad ballplayer. He might even have a future here. But I would say that with Arraez fighting through a bad knee, even with Donaldson coming back, maybe it's time for Blankenhorn to get his shot. He's already on the 40 man, has shown flashes, and can fill in at several spots.

I gave ZERO doubt the short ramp up has affected our hitters. I say that with confidence based not on simple speculation, but we've seen MANY good hitters across baseball struggle or start slow. But what jumps out to me is a couple things I've heard recently. Gleeman spoke on the podcast a couple days ago that many of the normal statistics in regard to last season are surprisingly the same. (Skipping details). There was also a comment that Rowson leaving didn't change the central philosophies already in place, FWIW. I caught part of the Tuesday pre-game with an interview with a ML reporter...forget who now...who stated many of the same things. But he stated a couple key points that caught my attention. 1] For whatever reasons, Kepler and Rosario are FAR behind their previous production against LHP. When Buxton, Garver and Donaldson are out, that difference becomes magnified when Schoop and Cron numbers are considered from last season. 2] I don't recall the exact numbers, so forgive me. But he essentially stated the Twins were seeing something like 10-15% fewer FB than last season. So the opposition has adapted so the Twins hitters were now needing to adapt. He felt the Twins hitters had the ability to do so...maybe playing to his audience, maybe not...and also commented how few total AB each player had. This meaning, in a normal year, slumps and adjustments would normalize. I agree. The problem is, we have about a month left in the rest of THIS season. So it may not be coaching. It may not just be health and attrition. It may be more about who can make adjustments the most quickly.

Agree with Ash that I think you might have meant post season. But we are on the same page. I don't know how we possibly fit Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker all in sometime soon. At least there is no reason or pressure to have to do so now, or in 2021. Lewis can be thrown in there too, but positionally speaking it's a different story, of course. But despite disappointment this far, does cutting someone from the 40 man to bring up a rookie like Larnach or Kirilloff or Rooker INSTEAD of Kepler or Rosario really make the team better??? I get Cave being really disappointing. In disappointed to. We're seeing the first half of 2019 version of Cave, not the 2nd half version, or even the 2018 version. But his defense has been much improved and has allowed Kepler to remain in RF. That's not small. On the 40 man, talented, given a long look in ST, I would be in favor or Blankenhorn getting a shot at 2B, and other spots, to give Arraez a break and see if his bat could help.

Agree on Lewis. To me, he is untouchable based on talent, potential, and his HEALTHY end to the season in the AFL. He could end up at SS or 3B and MAYBE at CF. (Betting he stays in the infield). I believe he comes up initially due to injury somewhere. I believe he plays multiple spots as a super utility player because he can. Going to disagree on Jeffers. Astudillo, I believe, may not be ramped up just yet. Regardless, the Twins believe in his defense. I think their belief has been warranted from what we've seen this far. And they believe he has the ability to at least survive if not contribute with the bat.

Well, I guess it's settled. Reiff is back. That might be a good thing? At least it provides continuity for a team with ZERO proven at G. Apparently, if Reiff declined, O'Neill would be the LT and Udoh and Hill would fight at RT. Presumably, Ckeveland would be developed and see what happens next year. I think it's a forgone conclusion Reiff will be gone in 2021 and there will be more changes. Nothing against Reiff, and I hate to shake things up so close to the beginning of the season, but part of me wishes they would/could have begun the transition now.

