DocBauer

Perhaps knee jerk reaction on my part, but for the most part, the wealthiest teams in the largest cities with the most $, and the larger viewing audiences are generally coastal cities/teams. With more teams added to the playoffs, I think it's a safe bet most of the extra WC teams will come from the East and the West.

I agree on Gordon. He's had some tough luck will illness a couple minor but badly timed injuries. I agree he would probably have been called up before Arraez in 2019 if available. Of course, Arraez has worked out pretty well so far. I still believe Gordon will have a solid career as a useful utility player with decent offense. Potentially, he could still start for someone at 2B. Not what was envisioned or hoped for, but a quality/useful ML player is never anything to dismiss, despite original expectations. Whitefield has been an interesting story since the day he signed and has been one of my favorite minor leaguers to root for. I'm sure he will only be around for the first 2 weeks but should fulfill a dream by making some PR and late defensive appearances. I'm super happy for the kid and understand he's older than Celestino and has played more at a higher level, but still a bit confused why the Twins didn't just go with Celestino, already on the 40 man. I'm guess it's age, experience and the start of his clock. Earlier today, before I even read this article, I was doing a little fantasizing about the reserve roster in St. Paul and realized that if they could scrimmage someone else's reserve list tomorrow...with Gordon cleared from Covid...their lineup would look something like this: 2B: Gordon SS: Lewis RF: Kirilloff 1B: Rooker LF: Larnach C: Jeffers 3B: Blankenhorn DH: Weil CF: Celestino SP: Duran While Gordon may not be a top 20 prospect any longer, he remains a decent one. I think it could be easily argued the only real non prospect above would be Weil. That's a pretty interesting lineup right there.

Wow! Hate this 100 times over! I never liked the WC 1 game scenario. I've always thought a 2 of 3 game scenario made more sense. But now a money grab situation similar to the expanded NBA format where barely .500 teams make the playoffs? Sorry, but this stinks of not only $ but a bias to the coasts, IMO. And since this is a money grab, I blame both sides. Couldn't they just keep the standard format and make the WC a 2 out of 3? I will watch and I will enjoy and I will root. And I will end up seeing some 31 win team advance and knock someone out and see the asterisks nobody wanted to see for 2020 grow larger.

I am an absolute homer and will never apologize for being such. I absolutely delight in hearing former Twins in the booth, each and every one because they all bring something different. But I absolutely have opinions and preferences. I really enjoy Bert, for the most part. I feel pretty much everything he says is smart and sound, but I do think it's a bit like a record that's had a needle run through one too many times. What fascinates me...and I really enjoy...is when there is a 3rd person in the booth. Bert seems to come alive and shift gears and I really enjoy that. Smalley is very smart. I enjoy what he says and brings. But he just needs to say it and stop talking over himself. I really like Morneau a lot, but he just needs to have a little more fun, change his pitch a little, not be afraid to be a little more entertaining. Love Hawk and Hunter both, but they are the opposite of Smalley and Justin, IMO. I love their fun, but reign it in a bit here and there and talk the game with a little less humor. Been a while now, but really enjoyed Thome in the booth. I just thought he bad a nice blend of fun and professionalism both. On the radio side, with no apologies, I love Gladden. I was worried initially when Gordon retired....circumstances have made me a radio guy for most of my life until the internet brought game streaming...but he and Corey work very well together. (Sorry, but a moment of silence for Herb who was the ABSOLUTE BEST)! But Dan just isn't a play by play guy. I'll listen, of course, but Chris or SOMEBODY just needs to carry those middle innings and let Gladden do what he does best.

Mildly scared by Odorizzi. He's had back problems before, see Tampa in 2017 for a good part of the year, though he finished strong that year. They say mild stiffness and I figured with the expanded roster he might miss a single turn and no reason for the IL. Guessing/Hoping retro will still have him missing only a start, maybe two. IIRC, they have a couple off days early so maybe this is just being overly cautious??? Crossing my fingers. I've never been sold on Bailey, and that has nothing to do with his performance Wednesday. Healthy, though younger, he was solid to very good. Healthy again, he re-invented himself in 2019. We are not talking a top of the rotation SP. We're talking a solid, experienced 5th SP. I'm trusting the FO on this one. Surprised a little by Blankenhorn not making it, even though it would only be for 2 weeks. I am borderline shocked by Whitefield. I have been a fan and hopeful supporter of his since day one. (The potential and story are just too good.) While no prospect expert the book on him is great defense with legitimate CF instincts. He has some pop and power potential. Tremendous speed and SB ability. 23yo and still a work in progress as a hitter. He has more time than Celistino at A+, so that may have been a factor. But considering a 40 man move to add him vs just keeping Celestino for a couple of weeks, I am confused. Otherwise, everything makes perfect sense.

