DocBauer

Maybe I'm just an optimist and like a good story, but Thorpe is one of my favorite stories, and borderline untouchable. He put up good numbers initially, then missed two full seasons due to injury and illness. Despite that, he has come back seemingly as strong as ever, and finished last year at AAA with a handful of solid performances. Despite missing those two full years he will only be 23-24yo at Rochester next year. He's a LH who brings it consistently 91-94. You can see his potential in the video Tom shared along with his numbers. I don't knkw if his ceiling is a #2 or #3, but I think he will be a fixture come 2020. I don't wish bad health or poor performance on any of our currently projected SP, but between him, Mejia, Romero, Gonsalves, Berrios and others on hand, I'm really hopeful for a crowded rotation come the second half of 2019.

Nice write-up Seth! I'd just like to address some of these guys with my own thoughts, FWIW. Romero: 100% I understand various thoughts/debates about his moving to the pen, OR, moving there temporarily as he ,earns, grows and adapts. Possibly as a primary starter. I appreciate arguments concerning IP and refinement of his stuff. But we've all read reports and actually watched what he is capable of. I keep going back to the two seasons he missed. (Like Thorpe). I still say it's way too early for any sort of permanent pen move. He should be starting, or be a primary, or at least have a multiple IP role at worst. There is just too much stuff there to dismiss him as a full time starter for 2020 and beyond. Though I believe 2019 could be a "development" year, even if it involves various uses of his talent. Cave: Really liked what I saw, even if he was a big overly aggressive in the field and at the plate at times. Hey, he was a rookie! Some talk about regression, but he could easily progress as well. Littell: Not going to lie, I still don't know enough about him yet, or his ceiling. I keep envisioning a lesser Radke. But from reports, and milb numbers, vs what I saw on his promotion, I saw a kid who just wasn't ready yet. Whether it was nerves, or just not trusting in his stuff enough yet, I think he just wasn't ready. I feel the best thing for him would be a full half season at Rochester before coming up again. Stewart: I think we were all surprised when he was promoted to Rochester and then the Twins in fairly quick order. Obviously the FO likes something about him. I wish we knew what it was! That's not a slight on him, but we've only seen glimpses of the big FB and slider that were supposed to mark him as a top young arm. He looked better as a designated starter, and I saw the same ground ball tendencies. I just don't know yet what he's supposed to be, or could be. Gonsalves: I am going to repeat what I have said several times before, I EXPECTED him to struggle when he first came up. My reasoning is simple. He has always been a "pitcher" and not a thrower. He has adapted at every level, improved, and generally shown good command with outliers here and there. (Even with his rise in BB in 2018, a lot of that was individual games, and not the whole season). He's just not one of those guys who has the single overpowering FB or breaking pitch to dominate or make ML hitters really think. He looked better, much better, when made a primary his last few appearances. He may take some time to adjust, but I still like his potential as a quality 3-4 in the next year or so. Vasquez: I just don't know. Big milb numbers, but can a LHRP with a wipe out slider be anything more than a LOOGY? Can he spot his high 80 FB enough to be more? Astudillo: Saved him last for a reason! IMO, he is not only for real, but the Twins got a bit lucky. They are lucky that other teams kept passing on him because he doesn't "fit" normal labels of what they were looking for. And lucky because they almost blew it by moving him off the dish to audition other journeyman catchers at Rochester before realizing what they had in house already. I watched him a ton when they finally brought him up for good, but I did miss his appearances in the OF and 2B. He looked quiet and comfortable behind the plate. He looked solid at 3B. He has hit everywhere he has ever been, and made contact, including Rochester, where his power started to increase, and the ML level, and was raking in the Winter Leagues, last I knew. You just can't ignore his bat or solid play wherever you put him. Whether he makes the 2019 roster out of ST or begins at Rochester, I think he's a part of this team for the next few years.

