DocBauer

Avilla has been a great addition. Honestly, I was worried about letting Castro go. I wasn't worried about Garver, I was just worried about losing a veteran presence on the team that I think meant more than some people realize. But Avilla was the perfect replacement offensively and defensively, and maybe in the clubhouse as well. Mitch has been off to a slow start. Duh! But he will be fine in a day or two. He's smart. He has a good bat, a good eye, a short, compact and powerful swing. But he has to make some adjustments because pitchers won't just throw him FB any longer. But I tell you he WILL make adjustments. Meantime, Avilla is doing great and was a nice addition. Cruz is Cruz and a STUD. Enough said. The "T's"? You said it all. A couple weird or mis-plays, which happen, would take away a couple runs from this group. Strongest performance so far? 1] Cave. And not his offense, which we have seen glimpses of previously. (Still shocked how bad he was early 2019. Pressing?) But I have been impressed by his defense in CF so far. He has the range and glove and arm to be a decent CF option previously. But we've also seen a lack of recognition that has lead to some bad play. SOMETHING has clicked as he has looked solid in CF enough for Rocco to trust him there. 2] Polanco. More than a few of us stated repeatedly to just give him time to settle in, gain experience, and grow in to the position. I have no doubt that Donaldson will assist him and cover for any weakness. Except, I thought his weakness was charging balls and his arm? But even in SSS, so far, all I've seen is a great glove and accurate arm to make plays.

LOVE the defense Marwin played the night before at 1B! Because he's not an offensive force, I think a lot of people undervalue what he brings. (And he's still solid offensively). And I fully appreciate Rocco giving time off when needed, and to preserve the season. And to let guys feel their way. But you also have to let guys play. And Sano is ready and getting dialed in. You can disagree with me, but I'm really liking Sano at 1B. I see good play and potential. He missed a close play tonight where his foot was off the bag on a close call, but a week from now, I bet his foot is on the bag. He's a work in progress, but you have to like what you're seeing, IF you're paying attention. Offensively, just pencil him in because he's settling in. Marwin may have to play 3B for a few days due to a Donaldson hamstring tweak. GREAT to have this kind of depth. Maeda, may not be Carrasco's equal to some. But who pitched better? Cleveland has a great rotation and some live young arms in the pen. But so far, Twins are UP!

If Donaldson needs to be nursed, and I absolutely would do so if necessary, do we add Blankenhorn to the roster for a week or two? It seems obvious to me.

I hated to lose Graterol. All of us did. And best of luck to him, except when it comes to affecting the Twins in any way. But you have to give up something good to get something good back. Period. I love the addition of Maeda. I think he is GOOD! And I've seen nothing to dissuade my opinion of his acquisition. But I've always chuckled at some of the hyperbole that came with him as if the Twins grabbed some kind of potential ACE or stud. Maeda is a legitimate, experienced, quality SP who slots in the number 2 or 3 or 4 spot just depending on Hill and what he has left in the tank. And that is NOT a negative comment on his ability in the slightest! Hill, healthy, as he appears to be, is a FRONT LINE SP for a half season, as he has been for the past 5-6yrs of his career. Well, we're only asking for half a season in 2020. Odorizzi was a deserving All Star last season who had his best year yet under Rocco and Johnson. So with Oddo healthy and ready to go soon, that doesn't diminish Maeda and his ability and potential, it just signals he's not a #1 starter, just a really, really good one amongst a group of really good starters. Berrios remains the Twins #1 and is still a potential ACE in the making. He threw some nasty stuff in his first start but seemed to overthrow, probably hyped up. I actually think...and Bonnes brought this up after the game...he's probably better throwing 92-95 vs 97 for movement and "nastiness". He is a deserved 2 time All Star who's only problem is a late season fade. And here we go with a broken/stuck record again, but he rebounded in 2019 after making some adjustments. He was going to make further adjustments in 2020 but now it's a short season so we won't see the results until 2021. But if you think he isn't a top of the rotation SP with potential, even after a no win total in 2 games in 2020, then you're not paying enough attention or just lamenting he's not already the next BIG THING. Maeda is GOOD. I'm glad we got him. Our depth is tremendous, and a bullpen that rivals anyone. If pitching is king, then how about really good, really solid SP to begin with. I think we have that and Maeda is part of that.

