DocBauer

Just my opinion, the FO will wait for a few weeks to see what they have. In other words, seeing if May settles down and finds his breaking ball again, see it Littell's transition and new velocity can help, etc. But cracks in the pen are there and obvious, so they won't wait until until the last minute either. The FO seems to usually make moves with the future in mind and would undoubtedly want to add at least 1 arm with an extended stay in mind. They have also been willing to take on $ in many deals. But when you consider some of the signings last season, and Schoop this year, they don't seem opposed to a short term acquisition either. While I don't know names, I'm guessing a rental and someone else with at least another year under control.

Stay Hot, Ehire Adrianza Remember when Adrianza was hitting below the Mendoza line and all of Twins territory couldn’t wait for him to be shown the door? Well, since May 13 he’s hitting .439/.510/.634. I really like this and feel everyone glossed over it. On a 25 man roster not everyone is created the same. If they were, we'd be arguing why Adrianza isn't starting daily over Polanco. Even on the best and deepest of teams, there are role players. In his role, Adrianza was pretty good the last two years. I still remember the surprise most of us had that we got a steal. He had a nice ST this year, then got off to a slow start, and a lot of people wanted to just dump him for whoever on the roster. And while regression s certain, this is a really nice ballplayer to have on your roster. Just wanted a little shout out to him.

I believe Larnach to be the real deal and a potential fast riser through any system. But to me, Kirilloff is just "special". I know this season hasn t gone as planned due to some minor injuries that have bogged him down, but I would only trade him for a true top of the rotation starter. The hope is Buxton and Rosario will both be signed to long term deals like Kepler. We still have Cron beyond this season, at least. And there some really nice 1B options available. But between 1B/OF/DH, there is more than enough room for Kirilloff to fit in for the near future. Again, I just think he's special, a natural.

A change of any sort would be amazing! But I'm not sure if that is the problem. At least, not the problem of they truly feel his future is indeed in the pen. Don't get me wrong it would only make him that much more devastating, potentially. Right now, he just looks lost to me. I got to watch hi, today during lunch break, and frankly, it made me bewildered and sad. His pure stuff is so damn good but he looked unsure and scared and was definitely pressing. From a distance, not knowing much of anything, it feels like he doesn't trust himself, or his stuff. It feels like he really wants to do well, but is afraid to just let it fly and let his natural power and movement play. I wonder if he is trying too hard to be too fine and dominating. I wonder if he is overthrowing. I'm really wondering if he shouldn't go right back to Rochester, have a big heart to heart with anyone and everyone, and just continue to learn his role as a reliever and just stay at Rochester for most or all the season until his mechanics and mental aptitude just settle in.

Agreed. But let's not forget young arms are not only built up for heavier workloads over time...again he is pretty young and missed 2 full seasons...but milb starters are sometimes pulled to mandatory pitch counts as well as wanting relief prospects to get in their work. Thorpe only pitched 4 or 5 games at AAA last year, so this is his first season at that level. What you hope for is learning HOW to pitch in order to economize and get outs on fewer pitches. I think hes got a real chance. And I would hate to remove him from a SP role, but I could see him as a RP for the Twins the second half.

I dont think Thorpe gets near enough credit or praise. By age, hes actually a little young for AAA and is only in his second full season of action after missing two full seasons. And despite some ups and downs, he is largely performing well. Just imagine how good he could be by the end of the season and going in to next season. IMO, he will be a solid, quality #4 SP with real potential to be a #3.

I like it! What's so impressive is the number of quality arms so high in your rankings, and deservedly so. To a direct point, I remain very high on Thorpe and feel it's only time and experience.

Already been pointed out our ranking of IP by the rotation. But I'd just like to address Perez directly. I am still in mild shock for what he has done thus far. As a result, I am now of the mind that he is going through a mini slump. It happens. Last night he still struck out 7. Tells me the stuff is still there. A 3 run bomb to one of the better hitters in the league is unfortunate, but is not unexpected. It happens. IMO, I never felt Perez was one of our top 3 SP, even with his great start to the season. I remain of the opinion, despite a weird start to his year, that Perez was behind Gibson. I think that will turn out to be true when all is said and done. In other words, barring injury or collapse by Perez, I think the rotation is solid as is.

Smart post.

Nice post. I've seen a lot of 3B in my day, some with big bats, that are not as good defensively as Sano. Good hands, great at charging balls, VASTLY improved on pop ups, and that cannon for an arm. I think he's just fine at 3B for the next few years for sure. And to bring that offense makes him a very valuable player. It's all about recognition and just slight improvement to raise his production to another level. Not talking hitting .300, just better overall contact leads to better overall numbers and production. I think we are on the same page here.

And you make a valid point about a contact reading a lead runner, perhaps even setting up a double play. I agree with your point. But a little better selectivity, a little better contact, say a drop from 40% to 35% in SO percentage, and you end up greater opportunity for SOMETHING better than a neural out. Maybe something as simple as a sac fly, is the point I'm making.