Some very good takes here though I'm still getting Reed gets his shot in 2019. They like enough about him to not ditch him, despite not being on the 40. Feels like there is just something they are waiting to see. I believe a healthy Wade will excel in his 2nd time through AAA and be up at some point. So very high on Thorpe i just having this feeling he's going to keep getting better and better and be part of the 2020 rotation. I also expect to see both Gordon and Rooker. Rooker just needs to do, more or less, what he's already been doing: make adjustments and barrel up on the ball. Despite considerable youth, Gordon reached AAA for about 2/3 of 2018. He is still a bit of an enigma as we've seen glimpses of what he can do. But whether he has worn down, or pitchers have made adjustments, he's looked rather anemic the second half of the past two years. Something to consider, he's actually made steady progress level to level each year. His first 4 seasons, he moved up. 2018 was the first time he began a season where he finished the previous one, and wasn't there all that long. And, of course, he looked very good early. Presumably, he begins 2019 at Rochester, where he spent the bulk of last year. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him start adapting. You blew me away on Stashak. And then I thought about it and said "why the he'll not"? Just don't know enough about Raley yet and was disappointed in his AFL. But I think the organization likes him, his versatility, and his bat control. You could be on to something. IMO, the ship has sailed on Eades.

I truly appreciate your passions and opinion. I really do. Heck, forget Hrbek. Let's talk about Gaetti and Laudner and Faedo and the top catcher at the time...I want to say it was a kid named Baker, but memory slips. And Puckett! Let's not forget he had a couple cups of coffee before jumping to the ML level! But last we forget how Faedo and Baker turned out. Lauder was solid, but never great. Anyone remember Oelkers? He was a top LHSP rushed and never did much of anything. Remember Eisenreich? Rushed to the majors and it was discovered later he suffered from a version of Tourette syndrome. Not saying more time would have discovered this sooner, but it's a possibility to consider. Context is vastly important! When Hrbek, Gaetti, Puckett and others were jumped to the ML level, it was a different time and different ownership. Some swam, some treaded water before learning to swim, and some drowned. Because Hrbek did it, an All time Twins great, Rooker or anyone else as a top prospect should do the same? I'm sorry, I just don't buy it. In the entire history of baseball there have been, still are, those guys who just escalate more rapidly than others. Some turn out to be studs. Some flame out. Forget who was in charge of the FO at the time, doesn't matter in the context you are presenting. Let's use CF as an example as it js a lightening rod for the organization. Hunter was a stud prospect brought up early, struggled, was sent to the minors, brought back up, and finally found himself. Gomez was brought up too soon, traded to the Twins, trusted to replace Hunter, struggled, and was traded before finding himself. Hicks is the exact same example, as is Buxton, though each player is different in their own way. Have you actually looked at milb games played before promotion for Buxton, Sano, Kepler, Polanco, etc? I have. And the Twins have been pretty aggressive with those guys and others. To hand pick a few examples of guys who seem to have made it in their early 20's is very much cherry picking. The milb system has been in place for how many years now? And jts been in place for a reason. TONS of not high draft selections have turned out to be studs. An equal amount of top picks have fizzled. Rooker, Lewis and Khirilloff all have a season and a half of professional ball under their belts, regardless of age. But because each shows so much talent and potential they should thrust in to a make or break opportunity at some point in 2019? Sorry, I just don't buy it, though I appreciate your enthusiasm. The current FO promoted several guys. Romero was promoted earlier than I expected. I was stunned when Stewart went to AAA and then the major when and how he did. I haven't liked every move the new FO has made. And I've been surprised by some of the moves they have made. But they have seemed to be pretty aggressive in a lot of promotions thus far. And I really hope they continue to be that aggressive. But to compare Hrbek, or Judge, or a select few others vs others and aggressive promotion would be similar to promoting Garver two years ago when he was the Twins milb hitter of the year and ask him to sink or swim to be the next starting catcher for the Twins based solely on potential. He just wasn't another Mauer. And no matter how good he may be, trying to predict Lewis as the next A-Rod is also silly. Extreme examples I know. And I'm all about pushing prospects and developing what you have. But there is a difference in being aggressive and just blindly promoting talent and hoping they can figure it out.