I am very glad to have Lewis, as well as Kirilloff, Larnach, Rooker, Duran Jeffers and others working out, working with coaches, scrimmaging as best they can vs sitting home and working out on their own. But asking them, or expecting them, to basically skip from AA ball to MLB without actually playing real games during a real season is really panning for fools gold isn't it? The Twins felt Jeffers was the best option to replace Garver. He's been OK so far, which I think to be huge praise. Feeling the other prospects aren't ready to come up and make a difference doesn't demean their value or potential at all. Jts just saying "are they really better than what is on hand, despite some struggles taking place?" I think the answer is "not yet". Now, Rooker, older and with success at AAA, I could make an honest arguement for. He also has to be added next off-season as well. I could also honestly argue that Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, could be a viable option to look at in the infield. He had a decent ST, IIRC. But again, is be ready for the jump? Maybe jts worth a shot. The guy I feel bad for is Gordon. We probably don't acquire Vargas if Gordon was healthy. He missed a shot last year, and he's missing a shot now,

Speculation is always fun, and your team actually making a move brings out debate and hope and conversation. But I never really expected much to happen and I'm OK it didn't. And while I haven't gone line by line through everyone that did get moved today, I really don't see anyone of great value that would have made a difference. (Leaving Clevinger out if the discussion as that never would have happened anyway.) Look, I'm in favor of good and aggressive moves to help the Twins. And I'm OK sending out some quality prospects for addition. Maeda, for example, has been great, even though it cost a big arm for the pen. But pen depth hasn't been a problem, it's been injuries and a team out is sync right now. I don't see much of anything moved today that would have made any difference. Well, let me take tbat back slightly and say I still think Pillar would have been smart. He would have given us a decent, experienced RH bat who could platoon with Cave or Wade at worst. There are no guarantees, of course, but coming back...reportedly...are Donaldson, Buxton, Odorizzi, Smeltzer and Pineda. Not sure what to think about Littell. Is he snakebit this year or is there something deeper going on? But how do you top having those guys back? Where is the room even for someone else unless it was BIG move that nobody made. (Again, except for Clevinger). This is still the same pundits and we fans loved so much to begin the year. I think you ride it out and hope/expect guys to simply perform to reasonable expectation.

Want to take a moment to also reflect on a few more spots. CB: IF what we are hearing is true, this spot will be young, inexperienced, and make mistakes. But it is LOADED with talent and potential! There are even a couple of guys who could, hopefully, slip though waivers and make the PS with potential. S: I remain worried that $ will prevent us from keeping Harris beyond this year. And that would a shame as well as provide a huge hole going forward. The Parker signing could/should help with depth. I'm hearing Metellus looks OK. But I'm still a little worried here. WR: A healthy Thielen is a stud. Most WR, even super talented ones usually need some time to develop and really fit in. Jefferson is uber talented and early reports are he looks good...never forget he had ZERO rookie camp or OTA's...and he should at least contribute and help. My greatest optimism has been Kubiak fully in charge now and utilizing all available talent to the best of their ability. I have no illusions that Johnson will become a stud. But he impressed me as a rookie. "Reports" are that he has really grown and developed nicely. I hope this is true. I still see his ceiling as a very good #3, but there is tremendous value in that! Sharpe is big, long, has some experience, has talent, and could be OK, especially with a change of scenery. But unless I have missed something, I haven't heard any glowing reports. I HAVE heard what SEEM to be glowing reports about Beebe and Hollins. But we've heard good reports about Beebe before and then we see either injury or nothing. Third time is the charm? Hollins is interesting to me due to length and athleticism and a great career at a lower level. They thought enough of him to keep him and play him last year. And the Vikings have an interesting and amazing history of finding and developing WR talent that are late round picks or rookie FA. Witness Thielen and Diggs as just a couple examples. I've heard little to nothing about Osborn or anyone else. That may mean nothing at all considering no camps, no preseason games and limited media access. I remain scared and skeptical about the WR position, but guardedly optimistic they may be putting together a decent crew here. OL: This concerns and borderline scares me, but fills me with confusing optimism. Reif is nothing but experienced and average. All of us know he's gone after this season unless he suddenly takes a step forward. But be should be servicable for one more year, especially with a 2nd year in this offense and with the OL coaching in the system. I have very high hopes for Bradbury. O'Neill is already a stud and should be a Pro Bowl player soon. Elflein should NOT be counted on at this point. But I do get no camps to work with other options so you are going to trust in experience at this point. I DO LIKE the mkv3e to RG. His run blocking is at least decent. With O'Neill next to him, and on the right side, his pass blocking should be at least a little better. SHOULD be being the key word. Left guard is a mess! Dozier is a decent fill in guy. Collins has talent and some potential, but has always been injured just as it looked like he might take a step forward. Where is Samia in this conversation? Is he suffering from no off-season camps? Or did we blow his selection? Udoh has so much potential the Vikings kept him on the active roster rather than losing him to someone else trying to sneak him to the PS. But like Samia, where is he? I won't give up on Samia at this point. Absolutely won't give up on the potential of Udoh. The optimistic part of me goes beyond hope of Elflein suddenly being productive again and some miracle for LG. My optimism is the Vikings OL will at least survive 2020. I am very hopeful for Cleveland next season as Reif will be gone. (Still confused about him playing LG right now). Still hoping for Samia and Udoh to take a step forward sooner or later. But I think Hinton will end up being a late round steal after a year of development. Guy has amazing talent and potential. I have a hunch Lacina will become a quality depth piece and was a great rookie FA signing. Brandel could become a multi position backup with time. It's really sad and scary to think the OL could be better next season after a year of development and progress from a large group of youngsters. But I'm hoping for the best for 2020 and have at least some optimism for 2021.

