DocBauer

Agreed. Hildenberger has been very good. Now he's had a couple bad games in a row. Such is the nature of life as a RP. Now, if the trend continues and doesnt reverse itself soon, it's time to worry. That being said, I still dont understand May for a handful of pitches. No reason he couldn't have and shouldn't have started a clean 9th. Very hard to win a game only scoring 3 runs and leaving how many guys in scoring position? Lost in all of this is Pineda's best start. 3 runs in 6 IP is 3 runs in 6 IP no matter how you look at it. When his performance is something to complain about, you really dont have anything to complain about.

Despite his slow start...heating up now...Rooker is a highly rated prospect for a reason. Tons of potential there. He got off to a slow start last season too, adjusted, and did great. But surely Raley has surpassed him in prospect status at this point. He may not have Rooker's pure power but seems to be a legit 20HR guy with better contact skills and better defense. (The Twins even used him in CF during ST).

Nope. I like Marwin a lot! Loved his signing. He has contributed despite his slow start, which he is known for. In fact, he may relax and be more productive in his customary role. Sano carries some past baggage that we don't have to re-hash. He is an elite talent. Despite his latest setback, I have never heard a thing about him being a bad teammate. His off season work has been well documented. And despite it being milb rehab, we have seen nothing so far but production from a guy who seems intent to get back. I appreciate your concern, but I think it's unwarranted.

I was going to make a post almost exactly lime this a couple nights ago, but didn't have time. Therefore, you just KNOW I have things to say! And for those who know me, I also have a hard time being brief in any way! LOL! But I'm going to do my best! As I stated in a blog here on TD earlier this evening, speculating on trades/acquisitions of any sort on May 9th are made in a speculative vacuum at this point. There is so much season to be played out, much less the remainder of a half season remaining until July. But here we are. If you were to write a horror story of anything and everything that could go wrong in 2018 for the Twins, unless you were of amazing imagination, I'm not sure you could have come up with details that were true last season. 2019 is still very early, but even with the horror/disappointment of 2018 behind us, it does not take a work of fantasy to see where this team is right now with returning young talent, some very smart additions, and a new and fresh approach with the new staff in place. Though I NEVER saw the re-invention of Perez coming to be sure)! I am all in favor of adding a quality rotation arm if said arm has control beyond this season. But, unpopular though it may be, I don't feel it's necessary/warranted at this time. Depth is scary right now. But Littell has been finding a groove. After a rough start, Thorpe has looked like we hoped and expected until his last start. Hopefully it was just a blip and he will be on track again next time out. Early to say, but Smeltzer looks like a guy who is suddenly growing and figuring things out. Gonsalves, who I still believe in, hasn't pitched yet and that stinks. But barring an injury curse, how much better does the depth look a month from now? If our biggest rotation issue is allowing a solid, quality veteran SP like Pineda a little more time to settle in and build himself back up and regain his "feel" for things as our #5 starter, life is pretty good. The issue is, clearly, the bullpen. And ,e.g. us be honest and clear, thus far, it has been solid. Toss produce my way all you want, it's true. But it's not great. There remains real opportunity to improve, and thus improve the entire team. Not pick all you want, but the core four is solid: Parker, May, Hildenberger and Rogers. I fully expect these four to continue to perform well based on talent and past history, even if that history has blips. (Such is the volatility of RP in general). But we need more than those four! And that is where opportunity awaits and must be addressed! This team needs TWO arms to be added to maintain a winning nature and be a contender. Regardless of how Rocco utilizes them, two arms are needed. The first is another power RH arm for late innings or high leverage situations to work with Parker and May, Hildenberger to a lesser degree. The second is a viable LH arm who can be counted on for at least a single IP. I am NOT saying don't go out and get someone! I hope we do! But if Johnson and Hefner can harness Romero's electric stuff over the next month or so, how much better does the pen look? Romero's stuff is so good that sometimes I wonder if he's young, inexperienced, and trying too damn hard. Maybe if he just trusted it more and threw right in the zone and let his stuff work he wouldn't find better results. The same might be true for Mejia. He has the pitches. Has he just had a tough "mental" transition to being a RP vs just throwing? Personally, I buy more in to Mejia than Moya or Vassquez. But again, if one of them can step forward in the next month, how much better does the pen look? I am more than OK with Harper and/or Magill as 7th and 8th options. Inherited runners scoring is something to be looked at closely. But even the best RP will allow some. Harper absolutely allowed some early. But he's pitched well lately and offers a completely different look/change of pace. A healthy Magill is someone I am very interested in if Johnson can help him find greater consistency. He walked too many guys last season and allowed way too many HR. But he also averaged a K per IP last season and throws in the mid 90's with a nasty slurve. Again, what can Johnson and Hefner do with these guys as the 7th and 8th BP arms? Really, the core of this team is still young, and finally coming together the way we have been hoping for. And Sano may be on his way soon to provide even more oomf and optimism. I think the next 30 days is going to dictate a lot of the rest of the season and any moves made. Romero finding himself, and hopefully Mejia or another LH arm in that time will emerge. If either, or both, happen, it will make a trade deadline move all that more interesting. Trade anyone and everyone...no matter their potential or how much we like them...except for Kiriloff, Lewis and Graterol. to bring in a power arm, similar to the Pressly trade to Houston last season, unless everything breaks right. You just don't trade any of those three unless there is a Verlander out there.