Yep! For the record, I like Kepler a lot. I still believe he is just about ready to take off. I say this dure to talent,flashes and some slowly improving numbers. I also like Cave a lot. There is fair talk about his SO rare and somewhat SSS. But he is just as likely to "progress" as "regress" in his second season. From what I know and have seen and read of both guys, Kepler SHOULD outperform Cave and be the better player. Doesn't mean he is, or will be. But I agree the absolutely worst thing you can do is get wrapped up in "should". Kepler and Cave should both play and both audition. May the best candidate win...but even still...there is a role for each of them.

Agree, but object to the "flopping" comment. Injuries curtailed him for a time. Healthy, he showed nice numbers and tons of potential. The Twins were pretty aggressive promoting him when they did. He looked awesome...then average. Not uncommon for a young pitcher. All the talent in the world. He and Mejia should both be part of 2019. The question is, in what role? There is the role of designated starter. And there is the often made reference to the Cardinals way of introducing a pitcher as a RP first before transitioning back to a starter. No matter what, these two arms need to be on staff.

I return to the interview Falvey did with Souhan recently. He spoke about losing a young player if you make this kind of move, but what affect a veteran hitter could bring to the lineup, and the players around him, both initially and down the road. This move could have a very positive effect on not only the lineup, but for the young core of this team, for 2019 and 2020 and beyond. We aren't done yet. At least, I hope and assume we aren't. But I really like the energy this move brings!

THUD! Saw this scroll across the screen at work and just about jumped out of my seat! I even kinda expected it, but wasn't sure I could believe it. We get 2 yrs or 1. Our choice. We add a dangerous hitter who could/should have a positive impact on the players around him. While there are scenarios where the Twins also keep Austin and Cron, it doesn't make much sense. Somehow, one of them is gone. We still need at least one high quality one arm. Possibly a second. While I like Adrianza, I prefer him as a "second" guy off the bench. There are some legitimate guys on the market who can play all over and bring a bat better than Adrianza. Love this signing! Great late Christmas gift! Just, please, let's not stop now!

I should have been more clear when I mentioned Danny Santana. While it's true they concentrated him, primarily, at a single position, I was attempting to use him as an example of a guy who they should have, could have, developed as a multi-position player. As you once stated, Brian, if you aren't going to sign them, you should be developing them.

For the second time, THANK YOU for these profiles! Just see some content! BTW, LOVE your office or cubby hole. Very cool! Little jealous of the memorabilia on display. Grateful, but still a bit befuddled how Alex was regarded as probably the best HS bat in his draft class and fell to the Twins. Once again, what makes his 2018 season all the more impressive is he missed a full season due to injury and still exploded like he did. What I find interesting is that while his power dipped at Ft Myers...and the Florida league is known to be unforgiving for hitters, AND it was a new level...his BA and OB were at least slightly higher. I see absolutely no reason why he shouldn't be pushed to AA to begin 2019.