Fun to have something interesting to talk about Vikings wise. The trade for Ngakoue is surprising to me, despite some speculation. He replaces Griffen, and puts Odenigbo in to the 3rd DE spot for now. Tremendous! And the trade cost is a borderline steal! I am worried about the financial implications going forward not only in regard to Cook, but the prosoects of losing Harris as well. Let's not forget that the salary cap is in serious question of actually lowering next season. And is Hunter going to need a re-worked deal soon also? But for now...WOW! I'm really mixed about DT. For whatever reason, the coaches love and believe in Stephen at NG, even though some believe the younger Johnson played pretty well there as a reserve last season and may be starting to take a step forward. But at least Shamar isn't playing the 3 spot any longer. Really, really hoping Watts and Lynch push Johnson HARD at the 3 and maybe the younger and more athletic Johnson pushes Shamar out of the NG spot. Mata'afa shows rezl potential as a reserve, but was poorly used last season as a pass rush NG option. But with the sudden depth at DE, is there even room for Mata'afa on the roster? I love this move and embrace it even though it concerns me financially for the salary cap next season. But the DL got better today!

Listen.....do you hear that? Of course you don't. What you are NOT hearing is a Twins batter, other than Cruz, making hard contact and hitting a ball somewhere they ain't. Look, I'm one of the biggest and most devoted Twins fans you will ever find. And I have been for over 45yrs through thick and thin, through static fill radio broadcasts and milb news through publications no longer in existence to the advances in internet access. And I remain an eternal optimist always. But this team is just not in sync right now. Period. Yes, 2020 is weird with ST 1.0 and 2.0 and illness and injury and a short, weird season. But it's that way for all teams. And I fully appreciate the guys missing via injury right now. But the talent on the field and mound vs the Tigers was still better and still good enough to win. But other than Cruz and Sano, nobody is producing at the plate. Yes, Cave and Marwin and Adrianza have been leaned on more than expected. But each has proven to be better than what we are seeing. I'm not going to get down on Dobnak after one bad start, or May and Duffey having one bad day. The timing sure stunk though. I am NOT in favor of the team doing anything to sacrifice the future...whatever it holds considering there are financial pitfalls the next few years and serious labor situations to work through...bht I'm OK making some smart moves if available. The rumored Bundy interest could make huge sense since he helps now and 2021. I read an interesting notion this past week that the Red Sox could be an interesting trade partner for Pillarm who would cost next to nothing as a veteran rental to help in the OF and provide insurance for Buxton as well as a veteran RH bat. The article proposed a larger trade, however, for Pillar and either RHRP Barnes, or perhaps LHRP Josh Taylor who has multiple years of control left. I could get behind this kind of seemingly low leverage trade in either suggestion; Pillar or a Pillar and Taylor move. Again I can get behind Bundy as well, as long as the cost makes sense, as we have an extra year of control. Vargas for cash was an OK move. He's an OK player who is no Adrianza with the glove, but could, maybe have a future depending on Gordon getting and staying healthy. But it cost nothing but $. But I have little belief that Gordon will be ready to contribute until 2021 with his late start this year. Is it time to let Blankenhorn, already on the 40 man, get a shot to help at 2B and 3B? Getting back home could help. Donaldson coming back could provide a huge jolt even if he takes a few games to get in a groove. (Also allows Marwin and Adrianza to be role players). But some kind of spark is needed right now. There is no dance party instigator or naked locker room walker on the roster. But there is talent and unity and professionalism all around. But someone needs to step forward. Sometimes a team needs to be tweaked, whether it be lineup, usage, a trade, a call up, whatever. But this team is just too good and too talented to not step up. Doesn't mean a trade or two can't make this team even better or provide that spark.