Dont disagree with you. But I feel Pineda has flashed and just needs some time to settle in. I haven't given up on Mejia as a SP. But I wonder if his troubles so far have been mental. Instead of worrying about starting vs relieving, maybe he can take his rehab time to realize he just needs to throw and trust his stuff. If he could do that, and Romero could harness his electric stuff over the next few weeks, the entire bullpen situation could look very different come July.

It's only May 9th and there is a lot of time not only for the season, but until the deadline. At the moment, we are in a bit if a fantasy/projection vacuum. That being said, I agree with your post 100%. With one exception. Gibson is only the #4 SP because there was where he was slotted to buy him some time to build up endurance and feel. No matter how well Perez and Odorizzi have done...and I hope they keep it up, or pitch at least close...I dont feel Gibson is a #4 SP at all. And I agree on Pineda as well. I believe he just needs a little more time to build up endurance and get his feel back in his first full season from surgery. History has shown us this, often with positive results. And Rocco has been nursing him a bit, which is smart. Rotation depth is scary at the moment. But Littell is warming up. Gonsalves hasn't pitched yet, which is troubling. Thorpe started slow, exploded, then had a clunker. How will he respond next time out is important. Smeltzer looks like a guy who suddenly found himself. A month and a half from now, the depth situation could look entirely different! But the pen is where at least one move needs to be made, no matter how solid/decent it has largely performed thus far. I am with you on the core four. But unless Romero can harness his great stuff the next month or so, or Reed suddenly surprise and become his old self, we need another quality arm that can be relied on. But we also need a 2nd lefty. Can Mejia take this time to accept his role and just trust his stuff and make a difference? Can Moya or Vasquez prove they can fill a viable role? I also don't want to overpay for help, but there is enough system depth to make at least one good move to deepen the pen without mortgaging anything. (Two moves may be needed). How much you give up, obviously, depends not only who is added, but how much remaining control is available. Here's hoping at least one of the aforementioned steps forward to make a difference.

Infectious, fun and productive, you could be right. He should be back soon, maybe Friday. Willing to bet he takes off where he left off. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isnt he still a rookie? Hands down the easy early choice for Twins rookie. With 500AB playing all over, he could grab a spotlight to be sure.

Watching the games on MLB app I dont get to see such commercials. But just reading your comments got me remembering the old "lumber company" commercials way back in the early 80's with Smalley, Wyneger and such. Might be appropriate for a rebirth. Something with forest scenes, sound of chainsaws and axes and shots of bombs by this team mixed in.

Right now, it's Rosario for production, enthusiasm and "style points" in a narrow margain ahead of Berrios. Polanco keeps doing what he's doing and Buxton keeps scratching at his ceiling, ask me at the end of the season. Could easily be one of them.