Just breaking them down as you presented them. Gordon: I wasn't a fan of his selection so early as he didn't posses a single tool, IIRC, beyond 55 on the 20-80 scale. I still have doubts, but have come around. My reasoning is beyond bloodlines or his off season work with former MLB greats. Honestly he's still relatively young. And it seems we've seen half season flashes of his potential the past couple of seasons. Does he wear down as the season goes on and just has to grow in to his body more? Is it promotion and adjustments? A combination of both? 2019 is big to determine if he's an eventual starter or a nice utility guy. Cron: He is a mystery. The Twins had a need at 1B with only the unproven Austin available. Forgetting college, draft status, or milb numbers, he has been a decent ML hitter with power never exceeding 409 AB. It appears be was often lost in the shuffle a bit with previous teams who had other options. He tweaks his approach, gets 500 AB for the first time, and puts up a career season. Rocco is obviously familiar with him. Some of the LH options that could be a better "fit" weren't available when he was. It was an inexpensive and smart move at the time. Late bloomer who made adjustments and finally got a chance? We shall see. Mejia: Really liked what I saw of him in 2017. Only problem was, it just seemed like he threw too many pitches and just didn't know to finish a batter/inning. IIRC, he had an injury to begin 2018 and started slow, and began with Rochester. He looked good when finally brought up, but got hurt again. Forget LH and breathing, he's still learning but has good stuff. Starter, designated starter or pen, you make room for a talented LH arm like his. Cave: I like this kid! He has good speed, real power, and just seems to love playing the game. He made some great plays in the OF, and some bad ones as well. His contact issues need to be addressed. Some talk about regression. But what about "progress"? He was still only a rookie after all. He still has to prove some things. Jury is out. But I liked a lot of what I saw. Javier: What do I know about him except for what I read? While injuries were devastating for the ML club, they seemed sympathetic to the milb system. The exception was Javier. From every single thing I read and hear, this kid is a potential stud at SS with all the tools. At worst, he's a legitimate 3B with glove, arm and bat, especially if Lewis stakes his claim at SS. What a problem to have right? If you gave me a top 5 to watch for in the system for 2019, he's in there.

Just wanted to expand on this a bit. 100% with you on flexibility and always believed in that. As I just rambled about in my previous post, LOL. Gonzalez should be a great "get" for any team. I'm actually surprised he hasn't been snatched up yet. Danny Santana was supposed to be that guy for the Twins. It didn't work out. Honestly, he is one of the biggest bummer of a Twins prospect I have seen the past few years. I really felt the Twins blew it by not keeping Goodrum. Maybe he just saw a better chance in Detroit. And he's not a star players but wouldn't he have been a nice part for the 2018 team? There is nothing wrong with Adrianza for this club, the original topic, LOL. He has done nothing to prove he is deserving of a "starter" spot. But he has shown that used on a regular basis...nkt lingering on the bench...that he can hit some, provide occasional pop, and play solid defense at multiple positions. I think he is just fine as my 13th man. But between OF, INF, C,there is room for one more addition. Marwin would be perfect! But if not him, there are still some very interesting options out there as a secondary choice. I honestly believe Astudillo is the real deal. He is just one of those guys who doesn't "fit" the description or archetype of what most feel he should be, or what most think they are looking for. The Twins got lucky. And even they almost blew it until finally figuring out late in the year. But would I just bank on him or the solid Adrianza? Absolutely not! I'd still be looking for another solid bat, versatile player to compete and challenge. And they are out there, even if you don't comit to Gonzalez.

