DocBauer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No question the market has changed, and continues to change. Morris signed a fair deal at the time then took advantage of his out and had great success with Toronto. I can't begrudge him that. In fact, not long before the contacts you mentioned, the Twins actually signed Puckett to the richest contact in history, IIRC, only to be topped by Henderson shortly thereafter. Funny when you reflect on those "high dollar" moves made then vs the past 25yrs or so. Historically, put in to proper context, ownership hasn't always been as penny-pinching as some like to claim. Believed or not, Terry Ryan used to openly state the FO didn't inhibit him from making moves if they made sense. But he didn't make many. He brought a lot of talent, and a lot of winning teams in his tenure, but he didn't make a lot of defining moves. (And let me state I have tremendous respect for all Ryan accomplished and all be did). The FA market, when Ryan was in charge, still seemed steep in "mega contracts" in dollars and years, as well as including the DOME DAYS that may have influenced a lack of moves. Not sure I have answers, but reflection is interesting. The current FO, under the same ownership, has been quite different, albeit in Target Field, and with a change in analytics and a huge market change as a result. I think it really comes down to what makes sense. Sense in short term and long term. We have still seen HUGE contracts, but only for "blue chip" players. The current FO has delved in the FA market with poor success and positive success. I have little doubt they realize they need to add a SP somewhere/somehow. I also have little doubt they will look at all of these options, examine them thoroughly, and then decide if a 30yr old option can be counted on for sustained success for 2-3yrs. If they decide not, they will go the trade route from milb surpluses and bring someone in, with a couple years of control, that they think/believe is ready to contribute and perhaps "arrive" with a few tweaks. I also believe a couple of our current staff will be back. I just don't know for sure who at this point. Just too far out and too much speculation at this point.

Just being 100% transparent, I continue to be confused on service time and options. I do know that when the clock winds, there are a number of factors involved in both, and they can move both forward and back, or be stagnate, depending on when a player is added, promoted, etc. That being said, I don't think 20 or so days woukd have affect on a Kiriloff decision whatsoever. However, I do think options, 40 man decisions, and his readiness ARE factors. Let me state something I have eagerly stated before, and that I think Kiriloff is as close to can't miss as you can get. I have repeatedly stated I think he is "special" and will be an outstanding hitter with contact and OB ability plus power, though how much power is yet to be determined. What I do doubt is ML readiness NOW to help. There are select few prospects, even top ones, who could jump to MLB at this/his point and actually make a difference to close out the season. The Buxton blow is huge! But barring any additional setbacks, it appears Rosario, Kepler, Gonzalez and Cave should be OK soon and going forward. If that is not the case, we could have a different discussion on our hands.

At the moment, infield is actually a bigger need with Marwin out. We have some bench warmers that can actually play a legitimate OF defensively to give someone a rest. Adrianza and Arraez can and have played some OF as well. But really, we're probably better off using them in their current role and using the spare part OF for what they are. I understand the idea of bringing the talented and hot Kirilloff up for a shot. And by no means am I asking the Twins to NOT "go for it". But still, is a young AA OF really going to be the savior at this point? Is it really worth starting his clock at this point on a hope and prayer he is ready to ride a magic wave of opportunity through September and October? It would be a great story. I just dont see it happening.

Good news: There is defense, speed and maybe a little contact and OB ability there. Bad news: Questionable hitting at best and virtually zero power.

Of course, I know that episode from just the one clip, lol!

Agreed as he'd be up around now, maybe even before August ended. But...and this is no slight to Davis...he would only be up because the Twins needed to go to their arguably 6-7-8 OF. I mean, Marwin is the 4th OF. Cave is the 5th. Adrianza and even Arraez can play the OF, but with injuries, it could be argued who is/was the 6th/7th OF between Wade and Davis. And it may not have been either if Raley hadn't hurt his ankle so badly. Just crazy! A little hard not to be despondent right now.