I get the gist of the OP, and don't disagree Sano is a force, a producer, and that he is at least a bit unfairly criticized due to his production with focus only on SO numbers. But I also know that we love for our pitchers to have high SO rates. So SO are good for pitchers and not bad for hitters? There just is no logic behind that. SO are good for pitchers and bad for hitters because they are empty outs, producing nothing, including any chance to move a runner or create an error or anything of the sort. And I'm saying this as a fan of Sano. The question becomes at what level the number of SO is acceptable in regards to production. And I think Brock's post about improvement from Rosario, just 4%, lead to a significant difference in the production and the player Rosario is. Sano will not change, should not change, and it would probably be impossible for him to change. But he can IMPROVE. Good player or great player. Could be as simple as a 4% change in his strikeout/contact rate.

A good day for the system and more and more guys are progressing and developing. Is it crazy that the highlight for me is a couple good IP from Moya and Romero at Rochester?

Followed the tracker and radio for part of the game and joined in about the 6th inning. It was a stomach Turner, but a fun game and win. A few comments to make: 1] This is a very good team who believes in themselves and never give up. 2] I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but even though Perez has been struggling his last few starts, be struck out 7 in 5 IP tonight. The stuff appears to still be there. He's been mkre wild lately. There are ebbs and flows for batters and pitchers alike. I am not panicking at this point. 3] Duffey was good for his 1 IP. Harper was OK but allowed a run. EARTH SHATTERING. Magill had an impressive inning. Where was THAT on the road trip? His stuff is just too good to give up on. But he needs to do that again and again over the next few weeks or he could be replaced. 4] May came through! There were a couple weak shots that provided scary moments. He got a called 3rd strike that may have changed the game. Somewhat debatable as it was a nice pitch. But those calls happen for both teams in every game. But he stayed in control and got the job done. IMO, he's starting to collect himself and looking more and more like the pitcher we saw last season. And that could pay huge dividends going forward. Good game and good win! Go Twins!

Being young is not an excuse, it's truth IMO. He is STILL showing pop and speed, and by most accounts, including his manager, his glove continues to flash and show improvement. I think the biggest problem is pitchers making adjustments after seeing him for about a half season last year. Now, he has to make adjustments. Admittedly, coaching has to make adjustments on his behalf as well. But in a league where he is probably a year or two under average, I wouldn't worry too much at this point.

Seems as though Diaz is maturing mentally and physically right before our eyes. Strikes me as a young man who had a tough 2018 and was just DETERMINED to make a difference. Thinking both he and Larnach may spend some time at Pensacola before the year is done. I don't think anyone should be upset about Lewis at this point, even if his season got off to a slow start. He seems to be a super talented prospect who is ONLY 20yo and still learning. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. I think he is going to be just fine. Even if he spends the whole season at Ft Myers, getting better and better, he is still very much on track for his development track. The talent on this team is just WOW! Kind of feel Watson may be flying under the radar a bit. Thank you again SD for an outstanding report!

Honestly, dont know anything about him but what we read. I dont pretend to be a talent scout. But excited about reports of his power, good speed, cannon arm and supposedly excellent defense at 3B. Got one of the hottest risers in the draft. Have to be excited at this point, right? Welcome to the Twins young man!

Trading within your own division is not just on the Twins and a reluctance and giving good players to a rival. Said rival team isn't always interested in helping you achieve your goals for this season, and possibly longer. Just being a realist, I don't think you see the Twins, or most any team, acquiring 3 pitchers, much less 4. I like Watson, and have for some time, as a 2nd LH in the pen. He's had a nice, somewhat under the radar career and looks solid again this season. I don't think he'd be all that expensive. Then, bring in a top RH with at least one more year of control, and I'd be pretty happy. Just not sure who that choice would be.

I think is a very salient point, regardless of how anyone feels about the Kimbrel situation. Like it or not, this FO is still quite new and an arguement could be made from drafting, FA, trades, new manager and coaches from the top down, that they are really only fully implementing all their ideas, observations and plans for what is now their second full year. Like him or not, one thing Terry Ryan did well was find some pretty good options for the bullpen over the years. Some guys were decent arms known, some were converted starters, some came out of nowhere. We don't really have a track history, as of yet, how this FO sees building a successful pen. IMO, there was hope and belief Romero, Mejia and Reed could provide at least one viable option to go along with what they had, with maybe a surprise or two. To say the least, it hasn't worked out that way as of yet. Time for plan B. But Brian's example of how the Dodgers built their pen is worth noting. Also, as someone posted before the season began, the Padres built quite a pen last year much the same way. I find it very interesting that in his few innings when up, Littell looked much more comfortable than last season and threw harder than before. (Duffey as well thus far). And since his return to Rochester, Littell has been used exclusively out of the pen. While a big move hasnt happened yet, the FO IS looking for options, just internally at this point. Also going to suck-up to Brian again, LOL, in his opinion on usage of the arms on hand. I have largely applauded Rocco's usage of his pen. For the most part, I think he's done a fine job. And in a 7 or 8 man pen, all pitchers are NOT created equal. But if a guy is going to be rostered, then USE HIM. They've done a pretty good job of playing the option/roster game to roll through guys and keep fresh arms and offer auditions. And to some degree, the coaching staff is still learning about some of these guys. But the next couple of weeks are critical. With such a talented and mostly young ML roster, and one of the deepest systems around, you can afford to trade away 4-6 quality prospects in the top 10-30 to bring in a quality RP or two come July 1st. Be aggressive and strike early. Use the next few weeks to further evaluate what you have on hand at the ML and AAA level, and then cut where you believe it's smart to do so. Take some time to evaluate/audition, and then be aggressive. Smart, but aggressive. And as the second half of the season unfolds and Romero, Mejia, Littell, etc, prove their ready, just more depth and icing on the cake.