Brian, the one are I might argue with you on probably comes down to just semantics. If we don't like "starter" vs "bench", then how about "starter" vs "reserve"? But it really is just semantics. A player doesn't have to be Trout to be an every day player. For instance, a healthy Rosario will play almost daily. As would a healthy Sano, Buxton, etc. Some guys are just better and will play almost daily. But really, we're just talking semantics, and building a roster should be way beyond that kind of thinking, and we're on the same page there. Tom Kelly, IMO, was ahead of his time, even though it was a different era. Randy Bush played a lot at DH, but he also played 1B and both OF corners. My goodness, Denny Hocking played 7 positions, including 1B once in a while! You still need, and hopefully have, "primary" players you can count on for a daily basis. But over the years, just as a fan, when I write out rosters on a piece of paper or napkin, I've always looked at the best 13 players I could come up with. Let's look again at our current roster and possible additions. What if the Twins add a veteran bat? I'd be ecstatic if Cruz was brought on board for 2 years, though it might cause us to lose Austin. But the lineup could be impacted for 2 years, and have a positive influence on the young players around him. Presumably, Khirilloff and Rooker and others would be ready within that next 2 years. Don't like That? How about Lowrie to still provide a veteran bat and play 2B and 3B? I know you agree with this, but no matter how good of a defensive OF Kepler may be, why can't he play 1B against tough RHP and let Cave play the OF? For that matter, why can't Cave just TRY 1B in ST to see if he could play there? Why can't the talented Rosario at least TRY to play some 2B, which he did in the minors, or 3B, which he did one game in 2018 and made a great play, just to see if he's an option there, at least in emergencies. Lowrie or not, unless I've just missed a bunch of signings somewhere, there are a number of guys out there still available to compete with Adrianza, who I actually like, and Astudillo, who I love, to play a role and fill in here and there. In the next 2 years, the Twins could easily have Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, Cave, Khirilloff and Rooker all available for OF/DH/1B, not to mention a guy like Wade and maybe another option or two. Yes, you could also trade from depth/strength, but can't you also find room on a rotational basis to play most of those guys daily? Your viewpoint is one I echo. Build the best and deepest team you can and let the manager figure out how to use them. Does anyone feel sorry for Vikings coach Zimmer for having a DL so deep he can rotate up to 8 guys in to the game, with a couple reserves on the PS or IR who might compete next season? There needs to be an evaluation and re-evaluation of how to build your 13 man player roster. One way to be forward thinking and cutting edge, like our new FO is supposed to be, is making the moves to make that 13 man group as deep as it can be. Go ahead and sign Cruz, as an example, and add that big bat to produce and show some of the kids how it's done. But then go sign someone like Solarte, just as an example, who could fill in almost anywhere with a solid bat. With all due respect to Trout, or Machado, or Harper, they still come to the plate 4 or 5 times a game. They can't produce a winning lineup on their own. It has always frustrated me, and intrigued me, that the best way to win is by putting the best 9 man lineup together you could on any given day. There is nothing wrong with having star players! They make a difference. But Kirby Puckett never single handedly won a WS. When you think about TK's best teams, or Gardenhire's, there were guys who set the table, power guys, a couple solid hitter and good contact guys, and a couple guys at the bottom of the order who could still help and produce. TK teams were always excellent PH teams. And it wasn't always because a guy had a knack for it. He stated, more than once I'm sure, that he believed guys should play often to stay sharp. That it would be foolish for a guy who hadn't played in a week to come up with a big hit. Forgive my terminology, but screw me having a couple 40HR guys in the heart of my lineup if there is nobody getting OB before them or any decent hitters behind them. Give me a mix of hitting, power, OB, LH/RH/switch hitting 1-9 and I'll run with that all day long. What intrigues me and frustrates me is the Twins are so damn close to having that! YES, we have a collection of 25yo's that we are waiting on with baited breath to at least come close to their potential! But even if the magic 8 ball could tell us that will begin to happen in 2019, guys get dinged. Guys slump. Guys just need a day off. Why wouldn't you just bring in a couple smart acquisitions to compensate for that?

Absolutely! Going to echo a few comments I just made in a big Ted posted recently. 1] Bullpen: Theee are still quality arms out there. Cody Allen is about as proven a guy as you can find, but coming off a down year. We all know the volatility of one off year for relievers. Only 31yo, I believe, he is perfect for thjs team on a 2-3yr deal. Young enough to easily be as productive as ever, and the FO knows him. Then you can take a flier on a 1 or 1+1 GUY on the rebound. 2] Big bat: Again, Falvey himself just spoke about the impact a veteran bat can have one a lineup for now, and even the next season or two, and the players surrounding him, though it may cost a roster spot for a young player. Is Cruz that guy? Sure seems like a perfect and affordable fit. If not, how about Lowrie, a different kind of bat but a good one, who also offers positional flexibility for the roster. 3] There are still a number of guys, unless I've missed their signings, who are "utility" types who can play multiple positions for depth, competition and flexibility for the roster. NONE of these moves breaks the bank. But all of them augment this young and talented core Rocco and his staff have to work with. I love all the young talent on hand and have a lot of faith in their ability to climb the stairs toward their ceilings beginning in 2019. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't add even more talent around them.