I agree. My caveat would be the Twins final record. I'm not sold yet on Bailey, and it has nothing to do with Wednesday against the Cubs. At this point, I am only mildly concerned with Odorizzi having some back stiffness. Sano and Buxton being OK but slightly set back doesn't scare me. There is just so much depth and talent positionally speaking, and rotation and pen depth, that I honestly feel this team should win 40 games.

I don't buy in to the Dirty Sox just yet. They made some good additions and have some young talent on hand and some just about ready to make their mark. But I just think they need too much to go right at the same time to challenge this season. Cleveland is still dangerous. You have to give them the advantage in SP, even though though the Twins have quality and depth. I also like the Twins BP and depth over the Indians. We can debate INF vs OF but it's a balancing act. I'd pick the Twins overall, including DH. In the whole of AL/NL Central, the Twins and Indians should be the top 2 teams. I still don't feel the whole "Central" battle is quite the cake walk some make it out to be as there are 4 teams in the NL that could be 30+ win teams, plus Cleveland and the CDS to contend with. But Cleveland is the only team that really worries me.

Got anything good to share? I haven't see anything about Sunday.

Dobnak and Smeltzer just seem so obvious. Agree with mike that Chacin does nothing for me. Especially after what we saw in ST 1.0. I'd rather stick with the young, talented arms vs a veteran re-tread. But is Chacin showing something more/Different in ST 2.0? I could see the Twins sticking with Chacin initially because once gone, he's gone for good. I just really hope they stick to youth and upside. The "problem" I see here is too much talent. Yes, I actually said that. Assuming health and Bailey fitting in to the 5th slot, the pen FIGURES to be settled with Rogers, May, Duffey, Romo, Clippard, Littell and Stashak. (Subject to poor performance we haven't seen as of yet). With one more spot available, and I'm betting Wisler takes it. The roster allows for 30 men, then 28, then 26. Barring injury or illness, where is there room for Dobnak, Smeltzer and Thorpe when the roster crunch happens? This a GOOD PROBLEM to have. These things tend to work themselves out over a season, even a short one. But when have you ever been able to say the Twins have more quality arms than roster spots?

As I stated in another thread, I think Poppen is overlooked and probably the first in line to help in the pen. But I am very excited about Alcala and think he has a great ceiling! And I trust Hawk's opinion 100%. But there was one comment Hawkins made that caught me off guard. Paraphrasing, "He has a great changeup". I thought the problem with Alcala staying in the rotation was lack of a 3rd offering. Am I wrong? Is it just control, which could be mitigated by only pitching an inning or two? Or is he finding a better change now? If he bad ANY sort of 3rd pitch to throw, at least on occasion, I would think he has the potential to dominate in the pen. Thank you for the video feed!

Thanks Tom! I totally missed on Balazovic staying behind in Ft Myers. But for a guy with that much talent, so high in the system, (prospect wise), who would have probably begun the season in AA if things were normal, hopefully hitting AAA at some point, still perplexed he's not already at camp. Like your list of additional players and almost included Leach in my own list. I also almost included Cavaco, but so young, I left him out. Severino I forgot about but good call.

Now that we have a MLB season for 2020, however it turns out, I think we should re-visit this discussion. We have, at least initially, a roster of players to participate in 2020. It's WAY TO EASY to just state EVERY milb player is missing out. Hopefully, eventually, there will be some sort of fall/winter/advanced EST that will help bridge the gap from the loss of a milb season. And there has been previous discussions about the 60 man roster initially. But now that we have that 60 man roster, I think its time to again address who in the system loses the most with no milb season. The top 4, IMO: Wander Javier: unbelievable talent, but needs to play, and now he can't. Tyler Wells: the 2018 milb SP pitcher of the year who underwent surgery. He may not be a TOP prospect, but he has produced. IMO, think Dobnak suddenly having TJ surgery. Wouldn't you want a season of rehab? Akil Badoo: While I don't want to directly compare players, as it's not truly fair, he is a Hunter/Buxton/Cellistino athlete with nowhere to play and get back on track. Jordan Balazovic: I think this is Covid related. I've tried to read a few things but get lost in legalise. The Blue Jays, from what I'm hearing, are hurting and hunting for a home. So I'm still speculating that Balazovic is "sick" or having visa issues. Otherwise, there is reaĺy no reason to not having your top pitching prospect in camp. I think an arguement could be made that even guys on the 60 man roster are going to be impacted. Sure they get coaching and simulated games. But how does that compare to regular, daily play? Hopefully it makes a difference. Who else in the system is "losing out" the most from no milb season?