Thank you SD! Just live reading the various articles you and others post on TD to bring depth and perspective to these young prospects. All further proof that Twins Daily is the premier fan website on the planet!

Time to weigh in. I've liked a ton of opinions and couldn't possibly post them all. A couple points I'd like to make clear first of all: 1] Darvish arguements are ridiculous. Another pitcher, a different season, and a different position. 2] I liked the idea of Kimbrel on a 1yr, 1yr+, or straight 2yr. I have NO CLUE if Kimbrel was interested in coming to the Twins, and I dont think anyone else knows either. SPECULATION, would state it would have taken a 3rd yr and more more money. I dont think this idea should be easily dismissed. And while we could be proven wrong, I just wouldn't have done that. 3] I love our FO and just about everything they have done, overall. The single #1 blunder they have made was trading Pressly because I liked him, his potential, and I felt 2019 was going to be a much different/better season. I will call the FO out when necessary, and I did this when the trade happened. But it's over and done. This year's BP HAS largely been good and effective. That DOESNT mean it can sustain. So let's be clear in regard to the difference! If we are truly honest with ourselves, most of us felt Romero and Mejia had the arms to develop. They haven't. Period. So far. I'm betting the FO is pretty disappointed so far as well. By the break, there will be a good many teams who realize they are out of it. Is Nick flippant to suggest there will be a plethora of available arms to be plucked? Perhaps. But history has shown a good deal of movement in the RP trade market in the past. Should this year really be any different? The Twins have a top rated system with enough talent to spare to make a move or two without debilitating the system. Can we really argue that? The key factor, IMO, is what is paid for a rental vs someone with at least another year or so available. I didn't like the Pressly trade then and still dont know. But some seem to feel the Twins received trash back, and that's just not the case. In a best case scenario, the Twins still have about 3 weeks for Duffey, Romero, Littel, etc, to show that at least ONE of them can make a difference. Either way, the depth of the system actually allows them to bring in an arm or two that they believe can make a difference. Who was Pressly, to most people outside of the actual FO's of MLB, before Houston got him? This FO needs to see what they have...short leashes dont always help but we are contending and I get it...and then make a serious move or two. And said move or two may or may not include a 30+yo "name" we know or a 27-28yo name we are unsure about but who they like and believe in. I could care less. But just be smart and right and bring in that guy or two to add to this contending team!

Sounds like a highly intelligent young man. And I would never dismiss high intelligence when it comes to pitchers. We all know it's more than just pure stuff that makes the good ones successful. I'm very curious about his delivery and confess I haven't had time to watch film yet. I hear there are concerns. But if it works for him and he's been doing it since Jr High, is there really anything to be worried about?

Not comparing him to Lewis, but I find it fascinating, like Lewis, when you find out some of these kids only played infield for a year or two before being drafted. I think we forget sometimes how young they are and how much projection used to make decisions like this.

What strikes me is how good he could be by the end of 2019 once he settles in, gets to something close to 2,000 ML AB, and carries over to 2020. It is totally unfair to compare Sano to Buxton, Polanco and Kepler, who are of similar or exact age and came in to the season 100%. Every player is a unique individual unto themselves. But it is also grossly unfair to compare any of the young Twins, including Sano, to the amazing and generational talents of guys like Trout and Harper, or Machado. Every few years there are a couple of guys, pitchers or position players, that defy odds and are All Stars and generational talents in their early 20's. 30 teams and a couple of guys every year or so who are that kjnd of talent. Mauer was our last one. Potentially, Kiriloff and Lewis could BOTH be mentioned in that vein. Sometimes, even the very best pitchers and position players don't hit their stride until 26, 27yo. Our own Cruz didn't hit his stride early. Someone mentioned Ortiz earlier as well. Depending on your age, how many top of the rotation SP have you seen that became #1's about 28-29yo? Can we just let this lie for a bit, maybe a couple months at least, and see how the rest of the season plays out? Like Buxton, Polanco and Kepler this season, can we wait until Sano is 100% for 2020 with the development he shows in 2019?

Lost my mother to a genetic disorder. I had to have myself tested to see if I carried the same gene. THANKFULLY NOT. In sports, as fans of any sport, we talk about beating guys and pounding guys. And there are teams we just despise! But we NEVER, EVER, want anyone truly injured or ill. Truly hope he will be OK.