I believe there is absolutely value in waiting, except for those guys that you clearly target as someone you want/need or see as value. Schoop is a prime example. There were a ton of 2B on the market, and there still are some. Whether or not he is a reasonable option for a re-sign or not the FO clearly targeted him quickly as a young option coming off a 2 good and one great season run and believe he will be at least a comparable mix of those 3 season's in regard to production. They jumped on Cron because he was available, was familiar to Rocco, and coming off his best season after some adjustments, and his first season with more than 409 AB. We can debate the merits of his signing, but there was need and opportunity. And some of the other 1B that became available just weren't at the time he was. I don't have a complete list in front of me who is available RP wise at this point. But I know there are quality arms available, like Cody Allen, including some bounce back guys who could make for good second signings. And unless I've just lost track of agreements made there are still a number of "utility" types with solid bats and positional flexibility looking for homes to complete the bench. To my observation, there are two "big sticks" available. (Not talking Machodo or Harper). Cruz is still there, he's been linked to the Twins, Falvey himself recently spoke about the advantages of adding a veteran bat to impact the lineup and other players though it could cost a young player's spot, and he's affordable. Lowrie doesn't have the same thunder, but is as good or a hitter, has decent power, and offers a 2 for 1 with lineup flexibility. But waiting too long can be an issue. There are enough good players available that they need to make a move or two as soon as the year flips over. Sign Cody Allen! He makes way too much sense for this team to not go at least 2yrs, if not 3. Then you can see about a 1 or 1+yr deal on a second option. Sign one kf the versatile infielders that are out there to build the roster. Go ahead and sign Cruz, or pass and sign Lowrie and get the 2 for 1 I mentioned. There is plenty of time over the next 30 days to set the roster. You've waited and let things play out. But you can also wait too long. Make the two best signings you can right away...then see how things play out the next couple of weeks for a couple smart additions.

Excellent and very smart post! The problem, as I see it, is that the organization is stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. And I'm not talking about payroll per se, or the ongoing debate whether ownership is cheap or not. I'm talking about a real evaluation of the roster and talent on hand. There are absolutely questions that need to be answered. There is hope and potential to be met. And I believe 100% in depth, versatility and options! This includes having a AAA roster with prospects and AAA A guys who can help. But there were just so many things that went wrong in 2018 from injury, attitude, suspension, etc, how do you quantify what to add? In other words, you want depth and options for Sano and Buxton, and the entire roster. But you still have a limited roster to work with, and you can't bet against the talented young guys you have can you? There is every reason to believe Sano and Buxton will remain forever hurt, or out of shape, or never recognize crap out of the zone. Every reason to believe Kepler will never put it altogether, or that Polanco will never put a full season together. But there is also every reason to believe that each and every one of these guys will be healthy and ready to go at 25yo and play to their ability, or at least start climbing the stairs to their ceiling. IMO, the best and smartest thing you could do is to get on these guys, their talent, potential, flashes they have shown, trust in your new manager and his staff, and augment the roster. Add at least one proven, veteran bat. Falvey himself has talked recently about what that kind of veteran presence can mean to a lineup and roster. Is that Cruz, or Lowrie, or someone else? Not sure who the right guy is, but bring in that GUY. Next, bring in at least one quality RP to stabilize the pen and show how to get it done. Just those two moves alone, with talent on hand and healthy and with progression, could make a world of difference. Despite everything that went wrong in 2018, we lost something like 26 1 run games. How deflating is That? The bad news is we are still waiting for health and breakouts. The good news is, even with a restrained budget, there is room to add 2-4 additional BP and player options to add talent and depth.

I agree with you, and also disagree. Time will tell which side my opinion falls on ultimately. I really like the Schoop signing, though I dislike it being just 1 year. But it also seems that was what he wanted. I also like the Cron signing, especially with need and opportunity and Rocco's familiarity with him. But I do wonder, if they had a magic 8-ball that worked, would they still have made that particular move if they knew who might be available after the fact? The recent interview Souhan had with Falvey indicates there has been serious debate about adding a veteran hitter, and what it could mean for the lineup, roster, for this season and beyond. (Cruz was the bat Souhan mentioned but Falvey was general in his comments). Does that mean they WILL make a move? Nope. Personally if they did make a move, at least FA wise, I'd be torn between Cruz and Lowrie. But it's an interesting read IMO. There are still some very interesting BP FA options out there. I will be shocked if there isn't at least one signing there. Allen makes so much sense it's almost ridiculous. Very little happens over the Holiday week, so we will see what happens after January 1. NOTHING happens, then I am with you 100% saying "that's it for a roster you seem to believe in?" There is a difference in "standing pat" with a core you believe in vs making two moves and then sitting on your thumbs.