Awesome article, Seth. Thanks for this, and all the write ups you do on the milb players! I know Ober has yet to make a single appearance above AA, but when you look at the sheer dominance he has shown at 2 levels this season, you almost have to speculate at a potential ML appearance in 2020, despite inexperience. They key is, obviously health. I keep wondering, does his size create injury? Does he need better conditioning or an increase in muscle mass to keep him balanced and steady? Or is it more a flexibility issue where something like yoga or Pilates keeps him centered with a healthy base? I don't have a clue. But when you have a kid who can throw and dominate the way he is when healthy, you'd better figure it out.

I liked a couple posts because they were smartly thought out. But I have to agree with Spycake overall. We still have about 3 weeks for Buxton, Kepler and Gonzalez to be fully healthy. And no matter how much I love Kirilloff and believe in his future he's really going to be better than any of them, or Cave at this point?

Concentrating on what I believe will happen and what I believe is true concerning the FO, including my opinion on how they look at things. I am simply not going to get in to an ownership debate. A couple quick points that I think are relevant: 1] The new regime HAS made FA a priority when they felt it was right to do so. A year ago it didn't work, at all. This year, it did, and in a pretty big way. (This excludes Castro and Pineda, to a degree, as they were previous year moves). Despite carrying opinions, they were seriously in on Darvish until the extra year came in to play. They haven't done anything to "break the bank", but they also haven't been shy about playing in the FA pool. However... 2] They have also made it clear they are looking for sustainability for the franchise. This includes everything from analytics, to coaching changes, to player acquisition, to the draft and milb development, and INCLUDES FA to augment the roster. Regarding the listed FA, I just feel Cole will be one of those guys heavy hitters look at, and simply outbid the Twins. We can talk about money off the books and total payroll, but I am speculating someone doing 5-6yrs at more than $20M per because they feel they can absorb any future financial "loss". Just too rich for the Twins. Hamels has had a nice career, but is 35. Ryu could be interesting, but is 32, and recent history though limited, has seemingly shown the Asian ballplayers just aren't very interested. Wheeler is a pretty solid option, only 29yo, and has really only had 1 bad year. He's usually good for 180IP, but his ERA is a little high this season. I'm always a little Leary of NL pitchers with higher ERA as I expect it to go up in the AL. Is this season just an aberration? He has 3 out of 5 seasons with a low 3 ERA. I'm interested! Assuming Cole is off the table, the guy I'm interested in the most, I think, is Bumgarner. And not just because he is LH and has WS HERO tattooed on his resume. I didn't like him as an potentially expensive rental player. And his ERA is a little in 2019, but he's still taking his turn daily, still averaging almost a K per IP, and is an experienced competitor. (Some might argue he is too much of a competitor at times). This might be the perfect time in his career for a change of scenery, and to work with someone like Johnson, on a mostly young and dynamic team. I am 50/50 the Twins will make a FA signing of someone like Wheeler or Bumgarner. Watching how they work, I slightly lean to them making a trade for an under 30 or 30ish SP with a couple years of control. No, I don't have a name to throw out there at this time. My thoughts and reflection tell me they would do all they can to keep their top 3-4 prospects in house, but open up the rest of the system for a 3-5 player deal to bring in a guy who is good, and they think is a tweak or two away from being great. As to what is "on hand": I still hesitate to say they will offer Odorizzi a QO. I like him. I'd like him back. He fits in as a talented veteran SP who is, generally, lights out for 5+ IP as a #3. Unless the market suddenly explodes again, he's worth some sort of 2, 2 + 1, maybe even a 3yr deal for anywhere between $12-15M per. Considering his recent suspension, and previous injury history, weighted against previous production when healthy, and what he has done this season, Pineda isn't far behind. But new events and past history should have available for a little less than Odorizzi. Gibson is a wild card. And I feel sorry for the guy. I'm not sure any recent Twin has had more differing opinion and sometimes vitriol sent his way. Forgetting his first call up...coming off TJ surgery, probably tiring and being a rookie...his first two seasons were very solid! Then he, and THE ENTIRE TEAM imploded in 2016. But it seems like some want to focus all the disappointment and blame on him for that season. The first half of his 2017 season was also bad but then suddenly, demotion, tweaks, a different mind-set he was a new man for the rest of the season and for 2018. And then he battles a bad illness loses tons of weight and strength, but battles back to pitch pretty well until this latest illness. Gibson is a huge wild card, but probably had cheaply even if be finishes the hear decently. Then there is Perez. Yet another wild card. I was completely against the move. Then he got off to that fantastic start. When he struggled, I even found myself actually defending him because I still velocity, SO, and 1-2-3 IP mixed in with bad stuff. And 3 of his last 4 starts have been pretty nice. His first year with the Twins, first year with Johnson, first year learning his new cutter, how he finishes 2019 will determine whether his next year is picked up. Someone stated he would be far too expensive for a 5th SP. But is he really that costly? And considering his start, and recent trajectory upward again, if he finishes solid, wouldn't he be smart to bring back? 2020 ROTATION, IMO: Berrios FA/Trade Odorizzi Pineda or Gibson Perez Waiting in the wings and challenging: Graterol Thorpe Smeltzer