Sorry to hear this for Littell as I really, really like him and think he's found his spot. Some think he could take his stuff and limited MLB experience and move back to the rotation. Could He? I think it's an interesting arguement. But my feeling is he has found his role and my personal belief is Duran and Balazovic will surpass him soon as any SP option, and Thorpe is a guy I still have great faith in. I feel bad for him as I believe in him despite one bad outing. But even in a short season, there is so much time for him to make an important contribution this year. I am surprised Alcala is the guy brought up. I really thought Poppen would be the next guy up. Good stuff, good potential, milb numbers show decent control. I see him as a Stashak clone, more or less. But you can't deny the arm talent of Alcala. And I recall Hawkins speaking about Alcala a couple weeks ago concerning how close he was, though I was a bit confused about his reference to Alcala having a good change as I thought his 3rd selection was the biggest issue from him remaining as a SP. But I could be remembering incorrectly...and please correct me here...maybe it was just overall control. Regardless, arm talent is tremendous and looking forward to seeing him.

Not fully invested in Bailey just yet. But he's a veteran, he's healthy, and he made some real changes in his arsenal/sequencing in 2019. So I'm cautiously optomistic.

They let Dobnak toss 90 pitches last night in his 2nd start. Maeda hit 84 last time out but pretty much cruised through his first 4 innings. One would speculate he's being targeted for 90 today and hopefully 6 IP. Can you imagine how good this team may be when we start hitting just a little bit better?

And BTW, any else impressed by the defense we've seen from Polanco this far?

I was generally impressed by Dobnak, even with some extended AB with numerous fouls. And 90 pitches for 5 innings isn't exactly ideal. But I think it's obvious most pitchers are still ramping up. But really, how can you complain at his results? He did his job for those 5 IP and should only get better. Guy is a grinder and very solid.

Amazing what a lightening rod Rosario has become. I have been a fan since be was brought on board, and remain so. I think he is a tremendous personality, a team leader, and a proven performer. Despite those who argue against his performance, statistics have proven he was a top performer in RBI situations in 2019. Clutch is still clutch. Despite some borderline to silly plays, he has proven himself...when healthy...to usually being not only a quality OF, but one capable of great plays. And I'm willing to forgive a bad play for every 3 good plays. Because those good plays are usually damn good. It's Eddie being Eddie. And if you take a big picture look at everything over the last 2 seasons, you have a choice. You can look at instincts fielding, base running, and quality production, in clutch moments. Even with a shoulder problem in 2018 and a bad leg in 2019. OR, you can say he can't play defense above average and anyone could produce numbers in this lineup. I'm not saying you are wrong if you think Eddie is easily replaceable. In fact, when you look at the potential of Larnach and Kirilloff, it's really hard to argue about future replacement value. But I do think Rosario has been victimized a bit by injury the last couple of seasons to reach his true performance level. I think he is smart enough to realize the limitations on his game due to over-aggressiveness. But can he understand that and make adjustments without losing the right kind of offensivness that makes him so productive? In direct terms, just a 10% adjustment in SO/BB could be huge. Has he, can he, as a young veteran player make that change? I sure hope he can!

I missed bits and pieces, unfortunately, but thought Berrios was just fine except for one really bad pitch that cost the game. Nobody should panic at this point, especially with such a short training period to get ready. Jose seemed to have some nasty stuff 1st game, but was overthrowing. Again, he made one really bad pitch tonight. Would you rather have an injury like those that have plagued so many top hurlers already? Or a talented pitcher who overthrew one game and made that bad throw against a potential Cy Young candidate? Abbreviated season or not, it's still early. We really haven't seen anything to cause concern at this point. Tip of the cap to Bieber for pitching a fantastic game. Like it or not, he appears to be developing in to stud SP. Not sure anyone could have beaten him his first 2 times out. We can, if you want, argue all day long about Sano's defense at 1B after 6 games, a short training schedule, and an even shorter one for him. OR, we can acknowledge he has mostly looked good at 1B, has all the talent in the world to be a good defensive 1B, and is still developing there and feeling his way. (Something we all knew would be true). The lineup is deep and dangerous but in no way, despite some early outbursts, are our hitters performing to expectation. Yet! But nobody should hit any panic button. I don't care it's a short season, 4-2 is good and it's still early. I trust Rocco. I think he's awfully smart. He seems to have a feel for the pulse of the team and his players, and knowing when to play guys and when to rest them. I also think he's smart enough, even after ONLY 6 games to know if someone is pressing. I think Donaldson is pressing. Sano and Buxton had almost zero time to get ready. I want him to do what he does, and has done, and keep the lineup fresh. And you don't get in a groove by sitting. But I do hope he mixes the lineup up a bit tomorrow for giggles sake. Guys often respond by a little shake up.