Blast me all you want to as an optimist, but isn't it possible the FO actually believes in Sano, Buxton, Keplerm Polanco, etc, as the "core"? And isn't it possible they believe in Berrios, Gibson, Odorizzi and Pineda, along with the arms they want to feature this season, and are just waiting to make offers? Does anyone really believe they are just going to let all 3 walk? I'm expecting Gibson to get a real offer. I then think one of the other two will receive an offer at some point. Holding back some money could have a real purpose in regard to the rotation.

For reasons that seem obvious based on past history, I doubt the Twins are in play here, which is unfortunate. Especially considering Levine's past history in regard to Asian players. To me, it's a shame, because the Midwestern lifestyle could appeal to an individual player who maybe doesn't need, want or seek all the bright lights and would love to play half his games in one of the best ballparks in all of MLB. I'm still glad the Twins at least took a shot at Ohtani. I'm glad they took a real shot at Darvish, and I don't blame them for forgoing a 6th year, though I have mixed feelings about the opt out option. (I still believe it was the 6th year that sealed the deal there for the Cubs). I believe the Twins should try however, and keep trying. Whether it be Kukichi or the next guy up, you will get one of these guys eventually.

Ah, Kiriloff, I like him very much! (Tip of the cap to our man Cerano, LOL). On a more serious note, I think the Twins got a real steal in Khirilloff. Despite being perhaps the best HS bat in the draft, he slid to the Twins at 17, IIRC. Why I don't know, but I'm sure glad he did! What he did in 2018 was impressive. To do what he did after missing the entire season before makes it doubly impressive! Badoo has all the potential in the world, it seems. (There's that beautiful but ugly word again). But "potential" shouldn't be dismissed when talking about 25yo and younger ballplayers. Potential only becomes ugly when the obvious point of "nope" is clearly reached. The early returns on Larnach are very good. I still feel Wade has a chance to be Lawton-like with just a little more seasoning. Davis could have a shot. Despite a long road to travel, (figuratively and literally), despite an injury lost season, I find Whitefield to enormously intriguing. Obviously, there are others. We are all hopeful but immensely frustrated. But context should also be used. To look back 5 years, or longer, as some do, is misguided. There's not a single player on this team from that time frame. (Unless I've forgotten someone). Not to mention a new FO, a revamped field staff, behind the scenes changes, a fun and surprising 2017 season before the mess that was 2018 due to many factors still produced 78 wins. No rose colored glasses. 2018 was a bitter disappointment. And I am absolutely NOT going to through everything that went wrong last year. But if you had told me ahead of time what was going to happen, I would have predicted a 100 loss team. I get all that you are saying, and I appreciate your opinions. And we do need and want better players. Some are on their way, some will be added. But many of those players are already here. It's a question of being healthy and for Rocco and his staff to get the most out of them. This conversation began, essentially, in regard to the OF. Despite Khirilloff and others, a healthy Rosario, Buxton and Kepler playing to their potential, or at least beginning to reach it as a collection of 27yo and a pair of 25yo OF would absolutely not be part of the problem.