Just to clear, the Twins biggest needs are getting their own guys back first and foremost. Honestly, a week from now, Pineda, Donaldson, Buxton, Garver, Stashak, Odorizzi and Littell back could jump start the entire team in various ways. Secondly, someone not named Cruz or Sano suddenly producing at the plate from the healthy bodies on hand would also help tremendously. I still don't believe anyone, including the Twins, will pull off a MAJOR trade that produces headlines. But it doesn't mean you can't tweak the team. I like Cave quite a bit as a 4th OF. He brings a lot to the table in that role. And I've been impressed by his defensive improvement. But his bat has been ice cold. I know he's been facing a lot of LH pitching of late, but he just looks lost. I think a veteran RH bat like Pillar makes so much sense, and should come cheap. I don't think the Twins NEED another RP, but if they are going for it, then why not hedge your bets and make another inexpensive Dyson/Romo move like last year? There are various possibilities listed here on TD articles, and there have been package ideas floated on various sites about a package deal with Boston for a higher return. Not sure any INF help is really needed if reports of Donaldson feeling good and about to join the team are true. But if there is a solid piece out there that can help, and maybe even has another year or two of control, it should at least be considered. Again, I don't believe any WOW moves are coming in 2020 for anyone. And IMPO, I wouldn't look to trade anyone in the top 20 prospect wise. But I don't think you have to, unless there is a good package deal available. The system is deep enough to offer up some solid, lower level talent for improvement. Again think Dyson and Romo last year. I think added depth and options are warranted. A spark is definitely needed. But I still don't see a top prospect trade for a difference maker WOW trade taking place. Doesn't mean you can't improve.

Going to state the obvious, I'm not happy. The sky is NOT falling and winning 2 on Sunday will make everyone feel better. As would ripping off about 4 or 5 wins in a row. I forgive Dobnak for having a bad game. I can forgive/excuse May and Duffey for having an off day the same day. And I'm not trying to be insulting, but this is Detroit we are talking about! Donaldson, Buxton and Garver are out. We are not the only team with injuries. The lineup we are putting out there is not maximum, and not what anyone wants, but it's still more talented than the opposition. The lineup is simply not performing well lately, at all! I think the FO has done a great job of building this team and the organization as a whole. I think they have done a great job from the ML level on down in regard to managers, coaches, instructors and advisors. But did losing Rowson really affect the hitters this much? Is there something else going on here? I'm hoping this is a blip. But to see the talented players on hand flail and not perform lately to any expectation or previous production is frustrating and unexpected.

More or less, I think you are just about spot on. My biggest disappointments in the 60 game season has been so few games against the NLC, and too many games against the same ALC opponents bunched together. Why on earth couldn't the divisional games have been spread out more for each half? I'm still holding out hope for 40 wins with some guys coming back healthy.