I'm not going to pretend I have an answer here, but speculation and reflection might help? Reed got $8M per and was an established RP with some closing experience. May is younger and has better pure stuff but lacks the history. So I'm saying that would be a ceiling. But the good news/bad news situation is Covid in regard to contracts. Teams are going to lose money and I think most of agree the market is going to go flat for the next couple of seasons except for cream of the crop FA. So that makes May, and others, more affordable. Odorizzi the same way. But then again, the Twins are probably losing money as well, so what can their budget afford? A lot of ying/yang in regard to next off season.

Watching Hill was a joy. But the pen, WOW! 4 IP, ONE hit, ZERO walks, SEVEN SO.

Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe it's replacing the old red/white/blue elastic waistband, but I'm suddenly digging the old blue uniforms.

SOMEBODY on the Bomba Squad should have THUNDERSTRUCK by AC/DC

Bringing this OP back up front again. I think we all agree that you could draw names out of a hat and put together a lineup that is dangerous and makes sense. But that is also a "good problem" to have. I mean, really, Donaldson, Cruz, you could plug them in 2-5 and not be wrong. How about Sano when he gets his legs under him? But Kepler, Polanco and Arraez are the most "interesting" pieces in the lineup to consider aren't they? All 3 have the ability to hit almost anywhere. How do you mess with what Kepler did last year? Except, maybe his production and power would be even better lower. We've seen Molitor and Rocco place Polanco anywhere from 1-5 and he produces, and seems to fit. Arraez could be devastating hitting with Buxton at the bottom of the order, or provide a completely different kind of dangerous contact/AVG hitter in a 6 or 7 spot after some power guys and ahead of further dangerous batters. Maybe I'm just old school. But I want my top hitters to work and frustrate the pitcher. I've always believed in the most balanced lineup you can put together but have believed in a "depth" approach. The leadoff HR is AWESOME, but doesn't happen enough to make a difference IMO. I want the opposition's team to struggle as much as they can the 1st inning so that everyone can see what they have that day. (Not to mention the umpire which is a whole different topic). I'm not sure if Donaldson should hit #2 or not. He's done great there in his career, but he's also done great a couple spots lower. Kepler did great in the #1 spot last year, but could be even more productive hitting lower with guys OB. Personally, I'd have Arraez doing what he does in the #1 spot, getting hits and OB, workjng the count, and frustrating the pitcher. We can debate how the rest of the lineup works best, Polanco vs Donaldson, etc. But I really want that guy who sets the tone at #1. With all due respect to Max, I just think that guy should be Arraez.

Great article! Let us remember a couple things about young hitters in general, and Arraez specifically. Arraez turned 23 in April. And we talk about physical maturation and gaining "man muscle" as a young player. It's only partially true as we've seen other young 20yo players who already have muscles and natural power/strength. And I'm not talking about a 1B or OF who is 6' 2" plus and a good 200lbs plus. Even those guys develop physically over time via nutrition, weight gain, etc. But we also see infielders who seem to "muscle up" over time. Think Dozier, as an example. And I don't doubt for a second that power can't be developed via physical gains as an early 20+yo. But I also think some of the "muscling up" we talk about is just a young hitter gaining experience and being able to put round bat on round ball more consistently for more pop/power. Arraez is not a large human being and never will be. Doesn't mean he can't build up a bit and get stronger. And let's not forget he missed an entire milb season and had a whopping 66AB in Rochester for 2019 before coming up and sticking. He will never be, IMO, any sort of power threat. But he doesn't need to be. Greater exit velocity speaks not HR power necessarily, but hard and true singles with doubles power and a few more HR. As good as he hits and makes contact, and uses the whole field, power equates defenses playing him honest. And at that point, he has the other team right where he wants them.