Gibson, what a bum! Guy goes out and blows a chance for a 3rd straight shutout. Was he more concerned about another SO that he lost concentration? Sheesh! (Heehee) Just outstanding! We knew what we had in Berrios, and felt he'd only get better. I think we all knew what we had in Gibson...with some room to slightly improve...but he was slowed early due to his illness and weight/strength/endurance loss. Most of us, I'd say, were wishy-washy on Odorizzi. We knew his potential, saw flashes with TB, saw his late 2017 results, as a better 2nd half in 2018 than first half, but still felt uncertain about him. Except for one clunker, he's been good to excellent. I'd say a handful of people here actually thought the Perez signing was a good one. (I was not one of them). With Gibson looking more and more like his old/new self, the Twins are marching out a legitimate, quality SP 4 out of 5 days. Pineda's history, healthy, is very solid. He has shown flashes. A little more endurance, a little more "feel" coming back and we could have one of the deepest rotations in MLB.

Awesome read! Thank you!

Crazy how I spoke about being disappointed in Cabbage as the season began, and here he is seemingly finding himself. I hope nothing but the best for the kid!

This game was amazing! Like Tom pointed out, this is not a bad lineup or slumping team. This one of the best teams in MLB and we have been holding our own. 2 of 3 on this honest and with just a couple of points. 1] I still believe in the stuff and career of Pineda. But apparently he just doesn't match up with Houston. It happens. I still like what he brings, how he has looked, for the most part, so far. 2] I barked about the Perez signing. I have made references to being optimistic and looking up recipes to eating crow. I am not a superstitious person by nature. But if i can keep doubting Perez and he keeps doing stuff like this, then understand and forgive if I keep posting doubts to keep the mojo working! Hell of a performance!

Frankly, I think the article/debate is way too early. Pure talent, potential, the position he plays, he could easily be #1 before the season is done. Oh wait...his Twins-mate Kirilloff could be ranked even above him. It's an interesting debate, but one I think should be discussed about mid season or beyond.

Oh hell, I can't just shut up! LOL Odorizzi is just one of those guys you just keep waiting to turn a corner! You saw glimpses late last year, and you saw glimpses this year before mysterious wildness took over. I love how he works high in the zone in today's game of low ball hitters and launch angles. It's the crap in the umpires mask and above the catchers reach that befuddles me. Is what we saw tonight, or his first start, and glimpses in the starts between maturation, (similar to Gibson mid 2017), and the work of Johnson? Or just a welcomed blip on the radar? I know what I am hoping for.

Honestly, does it get much better than this?

I think it was Brock who made a great quote the other day stating that the Twins are doing what good teams are supposed to do: (paraphrasing) Beat up on the lesser teams, play a game or two above decent teams, and be competitive against the top teams. I am thoroughly enjoying the power, production and potential of this lineup! (Some guys will inevitably cool down some, but others are just hitting their stride). While not yet fully hitting on all cylinders, Gibson is finding himself. Pineda is not there yet, but we are seeing what he can do. Odorizzi has been a bit Jekyll and Hyde, but we are also seeing some great moments. I remain skeptical but increasingly optimistic by the surprising Perez. The pen still scares me. You can't have just 3 guys you can count on. But May suddenly is starting to look like the guy be was last season and the first half of ST. Harper looks good as your 7th or 8th guy. Can Mejia accept his role and settle in? Magill is back. Can Johnson help him find consistency with his mid 90's FB and power slurve? Can Romero take lightening stuff and just hit the zone more consistently? Again, I'm scared/worried for the long haul. But there are actual arms here I like! Something nobody is talking about, and I haven't watched every game to be sure, and I have no clue what metrics are showing for the early season thus far, but can we have a shout out for the defense? While there have been a few questionable plays/games early, the defense so far has impressed me.

One of the things you can't see in a before is what he brings to the team in regard to intangibles. That being experience, approach and knowledge. Something the FO hinted/spoke about before his signing and after his signing, I am hoping those things will continue throughout the season, which they absolutely should, but will also have a positive affect on Sano when be finishes his rehab and joins the team.

Bad stuff: NOOOOO as to Astudillo tweaking anything!! Good stuff: 1] Agreed Berrios is evolving. A game where something doesn't seem to work right? He just adjusts and throws what is working. That is a PITCHER. 2] I am about to look up recipes for crow in regard to Perez. (I didn't get to post in last night's thread) 3] Kepler and Cron beginning to heat up. 4] Couple consecutive good outings by May. A good one from Mejia today. Harper OK so far. Magill mediocre in his debut, but glad to have him back and hope he helps. Romero not great last night, but not bad. Stuff still looks nasty! Pen still needs at least one more arm, if not two, to become GOOD. Can Romero be one of those at least? I'm having a blast with this season so far!