Going to have to disagree here. Potential is both a beautiful and ugly word. Rosario flashed, and then broke through in 2017. He was performing just as well before struggling with injury the second half in 2018. The 25yo Kepler has also flashed, showing off his athleticism and "potential", mixed in with weird splits and maddening inconsistency. Despite being a more natural corner OF rather than a true CF, the lessons of Hunter, Gomez and Hicks should apply to him as well. To dismiss him this early would be a big mistake. THEN, of course, there is the enigma of Buxton. Keith Law, I believe it was, responded to a question on a posted tweet as to what was wrong with Buxton. His response was; "Nothing. He was hurt all of last year." A simplistic and maybe even flippant answer? One could easily say yes. But despite some struggles and some rather pathetic flailing we saw last season, his "potential" and very strong finish in 2017 can't and shouldn't be ignored. I make no excuses, he still has to go out and play and perform. But even if the migraine problems early last season is dismissed as controllable and preventable with medication/treatment, the foot injury, trying or being forced to play with it, and then followed up by a wrist injury, I'm just not sure what anyone should have expected from Buxton last season.

I think this sums up the entire situation/saga Very succinctly. I have purposely stayed away from the still growing thread of Byron being "pissed". Mainly because the entire situation has been discussed previously, and what happened, happened. Simply, Buxton had some very tough luck in 2018. He also may not have been handled properly when brought up after his initial injury. (More definitely than probably, IMO). And he has every right to be disappointed or upset he wasn't brought up to close out the season, or how his season went. And the Twins were in their right to not bring him up for business purposes as well as to just shut him down to rest, heal, and have a fresh mind-set to prepare for 2019. Everyone is right. The question is, "what happens now?" Rocco was not hired to nurture Buxton. But it also happens to be a tragically fortunate fact that he has experienced much of what Byron has gone through. And if his personality and communication skills are as reported, he can provide a lot of perspective and assistance to help Buxton along, as well as mend any fences. (Remember when Perkins actually filed a grievance against the Twins before having a rather long, productive and celebrated career with the team). What's IMPORTANT at the end of the day is a healthy, motivated Buxton tapping in to his potential.

Tom, the video post was outstanding stuff! Seems to me Duran is clearly well north of the 170 or so pounds he's listed at in various places. Also looks like he has room to still fill out. I really like his delivery, it seems smooth and repeatable to me. Also encouraged, as you stated, that he had so much velocity late in the season. When you watch these clips, and read his stat lines once he came over, but compare his previous numbers, you have to wonder who the real Duran is. I get that he's young, but WOW, what a difference. Makes you wonder why they included him in the trade. Makes very excited to see what he does next year. Note: I understand rankings based on ceiling and projections. And really, not sure if I care that Gonsalves or Duran are ranked above or below one another. And I would agree that Sudan's ceiling is higher than Gonsalves. But I also agree a few poor-mediocre-solid appearances at the end of 2018 shouldn't define Gonsalves at this point.

Healthy at only 31yo, I see Gibson as the better pitcher. I'm not knocking Odorizzi. But I dont feel he's in any sort of decline and he flat out pitches deeper and more effectively than Odorizzi. With the market swings we've seen last year and this, 3 and $36-40M might just do it. Could Gibson potentially earn more? Yes. But he could also earn less. He would be my first choice at numbers even close to what I listed. As someone said, why not sign both? I dont like the trend Odorizzi has shown the past 2 seasons, but he's solid. But would he be worth more than he's making this year? How much more? Would he do 3 at $30M? What really complicates the process is Pineda. Now recovered from surgery, if he pitches to most of his career numbers, he'd very likely be a better choice than Odorizzi.

Huge miss on Jay. Simply, he may be done. Here's hoping for a great off season, whatever that may mean, and he suddenly puts his resume back in the table. Nope to Pearson, for NOW, but all things considered, wasn't a bad choice. I'm thinking 2019 could reasonably put him in the top 20, maybe top 15, of a deep organization. At this point, unless we see trades, he would have to kill it for top 10 status. Miranda, right now, is just outside the top 10. Not a bad place to be in a system laden with talent. Thorpe is absolutely in the top 10! LH and breathing doesn't do any justice to his early numbers, nor what he has done in his year and a half since getting healthy again. Kid blew away AA and had 4 solid appearances at Rochester before turning 22. He will be in the ML before the season is done.