1] 3 batter minimum: Of course, it's not quite that simple as a pitcher can also finish an inning. I don't know that I've seen many examples yet where it grossly affected a game. Of course, the Twins have a great pen so my perspective may be skewed. I do like not having multiple delays from multiple pitching moves mid inning. The game does seem to flow better. Come to think of it, while you do PH here and there, batters often have to adjust during the game to different pitchers. Maybe this is a natural change to the game. 2] DH: I've wanted this for years. It will be more interesting going forward when NL teams find their true DH hitters. Never liked pitchers flailing/failing. There isn't a lot of great strategy in asking someone to sacrifice because they have little to no chance of being productive at the plate. Double switch? You deplete your bench and delay the inevitable. 3] 7 inning double headers: I accept it for 2020 but don't like it. Milb is still more about development than just winning. And milb is about long bus rides and not 1st class travel and 1st class hotels. MLB also allows for an extra player to be added. (Perhaps it should be 2)? 7 inning double headers for 2020 only. 4] Runner on 2B for extra innings: Hate it. See all the reasons above in regard to milb having the rule. But this is MLB! It messes with the integrity of the game, IMO. However, I'm willing to listen for the 12th inning on. But the game should be played as normal for at least a couple of innings. 5] Expanded rosters: I loved the idea of a 26 man roster, but support a 27 man roster more. The biggest reason is pitching. There aren't enough good arms to be had for 30 teams and I despise a 3 man bench to carry extra arms. Very glad MLB was smart enough to keep the roster at 28 for the rest of this season. *6] Limited "September" expanded roster: Not even sure how this plays out for 2020. But restricting call ups to just a couple of guys goes beyond short-sighted to blatantly idiotic. The powers that be seemed to believe the integrity of the stretch run would be adversely affected by poor teams playing prospects against a team engaged in a late season playoff drive. Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. A good team playing a bad team and the bad team is playing prospects they want to get a look at makes the bad team worse? So that really makes it that much easier for the good team to beat an already bad team? How does the bad team get better for the future if they don't look at prospects? What if those prospects actually play well and make the bad team better and more interesting to watch? What about good teams also wanting to look at upcoming talent and rest players for a quality post season? Rambling, but I've made my point. This rule change has to be gone immediately.

Everything about this year is weird, crazy, scary, frustrating, pick your description. I do not believe that any sort or cancellation or walk out of a season of a pro sport...as has been speculated here and there...does anything to solve anything. In fact, I believe playing has the opposite effect in so many ways. Not only providing joy and entertainment in a crazy world, but a continued platform for observance and discussion. We can, if we want to, question professional athletes as voices in society. And perhaps we should. Does, for arguement sake, a stud PG in the NBA really have answers? Should his opinion on anything really sway anyone? It's interesting to me how we can celebrate humanitarian awards for pro athletes for community work and yet object if they want to make a statement about society. Now, they are a solitary voice and have their own opinions. And it's very debatable to me as to whether we listen to their voice. But that's not what we are talking about here. We are talking about TEAMS taking a stand, if only for a day, to just say out loud; "we're united in the idea that change has to take place. We may not have answers. But we stand united for a day to get everyone thinking and talking." I fully applaud that stance. A day without games or practice to just get everyone talking and thinking is a positive idea. And the one thing about sports I have always loved is the mix of race and social/economic background to come together and make a TEAM. These TEAMS are taking a day for a "time out" for pause for all of us.

Maybe I'm just too much of an optimist, but I still like our pen and rotation as is, with Pineda returning next week and Odorizi being sore, but apparently not "damaged". Getting our own guys back is still key to me. I really like the idea of Pillar from Boston and think we should have signed him originally. Despite the depth and performance of the pen, you wonder about injuries and maybe there is another Romo like trade that makes sense. I'm concerned about Donaldson for the rest of this season. I think we all are. And Marwin seems to have slumped lately. Adrianza has not been the same decent hitter we've seen the last 2yrs. But do we need another infielder? Even if we give up little for a return there are still 40 man implications to consider. I think I'm in favor of a RH OF like Pillar maybe, and I'd consider a pen arm. Otherwise, I think I trust what we have and the return of a few guys over the next week.