Also feel bad for Dozier. Really like and respect the guy and wish him the best. Hope he turns it around. In regard to Polanco, always felt he had the athleticism to play SS. Always felt be was a bit behind the 8 ball in how he was used and bounced around. I will give Molitor credit because he believed the kid could play the position and hit. I think we all realize the offensive ability and potential. But his defense keeps getting better and better. I have ABSOLUTELY no problem moving him to 2B in 1-3yrs in favor of Lewis or Javier. (Whole different arguement). But, a believer in Schoop then and now, what would be wrong with this pair for the next couple of years? IMO, worst case scenario is too much talent on hand and you have to make a move to open a spot via trade. Would suck to have that kind of problem, right?

A note, I don't think the Twins bet on 1yr of Schoop. I think they would have been happy for an option or second year. I think Schoop is betting on himself for a 1yr. That being said, two things you never do, or hesitantly do, is bet on a guy coming off a career year, or a poor year. The Twins have done both this year, and done so smartly. 1] Dime a dozen 1B power hitting types. Cron always put up solid numbers, but didn't play daily, got bounced or played behind other guys, but put up solid numbers. He finally got more than 500 AB in 2018, made some reported adjustments, had a career year, and was known by his new manager. The results, so far, are somewhat expected. He is providing a solid bat with power. Unexpected is just how good he has been defensively! Did anyone see or expect this? He looks as good as anything we saw Mauer do at 1B, or as anyone we have seen for YEARS at 1B. (Except for a few guys, we've been spoiled at 1B defensively for most of 30+ years). 2] Schoop plays a nice 2B. A lot of people want to scare you with a tremendous 2017 vs a really poor and injury plagued 2018. What about a couple very nice and productive years in '15 and '16? Only 27 and 2 really good years, one great year, and one bad season and he's some question mark? Come on! Lewis is a year or two away. Gordon has real potential but is a year away, especially due to injury digging his 2019 start. Despite real infield depth, the other talent is a couple years away. This was a great move! I hope we re-sign him, already, for another season or two.

He allowed a big blast tonight. He has allowed a few inherited runners to score. Is he special? Nope. Can he find a role and be successful? Yes, yes he can. He can be good to excellent as the 6th or 7th man who pitches an inning or 2 as a mid or long guy who presents an entirely different look. He produces weak contact, despite the HR allowed Monday, and generally has good control. He spots his average FB well. But no doubt his curve, at different speeds, is the key. If he can continue to hit the zone with curveballs that change speed, he can absolutely be part of an effective pen. As much as I root for him, I can't help but compare him to Magill. Magill lacks some consistency to be sure. But his FB sits 92-94 with a slider/slurve that can be devastating with just a little more consistency. Which one would you put more faith and expectation in?

Brian, I agree with you in theory, but not absolutely. Good or bad, right or wrong, some guys just feel more comfortable in certain spots/situations. I think it comes from experience and mental acceptance. As an example, I offer up Manny Ramirez. For a time, he resisted being put in the clean-up spot. For whatever reason, and I'm sure it was mental, he truly accepted his role and became one of the most dangerous and prolific #4 hitters of his era. Confidence, experience, there is no easy answer. I prefer Kepler, and his LH bat and potential, hitting lower. But I totally get Rocco's idea of him leadoff. Barely a month in, I'm patient. Polanco could be effective, IMO, in ANY of the top 3 spots. And while Rocco was been fairly static with his lineup, he has also been clearly flexible as well. Buxton has so much potential it's scary! We all knkw this. Right now, we are just starting to see the potential of this talented, healthy and determined young man. I am NOT saying Buxton is fragile in any way or form, but he's dealt with a lot from expectation to injury. In a deep and talented lineup, he is excelling as the "bottom" hitter setting the table for the top of the order while driving in runs. He has also "re-invented" himself, finally, as a hitter where he seems to make contact and let his natural gifts make things happen. Ultimately, he could hit in various spots and be a stud. And while I get hitting 9 robs him of some plate appearances, I am more focused on development and confidence and approach before I move him up. What's working is working. And working well!