How can you not be optimistic and feel good about Kirilloff, Larnach and Rooker at this point from ST 1.0 to 2.0. They just keep doing what they have been doing. Nice to see Blenkenhorn getting opportunity and showing what he might be capable of. PLEASE keep him also playing 3B to increase his potential! Also nice to see Lewis finally get his shot. He may not be ready, but he had a GREAT AFL and was surging in ST 1.0. I understand the Twins are getting ready for their season, but somewhat disappointed Lewis wasn't already getting time.

I would go back further and talk about Robert Smith. Injury plagued his first couple of seasons and then learned to conserve his body, or have better luck, or both, and the rest is history, (I've made this point so often it makes me irritated to state it again, lol). I'd even argue Smith was the best RB in the history of the Vikings franchise over AP, but retired early and on his own. Different topic for a different day, but we can also look at Hunters early career. He was rushed. He also fought injury. Finally, the Twins had Hunter work with Buck! A cleat in the grass is freaky, as has been a couple of his other injuries. And whether you believe in karma or not, you just DON'T give up on a 26yo talent like Buxton no matter how frustrated you may feel. His defense is extraordinary, but all of us, Twins included, would give up a few singles and a few doubles over a season if it kept him on the field. Because his being on the field still means some great outs, and some quality offense. There is no need to re-post the offensive numbers posted above in the OP. Simply, healthy, despite scratching the surface of his potential, Buck is a dangerous presence on the offensive side of the game if healthy. And he's still young, learning and growing! With a little caution, luck and development, can you imagine how good he could be a year or two from now? If injury persists and the kid remains unlucky or prone, with other talent in the pipeline, I get it. But I totally agree that now is not the time to give up on Buxton.

Sorry, but that ranking or lack of, is a joke. Hill may only be able to handle half a season but that's what he's being asked to do. And he's been great in those half seasons for a few years now and reports are he's primed and ready. (Fingers crossed for what I believe is his swan song). Berrios is STILL only 26yo and his only problem is fading late in the season, yes, I said ONLY as that is a big deal, of course. But he rebounded last year after making some adjustments to his intense training regime. And he was going to make more this season to focus more on general conditioning before the stop. Still young, still learning, he has a tremendous future. But a 60 game season? There should be no doubts about potential dominance. Oddorizi is not great, but he is solid to good to sometimes great, even if it's only 5-6IP. He was good in 2018 and turned a corner in 2019. As recounted in another thread, despite a better 1st half than 2nd, he was really good in 2019. Take away July when he was dealing with a blister issue, he was even better. He's a solid #2 but a great #3. And I hope he will be that beyond 2020. Maeda is also no stud. But his career numbers are very good. He was never thrown in to the Dogers bullpen because he couldn't pitch. Despite rumors the RICH Dogers were looking to save $ on his unique contract, it has been reported repeatedly he was moved to the pen to shore up a weakness there for a playoff run since they bad enough rotation depth. He is also coming off his best career year against LH batters. Bailey? You tell me. Sure seemed like he re-invented himself last year. If not, how about a healthy Pineda who was borderline excellent once he literally got his legs under him last season. Oh wait, how about Dobnak, Thorpe and Smeltzer? Channing1964 made a post in the Odorizzi OP a few days ago from the Athletic where there was a poll of scouts who ranked SP on some sort of 1-4 poll. This by no means is any sort of MLB gospel, but the way the final results tallied, the Twins would have 5 or 6 of the TOP 60 SP in baseball even if they didn't have a top ACE. Yes, I'm a homer. But I've watched this team play and I've seen these arms. Not even in the top 10??? PLEASE!!!

This thread will probably die quickly, but just wanted to state I always thought letting Goodrum go was a mistake. And I'm very happy he found a home and is enjoying a degree of success. And when you look at the Twins, as currently constructed, you'd have to wonder if there would be any room for him at this point. Maybe in 2018, not so sure about 2019 or now. But kinda stinks to see a solid, versatile and fairly productive Twins home grown player doing well for someone else.