I never like the Twins to lose, of course. But last night didn't really bother me. This one stings a bit. Even the best pen arms have bad games. Unfortunately it was Romo's night. And it was a bad one. I felt like tonight was a rather important game and it was a tough one to lose. I appreciate Aggies7's comment about how it sometimes feels like this really isn't a 20-1× team. But I think a lot of teams feel that way right now. And winning is still winning. It's one series, and time to move on to the next and win that one.

Read an article recently that mentioned him as a target for the Twins for something low level in return unless Boston were to package a RP in the deal for a greater return. My initial thought was no, we have enough depth there. And I'm sorry but I can't recall the proposed names right now, but one was a LH with at least 1 more season of control. And with injuries mounting, suddenly a package deal doesn't sound so crazy to me. But other than Pillar, I agree the best thing that could happen is the Twins just get healthy and get their own guys back.

Maeda has been all we hoped for. Despite all the SP talent on hand, it could be argued the Dogers didn't know what they had, Johnson seems to have taken his game to a different level. Berrios has been disappointing until his last start. We saw there what he has looked like previously. His only knock has ever been just carrying it over a full season. He started to show that kate in 2019. Just because he isnt already one of tbe best pitchers in all of MLB at this point is a huge mistake to dismiss him. Dobnak is not a stud. His numbers and performance will come down. How could they not? But he is good. He has the build and delivery for endurance. He is smart and knows how to pitch. He is STILL a ROOKIE. He just needs to refine his stuff a bit more to put away a guy a little earlier. He COULD be an innings eater 3 or 4 with a little more time. Pineda has always been good when healthy. He's proved that in the past, and with the Twins last season. And he's been smart enough to adapt his approach. I'm looking forward to him joining the rotation next week. Hill was signed for one more half season in his career. I think he knows this. The Twins are being careful because they also know this. Bailey is done for 2020. How good is this staff with Odorizzi back in a couple of weeks? To me, it's keeping everyone healthy and getting Oddo back, along with Stashak for the stretch. Now, if you want to talk 2021, that is an entirely different discussion. But for 2020, only health stops this staff from being one of the best.

We are in a very uncertain period in regard to 2021 and beyond. But for a moment let's pretend tbere will be a 2022 and beyond that is settled, somehow, through negotiations. I think, personally, that Astudillo is a solid catcher, and valuable multi positional player who can do some solid things. I think, healthy he is a solid hitter with pop. If you break down 2019, he hit when healthy. I really like him as the last guy on the player roster. But Garver and Jeffers offer so much as a 1-2 that could be the envy of the league. And both are controlled for the next few years. Uncommon depth, especially how Rocco uses and rests his catchers. I believe that Rortvedt has a real future. But like so many, he's losingng a full year. But if the 40 man allow a it, or Avilla doesn't have better offers, I'd be in favor of his return in some capacity for depth and options. Of course, if Jeffers continues to show and shine, this could be a moot arguement.

Sorry Mike, I have to disagree with you here. Poor performances and ravenous injuries have been abundant this year. And the Twins have had more than their share as well. But they have won 20 games because of their depth. Bailey is out after one solid start. Hill looked good again tonight. Odorizzi had a freak injury his last time out. Berrios may be settling in. Maeda has been great and Dobnak continues to be very solid. The pen has been outstanding, even with some injuries. The bullpen games are not something I want or enjoy. But they have largely turned out in the Twins favor thus far. Pineda is back next week, and hopefully Oddo is back relatively soon. The depth the FO has put in place has allowed the team to perform as well as they have. I've been 50/50 on someone like Duran getting a shot instead of a bullpen game. Part of that is just excitement to see him. But he and others are really just playing for development and emergency. Thus far, there hasn't been a "break glass" moment. Hopefully there won't be. I think the depth they built up has proven itself. Now, I have no clue how the trade market will look in the coming week. But were I to speculate...unless there is more to worry about with Oddo than we've been told...I would think a CF option like Pillar on the cheap and a bullpen option like last year's Romo deal would make the most sense. IMO.