First thought, just for an instant, was another Randball article. I am not going to crucify Pineda or call him a cheater or anything like. Not enough affirmative information. But I will say he was silly or down right stupid in his thinking. In this day and age, you just dont just TAKE something without it being prescribed and reported to the ML office. Other than that, all I have is; "Smeltzer, Thorpe, you're up next. Do the best you can and go get 'em boys!"

Interesting to me, and I could be wrong, but when I look at thjs list, including past winners, I believe I count 10 pitchers either drafted by this FO or traded for. Impressive if I'm even close in memory and math, lol. Just a few comments: 1] Didn't Chalmers come from the A's organization? Regardless, I know he's coming off a lost surgery season. But he is looking like a potential steal. 2] Did we fleece Miami with Romo...who I am betting will be re-signed on a 1yr deal...and then getting Vallimont? He sure has looked good so far. 3] As I stated in another OP about him, I want to be excited about Canterino because his is a college pitcher with a big arm and potential, if he can find a change of pace pitch. But I keep hearing about a high effort delivery and wonder if that is actual. I mean, if it's comfortable for him, is it really high effort? 4] Surprised to see Stewart on this list, even if honorable mention and good numbers. I am not blasting the kid, but what is it the FO keeps seeing? Overall, he just hasn t shown anything really worthy of sticking around. Especially with arms on the rise. 5] Ober absolutely deserves this award. What he has done all season is pretty spectacular! I ABSOLUTELY agree with you, Seth, that age shouldn't be a mitigating factor in regard to prospect status. However, Ober is 24, despite being a fast riser, and only in his 2nd year of full season ball. But IL time is a factor. And despite that, he has performed tremendously well! Are we looking at a steal who will continue to blossom and deal and be considered a high end prospect? Or are we looking at a mature, injury plagued arm who has simply dominated by age and experience? I am making no judgements, only asking just how good of a prospect this kid could be. Right now, healthy, what he has done in 2019, he would seem a candidate to vault in top 20 prospect status.