Poppen has always intrigued me. He just turned 26 I believe and was a 19th round draft choice. No handbook handy in front of me, will refer to Seth's comment above about FB/slider combination. To my best recollection he has never made a top 20 list and not sure hes even made a top 30 one either. And while his milb numbers aren't eye popping, they are solid across the board from ERA to BA, WHIP, BB/SO, with a career K rate of almost spot on at a K/9. I think he's always flown under the radar. I'm not sure why, but suspected it was pure velocity, or absence of a reliable 3rd or even 4th offering. But the K's are there, his velocity seemed good in his brief 2019 debut, and again, Seth speaks above about a good FB. I think, universally, those in the know would state that Alcala's pure stuff is better. Better control...which Hawkins alluded to...and ANY kind of even semi-decent 3rd offering, even as a look-see pitch, could vault him towards an important bullpen role, and sooner rather than later. I also agree the Twins could still ultimately "win" the Pressly trade in a season or two, but that's beside the current point. But right now, I'm betting on Poppen contributing 1st, followed by Alcala. Just have a feeling Poppen is more ready. Agree with John and others that I really, really hope Colina is kept as a SP for as long as possible. I view Chalmers and Colina with the same eye. (Was actually surprised not to see Chalmers in this OP). While different arms and somewhat different aspects to work on, they are much the same to me. There are control issues and 3rd pitch offerings to find. But both have tremendous stuff that could hopefully find both as rotation pieces in the next couple of years. (Damn but I hate not having an actual milb season)! And both seem to have the stuff to be dangerous BP arms. But I want both stretched out and working on starting for as long as possible. Thielbar would be a fun story. But it's not a story I'm buying in to. On a staff already crunching about 15 arms, where could he possibly fit unless injury/illness decimates? He might even be behind the much younger Clay in pecking order at this point. Congrats to him for keeping his dream alive. And maybe he didn't want to stick with the Tigers or they didn't like him for some reason. But if one of the most talent strapped teams in baseball doesn't keep you around, I'm just not sure the writing isn't on the wall.

Sorry if I said this before, but I like Eddie and believe in him. I also think he has great instincts. I think his biggest issue...other than a general wildness in his plate coverage...has been a pair of injuries that limited him for parts of the past 2 seasons. His sticking around might not even be questioned if not for those injuries. (Hampered his defense as well). I think he's back in 2021 not only because he's good, and his 2021 salary bump isn't really that significant, but no milb season will make it tougher for Larnach and Kirilloff to take that next step. Working with the coaches and scrimmaging is awesome compared to sitting at home. But it's not the same as a full season of play and development. Ergo, Rosario is the right choice for LF in 2021 at this time.

Agreed. I just got done looking. Appears last week's scrimmage is on You Tube but no this one.

I believe you are thinking of Hughes

I clicked on the game link above in the OP and it took me to You Tube. If I remember correctly, there's a REPLAY button on the lower right of the screen.

Caught part of the last 2 innings but was distracted. Watched the first 4 on replay. Definitely fun! Saw a tremendous play by Donaldson at 3B cutting in front of Polanco. Saw a really nice play by Blankenhorn at 3B and a nice scoop by Kirilloff. Polanco's double impressed me. Seemed to be almost on his fist and took it deep to the LF corner. Maeda's breaking stuff and off speed stuff in general looked nasty at times. Can't decide if I like or hate the TC bordered by the Minnesota state outline hats.

The one thing I enjoyed reading, but didn't previously comment on, was Romo's opinion of Stashak and Littell about to have a coming out party. When someone with his experience says something positive about a couple young arms, I pay attention. And there's more on their way; Alcala, Poppen, Colina perhaps, etc. I made a comment some months ago as to the depth and ability of our pen after such a strong 2019 that they were undervalued mainly because they were too young to have NAME value and recognition as a result. 2020 could be a fun "coming out party".

I agree that any piggy back scenario we are seeing is for ST 2.0. With the initial 30 man roster, it could be an initial reality to get things up and running. But a normal rotation will be in place rather soon, with a deep and talented BP.

I've been impressed with Smeltzer thus far. Flat out, he knows how to pitch. And that can never be discounted. But when you have limited velocity, you need to be able to really work the batter. An improved slider does a lot to raise his bar. I wouldn't bet against the kid, guts and instinct, especially if he finds a slider that works. But Thorpe and Dobnak have better pure stuff and Duran and Balazovic are on their way. I think he ends up fitting in best as a versatile pen arm who can give you 1-3 IP and spot start.