I was not able to watch any of the game as I was tied up in an emergency, 3 night project. (So yeah I missed last night's game and probably tomorrow's as well). So all I have is a box score and a pair of write-ups. I think we absolutely have one of the best and deepest teams in all of MLB, weird season or not. But on the road, no rest days, a deep pen taxed due to injury and usage, against a good team and the best pitcher in baseball, I wasn't expecting a win here. Sorry, I'm a great optimist, but it felt like the odds were against us. VERY encouraged we hung in and had the lead for several innings. VERY encouraged by Hill's performance. That, in itself, is a bright spot we shouldn't dismiss. NOT going to get down on Alcala even a bit. He has looked fantastic and full of potential. He was put in a tough situation as a rookie and just couldn't make it happen tonight. My one hope is he will be able to shake it off for what it was...ONE GAME...and let it rip next time out.

The Royals always play us tough. I don't always know wny, but they just do. I'll be glad when we are done with them. Despite being one of the best teams with runners in scoring position, it still feels like we are not taking full advantage of opportunities presented. Of course like everyone else it seems, there are guys slumping or out with injury. I keep wondering how good we could be with a healthy team, but again, I think most teams would say the same. Nice to see Sano heating up. Easy to say we need him...but...we need him. I simply can't say enough about the pen, it's depth, and what it has done. And the expanded roster and our tremendous pen has allowed for our record and these bullpen games. But at some point, we have to find another SP to mix in with Dobnak, Maeda and the seemingly re-vitaljzed Berrios. We need Hill to be healthy, even at 5IP per start. We need Oddo to rebound after this last set back. We need Pineda back in a couple weeks, rumor has it he is healthy and being stretched out. Still a half season to go, but still can't argue with the results at this point.

I am going to argue against robot umps for balls and strikes until they work out the bugs. Players have to make adjustments for the human factor and different umps who interpret the strike zone differently. We can debate if it's fair or right, but it is the reality of the game. (Not even going to get in to other sports!) But the reality is the Twins used robot umps in the summer ramp up. And the opinion of the players is that it was not accurate. Again, sorry, but I can't recall if their objections were related to vertical or horizontal calls, but they seemed to feel there were real discrepancies. But if that ST 2.0 test could provide useful information going forward I'd be OK to re-visit robot umps in the future. As of right now, probably in a more normal year without some umps opting out, I'm much more in favor of MLB having a better grading system to suspend/demote and promote positive reviews.

Pressly was a calculated trade to be sure. Everyone makes them. It's how we also got Romo initially. But Anderson is the only guy we missed on from the various names presented. RP is always volatile, we know this. Just because someone figures something out years later, or just finds the right situation, doesn't mean any previous team "blew it". The Twins have a couple guys right now in Wisler...who is relatively young still and may have found his team/niche...and Thielbar, who the Tigers inexplicably couldn't find room to keep. I'm assuming Detroit just decided on youth. I have no illusions that Thielbar is some 33yo bullpen savior who has a future with the Twins. But the FO and their analytics saw a guy who had a chance to help, even for a short time frame as an extra arm. And EVERYONE is looking for extra pitching. Meanwhile, Wisler looks to be an actual find. Despite BP depth and a few more guys available or on their way, he looks like the real deal. I lose very little sleep over Anderson because of what we have, because of others we have found before, now, and potentially in the future. It's not a knock on Anderson at all. Just a reality that smart, well run FO tend to get as much or more than they miss out on.