First, I am going to do something I don't normally do and be self-indulgent. I am going to quote myself from the game thread just because I liked It! LOL "So this happened. And the baseball gods looked down and smiled and said; this was good!" 1] Despite a record setting offensive BOMBS squad, this team seems to be able to come through. I don't knkw season numbers, but it seems clutch hitting and 2 out hits have suddenly become a norm. 2] Is it just me, or has the defense really tightened up the past few games? I'm not just talking Eddie's throw at the end of this game, but I've seen a lot of really great plays of late, including in the loss Wednesday. 3] I ABSOLUTELY can't believe I'm saying this...because I again didn't like the signing initially...bht we might have a little something with Perez. He was lights out to begin the season. But even when he struggled, we saw SO and 1-2-3 innings mixed in with his struggles. Except for one horrible performance, he is suddenly looking much like the pitcher he was the first couple of months this season. Whoever called the pickoff play at 2B should be fined in the Kangaroo court! But I think the only reason Perez didn't come out for another inning was the long wait on the bench. 4] Can we all just finally admit that no RP will ever be perfect? That any RP will have a bad game here or There? And that Duffey and May are actually pretty damn good? 5] Our most talented SP is struggling with tip offs or delivery right now, and may need to skip a start to just reflect and work and relax, but we went in to the awkward bandbox in Boston and took 2 of 3 against a powerful and contending team with a "bullpen" game and a HUGE start from a guy suddenly finding himself again and getting some key performances from hitters, players, and the bullpen. All is pretty much right in the Twins world right Now! Bring on the next challenger!

I like your post but yet, I struggle to agree. I LOVE Astudillo and what he brings to this team both on the field and off of it. I feel that those who point to his offensive numbers aren't paying close enough attention. Yes, he struggled at times, failed and failed at times, when coming back from his 2 stints on the IL. But he has produced when healthy, or at other times and other words, when he got AB and got back in a groove after returning from the IL. And his versatility should not be dismissed, he is at least solid whenever and wherever he plays. And that's important. Especially over a long season. But this is a short series, hopefully 2, and I just don't think he fits. IF, the Twins decide on an extra position player vs a pitcher, still comes down to be or Cave. Versatility and production, I believe BOTH Adrianza and Schoop make it. Hence my listed roster opinion above. Just don't see any way you don't keep Adrianza for defense, versatility and what he's done at the plate. And while Arreaz may have displaced Schoop as the primary 2B, you just can't deny his production, especially vs LH pitching.

Gibson is a wild card. Some time off to regain strength, he could easily push Perez to the pen, and that's NOT a slight to the Perez who started the season and who has looked good to very good lately with a 1 game WOOF start. I understand Miller could be a 2019 version of Jarvis Brown as a defensive replacement and PR option. [Kudos if you remember back far enough to remember Brown]. But Brown was a decent prospect with at least a little ML game time. Do we really keep him over Adrianza? At this point, I say no. Agreed Astudillo doesn't fit for a couple short series. He's just missed too much time to reliably replace other options on hand. [And I'm a believer and a fan]. Agree with Littell in the pen. State yet AGAIN I love Graterol, but let me see him pitch in September successfully before I include him. Otherwise, this is an awesome audition to get ready for 2020. One more time: Rosario Buxton Kepler Cruz Sano Polanco Arraez Cron Gonzalez Adrianza Schoop Garver Castro Cave is a deserving wild card, but no room, IMO. Berrios Pineda Odorizzi Gibson (if he rebounds) Roger's Dyson Romo Duffey May Perez Littell ? The last spot belongs to Thorpe TODAY. I need to see more of Graterol making the jump successfully before I include him. Both make it if Gibson just can't get his strength back in time and Perez moves in to the rotation. I believe Cave is a wild card if the Twins decide on a 3 man rotation or a 7 man pen. I don't see that as of right now. Just for giggles, you want an extreme wild card? 9 man pen and Graterol just isn't ready and Stashek gets a spot.

There have been a number of side arm and submarine pitchers who have had quality careers. That doesn't mean Hildenberger will be one of them. I hope he is. I hope he figures it out and the "good" Hildenberger we have seen in the past becomes the guy we see going forward. But for 2020 as I see no way he suddenly becomes a fixture for the post season this year. Whether it be mechanics or teams adapting, the truth is we've seen a pair of, roughly, half seasons, where he has looked very good and a pair of half seasons where he just looks awful. One way or another, I'm betting he is back next ST. But push is going to come to shove in 2020 as far as his Twins career. But September will only be an audition as to his return next year.