A lot of great news and great points of discussion! 1] You can't just "take away" a bad start, in the case of Odorizzi. But in the course of a season, there will absolutely be clunkers. And as early as the season still is, removing that clunker shows a guy actually throwing pretty well. His problem, thus far, is a sudden loss of control mid-game. Why and how does it get fixed is the question. I would prefer him as my 5th SP, not my 4th, but he is solid if the sudden control hiccups can be curtailed. 2] Offensively, we have seen the potential of this team. I maintain the offense is just heating up. Someone, in another thread, and I forget now who, pointed out we had such a high OPS that regression seemed inevitable. I don't disagree with that. The point is a few guys have been white hot and a few guys are just starting to really warm up. Meaning, overall, IMO, the lineup becomes more balanced and deeper as everyone starts to perform to their ability. 3] Bullpen. Ugh! Its an ongoing issue, right? I still say its been better than at least I expected, despite a couple blown games. May is a huge key. His stuff is way too good to be struggling the way he has been. Not sure what's holding him back. But a mkre steady May does a lot! It's easy to say Mejia is here because he's out of options. But he's here because his stuff is good! About a month in, we've seen very good and very bad from Mejia. Can attitude, (Not a bad one, just accepting his role), and Johnson smooth him out to be more consistent with his stuff? If those 2 can settle in, this pen suddenly has 5 pretty good arms available. And it's not exactly far-fetched to see that happening. I absolutely agree with h2oface in regard to inherited runners scoring. And Harper should be more than a good story with good but perhaps skewed numbers at this point. But he shows potential. You have to start somewhere. But I would refrain from cannonizing him at this point. But, a rookie, a possible find, still only in the first 30 days of the season, I wouldn't villianize him yet either. You need and should have 5 guys you can count on. We aren't there yet, but could be. You need one guy who has a role and is solid in that role. It's OK, even on great clubs, to have a 7th spot rotating from various prospects and the such. Unfortunately, we aren't there yet. Brings me to point #4. 4] Pressly. To this day, I wouldn't have made that trade. Pressly was not always good/great. We need to remember that! The FO felt the deal was too good to pass up. Maybe so. Time will tell. But trading from weakness is never smart, IMO. He could be that one extra arm we really need right now. Instead, we are waiting for Romero, or someone else, to step forward or make a move for help at some point. May settles down, so does Mejia, and at least one of Reed, Magill, Reed, Romero, or someone else steps forward, we are suddenly taking a deep and welcoming breath. But I would have stuck with what I had.

I think the OP echoes things I have said elsewhere. Catcher is such a hard position to accurately quantify in regard to value. Oh, it's easy to compare offensive numbers. Caught stealing is another number easy to measure, however, a good portion of CS can also be related to opportunity and who is on the mound, and how well they hold runners on. Despite advanced metrics such as pitch framing, I remain somewhat skeptical as I don't know how you take the receiver, the pitchers and umpires involved, and come up with a viable statistic that is entirety accurate. (Maybe the match is accurate and simply illudes me). At the end of the day, what is most important is nuanced things that can't be measured such as setting up a target, having the confidence of a staff, etc. A lot of people didn't like Suzuki, for instance, but a lot of pitchers have spoke how they liked throwing to him. I appreciate the various numbers presented in the OP, but as pointed out, opportunity catching certain pitchers, and Castro missing so much time in 2018, can easily skew numbers as well. I think it comes down, often, to an eye test, for lack of a better explanation. A guy just seems comfortable and efficient and quiet behind the plate, blocks balls, and just seems to handle the staff. I think Castro is largely positive in this regard. I believe we saw his value in 2017 and witnessed his loss in 2018 when Garver, a rookie, and Wilson, a solid journeyman, were the primary backstops. I believe Castro offers real value as an experienced example and mentor to the young Garver and Astudillo, especially if he is taking an active role in mentorship. There is no need for the Twins to "dump" anyone at this point. Roster issues in regard to Sano could easily be a month away. For as long as they can, I would love to keep Castro around while using Garver more and more as the primary. Castro's presence also allows Astudillo to play multiple spots while still taking turns behind the dish. I think we can all agree the future of the Twins doesn't include Castro. Garver keeps getting better and has a bat to make him, potentially, one of the top offensive catchers around. The same for Astudillo as the backup and useful role player. Depending on how injuries could affect the roster, not to mention using an odd option or two available, eventually a move will take place. I want to utilize Castro for as long as possible, but at some point the best move for all involved is for Castro to be moved to a team needing catching help.