#1] Cave produced his first go round. For whatever reason...pressing perhaps...he really struggled the first part of 2019 before getting his legs under him. While I doubt he is any late start STAR in the making, his strong start shouldn't surprise. My #1 problem with Cave has been he absolutely has the tools to be a decent CF, allowing him to fill in there, and allowing Kepler to stick in RF most of the time. And he's made some nice plays there. He's also made some terrible plays there and either not tracked the ball well or tried to make a tremendous play vs a safe play. If experience and/or work can allow him to play a solid CF defensively, he just raised his value to another level. I know it's only a couple of games, but he just looks more comfortable there to me. More importantly, Rocco seems to think so. #2] Adrianza has done nothing since the Twins signed him but come off the bench and contribute. He is, absolutely, a utility player. And he is no member of the Bomba squad. But he has done nothing but hit decently, maintain a decent contact rate and OB, pop some XBH here and there, and play quality defense. What more could ever be asked? As much as I love former contributors such as Newman, Reboutlet, Hocking and Pinto over the years, I think I'd take Adrianza over all of them. 3] Gonzalez did last season pretty much what he has done his entire career: produce and play well. His OPS in 2019 basically matched his career line. No matter how much we can debate about roster construction, depth and versatility, as well as flexibility, some guys are just everyday starters and some guys are role players. All he does is come off the bench a few days a week and play solid to good defense at a number of spots, hit, take professional AB, club double digit 2B and HR and make a real contribution to the lineup/team. IMO, there are very few teams in MLB that have a 3sum off their bench like the Twins have. Now, there is hope that soon we could have guys like Gordon, Blankenhorn and others...maybe even Lewis as he breaks in...who could be as good or better but this is a really, really good bench to work with right now. And I'm not sure that all 3 won't be back in 2021. I kind of wish, Cody, that "bench depth" might have included pitching. Or is that a 2nd article you have planned?

I'm going to echo this. When all is said and done, from defense to offense to mentorship of the young talent on the roster and those waiting for opportunity, Donaldson will still be the best signing. But Maeda is good. His career numbers say he is good. He eats RH hitters for breakfast and lunch and is coming off his best career year against LH hitters. The whole Dogers moving him to the pen has been overblown, IMO, from everything I've read and heard. The Dogers had enough rotation depth...one of the best in MLB ...to use him in their pen. (Nice problem to have). And I think some of the hyperbole that came with Maeda that the Twins acquired some front of the rotation stud was ridiculous. But what they got was a very good, experienced and professional hitter who can fit in well as a quality #2 or #3 guy. He may not dominate, but he just does everything well. I also enjoyed hearing Morneau speak about how well he's been fitting in with the team. Despite the language barrier, he has a good sense of humor and seems to be comfortable. One thing I feel is underrated is just how well the clubhouse works from the manager and coaches on down. The Twins seem to have built a team that is filled with ability, confidence, and good chemistry. And I believe that's been done very deliberately. So no over reaction. I disagree with over reaction #2, not only because I really never want to be compared to the Yankees, lol, but I think the Twins 2019 depth was pretty damn good as well. It's unfortunate, however, that the Twins were less healthy at the end of the season than the Yankees were at the time. But I will say the depth for 2020 is even better after Donaldson, Hill, Clippard and Maeda were brought on board. Not to mention Dobnak, Smeltzer, Thorpe, Littell and Stashak gaining experience. You're obviously being silly about Sano and Rogers. But I was a little surprised Rogers and Romo never pitched. And with the day off today, Monday, I think I would have played Sano all 3 days to help him heat up. As to Cruz, well, I doubt a DH wins MVP nationally. But internally he easily could. Even at 40, could he be one of the best and most dangerous hitters in the game? Little surprised you didn't include Stashak and/or Wisler. Because...DAMN!

Two words came to mind watching him: "smart" and "professional". While a different pitcher, he reminded me a little bit of Radke. Not overwhelming velocity, but he mixed pitches, changed speeds and hit spots. Always seemed in control of himself. I was fascinated at one point where be threw something like 5 or 6 straight FBs and Morneau commented how he was changing up the Dirty Sox game plan on him by doing so. Really looking forward to watching him this season. I really like his control and ability to adjust. I think this is going to be a very smart acquisition.

In the past, there was a lot of confusion about injured players hanging around and no information and then suddenly being placed on the IL, later than they should have been. I haven't really seen this with the current FO. While they haven't always spilled out tons of information...which is their right...they seem to be protective of their players well being and aggressive with the IL and promotion. At this point, they have said "stiffness". And I will accept that and a missed start, maybe 2 with a couple early off days. If it's more than that, I will absolutely begin to worry. But I give benefit of doubt at this point. The Twins have depth, but I don't want that to be taken for granted. Thorpe has a ton of potential, and Dobnak and Smeltzer both have decent potential. But I'd like them to ease in to reliability through experience and opportunity as much as possible. Same with Duran. But a short season changes said parameters of opportunity if this is something more. In regards to an extension, there are 2 ways to look at one: 1] I HOPE NOT, but if this turns out to be chronic related to 2017, Oddo is up against a hard place and will be looking for the best 1yr deal in a post 2020 season he can get. The Twins could still need him and easily bet on him for 2021 While waiting for some of their top arms to arrive. And he's already stated he enjoys pitching for the Twins and working with Johnson. 2] Even if he is ready to go with mild stiffness, and the Twins are just being cautious, and he makes 10-11 regular season starts, and we see the 2019 version of him, he is still up against a rock, though a less threatening, less jagged rock. He is a very good #3 SP who can/has pitched like a legitimate #2 most days if you accept 5-6 IP. He was a legitimate All Star in 2019 who was almost as good the 2nd half if you take away July dealing with a finger issue. And he no longer has a draft choice attached to him for 2021. But he's also making just shy of $18M in 2020, though now pro-rated. Even if the 2020 season plays out to completion, including expanded playoffs to make up for financial losses, are teams really going to invest big money for 2021? Especially considering the CBA and questions about 2022? Except for elite talent, I would say no. I think a healthy and productive Odorizzi is looking at a 3yr deal for about $45M. I believe the Twins can not only afford that, but I think he's honest in wanting to stay here. It might also be his best offer.

My reflections and opinions. I never liked the old format I grew up with only 4 divisions and 2 leagues. There were countless good teams with good records, including the Twins here and there, who were shut out after the marathon season that is baseball. On of the smartest things MLB has ever done...could be argued the only smart thing they have done...was the re-alignment of 3 divisions in each league and adding the WC. [i still don't like the Brewers in the NL and Astros in the AL, but I digress]. I am also OK with 2 WC teams, but hate the 1 game play in as it too "gimmicky" for me. It should have always been a 2 or of 3 format. We sometimes make jokes about the "integrity" of the game, and deservedly so for many reasons. But the marathon that is a baseball season is special and unique on so many levels. And to sudddnly adopt an NBA "half the teams make it anyway" approach demeans the game, IMO. We have seen NBA teams at .500 and even below make the playoffs previously. And there has been a call to re-seed the playoffs as a result. I'm not current on the most recent decisions/agreements made, but thought I heard they may re-seed for the conclusion of 2020. I'd have to research to be fully accurate, but I believe the NFL has had at least a few .500 teams make the playoffs with their current format. Speaking of WC and not division winners who may have been the same. I believe 4 NFL teams have made the playoffs with losing regular seasons. And now the NFL is talking about expanding their playoff structure? In this weird, short season, while I don't like it, I can see MLB opening the gates for ONE YEAR. Since everyone is on board with it, and it could bring in $ to help offset financial losses. But if this continues in 2021 and beyond, I think baseball loses something. It diminishes everything from the extended season to the trade deadline to the Hot Stove League. Baseball, IMO, becomes less interesting when an 83 win team enters the playoff picture after a marathon season, with all the intrigue involved.

So today happened. Ugh! The good news is Dobnak looked OK and I agree he he serves another start. Very disappointed in Littell and Smeltzer but not going to panic over ONE GAME, and first game at that. Not the least bit worried about Berrios after one game either. Once again, first game, limited time ramp up, and facing a good lineup. He seemed to settle down in the 3rd and 4th. Honestly, I think he was too amped up and over-throwing.

There are a couple guys on that list that I would like back, of course. But for the most part, none of them would probably make the 2020 Twins. And it's hard to truly regret someone like Hendricks as he really found himself at least a couple of years after he was already gone. Nobody had a clue Nick Anderson would do what he's done, but it would have been really nice to give him a shot before letting him go. Over the years, the Twins have also benefited by guys let go or traded away. So any lament is similarly shared by other teams as well. Pressly still hurts, so does Graterol and Escobar. But as highat stated, you have to trade away quality sometimes to get something back. But it is interesting to see lists like this. Thanks Seth!

Agree 100%. And really, it's hard to begrudge MLB trying to recoup as much $ as they can considering this crazy and abbreviated season. But I still enjoy the basic structure of the game as is and feel this messes with the integrity of not only the game, but sort of cheapens the 60 game season by letting in additional teams that normally wouldn't qualify for the post season. And then, have we opened Pandora's box? As previously stated, I dislike the one and done WC play in game and would prefer a 2 out of 3 format. Does the change this year get carried over to 2021 and beyond? I'm in favor changes for the good and health of the game, but I don't want to see an NBA format where half the teams make it to the post season.